Gelbvieh Guide Spring 2018

CDN PUB Agreement # 40012883

Gelbvieh guide • Spring 2018 • Page 3

Page 4 • Spring 2018 • Gelbvieh guide

SPRING 2018 • VOLUME 28 • ISSUE 1

In this issue...

President’s Report Office Memo Gelbvieh Association of AB/BC News Man/Sask Gelbvieh Assoc. News Show Results Sale Results Coming Events Advertiser Index

8 9 10 14 33-35 35-36 40 41

Feature articles...

Canadian Hall of Fame Inductees, Bunty & Audrey Allen The Nuts and Bolts of BOLT People’s Choice Bull Futurity Champion Uterine Torsions GAAB/BC Purebred Breeder of the Year Growing Up With Gelbvieh Tianna’s Story Hazards of Net Wrap

Spr

12 18 20 24 26 27 28 31

ing cor is Just ner at B around &R Ran the ch

Advertising Deadlines/Publication Dates Summer - May 1 / June 1 - Golden Pages Fall - September 1 / October 1 - Commercial Issue Spring - January 1 / February 1 - Herd Sire Issue

The official publication of the CANADIAN

GELBVIEH ASSOCIATION

5160 Skyline Way N.E., Calgary, Alberta T2E 6V1 Phone: (403) 250-8640 Fax: (403) 291-5624 Email: gelbvieh@gelbvieh.ca

www.gelbvieh.ca

Gelbvieh guide • Spring 2018 • Page 5

Provincial Association Representatives to the CGA Board of Directors Gelbvieh Association of Alberta/BC

Directors

President - Jason Muhlbach Box 299, Botha, AB T0C 0N0 403-740-2526 jacecattle@hotmail.ca

President

Man-Sask Gelbvieh Association

Lee Wirgau Box 25 Narcisse, MB R0C 2H0 Phone: 204-886-7588 Fax: 204-278-3255 maplegrovegelbvieh@gmail.com

Secretary: Lorna Okell Box 627, Duchess, AB T0J 0Z0 Phone: 403-378-4898 jenty@eidnet.org

President - Ian Thackeray Box1002 Weyburn, SK S4H 2L2 Phone: 306-861-7687 Fax: 306-456-2554 Email:tgfis@sasktel.net

Representative -Cynthia Wirgau Box 25, Narcisse, MB R0C 2H0 204-886-7588 maplegrovegelbvieh@gmail.com

Vice President

Eastern Canadian Gelbvieh Association

Neil Overby Box 815 St. Ros Du Lac, MB R0L 1S0 Phone: 431-233-3505 overbystockfarm@gmail.com

James Jasper

Representative -Jason Hurst 234439 Concession 2 WGR RR2, Durham. ON N0G 1R0 Phone: 519-881-7929 Email:jasonhurst0@gmail.com

Secretary -Laurie Hurst 234439 Concession 2 WGR RR2, Durham. ON N0G 1R0 Phone: 519-369-1763 Email:carrollcreekcattleco@gmail.com

Box 24 Hartney, MB R0M 0X0 Phone: 204-741-0763 jasper30@mymts.net

Aaron Birch Box 97 Parkbeg, SK S0H 3K0 Phone: 403-485-5518 aaron@tbfarms.ca

Ryan Sommerfeld Box 7 Medstead, SK S0M 1W0 Phone: 306-342-2136 306-342-7259 ryan.sommerfeld@xplornet.ca

Don Okell Box 627 Duchess, AB T0J 0Z0 Phone: 403-378-4898 Fax: 403-378-4894 jenty@eidnet.org

Trevor Burks Box 11 Parry, SK S0H 3L0 Phone: 306-715-7476 twistedtgelbvieh@gmail.com

Don’t Miss Out!

Keep in touch by reading the official Gelbvieh Magazine.

The Gelbvieh Guide magazine is mailed FREE OF CHARGE for five years to purchasers of registered Gelbvieh cattle when the registration certificate is transferred into the purchaser's name. Ask the seller of the animal for a registration certificate when you purchase a Gelbvieh animal.

Note, according to the Animal Pedigree Act (Chapter 13, Section 64(j), no person shall sell a purebred animal without providing to the buyer, within six (6) months after the sale, the animal's duly transferred certificate of registration.

If you are not a CGA member and wish to continue to receive the GELBVIEH GUIDE or know of someone who should be on our mailing list, please clip out and send in this coupon and remit $20.00 Canadian and send to the Canadian Gelbvieh Association office.. For out of country subscribers, please fill out the Subscription Form, remit $50.00 Canadian, and send to the Canadian Gelbvieh Association office.

Name: Address: City:

Prov/State

Postal Code Mail to:

Country

Canadian Gelbvieh Association 5160 Skyline Way NE T2E 6V1 Ph: (403) 250-8640 Fax: (403) 291-5624

❑ $21.00 Enclosed for Canadian subscription fee. ❑ $50.00 Enclosed for foreign subscription fee.

Page 6 • Spring 2018 • Gelbvieh guide

Gelbvieh guide • Spring 2018 • Page 7

CGA PRESIDENT’S REPORT

Lee Wirgau Hello Folks and Happy New Year It has been a great fall season in the cattle business and especially the Gelbvieh breed!

The great attendance at the shows and sales this past season was awesome. Exhibitors and all attendees, I feel had a very positive experience, at all the venues where Gelbvieh shined.

We had an extremely informative AGM in Edmonton, with some creative discussion on a number of topics related to CGA. I feel the members present offered some great direction as we move forward with the business of Gelbvieh. I would like to welcome our new directors, Trevor Burks and Don Okell and thank past directors, Kert Ness and Lon Carlson for their service to the CGA. It is a commitment that is sometimes overlooked as to the time and financial contributions the CGA board members put in on our members behalf. Please thank them when you see them.

Page 8 • Spring 2018 • Gelbvieh guide

We rolled through the sale season with a bunch of premium Gelbvieh genetics trading at a premium price. Commercial Gelbvieh prices this fall were also outstanding and as per usual, any Gelbvieh influenced females returned top of the market prices. Gelbvieh cross females are proven to be the “go to“ commercial leading ladies.

All these great accomplishments will no doubt lead us to a strong bull sale season. If you are a current Gelbvieh user or been remotely thinking about them, there are a great number of sale bulls along with private treaty offerings that will be an investment for your herd and push it forward.

2018 will be a great year for Gelbvieh in Canada!

"Don’t forget to "Tag em Gelbvieh".

CGA OFFICE MEMO

Gaylene Groeneveld CEO

I

t's bull sale season!. Gelbvieh breeders and commercial cattlemen are searching for their next herd sire - the new kid on the block that will out perform the old boys in the pen. Whether you are a purebred or commercial breeder, many factors come in to play when the selection of that next herd sire becomes reality. Many just go to their nearest breeder who markets his bulls privately and others study the many sale catalogs that flog their mail box weekly. Either way, when you purchase that new herd sire, key factors should come into the equation.

You should always try to improve your bull battery and seek a sire that is going to mate with your cows, management and environmental options are of importance, as is the performance, semen quality, temperament, calving ease and soundness that is required in today's marketing and selling of beef genetics. When you are marketing your bulls, all the information that you can possibly give a customer is essential to ensure them they are purchasing the animal that's recorded on his registration papers. That's right, I said registration papers! A certificate of registration from any breed association is proof of what the bull actually is, and not just what he looks like in the yard or at the sale barn. Did your last bull purchase come with a registration paper? Did you tell the seller, "I really don't need one" or "don't waste your money sending me one?"

If this sounds like you, reconsider, and ask the seller to transfer your next bull purchase. When an animal is transferred, the new owner will have their name put on the Gelbvieh Guide mailing list.

The Animal Pedigree Act (APA) authorizes a breed association to represent breeders of the breed, sets rules for the registrations and certify the animals of said breed. The Canadian Gelbvieh Association is incorporated under the Animal Pedigree Act and represents breeders throughout the country as the official breed registry for Gelbvieh cattle in Canada The APA provides the enabling legal framework ensuring that:

• The Association verifies the correct pedigree information by applying consistent rules for all members • The breed association and breeder stand behind the quality of information represented on the certificate • An animal with a registration paper is genetically stable • Breed improvement measures are being completed providing sustainability and value • Those who raise and purchase purebred stock are protected As such, the CGA administers their own business and affairs but are bound by their by-laws as approved by the members; in doing so the CGA also respects the APA by abiding and seeking ministerial approval.

What's the significance of the Registration Certificate? A Registration paper from the Canadian Gelbvieh Association provides value; it's recognized around the globe as representing integrity, traceability and a guarantee of the product. Registration and identification are cornerstones to the association. The CGA office collects performance data and monitors desirable traits for overall breed improvement made possible through maintained and detailed pedigrees. Breeders and purchasers are protected.

The old adage, "Knowledge is Power" certainly applies to the purebred breeder.

As a member of a breed association, you have contributed a lot of time, effort and information leading to genetic progress to not only your own herd but also the Canadian herd. Without data there's no comparison, without comparison there's no improvement and ultimately without improvement the future isn't so bright when you're not optimizing genetic potential.

Before you sign the cheque, ask for that Registration Certificate and ensure that your herd will benefit.

Have a great bull selling and bull buying season everyone. See you down the road this Summer!

Without data there's no comparison, without comparison there's no improvement and ultimately without improvement the future isn't so bright when you're not optimizing genetic potential.

Gelbvieh guide • Spring 2018 • Page 9

Association News

By Jason Muhlbach, President, GAA/BC

A

s I sit down to write this, we have fallen into another cold snap. Hopefully the cows decide it is too cold to calve.

I would like to thank my fellow board members for trusting in me enough to ask me to represent the board as the 2018 president. I would like to thank Larry Fecho for his past two years as the president, his time and commitment to this breed, which is definitely something I admire and very much appreciate. He has left this board in great shape and I only hope that we can keep the ball rolling. Thank you very much Larry.

I want to give everyone a quick update on the last Wish List sale.

By all accounts it was an overwhelming success, averaging of $4922 on 38 lots. The quality of cattle and presentation keeps getting better and better. As breeders I think it shows well that we are moving our breed in the right direction. The Bull Jackpot also had nice numbers with a very strong set of bulls being brought forward and put on display for every ones appraisal. The champion, TVR Eastwood 730E, was selected by Judge Gary Rairdan, and was the bull chosen to have his name engraved on the “Gelbvieh Stanley Cup.” Congratulations to the Pahls from Towerview Ranch, Medicine Hat, AB, for bringing this tremendous calf to town.

The Wish List weekend is also a time to acknowledge some of the best people in our breed. Don and Lorna Okell of Jen-ty Gelbvieh were awarded the prestigious Purebred Breeder of the Year award. They are very worthy of this award, and as a breed we are lucky to have them be a huge part of the Gelbvieh family. Loren and Sandy Zenter from Zen Ridge Holdings, were awarded the Commercial Breeder of the Year. Not only do they have a Gelbvieh influenced cattle herd, but they also have a meat shop in Calgary where they proudly display that they sell Gelbvieh influenced meat.

Futurity Bull Champion went to Towerview Ranch with TVR Eastwood 730E Page 10 • Spring 2018 • Gelbvieh guide

GAA/BC Board. Back L-R: Jason Muhlbach (President), Larry Fecho, Joe Ness, Nicole Hollman (Treasurer) Front L-R: Lorna Okell (Secretary), Jessica Pearson, Wanda Marsman Thank you to both winners for supporting our breed.

The weekend was very successful due to all of the sponsors who support us. As a board we sat down and tried to make a list of all of the sponsors, and it was very apparent that we could not possibly thank every sponsor in a one page ad in the Gelbvieh Guide. It is always hard to start listing off all of the sponsors in fear of forgetting someone, so I won’t.

One of the largest fundraisers for the GAABC is the Donation Heifer calf raffle. Brad and Nicole Hollman of BNH Livestock graciously donated a pick of two outstanding heifer calves. This event alone raised over $9000 for the Association. This money will go towards the Wish List Weekend, Farmfair, 4-H and Junior Shows. Thank you BNH Livestock. The lucky winner, Black is Gold Gelbvieh, selected NGC Enchanted Lily 12E. Planning for the 2018 Wish List has already begun. We are constantly working on ways to make the weekend more enjoyable for everyone and keeping it cost effective. Please feel free to contact myself or any of the other board members with any questions, comments or concerns.

This year we have seen a recent change in our Treasurer position. Merv Tuplin has decided to step back a bit and turn over the financial side of things to Nicole Hollman. Merv has been doing the books for the last 14 plus years. Thank you Merv for all you have done, and hopefully we can convince you to still look after the booth.

As I wrap this up, I look forward to seeing everyone at the upcoming bull sales and would like to wish everyone a safe and successful calving season.

Gelbvieh guide • Spring 2018 • Page 11

Canadian Gelbvieh Hall of Fame Inductees E

ach year, the Canadian Gelbvieh Association inducts to its Hall of Fame a member who made great contributions to the advancement and promotion of the breed. This year’s deserving inductees are Bunty and Audrey Allen of L.A. Farms.

Llewellyn (Bunty) Allen was born in 1935 and grew up with his two brothers on the family homestead near Lyleton, Manitoba, a small hamlet 5 km from the United States border. The larger town of Pierson was located 20km away and Melita was 40km. Bunty was raised by two uncles on his mother’s side of the family from infancy and it was them who taught him about farming. On August 27, 1954 he married Audrey who was the daughter of a local teacher. Like so many young farm families of the time, there was no shortage of hard work. As far back as anyone in the family can remember, there were chores to be done. The two worked alongside Bunty’s family until they began their own family of five children and took over the farm. Their children Louella (now deceased), Charlotte, Christine, Ricky (now deceased) and Brent all spent their childhood being active on the mixed farming operation. The family grew up learning how to milk and sort cattle, care for the flock of chickens, turkeys and geese as well as pigs. There was also a large garden to help feed the family of 7 through the year. The oldest children remember pitching square bales by hand and later teasing the younger siblings about new technologies that came along such as the automated bale wagon that made their lives so much easier.

Bunty and Audrey milked a number of dairy cows over the years and decided it was time to begin improving the quality of their beef cows in the early 1970’s. The commercial cows were primarily Angus based females but Bunty and Audrey wanted more depth of body and length but did not want to compromise on femininity in their females. The couple put on a great deal of miles traveling to Montana, Calgary and Regina researching and discovering more about the newly imported exotic breeds of cattle. It was closer to home at the Neisson farm that Bunty and Audrey learned about Gelbvieh cattle. They immediately liked the gentle nature of the breed and the solid golden colour. The solid udder would prevent sunburn and the facial pigment would reduce the risks of pinkeye.

At the Calgary Stampede in 1990.

Page 12 • Spring 2018 • Gelbvieh guide

True to their dairy roots, Bunty and Audrey also appreciated the dual purposes of the breed and that, in their native Germany, Gelbvieh cattle served as milk cows.

After a visit to Agribition in 1973, the Allen’s spent much of 1974 thinking further about the possible new venture. They returned to Regina in 1974 and bought a half blood bred heifer and in 1975, imported a fullblood heifer directly from Germany. That female became named Nella by reversing the spelling of Allen.

Bunty & Audrey became member #47 in the Canadian Gelbvieh Association and their admiration for the breed continued to grow as the first calves were born at L.A. Farms. The milk production translated to rapid weight gain in the calves and the older animals seemed to require less feed to achieve that weight gain.

Soon, Bunty traveled to Estevan, Saskatchewan for the inaugural meeting of the Man/SK Gelbvieh Association. Over the years, he served as a director and President of the group. Like so many Gelbvieh breeders of today, Bunty and Audrey felt a part of the community that surrounded the breed. Their community within the breed grew when they decided to begin showing cattle. They felt it was a good way to promote the breed and get to know fellow breeders. The Allen children remember Bunty teaching them to show in 4-H but enjoyed watching their dad become the student as the steep learning curve of preparing purebred cattle for shows began. From 1977 to 1990, L.A. Farms attended shows like Agribition and the Calgary Stampede. A pet donkey named Moe became an important member of the family during these years as a halter breaking tool. Not only was he useful around the corrals, he provided hours of entertainment for the grandchildren until he dumped them into a slough as they tried to ride him.

Bunty was the social one of the relationship and he enjoyed meeting new people and visiting with friends. Audrey knew to keep him on track, to keep the books up to date and to know the pedigrees on the cattle they exhibited. Showing cattle brought the family

LA Trisun - The young bull that went to Australia

Bunty & Audrey

Allen

Words by Joe Barnett with the Allen Family

together as the kids, now in their 20’s, began to take part more actively. Bunty & Audrey shared, “Agribition made many sales and connections through the years for us and we were just trying to make a go of the breed we believed in.”

In 1977, Bunty & Audrey created a partnership with Ron and Shirley Hill of Bar CR Cattle Company. The Allen’s took over the day to day operations of the herd and combined the two programs.

Soon, the two purchased Jake Neissen’s fullblood herd and developed the goal to upgrade the entire herd to purebred or fullblood status. By 1980, L.A. Farms had one of the largest fullblood Gelbvieh herds in Canada and the name was becoming well known around the world.

One of the great thrills of their time in the breed was selling a five month old bull by the name of L.A. Trisun to Australia. He was the son of a Bar CR bull named CRH BAR C R Mr Triumph 7T and an L.A. Farms cow named LAF L.A. Sunshine. After Trisun arrived in Australia, he was named Champion Bull over 12 breeds by a panel of 18 judges.

While visiting with their kids about being inducted into the Hall of Fame, they were asked what their plan was when they started into the Gelbvieh breed. The couple laughed and responded, “There was no plan!” Over the years, Bunty & Audrey sold cattle across Canada, the United States and overseas, they built a vast social network with likeminded people and raised their family in the way that made sense to them. Occasionally, not having a plan works out for the best!

In 1990, the Allen’s decided it was time to focus their efforts toward retirement. The farm land was rented out but Bunty wasn’t ready to let go of his prized herd. In 1997, they began to disperse of the cows. The mature cattle were sold to a local cattleman but the Allan’s kept the heifer calves. That was until 1999 when they were made an offer they couldn’t refuse. His fullblood Gelbvieh cows would continue to hold a special place in Bunty’s heart. Once their cattle were gone, the corrals continued to be used by their son in law and a neighbour. Bunty could often be heard talking to them or whistling with contentment as he walked among the cattle until 2013 when he and Audrey decided to move to the nearby town of

60th Anniversary - August 2014 Melita. Bunty spent his entire life on the family homestead up until that day.

Today you will find Bunty & Audrey at home in Melita playing cards, fishing or playing a round of golf. Their dedication to family, community and friends along with their love of Gelbvieh cattle brought the Allen’s a great deal of happiness over the years. 16 grandchildren and 15 great grandchildren bring them much happiness as does reflecting on their years of farming and Gelbvieh cattle.

Summer 2017, Audrey’s 80th Birthday.

Back row L to R. Charlotte, Brent and Christine .

Gelbvieh guide • Spring 2018 • Page 13

Association News

By Cynthia Wirgau

Back L-R: Dean Hurlburt, Joe Barnett, Michelle Sommerfeld, Shayla Jasper, Cynthia Wirgau (Secretary), Wade Davidson (Vice-President). Front L-R: Ross Davidson, Ian Thackeray (President).

W

The Man-Sask Gelbvieh Association sponsored the 18th Annual Sweetheart Gelbvieh Classic at the 2017 Show at Canadian Western Agribition.

37 memberships were sold with 10 females entered. Members voted on their top 4 prior to the female Gelbvieh show. After the show, the top 4 were announced and voted on again and a winner was selected..

This year’s winner was an entry of Thackeray Land & Cattle, with TIP Miss Exquisite 56E. She sold to Neal Wirgau for $9,000. Neal Wirgau was the lucky member draw, and used his winnings to purchase an animal at the sale.

The three runner up females were entries by Golden Buckle Gelbvieh, Davidson Gelbvieh & Fladeland Livestock. All members received jackets.

Congratulations to Thackeray Land & Cattle and the Man-Sask Gelbvieh Association for another successful Sweetheart Classic.

Page 14 • Spring 2018 • Gelbvieh guide

hat an eventful year 2017 has been for the Man-Sask Gelbvieh Association. We had 26 animals showcased at Ag-Ex in Brandon and 99 animals were entered at Agribition.

At Agribition, Canadian Junior Gelbvieh members participated in team grooming, showmanship and conformation classes throughout the week. Thank you to our judges Joe Barnett, and Cheyenne Dockter and Fir River Livestock for sponsoring team grooming prizes. A meeting was held at Agribition, with the new junior executive being President - Gail Birch, Vice President - Dylan Thackeray, Secretary - Brooklyn Wirgau, Treasurer - Nolan Thackeray. Next year, photos and team marketing will be added to the list of junior classes.

The Man-Sask annual meeting was held in Moose Jaw on December 9, followed by a fun auction.

Events were well attended and greatly supported.

Thank you to Trevor Burks for your time on the board and welcome to Joe Barnett who was elected this year.

The Association Field Day, and junior show, was hosted by Twisted T Gelbvieh at Parry, SK. Twin View Livestock have offered to host the 2018 Field Day on August 4.

A special thank you goes out to Twisted T Gelbvieh for donating a heifer to our annual association fundraiser. $8520 was raised and the winner of the heifer was the Robinson kids.

Thank you to all the exhibitors, sponsors, spectators and volunteers that make our events happen. We hope everyone has a great calving season, stay warm, and good luck with your upcoming bull sales!!

Gelbvieh guide • Spring 2018 • Page 15

Page 16 • Spring 2018 • Gelbvieh guide

Thank you to all the Sponsors, Exhibitors, Organizers and Gelbvieh Enthusiasts who joined us for this superb event.

Canadian Western Agribition Regina, Saskatchewan

Gelbvieh guide • Spring 2018 • Page 17

THE NUTS & BOLTS of

BO LT H

opefully by now many of you have heard of the new genetic evaluation technology being worked on at IGS, our genetic evaluation provider. IGS currently calculates most of the EPD for Canadian Gelbvieh cattle using a multi-breed evaluation model developed at Cornell, roughly 20 years ago. While the system has had upgrades and new science added to it over the years, it is still at its’ most basic a well maintained but old piece of technology.

The BOLT system offers a new solution to the problem of genetic evaluation with newer methods, more computing horsepower and the ability to apply a lot more detailed science to the genetic evaluation. To give an example, under the Cornell system, a “growth run” where we calculate the EPD for growth traits for Gelbvieh cattle, took roughly 5 days of computing time. With BOLT, we are looking at roughly 20 minutes to conduct the same type of calculations on the same group of animals.

To put it into perspective, the Cornell system has been upgraded over the years from a rotary dial to a push button wall phone. BOLT by comparison is a new I-Phone. I am sure many of our Junior members have never even seen a rotary dial phone, let alone used one. It is time for an upgrade.

Members might reasonably ask, “if the Cornell system works then why are we investing in a new evaluation?” The answer is a bit complicated but also very simple. In the past, genetic evaluations used a few pieces of data. Pedigree (Mom and Dad), basic performance measures, such as birth or weaning weight and deviation of that performance from the contemporary group average. An animal that was fully reported on would receive roughly 5 to 10 pieces of its own individual data and possibly 20 if the owner ultrasounded and collected a few additional measures such as calving ease or mature weight. The Cornell software handles that level of information quite well.

Enter DNA. When you order a 50K test from the CGA and send a hair sample in on an animal, that animal will receive data on roughly 50,000 individual pieces of DNA. That is like adding an additional 50,000 weaning weight records on an animal. Remember how we said the Cornell model takes roughly 5 days to run now? If we were to add 50,000 pieces of DNA information to a few animals, the EPD run would finish calculating just in time for the next one to start in 6 months. BOLT provides the computing horsepower that lets us apply new and Page 18 • Spring 2018 • Gelbvieh guide

up to date science into the evaluation, particularly in the form of DNA data. In the Cornell model we calculate EPD using pedigree and performance data, and then tweak those EPD up or down based on the reading of the DNA test results. The BOLT model uses the EPD test results directly with pedigree and performance data to directly and accurately calculate the animals relative genetic merit. You may hear the term “Single Step” when people refer to BOLT and this is exactly what it means. We do the math on pedigree, performance and DNA all together, rather than the old method of tweaking the EPD using DNA results after the fact.

A good example of why we want to implement the BOLT system, is the first trait published from BOLT; sustained fertility.

The new stayability evaluation was developed from work done in Canada. The stayability model uses new science and calculates a better prediction of stayability or sustained fertility than the old system. Previously evaluation for longevity was treated as a success or failure that a cow would reach a certain age in the cow herd. If a cow exited at age 5 she was a failure, if she stayed to age 6 a success. If she stayed until age 10 she was given the same credit as the 6 year old.

With the new methodology cows receive credit for calves as they progress through the herd. In other words a 5 year old is given more credit than a 3 year old and less than a 10 year old cow. BOLT is better able to better define differences between genetics for longevity. The additional benefit is that the model can now include DNA information directly. Previously, in order to know that a cow had decent odds of making it through sev-

eral years of timely calving, we had to wait several years and record timely calvings. Now we can collect a DNA sample before she ever has a calf and have a pretty good source of information as to her potential level of success at remaining a productive cow in the herd. In fact, in the case of stayability, the DNA sample provides as much information as waiting for those multiple calves. As breeders, this lets us shave years off the selection process, providing the benefits to our customers a lot faster.

One of the other key components of BOLT is its ability to better reflect how much “useful” data is included in an animal’s EPD. This is expressed as Accuracy. Previously, accuracy was calculated as an “estimate” of the volume and quality of data that was included in the calculation of an animal’s EPD. While this gave a pretty good indication of the reliability of the EPD (the associated risk in using the animal for breeding), it was an estimate and sometimes over predicted the confidence with which we should use an animal in our program. The new BOLT system calculates the accuracy directly. This is made possible simply by the methodology and computing horsepower of the new system. It does mean that Gelbvieh breeders may see some accuracy values appear to drop, however the new accuracy values are a much better, direct measure of the volume and quality of data that is contributing to the individual animal’s EPD. This lets us assess the risk level of using an animal in our program a lot more effectively. It is a bit difficult to wrap our minds around, but the new lower calculated accuracy values provide a better risk management tool than the previously overestimated accuracy values.

Because BOLT is able to run much more rapidly, over time the goal is to move towards more frequent EPD evaluations.

This means that if errors are found, such as the wrong sire being entered, that the pedigree and the EPD can be corrected in short order rather than waiting for the next evaluation in 6 months.

It also means that new performance data can be added in continuously. Miss the weaning deadline?

No problem, there will be a new run in a couple of weeks. It also means that BOLT will be con-

tinuously able to add new DNA test results into the evaluation so that we can add as much informative data about an animal as rapidly as it is collected and reported.

There will be a lot more to read about BOLT moving forward, and the plan is to implement the new BOLT evaluation for all the traits over time. Currently the system is in the testing stages for both inputting data and examination of results. On the ground what it means is that the EPD will be calculated more quickly using more information and thus the evaluation will provide a better and more timely reflection of an animal’s relative genetic merit. The results will be EPD. These EPD will be basically the same tools you know how to use already, expressed in the same units you are already familiar with. A WW EPD of 60 will still be 10 pounds more than a WW EPD of 50, but it will be calculated with a lot more information behind it. Some animals will have their EPD change when we use more information, but most will rank pretty close to the same within the population.

Watch for the rollout of the BOLT evaluation over the next several months, and please do not be scared to ask questions when you see the results.

PEOPLE’S CHOICE FUTURITY BULL CHAMPION

Prairie Hills Gelbvieh!

T

he winner of the 2017 People's Choice Futurity Bull is owned by Prairie Hills Gelbvieh of Gladstone, ND. Pictured with the bull are the 2017 People's Choice Futurity members. The bull, PHG Enigma E32, is a homo polled son of RWG Yikes Y512, and his dam is PHG Alanis A65.

Page 20 • Spring 2018 • Gelbvieh guide

Prairie Hills Gelbvieh won the People's Choice Futurity jackpot of $15,000 and the lucky draw winner of the bull was Jen-ty Gelbvieh of Duchess, AB. Futurity members who purchased the Tier 2 membership will receive 10 staws of semen from this young herd sire.

Congratulations Prairie Hills Gelbvieh!

Gelbvieh guide • Spring 2018 • Page 21

Page 22 • Spring 2018 • Gelbvieh guide

Gelbvieh guide • Spring 2018 • Page 23

Uterine Torsions

By Roy Lewis DVM

E

ven though a uterine torsion is very rare relatively speaking to other calving malpresentations they are often difficult for producers to recognize. If we can recognize them and act on them quickly a vast majority of the calves can be saved. I will draw on my and other veterinarian’s vast experience and try and describe what you feel so you can quickly get help and not make the mistake of attempting to pull these calves.

I have never seen an actual percentage of torsions because they are often not documented but my guess is one every couple thousand births so the larger producers may experience one every few years. The practice I was from saw lots of cow calf operations and we would see upwards of ten yearly I would say.

In practice I always had the producer feel in the vaginal canal when we did diagnose one so they would recognize the feeling and I do the same thing with new vets or student veterinarians.

Once you examine one it is hard to miss it the second time.

A torsion is really when the free portion of the uterus (where the calf is) twists over on itself. The vagina is anchored by soft tissue in the pelvis so really it is much like putting a golf ball in a sock holding the open end stationary and giving the sock a

Page 24 • Spring 2018 • Gelbvieh guide

180 or 360 degree twist. You then cannot reach in and pull the golf ball out. This is exactly what happens if it is a torsed uterus.

The initial complaint is very similar to a full breech (coming tail first) where the cow or heifer looks like they should have calved hours ago but nothing happened. The cow is bagged up has been nesting yet no waterbag or heavy straining has started. I always tell experienced cattlemen if they suspect something is wrong they are probably right. This is especially true if they know the cows past history and they have calved normally. The nesting and belloring or looking uneasy means either a breech, other malpresentation or a torsion so best to vaginally examine the cow. When examining a torsion you will usually be able to reach the calf. Initially you will feel bands of tissue running this way and that and it is like running your hand down a corkscrew.

When you finally reach the calf your hand may be upside down and the calf may even be upside down. The degree of the torsion will determine how tight the opening is. Generally the cows contractions line up the calf to be presented normally so if upside down or sideways any you feel these bands of tissue it is very likely a torsion When one examines a cow that isn’t ready to calve yet you

go straight in the vagina and run into a closed cervix that feels like a round doughnut with a hole you may be able to get in one or two fingers. A torsion feels much different with an uneven opening that you can wiggle your arm through and the cervix will be open enough to get your arm through touch the calf and the water bag will not be broken.

Almost all torsions once identified it is imperative to get veterinary intervention. Veterinarians have several methods they can use to detorse the uterus and if done successfully the calf can be delivered alive out the back end. Provided it was alive to start with. A veterinarian must first determine which way the uterus is torsed as it can be either clockwise or anticlockwise and so one must twist it the opposite way to get it detorsed. Some very experienced veterinarians can detorse them by hand by getting the uterus rocking and skillfully flipping it back over. The cervix will then continue to dilate and the uterus will now dump out lots of fluid and the cow will get straining again.

Other methods involve using a detorsion rod or detorsion fork to facilitate untwisting the torsion by applying these apparatus’s to the calfs leg. With the use of this instrument and the experienced practitioner helping it along these can work when further force is necessary. Another method sees the cow cast on her side and the veterinarian will hold the calf while the cow is rolled to again untwist the torsion.

Again it is critical knowing which way the uterus is twisted.

I would say that in my experience a higher percentage I untwist by moving the calf clockwise hence they are a counterclockwise torsion.

If attempts by any method fail the veterinarian can rely on getting the calf out by caesarian section. In some cases the calf may be detorsed internally through a c-section incision and then still pulled out the back especially if the calf is dead. If the calf is twisted and on the far side of the abdomen often the calf must be taken by C-section first and then the uterus detorsed and sewn up. As you can see many things to consider when we find a uterine torsion but I am proud to say many times we can get a live calf and the cow makes an uneventful recovery. Early detection on your part is the absolute key component.

I have seen backwards calves torsed, or twins torsed so anything is possible. Just like a prolapsed uterus torsions are an absolute fluke and no reason the cow would do it again in subsequent years so as long as they breed back there is no reason to not keep the female. Heifers have the same odds as cows at torsing.. I have never seen one prior to calving but have known of one in an equine at seven or so months gestation. The mare had slight colicy signs and the owner and vet were quick to detect .Surgery was done, the uterus flipped back normal and left. The mare went on to deliver a normal foal several months later. Quite a remarkable story so never give up if you detect one because with experienced help the outcome will often surprise you. Have a great calving season everyone but if you do have a torsion you will know exactly what to do and whom to call.

Gelbvieh guide • Spring 2018 • Page 25

GAAB/BC PUREBRED GELBVIEH BREEDER OF THE YEAR

Jen-Ty Gelbvieh, D & Lorna Okell

T

his year's winner, Jen-ty Gelbvieh, Lorna and Don Okell, passion for the Gelbvieh breed is contagious to everyone they enhave been in the purebred Gelbvieh business for more counter. than 25 years. They selected the Gelbvieh breed for the Congratulations to our 2017 GAA/BC Purebred Gelbvieh exact same reasons most of us do, calving ease, maternal instinct Breeder of the year, Don and Lorna Okell, Jen-Ty Gelbvieh! and easy going temperament. Gelbvieh cattle are a joy to look at and have those extra pounds at weaning are an added bonus.

Jen-Ty have done it all, from winning at shows to building a strong customer base for their breeding bulls and hosting their very own annual bull sale. They did it on their own and on their own terms while both working off the farm to earn a living and pursue their dream, and from the outside looking in made it look easy. JenTy have supported and promoted the breed from day one. Lorna has served on the GAA/BC board of directors as secretary and is also responsible for the demanding position of looking after anything 4-H related, and Don has been elected on to the National board of directors.

Don and Lorna are always there when needed for sponsoring events like hosting a field day, and supporting other breeders programs and they have also been known to lend a bull to a fellow breeder in need. It just goes to show the true heart and character of Jen-Ty. Most importantly these are two of the nicest people you will ever meet. Their outgoing personalities have made them a ton of Don and Lorna Okell accept the award from Wanda Marsman friends over the years and will continue to do so and their love and

Page 26 • Spring 2018 • Gelbvieh guide

Growing up with Gelbvieh

By Amy Severtson

2017 CJGA Scholarship Winner

G

rowing up in rural central Alberta has given me the experience to be immersed in the strong agricultural community that surrounds my hometown. I was born and raised on a purebred Gelbvieh cattle farm, where from a young age I was taught how to show cattle. I began showing Gelbvieh cattle at age nine and continue still today. The Canadian Junior Gelbvieh Association has given me the opportunity to show at many national shows including the 2013 National Junior Show held at Farmfair International in Edmonton, Alberta. At that particular show I was able to take my animals in for both conformation and showmanship classes. Aside from the National Junior show, the Canadian Gelbvieh Association also provided me the opportunity to show cattle in Agribition and Farmfair International for many years. Being in attendance at these events really showed me how much an association has to come together to present a show.

Aside from the show, I noticed that the Gelbvieh breeders come together and collaborate on ideas to help grow the breed. This was noticeable at sales such as the Wish List, and the sales held at Internationals shows; the Gelbvieh breeders not only support one another but also other breeds. When breeders support one another it helps the communities of the Gelbvieh breed grow and develop and increase their genetics. Overall the Association has helped me realize just how much breeders have to come together and support one another.

Aside from showing at international shows as an exhibitor with my family's farm, I also showed Gelbvieh cattle in my local 4-H club. I was a member of the Knee Hill Valley 4-H Beef Club for ten years. During my time in the club I showed many market steers and heifer projects. My heifer projects were always one of my own Gelbvieh heifers that I purchased from my family's farm, Severtson Land and Cattle, or from another local Gelbvieh breeder. Overall this helped me establish my own herd of Gelbvieh cattle as well as learn how to properly care for the animals in terms of feed ration and halter breaking.

Another aspect of the Gelbvieh Association that I have been lucky enough to be part of is helping my family host field days. We have hosted many field days within the Gelbvieh breed. At these events I was able to meet and interact with breeders from across the Country as well as international breeders. This showed me again just how important it is for people in the Gelbvieh breed to work together and increase their genetic potential to help grow the breed.

Overall my experience with Gelbvieh has helped broaden my understanding of agriculture, especially within the cattle industry. I look forward to watching the breed grow and my future involvement.

Gelbvieh guide • Spring 2018 • Page 27

Tianna’s Story...

Tianna Syhlonyk from Avonlea, Sask area just turned 14 years old. She is an active, funny, animal loving, beautiful girl who loves the farm life. The world changed drastically for this family on July 31st when Tianna was diagnosed with ACUTE LYMPHOBLASTIC LEUKEMIA at the Moose Jaw hospital. Doctors transferred Tianna and her Mom that day to Regina Hospital and since then have been transferred back and forth between Regina and Saskatoon hospitals for tests and treatments: • TESTS: Spinal taps, Bone marrow, Lung Biopsy, Bronchial scope, Ct scans, Ultrasounds, X rays, Blood Level checks, and daily injections.

For the family of Tianna Syhlonyk, their whole world changed last Summer when they got the devastating news about Tianna’s health crisis. She was diagnosed with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia.

Jonus Cattle graciously offered the proceeds of the 2017 Prairie Gelbvieh Alliance Sale’s Lot 33, JOE 4 Tianna 479E, to the Syhlonyk family.

Tianna has a strong drive to fight, and hopefully this donation will relieve some of the financial stresses to this family so they can remain close to support her during her journey to combat her challenge.

Gelbvieh breeders thought this to be a wonderful gesture and stepped up to help with Joe and Brenda’s gracious gift.

The result was the “Tianna Syndicate”.

The Tianna Syndicate was made of people wishing to help the cause with a $500 donation towards the purchase of JOE 479E and out of this pool of contributors, one name was drawn to actually own the heifer. Other donations also came in from people wishing to help this worthwhile cause.

A heartfelt “Thank You” goes out to those who raised an awesome amount of $13,300 to purchase this heifer. It is amazing what people can do when needed…and in only a couple of days. The winner of the heifer was Jesse Corcoran.

Congratulations Jesse!

Page 28 • Spring 2018 • Gelbvieh guide

• DIAGNOSIS: ALL LEUKEMIA with a rare strain of PHILADELPHIA (+PH) which involves chromosome issues making it more difficult to treat. Developed DIABETES from prednisone treatment.

• TREATMENTS: Platelet transfusions, Induction block of chemo, Prednisone, 3 kinds of Antifungal IV, Intensive chemo blocks.

• LIVING CONDITIONS: Confined to her hospital room with its own ventilation system to protect her immune system, with her Mom who quit her job to support Tianna on her journey to fight over a 3 year projected treatment plan.

For more information or to help this local family please see their www.gofundme.com page under medical “Tianna’s Fight ALL Leukemia +PH”.

SYNDICATE MEMBERS EYOT Valley Ranch, Twisted T Gelbvieh, Jen-Ty Gelbvieh, Unger Land & Livestock, Royal Western Gelbvieh, Hurlburt Livestock, Towerview Ranch, Keriness Cattle Company, Hillsdown Gelbvieh, LC Ranch, Jacques Ackerman, Thackeray Land & Cattle, Twin Bridge Farms, Kevin & Bonny Lawes, JSJ Livestock, Fir River Livestock, Laine & Krista Anderson, Nelson Gelbvieh, Hardy Letain, Fladeland Livestock, Trevor McKenzie, Travis Sanderson, Daryl Grindheim, Kevin Rosso, Jesse Corcoran, Ry Trail Vet Services, Maple Grove Gelbvieh, Twin View Livestock, RPS Gelbvieh and Goodview Gelbvieh. Further donations were given by Judy & James Lawes, Pearson Farms and Limestone Stock Farms.

DARRELL ALVIN NELSON, of Glenwood, AB, beloved husband of Rose (nee Albizzati) Nelson passed away in Cardston, AB, on October 3, 2017, at the age of 91. He is survived by his siblings, Dorene (Murray) Bullock of Raymond, AB and his brother Jim (Louise) Nelson of Seattle, WA. He is survived by his children Duane (Linda) Nelson of Glenwood, Suzanne (Wayne) Bennett of Medicine Hat, and Arlene (Johnny) ZoBell of Raymond. He is also survived by 16 grandchildren and 30 great grandchildren.

Darrell grew up on a farm in Glenwood where he developed a love for farming. He joined the RCAF on April 25, 1944. When trucking in the Crowsnest Pass, he met Rosie Albizzati and they were married on August 11, 1949 (over 68 years ago). While raising three children, Darrell did long haul trucking from coast to coast. In 1964, while continuing to truck, he started farming. In 1969, he fulfilled his lifelong dream of becoming a pilot and at the age of 86 became a member of the UFO (United Flying Octogenarians).

At age 49 he started outfitting in the Northwest Territories and three years later he was joined by his son, Duane. For the next 21 years they operated as NWT Outfitters Ltd. During these years he did what he loved: spending time with his wife, having family and friends come visit, hunting, flying, fishing, and making new friends. After retiring from outfitting in the territories, he continued outfitting near his home, farming, trucking (he still had a Class 1 license), ranching and fishing. Darrell took many trips to Alaska and the west coast fishing with friends and family. He was a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints and gave many hours of service to his church and fellowmen. He always fulfilled his callings above and beyond the call of duty. He did many unknown acts of kindness and was loved and respected by all that came to know him.

He will be sorely missed. RIP Darrell from your Gelbvieh friends.

Gelbvieh guide • Spring 2018 • Page 29

HAZARDS OF NET WRAP

A

growing number of cattle producers are discovering the risks for cattle when leaving net wrap or twines on big bales (hay/straw) when feeding the bales, or when using a bale processor to chop the forage as it is being fed. John Campbell, Head of the Department of Large Animal Clinical Sciences, Western College of Veterinary Medicine, in Saskatchewan says some people have lost cows that ingested net wrap that was left on the bales or chopped up by a processor.

“I don't have a lot of data, unfortunately, but I'm starting to believe this is a bigger problem than we realize. I recently did a herd investigation in which a fairly well managed cowcalf herd had 6 cows die over a period of two days. The local veterinarian asked me to stop by and I was able to necropsy

Page 30 • Spring 2018 • Gelbvieh guide

By Heather Smith Thomas

two cows that had recently died. The cows were close to calving and in reasonable body condition,” Campbell says.

“The rumens were very large and full of feed and I found large amounts of plastic net wrap occluding the outflow in both rumens. The producer had used a bale processor but did not remove net wrap when processing bales. I believe the cows ingested these large pieces of net wrap and it was probably not an issue until they became heavily pregnant. Once the fetus got large enough to restrict abdominal space, the rumen became occluded and huge, and the cows died of what appeared to be suffocation. Lying down on a hillside may have played a role as well.”

This scenario is becoming more and more common, but unless the unfortunate animal is cut open to determine the cause of the problem many producers never know what happened. Necropsy may reveal wads of net wrap or baling twine. The cow may ingest these when they are left on the bales, or consume re-baled twines or bale wrap that were out in the field and ended up in the next crop of hay.

The most common symptoms are poor appetite (some cows stop eating entirely), weight loss, diarrhea, or sometimes a too-full rumen and suffocation. The producer may do nothing to try to save the cow--because of the high cost of surgery, and because the symptoms are vague. People might suspect BVD, hardware, Johne’s disease, salmonella, E. coli, liver flukes, coccidiosis or internal parasites.

“The herd I investigated had multiple cows that all died within a few days of each other, possibly because they were heavily pregnant. The full rumen and large uterus may have put too much pressure on the lungs. In other instances the net wrap may become entangled with all the food material and create blockage at the exit into the intestine. This creates a slower demise, with the cow losing weight for a period of time.”

The ingested material may be small amounts of chopped up net wrap, or a large piece left on a bale—or not chopped up by the processor. “Perhaps the blades are dull, or the net wrap gets wound around them. Sometimes the processor just shoots that wrap out in one big piece and doesn’t chop it up.

In this particular instance it was pretty obvious that the processor was not chopping up the wrap,” says Campbell.

“One of my colleagues thought maybe the cows ate it because they’d run out of feed; some people wait until the cows

“The ingested material might obstruct the outflow of the rumen. In some cases it might completely block the outlet and food can’t go on through.” The cow can’t eat much because the rumen is full and unable to empty itself. She loses weight because she’s not eating enough, and not much material is going through.

clean up the previous feed before feeding them again.

I’m not sure if that’s a reason, however, because cows will eat all sorts of things even if they have a lot of feed.

Once they start chewing on something like baling twine or net wrap they tend to keep wadding it into the mouth and usually swallow it,” he says.

“The ingested material might obstruct the outflow of the rumen. In some cases it might completely block the outlet and food can’t go on through.” The cow can’t eat much because the rumen is full and unable to empty itself. She loses weight because she’s not eating enough, and not much material is going through.

These cows lose weight and may have diarrhea because only the fluid contents of the rumen can make it past the obstruction.

“The pregnant cows I observed were in good shape, however, dying suddenly. Their rumens were full, and they had a big calf in them, and when they lay down on a hillside with pressure on their lungs, they suffocated. One of the cows I opened up had just started to calve. The calf ’s legs were entering the birth canal. She may have laid down to calve and couldn’t breathe adequately because of the full rumen,” he says.

“These cows died so quickly that they didn’t lose weight.

But often you might see the opposite scenario—with cows losing weight over a period of time, and poor appetite. The net wrap could cause an obstruction to where they are basically impacted and not much solid feed going through,” he says.

“The rumens of the cows I opened up were gigantic. It took a lot of time to wade through all the feed material in the rumen to find the net wrap. It would be easy to miss if you weren’t looking for it, even though these were really big wads,” he says.

“I don’t have any idea how common this problem is, or how often we’re missing it. For that producer who lost the 6 cows, you wouldn’t know whether he’d have 10 more cows die, or no more cows die. Certainly you could look for and diagnosis this condition in the heavily pregnant cow if you saw a cow that was really full on the left side and you palpated her rumen and it was hard and impacted, rather than full of gas,” says Campbell.

“You could do a rumenotomy—open up the rumen and search for the foreign material. It wouldn’t be an easy job,

with all the food material in there, but it would be something a person could try. That’s what I told the farmer—that if he had any more cases and suspected a problem he could palpate the left side of the abdomen. If it’s big and hard this would be something we could try.” It might be a chance to save the cow.

“It would be an extensive surgery because you’d be pulling material out of that rumen for quite a while before you could get it all out. A lot of that stuff was hard and dry, and packed in there pretty tightly, in the cows I opened up. It would take some time, but a person could do it,” he says.

The plastic material doesn’t seem to break down, so it could potentially stay in the rumen forever. “Small pieces might pass on through, but big chunks would probably stay in the rumen and roll around in there indefinitely, and might cause problems.”

In this particular instance the bale processor had not chopped the net wrap up into little pieces like you’d expect it to. “It seemed to wrap around and then shoot it out in a big wad now and then,” he says. You often see big pieces lying out in the field after the cows have eaten the hay. Some people gather it up afterward, but some don’t. It’s a good idea to gather it up or take it off the bales before feeding them, but that can be a challenge at times—if there has been moisture that’s frozen the net wrap to the bales. It can be almost impossible to get it all off.

Gelbvieh guide • Spring 2018 • Page 31

Page 32 • Spring 2018 • Gelbvieh guide

SHOW RESULTS WESTERN CANADIAN GELBVIEH SHOW - REGINA, SK. NOVEMBER 22, 2017 JUDGE: BRETT WILDMAN

Junior Division Bull Calf Champion PHG Enigma E32, Prairie Hills Gelbvieh, Gladstone, ND Reserve Junior Division Bull Calf Champion DVE Davidson A+103E, Davidson Gelbvieh, Ponteix, SK Senior Division Bull Calf Champion AWB Twin View Bad Habit 47E, Twin View Livestock, Parkbeg, SK Reserve Senior Division Bull Calf Champion TIP Mr Epic 41E, Thackeray Gelbvieh Farms, Weyburn, SK Junior Champion Bull AWB Birch's The Boxer 21D, Twin View Livestock, Parkbeg, SK Reserve Junior Champion Bull DVE Davidson Cornerstone 136D, Davidson Gelbvieh, Ponteix, SK Senior Champion Bull RWG Right Combination 5506, Royal Western Gelbvieh, Red Deer County, AB Reserve Senior Champion Bull Davidson Dunnit 25C, Davidson U-Betcha 174A, Davidson Gelbvieh, Ponteix, SK Grand Champion Bull RWG Right Combination 5506, Royal Western Gelbvieh, Red Deer County, AB Reserve Champion Bull AWB Birch's the Boxer 21D, Twin View Livestock, Parkbeg, SK Junior Division Calf Champion Female BLB Goodview PLD Paparazzi E40, Goodview Gelbvieh, Punnichy, SK Reserve Junior Division Calf Champion Female RPS Miss E-Z-Showtime 166E, RPS Gelbvieh, Medstead, SK Senior Division Calf Champion Female AWB Twin View Gayle 78E ET, Twin View Livestock, Parkbeg, SK Reserve Senior Division Calf Champion Female Davidson MS Dunnit 116E, Davidson Gelbvieh, Ponteix, SK Junior Champion Female AWB Birch`s Faithful 39D, Twin View Livestock, Parkbeg, SK Reserve Junior Champion Female DVE Davidson MS Gift 4D, Davidson Gelbvieh, Ponteix, SK

Champion Jr. Cow/Calf Davidson MS Jennings 29C, Davidson Gelbvieh, Ponteix, SK Calf at side: Davidson MS Cowboy 1E, Davidson Gelbvieh, Ponteix, SK Reserve Champion Jr. Cow/Calf FLAD Fladeland Christina 19C, Fladeland Livestock, Gladmar, SK Calf at side: Fladeland Escalade 24E, Fladeland Livestock, Gladmar, SK Senior Champion Female SLC Reba 112Y, Twisted T Gelbvieh, Parry, SK Calf at side:Twisted T Eternal Dream 103E, Twisted T Gelbvieh, Parry, SK Reserve Senior Champion Female JSJ Baha 35B, JSJ Livestock, Hartney, MB & Twin View Livestock, Parkbeg, SK. Calf at side: JSJ Sunny 69E, JSJ Livestock, Hartney, MB & Twin View Livestock, Parkbeg, SK Grand Champion Female SLC Reba 112Y, Twisted T Gelbvieh, Parry, SK. Calf at side: Twisted T Eternal Dream 103E, Twisted T Gelbvieh, Parry, SK Reserve Grand Champion Female JSJ Baha 35B, JSJ Livestock, Hartnew, MB & Twin View Livestock, Parkbeg, SK. Calf at side: JSJ Sunny 69E, JSJ Livestock, Hartney, MB & Twin View Livestock, Parkbeg, SK Grand Champion Balancer Bull TIP Mr Empire 100E, Thackeray Gelbvieh Farms, Weyburn, SK Reserve Champion Balancer Bull Damnbuster, Rocky Top Gelbvieh, Bashaw, AB Grand Champion Balancer Female Twin View Livestock, Parkbeg, Sk Reserve Champion Balancer Female Prairie Hills Gelbvieh, Gladstone, ND Progeny of Dam Twin View Livestock, Parkbeg, SK Breeder's Herd Twin View Livestock, Parkbeg, SK Davidson Gelbvieh, Ponteix, SK Premier Breeder Twin View Livestock, Parkbeg, SK Premier Exhibitor Twin View Livestock, Parkbeg, SK

Grand Champion Female Reserve Champion Female Reserve Champion Bull Grand Champion Bull SLC Reba 112Y, Twisted T Gelbvieh JSJ Baha 35B, JSJ Livestock & Twin RWG Right Combination 5506, AWB Birch's the Boxer 21D, Twin View Livestock View Livestock Royal Western Gelbvieh

Gelbvieh guide • Spring 2018 • Page 33

SHOW RESULTS CANADIAN NATIONAL GELBVIEH SHOW - EDMONTON, AB NOVEMBER 10, 2017 JUDGE: RILEY & JILL MADER

Junior Champion Female Davidson Ms Gift 4D, Davidson Gelbvieh, Ponteix, SK Reserve Junior Champion Female TIP Miss Disney 184D, Thackeray Land & Cattle Inc., Weyburn, SK Two Year Old Cow/Calf Pair SLC Toasty 10C, Severtson Land & Cattle, Red Deer County, AB Calf: SLC Viper7E Reserve Two Year Old Cow/Calf pair Davidson Ms Jennings 29C Calf: Davidson Ms Cowboy 1E Mature Cow/Calf Pair VV Wind Zong 45Z, Stone Gate Farm, Vermilion, AB Calf: STON the Donald 11E Reserve Mature Cow/Calf Pair SLC Reba 112Y, Twisted T Gelbvieh, Parry, SK Calf: Twisted T Eternal Dream Senior Champion Female VV Wind Zong 45Z, Stone Gate Farm, Vermilion, AB Reserve Senior Champion Female SLC Toasty 10C, Severtson Land & Cattle, Red Deer County, AB Champion Heifer Calf STON Paradee 10E, Stone Gate Farm, Vermilion, AB Reserve Champion Heifer Calf JNA The Spice Up 95E, Pearson Farms, Calmar, AB Grand Champion Female VV Wind Zong 45Z, Stone Gate Farm, Vermilion, AB Reserve Champion Female SLC Toasty 10C, Severtson Land & Cattle, Red Deer County, AB Champion Bull Calf RWG Exact Combination 7409, Royal Western Gelbvieh, Red Deer County, AB Reserve Champion Bull Calf Davidson Gold 24E, Davidson Gelbvieh, Ponteix, SK

Grand Champion Bull RWG Right Combination 5506, Royal Western Gelbvieh, Red Deer County, AB Reserve Champion Bull DVE Davidson Dunnit 25C, Davidson Gelbvieh, Ponteix, SK Grand Champion Balancer Female SLC Parkland 42E, Severtson Land & Cattle, Red Deer County, AB Grand Champion Balancer Bull SLC Stampeder 3D, Severtson Land & Cattle, Red Deer County, AB

Grand Champion Bull RWG Right Combination 5506, Royal Western Gelbvieh

Reserve Champion Bull DVE Davidson Dunnit 25C, Davidson Gelbvieh, Ponteix, SK

Champion Female VV Wind Zong 45Z, Stone Gate Farm, Vermilion, AB

Junior Champion Bull DVE Davidson Cornerstone 136D, Davidson Gelbvieh, Ponteix, SK Reserve Junior Champion Bull Fir River Dragon 104D, Twisted T Gelbvieh, Parry, SK Senior Champion Bull RWG Right Combination 5506, Royal Western Gelbvieh, Red Deer County, AB Reserve Senior Champion Bull DVE Davidson Dunnit 25C, Davidson Gelbvieh, Ponteix, SK Page 34 • Spring 2018 • Gelbvieh guide

Reserve Champion Female SLC Toasty 10C, Severtson Land & Cattle, Red Deer County, AB

SHOW RESULTS MANITOBA AG EX GELBVIEH SHOW - BRANDON, MB OCTOBER 27, 2017

Grand Champion Female JSJ Baha 35B, JSJ Livestock, Hartney, MB and Twin View Livestock, Parkbeg, SK

Grand Champion Bull AWB Birch's The Boxer 21D, Twin View Livestock, Parkbeg, SK

Reserve Champion Female AWB Twin View Gayle 78E ET, Twin View Livestock, Parkbeg, SK

Reserve Champion Bull AWB Twin View Renegade 44E ET, Twin View Livestock, Parkbeg, SK

SALE RESULTS GAA/BC WISH LIST SALE RESULTS

The winner of the 2W Livestock panels at the Gelbvieh show at Farmfair was Jace Cattle Co. Presenting the certificate is Gaylene Groeneveld on behalf of 2W Livestock and Jason Muhlbach.

DECEMBER 3, 2017, RED DEER, AB 1 Flush 1 Pick of the Herd 1 Cow/Calf Pair 15 Bred Females 23 Open Heifers Gross $176,700 Auctioneer: Ryan Hurlburt

Average $15,000 $7,000 $7,000 $5,063 $4,074

Dalton Louis Dorran was born November 3 in Calgary. He's welcomed into this world by his parents Ryan and Cassie of Didsbury, Alberta, who own and operate Dorran Marketing Inc. Dalton weighed five pounds and 15 ounces and brings his parents tremendous happiness.

He can't wait to meet his cattle family!

Gelbvieh guide • Spring 2018 • Page 35

SALE RESULTS CANADIAN WESTERN AGRIBITION SALE RESULTS NOVEMBER 23, 2017, REGINA, SK 2 Bull Calves 11 Heifer Calves 2 Semen Packages 15 Lots Gross $88,450 Auctioneer: Mike Fleury

Average $ 8,250 $ 6,268 $1,500 $5,897

THE GATHERING DECEMBER 3, 2017

OLDS, AB

Average 1/2 Possession Herd Sire $27,500 1/2 Herd Sire Prospect $44,000 3 Donor Females $7,833 1 Bred Heifer $6,000 19 Open Heifers $5,092 2 Embryo Lots $2,400 2 Flush Lots $4,125 Total Live Lots $8,240 Sale Manager- Bohrson Marketing Services Auctioneer- Ryan Dorran The Gathering was a huge success, with elite seed stock and breeders. The group would like that thank everyone who attended in person and those who bid & viewed online.

Lot 2C- RWG Exact Combination 7409 was the high selling lot of the day for $44,000.00 for ½ possession and ½ interest to Prairie Hills Gelbvieh, ND

Lot 1- RWG Right Combination 5506 sold ½ possession for $27,500.00 to a progressive group of breeders - Foursquare Gelbvieh, Fir River Livestock, JSJ Livestock, Thackeray Land & Cattle, Rocky Top Gelbvieh and BNH Livestock.

Lot 3- FLAD Fladeland Sparks Fly 29Z was the high selling Donor at $10,000.00 to Del Wyatt.

Lot 5- RWG JT Zoe 2604 sold for $7,500.00 to Severtson Land and Cattle.

Lot 17- FRL Fir River Britt 157E was the high selling heifer calf at $7,500 to BNH Livestock; also selling for $7,500 was Lot 25- RWG Easy Copy 7418 & Lot 27- RWG Jasmine 7506 to Smithers Land and Livestock.

Lot 24- SLC Xanadu 47E ET sold for 7,250 to Fladeland Livestock.

Lot 22 SLC Parkland 31E ET sold for 7,000 to Pin To Point Gelbvieh & Royal Western Gelbvieh.

PRAIRIE GELBVIEH ALLIANCE DECEMBER 10, 2017 - GRANT HALL, MOOSE JAW, SK Gross Average 11 Bred Females $59,400 $5,400 1 Bred Heifer - Choice $4,800 $4,800 17 Open Heifer Calves $75,300 $4,429 2 Open Heifer - Choice $10,400 $5,200 31Lots $149,800 $4,832 Auctioneer: Mike Fleury The PGA sale group put on a great weekend in Moose Jaw, SK in the famous Grant Hall Hotel. The cattle were definitely top quality along with the venue. Here are some of the highlights: Lot 1 - TIP Miss Disney 184D consigned by Thackeray Land and Cattle – a daughter of FRL Fir River Bert, sold for $9,000 to Twisted T Gelbvieh & DNS Gelbvieh.

Lot 23 - Twisted T Dream Catcher consigned by Twisted T Gelbvieh – an EV Mighty Dandy daughter sold to DNS Gelbvieh for $7,000 Lot 17 - RPS Darling consigned by RPS Gelbvieh – a daughter of Goodview Pld Axial sold to Davidson Gelbvieh for $6,500.

Watch for her to produce the right kind.

Page 36 • Spring 2018 • Gelbvieh guide

Lot 33 - This special lot finished the sale off with JOE 4Tianna 479E. This lot was consigned by Jonus Cattle with the proceeds of the heifer going to support a very special girl and her family, 14 year old Tianna Syhlonyk. The heifer had lots of friends that day and so did Tianna. The heifer sold for $13,300 to a large group of livestock and industry people. Special thanks to Larry Fecho for organizing the purchasing group. What a grand way to finish the 2017 sale.

Thank you to all of our bidders, buyers and guests.

BUSINESS DIRECTORY Magazines

British Columbia This could be your spot!

Call the CGA today to book your Business Card Listing!

Services

Insurance

This could be your spot!

Call the CGA today to book your Business Card Listing!

Alberta

Brittain Farms Kelly & Coleen Brittain Gary & Nicole Phone: 780-352-0676 Cell: 780-387-6446 RR #1, Falun, AB T0C 1H0

Purebred & Percentage Cattle Cattle

Gelbvieh

This could be your spot!

Call the CGA today to book your Business Card Listing!

Auctioneers / Sales Management

This could be your spot!

Call the CGA today to book your Business Card Listing!

Darrell & Leila Hickman

RR#2, Vermilion, AB T9X 1Y7 Ph/Fax: 780-581-0077 darrell.hickman@lakelandcollege.ca

United States Breeders

Gelbvieh guide • Spring 2018 • Page 37

BUSINESS DIRECTORY Alberta

LC RANCH

Purebred Gelbvieh Ray & Anne Davisson

www.lcranchbulls.com

Box 764, Stettler, AB T0C 2L0

(403) 742-2524

lcranch@xplornet.com

rdavisson@cervusequipment.com

Duane & Darrell Nelson Box 1144, Glenwood, Alberta T0K 2R0 Duane (403) 626-3279 • Darrell (403) 626-3643

“Raising Gelbvieh Cattle Since 1972!”

Home of 18 Dams of Merit and 5 Dams of Distinction

This could be your spot!

Call the CGA today to book your Business Card Listing!

Larry, Lynne, Kate & Sarah FECHO

Don & Lorna Okell Box 627 Duchess, AB T0J 0Z0 403-378-4898 403-793-4549 jenty@eidnet.org

RR #2 Millet, AB T0C 1Z0 Phone: (780) 986-9705 Cell: (780) 718-5477 www.evgelbvieh.com

CGA SINCE 1972 AQHA SINCE 1985

PH (780)835-2645 (780) 835-0365 milneranch@live.ca

RANCH RAISED GELBHIEH CATTLE QUARTER HORSES

HAROLD, BEV, OLIVIA & THOMAS FAIRVIEW, ALBERTA

www.jentygelbviehs.com

This could be your spot!

Call the CGA today to book your Business Card Listing!

Page 38 • Spring 2018 • Gelbvieh guide

Lon Carlson & Lorraine Beaudin 403.894.3413 • 403.795.1143 Box 86, Magrath, AB T0K 1J0

GR

BUSINESS DIRECTORY

Alberta

Bar GR Cattle PUREBRED GELBVIEH FEMALES

RON & GAIL ANDERSON Phone (780) 523-2116 Fax: (780) 523-3920 gailanderson@hotmail.com

Box 1342 High Prairie, Alberta Canada , T0G 1E0

Maple Grove Gelbvieh Thackeray Gelbvieh Farms Hurlburt Livestock Selin's Gelbvieh

(204) 278-3255 Narcisse, MB (306) 456-2555 Weyburn, SK (306) 931-2551 Saskatoon, SK (306) 793-4568 Stockholm, SK

Chuck & Jennifer Williams

403-854-6270 403-854-0190 flatlandranching@gmail.com www.flatlandranch.com

Saskatchewan

Manitoba The Wirgau’s

Box 25, Narcisse, MB R0C 2H0

Neal & Christine Lee & Cynthia (204) 981-5996 (204) 278-3255 World Class Cattle - First Class Service

K

Knudson Farms Gelbvieh “Breeding for Quality Polled Gelbvieh With the Commercial Man in Mind”

c/o James Knudson Ph: 306-322-7158

FG K

FG

Ontario

Box 386, Archerwill, SK S0E 0B0

This could be your spot!

Call the CGA today to book your Business Card Listing!

Gelbvieh guide • Spring 2018 • Page 39

COMING EVENTS A Complimentary Service Provided by the Canadian Gelbvieh Association February 10 - Prairie Hills Gelbvieh Bull Sale, at the Ranch, Dickinson, ND February 17 - Twisted T Gelbvieh/Thackeray Land & Cattle Bull Sale, Parry, SK February 24 - Foursquare Annual Bull Sale, Olds, AB

Brooks, AB March 14 - Fladeland Livestock 3rd Annual bull Sale, Johnstone Auction Mart, Moose Jaw, SK March 17 - Saskatoon Gelbvieh Bull Sale, Saskatoon, SK March 24 - Nelson Gelbvieh Bull Sale, at the Ranch, Glenwood, AB

March 3 - Davidson Gelbvieh & Lonesome Dove Annual Bull Sale, at the Ranch, Ponteix, SK

March 25 - Best of the Breeds Bull Sale, consignor Goodview Gelbvieh, Yorkton, SK

March 5 - Severtson Land & Cattle Annual Bull Sale, at the Ranch, Red Deer County, AB March 6 - Jen-Ty Gelbvieh Bull Sale, Medicine Hat Feeding Company, Medicine Hat, AB March 7-9 - JSJ Livestock 4th Annual Online Bull Sale.

April 4 - Milne's Better Beef Bull Sale, Fairview, AB April 14 - Cattle Capital Bull Sale, Ste. Rose Auction Market, Ste. Rose Du Lac, MB May 1 - Deadline for the Summer issue of the Gelbvieh Guide magazine

March 9 - Gelbvieh Advantage Bull Sale, Innisfail, AB March 12 - Twin Bridge Farms & Twin View Farms Bull Sale, with guest consignors Keriness Cattle Company, Silver Sage Community Corral,

July 15 - Deadline application for the Canadian Junior Association Scholarhip

Win a Free Ad! First Prize in Each Category

1/4 page advertisement in Summer 2019 Gelbvieh Guide 1. Cow/Calf 2. Scenic or Artistic

Categories

3. Bull(s) 4. Herd

1. Send or email unmarked colored print (3 1/2” X 5” or 4” X 6”) or digital file of each photograph entered.

2. All entries must be postmarked or emailed on or before Dec. 1/2018.

Judging will take place before Jan. 15/2019.

3. Prizes must be accepted as awarded.

4. Winners will be notified and assistance given in setting up ads.

Contest and prizes sponsored by the Canadian Gelbvieh Association

Please send only your best shots!

The Canadian Gelbvieh Association reserves the right to use all photos entered in the contest Page 40 • Spring 2018 • Gelbvieh guide

Please send your photos to: Canadian Gelbvieh Association

5160 Skyline Way NE, Calgary, AB T2E 6V1 or gelbvieh@gelbvieh.ca

ADVERTISERS INDEX BNH Livestock

21, 37

Hillsdown Ranch

37

Rocky Top Gelbvieh

8, 38

Bar GR

39

JSJ Livestock

20

Royal Western Gelbvieh

38

Bow Valley Genetics Ltd.

37

Jace Cattle Company

21

Severtson Land & Cattle

IFC

Brittain Farms

21, 37

Jen-Ty Gelbvieh

7, 38

Carlson Cattle Company

38

Keriness Cattle Co.

Davidson, Wade

27

Knudson Farms

Davidson Gelbvieh

OBC

15, 38 39

LC Ranch

26, 38

38

Stockmans Insurance

37

Stone Gate Farm

37, IBC

T Bar C

37

Thackeray Land & Cattle

23

Dayspring Cattle

13

Limestone Stock Farm

Eyot Valley

38

Lonesome Dove Ranch

OBC

39, IBC

Maple Grove Gelbvieh

39

Twin Bridge Farms

15, 39

Twisted T Gelbvieh

39

Winders Golden Gelbvieh

38

Fir River Livestock Fladeland Livestock Flatland Ranch Foursquare Gelbvieh

38

Smithers Land & Livestock

4, 39

Milne’s Gelbvieh

29,38

39

Nelson Gelbvieh

38

Prairie Gelbvieh Alliance

39

25, 37

Gelbvieh World

37

Prairie Hills Gelbvieh

Goodview Gelbvieh

39

RPS Gelbvieh

Advertising Content The Gelbvieh Guide assumes no responsibility for the accuracy and truthfulness of submitted advertising copy, and has the right to refuse any ad copy or photos. Advertisers shall indemnify and hold harmless the Guide containing pedigrees or statements regarding performance must conform to records kept by the Canadian Gelbvieh Association. Copy deviating from official records may be changed as necessary without advertiser consent.

Editorial Policy Opinions expressed are the writer’s and not necessarily those of Gelbvieh Guide or the Canadian Gelbvieh Association. Photographs are welcome, but no responsibility is assumed during transit or while in the office.

Publisher’s Statement: All statements, including product claims, are those of the person or organization making the statement or claim. The publisher does not adopt any such statement or claim as its own, and any such statement or claim does not necessarily reflect the opinion of the publisher.

Printed by: Houghton Boston Sskatoon, SK, Canada Mailed under permit number 40012883 Postage paid at Calgary, AB Canadian Publication Agreement Return undeliverable Canadian addresses to: Canadian Gelbvieh Association 5160 Skyline Way NE, Calgary AB T2E 6V1

Twin View Livestock

3, 15, 39

22, 37 39

Publisher/Editor

Gaylene Groeneveld Phone: (403) 250-8640 Fax: (403) 291-5624 Email: guide@gelbvieh.ca (Gaylene)

Member Advertising Rates Please send ads and make cheques payable to :

The Canadian Gelbvieh Association Full Page . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $850.00 Half Page . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$500.00 Quarter Page . . . . . . . . . . . . $300.00 Business Card . . . . . . . . . . . . $60.00 Classified (25 words) . . . . . . .$20.00 Contact the CGA to book advertising space or for rates on overruns, inserts, catalogues & mailing lists.

Electronic Composition

Kim Matthews Box 19, Site 5 RR#2, Olds, Alberta T4H 1P3

(403) 556-8836 (403) 556-8077 prime.cut@telusplanet.net (Kim)

Gelbvieh guide • Spring 2018 • Page 41

2017

Photo Contest Winners

CONGRATULATIONS

ARTISTIC WINNER - B & R RANCH

COW/CALF WINNER - JEN-TY GELBVIEH

HERD WINNER - FLADELAND LIVESTOCK

Page 42 • Spring 2018 • Gelbvieh guide