Gelbvieh Guide Spring 2015

Genetics & Genomics

- How they relate to your commercial customers

Equipment For The Calving Barn

- Make sure all equipment is handy and clean

Understanding Dark Cutters

- ABP research explains the issue

CDN PUB Agreement # 40012883

Page 4 • Spring 2015 • Gelbvieh guide

SPRING 2015 • VOLUME 24 • ISSUE 3

In this issue...

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

7 8 12 37 40 48 49

Feature articles...

Karl Sothmann, Man-Sask Commercial Breeder Externding Genetics & Genomics to your Comercial Customer Base Equipment for the Calving Barn Understanding Dark Cutters

13 20 28 34

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

Doing winter chores at Twin Bridge Farms Lomond, AB

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

Gelbvieh guide • Spring 2015 • Page 5

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

Directors

President - Aaron Birch Box 192, Lomond, AB T0L 1G0 Phone: 403-485-5518 Email: aaron@tbfarms.ca

President

Man-Sask Gelbvieh Association

Darcy Hrebeniuk Box 379, Hudson Bay, SK S0E 0Y0

Phone: 306-865-2929 Fax: 306-865-2860 firriver@xplornet.com

Romacordelia Cox Fax: 250-476-1280 cordy_cox@hotmail.com

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

Representative -Darcy Hrebeniuk Box 379 Hudson Bay, SK S0E 0Y0 Phone: 306-865-2929 Fax: 306-865-2860 Email: firriver@xplornet.com

Eastern Canadian Gelbvieh Association

P.O. Box 53, Tatla Lake, BC V0L 1V0

Phone: 250-476-1221

Secretary -Joyce Dawson Box 1616 Vanderhoof, BC V0J 3A0 Phone: 250-567-5430 or 250-570-9179 Email: halfwayranch2000@hotmail.com

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

Kert Ness

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

Box 8, Site 7, RR#1, Airdrie, AB T4B 2A3

Phone: 403-860-4634 Fax: 403-948-9236 kertness@shaw.ca

Lon Carlson Box 86 Magrath, AB T0K 1J0 Phone: 403-894-3413 rstar91@yahoo.ca

Blair Bentz Box 430 Punnichy, SK S0A 3C0

Phone/Fax: 306-835-2748 blbentz@sasktel.net

Don’t Miss Out!

Keep in touch by reading the official Gelbvieh Magazine.

The Gelbvieh Guide magazine is mailed FREE OF CHARGE for two 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.

Neil Overby Box 180 St. Ros Du Lac, MB R0L 1S0 Phone: 204-447-5552 neil.overby@gov.mb.ca

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

Page 6 • Spring 2015 • Gelbvieh guide

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.

CGA PRESIDENT’S REPORT

Darcy Hrebeniuk

T

he end of 2014 has come and gone and the New Year brings new opportunities. The Canadian cattle industry remains fluid and dynamic and the Canadian Gelbvieh Association is working diligently to remain progressive.

2014 ended with a bang with successful breed shows and sales at many cattle events across Canada.

Congratulations and thank you to all the exhibitors for exhibiting excellent cattle. The annual general meeting was held in Regina during Canadian Western Agribition, thanks to all who attended.

At this time I would like to congratulate Neil Overby and Lon Carlson for joining us as new directors on the board. As well I want to thank outgoing directors Jason Hurst and Vern Pancoast for their years of dedication to the CGA. Looking into 2015, the cattle industry looks extremely positive and this is the time to increase breed popularity in the Canadian cattle industry. The Canadian Gelbvieh Association board of directors is working very hard to promote the Gelbvieh breed and propel it in a positive direction.

Good luck with calving and all the best in the upcoming bull sales.

Till next time.

Back l-R: Kert Ness, Gaylene Groeneveld, Lee Wirgau Front l-r: Neil Overby, Darcy Hrebeniuk, President, Blair Bentz.

Missing is Cordy Cox and Lon Carlson

Gelbvieh guide • Spring 2015 • Page 7

Association News

By Aaron Birch, President, GAA/BC

A

nother year has come and gone and what a year it was for the cattle industry. The optimism seen last fall is sure to continue into spring bull sales and hopefully years to come. There has never been a more exciting time to be a beef producer.

GAAB/BC events such as Farmfair International saw increases in attendance over previous years. Exhibitors, myself included, were very impressed with the amount of traffic through the barns.

I would encourage all breeders to consider exhibiting at Farmfair as part of your future marketing plans.

The Wish List Weekend was again a huge success. I really have to commend the GAAB/BC Board as well as the Bull Futurity committee for doing such a great job and working together to make this event a highlight for all Gelbvieh enthusiasts. With the help of our great sale staff, Ryan Hurlburt and Loren Unger, the Wish List Sale saw strong prices and a great turnout. This elite offering of Gelbvieh genetics sold into many provinces and into the US. Check for full sale results in this issue.

This was the second year for the Canadian People's Choice Bull Futurity to be held during the Wish List weekend. Bull entries held strong while voting membership numbers were up considerably from last year. Members had the opportunity to sort through 23 bulls from breeders from Alberta, Saskatchewan and North Dakota.

Congratulations to Davidson Gelbvieh on winning with their entry DVE Davidson Yellowbird 4B and also to Fladeland Livestock for winning this powerful herd sire prospect.

Making a comeback this year was the commercial heifer pen show. Producers brought out an exceptional group of females that showcased what the Gelbvieh breed can do for the commercial cattleman. Results are included in this issue.

Our annual banquet also saw a huge turnout with many more guests than anticipated. Congratulations to Roy and Gaye Lucas of Lomond, AB for being the GAAB/BC Commercial Breeder of The Year and Jonus Cattle for being selected as the Purebred Breeder of The Year.

We held our Annual General Meeting during the Wish List Weekend as well. A big thank you goes to Roger Sayer who completed his term on GAAB/BC board for all the hard work he has put in. We also welcome Nolan Pahl to the board this year as a director joining Aaron Birch as president, Graydon Smithers as vice president, Joyce Dawson as secretary, and Joe Ness, Cody Congdon and Jason Muhlback as directors. Merv Tuplin has once again volunteered to be our treasurer.

Thanks to everyone who sponsored, donated, consigned, purchased, attended or helped out with the Wish List Weekend in any way. Together we made it an event our breed can be proud of. Plans are already underway for the 2015 Wish List, which will be December 4th and 5th.

Looking forward, make plans to attend our 2015 Field Day, which will be hosted by Jen-Ty Gelbvieh of Duchess, Alberta. Look for details in the next Guide.

I wish everyone luck with calving and look forward to seeing everyone out and about at the upcoming bull sales.

Back l-R: Cody Congdon, Jason Muhlback, Nolan Pahl, Aaron Birch Front l-r: Joe Ness, Joyce Dawson, Graydon Smithers.

Congratulations to the Gelbvieh Wish list Winners!

Grand Champion Gelbveih influenced pen of Reserve Champion Gelbvieh influenced pen of 3 heifers. Winner: Brittain Farms 3 heifers. Winner: Smithers Land & Livestock Sponsors : Merv Tuplin & Keriness Cattle Co. Sponsor : Rocky Top Gelbvieh Page 8 • Spring 2015 • Gelbvieh guide

$1000.00 Bull Sales Credit: Dale & Cindy Congdon

Gelbvieh guide • Spring 2015 • Page 9

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Association News

By Cynthia Wirgau

T

The Man-Sask Gelbvieh Association sponsored the 15th Annual Sweetheart Gelbvieh Classic at the 2014 Show at Canadian Western Agribition.

he Man-Sask Gelbvieh Association held their annual meeting in Moose Jaw on Dec 13, 2014. Ian Thackeray was elected as President, Trevor Burks as Vice President and Cynthia Wirgau as Secretary-Treasurer. New board member are Wade Davidson & Ross Davidson. Returning board members are Del Fladeland, James Jasper and Chad Nicholas. Thank you to Vernon Davidson for his past 6 years and Wayne Selin for his past 3 years on the board.

A well attended banquet and fantastic fun auction was held at the Temple Gardens. The “Donation Heifer” was donated by Maple Grove Gelbvieh was won by Lorne & Diana Schick. Thank you to everyone that donated and purchased items or tickets. These are our two major fundraisers, bringing in over $10,000. Your support is greatly appreciated.

This year we honored 2 commercial cattle producers who have used Gelbvieh genetics for numerous years. Congratulations to Karl Sothmann and Garry & Sharon Barrett.

We are pleased to announce that we will be having our summer show next summer at Harding State Fair on July 17th in Harding, Manitoba.

The Man-Sask Gelbvieh Association would like to extend a special thank you to all sponsors, exhibitors, volunteers and spectators that make our events so enjoyable.

A total of 34 memberships were sold with 12 females competing for top honors. Members were to choose their top 4 females prior to the female show at Agribition. Upon completion of the female show, the top 4 animals were announced and would be re-judged the following day prior to the sale.

The winning entry would become the lead-off animal in the Agribition Sale.

This year's Sweetheart was exhibited by Twin Bridge Farms, with AWB Birch’s Rainbow 113A. She sold to Jonus Cattle for $7500. Twin Bridge Farms received the jackpot of $7421. EYOT Valley Ranch was the lucky winner who won the sale proceeds of $7250.

The three runner-up females were exhibited by RPS Gelbvieh, Davidson Gelbvieh and Goodview Gelbvieh.

Congratulations to Twin Bridge Farms and the Man-Sask Gelbvieh Association for another successful Sweetheart Classic.

Page 12 • Spring 2015 • Gelbvieh guide

Back l-r: Wade Davidson, Ross Davidson, Chad Nicholas, Del Fladeland Front l-r: Trevor Burks, Vice President, Ian Thackeray, President, Cynthia Wirgau, James Jasper

Gelbvieh guide • Spring 2015 • Page 13

By Piper Whelan

W

hen Karl Sothmann talks about receiving the 2014 Saskatchewan Commercial Breeder of the Year Award from the Manitoba-Saskatchewan Gelbvieh Association, he is completely humble. “Well, it was good,” he says, pride and a hint of a smile evident in his voice.

“I’ve made a lot of friends with the breeders in Saskatchewan over the years. When Wade Davidson phoned me ask if he could nominate me, I said yes. I know how it works, you’ve got to let your name stand or else they can’t hand the award out. But yeah, it was good.”

The cattleman from Elrose,

f the eeder o r B l ia c er Comm ing the au and Ian iv e c e r g n thman hia Wir Karl So rd from Cynt a Year aw y ra Thacke

Page 14 • Spring 2015 • Gelbvieh guide

Saskatchewan, who runs El Dor Ranch with his family, doesn’t elaborate further on this honour; instead, he illustrates the commitment to the Gelbvieh breed and the beef industry that made him a clear choice for this award by speaking with enthusiasm about his experience raising commercial cattle.

Before turning his attention to cattle in the 1970s, Sothmann’s father raised sheep. “In fact, it was a wreck in the cattle industry and he thought it would be an opportunity, so we went back into cattle,” Sothmann explains. “We’re cow-calf.

We’ve always stayed around 100 to 120 (head) since 1974.”

Today, Sothmann ranches with his two older brothers, and also works with three of his nephews. In addition to Gelbvieh genetics, their commercial herd is also made up of Charolaisand Red Angus-influence cattle.

El Dor Ranch began using Gelbvieh bulls in the 1980s, after Sothmann’s father became interested in the breed. “He was going to the University of Saskatchewan’s bull test station that they used to run, and he had been buying Black Angus bulls then,” says Sothmann. The person who ran the test station suggested the senior Sothmann take a look at the Gelbvieh bulls on test. “There were two Gelbvieh bulls in the test, only two, and they were the two top-gaining bulls of the whole test of probably 400 animals. So Dad looked at them and did some research on the Gelbvieh breed, and bought them. And we’ve been buying Gelbvieh bulls ever since.”

The positive outcome of their decision to use Gelbvieh bulls in their commercial herd can be seen in their widely sought-after calves. El Dor Ranch has consigned their calves through Heartland Livestock in Swift Current, S.K., for more than 20 years. “They have a Gelbvieh sorted select satellite sale every year, so we’ve been in there pretty well every year since they’ve started it,” says Sothmann. Year after year, their calves certainly impress, with compliments coming from sales staff and buyers alike.

With high prices resulting in top dollar and optimism for the Canadian beef industry in the latter part of 2014, it’s no wonder Sothmann sees it as a stand-out year for his family’s ranch. When asked about the price his calf crop brought this past year, he has nothing but praise: “Incredible. Just incredible. It’s a year that a guy will remember forever, and what’s really good is you’ll remember because it was so good, instead of because something horrible happened to the industry.”

Given the ranch’s recent success, it makes sense to hear that Sothmann is content to keep doing what they’ve been doing.

His plans for the future of his family’s herd are consistent. “I can’t see us expanding a whole bunch,” he says. “We use all our own pasture — we’re not in any community pastures —

Herd sire at E ldor

so I think we’re going to stay pretty stable with this, right where we are.”

Nonetheless, there is much for Sothmann to look forward to in 2015, simply by being part of an industry he loves. “I find a lot of rewards, especially with calving season and when you sell the calves in the fall; you can see where you made the right choices on genetics and did the research on the bulls before you bought them,” he explains. “It’s a rewarding industry, I find.”

According to Sothmann, there’s a bright future ahead with the cattle that helped his operation through the leaner years.

“The genetics and the type of cow you had that brought you through those tough times, and maybe let you break even when everybody else lost a hundred bucks, or made a hundred bucks when other guys broke even — those are going to continue to be very important,” he says. The Gelbvieh breed, he says, will play a crucial role in his own herd and in the Canadian beef industry. “The maturity, the rate of gain — those are all going to be important.” In that case, Sothmann’s own future in the cattle business looks perfectly sunny.

R anch

en The bull p

anch at Eldor R

Typical female a t Eldor R anch

Gelbvieh guide • Spring 2015 • Page 15

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

Canadian Western Agribition Regina, Saskatchewan

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Wendy Belcher joined the staff of the Canadian Gelbvieh Association as their Secretary/Manager in 1990. That same year, the Association decided it was time for a Canadian Gelbvieh publication and the first issue of the Gelbvieh Guide was started. Her dedication to the Gelbvieh breed and its members through the years has never been compromised and her love for beef cattle in general was evidenced by her contribution as a CGA representative on many local and National Livestock Association boards.

In 1996 the CGA hosted the World Gelbvieh Congress at the Calgary Stampede.

Wendy was the major force behind organizing of the event. She is fondly remembered at the end of the event as quoting, “Rob picked me up at the end of the last day of the Congress – I literally fell into the truck and when I got home I slept for two days.”

Her work ethic was exceptional.

The Canadian Gelbvieh Association celebrated two milestones recently, the 35th Anniversary of Gelbvieh in Canada in 2007 and the 40th Anniversary of Gelbvieh in Canada in 2012. Both events were very successful and Wendy was a large part of organizing them. Her attention to details in anything she was involved in was second to none.

In April of 2012 Wendy and Rob, at the invitation of the Paraguay Association of Gelbvieh Breeders, travelled to Paraguay with a small group of Canadian Gelbvieh members. She enjoyed the trip so much and came home with a deep appreciation of how Gelbvieh cattle were raised in another part of the world and more convinced than ever that Gelbvieh was the best breed out there.

Wendy truly loved her job and over her 25 years of working with the Canadian Gelbvieh Association, she made many true friends, her smile and enthusiasm was contagious and her knowledge of the livestock industry was second to none.

Sincere condolences go out to Robert and the family from all her friends at the Gelbvieh Association. God Bless!

Gelbvieh guide • Spring 2015 • Page 19

Extending Genetics & Genomics to Your Commercial Customer Base

B

y now hopefully most folks in the business of beef cattle genetics have at least heard of genomics and DNA testing. The latest evolution of DNA SNP testing has become relatively mainstream and has basically replaced many of the older technologies such as microsatellite panels for parentage testing.

Historically, DNA replaced blood typing technology and has been largely restricted to use in sire or parent verification of progeny. The price point made it largely applicable to seedstock cattle only when breed association rules required it, such as in the case of embryo donor dams, AI sires and walking herd sires in purebred herds.

While there are still rules in place to protect the integrity of breed association herd books and DNA is still used in this endeavor, the DNA technology of today has applications beyond the support of breed association by-laws and rules. For starters SNP DNA panels have come down dramatically in price in relation to their earlier microsatellite counterparts, and the technology has rapidly improved at each given price point over the last several years. Further, beyond simple parentage the research and development that has been ongoing over the last several years has not only improved the technology but it has also improved the resolving power of DNA tests to provide useful information about a wide variety of traits. This information can now be incorporated into EPDs and provide a boost to the accuracy of the evaluation, reducing breeding errors and improving the effectiveness of selection within a given breeding goal. While anyone involved would agree that there is much to be done and we are likely only at the very beginning of the technology, the work so far has been a game changer because it means that DNA testing has a real value proposition.

The hard part for breeders that are busy already is first assessing that value proposition in their own operation. Do you just stick with basic parentage or is there value to be added on conducting a higher density panel on young animals? Can high density panels help to pick out the next herd sire with greater accuracy and less margin of error? Is it worth testing sale bulls and where is the price point that makes it worthwhile? Should I test all my replacement heifers, in order to sort them into breeding/production groups, or should I use simple low cost parentage to run multi-sire breeding groups with higher conception rates?

All of these are good questions and may have a fit in a seedstock operation, however, very few operations have likely given consideration to extending/leveraging that same technology for the benefit of their commercial customers and yet more commercial producers are interested in and using DNA SNP technology. This represents a real opportunity for seedstock suppliers to consider, since their key product and tie to their commercial customers is DNA. Too often seedstock suppliers think of themselves in the “bull selling game” rather than the “DNA selling game”. Bulls are only useful for the DNA that they provide to their offspring, whether they are easier calving, faster growing feeder cattle, or longer lived, more fertile replacement females. Whatever the customer goal is, seedstock suppliers are hopefully selling a four legged DNA delivery tool with the right DNA for that goal and management system.

So from the seedstock side, DNA technology allows us to sell a parentage guaranteed product that has a higher degree of accuracy in the EPD, thus creating a better opportunity to match the DNA to the customer’s needs. For a commercial customer, purchasing a sire that already has DNA on file in a lab has value in making a DNA program through simple tests such as sire sorting replacement heifers much easier. Further to that, commercial users may wish to add things such as tissue diagnostics for BVD, or a replacement heifer Page 20 • Spring 2015 • Gelbvieh guide

panel to provide information on traits such as calving ease, fertility and longevity.

DNA parentage in the commercial industry may also make carcass data relevant to individual sires and thus to genetic evaluation programs for bull suppliers. As the industry moves forward it may also help a group of customers to pool cattle that have similar feeding characteristics. Think of it as a pre-sort with about a million times more information than just colour and weight. This has the potential to add real value to feeder cattle packages. Some feedlots are already doing a rudimentary version of this with single gene DNA testing of cattle upon arrival at the lot. Pre-testing sale bulls for traits desired by the feedlots can provide marketing opportunities for customers, and savings for the purchasing feedlot. Because of seedstock ties the DNA in the commercial calf, there is tremendous potential for a more refined approach in this area.

There may be further opportunities in the replacement female marketplace as well.

Imagine working with customers to provide packages of replacement heifers with information that normally would take several calf crops to produce. DNA could provide a good way to put sire groups and similar DNA containing heifers together and offer heifers influenced by a single genetic program. The technology may also provide information on disease resistance or optimal vaccination programs as we move down the road.

DNA technology is not going away and in fact is continually providing more bang for the same buck. As the technology moves in this direction, it is likely that the commercial industry will continue to adopt and adapt it for a wide variety of uses. Since seedstock suppliers are in the business of selling DNA, it is important that they work with their customers as they go down this road. I think there will be many exciting and unseen opportunities for everyone by doing so.

Gelbvieh guide • Spring 2015 • Page 21

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2015 Canadian People’s Choice Bull Futurity Membership Form Name of Farm ___________________________________________________________________________________________ Owner(s) Name __________________________________________________________________________________________ Address __________________________________________________________________________Postal Code____________ Ph: (

) ___________________________________________ Email: _______________________________________

Email __________________________________________________________________________________________________ ______Canadian People’s Choice Tier #1 Membership - $400.00 ____________________________ $ __________________ ______ Canadian People’s Choice Tier #2 Membership - $600.00____________________________ $ __________________ ______ Additional Tier #2 Bull Entries - $200.00 each______________________________________ $ _________________ Total Enclosed ……………………… $___________________ Signature ________________________________ Please note that the Canadian Peoples Choice Futurity is now a "Capped Event", all 2014 memberships not renewed by April 1, 2015 will become available on a first come basis. This is your chance as a 2014 Canadian Peoples Choice member to guarantee your spot at this year's event.

Also to clarify you can change your membership level yearly based on your own programs needs. Please note you can upgrade your membership from Tier#1 to Tier#2 right up until the first round of voting has started Dec 4, 2015. Thank you for being apart of this prestigious Gelbvieh event!

Make cheques payable to: “PEOPLE’S CHOICE FUTURITY” MAIL TO: 5160 SKYLINE WAY NE, CALGARY, AB T2E 6V1 Gelbvieh guide • Spring 2015 • Page 23

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SA BirCH'S WrUFFlE 2B

S: ATC GOLD STAR POLLED 5D D: SA BIRCH'S WRUFFLE 59Z • 2014 Farmfair Heifer Calf Champion and Reserve Grand Champion Female • 2014 Agribition 2nd in Class • 2014 Agribition Junior Show Champion Gelbvieh Female

AWB BirCH'S GAYlE 19B ET

S: CANADIAN PIONEER (CGA #4) D: SA BIRCH'S GAYLE 32N (Pictured With The Family of John Milne, Importer of CANADIAN PIONEER in 1972) • Polled Fullblood Female • 2014 Farmfair Second in Class • 2014 Agribition Third in Class

AWB BirCH'S rAinBOW 113A

S: VV YOICKS 107Y D: AWB BIRCH'S RAINBOW 30U • 2014 Sweetheart Gelbvieh Champion • Thank You to Jonus Cattle For Purchasing Rainbow in the National Sale

SA BirCH'S rEVOlVEr 3B

S: VV YOICKS 107Y D: SA BIRCH'S MARION 4S • 2014 Farmfair Legends of The Fall Champion Gelbvieh Bull • 2014 Agribition Reserve Senior Champion Bull Calf

Thank You To Our Friends That Helped Us last Fall... nick Baer • Joe Barnett •

Alisha Minchau

• riley Merrill

Thank You To Our Fall 2014 Buyers...

SA BirCH'S GAYlE 48Z

S: DRJ FULL EXPOSURE 013N D: SA BIRCH'S GAYLE 32N • 2014 Vulcan District 4-H Show Champion Female • 2014 Farmfair Reserve Senior Champion Female • 2014 Agribition Champion Junior Cow/Calf Pair

SA BirCH'S TiMBEr 54B

S: VV TIREE 150T 2014 Farmfair Reserve Bull Calf Champion

FArMFAir inTErnATiOnAl 2014 • 2014 Farmfair • Champion Breeders Herd • Premier Breeder • Premier Exhibitor

Thank You To...

Hillsdown Gelbvieh for purchasing GSW AlriGHT GAl A2 at the Gelbvieh Wish list Sale.

• Jonus Cattle for purchasing the Sweetheart Champion AWB BIRCH'S RAINBOW 30U in the National Sale • Bluff Island Stock Farm for purchasing AWB BIRCH'S FAITHFUL 1A, the high selling female in the Wish List Sale • Fladeland Livestock for purchasing SA BIRCH'S ANNY 196A, the second high selling bred heifer in the Wish List Sale • B&R Ranch for purchasing SA BIRCH'S DISCO 108A in the Wish List Sale • JSJ Gelbvieh for purchasing a flush on SA BIRCH'S GAYLE 32N

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Gelbvieh guide • Spring 2015 • Page 27

A

s with any work area on the farm having the proper equipment keeping it maintained, disinfected and stocking the area with the right pharmaceuticals will help insure a successful calving season. The one critical component and often forgotten about is with biosecurity. With many cows and their mothers moving through the calving area at a stressful time it is important to have an area which can be cleaned easily and sprayed periodically with Virkon disinfectant. I like to have a boot dip close by to be used both into and out of the calving area. This is especially critical when treating sick calves before assisting in the delivery of a calf. You do not want to be the one which transmits disease on your premises. Change coveralls frequently and have a supply of towels or rags to keep yourself dry and clean.

Equipment should consist of a functioning calf puller. There are many good models on the market all of which function well. Make sure they only require one person to operate it. You want to be close to the back end of the cow where you can constantly check tension and placement of the chains yet still be able to operate the puller. Some of the fancier ones would pull one leg then the other in a step by step motion. My only problem here is if the calf is that tight and will take that type of motion to extract it the pull may be excessive. You will need at least two pulling handles and two chains and some even like a head snare. The handles should be large enough to get your hands in comfortably and grip the links of the chains without slipping. Always keep spares as handles and chains can easily get lost in the straw. They are cheap and when needed they are critical to have around. Always clean and disinfect and hang to dry between uses. Chains also fatigue and rust so replace every couple of years. In the past the dirtiest piece of equipment on the farm was the breech of the calf puller so pressure wash it every so often.

Other supplies include a package of good quality obstetrical gloves, and a waterproof calving suit which can easily be hosed down. Obstetrical gloves come in many strengths and colors.

For calving you need the stronger more expensive ones which take a lot of abuse before ripping. The real thin ones are used for artificial insemination where fine feel is critical and they will rip too easily during calving. Always examine the cow using obstetrical gloves. The protection goes both ways and I have seen several people develop allergic skin reactions from constant exposure to the fetal fluids. Have elastics, hemostats or towel clamps to keep them up on your arms. Surgical soap which is non-irritating to the vulval area and your skin as well is a must. I prefer “Endure” and with that a good source of warm clean water. Although the iodine soap products are good as far as killing bacteria I find they have a tendency to dry out your skin on repeated usage. Lots and lots of sterile lubricant purchased by the gallon complete with a hand pump will minimize the friction on many a tough calving and can make the difference between saving a calf and loosing it especially when it relieves pressure around the head.

As far as medications are concerned your tags (management and RFID tags) and shots for the calf including Vitamin A&D plus selenium must be on hand. Have enough for the entire calving season. In some herds metaphylactic antibiotics are used to prevent navel infections again have the season’s supply. If the cow is caught, before releasing her always check to make sure she is fully tagged and has no other health issues which need attending while in the maternity pen. Strip her teats out to make sure none are blocked and look for evidence of mastitis. Some producers tube feed the calf if it has been a

We all know even very quiet cows at or before calving may become over defensive so make sure the route to get cows into the calving area is planned with cross gates where needed and escape routes

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hard delivery with colostrum and potentially administer NSAID’s. These anti-inflammatory drugs like banamine or metacam are being used in harder pulls and make a difference.

They must be obtained from your veterinarian under a prescription and its best to discuss under what calving circumstances it is best to give and whether the calf cow or both in some cases should receive it.

All farmers by now should have either a commercially made maternity pen, calving chute or a hand constructed calving restraint device. A squeeze chute is definitely not the place to pull a calf. This is where wrecks can easily happen if cows squat during the calving process. Other critical drugs may be a respiratory stimulant which is also a prescription drug from your veterinarian. One cc of a respiratory stimulant given in the vein or squirted under the tongue can greatly facilitate breathing. Again you need to talk to your veterinarian on how to give it and if it is even available. Epinephrine (adrenalin) can also be given as a last ditch effort to get the heart going.

Because speed is of the essence these last two products need to be close at hand with syringe and needle ready. Some producers even have oxygen delivery apparatuses which can facilitate breathing.

A calf esophageal feeder is also an absolute necessity and I like producers having one to use for colostrum on newborn calves and use the old one from last year for sick or scouring calves and label each one accordingly. Disinfect them includ-

ing the feeder tube Keep the calving area and especially the maternity pen as clean as possible and disinfect the puller and calving chains with something like Virkon disinfectant. Use other strict biosecurity practises like not allowing visitors during calving season or minimally have them wear plastic disposable booties which you will provide. Calving season is when you need biosecurity crack down.

With calving cows around always have a hazing prop such as a paddle, rattle or hockey stick available. We all know even very quiet cows at or before calving may become over defensive so make sure the route to get cows into the calving area is planned with cross gates where needed and escape routes.

If using a sled to bring in calves have a long lead rope to keep you away from the cow. Many farmers have sleds or wagons built to pull behind a quad or gator or horse or simply by hand. Again I can’t stress enough watch for your safety as calving time is where the majority of farm injuries with regards to livestock occur. Be prepared with as much equipment and supplies because when calving season hits there is no time to go shopping. Let’s not forget the rechargeable flashlight.

Many have high candle power and some even get the mining type lights to wear on their head. Have a great 2015 calving season as the calves you save have never been more valuable.

Gelbvieh guide • Spring 2015 • Page 29

Tell Someone About Your Cattle

by Gaylene Groeneveld

T

here's an old adage, "you can build a better mousetrap but if you don't tell somebody about it, they won't be selling." Do you know what happens if you don't promote…NOTHING! There are thousands of ranches looking to buy bulls every year. Tell them who, what and where you are. Thousands buy replacement females because they are either using a cross sire, or need to improve their cowherd with new genetics. You probably keep the top end for yourself, ship the bottom and that leaves a bunch of good females that someone else can very successfully use commercially. TELL SOMEBODY ABOUT YOUR CATTLE. Only YOU limit the upside potential of your income. I'm continually disappointed talking to breeders that say "I only kept 5 or 10 as bulls because that's all I can sell or "I kept back my replacement and shipped the rest of the heifers because I can't sell them as breeding stock." If you have taken the time to develop a good cow herd, having culled the poor doers, the bad feet and udders, and the bad temperaments, then you have a strong set of registered cows that you know their bloodlines, and their EPD's tell you what they should do genetically. Those offspring can be of great benefit to a commercial rancher. BUT THEY HAVE TO KNOW WHAT YOU HAVE, AND THAT THEY ARE FOR SALE.

Page 30 • Spring 2015 • Gelbvieh guide

Your marketing plan can be very simple, set a budget and develop an advertising campaign. Gelbvieh Guide staff can help you develop an advertising program for the year for less than the PRICE OF ONE COMMERCIAL CALF. Go for it!

Don't limit yourself to thinking you can only sell 5 or 10 bulls….advertise further from home and sell more through advertising in your local paper. People closest to home are the hardest to sell to because if they buy from you they are admitting that what you have is better than theirs. Make it easy for them, advertise in your local papers.

Then put up a nice gate sign with your name and Gelbvieh cattle on it, saying Bulls and Females For Sale to that the buyers and everyone else that drives by can easily find you and will know you sell good Gelbvieh genetics. You don't have to be a great salesman but you need to let people know who and where you are and the good cattle will speak for themselves. You just need the people to drive in to look at them. Remember YOU ARE THE BIGGEST LIMITING FACTOR TO YOUR OWN SUCCESS. DON'T SAY I CAN'T, SAY I WILL. NOW…..GIT R DONE!

Gelbvieh guide • Spring 2015 • Page 31

Page 32 • Spring 2015 • Gelbvieh guide

Gary & Sharon Barrett were awarded a "Commercial Breeder of the Year" by the Man-Sask Gelbvieh Association. Presting Gary (right) with a farm sign is Trevor Burks.

Gelbvieh guide • Spring 2015 • Page 33

Page 34 • Spring 2015 • Gelbvieh guide

Denver Success!

DVE Davidson Chester 72B, an entry of Davidson Gelbvieh of Ponteix, SK was selected by the 50 voting members of the 2015, 18th Annual Breeder's Choice Gelbvieh Bull Futurity to be one of two runner-ups in the event. The other was an entry of the Judd Ranch of Pomona, Kansas, JRI Overdrive 253B91. The winning bull was the entry from Kansas Connection, of Easton, Kansas, BDCG DC Businessman 401B ET. The winning bull will receice $28,000! This event was held during the recent National Gelbvieh Show at the National Western Stock Show in Denver, CO. Gelbvieh guide • Spring 2015 • Page 35

Having no regrets in 2014 with participating in cattle sales, shows, and travelling, to meet new and reminisce with old friends. The Ness guys are looking just as forward to putting some more miles on for 2015.

Special Thanks to all buyers of our program last year, this makes it all worth it.

• Dayment Ranch – Longview, AB. • Crocus Ridge Cattle Co. (Kevin, Bonny & Girls thanks for the Bunny Hug) Dinsmore, SK..

• Brian Sekura - Vauxhall, AB. • Hawkeye Ranches 1997 Inc. (Alan Top) Cayley, AB • Carlson Cattle Company (Lon & Lorraine) Magrath, AB. • Ridge Lane (Jim & Hedi Sokalski) Vegreville, AB. • Dusty Rose Cattle Co. (Darren Dunford, a little bro to Joe) Dapp, AB. • Rocky Ridge Ranch (Charlie & Louise Locke) Bearspaw, AB. • Pearson Farms (Duncan Pearson & Jessica a.k.a arm candy) Calmar, AB. • Brittain Farms Kelly & Colleen Falun, AB. • Limestone Stock Farms (Art, Marie & Jessica a.k.a side kick) Andrew, AB. • Jen-Ty Gelbvieh / 1996 (Don & Lorna Okell, a great place to drop off cattle and have a few cold ones) Dutchess, AB. • Loren Schick – Broken Diamond Ranch. SK. • Thanks to all inquiries and bidders for your support as well.

You have seen some of our Herdsires advertized in the Fall Gelbvieh issue, here is some of our product for sale at the...

We will have great bulls and good heifers for sale and know Birch’s and Carlson’s will be bringing some good ones too. Plus a new consignor has just been added, you will have to open your Sale Catalogue available at

www.donsavageauctions.com

to find out. lunch at 12:00 Catered by Carol Birch yummy, sale at 1:00 sharp. Free parking too.

Page 36 • Spring 2015 • Gelbvieh guide

Kert ness

403-860-4634 • kertness@shaw.ca

Joe ness

403-852-7332 • jonuscattle@gmail.com

KCC 41B • Jan 15/14 • 86lb Frl HOlMAn 627Z x CK 27Z

KCC 20B • Jan 24/14 • 98lb Ull HEAVY TrADEr 27W x KCC 68W

JlD 275B • Mar 6/14 • 98lb EV KAnAS 50Y x VV 6W

SHOW RESULTS MANITOBA LIVESTOCK EXPO - BRANDON, MANITOBA NOVEMBER 8, 2014

Heifer Calf born on or after Jan. 1, 2014; Split 1 Neil Overby, St. Rose du Lac, MB - OSF Anita 101B ET Heifer Calf born on or after Jan 1, 2014; Split 2 Fladeland Livestock, Gladmar, SK - FLAD Fladeland Bottoms Up 23B Junior Heifer - born April 1 - Dec. 31, 2013 JSJ Livestock, Hartney, MB - JSJ Alexis 80A Junior Heifer born Jan 1 - March 31, 2013 JSJ Livestock, Hartney, MB - JSJ Ainsley 8A

Reserve Champion Female Fladeland Livestock, Gladmar, SK - FLAD Fladeland Bottoms Up 23B Bull Calf - born on or after Jan 1, 2014 Fladeland Livestock, Gladmar, SK - FLAD Fladeland Bam Bam 89B Bull Yearling - born Jan 1 - March 31, 2013 Fladeland Livestock, Gladmar, SK - FRL FLAD Fir River Kerrel 863A

Female With Own 2014 Calf - born Jan 1-Dec. 31, 2012 Fladeland Livestock, Gladmar, SK - FLAD Fladeland Sparlks Fly 29Z

Grand Champion Bull Fladeland Livestock, Gladmar, SK - FRL FLAD Fir River Kessel 863A

Female With Own 2014 Calf - born Jan 1, 2012 Neil Overby, St. Rose du Lac, MB - SLC Anita 137Y

Reserve Champion Bull Fladeland Livestock, Gladmar, SK - FLAD Fladeland Bam Bam 89B

Grand Champion Female Neil Overby, St. Rose du Lac, MB - SLC Anita 137Y

Gelbvieh guide • Spring 2015 • Page 37

SHOW RESULTS WESTERN CANADIAN GELBVIEH SHOW - EDMONTON, ALBERTA NOVEMBER 6, 2014 JUDGES: TIM & DERRIE MASSEY, STRATHMORE, ALBERTA Junior Champion Female STON Miss Jest 13A, VV Farms, Redcliff, AB Reserve Junior Champion Female VV Debbie 62A, VV Farms, Redcliff, AB Two Year Old Cow/Calf Pair SA Birch's Gayle 48Z - Twin Bridge Farms, Lomond, AB Mature Cow/Calf Pair CK Xanadu 71X, Severtson Land and Cattle, Red Deer County, AB Reserve Mature Cow/Calf Pair DVE Davidson Ms Dakota 96X, Davidson Gelbvieh, Ponteix, SK Champion Heifer Calf SA Birch's Wruffle 2B, Twin Bridge Farms, Lomond, AB Reserve Champion Heifer Calf Jace Cattle Company, Botha, AB Grand Champion Female CK Xanadu 71X, Severtson Land and Cattle, Red Deer County, AB Reserve Champion Female SA Birch's Wruffle 2B, Twin Bridge Farms, Lomond, Ab Champion Bull Calf DVE Davidson McGraw 21B, Davidson Gelbvieh, Ponteix, SK. Reserve Champion Bull Calf SA Birch's timber 54B, Twin Bridge Farms, Lomond, AB Junior Champion Bull DVE Davidson Bamford 36A, Davidson Gelbvieh, Ponteix, SK

Premier Breeder, Premier Exhibitor

Reserve Champion Bull Page 38 • Spring 2015 • Gelbvieh guide

Reserve Junior Champion Bull SLC Swagger 105A, Severtson Land and Cattle, Red Deer County, AB Senior Champion Bull VV Zake 114Z, VV Farms, Redcliff, AB Reserve Senior Champion Bull FRL Fir River Ronny Rig 652Z, Keriness Cattle Company, Airdrie, AB Grand Champion Bull VV Zake 114Z, VV Farms, Redcliff, AB Reserve Champion Bull DVE Davidson McGraw 21B, Davidson Gelbvieh, Ponteix, SK. Grand Champion Balancer Female SLC Lady 71B, Severtson Land and Cattle, Red Deer County, AB Reserve Champion Balancer Female VV Zahara 42A, VV Farms, Redcliff, AB Grand Champion Balancer Bull JRI Secret Password, Severtson Land and Cattle, Red Deer County, AB Premier Breeder Twin Bridge Farms Premier Exhibitor Twin Bridge Farms

Grand Champion Female

Grand Champion Balancer Female

Reserve Champion Female

Grand Champion Balancer Bull

SHOW RESULTS 2014 NATIONAL GELBVIEH SHOW - REGINA, SK NOVEMBER 26, 2014 JUDGE: DOUG ROXBURGH

Junior Division Bull Calf Champion DVD Davidson The Gift 110B, Davidson Gelbvieh, Ponteix, SK Reserve Junior Division Bull Calf Champion Twisted T Boomer, Twisted T Gelbvieh, Asquith, SK Senior Division Bull Calf Champion DRT Lonesome Falon 93B, Lonesome Dove Ranch, Ponteix, SK Reserve Senior Division Bull Calf Champion SA Birch's Revolver 3B, Twin Bridge Farms, Lomond, AB Junior Champion Bull Flad Fladeland Boogyman 28A ET, Fladeland Livestock, Gladmar, SK Reserve Junior Champion Bull FRL Flad Fir River Kessel 863, Fladeland Livestock, Gladmar, SK Senior Champion Bull VV Zake 114Z, V&V Farms, Redcliff, AB & Stone Gate Farm, Vermilion, AB Reserve Senior Champion Bull DTKF Emotions Sucker Punch, Prairie Hills Gelbvieh, Gladstone, ND

Grand Champion Female SLC Reba 112Y & Twisted T Bubba

Grand Champion Bull Flad Fladeland Boogyman 28A ET, Fladeland Livestock, Gladmar, SK Reserve Champion Bull VV Zake 114Z, V&V Farm. Redcliff, AB & Stone Gate Farm, Vermilion, AB Junior Division Calf Champion Female Flad Fladeland Blackout 138B, Fladeland Livestock, Gladmar, SK Reserve Junior Division Calf Champion Female RWG Rac Black Pepper 4504, Royal Western Gelbvieh, Red Deer County, AB Senior Division Calf Champion Female VV Miss Debbie 43B, V&V Farm, Redcliff, AB & Stone Gate Farm, Vermilion, AB Reserve Senior Division Calf Champion Female Flad Fladeland Bottoms Up 23B, Fladeland Livestock, Gladmar, SK Junior Champion Female STON Miss Jest 13A, V&V Farms, Redcliff, AB & Stone Gate Farm, Vermilion AB Reserve Junior Champion Female Twisted T Aurora, Twisted T Gelbvieh, Asquith, SK

Congratulations to all the breeders who exhibited Gelbvieh Genetics last fall!

Senior Champion Female SLC Reba 112Y & Twisted T Bubba, Twisted T Gelbvieh, Asquith, SK Reserve Senior Champion Female DVE Davidson MS Mambo 32Y & DVE Davidson Chester 72B, Davidson Gelbvieh, Ponteix, SK Grand Champion Female SLC Reba 112Y & Twisted T Bubba, Twisted T Gelbvieh, Asquith, SK Reserve Grand Champion Female DVE Davidson MS Mambo 32Y & DVE Davidson Chester 72B, Davidson Gelbvieh, Ponteix, SK Balancer Female VV Zahara 42A, V&V Farms, Redcliff, AB Progeny of Dam VV Farms, Redcliff, AB Breeder's herd V&V Farms, Redcliff, AB Get-of-Sire Davidson Gelbvieh, Ponteix, SK Premier Breeder Fladeland Livestock, Gladmar, SK Premier Exhibitor Fladeland Livestock, Gladmar, SK

Grand Champion Bull Reserve Champion Female DVE Davidson MS Mambo 32Y & DVE FLAD Fladeland Boogyman 28A ET Davidson Chester 72B Gelbvieh guide • Spring 2015 • Page 39

SALE RESULTS THE WISH LIST GELBVIEH SALE DECEMBER 6, 2014, RED DEER, AB 1/2 Semen Interest 12 Bred Heifers 19 Heifer Calves 1 Flush Opportunity 11 Embryos Gross $155,800

Average $4700 $5,258 $4,029 $5400 $550

Auctioneer: Ryan Hurlbur Sale Consultant Loren Unger The 2014 Gelbvieh Wish List Sale started out strong with Davidson Gelbvieh offering half semen interest in the People's Choice Bull Futurity Champion DVE DAVIDSON YELLOWBIRD 4B. Thackery Gelbvieh purchased this opportunity for $4700.

High selling female was AWB BIRCH'S FAITHFUL 1A from Aaron Birch selling for $8500 to Bluff Island Stock Farm. The next high selling bred heifer SA BIRCH'S ANNY 196A was

consigned by Twin Bridge Farms and sold to Fladeland Livestock for $6800. The lead off heifer from McCoy Farms strong offering was ZTM MCCOY SAMANTHA 127A and sold for $6600 to Smithers Land & Livestock. Also selling for $6600 was the choice lot from Nelson Gelbvieh. Stone Gate Farms and V&V Farms added DDN 17A to their program.

In the heifer calves the high seller for $7900 was PHG BARBIE GIRL B03 from Prairie Hills Gelbvieh and sold to BNH Livestock. Next was SLC XANADU 36B from Severtson Land & Cattle who sold for $6900 to TJB Gelbvieh. The high selling black female of the day BNH SUNSET HALO 2B from BNH Livestock and sold to Severtson Land & Cattle for $5600. Selling for $5000 was DL JEN-TY BAILIE 665B from Jen-Ty Gelbvieh to Keriness Cattle Co. Also selling for $5000 was a consignment from Brittain Farms, CK BEYOND THE HORIZON 84B, who went to Aaron Birch.

Jace Cattle Company offered the opportunity to flush any female in their program. Carlson Gelbvieh was the final bidder at $5400. Adam Nielson purchased the high selling embryo lot of Carlson Gelbvieh's from ATC GOLD STAR PLD JUNE 310J and HILLE M118 MAJESTY for $850 each. V&V Farms offered embryos on their donor SLC DEBBIE 209S and DLW ALUMNI 7513A ET which sold to Unger Land & Livestock for $750 each.

Thank You to all the buyers, bidders, consignors and all that came out to the 2014 Wish List weekend. The 2015 Wish List sale will once again be held in Red Deer on December 5, 2015.

The Universal HERD LETTER for

2015

Page 40 • Spring 2015 • Gelbvieh guide

C

SALE RESULTS CANADIAN NATIONAL GELBVIEH SALE NOVEMBER 27, 2014, REGINA, SK 9 Heifer Calves 1 Bred Heifer 2 Pick of Heifer Calves 2 Flushes 12 Live Lots Grossed $63,300.00 Total Sale

Average $5,200.00 $4,000.00 $6,250.00 $4,125.00 $5,275.00

Lot 56 - Fladeland Bottoms Up 23B sired by RID R Collateral 2R was purchased by Delbert Wyatt, Virden, MB for $8,500.00 High Selling Flush Lot 50 - Purchased by Fladeland Livestock, Gladmar, SK for $5,750.00

Grossed $71,550.00

Auctioneer: Chris Poley Sale Manager: T Bar C Cattle Co. Ltd.

High Selling Pick of Heifer Calves Lot 52 - Purchased by Wes Spencer, Pierre, SD for $7,500.00

High Selling Cow/Calf Pair Tip Miss Ambrose 63A sired by RWG Wired 9141 was purchased by Twisted T Gelbvieh, Asquith, SK for $4,000.00 High Selling Heifer Calf Lot 57 - DVE Davidson Ms Navaho 35B sired by DDGR Navaho 188X was purchased by Black Cow Farms, Bird City, Kansas for $11,000.00

Gelbvieh guide • Spring 2015 • Page 41

SALE RESULTS PRAIRIE GELBVIEH ALLIANCE SALE DECEMBER 13, 2014, TEMPLE GARDENS MINERAL SPA, MOOSE JAW, SK 1 pick of 2015 Heifer Calves 14 Heifer Calves 17 Bred Heifers Total Sales

$ 10,500 $ 53,550 $ 72,900 $136,950

Average $10,500 $ 3,825 $ 4,288 $ 4,280

Auctioneer: Ryan Hurlbur Sale Consultant Loren Unger December 13, 2014 will go down in the books as one of the nicest days in PGA sale history. There was great weather all day for viewing the females. The evening started out with great appetizers. The sale was in the ballroom this year with a good mix of producers from the prairies. Females sold into BC, Alberta and Saskatchewan and there were bidders from the United States as well. Thank you to all who bought and those that bid.

Here are some of the highlights of the sale: Lot 21-Pick of the 2015 born heifer calves - consigned by Fir River Livestock, Hudson Bay, SK – sold for $10,400 to Lorne Schick of Martensville, SK. It will be an exciting day to go and select a female from one of the top herds in North America. Congratulations.

Page 42 • Spring 2015 • Gelbvieh guide

Lot 19 – HL Miss Rayna 25B – consigned by Hurlburt Livestock, Saskatoon, SK – the first daughter off of SLC 111Y. This dark red heifer calf will look great in Unger Land and Livestock’s herd.

Lot 23 – FLAD 138B – consigned by Fladeland Livestock, Gladmar, SK – sired by The Rock, 138B was right from the Fladeland show string. This black heifer will definitely be back in the show ring with her new owners – Neal Wirgau from Maple Grove Gelbvieh taking her home for the price of $6,250.

Lot 9 – ZTM 85A – consigned by McCoy Cattle Company, Milestone, SK – McCoy Cattle brought an outstanding bred to town, this dark red, high volume heifer bred to the Pop a Top bull. She sold to Fladeland Livestock for $5,500.

Lot 15 – TIP Miss Amber 140A – consigned by Thackeray Gelbvieh – This bred drew a lot of attention, she will make a nice addition to the Jen-Ty Gelbvieh herd in Alberta for $5,100. Watch for her Rocky calf in 2015.

Thanks once again to all the people that supported our sale.

2014

Photo Contest Winners

CONGRATULATIONS

HERD WINNER DAVIDSON GELBVIEH

COW/CALF WINNER MADER RANCH

ARTISTIC WINNER - AARON BIRCH

BULL WINNER - DAVIDSON GELBVIEH Gelbvieh guide • Spring 2015 • Page 43

NEWS & NOTES Wendy Belcher passed away after a short but valiant fight with cancer in Calgary, A.B. on January 10, 2015 at the age of 55 years. She will be lovingly missed by Robert, her high school sweetheart, the love of her life and her husband of 33 years. Wendy will also be dearly remembered by her father Melvin McManes, sisters Dorothy Bradford and Patricia (Mike) Ryan, brother Donald (Carol) McManes, sisters-in-law Karen (Doug) Northam, Diane (Jim) Kuculym, Lisa (Glen) Kingdon and brothers-in-law Bruce and Eric (Sue) and all of their many children. She will also be dearly missed by her dear friends, Larry and Sue Garnet and family. Wendy also leaves many aunts, uncles, cousins and friends. She was predeceased by her mother Margery (Barnes), brother Glen, brother-in- law Jim Bradford, mother and father-in-law Bella and Jack Belcher.

Wendy loved life and touched many, many lives. She was born and raised in Alexander, Manitoba and attended Brandon University and Olds College and then remained in Calgary where she had a few jobs before her 25 year career at the Canadian Gelbvieh Association. Wendy loved camping with horses and ATV's in the scenic mountains of Alberta where she could take pictures of wildlife, flowers and scenery. Celebrations of Wendy's life took place on January 16 in Calgary and January 20 in Brandon, Manitoba.

She will fondly be remembered by all of the Canadian Gelbvieh Association members that she met personally or over the phone with business tractions through the years. She was an extremely competent person in her job and a friend to everyone met. Our condolences go out to her husband, Rob, and her extended family. Rest in Peace!

Two-W Livestock of Nanton, Alberta, presented Keriness Cattle Company, Kert Ness, of Airdrie, Alberta with a certificate for 10 Lemsco panels at Farmfair. The panels were won by Keriness as an exhibitor draw. Congratulations Kert and Joe.

Page 44 • Spring 2015 • Gelbvieh guide

A new addition to Twisted T Gelbvieh program is Isely Amber Burks, born October 31, 2014 at 2:26 pm. She weighed 7 pounds 4 ounces and measured 20 inches long. Proud parents are Trevor and Amber Burks. Grandparents are Daryl and Shirley Grindheim (Hanley, SK) and Charlie and Lorna Burks (Asquith, SK). Great grandparents are Velma Grindheim and Don and Bea Bates, all from Hanley, SK.

BUSINESS DIRECTORY HOGBERG RANCH

Magazines

British Columbia

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 & Annette Hogberg E-mail: Canada hogberg@pris.bc.ca Ph: (250) 843-7653

COrDY COx

Services

PO Box 53, Tatla lake BC, V0l 1V0 ph 250 476-1221 cell 250 709-8625 email: cordy_cox@hotmail.com

purebred-balancer-commercial

Barry & Robin Mader

Insurance

Tel: 250.577.3486

Fullblood • Purebred • Hybrid Bulls • Females

B. & R. Ranch

RR #1, 2108 Duck Range Rd. Pritchard, BC V0E 2P0 (1/2 hour east of Kamloops)

Email: b&r@telus.net

Alberta This could be your spot!

Call the CGA today to book your Business Card Listing!

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

Purebred & Percentage

Gelbvieh Cattle Cattle

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

• Auctioneering • Sales Management

Darrell & Leila Hickman

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

United States Breeders

Gelbvieh guide • Spring 2015 • Page 45

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

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

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

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

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

www.carlsoncattlecompany.com

Page 46 • Spring 2015 • Gelbvieh guide

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

Saskatchewan Maple Grove Gelbvieh McCoy Cattle Co. Thackeray Gelbvieh Farms Hurlburt livestock Selin's Gelbvieh

SELIN’S GELBVIEHS

Bulls & Females for Sale • Purebreds and Fullbloods

Wayne & Lois Selin

Box 97, Stockholm, Saskatchewan S0A 3Y0

(306) 793-4568

(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

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

Fir River Livestock

COMMErCiAl GElBViEH 3 PUrEBrED year old AnD Purebred Gelbvieh bull, DArCY HrEBEniUK (306) 865-2929 performance tested, his prime DAVE HrEBEniUK (306)in 865-3698 BOx and ready to go.379Open yearling HUDSOn BAY SK S0E 0Y0 heifers, polled and horned, ready firriver@xplornet.com

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/Fax: 306-322-4682

FG K

FG

Ontario

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 2015 • Page 47

COMING EVENTS A Complimentary Service Provided by the Canadian Gelbvieh Association Feb. 14 - Prairie Hills Gelbvieh 'Power on the Prairie Sale,' at the Ranch, Gladstone, ND

Mar. 21 - Gelbvieh Advantage Bull Sale, Innisfail, AB Mar. 21 - Saskatoon Gelbvieh Bull & Female Sale, Saskatoon, SK

Feb. 21 - First Annual Twisted T Gelbvieh Production Sale, Saskatoon Livestock Sales, Saskatoon, SK Feb. 25 - 6th Annual Beck McCoy Bull Sale, Beck Farms Sale Barn, Regina, SK

Mar. 28 - Annual Progress & Performance Sale, Cranview Gelbvieh, Rugby, ND Mar. 28 - Opening Day for the Better Beef Bull Sale, Milne's Gelvieh Ranch, Fairview, AB

Mar. 7 - Davidson Gelbvieh & Lonesome Dove Ranch 26th Annual Bull Sale, at their bull yards, Ponteix, SK

Mar. 29 - Best of the Breeds Bull Sale, Leross, SK

Mar. 9 - Severtson Land & Cattle Annual Bull Sale, at the ranch, Red Deer County, AB

Apr. 4 - Prairie Gelbvieh Alliance Bull Sale, Johnstone Auction Mart, Moose Jaw, SK

Mar. 10 - Gelbvieh Stock Exchange Sale, Medicine Hat Feeding Company, Medicine Hat, AB

Apr. 16-17 - Williams Lake 78th Annual Bull Sale, Williams Lake, BC

Mar. 14 - Foursquare 8th Annual Bull Sale, Olds Cow Palace, Olds, AB

May 1 - Advertising Deadline for the Summer "Golden Pages" issue of the Gelbvieh Guide magazine

Mar. 16 - Twin Bridge Farms & Guests Bull Sale, Silver Sage Community Corral, Brooks, AB Mar. 17-19 - JSJ Livestock Online Gelbvieh Bull Sale, Hartney, MB

Page 48 • Spring 2015 • Gelbvieh guide

Aug. 8 - GAA/BC Field Day, Jen-Ty Gelbvieh, Duchess, AB

ADVERTISERS INDEX B&R Ranch

45

Foursquare Gelbvieh

Bar GR

45

Gelbvieh World

Beamish Land & Cattle

46

Goodview Gelbvieh

Bow Valley Genetics Ltd.

45

GSW Gelbvieh

47

Royal Western Gelbvieh

Hogberg Ranch

45

Savage, Don

45

46

Jace Cattle Co.

17

Selin’s Gelbvieh

47

33, 47

Jen-Ty Gelbvieh

31, 37, 46

Brittain Farms Carlson Cattle Company Circle T Ranch

17, 45

24, 45 45 26, 47

Prairie Hills Gelbvieh

22, 45

RPS Gelbvieh

47

Rocky Top Gelbvieh

46

Severtson Land & Cattle

11, 46

IFC

Cranview Gelbvieh

25

JSJ Gelbvieh

33, 47

Smithers Land & Livestock

46

Dane Ranch

45

Keriness Cattle Co.

36, 46

Stockmans Insurance

45

Davidson, Wade

41

Knudson Farms

Davidson Gelbvieh Dayspring Cattle

OBC

47

LC Ranch

18, 46

Stone Gate Farm

45, IBC

T-C Cattle Co.

45

Towerview Ranch

31

21, 45

Lonesome Dove Ranch

OBC

Dodge

50

Maple Grove Gelbvieh

47

Twin Bridge Farms

26, 46

Duke Cattle Company

21

McCoy Farms

3, 47

Twisted T Gelbvieh

30, 47

Eyot Valley

46

Milne’s Gelbvieh

40, 46

Fir River Livestock

9, 47

Nelson Gelbvieh

46

Fladeland Livestock

4, 47

Prairie Gelbvieh Alliance

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

V&V Farms.

46, IBC

Winders Golden Gelbvieh

46

42, 47

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 2015 • Page 49

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