Gelbvieh Guide Spring 2013 - 34-68

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 2013 • Page 35

Purebred Breeder and Commercial Breeder of the year!

Purebred Breeder of the Year award was presented to EYOT Valey Ranch, Larry and Lynne Fecho, Millet, Alberta. The Fechos joined the CGA in 1999 and have been avid supporters through the years, participating in and supporting many Gelbvieh events. Congratulations Larry and Lynne on a well deserved award. Presenting are Aaron Birch, Vice President GAA/BC and Cordy Cox, President GAA/BC.

Diamond A Farms, Laine and Krista Anderson of Millet, Alberta were named the GAA/BC Commercial Breeder of the Year at the recent annual meeting of the Gelbvieh Association of Alberta/BC held in Ponoka, Alberta on December 1, 2012.

The Andersons have been using Gelbvieh bulls for a number of years and are very excited about being involved with the Gelbvieh breed. Laine and Krista calve out 200 cows and farm 1600 acres of land. They have three children, Ashtyn, age 20, Hulaina, 8 and Chas who is 6. Ashtyn is currently in 4-H and Hulaina and Chas will start when they are old enough. Both of the younger kids are interested in beef as well as horse 4-H and are very involved in the farm.

The Andersons are very pround of the calves they raise and take much pride in their herd quality. They hope to continue farming and provide their children with the opportunity to be the fourth generation Anderson family farm.

Win a Free Ad! First Prize in Each Category

1/4 page advertisement in Summer 2013 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. 1/2013.

Judging will take place before Jan. 15/2014.

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 36 • Spring 2013 • Gelbvieh guide

Please send your photos to: Canadian Gelbvieh Association

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

Gelbvieh guide • Spring 2013 • Page 37

I

will attempt to review many of the common procedures done with newborn calves to get them off to a good start.

Some things have changed over the years whereas many others remain unchanged. The newborn calf is easy to handle (sometimes its possessive mother isn’t) and readily accessible so it makes sense to perform management decisions when you have the chance. The most important point is making sure the calf has adequate colostrum and I have dedicated whole articles to this topic. One and a half to two liters in the first six hours of life is a necessity.

Most producers routinely still give injections of vitamin AD and Selenium to the newborn. Most of Western Canada at least is somewhat deficient in Selenium and very little of these nutrients spill over into the milk so these injections give the calf a good start. Use as small a needle as you can get away with. A one-inch needle is preferable and selenium will flow through a 20-gauge needle whereas with AD a larger 18 gauge is needed.

In larger calves the neck muscles can be used but I find in smaller calves there is very little neck muscle and this is the only instance I profess using the back leg muscles. Come in from the back of the calf half way down and you reduce the risk of hitting the large sciatic nerve, which courses close to the hips. Do not under any circumstances give the shots any where close to the hip area. Some producers will even supplement with human vitamin E capsules (two of the 400 IU strength) if this is a problem in your area. The vitamin E, which is in ADE or Se-E, is present in very small amounts as a preservative, so is of no value to the calf. Consult with your veterinarian as to any other supplements, which may be recommended for your specific geographic area. Be also aware that injectable selenium also comes in a double strength formulation so watch your dosage.

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Many producers are letting the polled bulls do the dehorning but for those that aren’t dehorning should be mentioned. At birth there are two approaches the paste or using an electric dehorner such as a buddex. The horns grow from the cells right at the base of the horn in the hairline so this area is where your efforts should be concentrated. The buddex dehorners are good but require a second person to securely hold down the calf.

With paste you must separate cow and calf for a couple of hours so the calf nursing or rubbing the caustic paste off in the area does not damage the udder. Again concentrate on putting the paste on the circular area surrounding the horn bud. If there is a lot of bleeding the paste has been applied too thick. I always stress to producers to stick with the same brand year after year to learn the most effective amount to apply. Brands vary in their strength and viscosity and it is only after one year that you can assess how effective your paste dehorning has been. A good paste job will have the calf almost looking polled later in life.

If you weigh your calves they weigh less at one day of age and the navel is dry so handling at this time is preferable.

Most producers do not treat the navel with anything as there are as many problems with navel infections on treated as well as untreated navels. Some concentrations of iodine are too strong for instance and burn and irritate the area. You would be wise to spend your labour elsewhere. If a real problem exists your veterinarian may recommend prophylactic antibiotics and examine other reasons the navel area is becoming contaminated.

Tagging is another necessary step for identification. Calves born in 2013 will undoubtedly need a dangle tag as well as RFID tags. If you use RFID tags in sequence it is not onerous then to get the calves entered into the CCIA database. This

makes them eligible for age verification. An easy way is to record the sequence for our calves during the brunt of the calving system and register them all with the same birth date as the oldest one in the group. You are only cheating yourself out of one to two months of age but this way the whole calf crop becomes conservatively age verified. If boxes of 500 tags are purchased you can even get them consecutively numbered with the company we carry. With dangle tags the most effective numerical method I have seen is following the purebred producers where using a letter indicates year of birth. The calves are then numerically numbered oldest to youngest. The cow’s number is then put above this. Different colors can then represent ownership, percent purebred, breed or sire group. Some even put the actual birth date on the back of the tag. The bottomline is time properly tagging goes a long way to helping your management down the line and helps with marketing later on. The age verification program will become an extremely important one as we start exporting meat to other countries.

Castration of commercial bull calves and substandard purebred calves is best done at birth, as this is the least stressful time.

The majority of producers use castration rings. If done properly at one day of age there are very few complications. Two points worth mentioning though are calves will not grow near as well as intact bulls so implanting should be done and this will give

you at least a ten to one return on your investment. This has been proven time and time again. Producers must be extremely careful with ringing calves that both testicles are trapped below the ring in the scrotum. If this cannot be accomplished leave them intact so they can be castrated with a knife in the fall. We as veterinarians and feedlot owners see way too many “belly nuts” as we call them, where sloppy castration has left one or sometimes both testicles pushed up tight against the body when the scrotum was removed by a castration ring. Now another unnecessary stress must be performed on these calves. Castration of these calves is now five times as difficult because of the location of these testicles. If not done they of course look very stagy and will cause headaches in a pen of steers.

Try and perform as many of these management procedures this spring on your calves as possible. This saves management headaches further down the line and makes your calves more marketable. Consult with your veterinarian as to any other management procedures to take advantage of at this time. The calves are in close proximity at this time and easy to handle.

Just be ever mindful of over possessive mothers. Every year we get one or two producers roughed up by these cows and it is not a pretty sight. Be careful!!

Gelbvieh guide • Spring 2013 • Page 39

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1. You have chores, because we love you.

8. There is a time and a place for bad language.

They seem tedious, but they are the building blocks for your future. Responsibility, accountability, and basic life skills begin with sweeping the floor, scrubbing the toilet, and feeding pets and livestock. We love you, we want you to find success in life.

Success comes from preparation, so we give you chores.

Sometimes you just need to cuss; spew anger and frustration in one grand verbal barrage. Smash your thumb with your shoeing hammer/fencing pliers, massive runback at the gate, ringy heifer won’t take her calf? Yes. At the dinner table, the classroom, in front of your grandmother? No.

2. Boredom is a choice.

9. Feed your help.

Don’t let me hear you say you are bored. Boredom is a choice, when your backyard is the whole outdoors, there are chores to be done, and books to be read. If you can’t entertain yourself with a stick and a bucket full of calf nuts, we’re doing something wrong.

3. There is magic in watching the sunrise.

Early mornings are hard, we don’t rise as early and as easily as Dad. Do it anyway. The beauty you will witness with the awakening of the world is worth sleepy eyes and cold fingers.

4. A pet is more than a companion.

Your cats, dogs, calves, and ponies are more than friends and playmates. They are lessons in empathy, responsibility, love, and letting go.

5. Grow your own food.

Our world is increasingly rife with poor food choices, the easiest response to unhealthy options is to grow your own food. I don’t care it’s a single tomato plant or a garden large enough to feed 10 families, cultivate an appreciation for fresh, whole food.

6. Be open to learning.

In horsemanship and life, you will never know it all, never assume that you do. A humble open, attitude towards learning will lead to new skills and experiences.

7. Dress appropriately for the occasion.

A cowboy’s uniform, hat, long-sleeved shirt, jeans, and boots, evolved out of necessity. Protect yourself from the sun, wind and weather with the proper clothing. I nag and question your clothing choices, because you are precious to me.

Neighbors, friends, or hired men? It doesn’t matter, sometimes the best way to show your gratitude for a long day of hard work is a lovingly prepared hot meal and cold drink.

10. Don’t judge, but if you do, judge them by their abilities, attitudes, actions not appearances.

Buckaroo or cowboy, flat or taco, slick or rubber? In some circles these comparisons can lead to heated debates, more often than not based strongly in personal opinion, rather than rooted in truth. This is true outside of the ranching world, as well.

Words have power to create divisiveness, do not use them to speak against yourself or gossip about others.

11. Stewardship.

Dad and I choose to be responsible for landscapes and livestock, this lifestyle defines who we are. Sometimes that means ball games are trumped by pasture rotations and dinner time is delayed by cesarean sections, it does not mean we love you any less. I hope you approach the world with a sense of respect and connectedness.

12. Fake it till you make it.

You don’t have to be confident in everything you do, but taking a deep breath and acting like you are helps you get through it. This can be applied in the arena, the sorting alley, to horses or people, and life as a whole. Stand up straight and look the challenge in the eye, as you gain experience confidence will catch up with you.

13. That said, don’t mistake arrogance for confidence.

No one likes a swaggering braggart, even if he is a competent swaggering braggart. There is honor in being unheralded, if you enjoy your work.

Gelbvieh guide • Spring 2013 • Page 41

14. Low-stress is best. . .

20. Develop a sense of place.

. . .for you and for livestock. Don’t let it defeat your spirit and energy. Don’t let it impact your livestock health.

Wherever you may live, learn the names of plants, rocks, and animals, visit old homesteads (or neighborhoods) and educate yourself about Indigenous cultures. In doing so, you gain roots, a sense of belonging that will lend you stability in all that you do.

15. The only dumb question is the unasked question.

Where is the gate? Which calf? Can you help me? Ask questions, no one will think less of you. Clear communication helps prevent misunderstandings.

16. Always do your best.

There are days when your best is better than others, recognize that. Avoid self-judgement, abuse, and regret and enjoy the process.

17. “There comes a time when you’re gonna get bucked off and you’re gonna need to know what to do so you don’t get stepped on.“ -Betsy Swain, 1875 Do not let fear of pain or disappointment stand in the way of new experiences. What I regret most in my life are opportunities missed out of fear. Pain and disappointment are a part of living, learn to take them in stride and keep moving forward.

18. Be polite and kind.

Enough said.

19. But, don’t be a pushover.

Stand up for yourself.

21. Break a sweat everyday.

Pound a steel post or take a jog, whatever you do, break a sweat daily. Your mind and body will thank you for it.

22. Be present.

If you are mindful of the moment, it is easier to catch a mistake before it happens, redirect a broncy horse before wreck, and have better relationships. It might surprise you, what you observe and what you achieve when you are fully in the moment.

23. Unplug.

Go to cow camp. Leave the computer screen, TV, and cell phones behind. Watch the chipmunks and rock dogs, read a book, or share a conversation with your family.

24. Sometimes the hard decisions are the right ones.

We cannot rationalize suffering and pain to animals. Sometimes the best decision is the hardest one to make, know when to let them go.

25. You do not have to maintain this lifestyle, but please appreciate it.

I don’t expect you to grow up and follow in our footsteps, the long hours and low pay aren’t for everyone. Carry these early horseback mornings in your heart.

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Gelbvieh guide • Spring 2013 • Page 43

C

attle and forage production provides many economic and ecological goods and services, including high-quality food for consumers, economic development for rural communities, wildlife habitat, protection from soil erosion and sequestration of carbon.

However, cattle production in the Canadian Prairies also has its economic and environmental challenges, especially during the overwintering period, when supplemental feed must be provided.

Most cattle producers, especially cow-calf producers, have no choice of whether or not to overwinter their cattle. The only choice they have is how to manage their cattle overwintering system. The three main management phases for overwintering include: • Selecting and preparing the overwintering site: site suitability, land use, risk to water quality, watering source, fencing and shelter.

• Managing the overwinter feeding itself: feed source, feed analysis and supplementation, feeding-grazing intensity and efficiency, and bedding.

• Managing the wintering site after the winter period: enhancing recovery of the wintering site, strategies to maximize crop nutrient uptake to reduce soil nutrient levels, and determining the appropriate interval before the site can be reused for winter feeding.

Furthermore, an economically and environmentally sustainable system for overwintering cattle on a specific farm should successfully address a wide range of issues including: • Animal care and health: water and feed availability, body condition, wind protection and disease.

• Animal productivity: calving rate and weight gain.

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• Forage-crop-soil productivity: forage or crop yield and quality, and soil quality.

• Economics: capital costs, labour and operating.

• Environmental protection: water quality, greenhouse gas balance, nutrients and pathogens.

Within these criteria, protecting water quality is only one of many important factors for a cattle producer to consider.

However, nutrient loss from agricultural land to surface water is one of the most important issues of concern for the general public and, as a result, for public policy-makers. In this context of increasingly rigorous regulations, winter application of cattle manure is banned in Manitoba, and concerns about nutrient losses from extensive cattle overwintering systems have increased.

Most cattle producers, especially cow-calf producers, have no choice of whether or not to overwinter their cattle. The only choice they have is how to manage their cattle overwintering system Why all the fuss about manure on snow? It is because most runoff in the Prairies occurs during snowmelt, typically accounting for approximately 80 per cent of annual runoff. The result of our snowmelt dominated runoff system is that the peak period for loading nutrients into prairie streams, rivers and lakes occurs in early spring.

Snowmelt dominated runoff and rainfall dominated runoff are not the same. As such, the processes and beneficial management practices (BMP) that normally control nutrient loss

in rainfall dominated runoff are not necessarily the same for snowmelt runoff. The typical BMPs that we expect farmers to use for managing nutrients are usually split into two groups: • Source BMP (managing nutrient loading) such as form, rate, placement and timing of nutrient application.

• Transport BMP (managing transport of nutrients from field to stream) such as conservation tillage, vegetated buffers, cover crops, constructed wetlands and small reservoirs.

A few examples of how these BMP categories should be considered when selecting and managing cattle overwintering areas in the Prairies include:

Rate of nutrient application Management of the rate at which nutrients are applied is an important source BMP. Bale grazing, for example, has the capacity to import very large quantities of nutrients into a small land base. For example, Rejean Picard, MAFRI farm production advisor, found that after one season of bale grazing, soil test nitrate-N concentrations in the top two feet of soil reached up to 450 lb./acre directly underneath some bale locations in southern Manitoba. In the same study, bale grazing increased soil test P and K in the top six inches of soil by up to four to five times.

Five year old Hannah Whalen is content on the toilet going through the "cow magazine."

Timing of nutrient application Given the high proportion of runoff that comes from snowmelt, manure application on frozen soil or snow is well documented as being a poor agronomic and environmental management practice. Fortunately, in Manitoba, only three per cent of mechanically applied manure is applied in winter, partly because it has been banned for large livestock operations for many years.

Vegetated buffers Research in Vermont shows that vegetative filter strips were ineffective for intercepting phosphorus, nitrogen or suspended solids during the winter and snowmelt period. More recent research in Manitoba has also shown that vegetated buffer strips are not as effective as expected in Manitoba for intercepting nitrogen or phosphorus in runoff. During spring snowmelt, the vegetation is dormant and therefore nutrient interception and uptake is minimal. Therefore, it is important to select overwintering sites where runoff is least likely to reach streams, ditches or other waterways.

Given the challenges of developing BMPs that are suited to the Prairies, we need scientists, producers and extension specialists to work together to develop, adapt and test beneficial management practices (new or old) that will address the many factors that are required for economically and environmentally sustainable cattle overwintering systems. And, while doing so, we should keep in mind the many economic and environmental goods and services opportunities that cattle and forage systems also generate. It is worthwhile to engage a broad range of private and public partners to work together on this issue.

Reprinted with permission from MBP’s Cattle Country.

Gelbvieh guide • Spring 2013 • Page 45

New Research Advances Detection, Treatment and Prevention of Lameness in Feedlot Cattle

L

ameness is a serious issue in beef feedlots throughout Alberta and Canada. An animal may come up lame due to disease, injuries or other environmental risk factors. Lame animals are clearly in discomfort, making lameness a serious animal welfare issue. In addition, lameness represents an economic cost for the feedlot operators, as treatment requires extra labour and veterinary attention.

In partnership with the Alberta Livestock and Meat Agency (ALMA) and the Alberta Beef Producers, Dr. Karen Schwartzkopf-Genswein, a beef welfare scientist with Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada in Lethbridge, is studying lameness in feedlot cattle to create the scientific framework through which the best practices in detection, treatment and prevention can be implemented.

Previous research has identified possible causes for lameness in cattle and effective approaches to treating it. However, it is challenging for feedlot operators to identify the source of lameness within a large operation. Dr. Schwartzkopf-Genswein is addressing this problem by identifying the potential risk factors that are present at feedlots. This list of known causes can then be used to create management plans and protocols that eliminate or reduce the exposure to common feedlot risks.

Dr. Schwartzkopf-Genswein explained, “We first need to have an idea of how much of a problem lameness is in feedlots.

We then need to characterize the cause of the lameness - for example, foot rot, P3 necrosis, arthritis - and determine its rela-

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tionship to specific risk factors such as pen condition, season, days on feed and so on. Once we know these associations and have identified important risk factors, we can work towards prevention in a feedlot setting.

Moreover, an accurate measure of the frequency of feedlot lameness provides the basis for ascribing an economic cost to lameness at the feedlot stage of the beef value chain. Dr. Schwartzkopf-Genswein believes knowing the economic cost will help speed the adoption of preventative measures: “Feedlot operators do care for their animals, but I don’t think they see the total cost of lameness in their operation. There is money spent on treatment and drugs, as well as lost time looking after lame animals. When the overall cost is better understood, more feedlots will see real savings from changing their management practices or from upgrading their facilities."

The Alberta Beef Producers is also providing significant funding for Dr. Schwartzkopf-Genswein’s research. Karin Schmid, beef production specialist at ABP, said, “Ensuring that animals under our care are not experiencing discomfort is an industry-wide priority. Identifying common lameness risk factors will go a long way towards prevention and treatment.”

Gordon Cove, CEO of ALMA, said, “Lameness is an animal welfare issue and an economic issue. If we can reduce its occurrence, it is good for both the animals and the feedlot operators. This type of research is essential to realising our goals of a competitive beef industry that values animal health."

Benefits of CGA Membership The Value of Membership

Member Web Sites

The Canadian Gelbvieh Association exists to enhance the success of breeders and commercial users of Gelbvieh. The fees paid by members allows for that to happen. The value of the association brings informational services, marketing and member communication programs for both members and commercial users of Gelbvieh genetics. The Canadian Gelbvieh Association is dedicated to its mission of "Registering, promoting and improving Gelbvieh cattle.�

The CGA provides a link to member web sites to assist with CGA member marketing programs. Please check out the links section at www.gelbvieh.ca.

Registration and Performance Seedstock animals with documented pedigree and performance information are especially valuable in today's information age. The beef industry is putting increasing emphasis on known genetic information as a way to enhance animal performance and consumer eating satisfaction. The CGA's performance program, includes its registration certificate and provides in-depth performance and genetic information to enhance selection and management decisions. The CGA is involved in ongoing research projects, related to breed improvement, associated with genetic evaluation, production efficiency and beef quality.

Breed Marketing and Promotion Marketing of Gelbvieh on a national, regional and provincial level is only possible through the power of an association. Our combined marketing and breed promotion efforts strive to build national breed awareness and assist in the trade of Gelbvieh-influenced cattle. This is possible through our official publication, the Gelbvieh Guide that informs and educates breeders and commercial customers on the benefits of Gelbvieh genetics. Through an association, effective marketing is possible.

Commercial Marketing Program Over the years, Gelbvieh breeders have gained a reputation for being very commercially oriented. Some of the CGA Commercial Marketing services include: a Gelbvieh feeder cattle listing service and replacement heifer marketing service. As a Gelbvieh breeder, your commercial customers can be assured that their investment in Gelbvieh genetics is backed by one of the most aggressive commercial marketing programs in the entire beef industry.

Fellowship and Lifelong Learning The power of an association is in its membership - a group of like-minded individuals working together towards one common goal. Success of an association comes from the friendly exchange of ideas and sharing of experiences among people with related interests. Members have a voice in the CGA decision-making process by participating in the committee process and annual meeting. Beyond the CGA, opportunities for involvement and membership extend to provincial associations, the Canadian Junior Gelbvieh Association and industry organizations. Together, active membership and involvement drives the success of the CGA.

The achievements of an organization are the results of the combined effort of each individual member. All of the CGA programs and services are critical in assisting to promote and market Gelbvieh cattle on all fronts.

APPLICATION FOR MEMBERSHIP

MEMBERSHIP NAME__________________________________________________________________________________________________________ (Please print)

Note: This is the name that will print on the registration certificates.

NAME OF OWNER(S): _________________________________________________________________________________________________________ STREET OR RURAL ADDRESS (Print) ______________________________________________________________________________________________ CITY/TOWN______________________________________________________ PROV.________________________P-CODE_______________________ PHONE #____________________________________ FAX # ____________________________EMAIL:_______________________________________ I (We) hereby apply for: ______

ANNUAL ($125.00 + Taxes ) Note: Includes membership to applicable Provincial Gelbvieh Association.

______

JUNIOR (Under 21 years of age) Birth date: ________________ ($10.00 Annual Activity Fee + Taxes).

______

HERD IDENTIFICATION LETTERS ($30.00 + Taxes)

Please allot HERD IDENTIFICATION LETTERS - (1st choice) ___________, (2nd choice) ___________, (3rd choice) __________ for tattooing Gelbvieh Cattle. ______ HERD NAME ($25.00 + Taxes) Please register, _____________________________________ as the Herd Name, for the exclusive use of this Membership when naming animals. Please Note: The Herd Name must be acceptable to the CGA.

The undersigned hereby applies for membership in the Canadian Gelbvieh Association, a non-profit corporation, with all rights and privileges and subject to the obligations thereof, as fully set forth in the By-Laws of the Association.

I (We) agree to conform to the by-laws and Regulations of the Canadian Gelbvieh Association. I (We) waive any claim against and grant an absolute release to the Canadian Gelbvieh Association, any member, employee or agent of the Association, for any act or omission in connection with the Association, including but not limited to, any enforcement of the rules and regulations presently in effect or hereafter adopted by the Association. I (We) further release any and all data submitted to the CGA for use in Breed Improvement Programs.

________________________________________ Applicants Signature

_____________________________________ Print Name

The CGA will accept payment of your membership dues by cheque or credit card.

Credit Card # _________________________________________________ Visa

or

MasterCard

(Circle)

Expiry Date: ________________________ Name on Card: ________________________________________________________ Signature: _______________________________________ Would like the CGA to keep your Card on file for future work? Yes ________ No ________

Gelbvieh Registration Certificate

On your next Gelbvieh or Balancer® purchase, ask your seedstock supplier to transfer the registration paper.

Transferred registration papers add value to your purchase:

• Authenticate pedigree, performance and genetic information

• Access to value added marketing services throughout the Canadian Gelbvieh Association

• Free 3-year subscription to the Gelbvieh Guide

• New buyers receive and informational packet about Gelbvieh and Balancer®

• Updated EPD’s and performance information • Track pedigree information to manage inbreeding and maximize heterosis

• Create a connection to your seedstock provider and the Canadian Gelbvieh Association

• Solidify your reputation as a professional cattle producer who is committed to genetic improvement

Get access to information and tools to help make your operation more profitable through registration papers.

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

Gelbvieh guide • Spring 2013 • Page 49

Just Because You Have a Genetic Test ...

I

t’s not like we can take one DNA test and have it tell us everything and remain accurate forever,” says Dr. Alison Van Eenennaam, PhD. “We’re going to always need phenotypes to keep training [genomic] prediction equations. They’re not mutually exclusive things.”

Van Eenennaam is a Cooperative Extension Specialist in Animal Genomics and Biotechnology at University of California, Davis, specializing in the use of DNA-based biotechnologies in beef cattle production. She explains what it means to “retrain” genomic equations.

“DNA markers are developed using a large population of animals that have genotypes and phenotypes of whatever trait we’re interested in - a population of animals that has ultrasound and possibly carcass records – their own or their progeny’s. To predict marbling, for example, that large population of phenotypes is combined with the genotype information to tell you whether or not a particular genetic marker has a positive or negative association with marbling.”

Van Eenennaam continues. “Let’s say at one particular marker TT is good for marbling and CC is bad for marbling. And if you do that throughout thousands of locations on the genome, you can start to get what’s called a prediction, based on an animal’s genotype, as to what its likely marbling phenotype is going to be. But, it’s based on that training, or discovery, population.

“And what the data seems to be showing is that yes, you can train and then you can predict an animal just based on its genotype with no phenotypic information, but every generation the accuracy of how well that prediction works tends to go down. And so, it seems continual retraining of the prediction equation every generation is required. So, there’s going to be a need to continue phenotyping.

According to Van Eenennaam, the data shows the accuracy of that genomic prediction equation decreases as much as 50 percent every generation.

“It’ll depend a little bit on the density of the markers, and whether you have a causative or associative marker,” she explains. “If you have a DNA marker that is actually causing the marbling, the accuracy wouldn’t change very much from generation to generation. But what has been found is that we’ve not actually got the causative marker, but rather a marker that’s “linked to” the causative marker. It’s like a little flagpole saying, ‘it’s over here somewhere.’ As a result of recombination, there’s a possibility that it might not be associated with that particular causative marker in the next generation. And so, you tend to get a drop off in the accuracy of those equations over time, as the generations move away from the training population.”

There are thousands of genes associated with a complex trait like marbling, not one single marker that can be considered causative, as is the case with most carcass traits.

“To be honest, we haven’t found that many actual causative genes for complex traits,” says Van Eenennaam. “Despite all the work we’ve done there’s only really a handful where you can show that an animal that didn’t get a mutation, or genetic variant, had one particular phenotype and one that does have the variant has that phenotype. Myostatin, or double muscling is an example. Van Eenennaam explains if a mutation is caused in that particular gene and that protein is not formed, the result will be a double-muscled phenotype. But it’s more complex with traits like marbling that are not controlled by a single gene.

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Doesn’t Mean You Can Throw Away Your Tape Measure Different Breeds, Different Animals

Predicting Profit

Currently the Angus breed leads the way in utilizing genetic markers. “DNA can be an indicator for economically important carcass traits,” says Bill Bowman, President of Angus Genetics, Inc. and Chief Operating Officer of the American Angus Association. “The AAA has made it a priority to utilize genetic selection tools to serve the breed and the industry.”

Hereford breeders are developing genomic tools for their breed, and others are following suit. But, as Van Eenennaam further explains, what works on one breed does not carry over to another.

“The data shows quite clearly that if you train on one breed using the 50,000 or 50K SNP chip, those predictions don’t work in another breed. The hope was that if we went up to a denser genotyping platform - an 800,000 SNP chip - the marker would be situated immediately adjacent to the causative allele, such that the relationship would be so tight that it would be in common between say Angus and Hereford.

At the current time there are insufficient data to determine whether this is actually the case. “It may be that we have to go to actually sequencing animals and there are a couple of labs now that are starting to sequence entire genomes to find the causative mutations in order to get right on top of where the change is that’s affecting the phenotype. Hopefully that will be useful across breeds. And it typically will be, although not every breed is going to be what’s called polymorphic for that particular mutation. For example, if I get something that’s causing an increase in marbling in Angus it may be that particular mutation doesn’t exist in Herefords or maybe it’s already fixed to unity in Herefords so there’s no genetic variation there to play with. So, let’s just say, in one particular location, a “T” is a good thing, it may be there’s no Herefords with a “T” at that location, or maybe all the Herefords have a “T” at that location and so there’s not genetic variation to select for.

“At the moment the best approach seems to be to use multiple breeds in the training population. There are some data to suggest that can actually help obtain accurate predictions for all the included breeds.

Van Eenennaam says genomic tests offer the most promise for traits that display low heritability. Those with a high heritability, such as birth or weaning weight, are visually obvious and can be measured before the animal produces offspring, thus reducing the need for genomic prediction. But traits that don’t appear until later in life, such as carcass traits, are very well-suited to genomic selection because it gives an indicator of how that animal’s going to perform before selection decisions are made.

“Now, having said that, that’s exactly what ultrasound does,” says Van Eenennaam. “DNA tests give you a genetic merit estimate, and ultrasound gives you a phenotypic prediction as to the likely carcass quality attributes of a live animal.

And we need new phenotypes every generation to keep the genomic tests accurate.”

Bowman agrees the need for ultrasound generated phenotype data is ongoing. “We still need to look at the phenotypic evaluation,” he says. “Ultrasound is a valuable information source that enhances the accuracy of the breed’s EPDs. It continues to play an integral role in generating reliable predictions.”

“And that way,” adds Van Eenennaam, “producers can make decisions based on the genetic merit of the animals in their herd with some level of accuracy.”

Gelbvieh guide • Spring 2013 • Page 51

2012

Photo Contest Winners

CONGRATULATIONS

HERD WINNER - WADE DAVIDSON

COMMERCIAL WINNER -McCOY CATTLE CO.

ARTISTIC WINNER - TWIN BRIDGE FARMS Page 52 • Spring 2013 • Gelbvieh guide

COW/CALF WINNER WADE DAVIDSON

BULL WINNER - TWIN BRIDGE FARMS

SHOW RESULTS GAA/BC ANNUAL MEETING AND PEN SHOW AT THE GELBVIEH WISH LIST WEEKEND NOVEMBER 30, 2012, PONOKA, AB The Gelbvieh Association of AB/BC once again held a very successful Wish List weekend on November 30-December 1 in Ponoka, Alberta. Their annual meeting was held on Saturday, followed by pen shows and a banquet. Judges for the pen show were Crystal Anderson and Travis Fisk of Carstairs, Alberta.

Reserve Champion Purebred Jackpot Bull, exhibited by Severtson Land & Cattle, Scott & Lisa Severtson, Innisfail, AB.

Reserve Champion Pen of 3 Commercial Heifers, exhibited by Diamond A Farms, Laine and Krista Anderson, Millet, AB

Champion Purebred Jackpot Bull, exhibited by EYOT Valley Ranch, Larry & Lynn Fecho, Millet, AB.

Champion Percentage Jackpot Bull, Severtson Land & Cattle, Scott & Lisa Severtson, Innisfail, AB. Champion Pen of 3 Commercial Heifers, exhibited by Severtson Land & Cattle, Scott & Lisa Severtson, Innisfail, AB.

SORRY... No photo!

Reserve Champion Percentage Jackpot Bull, Foursquare Gelbvieh, Roger & Kim Sayer, Carstairs, AB

Gelbvieh guide • Spring 2013 • Page 53

SHOW RESULTS FARMFAIR INTERNATIONAL - EDMONTON ALBERTA NOVEMBER 8, 2012 JUDGE: KIRK WILDMAN, SANGUDO, AB

Junior Champion Female DVE Davidson Ms Leadtime 36Y, Davidson Gelbvieh, Ponteix, SK Reserve Junior Champion Female VV Yes I'm Sexy 20Y, V&V Farms, Redcliff, AB & Stone Gate Farm, Vermilion, AB Two Year Old Cow/Calf Pair CK Xanadu 71X & SLC Touchdown 55Z, Severtson Land & Cattle, Innisfail, AB Mature Cow/Calf Pair DVE Davidson Ms Jim 61T, Davidson Gelbvieh, Ponteix, SK Reserve Mature Cow/Calf Pair SLC 133S, Severtson Land & Cattle, Innisfail, AB

Grand Champion Female CK Xanadu 71X, Severtson Land & Cattle, Innisfail, AB

Champion Heifer Calf JM Zaphire 75Z, Jason Muhlback, Botha, AB Reserve Champion Heifer Calf EV Kari-On 8Z, EYOT Valley Ranch, Millet, AB Grand Champion Female CK Xanadu 71X & SLC Touchdown 55Z, Severtson Land & Cattle, Innisfail, AB Reserve Champion Female JM Zaphire 75Z, Jason Muhlback, Botha, AB Champion Bull Calf EV Thick Bugger 30Z, EYOT Valley Ranch, Millet, AB

Reserve Champion Female JM Zaphire 75X, Jason Muhlbach, Botha, AB

Reserve Champion Bull Calf SLC Touchdown 55Z, Severtson Land & Cattle, Innisfail, AB Junior Champion Bull DVE Davidson Moneyman 86Y, Davidson Gelbvieh, Ponteix, SK Reserve Junior Champion Bull JRI Starbucks 254Y82, Severtson Land & Cattle, Innisfail, AB Senior Champion Bull DVE Davidson Jumpstart 44X, Davidson Gelbvieh, Ponteix, SK Reserve Senior Champion Bull CK Superior 96X, Jonus Cattle, Calgary, AB

Grand Champion Bull - DVE Davidson Jumpstart 44X, Davidson Gelbvieh, Ponteix, SK

Grand Champion Bull DVE Davidson Jumpstart 44X, Davidson Gelbvieh, Ponteix, SK Reserve Champion Bull EV Thick Bugger 30Z, EYOT Valley Ranch, Millet, AB Champion Percentage Heifer SLC Rosebud 5Z, Severtson Land & Cattle, Innisfail, AB Champion Percentage Bull SLC Otto 9Z, Severtson Land & Cattle, Innisfail, AB Premier Breeder, Davidson Gelbvieh Premier Exhibitor, Davidson Gelbvieh Page 54 • Spring 2013 • Gelbvieh guide

Reserve Champion Bull EV Thick Bugger 30Z, EYOT Valley Ranch, Millet, AB

SHOW RESULTS 40TH ANNIVERSARY NATIONAL GELBVIEH SHOW

-

REGINA SASKATCHEWAN

NOVEMBER 21, 2012 JUDGE: CLINTON MORASCH, BASSANO, AB Junior Champion Female DVE Davidson Ms Mambo 32Y, Davidson Gelbvieh, Ponteix, SK Reserve Junior Champion Female SLC Parkland 161Y, Severtson Land & Cattle, Innisfail, AB Senior Champion Female CK Xanadu 17X & SLC Touchdown 55Z, Severtson Lane & Cattle, Innisfail, AB Reserve Senior Champion Female DVE Davidson Ms Remi 74X & DVE Davidson Bossman 123Z, Ponteix, SK

Grand Champion Purebred Female CK Xanadu 71X & SLC Touchdown 55Z

Junior Champion Heifer Calf McCoy 83U Ester 59Z, McCoy Cattle Co., Milestone, SK Reserve Junior Champion Heifer Calf STON Miss Sue 41Z, Stone Gate Farm, Vermilion, AB Senior Heifer Calf Champion FLAD Fladeland Sparks Fly 29Z, Fladeland Livestock, Gladmar, SK Reserve Senior Heifer Calf Champion VV Wind Zong 45Z, V & V Farms, Redcliff, AB Grand Champion Female CK Xanadu 17X & SLC Touchdown 55Z, Severtson Lane & Cattle, Innisfail, AB

Reserve Champion Purebred Female DVE Davidson Ms Mambo 32Y

Reserve Champion Female DVE Davidson Ms Mambo 32Y, Davidson Gelbvieh, Ponteix, SK Junior Champion Bull Calf VV Zake 114Z, V & V Farms, Redcliff, AB Reserve Junior Champion Bull Calf McCoy 226X Voltage 85X, McCoy Cattle Co., Milestone, SK Senior Champion Bull Calf DVE Davidson Mr Lucky 7Z , Davidson Gelbvieh, Ponteix, SK Reserve Senior Champion Bull Calf FLAD Fladeland Zoro 47Z, Fladeland Livestock, Gladmar, SK

SLC Touchdown 142X

Junior Champion Bull JRI Starbucks 254Y82, Severtson Land & Cattle, Innisfail, AB & Stone Gate Farm, Vermilion, AB Reserve Junior Champion Bull RWG Ice & Fire 1604, Royal Western Gelbvieh, Innisfail, AB & Fladeland Livestock, Gladmar, SK Senior Champion Bull SLC Outback 142X, Severtson Land & Cattle, Innisfail, AB Reserve Senior Champion Bull RWG Xtreme Traction 0521, Royal Western Gelbvieh, Innisfail, AB & Rocky Top Gelbvieh, Mirror, AB & CDC Farms, USA Grand Champion Bull SLC Outback 142X, Severtson Land & Cattle, Innisfail, AB Reserve Champion Bull VV Zake 114Z, V & V Farms, Redcliff, AB Percentage Female Born 2012 SLC Rosebud 5Z, Severtson Land & Cattle, Innisfail, AB

Reserve Champion Purebred Bull - VV Jake 114Z Progeny of Dam: Twin Bridge Farms, Lomond, AB

Breeder's Herd: Davidson Gelbvieh, Ponteix, SK Get-O-Sire: Lonesome Dove Ranch, Ponteix, SK Premier Breeder: Severtson Land & Cattle Premier Exhibitor: Severtson Land & Cattle Gelbvieh guide • Spring 2013 • Page 55

SALE RESULTS 40TH ANNIVERSARY NATIONAL GELBVIEH SALE NOVEMBER 22, 2012, REGINA, SASKATCHEWAN 1/2 Bull 1 Bred Cow 2 Bred Heifers 11 Heifer Calves 14.5 Lots 1 Flush Sale Total

Average $30,000 $8,750 $6,100 $5,632 $7,786 $3,000 Grossed $115,900

Auctioneer: Chris Poley Sale Management: T Bar C Cattle Co. Ltd. The 40th Anniversary national Gelbvieh sale was the wrap up of the show and sale event at CWA and we ended with a bang!

This event was the highest averaging sale at Canadian Western Agribtion 2012! People in the auditorium enjoyed a great breakfast sponsored by T Bar C Sale Management and Thackeray Gelbvieh Farms. Buyers and bidders from across North America got online to watch this elite sale offering on Cattle-in-Motion. Cattle sold to Canada and the USA. Leading off our sale, as in our tradition, was the People’s Champion, EV Kari-on 8Z our newly crowned Sweetheart Champion. Twisted T Gelbvieh, Asquith, SK and Maple Grove Gelbvieh, Narcisse, MB bid $7,750, and won the right to own this great young female out of the rising young matriarch EV Kari’s Humalong 8W. Fladeland Livestock of Gladmar, SK offered everyone the chance to pick right at the top of their herd by giving up either

the solid FLAD Shilow 83S or her flashy Astro 407S heifer calf.

Fir River Livestock, Hudson Bay, SK had the winning bid of $8,750 and chose to add FLAD Shilow 83S to their powerful donor pen.

Prairie Hills Gelbvieh of Gladstone, ND brought us a choice of their powerful black heifer PHG Honey Boo Boo Z15 or bred heifer PHG Edge of Glory Y06. Winning the right for choice was Royal Western Gelbvieh, Innisfail, AB. They bid $9,000 to top our bred heifer division and chose PHG Honey Boo Boo Z15.

Pioneer Gelbvieh breeders, Darrell and Duane Nelson of Glenwood, AB put on the block a strong bred black heifer by Elk Creek Iron Horse 42T and bred to RWG Fed X0411. Fladeland Livestock is the new home for Yaffa paying $8,200 to do so.

In the heifer calf division, Davidson Gelbvieh, Ponteix, SK brought out the first progeny of DDGR Navaho 188X. This black female got a lot of interest and Adreas N. Botha of Grimshaw, AB chose her for the herd and bid $7,500 to do own her.

This year Royal Western Gelbvieh offered breeders choice of 8 herdsire prospects all exhibited at CWA. This unique lot had people all week checking out their show sting and comparing and making choices. Doing their homework and winning the bid to pick was Prairie Hills Gelbvieh of Gladstone, North Dakota.

They outlasted the competition with their bid of $30,000. They chose RWG Yikes 1512. This young red herd bull is sure to make an impact in their program.

The sale Committee would like to thank T Bar C, our consignors, bidders and buyers for making this sale a historical event!!

SEVERTSON LAND & CATTLE “TOP CUT” FEMALE PRODUCTION SALE DECEMBER 2, 2012, INNISFAIL, AB 27 Bred Females 14 Heifer Calves 1 Flush 42 Lots 20 Commercial Bred Heifers

Average $4,030 $2,257 $6,200 $ 3,490 $ 1,875

Auctioneer: Steve Dorran Sale Manager: Don Savage Auctions Severtson Land & Cattle, Scott & Lisa Severtson, presented an exciting set of Gelbvieh genetics for their fellow breeders to appraise. Stone Gate Farm, Eyot Valley Ranch and Sunberry Valley Ranch were guest consignors to this year's "Top Cut" Sale.

The Severtsons had many show successes this fall and were extremely pleased to show the National Champion Female at Farmfair and Agribition, CK Xanadu 71X. She lead off the sale with a 50% interest selling to Sunberry Valley Ranch, Sundre, AB Page 56 • Spring 2013 • Gelbvieh guide

for $10,500.

Their other show cow, SLC Lady 133S, also garnered a lot of interest. Merv Tuplin, Edmonton, AB chose to buy a 50% interest in this fancy young female for $10,000.

Stone Gate Farm, Vermilion, AB selected SLC Rose 5Z, a thick made, feminine black Balancer heifer calf at $ 4400.

Eyot Valley Ranch, Larry & Lynne Fecho, Millet, AB sold 15 top quality bred cows right from the top of their breeding program. Fir River Livestock, Hudson Bay, SK selected EV Kari's Humalong 8W, a very popular brood cow at $16,000. 8W is the dam of Eyot's $19,000 bull and the 2012 Sweetheart Classic winner, EV Kari-On 8Z. She sold bred to JRI Top Recruit.

D.G. Smithers Holdings, Three Hills, AB was a very active bidder on the Eyot Valley females, selecting 4 lots for their herd.

Included was EV Petunia 25P at $6000 and EV Foxy Babe 34R at $5000.

SALE RESULTS WISH LIST GELBVIEH SALE DECEMBER 1, 2012, PONOKA, AB 17 11 1 29

Heifer Calves Bred Heifers Flush Lots Total

Average $ 2,659 $ 3,932 $ 3,000 $ 3,154

Auctioneer: Don Savage Sale Manager: Don Savage Auctions The Wish List Sale was, again a highlight in the Gelbvieh breed with top quality cattle consigned. These excellent genetics sold in to the three prairie provinces and the United States. The day was full of activities with the Annual meeting of Gelbvieh Association of Alberta/BC, the Commercial Heifer Pen Show, the Jackpot Bull Show, the awards banquets and the Wish List Sale.

V&V Farms, Redcliff, AB consigned the high selling female, a bred heifer VV 79Y sired by ATC Gold Star Polled 5D and out their powerful VV 90P dam. She sold to Doug Meng, Troy, Kansas for $6750.

Tower View Ranch, Medicine Hat, AB chose to add in to their program JOE 419Y from Jonus Cattle, Airdrie, AB for $5000.

419Y is a daughter of DVE Davidson Tex 106W and FLAD

Whiskey Girl 116W. She sold bred to CK Superior 96X Brittain Farms, Falun, AB consigned a very popular bred heifer, CK Shakra 15Y, a daughter of WGG Just Get-N -Go 90J, out of a RWG Target sired dam and bred to DL Jen-Ty Fearless 41Y. BNH Livestock, Innisfail, AB added this top quality female to their herd at $5000.

Alan & Gail Richardson, Elm Creek, MB selected VV 137Y for their program at $4800. 137Y consigned by V & V Farms is a daughter of VV Whistle and out of a great producing Goodview dam.

Doug Meng, Troy, Kansas also chose two outstanding black heifer calves from Rocky Top Gelbvieh, Mirror, AB for $5000 each. RTG Z209 and RTG Z332 are both sired by the National Champion Bull, RWG Royal Reserve.

The Birch Family offered a choice on two outstanding heifer calves, AWB 19Z and SA 47Z. V & V Farms, Redcliff, AB selected SA Birch's Wruffle 47Z for $4500. She is sired by SPUR Beretta and out of the VV Wruffle Me dam.

Stone Gate Farm, Vermilion, AB supplied this year's donation heifer. She was won by Cordy Cox, Tatla Lake, BC. Thank you to everyone for a successful sale.

PRAIRIE GELBVIEH ALLIANCE ANNUAL FEMALE SALE DECEMBER 8, 2012, MOOSE JAW, SASKATCHEWAN. On a clean crisp December day in Moose Jaw, the 12th annual PGA Female Sale was held. The events of the day were enjoyed by all who attended the Temple Garden Mineral Spa. The ManSask Gelbvieh Association joined as hosts with the group of breeders to put on the annual Fun Auction Association fundraiser.

It was a great success. A very tasty banquet followed the sales and welcomed everyone.

Topping this tremendous set of females was Fladeland Sugar Cane 174Y. She sold exposed to their new Jr. herdsire, RWG Texas Worth 9223. This heifer had a lot of friends with Maple Grove Gelbvieh winning the right to take her home at $6400.

McCoy Cattle Co. came to town with a powerful group of cattle and McCoy 66W Barnoness 65Y showed it by bringing $6200 from Fir River Livestock of Hudson Bay, SK. McCoy 407S Nora 22Y, bred to Independence followed her, and brought $5600 from West End Gelbvieh of Hill City, Minnesota.

A broody bunch of heifer calves led their division with two

from McCoy going to junior members. ZTM McCoy 83U Ester 59Z, who already had a strong showing at CWA, brought $4300 from Jesse Grose of Inwood, MB. Riley Wirgau, who was the National High Point award winner, chose ZTM McCoy Kassie 108Z for $3000 for his herd at Narcisse, MB. Lonesome Dove Ranch sold a fancy heifer calf by Jen-Ty Pursuit for $3500 to Prairie Hills Gelbvieh of North Dakota.

Two powerful MGF Rig Rocker 79U heifer calves coming from Bluff Island Stock Farm and Brooklyn Wirgau, brought $3600 and $3500 respectively. They sold to McCoy Cattle Co. and Twisted T Gelbvieh.

PW Gelbvieh purchased a strong group from Thackeray Gelbvieh Farms and Selin Gelbvieh for their emerging herd.

The PGA group would like to thank our buyers and consignors for such a strong sale and wish you good luck with your purchases in the New Year.

PACIFIC INVITATIONAL ALL BREEDS FEMALE SALE SEPTEMBER 29, 2012, WILLIAMS LAKE, BC The 2nd Annual Pacific Invitational All Breeds Female Sale held September 29, 2012 in Williams Lake BC, was another great success, with bidders and buyers from several provinces. There was greater interest than ever, with more people expressing interest in the Gelbvieh breed and complimenting the consignors. The

high quality of Gelbvieh heifers drove the average price to $2750 per head. ARN 40Z, from Raven Gelbvieh, was the high selling Gelbvieh heifer calf and sold for $3700 to Rick and Sue Clauson, Six Pack Ranch, Quesnel BC. Gelbvieh guide • Spring 2013 • Page 57

CCA Pleased with Additional Export Capacity to China

T

he Canadian Cattlemen’s Association (CCA) welcomed today’s news that China has approved four additional Canadian processing facilities to export Canadian beef to China. This brings the total number of approved facilities to seven and should lead to expanded access opportunities for Canadian beef.

CCA President Martin Unrau said with the successful approval of the additional facilities now achieved by Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada’s (AAFC) Market Access Secretariat, CCA’s priority for China will shift to further expand access to include bone-in under-thirty-month (UTM) beef.

“Canada has shipped enough high quality beef to China that meets their current specifications and we can do the same with bone-in UTM beef,” Unrau said. “Canadian producers are eager to tap this market, although volumes will likely continue to be impacted by the barrier around ractopamine despite the establishment of an internationally agreed maximum residue level

by CODEX.” The approved facilities are all smaller establishments, but each has indicated an interest in serving the Chinese market. These facilities may have the flexibility to meet the Chinese requirement that beef be produced from cattle that have not been fed beta-agonist growth promoters such as ractopamine.

Today’s news is the culmination of an effort that began in February 2011, when then-CCA President Travis Toews accompanied Prime Minister Stephen Harper on a mission to China where an agreement was reached for China to consider approving additional beef export facilities. Chinese food safety officials undertook an inspection mission of select Canadian processing facilities in March 2012. China had earlier approved three Canadian facilities to export boneless beef from UTM animals as part of a staged access agreement towards the restoration of full access for Canadian beef that China committed to in June 2010.

Unrau thanked AAFC Minister Gerry Ritz and Prime Minister Harper for their continued hard work on this file. “Expanding access into the important Chinese market has proved to be very challenging, but a strong team approach of government and industry has delivered results for Canadian beef producers. We look forward to additional victories to come,” he said.

Page 58 • Spring 2013 • Gelbvieh guide

NEW GENERATION - CGA EPD’S The CGA’s Spring 2013 National Cattle Evaluation (NCE) was conducted by the American Simmental Association (ASA) in conjunction with the American Gelbvieh Association. This meant combining the AGA & CGA databases with the ASA and the Red Angus Association of America (RAAA) databases. A summary of the new EPDs is provided in the tables that follow.

There are several changes...

What changed

Why

Marbling EPDs have increased reliability

Inclusion of bull IMF scan data

More weaning weight data, due to a larger age of calf window to accommodate early weaning

Improved reliability of weaning weight EPDs

More Angus and Red Angus sire data Multi-breed analysis for all traits

Fewer EPD gaps for Balancer, especially for carcass traits

Carcass EPDs are comparable to other breeds and the gaps will be eliminated in the USMARC breed New EPDs are age adjusted while the old EPDs were fat adjusted. comparison tables Days to finish (DtF) EPD was eliminated while fat thickness (FT) and yield grade (YG) are new.

CE and CED sharing same terminology with other breeds All GV and BA EPDs are on the same base as Simmental, SimAngus, and Red Angus setting an industry standard and making it less confusing for commercial producers

The transition from fat adjusting carcass traits to age adjusting allows for FT and YG EPDs while the DtF EPD can no longer be calculated. Higher FT EPDs mean more fat thickness. Higher YG EPDs mean more fat and less muscle (lower retail yield).

CE and CED converted from a ratio to percentage. If bull A has a calving ease EPD of 7.0 versus bull B with an EPD of 5.0, we would expect Bull A to sire 2% more unassisted calves out of first calf heifers.

The Gelbvieh, Balancer, Simmental, SimAngus and Red Angus databases were combined to generate the EPDs

Gestation length and scrotal circumference EPDs are temporarily unavailable

The ASA does not currently generate EPDs for these two traits. It is anticipated that new fertility traits will be added to the evaluation in the next year or two, including a maternal index

Stayability did not change since it is generated at Colorado State University

At present, the ASA NCE does not include Stayability

The accuracy values for some of the carcass traits are lower

New Trait Averages

The ASA uses a more conservative statistical model requiring more progeny to achieve higher levels of accuracy for the carcass traits

The average EPDs (new and old) for each trait. Also shown are averages for Fat Thickness (FT) and Yield Grade (YG).

CE

BW

7.6

2.0

GV PB - Old

107.7

BA - Old

108.5

GV PB - New

BA - New

10.0

1.1

-0.2 0.8

WW

40.7

65.2

39.1

62.4

YW

75.2

91.2

80.7

96.2

MK

CED

16.1

102.6

17.1

102.5

26.1

24.4

5.5

6.4

CW

REA

26.2

0.28

0.33

11.2

19.7

27.9

0.13

0.21

MB

FT

YG

-0.14

0.00

-0.10

0.23

-0.03

-0.09

0.01

0.14

NA

NA

NA

NA

Gelbvieh guide • Spring 2013 • Page 59

NEWS & NOTES The late Dennis Loren Fladeland of Gladmar, SK, passed away tragically on his farm October 27, 2012 at the age of 66 years.

Dennis is survived by his wife Valerie, Gladmar, SK; his children, Bret (Oksana), Calgary, AB and their children Gabriel and Mila; Bridget, Langenburg, SK; Ian (Jody), Weyburn, SK and their children Hannah and Jessica; Paul (Sarah), Torquay, SK and their children Sam, Kelsie and Mya; his parents Ted and Gertie, Gladmar, SK; siblings Wayne (Wendy), Karen (Dwayne) Fettes, Dianne (Greg) Dedora, Murray (Tracie); his mother-in-law Inez Lund; two brothers-in-law: Laine (Lana) Lund, Glen (Terrie) Lund as well as numerous nieces and nephews.

Dennis was predeceased by his sister Judy; father-in-law Obert Lund; brother-in-law Mitch Lund.

In his early years, Dennis farmed and ran purebred Polled Hereford cattle under TFS Polled Herefords along with his father Ted and brothers Wayne and Murray and families. In the middle years he branched into the commercial RWF and purebred Charolais and purebred Gelbvieh breeds, partnered with his brother Wayne, under Fladeland Farms. Over the last eight years Dennis continued farming and raising commercial and purebred Charolais and Gelbvieh cattle in partnership with his wife Valerie and son Ian, under Fladeland Farms.

Our condolences are extended to the Fladeland family in the loss of a true gentlemen and cattleman.

Anica Kathleen, daughter of Glen & Julie Davidson of Moose Jaw, SK. was born July 13, 2012 and is a new sister for Kegan and Amara. Proud grandparents are Vernon & Eileen Davidson, Ponteix, SK. Page 60 • Spring 2013 • Gelbvieh guide

Ross & Tara Davidson of Lonesome Dove Ranch at Ponteix, SK are pleased to announce the arrival of their baby girl Jaime Rose, born Dec 14, 2012 at 11:08 pm. She weighed 8lb 6oz and was 50 cm long.

Very proud big brothers are Ash & Cameron.

BUSINESS DIRECTORY Auctioneers / Sales Management 108 Flett Drive Airdrie, Alberta T4B 1N2 Phone: 403/948-3520 Fax: 403/948-2917 email: don@donsavageauctions.com www.donsavageauctions.com

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

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

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Phone (403) 337-0052 Cell (780) 853-7067 Fax (403) 337-0052 Head Office: (780) 447-3276 Suite 302, 13220 St. Albert Trail, Edmonton, Alberta T5L 4W1 hbarr@cdnfarmins.com www.cdnfarmins.com Transit Livestock Mortality Equine

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

Box 1342 High Prairie, Alberta Canada , T0G 1E0

Commercial Cow/Calf Pine Hill Ralph & Ulla Hogberg 21 Miles West of Dawson Creek on Hart Hwy. Ph: (250) 843-7230 2-1/4 Miles South on Rd. 259 Glenn, Ann, Jason, Progress, BC V0C 2E0 E-mail: & Annette Hogberg Canada hogberg@pris.bc.ca Ph: (250) 843-7653

Gelbvieh guide • Spring 2013 • Page 61

BUSINESS DIRECTORY Alberta Gelbvieh Breeders

Commercial & Purebred

Vern & Vivienne Pancoast 403-548-6678

LC RANCH

Box 37, Redcliff, AB T0J 2P0 Fax: 403-548-6955 vvfarms@xplornet.com

Purebred Gelbvieh Ray & Anne Davisson

www.lcranchbulls.com

Box 764, Stettler, AB T0C 2L0

(403) 742-2524

lcranch@xplornet.com

Rodney & Tanya Hollman Site 8, Box 25, RR#4, Innisfail, AB T4G 1T9 PH:(403) 754-5499 Cell:(403) 588-8620 Fax:(403) 886-2813

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

CALVIN & DONNA BEAMISH

Black & Tan Purebred & Commercial Gelbvieh Cattle Larry, Lynne, Kate & Sarah FECHO

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

Phone: (780) 954-2285 Fax: (780) 954-2671 Cell: (780) 307-4842 Box 67, Jarvie, AB T0G 1H0 farmer56@telus.net

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

CGA SINCE 1972 AQHA SINCE 1985

RANCH RAISED GELBHIEH CATTLE QUARTER HORSES

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

HAROLD, BEV, OLIVIA & THOMAS FAIRVIEW, ALBERTA

SELIN’S GELBVIEHS

Saskatchewan

Bulls & Females for Sale • Purebreds and Fullbloods

www.jentygelbviehs.com

Wayne & Lois Selin

Box 97, Stockholm, Saskatchewan S0A 3Y0

(306) 793-4568

Maple Grove Gelbvieh McCoy Cattle Co. Thackeray Gelbvieh Farms Hurlburt Livestock Selin's Gelbvieh Page 62 • Spring 2013 • Gelbvieh guide

(204) 278-3255 Narcisse, MB (306) 436-2086 Milestone, SK (306) 456-2555 Weyburn, SK (306) 931-2551 Saskatoon, SK (306) 793-4568 Stockholm, SK

BUSINESS DIRECTORY Saskatchewan

Manitoba

Raymond & Pauline Sommerfeld Ryan & Michelle Sommerfeld Medstead, SK Phone: 306.342.4490 Phone: 306.342.2136

Fi r River Livestock

COMMERCIAL GELBVIEH 3 PUREBRED year old AND Purebred Gelbvieh bull, DARCy HREBENIUK (306) 865-2929 performance tested, his prime 865-3698 DAVE HREBENIUK (306)in BOx and ready to go.379Open yearling HUDSON BAy SK S0E 0y0 heifers, polled and horned, ready firriver@xplornet.com

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

GOFFLOT BAR 2 RANCH Camile & Judy Gofflot

R.R. #1, Pipestone, MB, Ph: (204) 854-2530

Polled Fullblood & Purebred Gelbvieh Bulls & Purebred Gelbvieh Heifers For Sale!

Ontario

Daryl & Janice Thoreson Box 7, Site 1, Cabri, Sask. S0N 0J0 Ph: (306) 587-2874 • Email:circle.t.d.j.thoreson@sasktel.net Polled Purebred Bulls & Heifers For Sale by Private Treaty

K

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

c/o James Knudson Ph/Fax: 306-322-4682

FG K

FG

This could be your spot!!!

Call the CGA Office today to book your Business Card Ad Listing

Box 386, Archerwill, SK S0E 0B0

Glynn Waterton R.R. #8, Owen Sound ON. N4K 5W4 Tel/Fax: (519) 376-8413 gswaterton@gmail.com

Gelbvieh guide • Spring 2013 • Page 63

COMING EVENTS A Complimentary Service Provided by the Canadian Gelbvieh Association

2013 Feb.16 – Prairie Hills Gelbvieh Bull & Female Production Sale, Gladstone, ND. Feb. 23 - McCoy Cattle Co/Beck Farms 4th Annual Bull Sale, 1 pm, Optimum Genetics Sale Facility, Regina, SK. Mar. 2 - Davidson Gelbvieh & Lonesome Dove Ranch, 24th Annual Bull Sale, at the ranch, Ponteix, SK. Mar. 4 - Severtson Land & Cattle 20th Annual Bull Sale, 1 pm, at the farm, Innisfail, AB. Mar. 9 - Foursquare Gelbvieh Bull Sale, 1 pm, Olds Cow Palace, Olds, AB. Mar. 15 - V & V Farms & Friends 12th Annual Bull Sale, 1 pm, at the farm, Redcliff, AB. Mar. 16 - Gelbvieh Advantage Bull Sale, 1pm, Innisfail Auction Market, Innisfail, AB. Mar. 18 – Twin Bridge Farms & Guests Bull Sale, Silver Sage Corral, Brooks, AB. Mar. 22 - 13th Annual Saskatoon Gelbvieh Bull & Female Sale, 1 pm, Saskatoon Livestock Sales, Saskatoon, SK. Mar. 23 –Nelson Gelbvieh Bull Sale, at the ranch, Glenwood, AB. Mar. 24 - Goodview Gelbvieh bulls sell at the Best of the Breeds Sale, Leross, SK. Mar. 30 – Opening Day of Milne’s Better Beef Bull Sale, Private Treaty Barn Auction, Fairview, AB Apr. 6 - Prairie Gelbvieh Alliance Bull Sale, 1:30 pm, Johnstone Auction Mart, Moose Jaw, SK. Apr. 9 - Deep Sands Livestock Gelbvieh bulls sell at Top Cut Bull Sale, 2 pm, Mankota Stockman’s Weigh Co., Mankota, SK. May 1 - Advertising Deadline for the Summer “Golden Pages” issue of the Gelbvieh Guide magazine.

May 23 – 25 – BC Cattlemen’s Association 2013 Convention, hosted by North Okanagan Livestock Association, Wesbild Center, Vernon, BC. Jun. 15 - Canadian Junior Gelbvieh Scholarship Application Deadline. Contact the CGA office for more details.

Page 64 • Spring 2013 • Gelbvieh guide

Jul. 1 - Canadian Western Agribition Scholarship Deadline.

Jul – Davidson Gelbvieh & Lonesome Dove Ranch Annual Open House and Private Treaty Heifer Sale. 1 pm at the Ranch.

Aug. 10 – GAA/BC Field Day hosted by Royal Western Gelbvieh, Rodney & Tanya Hollman, Innisfail, AB. Sep. 1 - Advertising Deadline for the Fall “Commercial” issue of the Gelbvieh Guide magazine.

Oct. 1 - Entry Deadline for Farmfair International, Edmonton, AB. Oct. 15 - Entry Deadline for Canadian Gelbvieh Association Junior High Point Programs (4-H & Open).

Oct. - Pre-sorted Gelbvieh Cross Calf Sale, Medicine Hat Feeding Company, Medicine Hat, Alberta. Book calves in early by calling, 403-526-3129 or 403-502-6417.

Oct. - Pre-sorted Gelbvieh Cross calf sale, Heartland Livestock, Swift Current, Saskatchewan. Book calves in early by calling, 306-773-3174. *Satellite Sale!

Nov. 1-2 - Lloydminster Stockade Roundup, Lloydminster, AB/SK. Nov. 2 – 9 - Farmfair International, Edmonton, AB. Nov. 11-16 – Canadian Western Agribition, Regina, SK. Nov. 13 - Gelbvieh Show, Canadian Western Agribition, Regina, SK. Nov. 14 - Man-Sask Gelbvieh Sweetheart Classic, Canadian Western Agribition, Regina, SK. Nov. 23 – V & V Female Sale, at the farm, Redcliff, AB. Nov. 29-30 - GAA/BC Annual Meeting, Wish List (Canadian National) Sale, Canadian People’s Choice Bull Futurity & Commercial Pen Show, Ponoka, AB. Dec. 1 – Gelbvieh Guide Photo Contest Deadline.

Dec. 1 - Severtson Top Cut Female Sale, at the farm, Innisfail, AB. Dec. 7 - Prairie Gelbvieh Alliance 12th Annual Female Sale, Moose Jaw, SK.

ADVERTISERS INDEX Alberta Dodge Dealers

66

Fir River Livestock

B N H Livestock

25

Fladeland Livestock

Bar GR

61

Foursquare Gelbvieh

Beamish Land & Cattle

62

Gelbvieh World

61

RPS Gelbvieh

42,63

Beef In BC

61

Gofflot Bar 2 Ranch

63

Royal Western Gelbvieh

15,62

Bow Valley Genetics Ltd.

61

Goodview Gelbvieh

40,63

Saskatoon Gelbvieh

GSW Gelbvieh

63

Bull & Female Sale

31

Canadian Farm Insurance Corp. 61

Hogberg Ranch

61

Savage, Don

61

Canadian People’s Choice

Jen-Ty Gelbvieh

13,19,62

Selin’s Gelbvieh

62

Brittain Farms

25,61

63

Nelson Gelbvieh

39,62

4, 63

Prairie Gelbvieh Alliance

29,62

43,61

Prairie Hills Gelbvieh

27

Bull Futurity

19

JSJ Gelbvieh

63

Severtson Land & Cattle

Carroll Creek Cattle Company

63

Knudson Farms

63

Rocky Top Gelbvieh

62

Circle T Ranch

63

LC Ranch

33,62

Stockmans Insurance

61

Crest View Farms

63

Lonesome Dove Ranch

OBC

Stone Gate Farm

61

Dane Ranch

61

Mader, Barry & Robin

61

Twin Bridge Farms

OBC

Maple Grove Gelbvieh

63

V&V Farms.

Davidson Gelbvieh Dayspring Cattle Eyot Valley

13, 61 25,37,62

McCoy Farms Milne’s 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: Westernlitho Printers Regina, 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

3,63

Winders Golden Gelbvieh

IFC,23

19,62 62, IBC 62

62

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 . . . . . . . . . . . .$50.00 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 2013 • Page 65

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Gelbvieh guide • Spring 2013 • Page 67