Balancing and Understanding Feed Efficiency Indicators
ADG Average Daily Gain, until recent times, has historically been used as an indicator for feed conversion with a fairly high correlation. Problem is it also increases appetite and frame score, especially when early maturity traits are ignored. Creating bigger females that eat way more than they need.
F/C Feed Conversion, while extremely important again, looks at how an animal gains compared to its expected intake and ADG which again can increase cow size and cow appetite.
RADG Residual Average Daily Gain is a feedlot indicator again which looks at how an animal gains compared to its expected intake. Again, it tends to have higher growth and high intake cattle and cows.
DMI Dry Matter Intake is simply what it states. DMI is an indicator for what an animal will consume daily and unless it is balanced with production can favor inefficient cattle but is an important trait in achieving lower input cattle if you combine it without Feed Conversion and RFI.
RFI Residual Feed Intake tells you whether an animal has consumed more or less than was needed for maintenance and production. This is a stand-alone trait with no correlation to other traits such as frame size, ADG, weaning weights, etc. RFI like DMI; however, does not tell you if an animal is efficient based on input costs verses output values. RFI does allow you to quickly analyze assorted sizes of cattle, weights, gain, and intake’s which would be difficult to do without RFI, in finding cattle that are efficient in the feedlot with females that are also efficient on the ranch.
How do we use it? We have taken a system-based approach using RFI, F/C, ADG, and DMI to select bulls we want to be introduced into our feed efficiency program with the cow being our number one goal. These bulls have to be a frame size and phenotype that fit our environment and management: as well as having a strong maternal background with longevity. Our goal at McDonnell Angus is to manage our cow size as well as excel at the feed bunk, however they need to be profit enhancers on pasture first. We have no interest in high intake, low feed conversion cattle as a standalone selection system or vice versa. This is a huge industry with lots of different profit centers. I get it, but it all starts with a mother cow and grass and that is why the rest of the industry exists. So, we need to take care of the cow and ranchers’ profitability to have a strong industry foundation.
We always want a negative RFI bull and will give up around 5% in feed conversion if we can lower our feed intake by 10% or more for our cows without effecting weaning weights. Our efficiency sired steers have repeatedly proven themselves in the feedlot and we continue to get great reports from our rancher customers on how the daughters have done through the drought and their reduction in feed inputs, with no impact on weaning weights. In fact, over the years weaning weights have continued to improve along with cowherd fertility. So, we know it is working.
With 70% of our annual costs on the ranch for feed and pasture and with 70% of that feed being used for maintenance only, it becomes very important to our bottom line to improve our efficiencies and net returns on the range and in the feedlot. Improving Net Return per cow unit and per acre is our priority.
Super 8 Motel 406/ 322-4101 Columbus Big Sky Motel 406/ 322-4111 Columbus
Health
Health of each herd is excellent. All cattle sold according to State of Montana health regulations. Individual health papers will be furnished for interstate shipment. If your state or province requires additional tests, your purchases will be cared for at buyer’s risk and expense until tests are completed. All bulls are BVD-PI tested free. Semen testing is done by Stillwater Vet, Lacey Fahrmeier, ultrasound by Samantha England.
Trucking
Free delivery on Angus bulls up to 400 miles. $75 off each bull purchased if you bring your own trailer. Free delivery is not available on the bred heifers, but we can help you with arrangements.
Wintering Arrangements
Bulls can be left here and wintered. Approximate cost $3.00/day.
Terms
Terms, conditions and guarantees herein stated in writing shall constitute a binding contract between buyer and seller. Terms of the sale are cash or check payable at the close of the sale and prior to load-out unless other arrangements have been made with the owner in advance. Animals will be sold to the highest bidder with auctioneer settling dispute as to bid. Announcements at the sale by owner or auctioneer will take precedence over statements in the sale catalog or supplement. Each animal becomes the buyer’s risk as soon as it is sold, but will be cared for by the seller until load-out or for a reasonable period of time. Everyone attending the sale does so at their own risk and Midland Bull Test Center, Big Country Breeders, or their agents assume no liability, legal or otherwise, for any accidents which may occur. Except for those specifically herein stated in writing, there are no further warranties or guarantees of any nature, expressed or implied. Retaining 1/3 interest on all the bulls.
Guarantee
Every animal in this sale is, to the best of our knowledge, free from any disease or defect.
Mortality Insurance Available through Kevin Murnin 406/ 856-4638
Genomic Enhanced EPDs
Bulls that have been genomic tested through Angus using Neogen GS test will be marked in catalog EPD’s are current as of October 31, 2025.
First Breeding Season Guarantee
All bulls selling for $3,000 or more will be covered 50% by seller if they are injured during the first breeding season. Breeding season is defined as the 60 day period following the first turnout of bulls. 50% of the value of the bull up to $8000 in purchase cost, minus one-half salvage value will be given as credit in a future Beef Country Sale or towards a replacement bull if one of equal quality is available by seller. All injured bulls must be diagnosed by a veterinarian. Please notify us as soon as possible should injury occur and prior to the injured bull being sold for salvage. All claims must be made by September 1, 2026. This guarantee does not replace mortality insurance and does not cover loss due to death or other natural occurrence or negligence. Mortality insurance is available sale day.
Representatives
John Goggins 406/ 698-4159 Western Ag Reporter
Matt Wznick 406/ 489-2414 Western Ag Reporter
Kurt Kangas 661/ 706-2041 American Angus Association
Curt Cox 307/ 630-4604 Wyoming Livestock Roundup
Kevin Murnin 406/ 853-4638 Western Livestock Journal
Jaramie McLean 406/ 938-3071 Tri State Livestock
Catalog Index
Angus Coming Two Year Old Bulls ............. Lots 1-31 Fall Yearling Angus Bulls 50-178 Commercial Bred Angus Heifers Tags 200-230
Sale Broadcast Live Audio on www.frontierlivesale.com
Bidding is as easy as 1,2,3!
1. Register as a buyer before the sale at www.frontierlivesale.com!
2. Login on sale day with the credentials provided at registration!
3. Watch the sale and BID LIVE from the comfort of your own home!
4. Call 866-313-0123 for tech help. Scott Fraser 406-860-6548 or Sam Fraser 406-860-0590
Sale Bull Pictures
Thank you
John Goggins 406/ 698-4159
Live video of individual Angus www.McdonnellBeefCountry.com
Leo and Sam 406/ 780-0176 or 406/ 321-0655
THANK YOU FOR SUPPORTING OUR BREEDING PROGRAM AND BULLS.
Welcome to The Beef Country Genetics Sale
What a wonderful year it has been for our industry. We are in what I call a ‘generational market’ that has a lot of foundation to it. Hopefully, everyone takes this opportunity to get your house in order and position yourself. It has truly been a blessing.
There is nothing more core to making a ranch profitable and generational over the years than a sound, fertile cow that will stay in the herd and convert grass to pounds weaned in her calf. That coupled with our ability to manage those grasses, and natural resources sum up our greatest opportunities.
Our cows run in different environments from Montana to Northwestern Kansas where we moved a herd during the drought four years ago. The herds have done well wherever we run them. Our fall herd runs over 6,000 feet for most of the year.
We continue to progeny test our efficiency sires and in 2019 we tested steer, all from one herd at Simplot Feeders near Grandview, ID. We tested three of our Efficiency sires against twelve other Angus and Simmental sired steer groups. The two top Efficiency sires were ours, with our top sire, AB Capitalist steers weighing within 10 lbs.of the average of all the steers and converting 19.4% better than the other twelve sire groups. In today’s world, this is nearly $180 less feed costs and is consistent with a set of steers we fed in 2021 near North Platte, NE that finished out in June at $88/lb. gain when corn was $85. Along with that, several of our customers have topped their market or various video markets this past year as interest in feed efficiency sired calves is starting to show.
The bulls selling are from our herd, including two partnership herds of Steve & Kim Crowe and Marda Angus. MJB Angus will again have a top set of bulls. We continue to partner and share bulls with him. Terry & LaVonne Frost of Frosty Creek Angus have a nice set of bulls, many sired by Efficiency sires. Along with our son and daughter-in-law Steve & Amy Williams.
If you are unable to make it to the sale, the bulls are available to view at Midland Bull Test. Videos will be on our website www.mcdonnellbeefcountry.com Call us anytime for assistance.
On behalf of Sam and I, we would like to thank everyone for your support.
Leo and Sam McDonnell
Frosty Creek Angus
Terry & LaVonne Frost
Roundup, MT
MJB Angus
Matt Brown
406 Ranch
Steve & Amy Williams
Lodge Grass, MT Columbus, MT
406-323-3415 406-679-1796
406-623-0862
406-321-7046
Hello Everyone!
Great to have you back for this Beef Genetics Sale. If this is the first time you have joined us, we guarantee you won’t be disappointed. Our appreciate goes to Leo and Sam McDonnel for continuing to make this great sale possible.
What a fantastic year of moisture this has been at the Frosty Creek Angus Ranch. We always look forward to seeing great grass and this 2025 has exceeded our expectations. Cows and bulls are in good shape, and new calves are even chunky!
Our mother cows continue to impress us with their care and growth handed to their offspring. Their docility continues to be of importance for us and we are always watching to be sure they provide good sound feet.
The bulls offered this year are showing all these things we hold important in all our cattle along with the RFI numbers. Our bull sale offerings are showing consistent RFI numbers yearly and make us proud to offer this to our buyers. The bulls have been at Midland test since may 1st. Our weaning weights are typically less compared to others in the sale as we calve later, beginning in mid-August through October. We do run our cow-calf operation as close as our clients run theirs. Our cows are fed high quality hay in the winter months, mineral and salt, plus we are non-creep feeders to our calves. We feel this is a benefit offered to buyers who expect their cattle to perform naturally.
We are so appreciative of our two sons, Trent and Trevor, for all they do to assist with the ranch operations. Their families are so helpful in all cattle ventures and jump in whenever needed to assure that all ranch endeavors continue on to our grandkids and great grandchildren. They all make us so proud in all they do.
Our bulls offered speak confidently for themselves, as you will see when walking through and observing them. You will see many positive attributes as you study their numbers provided in this catalog.
Thanks for coming, enjoy yourselves, and remember that our bulls are guaranteed to breed and work for your programs.
Terry , LaVonne Frost and all the Family
RFI (Residual Feed Intake) (lbs/day)
The amount of feed intake an animal consumes daily, above or below its maintenance requirements as well as its performance (growth) requirements. A negative RFI is a more efficient bull.
Example: -2.0 means the bull ate 2 lbs. less feed per day than he needed to meet his body maintenance requirements and productions needs (ADG) within the group he was tested in. The difference between a -2.0 and a +2.0 bull is 4 lbs. of Dry Matter Feed/Day.
If you are keeping replacement females, by selecting for negative RFI, research has shown you have the potential to save close to $150.00 per year on cow feed & pasture costs.
UNDERSTANDING EFFICIENCY AND RFI
Historically, the weight of an animal has been the most important component in determining value, which follows closely with production being the most heavily promoted and taught value in agriculture.
However, when you consider that more than 75% of the cost of growing cattle is related to feed inputs, and that 70-75% of the feed consumed by cattle is solely for maintenance requirements, then the importance of improving the efficiency of feed intake becomes very real. With today’s feed prices, improving a herds efficiency of feed utilization is obvious.
WHAT DOES THE RESEARCH SAY
1. Efficiency is highly related to growth and growth is the traditional method of measuring efficiency. The problem is that using growth alone as a measure of efficiency also increase the size of the animal, which will increase maintenance requirements, which will increase appetite, which will increase the need for available feeds/grasses.
2. Using RFI will lead to improvements in feed efficiency without compounding the need for additional feeds or increasing mature size in the cow herd.
3. RFI allows you to produce at a level that optimizes on one’s management and environment instead of stressing it.
4. RFI is a highly heritable trait, meaning that through genetic identification and then selection, one can make rapid improvements.
5. Selecting for efficiency will allow the cattle industry to become more competitive in production with swine and chicken. About 5% of the feed consumed by cattle is converted into protein, while swine and chicken are 14 and 22% respectively.
6. Research has shown there is a 0.90 correlation (very high) between bulls measured for RFI postweaning and how their daughters will perform for efficiency in the cowherd.
QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS
What is the heritability of RFI (Residual Feed Intake)?
0.28-0.40 (Moderately to highly heritable).
How is RFI calculated?
Basically RFI is looking at what the feed intake requirements for maintenance are for the individual bulls and then what the feed intake requirements are for production (each individual bull’s ADG) and compares that to what the individual bull consumes in that group.
How much difference can one expect to find in cattle?
Research from Australia, Canada, and the U.S. have consistently found differences of up to 30%.
If you have two cows weighing 1300 lbs. and one produces a 600 lb. calf and the other 550 lb. calf, wouldn’t the other cow at 550 lbs. require less feed?
No, and it could just as well be that the 550 lb. calf’s mother is a larger consumer of feed which compounds her inefficiency on both feed intake and lower production. That’s the importance of measuring RFI. This is a case where size doesn’t matter.
What should one be aware of when using RFI?
First and most importantly, RFI needs to be balanced with production and profitability. A negative RFI like a negative DMI with low production is no more cost efficient than the high production with a positive RFI. You need to balance RFI with production, feed conversion, and DMI.
Why can’t we just use our eye and pick the more moderate, easy-fleshing cow?
Don’t confuse size or fleshing ease with efficient productive cattle. Contrary, to what some folks believe, RFI is not related to frame size, body type, or body condition. You’ll find as many inefficient cows in any frame size and just because they look fat it doesn’t mean they’re efficient. A fat cow that is high intake with a 400 lbs calf is not going to generate much profit.
EPDs are current as October 31, 2025. Updated EPDs can be viewed at www.Angus.org
Expected Progeny Difference (EPD) is the estimate of how future progeny of each sire are expected to perform in each of the traits listed.
Calving Ease Direct (CED) - is expressed as a difference in percentage of unassisted births, with a higher value indicating greater calving ease in first-calf heifers. It predicts the average difference in ease with which a sire’s calves will be born when he is bred to first-calf heifers.
Birth Weight EPD (BW) - expressed in pounds, is a predictor of a sire’s ability to transmit birth weight to his progeny compared to that of other sires.
Weaning Weight EPD (WW) - expressed in pounds, is a predictor of a sire’s ability to transmit weaning growth to his progeny compared to that of other sires.
Yearling Weight EPD (YW) - expressed in pounds, is a predictor of a sire’s ability to transmit yearling growth to his progeny compared to that of other sires.
Milk EPD (Milk) - is a predictor of a sire’s genetic merit for milk and mothering ability as expressed in his daughters compared to daughters of other sires. In other words, it is that part of a calf’s weaning weight attributed to milk and mothering ability.
Marbling EPD (Marb) - expressed as a fraction of the difference in USDA marbling score of a sire’s progeny compared to progeny of other sires.
Ribeye Area EPD (REA) - expressed in square inches, is a predictor of the difference in ribeye area of a sire’s progeny compared to progeny of other sires.
E Index - value given to bulls to express expected dollar amount difference per head for feed conversion for their progeny versus average cattle through a feedyard.
1Bull Reg: 21091255
AB-LVS Capitalist 4507
McD Effective 789
Bartels Columbus 310
McDonnell Angus
McD Effective 422
Birth Date: 03/05/24 Tattoo: 422
Connealy Capitalist 028#
Ab-Lvs Emma 096#
Willekes Converter 4402-9#
McD Performiss 238# 313 Performiss 006
Connealy Earnan 076E#
Exec Elmay 6537 1008 Bartels
MJB Lady 592# LCC FTR Direction H007N
MJB Lady 507R Wards Merla 203
Scrotal - actual scrotal measurement in centimeters taken October 8, 2025 Stillwater Vet - Lacey Fahrmeier
RFI & DMI EPDcalculated by Vytelle
A negative RFI is favorable - E Index’s with ( ) are not favorable
Index values are expressed in dollars per head
Maternal Weaned Calf Value ($M) predicts profitability differences from conception to weaning. Traits included: calving ease direct, calving ease maternal, weaning weight, milk, heifer pregnancy, docility, mature cow weight, claw set and foot angle.
Weaned Calf Value ($W) is the expected average difference in future progeny performance for preweaning merit and includes both revenue and cost adjustments associated with differences in birth weight, weaning direct growth, maternal milk and mature cow size.
Feedlot Value ($F) is the expected average difference in future progeny performance for post-weaning merit compared to progeny of other sires.
Grid Value ($G) is the expected average difference in future progeny performance for carcass grid merit compared to progeny of other sires.
Beef Value ($B) is the expected average difference in future progeny performance for post-weaning and carcass value compared to progeny of other sires.
Combined Value ($C), an index expressed in dollars per head, includes all traits that make up both $M and $B with the objective that commercial producers will replace 20% of their breeding females per year with replacement heifers retained within their own herd. The remaining cull heifer and steer progeny are then assumed to be sent to the feedlot where the producers retain ownership of those cattle and eventually sell them on a quality-based carcass merit grid.
The Targeting the Brand™ logo highlights registered Angus bulls with greater genetic potential to produce calves that meet the most challenging specifications of the Certified Angus Beef ® brand.
Only 1 in 4 non-parent Angus bulls qualify.
We have been working on a way to identify feed efficiency sired feeder calves for about 15 years now. Recently we were invited to work with ‘Green Steak’ in doing this.
Greensteak provides buyers with the reason they need to bid more on your calves. Buyers want feeder cattle that feed and grid better. When you buy Greensteak Verified bulls, they provide you with the verification to show bidders your calves are worth more. Whether you market private treaty, at the sale barn, or on the video, you can use your Greensteak Verification to promote your calves to the highest bidder.
Process:
1. Enroll your herd in Greensteak.
2. Buy bulls with E Index (Efficiency)
3. When at least half of your bulls’ have Greensteak Value, enroll your calf crop.
4. Enroll your entire calf crop prior to marketing and receive your E Index values. Every bull you buy with a Greensteak Index qualifies you for a free enrollment on fifteen calves on that bull’s next calf crop.
5. Provide your Greensteak Verification wherever you market your calves for discerning feedyards who are looking for feeder cattle that feed more efficiently and earn more grid dollars. Tell us when and where you are marketing your calves and they will notify their participating feedyards.
About Greensteak:
Greensteak works with Seedstock producers who prioritize collecting the data that drives real value. Bulls or their sires are individually tested for feed intake and efficiency to help predict their progeny’s feeding performance in the feedyard.
Greensteak Indexes also heavily incorporate RPD’s (Real Progeny Data) and comes from testing genetics in the real world, in a commercial setting. Data is collected from commercial ranches, then the feedyard, and finally through the packing plant. This approach makes the Greensteak Verification more reliable for buyers to predict efficiency in the feedyard and grid values in the packing plant.
Qualifying sale bulls each have an E Index.
E Index
The E Index is an expected dollar amount difference per head for feed conversion for their progeny versus average cattle through a feedyard.
Semen Sales leased to Breeder Link Phone number 208-681-9711
McD Effective 789
Bull Reg: +18952013
Connealy Capitalist 028 #
03/08/17
AB-LVS Capitalist 4507
Ab-Lvs Emma 096 #
Willekes Converter 4402-9 #
McD Performiss 238 #
313 Performiss 006
Owned with MJB Angus & WEBO Angus
Tattoo: 789
S A V Final Answer 0035 #
Prides Pita of Conanga 8821
WMR Timeless 458 #
Ox Bow Emma E396
Rito 1I2 of 2536 Rito 6I6 #
Willekes Lady of 410
Connealy Onward #
OCC Montana Dream 313
Top 3% of Vytelle/Growsafe database for RFI Efficiency, Effective was one of our high efficiency bulls in our 2018 test. His sons and daughters have impressive phenotypes. His daughters have beautiful udders with small teats. He is in the top 15% of all Angus for combined foot score.
The Vytelle/Growsafe database is the largest and most comprehensive database of individual feed intakes in the world and includes all breeds.
Promogen Score 5.5
Granger Black Eagle 822
Bull Reg: *19213529
Granger Great Falls 053 #
Granger Great Falls 630
Granger Pride Rachel 890
Granger Black Cedar 150
Granger Pride Rachel 685
Granger pride rachel 420
02/09/18 Tattoo: 822
S A V Final Answer 0035 #
Granger Pride 275
Mytty In Focus #
Granger Pride 790
Cole Creek Black Cedar 46P #
Granger Pride 986 #
Bluegrass Right Time 011
Granger Pride Rachel 891 #
Owned with MJB Angus and WEBO Angus
A powerful high efficiency bull out of the 2019 Midland Bull Test sale. High feed conversion, good feet, bone, and thickness. Top 1% Scrotal Top 10% PAP. Promogen Score 5.0
C C A UNO 049
Bull Reg: #+*16644974
01/14/10 Tattoo: 049
Connealy Lead On #
Connealy Onward # Altune of Conanga 6104
Sitz Upward 307R #
Sitz Henrietta Pride 81M
Sitz Alliance 6595 #
Mytty Countess 906
Baldridge Countess 357
Sitz Value 7097 #
Sitz Henrietta Pride 1370
Sitz Traveler 8180 #
Sitz Barbaramere Jet 2698 #
Bon View Emulation Ext 473 #
Baldridge Countess 235
Top 13% of Vytelle/Growsafe database for RFI Efficiency
One of the leading sires listed in the 2024 American Angus Association Functional Longevity EPD. Beautiful, good footed, and uddered females that last and stay in the herd. Top 10% of Angus breed for combined foot score and Top 10% $Maternal.
Bar R Jet Black 5063
Bull Reg: #*18389838
07/30/15 Tattoo: 5063
Connealy Consensus #
Connealy Consensus 7229 # Blue Lilly of Conanga 16
Connealy Black Granite # S A V Bismarck 5682 #
Eura Elga of Conanga 9109 # Eura Cal of Conanga 56B
Connealy Onward #
Sitz Upward 307R # Sitz Henrietta Pride 81M
Bar R Iris Anita 0113
Bar R Anita 7081
Mytty In Focus #
Bar R Anita 5023
In the top 5% Vytelle/Growsafe database for RFI
Sterling Confidence Plus 804
Bull Reg: *19189229
01/12/18
Tattoo: 804
Connealy Tobin
Connealy Confidence 0100 # Becka Gala of Conanga 8281
Connealy Confidence Plus #
Elbanna of Conanga 1209
Hoover Dam #
Baldridge Isabel B111
Baldridge Isabel T935
Connealy Consensus #
Elbasta of Conanga 9703
SydGen C C & 7 #
Erica of Ellston C124 #
Baldridge Kaboom K243 KCF #
Baldridge Isabel P4527
Owned by Lucky 7 of Wyoming and Borror’s of Oregon
In top 1% of Vytelle/Growsafe database for RFI
He has been used heavily in the United States and Australia, and his progeny have done very well. Daughters are nice uddered and teated. A calving ease bull.
BA7 Oaks Bold Ruler
Bull Reg: +*19984739 01/05/21 Tattoo: J10
Connealy Tobin
Connealy Confidence 0100 # Becka Gala of Conanga 8281
Connealy Confidence Plus #
Elbanna of Conanga 1209
Baldridge 38 Special #
Erica of Ellston T220
Erica of Ellston R96 #
Connealy Consensus #
Elbasta of Conanga 9703
EF Commando 1366 #
Baldridge Isabel Y69
Bruns Top Cut 373 #
Erica of Ellston M38 #
A bull that is proving himself to be a strong efficiency sire. Good boned & footed. In the top 10% of Angus for Heifer Pregnancy, Top 2% for $ Weaning, & Top 2% for $Maternal.
GSAR Inception 35M
Bull Reg: *20443435 02/08/22
SITZ Logo 12964 #
Sitz Logo 8148
SITZ Barbaramere Nell 912 #
Leachman Right Time #
GSAR Blackbird 06Z RT
GV Blackbird 219 #
Owned with Koupal Angus & Lucky 7
Freeze Brand: 35M
Sitz Tebow 11860 #
SITZ Shauna 3152 #
Sitz Upward 307R #
Sitz Barbaramere Nell 738
N Bar Emulation EXT #
Leachman Erica 0025
Rocky MT Lazer 731
GV Blackbird 024
A high efficiency bull purchased out of the 2023 Midland Bull Test Sale.
RFI -1.19 Efficiency Ratio 113 Scrotal 39.5 Promogen Score 6.5
Dam’s Production 9@102NR
Granddam’s Production 11@110 WR
Top 5% Combined Foot Score
Top 2% PAP
Vermilion Bomber G091
Bull Reg: 19498491
KM Broken Bow 002 #
Casino Bomber N33 #
Casino Annie K48 #
Connealy Countdown #
Vermilion Martha 7448
Vermilion Martha 5541
Owned by Frosty Creek Angus
01/29/19 Tattoo: G091
Summitcrest Complete 1P55 #
Summitcrest Princess 0P12 #
DPL Upward L70
Casino Annie G64
Connealy Final Solution #
Entarna of Conanga 140
Musgrave Big Sky #
Vermilion Martha 8022 #
We purchased this bull in 2020 at Vermilion sale. He has done an outstanding job for us. His dam’s sire, Countdown, rates in the top 2% Vytelle/Growsafe database. In Angus database he is top 25% for combined foot score, top 40% for PAPs, tip 20% $Maternal.
A A R Justified 8293
Bull Reg: +*19233004
Connealy Judgment
KG Justified 3023 #
KG Miss Magic 1443
B C Matrix 4132 #
A A R Blackbird 9044
A A R Blackbird 7026
Owned by Frosty Creek Angus
02/23/18 Tattoo: 8293
Connealy Consensus 7229 #
Entrine of Conanga 9876 #
Sitz Wisdom 481T #
KG Miss Magic 3528
O C C Emblazon 854E #
CAF Pure Pride Ext 99
Mytty In Focus #
A A R Blackbird 5006
Our pick at the 2019 Arntzen Angus Sale. Excellent feet and daughters are tight uddered with nice teats. Top 20% $Maternal.
Black Cathy of Conanga 8521# Black Carla of Conanga 450
MR Coach 20003
WMR Lucy Pride 6185
Woodhill Game Day U6-Y98
MR Dawn 2507S
SRA 2418 of RR 303
WMR Lucy Pride 638 WMR Lucy Pride 309
CED
McDonnell Angus McD Craftsman 443
Sitz Stellar 726D#
Sitz Miss Burgess 1856
Connealy Niobrara 5451
Black Cathy of Conanga 8521# Black Carla of Conanga 450
C C A Uno 049#
SC Lucy 931#
WMR Lucy 4126
Sitz Upward 307R#
Mytty Countess 906
WMR Infinity 141#
WMR Lucy 612
101
Connealy Big Valley
Can Am Irl
Can Am Pride 330
Connealy Dry Valley
Bunty Lay of Conanga 4930#
KM Broken Bow 002#
Can Am Pride 507 S A V Cutting Edge 4857
S A V Ajax 8885 S A V Emblynette 2369#
MR 406 Black Nellie J604 Granger Great Falls 053#
MR 406 Black Nellie Rita 907 MW Black Nellie Rita 032
“Few management techniques can be offered to beef producers that yield a 10 to 15% improvement in production efficiency. By stacking generations selected for RFI improvement, greater than 20% in production efficiency can be achieved.”
The sire is a high efficiency, triple bred Juneau 807J bull with excellent feet & maternal background and in the: Top 10% of Angus for PAP, Top 15% for Heifer Pregnancy, Top 1% for Functional Longevity, Top 15 % for $Maternal.
RAR 3072-543 Edella 9188 HF Tiger 5T# R A R 5T-1109 Edella C543 R
1109
The sire is a high efficiency, triple bred Juneau 807J bull with excellent feet & maternal background and in the: Top 10% of Angus for PAP, Top 15% for Heifer Pregnancy, Top 1% for Functional Longevity, Top 15 % for $Maternal.
145
Bull Reg: 21361901
McD Juneau 967
Koupal Czech 158
McD Performer 407 Banigans June 020
McD AAR Juneau 944#
McD-2-9 Suness
Surveyor 1422
146
149
Bull Reg: +21308276
Connealy Capitalist 028#
Schurr McD Impact of Garton
H&H Irene Lass 0135#
Marda Pride 335#
McDonnell Angus
McD Impact 4267
Birth Date: 07/16/24 Tattoo: 4267
S A V Final Answer 0035#
Prides Pita of Conanga 8821
SydGen C C & 7#
H&H L&C Irene Lass 7116
Connealy Onward#
Sitz Upward 307R# Sitz Henrietta Pride 81M
Summitcrest High Prime 0H29#
Sandpoint DCC Pride 3510 Alc Ext Pride of 111C E10H
Connealy Black Granite# Eura Elga of Conanga 9109#
C R A Bextor 872 5205 608#
Werner Lady 0304# SandPoint Lady 7869
McD Confidence 035
SC Blackcap 2226
Sterling confidence plus 804
MID-3 Millie 3542
Apex Windy 078#
WMR Blackcap 22# WMR Blackcap 073
178
Bull Reg: 21361898
What are the benefits of selecting for low residual feed intake (RFI) animals*
• Reduction of overall feed intake by up to 20% while maintaining the same level of production
• Reduction in the maintenance requirements of the herd by 15-20%
• Improvements in the feed conversion rates of calves of from 15-20%
McDonnell Angus
McD juneau 4281
Birth Date: 08/31/24 Tattoo: 4281
Koupal Czech 158
McD Performer 407 Banigans June 020
McD Juneau 967
McD AAR Juneau 944#
McD-2-9 Suness Quan 465# McD-9 Suness Quan 253
K Bar D Onset 6W
Esco 8013 K Bar D 1018 ESCO 0T26 Blackbird 8013
McD-3-3 Performiss 7140 OFF Pounder U831
McD-3 Performiss 111 Performiss 228
“If you get a 20% improvement in feed efficiency across the board by utilizing this technology and consider a five hundred dollar average feed cost per cow, which we see in the industry in a lot of places, then if you save 20%, that’s one hundred dollars that you’re saving per cow that goes back into your pocket,” explains Tommy Perkins Ph.D., PAS of West Texas A&M University and a member of the GrowSafe Strategic Advisory Committee as he discusses the use of feed efficient genetics to manage and reduce input costs. Feed Efficiency doesn’t have anything to do with frame size. Today our feed and pasture costs are much higher. “
- Tommy Perkins
GrowSafe • April 7, 2020
• 28-40% Heritability which is high in production traits.
• 90% correlation between how a tested bull does and how his daughters do.
• Independent trait with no correlation to other traits such as fertility, milkability, performance, frame size, feet, body condition, etc. — which means you can select for this trait without having a negative impact on other traits.
• Efficiency benefits are found both in cow herd and in the feedlot.
• There is a potential to improve efficiency up to 20-25%.
• Feed & grass costs are the #1 expense in raising cattle, after fixed costs.
• 70% of feed is used just for maintenance – improving feed efficiency can have a big economic impact.
LEHFELDT RANCH BRED HEIFERS
TAGS 200-230
30 HEAD OF HIGH EFFICIENCY BRED COMMERCIAL HEIFERS
Bred to Efficiency Angus Bulls from McDonnell Angus and Midland Bull Test
No fall shots, just pour on.
Calving Dates: February 15, 2026 – March 7, 2026
All top end replacement heifers, no sorting has been done.
The Lehfeldt’s have been long time customers, purchasing top Efficiency bulls. These are program oriented cattle.
Contact: Eric Lehfeldt - Lavina, MT - 406-698-9908
NEW GENERATION OF PERFORMANCE
We have maxed out what mother nature will allow us in weaning weights in these drier, short grass environments without heavy supplementation.
The next big advance in profitability on the ranch will be the introduction of efficiency genetics that allow a 20- 30% reduction in feed/grass inputs while still maintaining, or even increasing the same production level as one looks at pounds per unit produced or net return per unit.
ADG - Average Daily Gain
DMI - Dry Matter Intake
RFI - Residual Feed Intake
It is important you only compare within groups as rations vary and so does the weather.
Fall bulls were tested this summer for intake’
There are two different test groups represented in the 2-year-old bulls McDonnell and MJB.
RFI are just within each group. Important to note that RFI is an index with half being over and half being under.
No doubt, if these bulls would have been tested against other Angus herds, they would have all been negative RFI.
“These bulls were fed a high roughage ration of 38% MegaCal’s, so don’t expect a lot of 4 lb. feed conversion cattle.”
The Bulls
Complete Performance Program
Strong Maternal Program
Semen Tested & Ready to Go
Dedicated to the Profitability of our customers
New Generation Efficiency Genetic
Free Delivery up to 400 miles
Structurally Sound
BVD & PI Tested
Winter Boarding Available
Sight Unseen Satisfaction Guaranteed Individual videos may be
Mission Statement
To serve our customers by being a leader in providing genetics that are economically relevant and offer the greatest enhancement to the overall profitability of their cowherd.
Top 20% Combined Foot Score | Top 20% $Weaning
Top 20% Combined Foot Score | Top 20% $Weaning
McD Compelled 245
Bull Reg: 20692937
AB-LVS Capitalist 4507
McD Effective 789
McD Performiss 238 #
Werner Flat Top 4136 #
SC Barbaramere 018
Barbaramere 696 AAR
07/30/22 Tattoo: 245
Connealy Capitalist 028 #
Ab-Lvs Emma 096 #
Willekes Converter 4402-9 #
313 Performiss 006
Connealy Black Granite #
Werner Lady 0304 #
Quaker Hill Rampage 0A36 #
944 Barbaramere 2059 AAR
Owned with Rock Creek Cattle Co, Kansas
Third high feed efficiency bull for feed conversion at our 2023 Beef Country Genetics Bull Sale. Out of a 1st calf heifer with a Weaning Ratio of 109
An Extremely deep twisted, heavy stifled, good boned bull.
Semen Sales to date have been to United States and New Zealand.
McD Rainfall 254
Bull Reg: 20688467
S A V Rainfall 6846
Campbell Rainfall 932
Probst Miss Bankroll 748
Werner Flat Top 4136 #
SC Ellen 037
WMR Ellen 6147
08/19/22 Tattoo: 254
Coleman Charlo 0256 #
S A V Blackcap May 4136
Barstow Bankroll B73 #
Leadore Deena C732
Connealy Black Granite #
Werner Lady 0304 #
A A R Ten Gauge 1501 #
WMR Ellen 3121
Owned with Rock Creek Cattle, Kansas
One of the highest feed conversion bulls in the 2023 Beef Country Genetics Sale -1.08 RFI, lots of thickness, bone, and had 121 WR out of a 1st calf heifer.
McD Iconic 2216
Bull Reg: +*20591013 08/26/22 Tattoo: 2216
Musgrave 316 Stunner #
DB Iconic G95
DB Ms Discovery D13
MAR Innovation 251 #
Linz Lady Inn 3190-7804
RB Lady Complete 890-3190
Owned with Vermilion Ranch
LD Capitalist 316 #
MCATL Blackbird 831-1378 #
V A R Discovery 2240 #
DB Ms Final Tool 4120
Connealy Impression #
MAR Final Kahuna 856 #
Summitcrest Complete 1P55 #
R B Lady Standard 305-890
Fourth high feed conversion in 2023 Beef Country Genetics Sale 2216 is an embryo calf whose Innovation mother has had four calves with 112WR.
Promogen Score 5.0
Top 20% Longevity | Top 10% $Weaning
Top 15% Maternal | Top 2% $Weaning
Ramsey McD Ability 308
Bull Reg: *20747775
Hoover No Doubt
Sterling Pacific 904
Baldridge Isabel B082
Sitz Bullseye 9994
RA Miss Diane 901 #
RAF Miss Diane 523 #
12/26/22 Tattoo: 308
Mogck Bullseye #
Miss Blackcap Ellston J2
G A R Prophet #
Baldridge Isabel Y69
Mogck Bullseye #
Sitz Pride 0128
Mohnen South Dakota 402 #
BT Miss Diane 7800
Owned with Hutson Farms, OK, James Schmidt, ND, and Bob Ramsey, IA
The high efficiency bull at 2024 Midland Bull Test Sale with a -4.67RFI and 122 Efficiency ratio.
Dam 3 calves @105 WR
Granddam 7 calves @102 WR
Lots of maturity, thickness, & depth
7 KDS Bold Ruler L318
Bull Reg: +*20918877
01/23/24 Tattoo: L318
Connealy Confidence 0100 #
Connealy Confidence Plus # Elbanna of Conanga 1209
BA7 Oaks Bold Ruler
Erica of Ellston T220
Baldridge Pappy
7OA KDS Blueblood K06
Poss Blueblood 6502
Baldridge 38 Special #
Erica of Ellston R96 #
Hoover No Doubt #
Baldridge Isabel B061
Poss Easy Impact 0119
Poss Blueblood 920
Owned with Hutson Farms and WEBO Angus
A high efficiency bull out of the 2025 Midland Bull Test Sale
Promogen Score 5.5
“We also continue to believe and become more convinced every year that breeding true efficiency, backed by large, collected data sets for intake, offer the industry the greatest opportunity to change and improve the profitability of our business. Environments will only allow for so much weaning weight to be expressed with changes in management or additional supplementations. That is why we put so much emphasis on RFI and on maternal production and longevity. With disciplined selection it has been proven numerous times and in multiple countries that one can reduce grass and hay consumption by up to 20% without effecting weaning weights.”
