Ranch House Journal - Fall 2016

Ranch House JOURNAL

Fall 2016

24

Angus Spotlight

30

14 Ways to Make Everyone at a Livestock Show Hate You

62

11 Tips for Picturing Your Livestock

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table of

CONTENTS

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10

11 PHRASES THAT HAVE A TOTALLY DIFFERENT MEANING TO LIVESTOCK PEOPLE

16

14 THINGS WE CAN LEARN FROM CATTLE

24

ANGUS SPOTLIGHT

30

14 WAYS TO MAKE EVERYONE AT A LIVESTOCK SHOW HATE YOU

40

ANGUS NEWS

56

BRAHMAN NEWS

62

11 TIPS FOR PICTURING YOUR LIVESTOCK

66

HEREFORD NEWS

76

SHORTHORN NEWS

80

SIMMENTAL NEWS

84

UPCOMING SALES

90

BEHIND THE SCENES

93

INDEX

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While designing advertisements, piecing together this magazine and talking to clients about their goals, I was overwhelmed by one of the things we all have in common; the passion we all share and the love we have for this industry and our stock.

letter from the

I

t’s the most wonderful time of the year — livestock sales, major shows, the holidays and another issue of the Ranch House Journal.

We can’t thank you enough for all the incredible feedback we received on the first issue! It made putting together the latest publication even more exciting.

Whether you’re flipping through the pages to pass time, laughing or learning from our stories, or studying the advertisements in search of your next purchase, I encourage you to think of your own marketing plan. Are you doing everything you can to best represent your livestock?

At Ranch House we share your passion for livestock, but we also love helping others succeed in their marketing goals. This magazine is a reflection of that — created to help our clients have one more avenue where we can help them excel and share their story. From cutting-edge logo design, to print advertisements, sale catalogs and social media management — we live and breathe to help market your livestock.

Within these pages are some of our favorite livestock editorial. You’ll learn how to take better livestock photos and potentially LOL at a few phrases that have a different meaning to those who live the stock show life. We hope you enjoy this latest issue.

Due to the increased number of interest in advertising in our publication, advertising is FREE for Ranch House clients if we designed your ad, $100 for Ranch House clients with a camera-ready ad, and $500 for non-Ranch House clients.

If you have any questions about livestock marketing or are ready to get a project started, please do not hesitate to contact us. We can’t wait to hear from you.

Happy Fall Y’all!

Melissa Grimmel, Graphic Designer

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11 phrases THAT HAVE A

TOTALLY DIFFERENT MEANING TO

LIVESTOCK PEOPLE

By Rachel Cutrer

Livestock people have a language all their own. Be honest, how many times have your friends laughed at you for talking openly about buying semen. Or better yet, had Siri correct your words because she has no idea how to spell Simmental heifer.

The show cattle, showpig, show goat, and show lamb business is full of quirky terminology that most people simply don’t understand.

RHD’s experience in this sector is one of the many reasons people in the ag business enjoy working with us — we get it. You don’t have to explain to us the difference between a Yorkshire and a Duroc hog. We know.

Here are 19 words that have a totally different meaning to livestock people.

Livestock people have a language all their own. Be honest, how many times have your friends laughed at you for talking openly about buying semen. Or better yet, had Siri correct your words because she has no idea how to spell Simmental heifer.

The show cattle, showpig, show goat, and show lamb business is full of quirky terminology that most people simply don’t understand.

RHD’s experience in this sector is one of the many reasons people in the ag business enjoy working with us — we get it. You don’t have to explain to us the difference Fall 2016 | Ranch House Journal 11

between a Yorkshire and a Duroc hog. We know.

7. Sullivan’s

14. Slick

Here are 19 words that have a totally different meaning to livestock people.

Others: A national steakhouse for fine dining.

Us: The supplier of show equipment.

Others: Slippery.

Us: No hair.

1. Drug

8. Cooler

Others: A medical prescription.

Us: What happens to you when your calf gets away and you don’t let go.

Others: A place to store your drinks.

Us: A place to keep your cattle in the summer to grow hair.

2. Lautner

9. Yards

Others: Actor, the star of Twilight.

Us: Semen distributor.

3. The corner Others: The place your parents used to send you as a form of punishment.

Us: The most dreaded spot in the show ring.

4. Green Others: A color.

Us: Not ready to go to a show yet.

5. Politics Others: elections, as in republicans or democrats.

Us: When the judge was friends with whoever won the show.

6. Sleeping in Others: Whenever you wake up, even if it’s noon.

Us: 7:30 at the latest. You have stock to feed.

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Others: Grassy areas behind your house.

Us: National Western Stock Show.

10. Ring Others: a form of jewelry, usually including diamonds!

Us: The place we compete.

11. Fit Others: A healthy lifestyle, physically active.

Us: The artistry of grooming your animal for a show.

12. Stalls Others: An area in a public restroom.

Us: Where you tie your calf.

13. Louisville Others: The town that hosts the Kentucky derby and makes baseball bats.

Us: The town that hosts the North American.

15. Makeup Others: A tool used by women to look pretty.

Us: Where you hold your calf right before you go in the ring.

16. After School Practice Others: Baseball, football, drama, choir, etc.

Us: Rinsing and working our cattle.

17. Showtimes Others: What time a movie starts.

Us: An awesome magazine.

18. Freddy Others: A scary character from a horror movie.

Us: A novice.

19. County fair Others: The once a year event where you ride the midway, eat fried food and go to concerts.

Us: The single most important show in the history of the universe. As in, you can win championships at every major show in the world but if you don’t win here, you’re nothing.

Especially to the other showman in your county.

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14 THINGS WE CAN LEARN FROM

CATTLE

By Tierra Kessler

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I’ve spent my life around cattle. I grew up on a seed stock operation and have experienced just about every part of the industry, from the show ring to the feedlot. While spending time around these animals I’ve learned things about myself and a lot about them. Here are a few important things I think we can learn from cattle!

1. Don’t get in a hurry, unless

there’s food involved. Always be first in line for food.

2. Only follow the lead of someone

you trust.

3. The first step isn’t always easy, but the reward is worth it.

4. Rolling around in new, clean

bedding is fun. Sometimes you just need to jump on your bed.

5. Be cautious, but curious and open to learning new things.

6. If you’re the newest member of

a group, get ready to find out where you rank. But don’t let them knock you down easily.

neighbors, that’s exciting.

10. Don’t get too close to a dog that you don’t know.

11. Find friends that you know you’ll always be able to lean on.

12. You can get as loud as you

7. Tell people how much you like

them, even if they don’t quite feel the same way.

want to when there’s a fence between you and the other guy. But be prepared to back up your talking with some action when that gate is taken down.

8. Love your babies, protect them,

13. Fix yourself up a little on

and devote your life to caring for them.

9. Routine is easy. But a

spontaneous run down to visit the

important days.

14. Be productive. The only free ride in life is to the sale yard.

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Books For Stock Show Kids As a mother of two, I love reading to my girls, but I wished there were more stories about farm life or showing cattle.

So, I started making up stories to tell Mollie at night.

She enjoyed them so much, I decided to turn them into a children’s book series about showing. I hope you and your family enjoy as much as my girls do! -Rachel Cutrer

What Readers Say....

•

• • • •

Bought multiple copies for my elementary school library!

This year is our first year for our elementary Ag program we are starting – first in our district. Sarah will certainly be part of our class! - Leslie Lundy My daughter just got the show pig today. She was soon excited. She LOVES this series. Perfect for the little farm girls! - Nikki Forler-Rohacs Bought the series including “Sarah and the Show Pig.” My 7-year-old granddaughter loves the books. Read both cattle books the first night! - Dora Metzger I received my “Sarah the Showman” book today. It is on point and so well written and illustrated!” I cannot wait for more! -Shelly Spearman Just wanted to let you know that I bought “Sarah the Showman” and my 5 year old loves it. -Jason Lakamp

Great Gifts!

Order at RachelCutrer.com Fall 2016 | Ranch House Journal 19

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ANGUS SPOTLIGHT

A

s the #1 beef breed in the United States, it’s no surprise that the Angus breed makes up our largest client base here at Ranch House. We currently manage the websites for more than 70 Angus breeders coast to coast. We also work with several leading commercial Angus operations to develop their bull sale catalogs, print advertisements, manage their social media and more. For the third year in a row, we are proud to be exhibitors in the Angus Convention tradeshow.

We appreciate the confidence these breeders place in Ranch House and are honored to have completed recent projects for these Angus farms:

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Topline Angus is based out of Tremont, Illinois, and is owned by the Mathers family. We have proudly worked with Topline Angus since 2005, making them one of our longest running Angus customers. Through the years we have developed their website, print ads, signs, catalogs and more. Check out their website at toplineangus.com.

Southern Cattle Company, Marianna, Florida, knows what it takes to raise profitable genetics for the beef industry. We have been their website developer for the last five years and enjoy seeing their focus on efficient, profitable genetics.

Dameron Angus is currently working with us on a new look for their website and Facebook page.

We have worked with the Dameron family since 2010 and are excited to unveil their new website in late 2016.

Prairie View Farms, the Miller family, has trusted Ranch House with their website for the last five years. We always look forward to seeing their outstanding show cattle at Louisville and Denver and appreciate their business.

Swearngin Angus of Kansas also trusts Ranch House for the majority of their advertising and digital needs. We have worked with this family business to develop

their bull sale ads, a new website, and a promotional video in 2016.

Circle A Angus, Iberia, Missouri, is known for their outstanding Angus genetics with a focus on performance, carcass and efficiency. We are proud to design all of the printed advertising and catalogs for this operation. We have also maintained their website for the past three years.

Through the efforts of our west coast account manager, Tierra Kessler, Ranch House proudly serves many top Angus operations in Washington, Oregon and California. We appreciate doing recent projects for Crouthamel Cattle, Have Angus, and Kessler Angus.

We have worked with the Craig Finley and his team for several years, and this year we’re proud to launch a brand-new

Wordpress website for their Finley Brothers Cattle Co. and 5K Cattle Co. Whitestone Farm of Virginia has worked with Ranch House for several years, but also recently upgraded their site to a new Wordpress site and we are very excited to feature it online.

We also enjoy working with many Angus associations, and currently maintain the websites for the Texas Angus Association, Illinois Angus Association, Lamoine Valley Angus Association, and East Tennessee Angus Association.

If you are an Angus breeder or association and are considering adding professional marketing services to your business plan, we would love to give you a quote.

Stop by our booth at the Angus Convention or look for any of our friendly staff at Kansas City, Louisville and Denver. You can also learn more about our services at www.ranchhouselivestock.com

Thank you

to these Angus breeders for being Ranch House clients!

2XL Cattle 2XL Premium Angus 4M Angus Farm 5T Land and Cattle Bechthold Angus Farm Bloom Angus Brooking Angus Ranch Buchanan Cattle Chocktaw County Land & Cattle CES-Predestined Circle M Farms Crouch Angus Valley Curtin Land & Cattle Double Diamond Genetics Dry Creek Angus Eaves Angus Genetics Four Corners Farm Flatrock Farms Fruhling Farms Full Day Enterprise Henning Farms Horsley Brothers J&S Angus Ranch Larson Angus Ranch Lone Willow Acres Loop Ranch Lovejoy Cattle Marda Angus Farm Marshall Cattle Company MC Livestock Meyer Cattle Miller Livestock Moore Angus Ormiston Cattle Owen Angus Peckenpaugh Angus Pleasant Valley Farm Plum Creek Angus Potter’s Emmet Valley Powell Farms R&R Cattle, Inc. RB Angus and Show Cattle Riley Brothers Angus Stertzbach Cattle & Aussies Schafer Stock Farm Schleich Cattle Smith Farms Spickler Ranch South Springlake Angus Stockdale Angus Tennessee River Music Vision Angus Wagner Livestock Whitworth Farms Whitworth Farms York Farms Younge Cattle

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14 WAYS TO MAKE EVERYONE

AT A LIVESTOCK SHOW

HATE YOU

By Rachel Cutrer

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In virtually every activity, there are a set of rules, protocols and unspoken etiquette. This holds true whether you’re talking little league baseball, the elementary school car rider pickup line, and especially at a livestock show. Obviously, no one wants to violate any of the general rules, but if you do, chances are, you’ll quickly become despised in said activity. So, for a little fun, here are 14 ways to make everyone at a livestock show hate you!

#1. BREAK ALL THE RULES. ASK FOR EXCEPTIONS TO EVERYTHING. This one is pretty simple. The easiest way to fit in at a livestock show is to JUST FOLLOW THE RULES. Read the rules. Familiarize yourself with the rules. It’s no excuse to say “Oh I didn’t know the rules….” and then go breaking them all. The rules are your friend.

Rules say all cattle must be in place by noon? You ask to arrive at 9 p.m. so you can watch the Friday night football game in your hometown.

Rules say no cattle allowed in the barn until 8:00 a.m. Show up at 4:00 a.m. and harass the volunteers about when they are opening the barn.Rules say you must show your original registration papers? Go up to the show office and ask if you can fax in a copy because you lost your originals.

Don’t like the stall space you are assigned? Go chew out the show superintendent.

These are all ways to get people to really dislike you.

#2. BE RUDE TO THE VOLUNTEERS. Again, basic courtesy here. The volunteers are donating their time and talents to make the show a success. They are just as tired as you. They actually have probably put in just as many hours as you have. They’ve been on their feet all day too. Be kind. Be nice. Be respectful.

#3. BLARE YOUR ROCK MUSIC AT LEVEL 99.

Everyone loves to listen to Metallica, right? And if they don’t…. who cares anyway! You’ve brought your specially made, custom boom box that will replicate the noise level of a front row ticket to the latest Guns N’ Roses concert. This really gets everyone in the barn happy, excited, and in party mode.

#4. OVERSLEEP. ESPECIALLY ON SHOW MORNING. A great way to become the most hated person on your show crew is to be the person who oversleeps every morning. This really really gets you brownie points amongst your fellow show workers. If you can do this on show day morning… you’ll rank even lower in the crew’s books. You can make people dislike you even more if your oversleeping requires someone else from the show crew to drive back to the Fall 2016 | Ranch House Journal 31

motel to get you — after they have been at the show all morning.

#5. BE LATE. TO EVERYTHING. Everyone on your show team agrees to show up at the barn at 4:30 a.m. Show up at 5:30 a.m.

Be late to your class. Then make a big scene with the show officials and blame them for your tardiness because the load speakers in the barn weren’t loud enough for you to hear your call. File a protest.

Stop the show. Ask for the judge to re-judge the class.

You can also use this strategy of lateness to build animosity during showmanship or group classes, where there is usually no official order to go in the ring. So here’s how it works: Let everyone else get to the makeup ring, then just MINUTES before the class starts….boisterously bust through (preferably with your mom in tow) and say things like “Get out of my way! Snuggles won’t lead unless she’s the first one in the gate…” or things like that. NOBODY LIKES YOU. How about get there early, wait your turn and let your showmanship skills prove the rest?

This also goes for people who cut the line at the wash rack, scales, move-in/out lines, registration check-in, etc.

#6. BLOCK THE DRIVEWAY. Your goal here is to block enough people in so that someone has to 32 Ranch House Journal | Fall 2016

write down your license plate, take it to the show office, and have an announcement made over the loudspeaker to ask you to move your vehicle. Then the longer you can stall, the more hated you can become.

#9. MAKE STUFF UP ABOUT YOUR CATTLE.

#7. BE A BAD STALL NEIGHBOR.

Here’s a real common way to make people mad. Write in your footnotes or tell people that your calf is sired by a “former national champion.” Nevermind that being a “former national champion” means the calf was sired by THE ONE AND ONLY bull that was the grand champion at a previous national show. If the sire of your calf was a “reserve division” at the national show in 1998 in no way should you imply he was the former “national champion.”

Last time I checked the reserve division champion banner looked way different than the GRAND CHAMPION BANNER.

It is important to remember that your stalls, your cattle are the most important thing at the show.

Nobody else matters. So you just focus on your area, and that’s it.

Absolutely NEVER sweep the aisle. Or, if you have a moment of weakness and decide to sweep, strictly sweep the 6 inches directly behind your cattle, and nowhere else. Pilfer through your stall neighbors cooler and drink all their drinks. Eat all their snacks. Use their wheelbarrow to dispose of your straw and bedding but under NO CIRCUMSTANCE offer to help them empty it at the dumpster.

You’re above that.

#8. OVER-POST ON SOCIAL MEDIA. Your motto is, you need at least 1 post every 30 minutes. This helps people notice you…right?

So your goal is to post all day, every day, about your cattle.

Tag as many people as humanly possible. Stop the show and take a selfie in the ring with the judge. #imwiththejudge

People don’t actually fact check… do they? So it’s perfectly fine to just make random stuff up. No one will notice. NOT.

You can also use this strategy on selling “donors.” At our ranch, a donor is a cow that we have flushed that has a proven track record (IE: show ring winners, top sale progeny at the ranch, etc). But here’s how you can really make some people mad, especially your buyers! Pick a cow that you bought secondhand from someone for $2500.

Then dedicate a 2-page glamorous spread in your sale catalog to this “ELITE featured donor”. Then sit back and act all innocent like you had no idea!

#10. BACKDATE YOUR CATTLE BY POSTING THEM ON SOCIAL MEDIA. Time and time again this is a topic of discussion. Here’s a sure-fire way to make some people mad.

Please note the specifics required to execute this plan. First, take a picture of a newborn baby calf, making sure she’s still wet and with wobbly legs. But make sure she is tagged and the ear tag is clearly visible with all pertinent information – ESPECIALLY the birthdate.

Post on September 1 (the actual birthdate) with a comment of something like “Can’t wait to show this awesome heifer!). Continually post this picture at least once a month. Wait. Then arrive at the first show of the season, and show this heifer in the December class.

Boom. Mission accomplished. You’ll start a riot.

#11. SPRAY EVERYONE ON THE WASH RACK. Wash rack etiquette is a topic entirely of its own. However, here are the basics.

A 20-minute per calf body scrub is not necessary.

Bring the essentials…borrowing items at the wash rack will hold up the process no matter how gracious the person was that lent you their hose.

Watch where you spray…most of us have already had our shower this morning, even if some could use one!

If you have one calf, wait for an ideal opening, do not jump in the middle of a fitter that is trying to get 10 in and out in record time.

Do the exact opposite of these to earn the title of wash rack bully. You can escalate this to another level if you purposely spray people in the shoe area. Because everyone wants to walk around the barn all day with wet shoes.

#12. YELL OBSCENITIES FROM THE RING OR STANDS. To best do this, you will need a rope halter, brush or comb to accompany your efforts. Then, as each class is judged, yell out rude and obnoxious comments to others in the stands.

Here are some examples: “You just got robbed!” while slapping the guy on the back who’s child just got 3rd place. Throw down brush for extra emphasis.

“CULL!” “This guy calls himself a judge???”

“That kid couldn’t show a movie!

He calls himself a showman?”

You can also escalate this by identifying the parent of the exhibitor that wins, and then standing in their general area and yelling out these obscenities.

#13. TRIP ALL THE BREAKERS.

the morning hours between 5:00 a.m. and 6:00 a.m.

Find a plug, then plug ALL of your electrical devices into a single outlet. Crank up 3 blowers at one time. Then, at the moment that the breaker trips, act like nothing happened. Sit back and watch as everyone in your stall area frantically searches for the breakers.

Rinse and repeat.

#14. STALK AND POACH OTHER PEOPLE’S CUSTOMERS / CREW / SHOWMEN. Before the show, do some extensive stalking on social media. Find out the names of their showmen, crew, and closest friends. Then, do random “drive by’s” during the show and say things like: “When you’re ready to get a GOOD calf, give me a call…” while slipping them your business card.

“You paid HOW much for that heifer!? Wow.” Roll eyes. Walk off.

“How much is this guy paying you a day to fit?” {answer}. Give a look of utter disbelief and say “Whew, he’s a cheap-o”. Walk off.

Try to do this at least a few times a day to multiple people in your breed.

This strategy for getting people to dislike you at a livestock show is designed to be implemented during the peak time of show day, OR in Fall 2016 | Ranch House Journal 33

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ANGUS

CONGRATULATIONS To Stertzbach Cattle Company for breeding the Grand Champion Angus Female in the 2016 Keystone International Livestock Expo Open Angus Show. We thank them for being fantastic Ranch House clients! Check out their website designed by us at www.sccangusandaussies.com.

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BRAHMAN

CONGRATULATIONS To V8 Ranch on their annual Power of Production Sale. It was a tremendous success, with the highlight being Mr. V8 380/6 semen topping the sale at $9925 USD per straw. This is the highest price per unit of Brahman semen to sell at auction in the USA! Check out their website designed by us at www.v8ranch.com.

breed news • Heritage Cattle’s fall sale was also a success, with their high seller being Lady H Shae Manso at $27,250 for half interest.

• South Florida Brahmans 1st Annual sale boasted a high seller of

$30,100 for a pregnant recip with the mating of Winchester Magnum 999 x CT Lady Pasco Rhineaux.

• The American Brahman Breeders Association is seeking a candidate for the position

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of Executive Vice President. Information is available at www. brahman.org If you have news to share, please email melissa@ranchhousedesigns.com!

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Caleb Fuchs has won over $20,000 with LMC BBS Chloe including San Antonio and two LMC $ellabrations. Mia Barba won the 10g’s last year with LMC MM Red Velvet.

Two S. A. $10,000 Champions

Kendyl Sellman won the $10,000 San Antonio, LMC Jackpot, LMC $ellabration & RGV Brahman Futurity Shows with LMC ECC LF Polled Lolo. Winston Walters won the 10g’s in 2013 with LMC Polled Spice.

CONGRATULATIONS to our very successful LMC Jr. Show Team on all of your 2016 Spring championships. We are very proud of all of our team. We have a great selection of calves now. Come get you one and join our winning team !!

Please support these sales where 100% of the proceeds will be donated to youth programs & charities : LMC & Friends GIVING THANKS Online Sale III on November 19 - 22, 2016 at www.cattleinmotion.com The Brahman Foundation Funding the Future Online Sale on December 3-6, 2016

Cassie Flores - Supreme Champion Heifer at STAR

Robert Stavinoha - Champ at MAS, AJSR Up & AJSA Classic plus Individual Champ at TJSSA, AJSR Up & AJSA Classic.

Makayla Sanchez - Champion at STAR and both RGV Shows

Mia Barba - Champion Beef Builder at Houston

Emilio Ramos - Champion at LMC Jackpot and LMC $ellabration

Matthew Salinas - Champion at LMC Jackpot

Tres “Pops” Guerra - Reserve International Champion

Amelia Stavinoha - Reserve MAS Champ, AJSA Classic Champ Pair, Individual Champ at TJSSA, AJSR Up & AJSA Classic.

Se Habla Español

Lauren Thomas - Champion Simbravieh at Super Bowl, RGV Jr. ARB & Belt Buckle Bonanza.

Tucker Tanner - Houston Sr. Champ & Reserve Grand at LMC Jackpot & LMC $ellabration

CONGRATS to all five of our LMC & Friends ANIMO Award winners and to all 53 of our 2016 Guerra Family Memorial Scholarship winners.

Simbrahs, Simbraviehs & POLLED Brahmans CARLOS & SISTER GUERRA FAMILY PO Box 81 • Linn, TX 78563 956-383-7566 (Office) Carlos 802-1641 • Victor 607-5515 Carlos Jr. 330-1963 • email: LaMuñecaCattle@aol.com Please visit our website at www.LaMuñecaCattle.com

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11 TIPS

FOR PICTURING YOUR LIVESTOCK

By Ashley Fitzsimmons

that picture pen. We might never ever be able to guess what the experience that day will be, but we can take steps to make photos run as smooth as possible. Here are 11 tips to help you make picture day(s) as stress-free as possible:

Fall sale season has arrived! For many of us, that means we are climbing into the picture pen with a camera, flag, duck call and sometimes our fastest running shoes. Whether it’s your first time in the picture pen or if you call this your second home, one thing is true about picturing livestock — no two experiences are the same. Raising livestock takes years of planning matings and flushing donors; many sleepless nights of calving/lambing/ kidding/farrowing; and months of preparing livestock for sale and show. However, all that planning and preparing seems to never matter once you step into that picture pen.

1. GIVE YOUR HELP PLENTY OF NOTICE.

Raising livestock takes years of planning matings and flushing donors; many sleepless nights of calving/lambing/kidding/farrowing; and months of preparing livestock for sale and show. However, all that planning and preparing seems to really matter once you step into

2. MAKE SURE YOU HAVE PLENTY OF HELP.

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Whether you are taking pictures yourself or having a professional come to your farm/ranch make sure you schedule your ideal picture dates as early as possible. Have your photographer, barn help and picture pen help lined up well in advance. Nothing makes the actual picture day more stressful than giving everyone short notice.

Let’s be honest, help is hard to find!

On picture day you will be thankful for every additional person

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who signed on to help you. Family, friends, neighbors and some local high school students interested in the industry are all good people to ask. In my experience, the more help you have (within reason) the less yelling there is likely to be.

3. THINK ABOUT YOUR PICTURE PEN LOCATION LOGISTICS. Make sure you have enough room, that there is an incline, what the background looks like and that there are places for your help to get out of the way should they need to.

Thinking through this before you get the first animal in the pen will save lots of time and struggle.

4. IF YOU’RE THE PHOTOGRAPHER — DON’T BE AFRAID TO SPEAK UP. This is ESPECIALLY important if you’re taking picture yourself as a family. Despite what the picture pen help may seem to think (aka my husband and father) there is only one person in the pen 64 Ranch House Journal | Fall 2016

looking through the camera—the photographer. If the picture isn’t looking good to you don’t be afraid to speak up. Once the pictures come out, they will thank you.

picturing as possible. Having as much clipping, hair working and other prep done before the big picture day will ensure you have animals more willing to cooperate.

5. IF YOU’RE THE PICTURE PEN HELP — LISTEN!

8. THINK OUTSIDE THE BOX.

Each photographer has their own style. The way they want cattle moved, whether they want to do pictures first or videos first, how long they’ll spend working on a particular pose and how fast/slow they work. It’s important to adapt to that photographers’ style. Again, they’re the only ones in that pen looking through the camera!

6. BE OKAY WITH CHANGE. Just because the duck call works on one doesn’t mean it will work on the next one. Each animal is different, it’s important to remember this isn’t a cookie cutter process and be adaptable to get the best shot possible of each animal.

7. GET AS MUCH DONE BEFOREHAND AS POSSIBLE. Often times we are picturing animals that are young and not as used to a long day of stress.

Therefore, it’s important to have as much done before you begin

Don’t be afraid to try new things, new poses, etc. This day is about getting the best shot of each animal which might be different for each and every one you picture.

9. SCHEDULE YOUR DAY. Sun, clouds, time of day will all affect your photographer, your help and especially your livestock.

Make sure you have a plan for the day and order of animals to picture before you even begin.

10. GIVE YOURSELF SOME WIGGLE ROOM. Mother Nature seems to not know or care what day you have scheduled for picture day. Pouring rain, snow, tornado warnings all are very possible depending on where you live. Make sure you’ve built in some flexibility of days and times to get your pictures done.

11. KEEP IT FUN! Remember raising livestock is something you love to do and picture day is just one step of the process. Don’t let one-day ruin your sale season or family dinner!

Fall 2016 | Ranch House Journal  65

HEREFORD

“

CONGRATULATIONS To Foggy Bottom Farm for exhibiting the Supreme Champion Bull at the 2016 Maryland State Fair! Thank you for being Ranch House clients! Check out their website designed by us at www.foggybottomherefords.com.

breed news • The Harvest II event in Sonoma Valley, California generated $2 million for the Hereford Youth Foundation (HYFA).

• Our annual meeting is planned for Oct. 28-30. We will be hosting an educational forum on the 28th. More details are on the website at hereford. org/annualmeeting. Three new board members will be elected here.

If you have news to share, please email melissa@ranchhousedesigns.com!

66 Ranch House Journal | Fall 2016

We have a website with ranch house and they design all of our ads. from their customer service, design capabilities, and their fast updates, there’s no doubt they are the ‘go to’ place for your marketing needs.

• Barber Ranch is donating the Lot 1 Foundation Female in the Mile High Sale.

• HYFA Scholarships will be given out at the American Royal.

• SyAnn Foster joined the AHA team as the Education and Information Services Coordinator. She graduated from Texas Tech University in May with a degree in Animal Science.

Bill Widerman, Manager Taneytown, Maryland

”

• Abigail Shipley joined the AHA and HPI team as the Creative Services Coordinator. She graduated from Missouri State University with a degree in General Agriculture/Agricultural Communications.

• Join us for Hereford sales this fall during the national shows: October 29 — Ladies of the Royal National Sale, November 16 — Bluegrass Stakes Heifer Sale, December 3 — Western Nugget National Hereford Sale

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Fall 2016 | Ranch House Journal  69

New Sires in Service for 2016 KCF Bennett 936 B402

KCF Bennett 10Y B309 ET

CE 3.8; BW 2.7; WW 68; YW 105; MM 33; M&G 67; MCE 4.2; MCW 95; UDDR 1.31; TEAT 1.31; SC 1.6; CW 71; FAT 0.038; REA 0.56; MARB 0.23; BMI$ 26; CEZ$ 19; BII$ 20; CHB$ 35

CE 2.6; BW 3.7; WW 66; YW 107; MM 27; M&G 60; MCE 2.3; MCW 114; UDDR 1.33; TEAT 1.26; SC 1.6; CW 78; FAT 0.025; REA 0.65; MARB 0.56; BMI$ 30; CEZ$ 18; BII$ 25; CHB$ 42

Proven Genetics Comprehensive Trait Measurement Continuous Improvement

MM Bennett X109 B 904

RFI evaluation of all replacement females since 2006, testing over 300 yearly Complete feedlot and carcass data on all sires Our latest feedlot closeout, 93% Choice or Prime, 63% yield, avg. YG 2.7

CE 2.7; BW 2.5; WW 54; YW 96; MM 20; M&G 47; MCE 2.3; MCW 89; UDDR 1.44; TEAT 1.38; SC 1.4; CW 70; FAT 0.050; REA 0.39; MARB 0.37; BMI$ 26; CEZ$ 18; BII$ 23; CHB$ 31

Home of 34 CHB Sires, 9 Sires of Distinction and 30 Dams of Distinction in 2016.

MM RANCH POLLED HEREFORDS P.O. Box 2, Chanute, KS 66720 Alex and Alison Mih • 620-212-3250 • Mariam Mih Doug Pearish, cell 620-212-0038 • Garet Farney • 620-960-1401 amih@mmherefords.com www.mmherefords.com

70 Ranch House Journal | Fall 2016

MM Ranch

Fall 2016 | Ranch House Journal  71

Buy your next bull from the herd built and selected on multiple trait performance for over 40 years.

16789 Ridder Road, Marthasville, MO 63357 Glenn & Yvonne Ridder 636-433-2858 John, Heidi, Madi, and Ben Ridder 636-358-4161 Jeremy Couch, Operations Manager 636-667-6416 72  Ranch House Journal | Fall 2016

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Fall 2016 | Ranch House Journal  75

SHORTHORN

“

We like working with RHD because they are fast, have great customer service and are awesome at design work. They’re also great family friends!

CONGRATULATIONS To Sullivan Farms for exhibiting the Grand Champion Shorthorn Heifer at the 2016 Iowa State Fair! Thank you for being awesome Ranch House clients! Check out their website designed by us at www.maternallegends.com.

76 Ranch House Journal | Fall 2016

”

The Sullivan Family Dunlap, Iowa

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SIMMENTA L

CONGRATULATIONS To Smith Farms for exhibiting the Grand Champion Purebred Cow Calf Pair at the 2016 AJSA National Classic! Thank you for being awesome Ranch House clients! Check out their website designed by us at www.smithfarmstx.com.

“

We recently revamped our existing website.

Making changes that would better suit our audience was very easy. Our account manager walked us through the possibilities and was clear and fair on pricing. We love that we can change our content often and now have a social feed that links our site directly to our Facebook content. The updates team is also very quick to make changes. we really enjoy working with Ranch House!

Smith Farms Denton, Texas

80 Ranch House Journal | Fall 2016

”

breed news

• The 2016 AJSA National Classic, Denim and Diamonds in Des Moines, hosted by the Iowa Simmental Association, was the largest National Classic in Simmental history. The show featured over 500 exhibitors and had over 1,000 cattle entries! In addition, 2016 was the first year for the show to host a stand-alone Bred and Owned Show, separate from the Owned Show completely.

• For the first time in over 20 years, three juniors from the same state won

High Point Individual at the National Classic and took home the infamous Swiss Bells. Robert Stavinoha, junior; Amelia Stavinoha, intermediate; and Faith Onstot, senior all of Texas.

• The AJSA recently announced a new program, the Steer Profitability Competition (SPC). The SPC is designed to provide members of the AJSA meaningful exposure to the opportunities and challenges associated with cattle feeding. The SPC mimics a retained-ownership feeding program,

where AJSA members will maintain ownership of their steers even after the November 1 shipment to Chappell Feedlot in Chappell, Nebraska. Junior members in the program will participate in monthly steer updates and meaningful cattle industry webinars.

The program is sponsored in part by GeneSeek, Zoetis and Allflex.

If you have news to share, please email melissa@ranchhousedesigns.com!

Fall 2016 | Ranch House Journal 81

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Fall 2016 | Ranch House Journal  83

UPCOMING 84  Ranch House Journal | Fall 2016

OCTOBER OCTOBER 15 BEEFMASTER BULL SALE Beef on Forage Sale

SHOWTIME CATTLE It’s ShowTime Online Sale

http://showtimecattle.com/cattle-for-sale/

http://beefmasterbullsale.com CIRCLE A ANGUS RANCH Fall Bull & Heifer Sale

http://circlearanch.com/annual-sales/ CIRCLE M FARMS 2nd Annual Production Sale

http://circlemfarms.com/cattle-sales/ GORETSKA SHOW STEERS Show Steers Sale

http://goretskashowsteers.com/sales.html KNEESE SHOWPIGS Gillespie County Show Pig Sale

http://kneeseshowpigs.com/#saleinformation LAMBERT RANCH HEREFORDS Next Generation Bull Sale

http://lambertranchherefords.com/cattle-for-sale/ WHITESTONE FARM The Brand of Quality Angus Sale

OCTOBER 18 FOGGY BOTTOM FARM Ladies of the Chesapeake, Vol. II Online Sale

http://foggybottomherefords.com/sales/ PLUM CREEK ANGUS Online Sale

http://plumcreekangus.com/sales.html SCHAFER SHOW STOCK Online Production Sale

http://schaferstockfarm.com/sale-offerings/ TUSA SHOW CATTLE Online Sale

http://tusacattle.com/

OCTOBER 19 THOMAS CHAROLAIS 15th Annual Fall Bull Sale

http://thomascharolais.com/sales/

http://whitestonefarm.com/sales/

OCTOBER 20

OCTOBER 16

GRIMMEL GIRLS SHOW CATTLE Online Sale

SULLIVAN FARMS 2016 Maternal Legends Sale

http://maternallegends.com/upcoming-sales/

OCTOBER 17 FULL DAY ENTERPRISE Pasture to Purple Sale

http://fulldayenterprise.com/sales/

http://grimmelgirlsshowcattle.com/sale.html

UNGER SHOW CATTLE Online Sale

http://ungershowcattle.com/

OCTOBER 21 HAMDENVALE BRAHMANS Females of the Future Sale

http://hamdenvalebrahmans.com.au/for-sale/ Fall 2016 | Ranch House Journal 85

OCTOBER 22

OCTOBER 26-27

KNEESE SHOWPIGS Battle of the Banner Pig Sale

V8 RANCH Elite Spring Born Heifer Sale

TOP LINE FARM Blue Ribbon Production Sale

OCTOBER 29

OCTOBER 25

http://deepcreeklandandlivestock.com/cattle-for-sale/

http://kneeseshowpigs.com/#saleinformation

http://toplineangus.com/sales.html

http://v8ranch.com/sales/l

DEEP CREEK LAND & LIVESTOCK Consigning in Ladies of the Royal Sale

HENNING FARMS Online Angus Sale

OCTOBER 30

OCTOBER 26

http://mardaangusfarm.com/for-sale/

http://www.henningfarms.net/sale.html

RB ANGUS & SHOW CATTLE Online Sale

http://rbangusandshowcattle.com/sale.html

MARDA ANGUS Production Sale

OCTOBER 31 VH CATTLE CO/OBD CATTLE CO Online Sale

NOVEMBER NOVEMBER 1 BUCHANAN CATTLE Online Sale

http://buchanancattle.com/sale.html

NOVEMBER 3 CIRCLE M FARMS Genetic Blend Bull Sale

http://circlemfarms.com/cattle-sales/

MC LIVESTOCK Fall Bull and Female Sale

http://mclivestockangus.com POTTER’S EMMETT VALLEY RANCH World of Bulls

http://cattleandsheep.com/sale-cattle/

NOVEMBER 8 NOVEMBER 5 BURNS FARMS Bull and Commercial Female Sale

http://burnsfarms.com/sales/

IMPACT CATTLE Pigeon Mountain Beef Builder Fall Bull Test Sale

http://impactcattle.com/upcoming-sales/ 86 Ranch House Journal | Fall 2016

KNEESE SHOWPIGS Online Sale w/ Linder Show Pigs

http://kneeseshowpigs.com/#saleinformation

NOVEMBER 11-12 BLACKWATER CATTLE CO Bull and Female Sale

http://bwcattle.com

BRIGGS RANCHES Bull and Commercial Female Sale

http://briggsranches.com

NOVEMBER 12

NOVEMBER 22 FRUHLING FARMS Online Production Sale

http://www.fruhlingfarms.com/sale.html

CROUTHAMEL CATTLE COMPANY Fall Female Sale

NOVEMBER 25

NOVEMBER 16-19

PLEASANT VALLEY FARM 2nd Annual Black Friday Online Sale

http://crouthamelcattle.com KNEESE SHOWPIGS Fall Classic Pig Sale

http://kneeseshowpigs.com/#saleinformation

NOVEMBER 17 KIESEWETTER ANGUS Online Sale

http://kiesewetterangus.com/sale.html

NOVEMBER 19-22 LA MUNECA CATTLE COMPANY LMC & Friends Giving Thanks Online Sale III

http://lamunecacattle.com/Sale.html

http://pleasantvalleyfarmmd.com/black-friday-sale/

NOVEMBER 26 BOLLUM FAMILY SHORTHORNS Online Sale

http://bollumfamilyshorthorns.com/sale.html DAMERON ANGUS Production Sale

http://dameronangus.com/saleofferings.html SOUTHERN CATTLE COMPANY Consolidated Genetic Solutions Bull Sale

http://southerncattlecompany.com/cattle-sales.html

NOVEMBER 20

NOVEMBER 29

GANA FARMS 3rd Annual Production Sale

PRAIRIE VIEW FARMS Online Heifer Sale

http://gana-farms.com/sales/

http://pvfangus.com/sales.html

DECEMBER DECEMBER 3

DECEMBER 3-6

TENNESSEE RIVER MUSIC High Cotton Bull Sale

LA MUNECA CATTLE COMPANY Funding the Future Online Sale

http://tennesseerivermusic.com/sales/

http://lamunecacattle.com/Sale.html

DECEMBER 4 SCHAAKE FARMS Heritage Sale Fall 2016 | Ranch House Journal  87

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BEHIND the SCENES Ranch House is made up of a strong team of professionals who know the livestock business and live it every day.

We also know how to effectively take care of your marketing needs – everything under one Ranch House roof!

RACHEL CUTRER

ashley grant

tierra kessler Account Manager

Founder & CEO

Chief Marketing Officer ashley@ranchhousedesigns.com

tierra@ranchhousedesigns.com

ASHLEY FITZSIMMONS

callie graves

nicole erceg

ashleyf@ranchhousedesigns.com

callie@ranchhousedesigns.com

rachel@ranchhousedesigns.com

Account Manager

90  Ranch House Journal | Fall 2016

Project Manager

Social Media Director

nicole@ranchhousedesigns.com

seth alling

jessica hobbs

TANA HAJOVSKY

seth@ranchhousedesigns.com

jessica@ranchhousedesigns.com

tana@ranchhousedesigns.com

CAROLE ARRIAGA

sarah simpson

kristen davis

carole@ranchhousedesigns.com

sarah@ranchhousedesigns.com

kristen@ranchhousedesigns.com

melissa grimmel

ALYSHA BECK

LYNN HOUGH

melissa@ranchhousedesigns.com

alysha@ranchhousedesigns.com

Developer

Web Designer/E-Commerce

Graphic Designer

Web Manager

Graphic Designer

Video Producer

Web Designer

Graphic Designer

Administrative Director lynn@ranchhousedesigns.com

Fall 2016 | Ranch House Journal  91

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INDEX

Bollum Family Shorthorns...............................................77

Lyssy & Eckel Feeds............................................................ 3

Bovine Elite......................................................................... 23

Marda Angus Farm.......................................................... 54

Buchanan Cattle Enterprises........................................46

Mid-Am Genetics..............................................................82

Buck Bros Show Cattle................................................... 27

MM Ranch Polled Herefords........................................ 70

Buseman Angus................................................................ 42

Mountain Mama Classic.................................................39

Canterbury Hybrid Genetics........................................50

Next Generation Genetics...................................... 74, 75

Cattle Market USA...........................................................14

Outlaw Spirit....................................................................... 89

Champion Animal Health.............................................. 92

Pleasant Valley Farm................................................. 44, 45

Circle A Angus Ranch.................................................... 43

Prairie Hills Gelbvieh........................................................37

Curtin Land & Cattle........................................................51

Rachel’s Red Barn.............................................................. 88

Donor Solutions, Inc.........................................................15

Ranch House.6, 20, 21, 35, 65, 79, Inside Back Cover

Doug Satree Angus......................................................... 53

Ritchey Livestock ID........................................................94

Emmons Ranch.................................................................... 8

Sarah Showman.................................................................. 19

Falling Timber Farm......................................................... 72

Schaake Farms....................................................................83

Fitz Genetics........................................................................ 9

Schafer Stock Farm...........................................................52

Foggy Bottom Farm........................................................ 73

ShowBloom.........................................Inside Front Cover

Full Day Enterprise........................................................... 47

South Central Cattle Co................................................22

GKB Cattle......................................................................... 67

Southlex Cattle Co.......................................................... 26

Grimmel Girls Show Cattle..........................................69

Sullivan Supply....................................................................28

Heart Brand..........................................................................13

Swearngin Angus...............................................................55

HK Cattle.............................................................................60

Tennessee River Music.................................................... 68

Hueber Show Cattle........................................................ 36

Thomas Charolais..............................................................38

Kent Feeds............................................................................18

Top Line Farm.................................................................... 49

KL Lemmon Cattle Co...................................................69

Triple Crown Ranch......................................................... 48

Kneese Show Pigs............................................................ 29

V8 Ranch....................................................................... 58, 59

LaMuneca Cattle Co.......................................................61

VH Cattle Co..................................................................... 71

Lowderman Auction Options.......................................34

Wernacres Farms...............................................................78

Fall 2016 | Ranch House Journal 93

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Ranch House Designs, Inc. 1730 North Richmond Wharton, Texas 77488