Today's Angus Advantage Spring 2024

24th Annual Canadian Junior Angus

SHOWDOWN

July

18–20

MOVE IN BEGINS JULY 17 AT 1 PM West Niagara Fairgrounds, Grassie, Ontario

2024

Thursday, July 18, 2024

11 am • Move in complete • CJA Annual General Meeting & Orientation

12 noon • Lunch

12:30 pm • Judging (individual competition – written reasons)

1:30 pm • Team Grooming 5:30 pm • Supper & Extravaganza

Friday, July 19, 2024

8:30 am • Group Photo 9:00 am • Showmanship

9:00 am–1:00 pm • Print Marketing

1:00–4:00 pm • Sales Talk

12 noon • Public Speaking

2:00 pm • Team Judging (must qualify from individual competition) 6:00 pm • Cook-off & BBQ

Saturday, July 20, 2024

10:00 am • Conformation Classes

5:00 pm • Banquet, Awards Presentations, Auction & Dance

For up-to-date Showdown information, please visit www.cdnangus.ca/canadian-junior-angus/showdown

The Canadian Angus Foundation will provide travel and trucking bursaries to attend Showdown as well as significant cash prizes and scholarships for the Aggregate Winners. There will also be three draws made for vouchers to purchase Angus females—one at $3,000 and two at $2,000. All exhibitors will automatically be entered to win! Visit the Canadian Angus Foundation website at www.cdnangus.ca/foundation for more information and to apply for the bursaries.

Hillary Sauder • President: 306-677-7542 Morgan MacIntyre • Ontario director: 613-720-6684

Belinda Wagner • Coordinator: 306-537-1518 or bwagner@cdnangus.ca

Putting Feed into Bulls at the Right Time

John Kastelic DVM, PhD and Juan Hernandez-Medrano DVM, PhD University of Calgary, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine

If you raise bulls, you may be surprised to learn that there is a good chance that you are supplementing their feed at the wrong time. We often put feed into bulls from weaning to yearling to ensure they look their best for bull sales. However, studies show that nutrition between birth and weaning has a significant impact on successful testes development and fertility because testes development actually takes place from birth to weaning. These research studies showed that underfeeding bulls early in life can cause irreversible damage to their testicular development. Breeders may therefore want to consider an earlier nutrition supplementation window, prior to 25 weeks of age.

Historically, most beef producers relied on the dam’s milk as the main source of nutrition for the young bull calf, coupled with supplemental feed as the calf got older. The Lethbridge Research Centre in southern Alberta studied the impacts of early-life nutrition on reproductive development in bulls. In those studies, Angus and Angus cross bulls were weaned at approximately 8 weeks of age to make it easy to feed them different diets. In the study, from 10 to 25 weeks of age the bulls were either fed a high protein, high energy diet consisting of 130% of their protein and energy requirements or a restricted diet of 70% of their energy and protein requirements. The well-fed bulls reached puberty approximately one month earlier, but more importantly, they had much more rapid testicular development and by 16 months of age, had testes that were 20 to 30% larger and produced 20 to 30% more sperm than the bulls that were underfed.

Not only did the underfed bulls have smaller testes and produce less sperm, but irreversible damage occurred in the testicular development of bulls that were underfed early in life. A separate research study conducted at the Lethbridge Research Centre showed that bull calves that were underfed from weaning to approximately 25 weeks and

supplemented (provided with 130% of their energy and protein requirements) after 25 weeks of age grew more quickly in response to the increased nutrition, but their testicular development did not improve. The supplemental feeding promoted testicular development, hastened puberty, and increased sperm production, and also did not have any negative effects on sperm structure or motility. There were no indications that the supplemental nutrition before 25 weeks had any adverse effects on sperm structure.

The bulls in these studies were weaned very early to make it easy to control their diet. Under practical farm conditions, we would expect creep feeding to produce similar results. Ideally the creep feed would be a balance of energy and protein with adequate minerals and vitamins, with calves fed to achieve target weight gains of about 1.2 kg/day before weaning. After weaning, bulls should be fed to achieve a moderate growth rate in the range of 1.0 to 1.6 kg/day. This approach should enable a bull to reach his full genetic potential for testicular development, hasten puberty and increase the probability of passing a breeding soundness examination as a yearling, while avoiding the negative consequences of excessive dietary energy after weaning.

The authors are faculty members at the University of Calgary, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine and have expertise in animal reproduction. Dr. Kastelic was a Research Scientist at the Lethbridge Research Centre from 1990 to 2012.

If you have questions or would like to discuss the research findings, please reach out by email: jpkastel@ucalgary.ca juan.hernandezmedran@ucalgary.ca

These research studies showed that underfeeding bulls early in life can cause irreversible damage to their testicular development.

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THE REAL WORLD

OUR COMMERCIAL MARKET PLACE

BY CHRIS POLEY

This has long been a favorite topic of discussion over the years as we drive up and down the road, and it is by no means a topic that is new to these pages and column. As the world protein business evolves, the demands of the population increase, and the North American and world cow herd numbers erode, the writing has long been on the wall that there would be a shortage in the beef supply chain. That day is now on our doorsteps my friends. Between battling droughts and the extremely harsh reality of growing old in an aging community of beef producers, coupled with a vast percentage of today’s generation that simply do not want to put in the sweat equity and hours that it takes to run a herd of beef cows; it is not easy to find the bodies to get the day-to-day toil accomplished. Ranching is a tremendous commitment, and it takes a truly special person to call themselves a true rancher… they got to have true grit and a genuine love of cows and the land to want to do it and do it well. That is why the corporate farming model will never work in the beef industry. You can’t hire and salary out grit and love. Those that have what it takes to calve cows in a snowstorm, trudge through the mud, and make hay while the sun shines and cars drive by the field to the lake; well, they all have the grit and determination to figure out how to do it for themselves.

The result of all this means that we are going to see one of the longest cycles in beef production’s history. While the young people who are involved and have that grit within them are passionate about the industry and have an extreme amount of promise, there are simply not a line up of them waiting to jump in and expand the beef herd. It is a common thing I hear every day on the road that “with $2500 cull cows, we just keep weeding out the ones we don’t like.” It’s hard to blame someone for not wanting to retain their open heifers when they can quickly impact depleted bank accounts in

an economy where even the most basic necessities have reached luxury prices. “I need another heifer bull cause these darn heifers aren’t worth enough on the market, so I’m just going to breed them” was something we hear for a long time throughout the bull sales seasons… well that was sure not the case this spring. Producers kept the cream of their crops to make replacements, but the extras that maybe would have had a case made for them in years past got a trip to town.

The natural question of most people is, “well just how high will this market get?” I like to think I have a lot of answers, and while I may not have the one to that, I do know what I have heard from customers and friends in my travels. One customer sold a very big cull bull the other day for $2.12/ pound, bringing his cheque to $6,000. However, as is always the case in supply and demand, we will hit a point where the consumer will back away. I am sure we have all heard people complaining about the price of beef already, and even the biggest cheerleaders of beef can get a bit of sticker shock at the grocery store. But even given the 2024 prices, demand is still strong. I heard a line awhile back that has stuck with me, “people will buy as much beef as they can afford and as much chicken as they can stand!” To those that ask how people will be able to afford to eat beef every day, my line all Spring has been “Do you think lobster and crab fisherman who are on a boat in stormy waters risking their lives think ‘man, I just wish the price of these lobsters would go down so people would want to eat them every day!’” Maybe we need to be ok with looking at ourselves as producing and getting paid for a luxury product instead of a cheap food product.

At the end of the day, I hope all beef producers enjoy this ride that has been long awaited, and that mother nature gives everyone a green summer!

Four and a half hours of hard driving from Saskatoon to Aneroid puts you into the headquarters of Sandy Bar Ranch. Bob says, “Get up an hour earlier and come for lunch, because there are no Tim Hortons where we are ” At the table sits Frank Linthicum, who had just returned from Alberta with Bob on a livestock excursion, along with Scottie Hofer, from the neighboring Pontiex Colony and Larry, from the Earview Colony The plan was to pregnancy examine a group of cows with Scottie and Larry giving a helping hand at the chutes, but the veterinarian cancelled Coffee cups were cleared and within minutes, Gail unveiled an awesome noon meal for all Everyone stayed for our visit about the livestock industry, the Switzers, Sandy Bar, the price of calves and next spring bull sales Scottie informed us that, “They use Sandy Bar bulls because they do not see barley here; last year there were twelve Colonies buying bulls at Bob’s sale.” As the discussion of bull prices continued, Frank added, “Buying a bull for $800 00 at a bull sale is like buying a plow at an auction sale, you just leave it there ” The balance of “table talk” continued and here is the rest of the story …

In 1873 the North West Mounted Police were established, Queen Victoria was the reigning Monarch, Mark Twain was writing Tom Sawyer and Canadians were settling on the new frontier This included the small settlement of Hazenmore, located on Highway 13 or as it’s better known, he historic “Red Coat Trail.” A 1300 kilometer route approximates the path taken in 1874 by the North West Mounted Police in their quest to bring law and order to the Canadian West The “Red Coat Trail” meanders across the southern section of the Saskatchewan grain belt and eventually merges with the rugged terrain by the Big Muddy badlands through the picturesque Frenchman River Valley and up to historic Fort Walsh in the Cypress Hills. The area along the Red Coat Trail and the vast expanse south to the Montana border is steeped in history; perhaps most notably, as a safe haven for outlaws, criminals, whiskey traders, half-breeds and Indians Names like Dutch Henry, horse thief and cattle rustler, the Jones-Nelson gang, notorious stagecoach robbers, outlaw Sam Kelly, Chief Sitting Bull, Crazy Horse, James Walsh, Big Bear and George Armstrong Custer are experienced by the many tourists exploring the history of this area.

South and west of Hazenmore bordering Pinto Creek, you come upon a site making current history Sandy Bar Ranch Four generations of Switzers have survived this rugged terrain with each generation adding value to the heritage built by previous family members Bob’s grandfather was born in Teeswater in Bruce County, Ontario while his grandmother originated in Iowa They homesteaded in the Stoughton area of southeastern Saskatchewan and relocated to Aneroid in the early 1920’s Bob recalls “My granddad was a drover, trading horses and cattle. By 1930, he had accumulated a large amount of land in the area, but the “dirty thirties” virtually took all of it ”

The Angus tradition began with Bob’s father, Earl, (the second generation) who purchased his first land in the early 1940’s Bob stated “Anytime my father had money to buy something, it would be either land or cattle. He ran black cattle from day one.” In 1945, Earl Switzer purchased his first registered Angus female using the herd prefix “Jack Creek,” then changing it to “Valley,” and in about 1970, he established the herd name “Southern Lane” which is known to breeders to this day.

Earl Switzer with Woodlawn Price

The third generation or Robert (Bob) Switzer is widely known throughout the livestock industry He received his primary education in Aneroid, his high school education in Kincaid and early judging skills most likely began as a member in the Aneroid 4-H Club In 1965, at the age of 12, Bob won Grand Champion Steer at Frontier Days in Swift Current with a Southern Lane home-bred steer. The 880 pound steer fetched a record price of 85 cents per pound and was purchased by Canada Safeway (The sale averaged 25 5 cents a pound ) Backed by confidence from his win and added motivation, Bob accompanied his father to the Corydon Dispersal (the herd built by Thorolf Soggie, Elbow, Saskatchewan), one of the competitive and leading herds at that time On June 10, 1966 Bob purchased the second high selling bred heifer for $600 00, starting his own herd of registered Angus known to us as “Sandy Bar ” Bob recalls, “They held the sale at the farm but did not have facilities at the farm site, so they hosted the sale in a holding pen at the bottom of a coulee by the river The cattle were brought in several days prior to sort and tag them; it rained all week, the cattle were knee deep in mud and it continued right through sale day. There was little or no shelter for the people and cattle but the buyers were all prominent Angus breeders from Western Canada It was quite an experience ”

Jake of Tarihau, First Angus bull imported from New Zealand by Southern Lane, Wiwa Creek and Batschol

While working with his father and the Southern Lane herd, the Sandy Bar cow numbers grew and by 1975, Earl was leaning toward retirement; having accumulated fourteen quarters of land he offered it to his sons The eldest son, Bruce, purchased eight quarters and Bob bought six quarters including the farm site on which the Sandy Bar headquarters are located Since 1975, the land base has grown. Bob and Gail added the Valley Blossom Ranch operated by son Beau at Lac Pelletier (the only spring fed lake in Saskatchewan) They operate 48 quarters (7680 acres) of land of which seven quarters are used for feed grains, fall rye and hay All the crop duties are custom contracted as Bob’s allergies include iron

The Sandy Bar cow herd exceeds five hundred Black Angus cows of which three-hundred and sixty run at Sandy Bar and Valley Blossom with the balance in co-operator herds throughout the province Bob explained that the choice for Black Angus cattle was based on maintenance and economics Their goal each year is netting a thousand dollars per cow and not to feed the cow herd for more than eighty days per year. The cows run out on fall rye after calving to the middle of April, then run on tame pasture In July they go to the native pastures (Prairie wool) until late fall where they run on newly seeded fall rye and then swath grazed up to calving The cows are run with bulls for a sixty day period from May 1st to July 5th, in order to maintain uniformity and fertility They budget for four percent drys from breeding to calving; the drys are sent to slaughter and their registration papers are cancelled Gail maintains a record on every female in the herd as to maintenance costs and production values.

Throughout the building years of purebred herds in Canada, most bulls were consigned to sales or sold privately on the farm. A private breeder bull sale was unheard of until 1978, when the first Shortgrass Sale was introduced by the Switzers (Southern Lane and Sandy Bar), Gross’s (Wiwa Creek). The sale was held at Wiwa Creek for the first three years, Double J at Consul for the next 16 years and at Sandy Bar since, with 2008 being the thirtieth anniversary It is held annually the third Saturday in April and has been a prototype for many other sales and Angus marketing. The first Shortgrass Sale offered 44 bulls and averaged nearly $1500 00 and most in attendance were just curious breeders In 2007, 150 bulls sold and over the past 29 years, the bulls have averaged between $3000.00 and $3200.00. Bob proudly states, “Besides quality and a regular date, one of the rules we set was that every bull would sell without any upset or reserve bid, no matter what the price is ” Gail added, “A few years ago, we sold one of the front bulls for $800.00; I was petrified and then the rest went sky high The customers needed to know that they were all for sale ”

In the herd building years of Southern Lane and later Sandy Bar, the Switzer family showed their cattle at area shows throughout Canada. There is no doubt that Bob, through his 4-H experience and working for other outfits, found the show ring bug just like so many others throughout the 70’s and onward. Bob explains, “When I was young, we showed cattle for a source of summer income. Hayes classification paid good money and you could advertise your herd at the same time ” Always dedicated to their breed, they were successful showing steers and breeding cattle alike. When asked about his biggest win, Bob reluctantly stated, “The 1995 Farmfair Sweepstakes Championship was truly a highlight,” but went on to say, “Winning the pen shows over the past years is the ultimate and maybe that is why our cow herd looks like it does today ” As Switzer’s involvement in the commercial sector increased, showing decreased and he retired his show stick eleven years ago. Bob added, “Many breeders have shown cattle, but few can brag of transporting them to the Royal and back in a box car, then walking them from the train down Pasqua to the stadium for the first Agribition and then partake in the first swamp!”

Bob’s Grand Champion Steer at 1979 Saskatoon Fall Fair

The first feeder sale in Moose Jaw

Bob Switzer’s involvement in the Angus breed started at a young age and so did his involvement with boards and committees As a director of the Saskatchewan Angus Association in the late 1970’s, he was instrumental in organizing the first Angus and Angus influenced feeder calf sale in Moose Jaw It was an overwhelming success and led to sales in Assiniboia, Maple Creek, Mankota, Medicine Hat and in subsequent years, throughout Canada In the early 1980’s, Bob assisted in starting the first feeder calf sale in Glasgow and Chinook, Montana, which are still going today Bob recalled, “After we came up with this feeder sale plan in Moose Jaw, we had to find someone to buy these calves, so Larry Toner, Bob Larson and I boarded a plane and flew to Windsor, Ontario, to meet with Tom Cook Tom was an order buyer who owned Lakewood Feedlot and on his sign at the lane it read “Black Angus Freezer Meats.” Tom gave us an old motor home and off the three of us went, turning in to any farm that had a silo in western Ontario.” The trip was a success, as eighty percent of the calves in the first sale went East, with Tom Cook purchasing the champion pens Bob has made the trip every year since, for his annual tour and as the feeder market grew and flourished, so did the Sandy Bar bull trade.

In 1988, a group of producers from the area with a mutual complaint gathered for a meeting Their concern was the fact that all cattle and grain was being shipped out of the province and with it, families followed Their decision was to build a facility to feed their product with their product and employ local personnel. Since there are always rivalries among communities, it was agreed that one producer from each community would be appointed to the founding board of directors At the first meeting, it was agreed that location would be based on proximity to a major highway, water, feed supply, threephase electricity and gas The decision was made to build a feedlot west of Hazenmore just off highway 13 Red Coat Feeders was born Bob recalls, “Brad Wildeman and Dale Blair were a great help in the formation A group of us toured all the large feedlots through Western Canada, learning and decided to build a facility for ten thousand head

Bob helped organize the first Green tagage verified Angus sale in Canada - Mankota, Saskatchewan

with the capability to expand to twenty thousand. On July 6th, the first post was dug into the ground and the feedlot opened for cattle on October 6, 2000. Bob Switzer is a founding director and Past President of Red Coat and is very active, to this day, as a director, supplier and patron Proudly, Switzer says, “Red Coat Feeders is a total community project that is running at a full 20,000 head capacity, has grown to thirteen quarters of land, operates seventeen full time staff and involves another three times that in spinoff. We accomplished what we set out to do.”

Sandy Bar Ranch is also a member of “Prairie Heritage Beef.” The Prairie Heritage Beef producers are a group of 14 family ranches utilizing native and tame pastures and by-products from the grain industry that are unsuited for human consumption such as straw and screenings They maintain verifiable animal identity from birth to fabrication for each and every animal. The animals are fed in their Prairie Heritage Beef Producers feedlot, Hagel Feeders, Swalwell, Alberta using a vegetarian diet of hay, alfalfa, barley silage and barley Strict adherence is given to never using growth hormones, steroids, antibiotics and animal by-products. The animals are humanely slaughtered and processed in a federally inspected plant conforming to C F I A standards and receive third party independent certification by the Quality Starts Here program for verification of procedure and protocol The resulting product is marketed in British Columbia through Thrifty Foods and recently in Ontario at Farm Boy outlets.

In 2000, Bob and Gail, along with three other producers, formed Salt Lake Cattle Feeders. Their aim is to feed customers’ calves sired by the bulls they sell Feeding all breeds, they maintain records and data from weaning to slaughter After slaughter, all data from the carcass is tabulated and maintained for future use in breeding and feeding plans Bob says, “It has been a big learning curve for us. The cost of feeding, gain and carcass values are traits that most breeders do not look at or care about. It has shown us that anyone who uses single trait selection is bound for ruin The first question the aughter buyer asks is, ‘How many days on feed?’.” Frank Linthicum, a Fir Mountain rancher, runs in excess of 500 cows and has been using Hereford and Angus Bulls since 1944, said, “I don’t know anythi ng about all those numbers on the pedigrees and what they mean but what has helped me the most is Red Coat and feeding my calves here. Following the calves by different sires, how they gain and yield, helps with bull selection and profitability.”

Red Coat Feeders - a Saskatchewan success story

Frank Linthicum“$800 bull is like buying a plow”

Family and family life is the largest part of the Switzer heritage. In 1988, they had the misfortune of losing Sandra, Bob’s first wife. In 1992, Bob married Gail Kornfeld from Val Marie Her family operates a large commercial cow-calf herd and was honored by the Saskatchewan Angus Association as Commercial Producers of the Year in 2006

The Switzers are blessed with four children who have been raised in a “cowboy way ” Beau, the oldest, runs the Valley Blossom operation at Lac Pelletier. Kyle attended Dickinson State in North Dakota on a rodeo scholarship and achieved an Agricultural degree. He has been a member of the CPRA, specializing in Saddle Bronc with numerous titles throughout his career He works with his father-in-law in Big Valley, Alberta, and on November 30, 2007, he started his own company, Fine Line Locating. Jane graduated from the university of Saskatchewan with a Degree in Commerce and is a Human Resources Officer for Phoenix Industrial, Whitecourt, Alberta The youngest, Bailee, is in her third year of University at Stephenville, Texas, on a rodeo scholarship, majoring in animal science and of course … rodeo.

Bob Switzer is President-elect of the Canadian Angus Association, has been a board member and President of the Saskatchewan Angus Association, a founding director and President of Red Coat Cattle Feeders, a member of the board of the Mankota Stockmans Weigh Company, on the Saskatchewan Stockgrowers and has been a member of the council of Auvernge Municipality. He has judged virtually every breed of beef animal in Canada, most of the breeds at Agribition including the First Lady Classic, Toronto Royal, Farmfair, Saskatoon, Lloydminster and the PNE. The judging experience he most remembers is the National Angus show in Ireland but you must ask Gail or Bob Prestage for the rest of the story

Kyle, Beau, Jane, Bob, Gail, and Bailee

It’s a hard way of making a living - 8 seconds at a time

Sold in the first Agribition sale for $2100 00 to Royal Angus

Southern Lane Sky High 23M - sold to the Stern Stud, South Canterbury, New Zealand

of

Sandy Bar is a household name in the livestock industry Their influence can be found throughout the world as Southern Lane and Sandy Bar have sold cattle to England, Ireland, Scotland, United States, New Zealand, Australia, Brazil, Chile, Demark, Russia and every Province in Canada except Newfoundland Although they have not exhibited cattle in the recent decade, the progeny of Sandy Bar sires remain dominant and competitive throughout Canada’s major breeding establishments

Bob Switzer is not without opinion, if you want it, just ask When asked about:

- Selling semen –“No semen should be sold until a bull is proven and that is the way the entire beef industry should go.”

- EPD’s – “@##$%$$##@”

- Performance – “I believe in performance testing and all bulls should be tested in one group rather than individual contemporary groups.”

- Breeders – “You are not a breeder, until you feed your own cattle to see how they perform ”

- The future – “The government needs to subsidize fairs to enhance breeder participation The cost of showing is prohibitive for younger, smaller breeders The juniors are our future and we best keep them on the farm ”

The Switzer heritage is now into its fourth generation; they have been pioneers and builders truly adding value to the Angus breed and the livestock industry in every facet They were named “Breeder of the Year” in 2003 by the Saskatchewan Angus Association, but their work as breed ambassadors stretches over six decades. Their dedication and voluntary ideas have made the Angus breed the leader in this country

Bandoliermere

Southern Lane 1D, Junior Champion Bull at Denver for Ken Caryl Angus

Photos provided by Sandy Bar Ranch and photography done by Kim Harder

CORRECTABLE BULL PENILE ISSUES

Over the last several decades in veterinary medicine fertility and hence functionality of the breeding bull has been attended to more and more. At the start of my career in the early 80’s breeding soundness exams (BSE) were increasing in frequency. Now we are to the point where most large producers are having breeding soundness exams done yearly. Virtually every purebred bull calf sold over 12-15 months will have one performed by the purebred breeder’s veterinarian. The consistency of this exam I believe is very good in the profession. The “reliabull” tape has made in my opinion scrotal circumference measurements about as accurate and repeatable among veterinarians as we can hope for. With this checking of bulls we find penile issues most of which can be corrected. Also in the life of the breeding bull penile problems develop. It behooves veterinarians to attempt medical or surgical treatment because of the value of the bulls and prognosis is often reasonable. Insurance companies want due diligence done and treatments attempted depending on the overall prognosis. Large animal veterinarians need to have some idea as to prognosis, cost, outcome; and either perform the task themselves or refer the procedure to another veterinarian that will complete the surgery treatment and care. Sometimes our goal is simply to collect semen for freezing and that as well can have a very desirable outcome and carry forward the genetics of that bull. The penile problems we

are all most familiar with in the young breeding bulls at their semen tests are frenulums, hair rings and penile warts. I have done other articles on them in the past. This is why I think it is ideal to insure you get protrusion to observe the penis has no abnormalities. Some veterinarians sedate to insure protrusion happens. I encourage veterinarians to tackle most warts and see what the outcome will be. This often involves another retest or reexamination a couple weeks later.

Most wart removals come along quite well and I am pleasantly surprised by the outcome. If warts are wrapped around near the tip of the penis there is a much more guarded prognosis results. Depending on the potential value of the bull more than one attempt can be made. Sedate, freeze locally in

By Roy Lewis, DVM Persistent frenulum on end of bull penis

Large wart near end of penis that was easily removable

Side view of same wart near end of penis

most cases and be ready to ligate large bleeders or oversew the cut is what veterinarians would be ready for. On the deep ones be ever cognizant of the urethra. Most veterinarians that have purebred cattle breeders as clients will run into warts. They need to be indicated on the BSE form for full transparency and rechecked to insure there has not been regrowth.

Older breeding bulls penile problems stem from cuts, prolapses of the sheath as well as the extremely rare corkscrew and rainbow deviations. Cuts require visualization to determine severity-using hydrotherapy and if prolapsed, NSAID’s are given. If found acutely then flushing of the area plus the tincture of time is the suggested course of action. Rest from breeding will often yield an 80% prognosis on return to complete function. This is usually excellent news considering the value of most of our breeding bulls. We often see the unfound cuts that have healed with bulls from the year before so they do have a great ability to heal. With paraphimosis (a prolapsed sheath) hydrotherapy should be frequent and once the penis can be retracted inside the sheath go back to the tincture of time.

Severe non-resolving prolapse of the sheath may result in the need for a circumcisn and although these are done infrequently they can be curative and there are recognized techniques out there but

removal of the extraneous sheath and attaching the ends together is really the technique in a nutshell. You must remember we are taking an unusable bull and potentially giving him the ability to breed again so if returned to function that is a very good win. If it doesn’t work slaughter for salvage is still in the cards. Attempt these and give lots of time for rest. I find a tilt table with good access to the underbelly is best and standard aftercare may be successful. Again in real valuable bulls we are sometimes correcting the condition so good quality clean semen can be collected and frozen.

As a summary issues involving the bovine penis outcomes are often very favorable and your veterinarian can give an idea as to prognosis to return to function and the time period necessary. Since the vast majority of these cuts with or without prolapse occur during the breeding season we are often thinking next year’s breeding season. Often purebred breeder hear about these issues on their sold bulls and can help advise the producer what to do while they often can come up with a replacement bull to tide the producer over. As a veterinarian we can provide a very valuable service to your expensive herd sires. This is never truer than today as breeding bulls become higher in value and may at times be hard to replace genetically. You must also think if you correct the condition there may be several years breeding to be captured by that bull in the future. Here’s to an uneventful productive and fertile breeding season everyone with few penile problems in our bulls.

As has been mentioned in previous articles a swelling right ahead of the scrotum may indicate a broken penis and a very poor prognosis so most are shipped. A swelling on the sheath ahead of the scrotum may indicate a cut sheath or scrotum and in most cases a very good prognosis. So don’t write off a yearling or older herd sire for swelling in the sheath they may very well recover to breed again. To bring down the swelling NSAId’s may be in order but flushing and hydrotherapy to bring down the swelling may very well be curative.

Rainbow deviation of the penis

saskatchewan SASKATCHEWAN

& Lorelei Kary & Family

Ph: 306-424-2332

Fax: 306-424-2718 Box 540, Montmartre, SK S0G 3M0 gerlei.angus@sasktel.net

Kostiuk

bryan@tbarc.com www.todayspublishing.ca

MAIL

ASSOCIATION

SAMPLES

As of April 16, 2024, your Canadian Angus Association is taking responsibility for collecting and preparing DNA samples for genomic testing. After submitting your test requests, you can begin sending your properly collected and stored DNA samples (hair, TSU, blood cards, semen) to the office immediately.

In addition, members who live near or will travel to the Canadian Angus Association office area will be able to drop off their properly collected and stored DNA samples during regular business hours (7:30 a.m.–11:30 a.m. and 12:30 p.m.–4:00 p.m. Monday through Friday).

From our office, Canadian Angus Association staff will prepare DNA samples for genomic testing, log them for tracking purposes, ship them to the lab for testing, and will receive and process the genomic test results.

Samples that are already in transit to the lab facility in Edmonton will be processed as usual; the samples will not be returned to you. Effective immediately, do not send samples to Neogen Canada in Edmonton; mail your DNA samples to the Canadian Angus Association office.

We look forward to working with our members to provide this enhanced customer service throughout the genomic testing process.

780-689-7822 Graham: 780-675-0112 Residence: 780-675-3445

CAB Insider: April Market Update

By Paul Dykstra

Last week’s 603,000 head federally inspected harvest total marked the second consecutive week larger than 600,000 head. These head counts align with the volume harvested in the same two weeks last year, but the 2022 slaughter volume averaged 650,000 head for the period. Focusing only on fed cattle shows a twoweek average of 484,500 head harvested. This is a rare occurrence in 2024 with a 2.5% increase over fed cattle totals a year ago. April 2023 fed cattle processing was notably smaller than the two years prior.

The second half of April is typified by smaller slaughter head counts and market conditions suggest no increase this week as wholesale cutout prices struggle.

Last confirmed average fed cattle carcass weights (steers and heifers) were 891 lb. each, that’s 21 lb. heavier than a year ago and two lb. lighter than the week prior. Perhaps this signals a potential top in the multi-week trend which has culminated in an unseasonal 15 lb. increase from the low in late January.

The current carcass weight excess per head over a year ago continues to generate the equivalent of roughly 11,500 head of added pounds to the fed cattle processed supply.

Cash fed cattle values have struggled to find a bottom since the fallout from the Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) news, now dubbed Bovine Influenza A Virus (BIAV). Since that first announcement, the April Live Cattle contract charted a $15/cwt. decline into what most observers agree is substantially oversold territory. Weekly cash fed cattle prices have retracted only $7/cwt. for the period yet the dismal futures are leading market sentiment lower.

Wholesale cutout values also continued to trade in an unevenly lower direction with Choice and Select both lower while the CAB cutout was quoted higher by Urner Barry. The spreads between these cutouts have also been dynamic and seasonally narrow at various points in the past few weeks. To recap, Choice carcass supplies seem to be adequate as total USDA Choice carcasses are tenths of a point from the record for the latest week at 74% of the total graded. The CAB spread widening as it did last week indicates healthy demand and a return to the expected range of $15 to $17/cwt. premium for CAB over USDA Choice.

Prime

Pops for Annual Quality Peak

March is the month that the industry’s fed steer and heifer quality grades tend to top out with the largest share of Prime, Certified Angus Beef ® brand and Choice carcasses. Reviewing the last five weeks of data shows an average of 84.7% combined for Prime and Choice carcasses. This is a six percentage point (ppt.) difference from the early September 2023 annual low of 78.7%.

Breaking out the grades individually shows the total USDA Choice category underperforming prior year trends beginning last June. In the second half of the year % Choice trailed the prior year by half of a percentage point. In the first quarter of 2024, the year-over-year gap widened to 1.5 ppt. deficit. However, the dramatic recovery in carcass weights since January has driven a recovery in the Choice category to nearly equal the record highs charted in March 2023.

The USDA Prime grade category captured the production share given up by Choice in the second half of 2023. The average annual increase of 0.78 ppt. in the Prime grade for that period over 2022 allowed Prime to average 9% of fed cattle carcasses. The fed cattle backlog in 2020 generated the record Prime rate of 10.19% for the year, followed closely with a 10.07% rate in the 2021 market year featuring similarly backed up supplies.

Jumping back into 2024, the latest Prime grade trend shows a recent spike in all three major packing states. Nebraska packers enjoyed an average 12.5% Prime grade rate through March, two points higher than a year before. This impressive trend was recently topped with the first week in April data featuring an additional two-point jump to 14% Prime in Nebraska. The multi-state regions in the eastern U.S. posted an amazing 18.6% Prime grade for the same week.

Back to the largest packing base, Kansas gained 1.3 ppt. in the Prime grade last week to average 9.6% Prime overall. This is the culmination of a longer trend in Kansas where Prime carcasses are up 2.7 points from their late January low.

Texas packers had a rough start to the year with a 3.2 ppt. deficit on the prior year creating an average of just 69.9% Choice and Prime carcasses combined. Since midMarch, however, the tide has changed to pull the Texas Choice grade to 67% of fed cattle carcasses and the Prime percentage up to 5.7%. This Prime number is the top end of the historical range for Texas packers outside of a few weeks in during the 2020 backlog. It’s likely that the Texas quality grade trend has been impacted by an increase in Mexican feeder cattle imports with less genetic propensity to achieve higher marbling scores.

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The Canadian Angus Association will receive $3.8M to increase Canadian cattle producers’ ability to make data-driven decisions based on genomics to economically benefit their commercial livestock operations.

March 22, 2024 – The Canadian Angus Association will receive $3.8M to increase Canadian cattle producers’ ability to make data-driven decisions based on genomics to economically benefit their commercial livestock operations. The investment will be used to develop a genetic selection tool to equip producers with breeding data to select the best replacement heifers to improve their herds.

Using the selection tool, producers will have access to reliable genetic data to select for desired traits such as growth and fertility. This will improve the overall genetic potential of Canadian cattle herds, which has the potential to translate into increased profits across the value chain and more exports.

RDAR (Results Driven Agriculture Research) facilitated a contribution of $978,000, through the Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership — funded by the governments of Alberta and Canada. The Canadian Angus and Hereford Associations, together with TELUS Agriculture, contributed to the balance of the $3.8M.

“Canada’s beef industry is known around the world for its high quality and commitment to sustainability. It’s vitally important that we invest in new innovations and technologies, like this genetic selection tool, to help producers grow their businesses sustainably while remaining competitive, both globally and here at home.”

The Honourable Lawrence MacAulay, Federal Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food

“Alberta is known for having some of the best beef products in the world. We are pleased to help fund this innovative project which will enable Alberta’s cattle producers to make more informed, data-driven decisions about their herds and help us maintain our world-class reputation.”

RJ Sigurdson, Minister of Agriculture and Irrigation

“Data-driven genetic decisions and the adoption of genetic technologies will benefit the whole Canadian beef production value-chain. Using accurate genetic data is essential to ensuring Alberta beef continues to be known worldwide as the best. This genomic technology will drive sustainable growth across the cattle industry.”

Dr. David Chalack DVM, Chair, RDAR Board of Directors

The principal investigator Dr. Kajal Latimer, Director of Science and Technology for the Canadian Angus Association, sees the industry benefits of this genetic selection tool project to be far-reaching as it uses extensive Canadian seedstock and commercial data collected by both Cattle Associations and TELUS Agriculture.

“From a geneticist’s perspective, the opportunity to lead this project is a dream come true. Thanks to the project partnerships and support from RDAR, we can link animal performance information from all parts of the Canadian beef industry to create genomic predictions that work for our commercial sector. Nothing is more rewarding than having the opportunity to develop science and systems that support our commercial producers.”

Dr. Kajal Latimer, Director of Science and Technology, Canadian Angus Association

Using the selection tool, producers will have access to reliable genetic data and replacement female information at the same depth that has been available for breeding bulls. By expanding access to heifer genetic information, the industry can improve animal health outcomes while reducing producer input costs.

Dr. Latimer’s team is working to develop an easy-to-use animal record management system and training staff to help on-farm with DNA sampling and data recording.

“With this genomic heifer selection tool, we’re emphasizing the replacement heifer. She’s carrying the herd’s most valuable cargo—the next generation to advance the herd for Canadian beef production.”

Kee Jim, DVM, TELUS Agriculture Alberta

Cattle Producer Quotes

“If genomic data were available to effectively sort heifers for performance, maternal traits, and carcass quality, the long-term dream of advancing herds would be possible. Marketable data would also give producers a competitive edge in domestic and export markets, and buyers at different points in the animals’ cycles would have more insight into what they are buying.”

Austin Cross, Cross Cattle Company, Alberta

“For me, this is going to be another tool that I can utilize to identify genetics that are superior for traits that I can’t see or measure easily, like feed efficiency and carcass quality. I want to know which females can perform better on less input without having to build progeny and production proofs.”

Greg Pugh, Pugh Farms, Edgerton, Alberta

It’s invaluable to know ahead of time which heifers are going to produce calves that grow well, stay healthy, and have excellent carcass quality. We owe that to our customers and consumers. We require genomic information on all the bulls that we buy. We want to be able to access the same type of information for our females. This is going to help the whole beef business, no matter what size of operation, or where it is in Canada.”

Rob Garner, Nordal Farms, Simpson, Saskatchewan

Learn more about RDAR projects here.

About RDAR

RDAR’s mandate is to target strategic investments in producer-led, results-driven agriculture research to power the profitability, productivity, competitiveness, and sustainability of Agriculture in Alberta. A not-for-profit corporation, RDAR’s funding comes from the Government of Alberta and the Government of Canada through the Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership. www.rdar.ca

About the Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership

The Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership (Sustainable-CAP) is a five-year, $3.5-billion investment by Canada’s federal, provincial and territorial governments that supports Canada’s agri-food and agriproducts sectors. This includes $1 billion in federal programs and activities and a $2.5 billion commitment that is cost-shared 60 percent federally and 40 percent provincially/territorially for programs designed and delivered by provinces and territories.

About the Canadian Angus Association

The Canadian Angus Association (www.cdnangus.ca) is a not-for-profit association incorporated under the Animal Pedigree Act for the purposes of registering and recording the pedigrees of purebred Angus cattle and promoting the breed across Canada. The Association represents approximately 2,600 seedstock breeders and 16,000 commercial producers across Canada. Its memberapproved mandate is to maintain breed registry, breed purity and provide services that enhance the growth and position of the Angus breed.

About the Canadian Hereford Association

The Canadian Hereford Association was incorporated in 1890 and is one of Canada’s oldest and largest beef breeds. It serves over 1,600 beef producers across Canada by providing genetic improvement programs, member services, and market development initiatives.

TELUS Agriculture

We help connect the agribusiness value chain: farmers, trusted advisors, retailers and manufacturers. TELUS Agriculture works to deliver integrated digital solutions and data insights to enable you to optimize your business and connect to customers upstream and downstream. https://www.telus.com/agcg/agribusiness

RDAR Media Inquiries: Janada Hawthorne

Communications Lead

RDAR | Results Driven Agriculture Research

1-877-503-5955

janada.hawthorne@rdar.ca

british columbia BRITISH COLUMBIA

Canadian Roundtable for Sustainable Beef

National Beef Sustainability Assessment (NBSA) Releases second

Key progress includes reduction in greenhouse gases, contribution to carbon storage, biodiversity and wildlife habitat; social responsibility strengths and opportunities identified.

January 15, 2024, Calgary, AB – Today, the Canadian Roundtable for Sustainable Beef (CRSB) released its second and highly anticipated National Beef Sustainability Assessment (NBSA) and Strategy report. The assessment reflects three years of in-depth scientific analysis and highlights the Canadian beef sector’s progress between 2014 and 2021 on sustainability indicators like greenhouse gas emissions, biodiversity, carbon storage, people’s health and safety, animal care, economic contributions and more. The report also includes accompanying sustainability strategies that identify areas for continuous improvement.

The report was completed as part of over $2.8 million in funding for the CRSB under the Government of Canada’s AgriAssurance Program - National Industry Association Component, an initiative under the Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership.

Key environmental Improvements include a 15 per cent reduction in greenhouse gas emissions to produce 1 kg of beef (boneless and consumed) since 2014. This improvement is largely attributed to increased efficiencies of cattle growth, leading to a smaller overall carbon footprint as fewer resources (e.g. land, water and feed) are required to produce the same volume of beef. “It’s exciting to see the 15 per cent reduction in GHG emissions intensity, which puts us on track to achieve the 33 per cent reduction 2030 goal that the industry has set,” says Ryan Beierbach, Chair of the CRSB and Saskatchewan beef producer.

The report also shows that land used for beef cattle production is estimated to store 1.9 billion tonnes of soil organic carbon, and with overall loss of habitat, Canadian beef farmers and ranchers play an important role in preserving intact critical habitat wildlife need for reproduction and feeding.

“I am proud of the Canadian beef industry’s commitment to continuous improvement, and the progress already made on our sustainability journey. This assessment demonstrates the important role Canadian beef producers and our members play in advancing sustainability, and what we can accomplish when we work together towards common goals,” Beierbach adds.

A peer-reviewed scientific paper highlighting the Environmental Life Cycle Assessment results has been published in the Canadian Journal of Animal Science[1].

Key Findings

• Producing 1 kg of beef (boneless and consumed), now creates 15 per cent less greenhouse gases than in 2014 (Aboagye et al., 2024), on track towards the 2030 Canadian beef industry goal of a 33 per cent emissions intensity reduction.

• Land used for beef production is estimated to hold 1.9 billion tonnes of soil organic carbon, storing nearly 40 per cent of the total soil carbon across Canada’s agricultural landscape. This is equivalent to annual CO2 emissions from over two billion cars (~58 cars for every Canadian).

• Land used for beef production contributes the majority of critical habitat that wildlife needs for both reproduction (74 per cent) and feeding (55 per cent) when all of Canada’s crop and pastureland is considered. Despite an overall loss of wildlife habitat on Canada’s pasture and cropland, beef’s share within what remains has increased, demonstrating the importance of beef production in keeping these areas intact.

• The conversations around farmer stress and mental health have grown louder, increasing awareness. Work continues to reduce the stigma of mental health challenges across the beef supply chain.

• Animal care continues to be a top priority for the Canadian beef industry. Surveillance data shows no risk of resistance from Category I antimicrobials (very high importance to human medicine) indicating that tools to treat sickness in beef cattle is not a risk to human health.

• Demand for Canadian beef remains strong with Canadian consumers (up five per cent) and around the world (16 per cent increase).

• For every worker employed by farm-level production of cattle in Canada, 2.5 workers are employed either directly or indirectly in the Canadian economy. And for every worker employed in the Canadian meat packing industry, another 3.4 workers are employed, including direct and indirect employment.

• The Canadian cattle industry contributes $51.5 billion in the production of goods and services, $21.8 billion to the Canadian GDP and $11.7 billion in labour income.

Measuring sustainability performance is only the first step; having clear goals and actions for achieving continuous improvement is critical. Therefore, a National Beef Sustainability Strategy supports the Assessment, outlining tangible, ambitious and achievable actions and opportunities for collaboration in high priority areas for the CRSB and its members over the next several years.

“The Canadian beef sector is committed to transparency and continuous improvement in sustainability,” adds Beierbach. “We look forward to further collaborations and innovations to make a positive impact and meet our goals for the Canadian beef industry’s social, economic and environmental performance.”

Visit crsb.ca/benchmarks for more information on the CRSB’s National Beef Sustainability Assessment & Strategy.

Additional Quotes:

“This report on the Canadian beef industry’s advancements in sustainability is an important tool to track the sector’s progress towards its 2030 goals. We can all be proud of the industry’s commitment to taking action to reduce their environmental footprint, without compromising their high standards and commitment to quality they’re known for.”

~ The Honourable Lawrence MacAulay, Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food

“It is exciting to see all of the improvements and hard work by the beef industry since our baseline assessment released in 2016 - especially in the areas of greenhouse gas reductions. It highlights the important role that beef production plays for preserving critical wildlife habitat and Canada’s grasslands. This report also enables transparency of the beef industry to the public and confirms significant progress based on sound data that sets the stage for meeting many of the Canadian beef industry’s 2030 goals through purposeful, science-based actions.”

~ Brad Downey, Senior Wildlife Biologist – Alberta Conservation Association and Chair of the CRSB’s Scientific Advisory Committee

"We are pleased to see these results, which will help our advocacy and communications efforts to support the Canadian beef industry. This progress is directly attributed to our producers who work hard to sustainably produce the world's best beef by increasing production efficiencies, reducing the time needed to produce an individual animal, and ultimately reducing the number of resources to produce the same amount of beef. These efforts are making our industry well on its way to attaining the 2030 goals."

~ Nathan Phinney, President, Canadian Cattle Association

“The CRSB engaged Canadian scientists to employ the most sophisticated life cycle analysis procedures to compare the environmental sustainability performance of beef production in Canada from 2014 to 2021. Results indicate that the Canadian beef industry is continually striving towards improving the environmental footprint of beef production with continued reductions in GHG emissions and water consumption. The Canadian industry is clearly continuing to make progress, is investing in research and technologies more than many other countries, and it is clear that the industry takes the 2030 goals that it has set seriously and is actively positioning itself for success.”

~Dr. Tm McAllister, Principal Research Scientist, Lethbridge Research & Development Centre, Agriculture & Agri-Food Canada

“We are encouraged by the positive results indicated by the CRSB National Beef Sustainability Assessment and proud of the role that feedlots play in that equation. Our producers are always finding ways to be more innovative and efficient, producing safe, nutritious beef with less resources and less impact on the environment.”

~ Janice Tranberg, President and CEO – National Cattle Feeders’ Association

“Nature Conservancy of Canada (NCC) is pleased to support the release of the latest National Beef Sustainability Assessment. NCC works in partnership with beef and other livestock producers across Canada, especially to conserve native grasslands across the prairies. The data and information within the NBSA will help guide us on where threats may be to biodiversity, but also where we can continue to work with and support ranchers in their conservation efforts. The land use, wildlife habitat index, and other biodiversity measures will help us improve and focus our efforts to conserve the remaining 18% of native grasslands across Canada.”

~ Tom Lynch-Staunton, Regional Vice President Alberta Region - Nature Conservancy of Canada

We want to continue making the same delicious burgers our guests have loved over the past 57 years in Canada. We are dedicated to ensuring that the beloved taste and quality go hand in hand. As a founding member of the Canadian Roundtable for Sustainable Beef (CRSB), we are proud to continue to support the CRSB and their work with Canadian ranchers. We're delighted to source at least 30% of the beef for our Quarter Pounder burgers from farms and ranches certified to CRSB standards. Congratulations to CRSB and all stakeholders involved for their contributions seen on the National Beef Sustainability Assessment release.

~ Hope Bentley, Head of Supply Chain – McDonald’s Canada

ABOUT THE CRSB

The Canadian Roundtable for Sustainable Beef (CRSB) is a multi-stakeholder not-for-profit organization that advances, measures and communicates continuous improvement in the sustainability of the Canadian beef value chain. The CRSB drives recognition and continuous progress in Canadian beef through sustainability performance measurement, a voluntary 3rd party sustainability certification program, and projects and initiatives aligned with strategic goals. Learn more at crsb.ca.

For media inquiries, contact: Lisa Libin

Brookline PR

Email : llibin@brooklinepr.com

For more information about the CRSB, contact: Andrea White

Director, Marketing and Stakeholder Relations

Canadian Roundtable for Sustainable Beef

Email: info@crsb.ca https://crsb.ca

CAB INSIDER

By Paul Dykstra

Federally inspected cattle slaughter last week totaled 613,000 head, down 7,000 on the prior week. Aside from last week’s downtrend, the past four weeks have averaged 611,000 head on an impressive uptick from March’s abysmal 589,000 weekly average.

All of the improvement in recent slaughter capacity utilization has come in the fed steer and heifer segment. Comparing the past four weeks in April to the prior four in March shows a 4.5% (21,000 head) weekly average increase. The year-over-year contrast for the two months shows quite a difference with March’s slow pace totaling just 95% of a year ago while the April total was 2% larger than a year ago.

The remaining one-fifth of federally inspected cattle harvest is comprised of cull dairy and beef cows, plus a tiny 1.5% bulls. Together, these head counts have drawn dramatically lower by 14% year to date. The trend has been sharply lower since early February when 2024 cow counts peaked at 127,000 head that week, down to the latest 109,000 head confirmed total in early April.

Fed cattle prices showed resiliency last week with a slightly higher average of $183.10/cwt. Early trade in Texas at $181.91/cwt. represented the low end of the range while Iowa/Minnesota topped the market with an average of $185.49/cwt., highlighted by region’s highest reported $187/cwt.

Weakness in boxed beef values are currently the important theme as spring grilling demand has yet to create any signs of surge in prices. The Comprehensive USDA cutout resting at just $299/cwt. is $0.06/cwt. lower than a year ago and well below the mid-March $315/cwt. year to date high.

Price spreads across the carcass quality spectrum are notably narrower at present compared to the three-year average as marbling levels and quality grades are holding at record historical levels in recent data. Combined Choice and Prime carcasses account for 84% of the carcass mix while the CAB carcass certification rate two weeks ago was 40.9%.

Heavy carcass weights recently drove Prime carcass tonnage above a year ago while Choice supplies are nearly par. Latest increases in slaughter should reflect more of the same.

Market Update

MIDDLE MEATS LOWER, ENDS HOLD UP

Beef carcass cutout values have continued a precipitous decline since midMarch, tracking a 5% lower trend in that period. The is firmly against the trend charted in the previous three year average when the comprehensive cutout moved 9.5% higher in the same 6 weeks.

Market observers may pin the cause on the announcement of HPAI in dairy cows for the apparent softer demand. This factor was strongly causative with the precipitous decline in Live Cattle futures contract prices beginning in late March, but is likely less correlated to the dip in boxed beef prices.

Smaller weekly slaughter levels would seemingly spell higher cattle prices, especially in the spring. But larger April head counts resulted in 4.4% larger fed cattle totals than last year in the past four weeks. With fed cattle carcass weights 27 lb. heavier than a year ago as well, the resulting fed beef tonnage suddenly landed well above last year in the past month, just a few thousand head short of that period in 2022. Short term production volume is not nearly as low as it was in March.

Another lesser-known feature of today’s beef market is the price weakness of the highest valued middle meats. Ribeye and tenderloin prices have recently fallen below a year ago. Wholesale Certified Angus Beef® brand ribeyes in last week’s report averaged $9.70/lb., a dollar lower than a year ago and lower than that week in any of the previous three years. Certified Angus Beef® tenderloins last week averaged $13.42/lb., $3.28/lb. lower than the record-high $16.70/lb. set that week last year.

The third coveted middle meat steak item, the 0x1 strip loin, stands in contrast to the former two cuts, lately listed at $8.30/lb., a premium of $1.54/lb. higher than a year ago. Strip loin prices pressed rapidly higher from February through March, hitting the $10/lb. ceiling before pulling slightly lower in April. End users have shown greater demand for strip loins even at this spring’s elevated levels, preferring to substitute them over the higher valued ribeyes.

A degree of waning demand for ribeyes and tenderloins may be a sign of the times, economically, here in the U.S. This is further evidenced by stronger year-over-year prices recently for some chuck and round items, precipitated by sharply lower cull cow slaughter and lean grinding beef availability.

DECEMBER 11, 2023 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE FOR MORE INFORMATION, CONTACT: HOLLY MARTIN, DIRECTOR OF COMMUNICATIONS 816-383-5143 HMARTIN@ANGUS.ORG

Producers to be paid grid premiums for AngusLinkSM Beef Scores

The American Angus Association®; National Beef Packing Co., LLC; IMI Global; and U.S. Premium Beef, LLC announces new grid premiums to take effect in August and December, based on genetic merit data.

For the first time, cattlemen can earn grid premiums based on the genetic merit of their cattle, stemming from their investment in superior genetics. National Beef Packing Co., LLC (NBP) announces the addition of new premiums on their U.S. Premium Beef, LLC (USPB) grid for qualified cattle based on their AngusLinkSM Genetic Merit ScorecardSM (GMS). AngusLinkSM valueadded programs are administered by the American Angus Association® in partnership with IMI Global.

Effective for cattle harvested Aug. 5, a grid premium of $5 per head will be paid for cattle with a Beef Score of 100 or greater on the AngusLinkSM GMS. This will be exclusively available for cattle marketed through USPB and delivered to NBP plant locations in Liberal and Dodge City, Kansas.

On Dec. 1, a second grid premium, $10 per head for cattle with a GMS Beef Score of 150 or greater, will take effect. Those scoring 100-149 will continue to receive the $5/head premium. These premiums will be in addition to all other premiums and discounts available based on grading and carcass performance.

“National Beef is pleased to offer U.S. Premium Beef members this grid premium and new program in cooperation with the American Angus Association,” said Chad Barker, vice president of cattle procurement with NBP. “We’re excited to be adding another chapter to our history of creating innovative ways to reward producers for high-quality cattle.”

Mark Gardiner of Gardiner Angus Ranch and chairman of the USPB board of directors said this announcement is revolutionary, and he hopes it will inspire others to feed better beef through supporting advancements in genetics.

“This is revolutionary from the standpoint that there has never been a grid incentive based upon genetic merit,” Gardiner said. “We’re very thankful for National Beef and U.S. Premium Beef recognizing the value of genetics as identified by the AngusLink program.”

Brian Bertelsen, USPB vice president of field operations said, “For over 26 years, the USPB value-based grid has rewarded cattle that excel in carcass quality. This new program is an incentive for cattle feeders who market on the USPB grid to seek out and buy feeder cattle that are genetically designed to not only excel in carcass traits, but also growth and efficiency.”

The GMS objectively describes performance potential across four areas using a range from 0 to 200, with the industry average being 100. Beef Score predicts genetic potential for feedlot performance and carcass value and is calculated using the Association database and genetic information on sires and the cow herd.

“This is a significant step for the industry and speaks to the continued evolution of value-based marketing,” said Mark McCully, CEO of the Association. “National Beef understands the importance of genetics and is directly rewarding producers for their investment.”

USPB also said the third-party verification provided by IMI Global was a key factor in the decision to move forward with these plans.

Doug Stanton, senior vice president of sales and business development with IMI Global, said, “This new value-added opportunity rewards commercial cow-calf producers for the superior Angus genetics they have developed over the years in their operations. The Genetic Merit Scorecard values, along with third-party Age and Source verification, provide a complete package of product predictability and traceability to the beef industry and our loyal consumers.”

Cattle will need to qualify with their GMS Beef Score at least two weeks before harvesting. Most cattle currently receive a GMS prior to leaving their ranch of origin.

In addition, USPB is instituting a $1 per head premium, effective May 13, for each low-frequency EID tag that is read and assigned to a carcass ID number within each lot. No minimum number of tags will be required within a lot.

There is no additional cost associated with the GMS program, aside from IMI Global’s Age and Source verification enrollment, which includes an EID tag.

Troy Marshall, director of commercial industry relations with the Association, said the timing of the announcement is beneficial for cow-calf producers.

“Not only will previously enrolled cattle be eligible starting the first part of August; but as we enter the summer video sale season, it will also provide an additional incentive and additional buyers for those cattle selling with the GMS,” he said. “Cowcalf producers will have the opportunity to enroll and take advantage of this program with this year’s calf crop. The investment in time and money to enroll in AngusLink is extremely small and the ROI is growing exponentially as the market continues to embrace the scorecard.”

To qualify for the GMS, sires must be predominantly (50% or more) registered Angus and 75% of the bull battery must be registered.

“Obviously, this is a transformative change, but the real impact will be longer term,” Marshall said. “This is a big step forward in rewarding producers for investing in genetics and will help to facilitate information flow and feedback between the segments of our business.”

Bertelsen also said feeders can lease USPB delivery rights, when available, to market cattle through USPB. Those interested should please call USPB at 866-877-2525 or visit www.uspremiumbeef.com for more information.

For questions about the GMS or AngusVerifiedSM, call 816-383-5100, or contact AngusLinkSM via email at anguslink@angus.org. IMI Global can also be reached to help start an enrollment at 303-895-3002, or producers can complete its contact form to get started at www.imiglobal.com/contact.

– Written by Sarah Kocher, Angus Communications

Bryan Kostiuk Editor

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Nordal Limousin & Angus 28

North 40 Red Angus 42

Northern View Angus 28

Northway Cattle Co 34

Ockerman Angus 34

Ole Farms 34

Ossaw Angus 22

Peak Dot Ranch Ltd 28

Pedersen Livestock 34

Poley, Chris 51

Poplar Meadows Angus 42

Pugh Farms 34

Rafter SJ Angus 42

Re/max Crown Real Estate 51

Redekop Cattle Company 28

Redrick Farms 34

Rehorst Farms Ltd 38

Reid Angus 34

Remitall Farms IBC

Right Cross Ranch 28

Rivercrest Angus Ranch 34

RJ Livestock 34

RNR Flicek Black Angus 28

Rob Roy Angus 38

Round Rock Ranching 34

RSL Red Angus 28

Sandy Bar Ranch 28

Schaff Angus Valley 50

Sheidaghan Anghus 28

Shiloh Cattle Company 34

Spruce Ridge Stock Farms 22

Spruce View Angus Ranch 34

Standard Hill Livestock 29

Steen Agencies Inc 51

Still Meadows Farm 42

Stock, Mark 51

Storebo Farm 29

Sunderland Ranch 29

Sunny Grove Angus 29

T Bar C Cattle Co 2, 22, 23, 38

Tambri Farm 39

Ter-Ron Farms 35

Three Roses Ranch 29

Tri A Angus 35

Triple L Angus 29

Tullamore Farms 39

Twin Heritage Farms 29

Vos Vegas Farms 39

Walkerbrae Farms 39

Waveny Angus Farm 35

Weavercroft International 39

Western Litho Printers 51

Whitney Black Angus 39

Wilbar Cattle Co 3, 29

Willowview Angus Farm 29

Windcroft Farms 39

Windy Willows Farms 29

Wraz Red Angus 29

Wright Cattle Company 29

Yarrow Creek Farm & Ranch 35

Z Bar Angus 29

NOVEMBER

DECEMBER