FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 16, 2018
SOUTHERN LIVESTOCK STANDARD
PAGE 1B
Brought to you by American Simbrah Breeders
INCREASING VALUE By Caitlin Richards Simbrah producers came together for the first annual Simbrah Summit in San Antonio, Texas in August. Speakers and attendees collaborated and discussed ways to improve the Simbrah breed throughout the one-day event. Presenter Maurice Janda of Graham Land & Cattle Co. spoke to producers about a way to increase their cattle’s value. While he specifically spoke about how it related to Simbrah cattle, producers of all breeds could take something away from his talk. As the feedyard manager for Graham Land & Cattle Co., Janda shared with producers the impact retaining ownership of their cattle all the way to harvest can have not only on the Simbrah breed, but also on their bottom line. “Hopefully, I will give you an avenue to create an interest in feeding cattle so you can collect some of the data as a group or individually to help promote your breed,” said Janda. “Even though, it may be some-
thing that you are not comfortable with or a little outside of your comfort zone.” Graham Land & Cattle Co. is a custom feedyard located in Gonzales, Texas. Janda explained they have a history of working with producers to feed and finish out cattle as an extension of their operation. “We are truly a custom feedyard. That is something Dr. Graham (owner) has desired since he purchased this in 1986,” Janda said. “Whatever somebody needs- we try to do it.” Over the years, Graham Land & Cattle Co. has participated in several feeding trials and breed programs to help producers and associations collect valuable data. Graham Land & Cattle Co., with the help of the packing plant, can specifically help producers collect data on rib eye area, back fat thickness, quality grade, yield grade and tenderness scores. “It is an opportunity to understand a lot more about your cattle when you take them all the way to the
packing plant,” Janda said. “Not just quality from a dining experience, but also average daily gains, feed conversion rates and overall health. If you have never owned a steer past the day you weaned him, there is probably a lot you can learn about their health if you own them through harvest.” During his presentation, Janda shared with producers the data Graham Land & Cattle Co. has collected over the years on Simbrah cattle. The data he shared was collected on 214 head from 2006, 2007, 2008 and 2013. He shared that the average in-weight was 735.6 lbs. and out-weight was 1,335 lbs., which correlates well with what packers desire to “fit the box.” Additionally, he said the Simbrah cattle’s average daily gain was about 2.5 lbs. per day and they had a conversion rate just under 8 lbs. per day. Janda explained that those are pretty average numbers and overall positive for finishing out a 700 lb. animal. Within those same 214
head of Simbrah cattle, 3% graded prime, roughly 70% graded choice and about 25-27% graded select. Janda said those were fantastic numbers compared to the rest of the cattle within their feedyard – with the exception of their Wagyu cattle. “We are already seeing some great numbers in the Simbrah cattle going to the
packing plant,” Janda said. “Simbrah cattle fit very well into what we do with the Brahman influence that they carry. The carcass quality they present allows us to sell those cattle just about anywhere in the country and they are probably going to be profitable for you.” What allows Simbrah cattle to do well at Graham Land & Cattle Co., Janda explained, is the area’s cli-
mate and the products they feed. The mild temperatures of South Texas, along with feeding brewers grain bode well for the breed, which allows them to perform high. “The climate we have and the products we have available allow us to take fantastic care of those cattle and get them to grade like their genetics will allow them too,” Janda said. (Continued on page 2)
Simbrah cattle on feed this summer at Graham Land and Cattle Co.
Maurice Janda was a presenter at the 2018 Simbrah The American Simmental Association is currently conducting a steer feedout at Graham Land and Cattle Co., Summit. Gonzales, Texas (pictured). The feedout includes Simbrah sired cattle.