Issuu

VOLUME 50, NUMBER 4

1964

2014

APRIL 2014

Special Insert:

BECKTON’S BECKTON’S69th 69thAnniversary AnniversaryBULL BULLand andHEIFER HEIFERSALE SALE Tuesday, Tuesday,April April88 HERD HERD STAYABILITY STAYABILITY Beckton Beckton is is thethe #1#1 Herd Herd inin thethe breed breed forfor Stayability, Stayability, and and has has been been forfor many many years. years. 1515 ofof thethe top top 2020 sires sires inin thethe breed breed forfor Stayability Stayability areare Beckton Beckton sires sires oror descended descended from from Beckton Beckton sires. sires.OfOf thethe breed's breed's entire entire 1,574 1,574 sires sires onon thethe 2014 2014 RAAA RAAA Sire Sire Summary, Summary, 7474 ofof thethe highest highest 100 100 sires sires forfor Stayability Stayability areare also also Beckton Beckton sires sires oror descended descended from from Beckton Beckton sires. sires.These These areare thethe cattle cattle that that stay stay inin your your herd. herd. LOW LOW MAINTENANCE MAINTENANCE ENERGY ENERGY This This has has also also been been thethe #1#1 herd herd forfor Low Low Maintenance Maintenance Energy Energy requirements requirements forfor many many years. years.6 of 6 of thethe top top 2020 sires sires inin thethe entire entire breed breed forfor lowest lowest Maintenance Maintenance Energy Energy EPD EPD areare Beckton Beckton sires. sires. NoNo other other cattle cattle will will dodo a better a better jobjob cutting cutting your your cowherd cowherd maintenance maintenance requirement requirement and and saving saving you you money. money. EASY EASY CALVING CALVING The The #1#1 herd herd forfor easy easy calving, calving, with with thethe best best average average Calving Calving Ease Ease EPD EPD ofof any any major major herd. herd. 1313 ofof thethe top top 2020 sires sires inin thethe breed breed forfor low low Birth Birth Weight Weight EPD EPD areare Beckton Beckton sires. sires.NoNo other other genetics genetics come come close. close. GROWTH GROWTH from from Birth Birth toto Market Market Beckton Beckton bulls bulls areare leaders leaders inin total total rate rate ofof growth, growth, from from birth birth toto market market weight. weight. The The average average birth birth weight weight EPD EPD of of our our last last year year was was minus minus 3.9, 3.9, and and thethe average average yearling yearling weight weight EPD EPD is is plus plus 78.78.This This year’s year’s bulls bulls areare even even better. better. sale sale bulls bulls Beckton Beckton cattle cattle start start with with low low birth birth weight weight and and reach reach a high a high yearling yearling weight weight - for - for marketability marketability and and less less time time and and cost cost toto market. market. TOTAL TOTAL PERFORMANCE PERFORMANCE ININ THE THE MOST MOST ECONOMICALLY ECONOMICALLY IMPORTANT IMPORTANT TRAITS TRAITS – High – High reproduction reproduction rate; rate; high high calvcalvinging rate; rate; less less time time and and cost cost toto market market weight; weight; and and lower lower total total feed feed inputs inputs and and feed feed costs. costs.Plus Plus 6969 years years ofof selecselection tion forfor thethe convenience convenience traits traits – good – good dispositions dispositions – cowherd – cowherd fertility fertility – good – good udders udders and and milk milk – and – and structurally structurally sound sound cattle cattle well well adapted adapted toto both both high high elevation elevation inin thethe Bighorn Bighorn Mountains, Mountains, and and dry dry Wyoming Wyoming range range conditions. conditions.

Selling Selling300 300Red RedAngus Angus 250 250Bulls Bullsand and5050Heifers Heifers

Tuesday, Tuesday,April April8,8,2014 2014 AtAt ourour ranch ranch 1010 miles miles west west ofof Sheridan Sheridan Delivered Delivered free free anywhere anywhere in in thethe continental continental U.S. U.S.

6969Years YearsofofSatisfied SatisfiedCustomers Customers–– Industry Industryleading leadinggenetics geneticsand andthe the highest highestquality qualitycattle. cattle.

Founded by the Forbes family in 1945, Beckton Red Angus has maintained the longest continuous performance testing program in the industry. Beckton cattle today are the commercial producer’s solution for complete performance, combining maternal and functional traits together with growth and carcass traits.

Beckton genetics are leading the industry. Of the 19 Red Angus sires individually featured in the ABS Spring 2014 Beef Sire Directory, 9 of the 19 have Beckton sires and/or

Beckton-sired calves are high sellers on video sales, and replacement heifers and females sired by Beckton bulls are highly sought after by commercial cattlemen. Combining moderate size with easy fleshing and excellent marbling, Beckton genetics are also a #1 source for producers of grass-fed and specialty beef.

grandsires. Not just ABS, but at other major AI Services – like Genex and Accelerated Genetics. Top Beckton bloodlines – Nebula,

Of equal importance are the functional traits which result from a herd that must produce year after year on a rotation between the high Bighorn Mountains and dry Wyoming range. Structural soundness and high fertility are mandates of the environment, while selection for quiet disposition, good udders and total performance have been part of this program for many years.

Epic, Julian, Lancer, Hustler, Cody, Warrior – are producing herd sires and brood females for Red Angus programs coast to coast. And in thou-

Beckton is dedicated to the continued success of our many customers. And our customers return year after year for the genetics that work.

sands of commercial herds

The Beckton ranch office – photographed in 1899 when it was George Beck’s original home

in all geographic regions and environments. These are the cattle that work for the commercial producer – with calving ease, growth, low maintenance and fertility. Over

Trish and Cam Forbes Beckton Julian B571

one third of the top Stayability sires in the Red Angus breed are Beckton sires or descended from Beckton sires – and there is a reason.

Call, write or email for a catalog www.becktonredangus.com becktonwyo@gmail.com 37 Beckton Drive • Sheridan, WY 82801 307-674-6095 • 307-674-8162 - Evenings Fax: 307-672-7281 Cam and Trish Forbes

Official Publication of the Red Angus Association of America

Volume 50, Number 4

American Red Angus Magazine 4201 N I-35 • Denton, Texas 76207 (940)387-3502 • Fax 888-829-6069 RedAngus.org

The Ranchers’ Guide to Building Replacement Females... 19

Publisher/Advertising Director...Kevin LeMaster 10978 Hawthorn Dr. • Clive, IA 50325 (515) 225-0051 • email: kevin@redangus.org

Synchronization and Timed A.I. Add Pounds, Increase Quality... 38

Editorial Coordinator..................Tracey Koester email: tracey@redangus.org

Subscriptions.............................Charli Crawford email: charli@redangus.org Affiliated with National Cattlemen’s Beef Association Beef Improvement Federation U.S. Beef Breed’s Council National Pedigreed Livestock Council

GENERAL INFORMATION

Published ten times annually by the Red Angus Association of America at the national headquarters (4201 N I-35, Denton, TX 76207-3415). A nonpolitical magazine dedicated to the promotion and improvement of breeding, feeding and marketing Red Angus cattle. Subscription rate: U.S., 1 year $30.00; 2 years - $55.00. Canada and Mexico, 1 year - $44.00, 2 years - $82.00 (Payable in U.S. Funds Only). International Air Mail, 1 year - $55.00; 2 years - $100.00 (Payable in U.S. Funds Only). These rates are based on Third Class Bulk mailed from Lubbock, Texas. Add $20.00 per year for First Class.

EDITORIAL AND ADVERTISING POLICY

Advertising and editorial content are not limited to any particular class of product or subject matter. However, we reserve the right to refuse publication of any material not within the bounds of high agricultural ethics. While we devote the utmost care to the preparation of each advertisement, we cannot be held responsible for ads received after the ad deadline. Furthermore, the accuracy and content of copy received over the telephone is entirely the responsibility of the advertiser. No adjustment for incorrect ad copy will be considered for ads that are received after the ad deadline or that are placed over the telephone.

All unused reserved advertising space that is not cancelled by the advertising deadline will be billed to the advertiser.

ADVERTISING RATES Space Full Page 1/2 Page 1/3 Page 1/4 Page 1/8 Page

Annual Frequency

1X $630 $380 $270 $190 $ 95

5X $555 $320 $240 $165 $ 85

Breeder Directory 1” Deep $275 per year 2 1/8” Deep $425 per year 3 1/4 “ Deep $575 per year

10X $505 $280 $220 $145 $ 75

Color Black + 1 color: $100 Black + 2 colors: $200 Full Color : $335

4 American Red Angus Magazine ■ April 2014

Right Time, Right Cow, Right Place... 52

Board Commentary Association Commentary Member Services Bulletin Marketing Update THe New Cap and Repair Regs Junior Red Angus Show Update Sale Reports Member News New Members

6 8 12 16 26 30 67 68 70 72

Upcoming Issues & Deadlines Calendar of Events Index to Advertisers

56 80 82

Information Directories

Cover photo by Kerri Barent, Worland, Wyoming.

Pasture Proven. Profit Driven.

Mushrush Red Angus provides profitable genetics that excel in calving ease, fertility and longevity, with minimal input costs and all the growth and carcass traits you’ll ever need.

our f o l l a to s k n ew a n h T h t o b ers, is m o l t a s o u g C r t. Ou a e p e r etic n and e g r you e v r e ear! s y to r e t f ra a e y s d nee

Data we ALWAYS utilize to advance YOUR program!

• Birth Weight • Weaning Weight • Yearling Weight (keeping contemporary groups intact) • Ultrasound Carcass Measurements • Yearly Mature Cow Weight • Yearly Mature Cow Body Condition Score Contact us or visit our website for more information on how our efforts can benefit your profits! Pasture Proven... Profit Driven

2346B N Rd • Strong City, KS 66869 Joe (620) 273-8581 Daniel (620) 340-9774

www.MushrushRedAngus.com 2011 Beef Improvement Federation Seedstock Producer of the Year

Board Commentary

RAAA Board of Directors President Tim Whitley Horton, Alabama tgwhitley@hopper.net

First Vice President/ Region B Director Kim Ford Bertrand, Nebraska thefords@crossdiamondcattle.com Second Vice President/ Area 6 Director - Great Plains Barry Horsley Council Hill, Oklahoma barry.horsley@arcadia-landcattle.com Region A Director Bob Morton Three Forks, Montana info@gmracattle.com Region C Director Johnny Rogers Roxboro, North Carolina jrrogers1968@gmail.com Area 1 Director - West Leonard Wood Sandpoint, Idaho woodvxranch@aol.com Area 2 Director - Montana Bruce Ketchum Plevna, Montana ketchum@midrivers.net Area 3 Director - Rocky Mountain Kevin Miller Briggsdale, Colorado kmiller@wigginstel.com Area 4 Director - Southwest Kyley DeVoe Justin, Texas flyingk3cattle@mac.com Area 5 Director - Northern Plains Gary Jacobson Hitterdal, Minnesota gjrangus@feltontel.net Area 7 Director - Northeast John Langdon Benson, North Carolina johnlangdon5@gmail.com Area 8 Director - Southeast Raymond Prescott Gray Court, South Carolina bullhill2@prtcnet.com Area 9 Director - Midwest Kurt Rich Vinton, Iowa richreds@aol.com

by Tim Whitley, RAAA President

As you read this month’s board commentary, bull sale season is in full swing. Grass is already growing in some areas of the country and soon will be all over the U.S. Spring is the most hopeful, renewed time of the year. My hope for all members is that forage is plentiful and full of nutrients. Membership Questionnaire The Board of Directors asked staff to produce a member survey following the 2013 Red Angus National Convention. Over 220 members took time to fill out the questionnaire via Member Data-REDS or requested a hard copy mailed to them. The Board thanks you for taking time to participate in this important survey. Those that filled out the questionnaire have received a copy of the results and should have in-hand for their reading and information. The survey is also available on our website, redangus.org, by logging in to the Member Data-REDS section and downloading the link, “RAAA Questionnaire Results” under the “Association Business” heading on the lower left side of the screen. I have appointed a special committee to make recommendations to the Board for changes that will benefit members based on survey results. We will keep members and stakeholders up-to-date with the latest information in the “Board Commentary” column.

Use of Red Angus Increases BEEF magazine conducted a survey of producers in December of 2013. Senior editor Burt Rutherford has written an article that appeared in the February 2014 magazine. In my opinion there are many interesting results published by BEEF. Use of Red Angus bulls increased from 8.8 percent in 2010 to 11.9 percent in 2013, ranking our breed in third place for readers’ choice in bulls. This 3.1 percent rise in the use of Red Angus genetics represents that as an association, our focus on commercial producers and cattle that work for them is heading in

6 American Red Angus Magazine ■ April 2014

the right direction for continued gain in market share.

BEEF’s survey also indicates that valuebased marketing will continue to be a growing area of use by commercial producers with nearly one-third responding they are involved in value-based marketing – predominantly preconditioning and source and age verification.

Red Angus offers superior value-based marketing on behalf of our customers through our tag programs – Feeder Calf Certification Program (FCCP), Allied Access and ProCow. In collaboration with Tyson Fresh Foods, we now have a valued-based marketing price grid for Red Angus cattle enrolled in the FCCP program. This exciting new tool for Red Angus will strengthen our commitment to helping stakeholders increase their profitability and ultimately expand the use of Red genetics in the process. The Red Angus Choice+ grid will allow FCCP-enrolled calves to bring premiums for Choice, upper two-thirds Choice and Prime carcasses. I encourage everyone to enroll qualified cattle into FCCP and contact our marketing department for more information on harvesting your cattle on the Red Angus Choice+ grid.

Finally, the BEEF magazine survey indicated which traits commercial producers considered the most important. Calving ease was at the top of responses with birth weight and calving ease direct EPDs all being in the top 123 answers. Actual weaning weight and weaning weight EPD were the next criteria that producers looked for in selecting genetics for their commercial herds. Red Angus genetics offer the curve-bending traits of lower birth with accelerated growth in a very efficient, low-maintenance package.

I encourage you to read Rutherford’s entire article in BEEF magazine and use the results to help guide you in understanding what producers are looking for in bull selection. ■

LOOK TO THESE TOP SIRES for all your AI programs this spring! BIEBER ROOSEVELT W384 Reg # 1311829

For Semen Contact Bieber Red Angus at 605.439.3628

EPD acc %Rank

CED 9 65 18%

BW WW 55 -0.1 77 82 70% 51%

YW 83 76 56%

MILK 31 61 4%

Roosevelt W384 is going to be a sire that is around our program for a long time. The sons are easy to look at and even easier to sell. His first daughters weaned calves last fall and they have done outstanding with great udders and an average WWR of 102. We didn’t have a large group of daughdaugh ters but we feel very confident that the future for Roosevelt maternally is strong. His leading son Rollin Deep has several sons this year as well and they will not disappoint even the most discriminating cattlemen. Roos Roosevelt’s data point to him as a Milk, TM, ME and Marbling leader. That data would point to him as a cowherd build builder and that is right where we think he fits! Semen Available from Bieber Red Angus.

HPG CEM STAY MARB REA

-14 66 3%

13 25 18%

10 63 10%

10 40 52%

0.82 42 8%

0.21 36 36%

VGW OLY 903 Oly has been our mainstay for low BW with growth that really turns the curve upward. His end product traits put him in a pretty unique area. We have always thought Oly is a high end sire and still really like his progeny. He is easy fleshing and has a great disposition. Semen is available through Bieber Red Angus Ranch.

Reg # 1322060

For Semen Contact Bieber Red Angus at 605.439.3628

EPD acc %Rank

CED 1 64 70%

BW -8.3 80 2%

WW 50 75 65%

YW 102 75 25%

MILK 20 55 45%

5 66 68%

Semen available through Select Sires at 614.873.4683. EPD acc %Rank

Bieber direct semen at $25. Contact each stud for semen price on stud offered bulls.

YW 115 71 11%

MILK 19 48 51%

69 68 17%

115 67 11%

27 32 10%

62 3%

CED 11 65 93%

10 31 46%

4 59 56%

10 40 54%

0.4 38 54%

0.25 32 31%

EPD acc %Rank

CED 7 42 22%

BW WW -1.1 83 60 51 54% 2%

YW 133 48 2%

MILK 16 26 68%

0 55 32%

BW 10 32 47%

WW 7 40 24%

YW 11 45 38%

MILK TM 0.83 0.05 40 35 8% 57%

Real McCoy put together a whole range of traits that we think will be right where you need to be if you are interested in profit. Y124 gained at the top of test. We sampled Real McCoy Y124 heavily in 2013 and are excited about the Sons that we are offering this year. Real McCoy has been leased to Accelerated Genetics and is available in their line up. Call your Accelerated rep to order semen or a call 800.451.9275.

Reg # 1436794

HPG CEM STAY MARB REA 9 21 77%

3 37 67%

16 38 4%

0.43 31 46%

0.68 25 2%

Semen Available thru Select Sires at 614.873.4683

2 66 53%

11%

Hard Drive Y120 sold to Select Sires in 2013. When you study Hard Drive’s data you are pretty hard pressed to find a sire that will post as many traits in as high of percent rank as he does. We see Hard Drive going lower on BW so expect his progeny to be in high demand. We have a few sons this year but have mated Hard Drive much more intensively and expect a large group of progeny to be born this spring. Hard Drive semen is available through Select Sires.

Reg # 1436718

For Semen Contact Bieber Red Angus at 605.439.3628 BW WW -2.6 76 81 75 34% 7%

-5.2 76 11%

BIEBER REAL MCCOY Y124

HPG CEM STAY MARB REA

H Hughes is without a doubt our go to sire for calving ease. We didn’t have many progeny last year but we made up for lost time this year with 87 sons tested. That is probably the most calves we have had in our program from any one sire ever. Hughes comes with great CE and low BW. We really think the daughters will be great cows.

Reg # 1311331

CED 5 61 38%

5 48 38%

BIEBER HARD DRIVE Y120

BIEBER H HUGHES W109

EPD acc %Rank

Samurai X22 was produced by our cooperator and friend Gene Rouse and sold to Select Sires. For years we looked for a Cheyenne son we could tie into, and finally he showed up in our own offering, thanks to Gene. Samurai’s calves have all the blow and go that his data shows. They are stout and have great carcasses performance. Samurai has that Red Angus color that George Chiga indicated was the mark of leading herd sires in his time. Sons sell. Samurai semen is available through Select Sires on very limited basis due to an injury this past breeding season. Watch for more availability as we come into the spring breeding season.

Reg # 1363427

For Semen Contact Accelerated Genetics at 800.451.9275

59%

BIEBER ROUSE SAMURAI X22

HPG CEM STAY MARB REA 11 27 38%

7 53 24%

20 43 1%

0.41 38 53%

0.44 31 14%

EPD acc %Rank

CED 8 38 17%

BW -4.5 53 9%

WW 59 45 37%

YW 103 45 19%

MILK 23 27 19%

3 46 59%

16%

HPG CEM STAY MARB REA 13 21 9%

2 37 77%

12 38 34%

0.8 31 5%

0.81 25 1%

Association Commentary

RAAA National Office

4201 N. Interstate 35 Denton, TX 76207 (940) 387-3502 • Fax (888) 829-6069 Email: info@redangus.org RedAngus.org

RAAA National Staff Chief Executive Officer Twig Marston twig@redangus.org

Director of Breed Improvement Larry Keenan larry@redangus.org Director Of Breed Growth Myron Edelman myron@redangus.org Accounting Director Jeanene McCuistion jeanene@redangus.org

Marketing Programs Coordinator Chelsea Poe chelsea@redangus.org

ARA Publisher/Advertising Director Kevin LeMaster (515) 225-0051 kevin@redangus.org ARA Editorial Coordinator Tracey Koester tracey@redangus.org

Junior Programs Coordinator Dawn Bernhard (515) 679-4006 dawn@redangus.org

Database and Registration Consultant Kenda Ponder kenda@redangus.org Member Accounts Charli Crawford charli@redangus.org

Registry Manager Angelia Brooks angelia@redangus.org Registry Specialists Fax: (888) 829-6069 Lucila “Lucy” Meyer lucy@redangus.org Kay Hurley kay@redangus.org

DNA/Breed Improvement Projects Coordinator Halla Pfeiff halla@redangus.org

by Twig Marston, RAAA Chief Executive Officer

Carpe Diem

Carpe Diem. Many of us have heard the phrase first used in an ode by Horace. He was giving advice to others – “Carpe diem quam minimum credula postero.” Its translation is, “Seize the day – put very little trust in tomorrow (/the future).” The contemporary culture has often misinterpreted and misused this phase as to meaning “live for today and forget tomorrow.” Many use it to justify reckless behavior, a “you only live once” mentality, and an excuse to ignore the future. But what the ode really says is the future is unforeseen and that one should not leave the future to chance. One should do today everything possible to assure the best future. Don’t trust the adage that everything is going to fall into place, instead place faith that today’s actions make tomorrow’s realities. Your destiny is in your own hands, you set the directions, you make the decisions and you design your future.

Carpe Diem. We are in exceptional times and new opportunities are all around us. The value of our products –genetics, calves and retail products – has never been greater. Dollar-fifty fed cattle and $2 calves are a reality and will be benchmarks for greater thing to come. The U.S. cowherd is posed for major expansion. Experts are predicting that the national cowherd is in a position to grow nearly 4 to 5 million cows over the next several years. Remarkably, that is more than a 15 percent increase in mother cows; all

8 American Red Angus Magazine ■ April 2014

designed to satisfy the world’s craving for protein and to fill our feeding and processing facilities. It is imperative that this expansion be made with the best genetics available. Let’s make them Red Angus; let’s make them the best. Carpe Diem. Red Angus breeders are implementing business plans to increase Red Angus’ share of the American cowherd. Four-million-plus cows roughly translate to an additional 160,000 bulls! The target is to make them Red Angus, to make them the best.

Carpe Diem. The Red Angus Association of America is preparing to meet the demand of this expansion phase. Our plans to service the members and their customers with excellence are being implemented on a daily basis. We continue to develop marketing programs that fully realize the economic value of our genetics. New programs are in developmental stages that will assist in measuring genetic value of feeder cattle and herd replacements. Staff is being added to increase promotion and communications capacities.

Carpe Diem. The question then becomes: Are you seizing today? Are you making decisions and setting actions in motion that will build your future? Or are you leaving your future to chance? As stated in the movie Dead Poets Society, “Carpe diem. Seize the day, boys. Make your lives extraordinary.” ■

PA R P R I M E T I M E 001Z 1/12/2012

1A-100%

001Z/PAR

BECKTON LANCER F442 T BUF CRK LANCER R017 BUF CRK JULIET N036 BFCK CHEROKEE CNYN 4912 PAR SELMA NA359 PAR SELMA K1220 MPPA: 112.0 % IMF: 6.52 (149) CED BW EPDs: 5 -3.0 Top%: 36 20

#1525587

Data Act. BW 78 Adj WW 690 Adj YW 1203

Ratio ET ET ET

EPD 1.15 0.14 38 0.42

Top% 1 92 7 10

MARB YG CW REA

REA: 15.27 (115) WW YW MILK TM ME 77 119 22 60 8 2 3 23 1 94

HPG CEM STAY 7 -2 12 93 99 37

A rare Lancer R017 son, Prime Time 001Z is out of the muilti-trait leading deceased donor, PAR Selma NA359. +H UDQNV LQ WKH WRS RI WKH EUHHG RU EHWWHU IRU WUDLWV LQFOXGLQJ D WRS UDQN IRU 70 DQG 0DUEOLQJ +LV Â¿UVW calves are on the ground and they look great! Limited semen availalbe... get yours today!

Get Your Reds at the Ridge! “Where you always get more bull than you pay for”

Exciting New Genetics! Sons from Paringa Iron Ore and Buf Crk Spitn Image X014 and ET sons from great matrons BC Miss Bando N044 and SRR TAM 107

Private treaty bulls available now offering top end genetics at great prices!

BUF CRK SPITN IMAGE X014 • #1379421 CED BW WW YW MILK TM 8 0.7 69 100 13 48

ME HPG CEM STAY MARB YG CW REA FAT -3 11 3 13 0.53 0.01 30 0.44 0.01

Semen Available

Semen & Embryos also available now Private Treaty Call us at 406-333-9506 today to see how our genetics can help your program and check out our website at www.srredangus.com

Steve & Shelley Newberry steve@srredangus.com Jim Frazier, Manager • jim@srredangus.com 101 Elbow Creek • Livingston, MT 59047 Office/Fax (406) 333-9506 • Home (406) 333-4225

BECKTON EPIC R397 K RAAA 1042135 1A

29AR0236 EPIC

BECKTON EPIC K F075 x BECKTON JULIAN GG B571

Pedigree Flexibility and More âœ” âœ” âœ” âœ” âœ”

.91

,PSDFW VLUH \RX FDQ EUHHG DFURVV WKH HQWLUH KHUG &XUYH %HQGLQJ SHUIRUPDQFH QHJDWLYH %: DQG WRS JURZWK (3'Â·V &DOYHV H[KLELW H[FHOOHQW YROXPH PXVFOH DQG VROLG JURZWK 6HWWLQJ WKH LQGXVWU\ VWDQGDUG IRU PRGHUDWH %: KLJK JURZWK KLJK FDUFDVV PHULW JHQHWLFV ZLWK D YHU\ SOHDVLQJ SK\VLFDO W\SH DQG NLQG 3DWHUQDO VLGH RI SHGLJUHH LV DQ RXWFURVV WR QHDUO\ HYHU\WKLQJ HOVH LQ WKH EUHHG

CED

MILK

HPG

CEM

STAY MARB

-2 .83

-0.2 .91

+72 .89

+120 .88

+17 .82

+53

-2 .68

+15 .55

+7 .82

+14 .49

+.67 .51

REA

FAT

+.24 .43

+42 .60

+.49 .46

+.09 .51

SPRING 2014 TOP 35%

29AR0243 BOXED BEEF

LSF BOXED BEEF 9063W RAAA 1305669 1A MESSMER PACKER S008 x LCHMN ENTERPRISE 1370H

Cow Maker Phenotype with High Impact Carcass Potential âœ” âœ” âœ” âœ”

0RGHUDWH VRIW PDGH ZLGH EDVHG VXSHU KHDY\ PXVFOHG EXOO ZLWK ORWV RI H\H DSSHDO %UHG WR DGG PXVFOH DQG VKDSH ZLWK PRGHUDWH ELUWK ZHLJKW &RQWULEXWHV D %: (3' ZLWK WRS RI WKH EUHHG JURZWK DQG FDUFDVV PHULW +LV XQLTXH SHGLJUHH PDNHV KLP LGHDO RQ %HFNWRQ DQG &DQ\RQ OLQHV RI FDWWOH

CED

MILK

HPG

CEM

STAY MARB

+3 .54

-2.3 .79

+77 .76

+117 .75

+11 .56

+49

+5 .66

+11 .34

+8 .52

+10 .10

+.93 .44

REA

FAT

-.07 .39

+35 .55

+.70 .41

+.02 .47

SPRING 2014 TOP 35%

29AR0244 BIG IRON

HXC BIG IRON 0024X RAAA 1378526 1A BECKTON NEBULA P P707 x BASIN TREND SETTER 6074

The P707 with Muscle and Rib Eye âœ” âœ” âœ” âœ” âœ”

6XSHU LQGLYLGXDO SHUIRUPDQFH %: :: <: 0DUE 5($ 0XOWL WUDLW VWDQGRXW IRU JURZWK DQG SHUIRUPDQFH ZLWK EUHHG OHDGLQJ FDUFDVV PHULW ([SORVLYH JURZWK SURJHQ\ FRQWLQXH WR GRPLQDWH WKHLU ZHDQLQJ DQG \HDUOLQJ FRQWHPSRUDULHV 'DP LV PRGHUDWH IHPLQLQH DQG ELJ PLGGOHG ZLWK DQ LGHDO XGGHU :LOO VLUH VWRXW DWWUDFWLYH ZLGH ERGLHG SURJHQ\ ZLWK ORWV RI PXVFOH DQG DGG D SRZHUIXO SKHQRW\SH

CED

MILK

HPG

CEM

STAY MARB

+7 .42

+1.6 .76

+85 .70

+151 .65

+21 .31

+64

+4 .64

+11 .26

+3 .39

+18 .42

+.63 .39

REA

FAT

+.17 .35

+63 .51

+.34 .33

+.01 .43

SPRING 2014 TOP 35%

L ooking to add performance and convenience traits this spring? These semi-proven sires offer leading growth, carcass traits, and well balanced genetics with sound structure, type and kind. To order contact your local A BS Representative or call 1.800.ABS.STUD Â‹ $%6 *OREDO ,QF Â‡ 5LYHU 5RDG 'H)RUHVW :, Â‡ Â‡ ZZZ DEVEHHI FRP

Member Services Bulletin Time to Report!

Spring 2013 No-Progeny Report

No-Progeny Reports should be returned to the National Office by the second week of April. If information is not received for each cow, it will be subject to inactivation. The report should be used to report progeny or a reason code for the 2013 calf crop only. The-No Progeny Reports can be accessed via Member Data-REDS, under “RRTS Registration/ Performance Updates.” A printed NoProgeny Report can be mailed upon request. If needed please request as soon as possible.

Report Fall 2013 Weaning Data

Postcards have been mailed as a reminder that it’s time to report the Fall 2013 calf crop with weaning dates and weights, along with calf records for calves that did not make it through weaning. This can be done electronically via Member Data-REDS, under “RRTS Registration/Performance Updates, New Registrations.” Worksheets can be requested through the National Office.

Heifer Exposure Inventory

Building Replacement Females… Profit begins with reproduction. Producers who can count on a higher percentage of pregnant heifers will have a larger number of replacements that they can cash crop. The Red Angus heifer pregnancy (HPG) predicts the probability of heifers conceiving to calve at two years of age.

The heifer exposure inventory enables members to submit data, which is a key factor in the Heifer Pregnancy EPD. Yearling Heifers 9 - 17 mos. of age appear on the prelisted inventory and will be entering the herd inventory and be subject to assessments in 2015. The information to report is: • Breeding season dates • Exposure information • Contemporary group designation • Disposal information (if applies) Heifer Exposure Inventory is due the second week of August.

DNA Update

• Due to an increase in the number of samples being submitted, the lab is experiencing a longer turn-around time to report results. Unfortunately, this has increased turn-around time from the National Office.

• In reviewing the number of failed samples, we have learned that a higher percentage of hair samples are likely to fail because it is a little more of a challenge to collect quality samples. The challenges that are presented are the number of follicles, size of follicles, manure, etc. Therefore, it is recommended that blood samples be collected due to these challenges with hair samples. • Reminder, if submitting a sample for BVDV testing, hair samples are still a requirement for this particular test.

Upgrades are occurring in the office!

We have changed our phone system to a Voice-Over Internet Protocol system. You can now access Member Services, DNA and Tags directly, which is a huge benefit for staff to help answer your questions more efficiently.

Summer National Cattle Evaluation (NCE)

To have animals included, make sure that all data is submitted either by paper before May 5, 2014, or electronically before May 12, 2014.

12 American Red Angus Magazine ■ April 2014

Superior in Calving Ease with Carcass Quality CONQUEST

HXC CONQUEST 4405P reg#: 975924 | 014AR02028 JULIAN B 571 x CHEROKEE CNYN

CONQUEST IS AN ICON IN THE RED ANGUS BREED. HE OFFERS CALVING EASE WITHOUT SACRIFICING PERFORMANCE AND SIRES TERRIFIC DAUGHTERS. CED

YW MILK TM

-6.5

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REA

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SPRING 2014

PEACEMAKER

GMRA PEACEMAKER 1216 reg#: 1428993 | 014AR02065 JUSTICE x MISSION STATEMENT

PEACEMAKER OFFERS CALVING EASE WITH EXPLOSIVE GROWTH IN A MODERATE PACKAGE WITH MUSCLE. CED

YW MILK TM

HPG CETM STAY MARB

REA

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116

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SPRING 2014

TRILOGY

GMRA TRILOGY 0226 reg#: 1367533| 014AR02060 PACKER x CHATEAU

TRILOGY IS ONE OF THE ELITE SPREAD BULLS OF THE RED ANGUS BREEDHE OFFERS CALVING EASE WITHOUT SACRIFICING PERFORMANCE. CED

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HPG CETM STAY MARB

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EPIC

BECKTON EPIC U368 KM reg#: 1258898 | 014AR02047 EPIC KM x EPIC K1

EXCELS IN OFFERING CALVING EASE AND SUPERIOR MATERNAL TRAITS. CED

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SPRING 2014

Call today for your FREE copy of the 2014 Beef Sire Directory!

Pieper Red Angus ANNUAL PERFORMANCE LEADER

PRODUCTION SALE

Friday, April 4, 2014 $W WKH 5DQFK Â‡ S P +D\ 6SULQJV 1HEUDVND

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40 Years of selecting for Performance Carcass & Maternal Traits. Buy Back Program for Commercial Producers

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LORENZEN RED ANGUS

BULL SALE AT T TORRINGTON, WY

I N C O N J U N C T I O N W I T H PA I R / B R E D C O W S P E C I A L A SAMPLING OF BULLS OFFERED:

BULLS SELL Red Angus Sim-Angus Composite

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LORENZEN THAT’S GOOD 3759

JERICHO X CHEROKEE OF MEMORY

www.lorenzenranches.com Larry Lorenzen 541.276.6108 Sam Lorenzen 541.215.2687 PO Box 1519 Pendleton, OR 97801

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Marketing Update by Chelsea Poe, Marketing Programs Coordinator

Why transferring bull registrations matters

Each chain has a beginning and an end. Our marketing chain this month focuses on the seedstock supplier as the beginning of that chain. Red Angus breeders create the genetics that ultimately impact the beef product for consumers. Let’s look at a few reasons why you, as a seedstock supplier, need to transfer bull registrations to your commercial bull customers. 1. Transferring bulls to buyers can be FREE! First of all, transferring bulls is FREE if you transfer the animal within 60 days from the date of sale! Secondly, you assist the commercial producer when it comes to adding value to their calf crop through programs like the FCCP and Choice+.

Red Angus FCCP. One qualification factor in the FCCP program is tracing registered Red Angus bloodlines to the commercial producer. Without proper documentation of transferred bulls, those commercial producers and the feeders who finish Red Angus cattle could be missing out on programs like the Choice+ grid.

3. Not just anyone qualifies for the exclusive Choice+ grid. You transferred the bull, they tagged their calves and now everyone reaps the rewards! RAAA’s exclusive Choice+ grid with Tyson is only available for cattle enrolled in the

Make sure that your commercial producers know you are going the extra mile to help them by easily transferring registrations of the bulls they purchased. This simple and easy step is the beginning to maximizing the potential to place Red Angus stakeholders in a competitive position at each stage of the beef supply chain. . ■

2. Who doesn’t want to be a record breaker? Red Angus Marketing Programs set another record in February 2014 by selling over 30,000 Feeder Calf Certification Program (FCCP) and Allied Access (AA) tags in one month! The producers taking part in RAAA Marketing Programs know the true worth of adding value to their calf crop and maximize the dollars in their pocket by capitalizing on available RAAA marketing programs.

16 American Red Angus Magazine ■ April 2014

4. Bull inventory reports are presented to bull customers each year. RAAA produces bull inventory reports to commercial producers annually. Ranchers have their current bull inventory available to make informed bull purchasing decisions in the future.

Building Replacement Females The Ranchersâ€™ Guide to

Cowherd-Building Traits

Profit begins with reproduction. Producers who can count on a higher percentage of pregnant heifers will have a larger number of replacements that they can cash crop. The Red Angus HEIFER PREGNANCY (HPG) EPD predicts the probability of heifers conceiving to calve at two years of age. CALVING EASE is a trait of major economic impact. Heifers that experience calving problems require additional labor and are less likely to rebreed. Red Angus completely describes calving ease with Direct (CED) and Maternal (CEM) EPDs.

Annual cowherd feed costs represent producers' largest expense, and simply maintaining the cowherd's body weight and condition accounts for 65-70% of that total. Red Angus' mature cow MAINTENANCE ENERGY (ME) EPD arms producers with a tool to help keep feed costs in check. Efficient, easy-fleshing Red Angus replacements help you get a handle on feed expenses and make the most of available forage.

“The profitability in our herd is based on the efficiency and longevity of Red Angus females.”

Bob Skinner – Skinner Ranches Jordan Valley, OR

Females that stay in the herd reduce replacement rates….and provide more valuable heifers to sell….a huge economic driver for cow/calf producers. Red Angus customers have the advantage of a STAYABILITY EPD, which predicts a bull’s ability to sire daughters that remain productive past the age of six.

Rancher Prerequisites

CALM DISPOSITIONS of Red Angus increase profit through easier handling, better conception rates, faster gains, higher USDA quality grade and fewer dark cutters.

RED HIDE COLOR improves HEAT TOLERANCE for both southern cowherds and summer feed lots. Additionally, Red Angus have no diluter genes, so you will never get gray calves when Red Angus are mated to Continental cattle.

POLLED and PIGMENTED come as standard equipment on Red Angus, and translate to profit by eliminating dehorning stress, and greatly reducing sunburned udders and cancer eye.

Marketing Tools

Label FCCP Tagged Heifers Pro-Cow!

Pro-Cow is a tool used by the Red Angus Association of America to identify replacementquality females. It remains important that buyers have confidence they are purchasing Red Angus-influenced females. Only females enrolled in the FCCP will be eligible to be labeled as Pro-Cows, therefore insuring at least 50% Red Angus bloodlines. How to label females as Pro-Cow: • Enroll calf crop in the Feeder Calf Certification Program (FCCP). • Purchase 99-cent Pro-Cow tags or have the Pro-Cow logo imprinted on your FCCP tag.

Buy or Sell Red Angus Replacements with the Red Angus Stockyard!

Visit the Red Angus Stockyard on the web: Go to RedAngus.org and click on “Red Angus Stockyard.” Browse through listings or submit your own. Submit a Listing for FREE! Click “Submit Listing.” • Complete the “Sale and Contact info” as well as a description of your offering in the next window. • If satisfied with your listing, click “Finish.” Your listing will be forwarded to Red Angus staff for review and be posted FREE of charge on the Red Angus Stockyard. • Keep in mind that females that are completely and accurately described are more attractive to potential buyers. • Your Red Angus Stockyard listing can be used for females offered private treaty, consigned to a live/video auction or sale barn. • Your listing stays active for 60 days on the Red Angus Stockyard.

FeMail is an electronic tool to help producers find or market Ranch-Tested Replacements!

Ranchers can locate commercial Red Angus-influenced heifer calves, bred heifers and even cow-calf pairs. In order to list with the FeMail, you must be selling at least 25 females on the Red Angus Stockyard to make a FeMail eBlast. How to list with FeMail: • Post a listing on the Red Angus Stockyard. • Contact RAAA Marketing Programs at 940-320-8316 or 940-387-3502.

Cowherds Built For Profit “Red Angus are gentle, easy calving cattle that increase efficiency and reduce labor costs.”

Tom Knoll – Knoll Red Angus Big Timber, MT

Red Angus

Ranch Tested. Rancher Trusted.

RedAngus.org

Lone Star Ladies Replacement Female Sale

April 12, 2014 1:00 pm Crockett, Texas

Sponsored by

Open Heifers, Bred Heifers Cows, Cow Calf Pairs, Show Heifer Prospects 5HG $QJXV ,QĂ XHQFHG Commercial Heifers Sale Managed by

For More Information, 641-919-0196 View Catalog at www.redcowrelocators.com

Licensed & Bonded with USDA Packers & Stockyards

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FlaxLic: The Block Everyoneâ€™s Talking About

Effect of Alpha-linolenic Acid on Follicles

FlaxLic now has a U.S. Product and Process Patent for elevating Lipid Blood Levels in Livestock.

Item

Control

Linolenic Acid

5-10 mm follicles on day 5

1.6

1.4

5-10 mm follicles on day 15

1.8

3.4

Max diameter of 1st dominant follicle, mm

13.3

15.6

Max diameter of preovulatory follicle, mm

17.0

18.3

Larger follicles >>>> greater estrogen

Hereâ€™s What Theyâ€™re Saying

In addition, FlaxLic is highly fortified with essential vitamins and minerals. This block is produced using a state-of-the-art, patented process that provides a unique 24-hour feeding system.

Effect of Alpha-linolenic Acid Supplementation on Estrus Activity 3

Cycles During First 60 Days Post-Calving , %

FlaxLicÂŽ is an all-natural supplement containing a high level of Alpha-linolenic acid, an omega-3 fatty acid. Fatty acids are used by cattle for energy, cell membrane structure and integrity and regulating hormones. This unique supplement is the first low-moisture block to contain a high level of ALA beneficial to optimal performance.

2.5

2 1.5 1 0.5 0 Control

Get your herd ready for breeding season!

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Linolenic

To Expense or Capitalize? The New Cap and Repair Regs by Michael Flerchinger, CPA, The Nichols Accounting Group P.C.

ARA Reader Question: What are the rules regarding the new IRS regulations regarding expensing versus capitalizing certain expenditures such as tractor repairs, fencing supplies, etc.?

Nichols Accounting’s Answer: In the past, the ability to take an immediate deduction for certain expenditures was somewhat liberal. However, the IRS began to take notice and as a result, the Treasury Department has attempted to produce rules that will tighten this flexibility with Treasury Decision 9636. These new rules are commonly referred to as the “Cap and Repair Regs.” There are two different versions of the regulation.

1. The temporary regulations were issued in 2011. If your operation elected to implement the temporary regulations, those would apply during the time period from 2011-2013, and new regulations would be effective for taxable years ending on or after Jan. 1, 2014. 2. The final regulations were issued in September 2013. If your operation did not elect to implement the temporary regulations, the final regulations will apply and are effective for taxable years ending on or after Jan. 1, 2014. There are a few areas of the regulation presented below that will be more applicable to ranching operations than others, but this response is not all encompassing of the full Cap and Repair Regs.

The first section to be aware of is the safe-harbor rules that provide guidance on whether or not to capitalize or expense a purchase. Operations that do not have an audited financial statement

can expense purchases that are less than $500*. In order to take advantage of this safe harbor rule, your accounting policy must state this and be effective as of Jan. 1, 2014, for a calendar year taxpayer. If a policy is not in place the default threshold drops to $200. The safe harbor is based on a per-item basis. As an example, say you purchased a dozen new round bale feeders for an individual cost per feeder of $450. The total invoice would be $5,400 and could be immediately expensed if your accounting policy was in accordance with the $500 safe harbor rule. A routine maintenance safe harbor was also created. Under the routine maintenance safe harbor rule an expense is immediately deductible. Maintenance is considered routine if it is expected to occur at least once within the IRS life of the asset and its purpose is to keep the asset in normal, efficient operating condition. For example, if you have a piece of equipment with an IRS life of 7 years and it is necessary to do an engine overhaul after six years, even though an engine overhaul may be a large expenditure, the cost will be immediately deductible. It is reasonable to say that fencing supplies purchased for maintenance of a fence as mentioned in the reader’s question would be considered deductible immediately. However, if the supplies were purchased as a whole to install a new fence around a pasture, then those costs would have to be capitalized. The routine maintenance safe harbor is in contrast to the rules regarding improvements to property. If there is an improvement to an asset then the cost

Accounting Definitions

Expense: Business expense that is deductible in the current year and is not a capital expenditure.

Capital Expenditure: Generally a cost that produces a benefit, or a new asset that extends beyond the taxable year, or has a useful life substantially beyond one year. An improvement that extends the life of property, or an adaptation that permits the property to be used for a new purpose. Safe Harbor Rule: a provision that creates an exemption from a

of that improvement must be capitalized. Improvements are defined as those costs that result in making the whole asset better, restore it to like-new condition, or adapt the asset to a new or different use. An example of an improvement that has to be capitalized is a new replacement engine on a truck that has more power than the original engine it replaces. The topics addressed above only scratch the surface of the new Cap and Repair Regulations. There is much more to the rules that may be applicable to your ranch and should be addressed with a tax advisor to fit your specific situation and get the most benefit from them. To request a template Cap and Repair Reg policy for your operation, please contact clientcare@nicholsaccounting.com. ■

*An operation with an audited financial statement has a de minimis safe harbor rule to expense any purchase under $5,000. Most ranch operations likely do not have an audited financial statement.

Michael Flerchinger is a CPA with The Nichols Accounting Group located in Oregon and Idaho. They specialize in agribusiness tax planning and consulting. Reader questions can be submitted to taxquestions@nicholsaccounting.com. www.nicholsaccounting.com

26 American Red Angus Magazine ■ April 2014

Ranch Tested. Rancher Trusted.

Missouri Red Angus Association

Ozark Red Roundup Sale

Selling 75 lots of select registered Red Angus. 3 .&&, 3 )0 &" %+, 3 +! )0, 3 +! ( *!( !%"!+, &,) ,!&&%(# +! )/!+ &)-, )" -)* !( ! (#., %(2.!( ! 3 )0 &" %+, 3 +! )0, 3 +! ( *!( !%"!+, && +! ! (#., )+ #+! -!+ (1 +! +! & ( !+ÂŽ and red SimAngus.â„˘

Last yearâ€™s sale attracted buyers from 12 states! %,%- 000 MissouriRedAngus.com for more information or contact: 1&! %& $+%,- &! ( #!+

)-- $' (

This sale will be broadcast live on the internet. Real time bidding & proxy bidding available.

000 dvauction.com

000 MissouriRedAngus.com

in tr oduc i n g

t o p k c a J ull B n o i p Cham l a n o i w t o h S k c o t Res. Na S Worth

2014 Fort

Special thanks to

genex cooperative for purchasing an interest inJackpot

JCC

/ " 6 !Ĺś 6&L JoAnn James 641-593-6526

336-490th Ave Searsboro, IA 50242

Fritz, Marcy, Zach & Aly James 4986 - 35th Street 641-891-7756 Searsboro, IA 50242

Jan. 2, 2012 JRA Ace in the hole X SAKIC Daughter Reg# 1508638 Semen available through genex

May 1 deadline approaches for JRA contests, opportunities by Dawn Bernhard, Junior Programs Coordinator

Many opportunities await JRA members through Round-Up, JRA contests or other events. All applications must be submitted to Dawn Bernhard, JRA Programs Coordinator by May 1, 2014, at dawn@redangus.org. Complete contest rules and more information are available at redangus.org/jra. Scholarships Help Pay for RoundUp Travel and Registration

California Dreamin’ 2014 Junior Red Angus Association Round Up

You don’t have to dream about attending Round-Up 2014 in California – make it happen with a scholarship through the Merit Award Program (MAP). Any JRA member who is 9 to 20 years of age may apply for the MAP program.

The top three high-point individuals will be awarded Round-Up Scholarships in the amounts of $750, $500 and $400 to reduce travel and/or Round-Up registration expenses. The MAP application is a series of questions with assigned point values. The winners are determined by the applicants that have the most points. Application questions range from JRA member involvement to specifics of your cattle operation and awards. The application is easy to fill out and can be downloaded as a Word document or a PDF from the website.

Call for JRA National Officer Candidates To be eligible for application and election to the JRA National Board of Directors, members must have reached his or her 16th birthday as of July 1, but not

exceeded his or her 20th birthday at the time of election. The JRA member must maintain a continuous JRA or RAAA membership for a minimum of two years prior to the year of officer application, and must have attended a minimum of one Round-Up prior to the year of officer application and must attend Round-Up the year of application. All directors shall be elected at the annual business meeting held during Round-Up by the general membership present by a simple majority vote.

In 2014, the three JRA regions electing representatives are: Region I – West: Alaska, California, Hawaii, Idaho, Nevada, Oregon, Washington Region II – Mountains: Colorado, Montana, Utah, Wyoming Region III – South: Alabama, Arkansas, Arizona, Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, Mississippi, New Mexico, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas Director at Large – If there is not a member to represent a region as Director, then an active member who completed all application requirements by May 1 can run At-Large for the twoyear term. At the completion of the AtLarge term, the region will be eligible to fill the position if they can do so.

Voting shall be by secret ballot except when there is only one candidate for the office from a region, at which time that individual may be elected by acclamation. The officer application and pledge are available online. American/Canadian Exchange Program JRA members who are 18 years of age and older may apply to represent the JRA and the RAAA as junior ambassadors to the Canadian Junior Showdown held each year in July. Two JRA members are selected for the

30 American Red Angus Magazine ■ April 2014

Exchange program. Travel expenses to Canada are provided by the JRA/RAAA. Upon arrival in Canada, the Exchange representatives will be hosted by the Canadian Junior Angus Association for three days of fun, contests, cook-off and heifer show.

The 2014 Canadian Junior Showdown will be held July 17 - 19 in Virden, Manitoba. JRA representatives will travel to Canada on July 16 and return to the U.S. on July 20. Passports are required as is attendance at two prior JRA Round-Up events. The applications is available online.

PowerPoint Contest 2014 Topic – “My Favorite JRA Program and its Benefits” Rules – Each presentation must have a minimum: Junior division (15 years and younger) – 6 slides Senior division (16 through 21) - 12 slides Presentations must have at least two pictures or clip art that support the idea of the presentation. Presentations may include but do not require music, video clips or slide transitions. Presentations must relate to the topic as defined for the year. JRA Photo Contest The JRA Photo Contest is open to all current, active members of the JRA. Entries may be color or black-and-white, 8x10. In the body of the email submitting the photo, include name of photographer, age, gender, home address, city, state, zip and phone number. Photo entries must have been taken during the past year and photos cannot be altered or image-enhanced in any way, nor can they have been presented for any previous JRA Photo Contest. All photo entries must contain at least one Red Angus animal. A contestant may submit a maximum of two entries per year, and photos become the property of the RAAA and the ARA Magazine for use in publication and promotion.

May 1 deadline approaches for JRA contests, opportunities Entries will be printed and mounted for display to the judges and at the Red Angus National Convention. The JRA Photo Contest will be judged and the results will posted in the junior newsletters, ARA Magazine and at Red Angus National Convention.

Junior members receive $25 per photo entry, not to exceed two entries per contest per year. Entries submitted by a JRA member attending Round-Up in the same calendar year will contribute points toward Best-All-Around individual selection. JRA Essay Contest Junior Division (6th grade and under) â€“ 250 words or less on â€œHow I Got Involved With Red Angusâ€? (cite at least one reference for the essay â€“ personal interviews, magazines, books). Intermediate Division (7th through 9th grade) â€“ 500 words or less on â€œBeing A Red Angus Advocateâ€? (cite at least two references for the essay â€“ personal in-

terview, magazines, books).

Senior Division (10th through 12th grade) â€“ 750 words or less on â€œUsing Multi-Breed EPDs to Promote the Advantages of Red Angusâ€? (cite at least four references for the essay â€“ personal interview, magazines, books).

College Division (High School Graduates through 21 years) â€“ 750 words or less describing â€œMy Responsibilities as a Beef-Industry Advocateâ€? (cite at least five references for the essay â€“ personal interview, magazines, books). Participant must be a current, active member of the JRA. All essays must be typewritten and include a typewritten cover sheet that includes name, complete, permanent mailing address, phone number, year in school and, if applicable, field of study. Cash prizes are awarded in each of the age divisions.

Website and Graphic Design Contests The Website and Graphic Design Contests are two separate contests. Each entry must be created with compute technology. Designs will be judged on clarity of what is being promoted, neatness and organization and originality of design.

Website Design Contest is only for submitting actual website entries. The website must include at least one link to another page. Website designs are wide open for entry but entries must relate to Red Angus promotion â€“ an event, ranch, field day, JRA, commercial marketing or individual cattle. The Graphic Design Contest has two divisions â€“ business card and Red Angus promotion. JRA members may enter each or only one. The graphic design must promote the Red Angus breed, organization, industry or individual herd. Examples are flyers, ads, brochures, etc. â–

Thank You ~~ for the support over the past 41 years in the Seedstock Business.

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32 American Red Angus Magazine â– April 2014

ID A216 A226 A36 A28 A234 A244 A242 A205 A255 A235 A247 A10 A124 A129

Reg. # #1643778 #1643815 #1643855 #1643941 #1643951 #1643821 #1643822 #1643772 #1643824 #1643817 #1643826 #1643879 #1643900 #1643862

Sire CED BW RED CORNER CREEK CASH 2R -6 4.1 RED CORNER CREEK CASH 2R -3 1.9 RED CORNER CREEK CASH 2R -4 3.7 RED CORNER CREEK CASH 2R 2 0.1 RED CORNER CREEK CASH 2R -4 2.2 LSF JBOB EXPECTATION 6034S 2 -0.2 LSF JBOB EXPECTATION 6034S 2 -2.3 BECKTON EPIC R397 K 0 0.6 BECKTON EPIC R397 K -3 0.8 BECKTON EPIC R397 K -2 1.6 BECKTON EPIC R397 K 4 -4.9 VRRA CLASSIC INDEED X33 0 -0.7 VRRA RUSTLER X209 -2 5.4 VRRA SUMMIT T95 3 -0.2

WW 77 73 71 76 62 63 54 52 59 60 49 53 73 53

YW MILK TM ME HPG CEM 105 9 47 -11 9 -2 98 11 47 -6 9 -6 95 11 46 -10 9 -2 108 10 48 -13 9 -3 86 13 44 -11 9 -2 90 23 55 -6 9 7 85 23 50 -6 9 7 84 15 41 -8 13 6 92 20 49 -7 13 5 98 13 44 -3 12 5 83 19 43 -6 12 9 78 18 44 -9 10 2 107 17 54 -10 9 2 93 17 43 2 11 3

ST MARB YG 8 0.08 0.10 11 0.12 0.00 11 0.00 0.01 10 0.19 0.06 10 0.03 0.03 8 0.86 0.06 7 0.84 0.03 14 0.44 0.12 13 0.49 0.12 10 0.55 0.16 11 0.51 0.12 12 0.23 0.02 12 0.28 0.13 9 0.25 0.04

CW 38 30 31 34 24 23 17 21 26 31 13 15 41 26

REA FAT 0.30 0.02 0.51 0.02 0.43 0.01 0.38 0.02 0.37 0.02 0.15 0.01 0.14 0.00 0.20 0.04 0.19 0.03 0.18 0.04 0.23 0.06 -0.05 -0.03 0.00 -0.02 0.14 -0.01

Gill Red Angus Reg. #1365711

C-T GRAND STATEMENT 1025 4 - $ '0!- ,!#%-.!,! */. *" $%( -* " , ) .$! 0!, #! %,.$ 1!%#$. *) .$!-! '0!- $ - !!) (* !, .! ' - 4 ,! ' $%#$ , '%)# %--%*) . .!(!). -*) 1$* -%,!- #,! . !+.$ *" * 3 !3! ++! ' (/- '! -/+!, "!!. ) /)%"*,(%.3 4 ! -*' -*)- . */, - '! %) ! ,/ ,3 $! $%#$ -!''%)# -*) 1 - ) .$! 0!, #! 1 - 4 *)- /#$.!,- ,! -*(! *" .$! ! -%!, 6!-$%)# ..'! %) */, +,*#, ( 4 !(!) 0 %' '! .$,*/#$

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You buy our bulls, we bid on your calves!

Gill Red Angus HC 64 Box 146 Timber Lake, SD 57656

www.gillredangus.com

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Reputation Red Angus and Hybreds

Lot 2 • LSF SRR MAJESTIC 3025A • #1623805

Lot 16 • LSF SRR STATUE 3103A

8CED, -4.2BW, 71WW, 118YW, 17MILK, 52TM, 1ME, 9HPG, 2CEM, 19STAY, 1.14MB, 0.34RE IMPRESSIVE X PACKER X MARIO

3CED, -1.4BW, 65WW, 96YW, 23MILK, 56TM, 3ME, 14HPG, 4CEM, 13STAY, 0.66MB, 0.36RE EPIC X VENTURE X CHEYENNE • #1623946

Quite possibly one of the best bulls that we have ever produced Big time phenotype to go along with an incredible set of numbers!

Lot 6 • LSF SRR CHRONICLE 3001A

One of the "picks" by our "crew" all year long and fan favorite by visitors as well!

Lot 11 • LSF SRR COLOSSAL 3101A

Lot 12 • LSF SRR JUMBO 3104A

4CED, -3.1BW, 59WW, 94YW, 18MILK, 47TM, 3ME, 14HPG, 4CEM, 15STAY, 0.67MB, 0.35RE SAGA X PACKER X BIG SKY • #1623909

4CED, -1.4BW, 72WW, 114YW, 18MILK, 54TM, -2ME, 20HPG, 7CEM, 15STAY, 0.32MB, 0.33RE EPIC X HOBO DESIGN X BIG SKY • #1623920

2CED, -0.5BW, 64WW, 104YW, 21MILK, 53TM, 2ME, 12HPG, 5CEM, 13STAY, 0.45MB, 0.47RE EPIC X ENTERPRISE X CHEROKEE CANYON • #1623890

Balance trait selection at its best in this bull along with a 121 IMF Ratio!

The Epic sire lines brings all the "cowboy" traits and these bulls will work great in all environments!

Another deep soggy herd bull that has "bull" written all over him!

30 Sons of BECKTON EPIC R397 20 Sons of HXC CONQUEST 4405P 20 Sons of LSF SAGA 1080Y 15 Sons of 5L QUARTERBACK 1205-5337 10 Sons of MUSHRUSH IMPRESSIVE CA U236 10 Sons of PARINGA IRON ORE E27 7 Sons each of LSF RAB SOVEREIGN X7880, VGW PASSWORD 170 and 5L TRADESMAN 1715-6237

80 Fall Bred Cows for sale privately with a Cooperator Agreement. Contact Ryan.

Call today for a catalog! Ryan Ludvigson Billings, Montana (406)534-4263 office • (515)450-3124 mobile rl_ludvigson@hotmail.com

Park Ludvigson Cushing, Iowa (712)384-2200 office • (712)229-3431 mobile parkludvigson@hotmail.com

Herdbuilder Bull Sale • April 12, 2014 Selling 175 Red Angus and Red Hybred Bulls Weschenfelder Development Center Shepherd, MT • 1PM MST

Lot 3 • LSF SRR LEGEND 3110A

10CED, -3.6BW, 72WW, 119YW, 14MILK, 50TM, 3ME, 19HPG, 4CEM, 14STAY, 0.73MB, 0.50RE SAGA X PACKER X TOP BRASS • #1623977

This head turning bull comes from the High $Profit Crystal Cow Family

Lot 1 • LSF SRR DRAFT PICK 3019A • #1623888

8CED, -2.5BW, 77WW, 116YW, 15MILK, 54TM, 6ME, 11HPG, 8CEM, 12STAY, 0.51MB, 0.35RE QUARTERBACK X PACKER X JEWELMAKER

One of the features in the Spring Bull Sale Season - Not only a phenotypic star but one of the best balanced EPD packages in the entire sale offering

Lot 7 • LSF SRR ADVENTURE 3318A

4CED, -2.6BW, 57WW, 102YW, 19MILK, 47TM, 1ME, 12HPG, 6CEM, 12STAY, 0.67MB, 0.21RE SAGA X EXPEDITION X ENCORE • #1623631

Good looking bull blends an outcross pedigree with our Superstar Herdsire getting lots of notice.

Lot 19 • LSF SRR MR MATERNAL 3152A

8CED, -2.2BW, 78WW, 130YW, 27MILK, 66TM, 13ME, 15HPG, 8CEM, 14STAY, 0.54MB, 0.61RE EXT 5233 X CHEYENNE X NO EQUAL • #1623702

How many times can you find a "curve" bender with this kind of phenotype!

Go to www.ludvigsonstockfarms.com for updates.

Synchronization and timed A.I. add pounds, increase quality by Rebecca Mettler for American Red Angus Magazine

Commercial cow-calf producers have access to the most proven sires in the beef industry and at a reasonable cost per breeding. With only 6 percent of the nation’s cowherd being artificially inseminated (A.I.) there’s room for improvement according to Todd Sears, Beef Sales Director with ABS Global. In addition to using A.I., producers have the ability to take advantage of synchronization and timed A.I. Timed A.I. allows producers to get 50 to 60 percent of the females bred in one day, with pregnancy rates varying slightly between protocols. Frontloaded Calving Season Adds Pounds “It’s quickly gaining popularity because of the advancements of synchronization technology,” said Stan Lock, Beef Large-Herd Development Manager with Genex CRI.

Sears says the benefits go beyond the ability to A.I. With synchronization and timed A.I., commercial producers have the means to frontload the calving season. Having more calves born at the beginning of the calving season is what Sears believes is one of the best management practices out there for commercial producers.

Cattle must be managed properly before a timed A.I. program is put into place. Heifers need to be the appropriate age and at least 65 percent of their mature body weight. Cows need to be at a body condition score of 5 or 6 and around 50 days postpartum.

Randy Meyer, Red Angus commercial cow-calf producer from Brunswick, Mo., can add 30 to 40 pounds per calf when calves are born at the front end of the calving season as a result of timed A.I. Reliable Genetics Add Quality As previously stated, access to better genetics is another benefit of A.I. Sears reminds producers to always consider the reach they can have genetically by using A.I. “You have the ability to use highly proven genetics,” Lock said. “Bulls that have already been there and done that. Basically you know what you are getting before you breed the cow.”

38 American Red Angus Magazine ■ April 2014

Using the best bulls that Red Angus has to offer has helped Meyer sell his calves. The benefits show up when he gets a premium for his calves plus the added weight.

“It starts paying for itself pretty fast,” Meyer said. Sears says that he sees benefits especially with heifers. Producers are able to use known calving ease sires on virgin heifers. Also, heifers that calve earlier in their first calving season will be more likely to continue calving early throughout their lifetime.

“With A.I. you can use the bull that you want and are not necessarily limited to the bull that you can afford to buy,” Sears said. Planning for Success When Lock meets with commercial cow-calf producers, he sits down with them and discusses the logistics of synchronization and timed A.I. Some discussion points include labor requirements, facility design, and stockmanship and cattle handling. “It’s my job to make it more convenient,” Lock said.

Lock suggests producers take advantage of the Iowa State Estrus Synchronization Planner, which can be found online. The planner helps work through each step of the synchronization process and fills in dates

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Synchronization and timed A.I. add pounds, increase quality and information depending on what information is input into the planner. Meyer is one of Lock’s clients who has made synchronization and timed A.I. an essential management tool.

Meyer utilizes timed A.I. on 150 head each year. Not only does Meyer have a 400 head cow-calf operation but he also is a row crop farmer. Breeding season and corn planting compete for Meyer’s time in late April. Timed A.I. offers effective use of his time during that busy spring season and doesn’t require heat detection. “A term I use is that most of our commercial A.I. customers have a four-hour A.I. season,” Lock said.

The four hours is the time it takes to A.I. However, each synchronization protocol differs in the amount of time and labor spent preparing the cattle for breeding.

Lock highly recommends that producers consult with their A.I. technician for the synchronization program that best fits each individual situation. Cattle must be managed properly before a timed A.I. program is put into place. Heifers need to be the appropriate age and at least 65 percent of their mature body weight. Cows need to be at a body condition score of 5 or 6 and around 50 days postpartum. Herd health should also be maintained and both cows and heifers need to be on a higher plane of nutrition according to Lock. Measurable improvements in the cowherd can be seen with the first A.I. calf crop because 50 percent of the genetic influence comes from the A.I. sire according to Lock. Ten years of A.I. experience has led Meyer to see an improvement in the

40 American Red Angus Magazine ■ April 2014

caliber of cattle he raises. The females that he retains are better plus the pounds added onto the front end of his calving season are unbelievable he said. Meyer has a 65-day calving season with 90 percent of his calves born in the first 45 days of the calving season. He said that takes a load off of the bull and requires fewer bulls to cover his cows.

Synchronization and timed A.I. add pounds, increase quality With a successful A.I. program, the number of naturalservice sires can be decreased. Lock points out that producers can upgrade their natural service sires by purchasing bulls with higher genetic value. Producers can afford to buy better bulls because they have fewer bulls to buy. The Future of A.I. Despite the smaller national cowherd the number of units of semen that ABS Global has sold in the recent past has stayed the same. Sears says that speaks for the increased use of A.I. The U.S. is behind when compared to the 10 percent synchronization rate of Brazil’s cowherd. Sears stresses that we have a good technology today and as an industry we need to adapt and use the technology we have. “We are always looking for that silver bullet but we have to realize that we have a good solid technology to use right now,” Sears said.

To compete on a global basis as a protein supplier, we have to get better, Sears said. A.I. and synchronization can be used to achieve that.

42 American Red Angus Magazine ■ April 2014

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