Today's Angus Advantage Spring 2021 by Today's Publishing Inc.

Canadian Publication Agreement #40021107

Thank you! Thank you to everyone who expressed interest in the BAR-E-L program and genetics!

BAR-E-L REDEMPTION 22H - $21,500 Valleymere TTT - Travis and Halley Spady

BAR-E-L RESERVE 35H - $15,750 Duralta Farms Inc.

BAR-E-L HOMELAND 13H - $14,000

BAR-E-L ROYAL RESERVE 120H - $19,000

Golden Oak Livestock, Rafter 17 Ranching Ltd., Indian River Cattle Company, Quaker Cattle Co.

BAR-E-L INA 73H - $7000 LLB Angus

Chapman Cattle Co. - Silas Chapman AJS Ranch Ltd. Joe & Kelly Becker Belvin Angus BJ Cattle Co. Blackridge Angus Farm Blue Goose Cattle Company Ltd. Byemoor Colony Troy Conway Scott Cuthbertson Isaiah Day

Double 4 Angus Duralta Farms Inc. Tanner Frere Goodview Angus Golden Oak Livestock Henry Hansma Huxley Colony Indian River Cattle Company Robin Jorgenson Pat & Sandra Keith

Cowtrax Brian Kriz Lake Thelma Farms Lidstone Cattle Company LLB Angus Dale McNabb Bryce Medin Arete Farms Quaker Cattle Co. Silver Willow Ranch

Zane Radefeldt Rafter 17 Ranching Ltd. Darcy Romaniuk Natalie Schilling Silver Knight Angus Valleymere TTT Roger Thompson Gary Tkacik TNT Land and Cattle Jesse Winchester

L E R BA Angus Dave & Lynne Longshore Family Stettler, AB H. 403.579.2394 C. 403.740.6788 Web: www.bar-e-l.com Email: barelangus@gmail.com

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Thank you

to all the bidders and buyers who helped make our 2021 sale average $8749

VOLUME BUYERS: Andy Neiderer, ID and D & D Cattle, SK Lot 10

Lot 1

$20,000

Sold to Everblack Angus, AB

Lot 19

Lot 5

$15,000

Sold to MacNab Angus, SK

Lot 11

$11,500

Sold to Ravenworth Angus, SK

Lot 49

Lot 30

$10,000

Sold to Courtland White, SK

Lot 43

$22,000

Sold to BCR Ventures, TX

$13,000

Sold to Shaun Stadnyk, SK

$28,000

Sold to Triple S Red Angus, AB

Lot 47

$19,000

Sold to Lazy S Ranch, AB

Stay tuned for our offering in the upcoming

$14,500

Sold to Twin Heritage Farms, SK

Lot 44

Blairs.Ag & Guests Opportunity Knocks Sale on December 20, 2021 in Lanigan, SK

$12,500

Sold to Flying K Ranch, SK

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Thank you to all who attended, bid and bought at the

HBH Angus Farms Cattleman’s Connection Bull & Female Sale

We are grateful for your support

48H

95H

HBH Trendspotter 48H

HBH Perfect Storm 95H

sired by Brooking Trendspotter 6166 was purchased by Parkview Farms, Falun, AB

sired by HF Perfect Storm 198E was purchased by Jayme Corr, Birtle, MB

30H

41H

HBH Aviator 30H

HBH Flat Top 41H

sired by Musgrave Aviator was purchased by Jayme Corr, Birtle, MB

sired by Werner Flat Top 4136 was purchased by Crestview Livestock, Pansy, MB

Check out our female sale in December!

HBH Angus with Northern Light Simmentals Sale December 21, 2021 at HBH Angus Farms, Oak River, MB Selling: Black Angus & Simmental Including: Cow/Heifer Calf Pairs, Bred Heifers, PLUS Elite Show Heifers

HBH Angus Farms Inc. Box 94, Oak River, MB R0K 1T0

Like us on facebook HBH Angus Farm and on Instagram @hbhangus

Neil Carson Ph: 204-773-6927 neilcarson1973@gmail.com

Darcy Heapy Ph: 204-365-7755 dheapy@mymts.net

www.HBHAngusFarms.com

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2021 Spring issue

In This

15 There is one thing that gets my blood pressure up quick these days and that is when the “tree huggers” start blaming cows for climate change! The whole “climate change” thing gets me too; climate has been changing since the dawn of time but that is another rant for another day! All my life we have known that the burning of fossil fuels; oil, gas, and coal has been a major polluter and cause of greenhouse gases. We know that modern industrialization is responsible for 80% of the earth’s greenhouse gases but now suddenly people with a platform in the media or social media have decided to blame most of our pollution problems on cows. When in all reality cattle produce 2% of the total greenhouse gas produced in North America. Transportation is responsible for 28.5%, electricity production is responsible for 28.4%, industry contributes 21.6%, commercial is 6.4% residential is 5.1% and agricultural crops 4.7%. These same people who blame cows for pollution say that cows are eating up food supplies that could be eaten by humans. In fact, two-thirds of all agricultural land in the world is classified as “marginal” and is not suited for crop production. This means two-thirds of all agricultural land in the world would be wasted if not for animal production. Take this one step further and you will also recognize that forage on these marginal lands captures carbon, which cows consume and only contribute a percentage of that back into

the atmosphere. There has been past research showing that before civilization the land was covered with Buffalo and wild game and that they produced nearly as much methane gas as the modern-day cow herd does, 80% as much. So how is it that cows are suddenly the cause of all our problems? Again, these people up on their high horses, are telling us to eat more plants and less meat… 50% of all fertilizer used in the world is in the form of manure… resulting from animal production. Basically 100% of all fertilizer used in the production of organic foods, which seems to be all the buzz… is manure. The rest of the fertilizer used is manufactured with huge energy consumption. 90% of what a beef cow eats is not fit for humans to consume and it comes from land not fit to produce human edible foods. Plus, cows consume all the bi-products from processing plant-based foods for humans. If it were not for cows, we would have an even bigger methane gas problem in the world from all these bi-products rotting in landfills. Food waste and rotting foods are already a problem in our landfills, one-third of all food produced in the world is wasted, (40% in the USA) of this 82% of all food wasted is non-animal: fruits, vegetables, and grain products. This is a staggering number on its own but then factor in all the energy and resources it took to produce and process that food and you have identified a much bigger problem than cow burps!

issue

Black Ink - Buy Better

Reflections From The Field

Black Ink - Replanning The Plan

CAB - Select Beef: Who Wants It?

CAB - Adding Up Pennies

CAB - Where Premiums Are Earned

CAB - Pandemic Underscores Beef Trends

Bull Delivery

Shorty wasn’t usually involved in delivering bulls after the sale, but Harry said this guy really needed the bull and it was a ten or twelve hour round trip, so it landed on Shorty. Shorty had called the customer’s home earlier and received detailed albeit convoluted directions to the ranch. “Jesus Billy, this sounds like you are in the middle of nowhere!” Billy laughed. “Shorty, is it?” “Yeah”

“Well Shorty, when you get to the middle of nowhere, keep going to the edge of nowhere and turn left. If you get goin’ you can be here by lunch.”

pavement ended and the road turned to gravel, then got narrower, then to dirt and finally to one lane and dirt. Shorty really hoped he was on the right track; he was over an hour back to the pavement and there was no place to turn around even if he had to go back. Shorty drove around a sharp bend in the road and there it was, a hayfield, a yard and buildings. He smiled to himself and rattled into the yard. There in front of the shop was an older man that was as big around as he was tall, and he was a tall guy. The old fellow gave Shorty a wave and approached his visitor’s truck. “You Shorty?” The old man extended a hand the size of a baseball glove. “Yes sir.” Shorty shook the man’s hand.

“Yes sir! I am on my way.”

That was four hours ago, and Shorty was in the middle of nowhere. He picked up the directions once more and checked his list. He had to find an ESSO gas station on the right and turn left. Ok... Shorty now that done and all he had to do was follow the road and stay to the left. The

“I ain’t no sir Shorty, call me Billy.” “I will Billy. Nice place you got here... just a little out of the way.”

Reflections

“Yeah we don’t get many Jehovah Witness out here Shorty. You hungry?” “I could sure enough eat, Billy. Do you want to

From The Field…

23 From left: Lynanne, Brian, Tracy and Kevin Good in 1977

as in every

From left: Bob Toner, Brian Good and Ernie Mutch in Prince Edward Island

issue

The Real World

Not Taken For Granted

Vet’s Advice

28 & 46

Advertising & Subscription Rates

Schedule of Events

Brian Good was born in 1953 just outside of Red Deer, Alberta. His family started in the purebred Angus business in 1957 under the farm name of Black Browe Cattle Company. His grandmother aptly named the farm Black Browe as they lived on the brow of a hill that flowed into a river valley and the cattle were black. The herd grew to upward of three hundred and fifty cows and was the second largest herd in Canada at the time.

Brian’s father, Glenn Good, was a true Angus activist and heavily involved in the Angus business sitting on several boards and committees including the Association Presidency in 1985. That same year, he was also secretariat of the World Angus Forum which took place in Edmonton at Farm Fair International and he was instrumental in getting the Queen Mother (who was well into her 90’s) as a special guest. Also in 1985, Brian Good served as president of the Alberta Angus Association. Glenn became good friends with Dick Turner who was fieldman for the Angus News the breed publication at the time and became very instrumental with the magazine… while they travelled, Brian along with his uncle John stayed home and looked after the cows.

Glenn Good Sr. and Ken Cox, from the Good family photo album

Vet’s Advice

By Roy Lewis, DVM

Cover Photography Grant Rolston

Lapses in Vaccination Programs

28 W

e must as veterinarians and producers be constantly reviewing our vaccination protocols to check for lapses in either booster shot administration, missing certain antigens in our vaccines, and new or emerging diseases for which there are vaccines. Cattle being transported into other areas where other diseases are more prevalent have often been the cause of outbreaks to such things as redwater disease or anthrax being two good examples. With more and more pressure to use fewer antimicrobials, there is a greater need to vaccinate as maximally as possible in non-stressed cattle so the biggest protection against disease challenge is garnered. Vaccination will not ever be able to prevent everything but it definitely can get the majority of the population immunized to reduce outbreak situations. Pharmaceutical companies are all developing more comprehensive vaccines to keep most vaccine shots down to two or three at the very most. More and more intranasal vaccines are being developed which can eliminate needling. Intranasal vaccines are becoming more broader spectrum. There are even oral vaccines on the market, so producers have a vast repertoire of choices. This can sometimes make it difficult and confusing to make a choice and depending on our management level groups of cattle can get missed. Every time you process cattle one needs to consider if there any vaccines I am missing or that need a booster. Are the vaccines stored properly, given properly? Veterinarians need to be consistent at the clinic level in vaccine suggestions otherwise further confusion ensues. Your herd veterinarian knows your herd the best so depending on history and disease challenges in the past recommendations may vary slightly from herd to herd. I like to use the concept of the core vaccines given pretty much across Canada. Other more specific vaccines or time intervals for vaccines will vary depending on when the disease challenge comes and geographically what unusual is in the specific area. New advancements and health nutrition and parasite status Core vaccines recognized by most veterinarians and producers I would say is as follows. The five-way viral vaccines (IBR, PI3, BRSV, and BVD types one and two). These are given to the calves often along with at least Mannheimia and often Pasteurella as the pneumonia preventing vaccine. These often come together in one shot. These vaccines are often given at two

to three months of age and again at or ideally before weaning. If producers have pneumonic issues in calves prior to the two to three months that is where commonly the viral and bacterial intranasal vaccines are given. The intranasal vaccines are also finding a place on entry to the feedlot where quick immunity is paramount. Later in the feedlot finishing period, many veterinarians recommend boostering with IBR specifically at reimplant time. This helps prevent the severe cases of pneumonia and tracheitis IBR can cause late in the finishing period. These are examples of where a respiratory protection gap is most commonly noted. The five-way viral component is given as a follow-up yearly to the mature cattle and heifers ideally before breeding to prevent reproductive diseases. In some dairy and beef herds especially in the east if pneumonia has been a problem in mature cattle Mannheimia & Pasteurella can be added to the mix. Histophilus is the other agent causing pneumonia, arthritis, heart and brain issues so it is often combined with the clostridial vaccines in one needle. Some veterinarians have removed it because they weren’t seeing any cases or felt were still seeing brain issues. The fact is the vaccine has worked well for decades and we don’t see cases because we do vaccinate. There are many other causes of brain disease so one must get a proper diagnosis before jumping to conclusions. It is one disease that starts with stress so preconditioning programs are the one way to significantly prevent cases. Vaccination upon entry to the feedlot is often too late for cases initiated at weaning. This is where reliance on the cow-calf producer for giving the priming shots for histophilus BVD and others can avert big problems in the feedlot. With the purebred herds where preimmunization ahead of weaning is a wise decision and weaning as stress-free as possible. Clostridial disease is another that still occurs in outbreak form in unvaccinated cattle or some of the multivalent vaccines lack tetanus, clostridium hemolyticum (redwater), or clostridium sordelli. Lots have been written about clostridial disease so will say nothing more. There is no excuse for not using this vaccine. If worried about lumps which rarely happen vaccinate show cattle on the non-show side (left ) and can even hide the vaccine behind the elbow. They are more sensitive here but gives you an option. Lumps are a little more common with clostridial vaccines.

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Autumn Angus Classic September 4, 2021 1 : 0 0 PM maplehill auctions hanover, on

Entry Nomination Deadline

June 15, 2021

Watch for the Catalogue online At

WWW.buyagro.com

Sale Management Chris Poley 306-220-5006

T Bar C Cattle Co. Ltd.

Shane Michelson 403-363-9973

Ben Wright 519-374-3335

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2021-05-07 AM 5/7/2021 11:17:19 2:30:12 PM

EE EASTERN

Extravaganza ANGUS SALE

OCTOBER

2021

Ontario Stockyards Inc. Cookstown, Ontario Sale Time 1:00 PM

A N I MP R E S S IVE S ET O F FEM ALES TH AT H OL D EN D L ES S PO TENTIAL

Chris Poley 306-220-5006

Shane Michelson 403-363-9973

Ben Wright 519-374-3335

View the catalogue online at BUYAGRO.COM

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• Gentle natured, deep bodied, heavy milking S A V Resource daughter • Dam is a flush sister to S A V Angus Valley • She has starred in the S A V embryo program • #10 Ribeye female of her calf crop • Top 3% Ribeye in the Canadian Angus Association • Top 2% for WW, 1% YW, 10% Docility • Watch for her S A V Governor bull calf for sale by private treaty this Fall

MARCH 19, 2017 BW: 3.6

WW: 72

IMP 7370E YW: 130

MILK: 15

RITO 707 OF IDEAL 3407 7075 S A V RESOURCE 1441 S A V BLACKCAP MAY 4136 S A V IRON MOUNTAIN 8066 S A V BLACKCAP MAY 1804 S A V MAY 2397

R R RITO 707 IDEAL 3407 OF 1418 076 S A V 8180 TRAVELER 004 S A V MAY 2397 TC GRIDIRON 258 S A V MADAME PRIDE 3249 S A F 598 BANDO 5175 S A V MAY 7238

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Selling yearling and two-year bulls and replacement heifers by private treaty

Proud to purchase Red LWNBRG Electric 50H From Leeuwenburgh Angus We pride ourselves on being able to offer bulls suitable for cows and heifers from a herd that has an excellent reputation for producing quiet, functional cattle.

Sired by: Walking Sires: Red Double C “Brando” Red Double C “Dino”

A.I. Sires: Red DKF Razor 55C Red Brylor Red Kodiak 3A RRA One and Only 733

Check out our 2021 lineup! Dr. Colin Palmer DVM, Kim Palmer & Family RR 5 Site 502 Box 39, Saskatoon, SK S7K 3J8 (20 minutes from Saskatoon) Phone: 306.492.2134 Cell: 306.290.8431 Today’s Angus Advantage 12

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Bar 5 “Ron’s Retirement” Sale October 11, 2021 On The Farm, Markdale, Ontario

S A V Abigale 6696

S A V Dora 6407

S A V Blackbird 2122

S A V Madame Pride 8588

S A V Blackcap May 0356

S A V Elba 7447

S A V Erica 3188

Selling “3188” and direct daughters of these S A V Power Cows! Semen, Embryos, and ET calves by Bloodline, Territory, Renew & more!

Office: 519-986-2450 | Ron Nolan: 905-330-5299 bar5farms@outlook.com | ronrnolan@outlook.com 636077 Eurphrasia-Holland Townline , RR3, Markdale, ON N0C 1H0 Sale Managed By: Chris Poley: 306-220-5006 | Ben Wright: 519-374-3335 | Shane Michelson: 403-363-9973 View the catalogue on BuyAgro.com Today’s Angus Advantag e 13

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T h e 2 0 2 1 Bu i l d i n g t h e L e g a c y S a l e w i l l b e g o i n g t h e s e c on d w e e k i n Au g u s t .

BUILDING theLEGACY

online

during

C A NA D IA N A N G U S F OU N DAT IO N ’ S

T h e Bui l ding t h e L e g a c y S al e i s a f un drai s ing au c t i o n fo r t h e C an a di an Ang u s Foun d at i on .

We g re at l y appre c i at e t h e s upp or t of ou r m e m b e r s i n t h e p a s t a n d w e l c om e c ont i nu e d p a r t i c ip at i on t h i s y e a r. We a re h opi n g t o bu i l d a n of f e r i n g t h at w i l l app e a l t o m a ny i n c lu d i n g g e n e t i c s , e x p e r i e n c e s , a r t , h i s t or i c a l pi e c e s , i n du s t r y p a r t n e r s e r v i c e s a n d mu c h m ore . T h e v i s i on of t h e B u i l d i n g t h e L e g a c y c on c e pt i s t o a l l ow t h e Fou n d at i on t o bu i l d m on e t a r i l y. Wit h t h e pro s p e r it y of t h e Fou n d at i on , it i n tu r n u s e s t h e f u n d s t o prov i d e opp or t u n it i e s f or ou r y out h , y ou n g bre e d e r s a n d m e m b e r s h ip t o g row i n t h e a re a s of l e a d e r s h ip, m a r k e t i n g , n e t w or k i n g , hu s b a n d r y, g e n e t i c i mprov e m e nt a n d t o l e a r n a b out d e v e l opi n g t o o l s t o e n h a n c e A n g u s pro du c t i on . T h e v i s i on a l s o i n c lu d e s t h e i mp or t a n c e of pre s e r v i n g A n g u s h i s t or y. B y f o s t e r i n g t h e s e a re a s w e c a n e n s u re ou r A n g u s h i s t or y i s n ot l o s t a n d w i l l k e e p A n g u s a s t h e bre e d of c h oi c e f or t h e c om m e rc i a l b e e f s e c t or a n d e n d u s e r s f or y e a r s t o c om e . If y ou a re i nt e re s t e d i n d on at i n g g e n e t i c s , k n ow of s om e u n i qu e it e m s or h av e e x p e r i e n c e i d e a s or c ont a c t s t h at w e c a n ut i l i z e , p l e a s e re a c h out t o B e l i n d a Wa g n e r, C a n a d i a n A n g u s Fou n d at i on E x e c ut i v e D i re c t or, at bw a g n e r @ c d n a n g u s . c a or 3 0 6 - 5 3 7 - 1 5 1 8 .

w w w. c dn ang u s . c a / f oun d at i on / b ui l d - t h e - l e g a c y - f un drai s e r / Today’s Angus Advantage 14

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There is one thing that gets my blood pressure up quick these days and that is when the “tree huggers” start blaming cows for climate change! The whole “climate change” thing gets me too; climate has been changing since the dawn of time but that is another rant for another day! All my life we have known that the burning of fossil fuels; oil, gas, and coal has been a major polluter and cause of greenhouse gases. We know that modern industrialization is responsible for 80% of the earth’s greenhouse gases but now suddenly people with a platform in the media or social media have decided to blame most of our pollution problems on cows. When in all reality cattle produce 2% of the total greenhouse gas produced in North America. Transportation is responsible for 28.5%, electricity production is responsible for 28.4%, industry contributes 21.6%, commercial is 6.4% residential is 5.1% and agricultural crops 4.7%. These same people who blame cows for pollution say that cows are eating up food supplies that could be eaten by humans. In fact, two-thirds of all agricultural land in the world is classified as “marginal” and is not suited for crop production. This means two-thirds of all agricultural land in the world would be wasted if not for animal production. Take this one step further and you will also recognize that forage on these marginal lands captures carbon, which cows consume and only contribute a percentage of that back into

the atmosphere. There has been past research showing that before civilization the land was covered with Buffalo and wild game and that they produced nearly as much methane gas as the modern-day cow herd does, 80% as much. So how is it that cows are suddenly the cause of all our problems? Again, these people up on their high horses, are telling us to eat more plants and less meat… 50% of all fertilizer used in the world is in the form of manure… resulting from animal production. Basically 100% of all fertilizer used in the production of organic foods, which seems to be all the buzz… is manure. The rest of the fertilizer used is manufactured with huge energy consumption. 90% of what a beef cow eats is not fit for humans to consume and it comes from land not fit to produce human edible foods. Plus, cows consume all the bi-products from processing plant-based foods for humans. If it were not for cows, we would have an even bigger methane gas problem in the world from all these bi-products rotting in landfills. Food waste and rotting foods are already a problem in our landfills; one-third of all food produced in the world is wasted, (40% in the USA) of this 82% of all food wasted is non-animal: fruits, vegetables, and grain products. This is a staggering number on its own but then factor in all the energy and resources it took to produce and process that food and you have identified a much bigger problem than cow burps!

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KNOW the

Score your Indicators:

SCORE

< DON’T BREED

for higher pregnancy rates Don’t just detect cows for heat.

Using Estrotect™ Breeding Indicators, identify when cows are ready to breed when the Breeding Bullseye™ or equivalent area rubs off. Born from university research, the Breeding Bullseye supports a unique patch scoring system to determine estrus intensity. Scores of 3 and 4? Breed cows with up to 3x higher pregnancy rates. Scores of 1 and 2? Hold off on breeding.

BREED >

AS GOOD AS A BULL™

Make easy yes or no breeding decisions with the Estrotect Breeding Indicator.

ESTROTECT.com

Revised Notice of Canadian Angus Association 2021 AGM Notice is hereby given that the Canadian Angus Association Annual General Meeting previously scheduled for Saturday, June 12 has been rescheduled and will be held on Thursday, June 10, 2021 for the purpose of: • • •

Receiving and considering the annual report and financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2020 and the report of the auditors thereon Review and acceptance of the 2019 and 2020 annual general meeting minutes Transacting such further and other business as may properly come before the meeting.

Updated information, including the start time of AGM and attendance options, will be shared on our website, in our newsletter and our social media channels (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and LinkedIn) closer to the date of the meeting. Attendance options will be determined in accordance with Alberta Health Services regulations. Please be advised that we may need to limit attendance, postpone the meeting or shift to a virtual AGM due to the impacts of COVID-19. www.cdnangus.ca/national-convention/

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Invest in your

big

Talk to us about making your upcoming sale a

Success! It’s an

Investment In your future!

sale Chris Poley 306-220-5006

Shane Michelson 403-363-9973

Ben Wright 519-374-3335

Box 2330, Warman, SK S0K 4S0 Office: 306-933-4200 Fax: 306-934-0744 info@tbarc.com www.tbarc.com Today’s Angus Advantag e 17

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Bull Delivery Shorty wasn’t usually involved in delivering bulls after the sale, but Harry said this guy really needed the bull and it was a ten or twelve hour round trip, so it landed on Shorty. Shorty had called the customer’s home earlier and received detailed, albeit convoluted directions to the ranch. “Jesus Billy, this sounds like you are in the middle of nowhere!” Billy laughed. “Shorty, is it?” “Yeah” “Well Shorty, when you get to the middle of nowhere, keep going to the edge of nowhere and turn left. If you get goin’ you can be here by lunch.” “Yes sir! I am on my way.” That was four hours ago, and Shorty was in the middle of nowhere. He picked up the directions once more and checked his list. He had to find an ESSO gas station on the right and turn left. Ok... Shorty now that done and all he had to do was follow the road and stay to the left. The

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unload the bull first?” Billy walked to the stock trailer and peered in. “Nah he’ll be okay for a bit; he’s layin’ there chewin’ his cud. Come on in.” Shorty followed Billy into the house and met Billy’s wife. She was considerably younger than Billy and a way smaller. She was also a damn fine cook and Shorty figured that fact may have contributed to Billy’s ample girth. Billy and his wife seemed to enjoy the visitor to their ranch as much as Shorty enjoyed his lunch. “Well Shorty, let’s drop the newcomer in the corral and then I want to show you my heifers. You got time to have a look?” “You bet Billy.” “Good! Mama can I borrow your truck? I don’t think ol’ Rusty will start.” Billy’s wife nodded her head, Shorty thanked her for lunch and the two men left the house. They unloaded the bull and Billy lead Shorty past an old Ford half ton, that he guessed was Rusty, to a double garage. Billy opened the overhead door and there inside was a shiny new Chevy three quarter ton.

“They sure make these things fancy, huh Shorty?” Billy didn’t wait for an answer. “The salesman said this truck will do everything for you but wipe your nose. I believe him now, I wished I had paid more attention to him, but it is the wife’s truck.” Billy slowed the truck as they approached a gate. “I got it.” Shorty got out and opened the gate so Billy could drive through. He closed the gate and as he walked up on the passenger side, Billy was studying the dashboard of the truck. “Now what the hell is this for?” Billy stabbed a button with a huge index finger. Suddenly the driver’s seat began to move forward and up and didn’t stop until Billy was wedged firmly into the steering wheel. Billy’s eyes were scanning the dash for the button to correct the situation, but his considerable girth had blocked his line of sight to pretty much everything in front of him. Shorty realized that he had to go around and manually return the driver’s seat to the position it had just left and so he jumped out of the truck and headed for the driver’s side.

Billy, in the meantime was rather “I just picked this up the other day.” Billy was uncomfortable and was frantically searching for looking over the truck at Shorty. “I bought it any button to remedy his situation. He could see for my child bride so she could take the son to only one button, a blue button on the underside hockey this winter. Doing that ain’t as easy as it is of the rear-view mirror, so in desperation, he in some places, and she needs a good vehicle to pushed that one. get around.” “Good afternoon Mr. Bailey. Can I help you?” “It is a nice truck!” Shorty climbed in and Billy was suddenly still. Beads of sweat started watched while Billy fiddled with the driver’s seat to form on his brow, and he was rolling his eyes so that he could fit behind the wheel. Once Billy upward. was comfortable, he backed the truck out and “Oh Lord...Is that you? If so, I am sorry for the two men headed through the yard and onto missing church so damn often, I mean so darn the road leading to the pasture. often. I am sorry for voting against women priests, I swear I didn’t know you were a woman.” Today’s Angus Advantag e 19

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“Mr. Bailey, I am not God I am Amber from On Star. Can I help you?”

at Shorty, who had returned to the passenger seat.

“Amber from where? Where are you and how do you know my name?”

“Okay. You have yourself a good day. Oh, and Mr. Bailey?”

By now Shorty had the driver’s door open and was moving Billy away from the steering wheel. “On Star. I am Amber from On Star. I am in Atlanta and I am here to help. Now what is the problem and how can I help?” “Well Amber, I was stuck but Shorty got me free.” “Do you need a tow truck Mr. Bailey?” “No. The truck wasn’t stuck, I was stuck in the truck, but it is all good now.” “Are you sure Mr. Bailey?” “Yes I am. How are you talking to me? We have no cell coverage out here. If you are in Atlanta, you have no idea where I am.” “We have GPS in all our vehicles, and we can tell where you are within twenty feet at any time, with or without cell phone coverage. Are you sure you are okay?” Billy was visibly perplexed. He was looking around the truck to see if he was missing something but could find nothing. “I am okay, thank you Miss.” Billy looked over

“Yes Amber.” “You really should be going to church and there is absolutely nothing wrong with having a few women priests. Have a nice day.” The truck was silent. Billy got out of the cab and motioned to Shorty to do the same. He walked away from the truck and when Shorty joined him, he stopped. “You think she can still hear us?” Billy whispered. “Naw. I think they only listen when you call them. Just to be careful though I wouldn’t be tellin’ no secrets in that truck Billy. You never know.” “Dammit Shorty that freaks me out. I will tell you what, the Missus can have that truck... and if her and I go anywhere together it will be in Rusty.” The two men got back into the truck and continued their cattle tour… in silence. Shorty couldn’t help but wonder what Amber from On Star had told her co-workers. After all, she had been mistaken for God.

Grant Rolston was born and raised in ranching country near Penticton, British Columbia. After graduating school, he worked on a purebred Hereford ranch, then assumed a position at Western Breeders Artificial Insemination Unit. In 1980, he left the livestock scene and joined the Edmonton Police Department, where he received his formal training in photography, working for the IDENT unit (crime scene investigation). After a decade, he returned to the industry, purchasing a herd of purebred Angus cattle but both Grant and his wife, Lauralee, worked off the ranch to make a living. He chose livestock photography and is now Canada’s premier livestock photographer of beef cattle. Grant and Lauralee travel throughout nine provinces in Canada for on farm photography, in addition to all major livestock shows, including the Royal Winter Fair in Toronto, the Canadian Western Agribition and all major National Junior shows in the summer months. Grant and Lauralee Rolston reside in Vulcan, Alberta. With four decades of experience, Grant shares things that are “Not Taken for Granted.” Today’s Angus Advantag e 20

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Buy Better By Miranda Reiman

People who have been at it for decades, the second or third generation in this idea that carcass quality matters, with a well-tested recipe for success. These are the farmers and ranchers who often appear in my articles. They are good examples other people can learn from, the innovators and leaders by example. Many of them saw the movement coming before it really took off and helped make it happen. But these early adopters aren’t the only people in the cattle business.

I’ve visited with cattlemen across the country at various points of their journey. In Iowa, I enjoyed a visit with the first farmer in his family to take as much interest in the cows as they had in their corn. There was the middle-aged South Dakota man who left a career in another state to start over as a rancher. A producer in Montana talked about getting to make the bull selection decisions, nearing 70 and just taking over that chore from his dad. These are the people I had in mind as I lobbed out a new story idea: What about an informational piece for those who have decided they want to improve the carcass quality of their cattle, but find the idea somewhat daunting? I brought the idea to my team. “The working title could be, something like, ‘How to get started in aiming for quality.” A teammate quickly responded, somewhat in jest but also with bedrock truth.

“That’d be pretty short: buy better bulls.” Of course, it’s broader and more nuanced than that, because genetic improvement has so many ways and means. Natural service or artificial insemination? The latter might get you there quicker, but it takes labor and facilities. Maybe it’s a combination of both, applied strategically to different groups of females. There are variables like how much better the sire needs to be, and for what traits. That all depends on how much you know about your herd now and any benchmarks you’ve already established. Land and feed resources, final marketing method and even the level of record keeping make a difference. Management affects that final measure, too, everything from health and handling to nutrition. With no shortage of factors to scrutinize, pretty soon the simple article could become a book or a semester-long class. But at the core it really comes back to that simple beginning. You can’t improve something if you don’t have a starting benchmark and then make use of better ingredients and ideas. At the foundation of your herd is a decision you probably only make a couple of times a year. Make sure it’s always one that moves toward your target.

If you want better cattle, buy better bulls.

Next time in Black Ink® I will cover reevaluation.

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s n o i t c e l Ref

From The Field…

From left: Lynanne, Brian, Tracy and Kevin Good in 1977

From left: Bob Toner, Brian Good and Ernie Mutch in Prince Edward Island

n June 15, 2000, he accepted the task of commercial fieldman and liaison for the Angus breed in Canada. Without a manual of instructions but carrying respect and love for Angus cattle, Brian rapidly evolved into a catalyst for the Canadian Angus Association and its membership and did so for over two decades… playing an integral role in the growth of the Angus breed in Canada and Internationally. On February 28, 2021, Brian Good retired from his position. In this interview, Brian reflects on his memories and achievements during the years of his Angus life. Brian Good was born in 1953 just outside of Red Deer, Alberta. His family started in the purebred Angus business in 1957 under the farm name of Black Browe Cattle Company. His grandmother aptly named the farm Black Browe as they lived on the brow of a hill that flowed into a river valley and the cattle were black. The herd grew to upward of three hundred and fifty cows and was the second largest herd in Canada at the time.

Brian’s father, Glenn Good, was a true Angus activist and heavily involved in the Angus business sitting on Glenn Good Sr. and Ken Cox, from the Good family several boards and committees including the Association photo album Presidency in 1985. That same year, he was also secretariat of the World Angus Forum which took place in Edmonton at Farm Fair International and he was instrumental in getting the Queen Mother (who was well into her 90’s) as a special guest. Also in 1985, Brian Good served as president of the Alberta Angus Association. Glenn became good friends with Dick Turner who was fieldman for the Angus News the breed publication at the time and became very instrumental with the magazine… while they travelled, Brian along with his uncle John stayed home and looked after the cows. Today’s Angus Advantag e 23

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In their prime, Black Browe exhibited cattle at summer shows. Senator Harry Hays was Minister of Agriculture for the Canadian government and he adopted the “Hays Classification” which subsidized livestock shows at summer fairs to increase and improve livestock breeding and quality throughout the country. The subsidization was based on the size of the fair and the number of cattle entered. The “A” circuit in Alberta was The Calgary Stampede and Klondike Days in Edmonton, while the “B” circuit was fairs at Camrose, Vermilion, Vegreville, etc. Since there was no social media back in those days, Black Browe had the Best Three Bulls at the 1972 Calgary Bull Sale exhibiting at these shows was the main tool for advertising and marketing. The “A” circuit attracted many of the large breeding operations such as Winfield Farms and Prospect Farms out of Ontario, Foote Acres Angus out of Washington, and several herds out of Saskatchewan and Manitoba. Among the Saskatchewan exhibitors was Ted Serhienko who was one of the first custom fitters at the time and showed three breeds. In his crew of kids was Roger Davis, a co-founder of DRI a world leader in embryo transfer. Ted would rest his cattle at Black Browe between the Calgary and Edmonton shows. “We got to know the T Bar crew quite well in those days. Although Chris Poley was too young then, I met him in the late ’80s when he brought a few heifers to the Cross-Country Sale.” Black Browe hosted an annual production sale for eight years along with a few guest consignors one of which was Spearhead Ranch, Westlock, Alberta. “That is where I met Craig Flewelling who was working the cattle.” The first Auctioneer to sell the sale was Jim Baldridge out of North Platte, Nebraska. “My dad was a fussy guy when it came to having two auctioneers… always felt that if one went down, we’d have another one there.” Jerry Kanewischer and George Early were hired, and Steve Dorran sold their last sale.

Black Browe had the 1972 Grand Champion Aberdeen Angus Bull at the Calgary Bull Sale From left: John Good (Brian’s Uncle); Lawrence Trebech (buyer, Dutton, MB); Glenn Good and Brian Good at the halter

Black Browe marketed a lot of cattle, exporting breeding stock to Japan and Mexico with the help of exporters, Bob Prestige, Gary Smith, and Roger Peters. Black Browe was centrally located and had plenty of numbers that the exporters used to fill loads. In 1991, the main herd was sold to Belvin Angus, Innisfail, Alberta, and Brian too young to quit… had to find something to do. At the age of thirty-eight, Brian Good accepted the position of fieldman for Independent Breeders (owned by Harry Haney at the time) which he held for five years, working with all breeds and breeders securing bulls for collection. He then worked for Rob Holowaychuk of OBI and Doug Henderson but found that sale management was not his cup of tea. Jim Nugent, PFRA buyer and Brian Good at a U2 Ranch Sale

In 2000, Good was asked by Mabel Hamilton, then the President of the Canadian Angus Association, if he would be interested in working for the Association on Today’s Angus Advantag e 24

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the commercial side of the industry, and on June 15th, he started the position.

Above and below: Brian Good

“I concentrated on the commercial sector… commercial producers, feedlots, packers, auction barns, order buyers, and bull sales. This is a big country and has a lot of ground to cover… a few days in the Maritimes, a couple in Quebec, a few more in Ontario, and the rest of the time in the west where the largest part of the beef industry was located. After a couple of years, we decided to reduce the workload and provide a higher degree of service by establishing part-time personnel by region. Dale Black for the Maritimes, Wayne Gallup in Quebec, John Duivenvoorden in Ontario, Blair McRae in Manitoba, Laird Senft in Saskatchewan who was later replaced by Bob Toner. Jack Brown in British Columbia and Ken Cox and myself in Alberta. The results turned out to be highly effective.”

“We got involved with the Livestock Markets Association of Canada and established stronger ties with the commercial sector. Bob Blacklock who was on the Saskatchewan board suggested we get involved. The 2001 Annual Meeting and Auctioneers competition was hosted in Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan and we supplied the Angus certified beef and JGL order buyers were instrumental in putting on the show. The venture was successful, and the championship buckles were highly sought after, but the cost was high so in years to follow the Hereford, Charolais, Simmental, and Limousin Associations all contributed to the function and buckles.” The LMAC also established the “Industry Champion Award” a recognition for services and dedication to the industry… only three have been awarded. Steve Primrose was the first recipient, followed by Danny Skeels and Brian Good. The Canadian Angus Association and Brian were instrumental in establishing the “Auction Mart of the Year” Award which is also presented at the Annual Convention. Mankota was the first winner and since it has been awarded to sale barns across the nation.

AA How has the Angus breed changed since you started with the association to the present? “It was a tough go for a few years back in the days when we used to take bulls to the Calgary Bull Sale. It was the main bull sale, there was no other outlet to sell bulls. Then, a Hereford Bull would bring $2500.00, and we were getting $1500.00 for the same or higher quality bull. Angus was not a popular breed, and we were taking a 10-cent beating on the calves at the auction mart level. But there were a group of hard-nosed guys that stuck with it including my dad, Glenn, the Switzers, Gross’s, Toners, and guys like that kept pushing the black thing, it was mostly blacks back then. Then Certified Angus Beef came along out of the States and that made a world of difference. Once the price of calves jumped so did the price of bulls. Then when the exotic or continental breeds arrived in Canada, it was found that they were an ideal cross with the Angus breed… something we still see in their success today. No doubt that over the last two decades we have seen types and frames change but those are trends and I have never thought trends were such a great idea. Those that remained with moderate framed, easy keeping, easy calving have stayed the course no matter what

2019 Industry Champion Award Brian Good and his wife Lynanne Photo credit: Mark Shologan

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the current trend appeared to be. I always remember that a good friend Jim Nugent, bull buyer for the PFRA, told me that you start to look at a bull from the ground up. So, I asked about EPDs and so forth…. he said, I am interested in birth weight and performance, but I’m more interested in the feet up and a decent scrotal. Jim was always adamant about transferring papers as he understood that it takes money to run an operation.”

AA What countries have breeding and then working for the Angus breed taken you to? “I’ve been fortunate. Mexico is the first place I got to go that was exotic you might say. I went down with an outfit called Alberta Canada All Breeds Association when we were still on the farm. I started going down with Gary Smith and Kate Kolstad through Brian Good at an event in China Alta Exports and Roger Peters and I made eight trips. I judged the National Show in Guadalajara which was a big deal, and another trip was with Bob Switzer when he judged the National. In 2004, I went to Russia with Gary and Kate from Alta Exports along with fourteen others of other breeds and government. The trip was remarkably interesting, their culture is definitely different from ours, but they were proud of what they were doing. They needed some good cattle, and the trip was successful sending over a lot Good family photo from the winter of 2020 of breeding stock. Gary and Kate made several shipments, and I went down to Becanour, Quebec to help load the ships. The National Western Stock Show in Denver was an annual trip as it would give me an idea of what was going on with our friends in the south. The American Angus Association runs an annual tour in certain areas of the country during the summer and we attended several over the years. Four years ago, I got to go to the World Angus Forum in Scotland, it was a valuable trip as I covered three countries, Ireland, Scotland, and England. The trip to China through Michael Latimer and the Canadian Beef Breeds Council was both interesting and unique. There were eight or nine of us that got invited to speak at the university, a personal invitation from the head professor and we were given different topics to speak on. We had to get A delegation at the World Angus Forum in Scotland our presentation done and send it over there to see if they accepted it. When we were introduced to speak, we From left: Nathan Marin, Mike Sidoryk and Brian Good were all addressed as doctors, so I was Dr. Brian Good. A great trip and the heat and smog were unbearable.”

AA With so many miles travelled on the road, did you like travelling? “One year I spent 209 days in motel rooms. I stayed in unique hotels… the Aneroid Hilton… I had a room with a view of the pool…. the Saskatchewan Wheat Pool. I have been to Douglas Lake, Nicola, and Stump Lake in a day… never caught a fish but saw a pile of cattle. I have seen a lot of auction barns… some clean… some not so good as they do not spend a lot of time Today’s Angus Advantag e 26

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cleaning. In Scotland and the British Isles, the sale barns are washed down every night. My favorite place to visit is Agribition and over the years I wore out several trucks driving all over and loved every minute.

AA Tell us about your thoughts about marketing. “Most guys can breed and feed cattle but then they have to sell them… it boils down to a people business… total marketing and that’s what it is all about. Marketing is based on customer service. When you are delivering bulls take time to visit with the customer… see their program and show them you care about what they are doing…. remember that they are proud of their accomplishments as well. Most importantly be a good listener… let them do the talking and do not forget their spouse!

A presentation at the World Angus Forum in Scotland

A good example of a guy who markets them properly is Bob Switzer. He sells upward of 150 bulls a year and has been doing so for a long time. He lives in the middle of nowhere and offers the highest in hospitality. While his hired hand is taking care of ranch duties, Bob is out and about promoting. He is all over the Auction Market of the Year 2018 Heartland country and has been Swift Current in more yards than any of us. Whether it is a ball game, hockey game, achievement day, or rodeo, you will find him visiting with the dad’s.”

AA How has social media and marketing changed in your last two decades? “It has definitely changed, but I fumble away at it. The new marketing methods have helped through this pandemic, but I do not believe that it is the end be all because I do believe we need paper production, we need catalogues, and we need magazines. But use it all! Social media has eliminated some of the fellowship and camaraderie in the cattle industry. I do not think that doing your sale “horse race style” will last as there is virtually no contact whatsoever. It will be interesting later this spring and summer to get feedback when all the bulls have been delivered.”

Don, Margaret and Diana Raffin and Lynanne and Brian Good

AA What does retirement hold for you? “Not sure yet… I have some irons in the fire, but I want to slow up for sure and not take anything on full time. I have looked at some options, but I’ll wait until fall and covid to settle down.” Brian Good and his bride Lynanne have been married for 48 years. She was a city girl but when they got married and moved out to the farm, she fit right in… back in those days, meals would have to go out to the fields every day and she got into the farm way of life and loved showing cattle. They have two children, Kevin, and Tracy and five grandkids.

Black Browe Cattle Company’s Best Man 30 was a proven and famous herdsire for the Goods

Brian Good, for the past two decades, dedicated his life and efforts to developing the leading breed in Canada today… no manual, just working with gut instinct and by the seat of his pants. He’s left big shoes to fill.

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given pretty much across Canada. Other more specific vaccines or time intervals for vaccines will vary depending on when the disease challenge comes and geographically what unusual is in the specific area. New advancements and health nutrition and parasite status.

Core vaccines recognized by most veterinarians and producers I would say is as follows. The five-way viral vaccines (IBR, PI3, BRSV, and BVD types one and two). These are given to the calves often along with at least Mannheimia and often Pasteurella as the pneumonia preventing vaccine. These often come together in one shot. These vaccines are often given at two to three months of age and again at or ideally before weaning. If producers have pneumonic issues in calves prior to the two to three months that is where commonly the viral and bacterial intranasal vaccines are given. The intranasal vaccines are also finding a place on entry to the feedlot where quick immunity is paramount. Later in the feedlot finishing period, many veterinarians recommend boostering with IBR specifically at reimplant time. This helps prevent the severe cases of pneumonia and tracheitis IBR can cause late in the finishing period. These are examples of where a respiratory protection gap is most commonly noted. The five-way viral component is given as a follow-up yearly to the mature cattle and heifers ideally before breeding to prevent reproductive diseases. In some dairy and beef herds especially in the Veterinarians need to be consistent at the clinic level east if pneumonia has been a problem in mature cattle in vaccine suggestions otherwise further confusion Mannheimia & Pasteurella can be added to the mix. ensues. Your herd veterinarian knows your herd the best so depending on history and disease challenges in Histophilus is the other agent causing pneumonia, the past recommendations may vary slightly from herd arthritis, heart and brain issues so it is often combined to herd. I like to use the concept of the core vaccines with the clostridial vaccines in one needle. Some Today’s Angus Advantag e 28

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veterinarians have removed it because they weren’t seeing any cases or felt were still seeing brain issues. The fact is the vaccine has worked well for decades and we don’t see cases because we do vaccinate. There are many other causes of brain disease so one must get a proper diagnosis before jumping to conclusions. It is one disease that starts with stress so preconditioning programs are the one way to significantly prevent cases. Vaccination upon entry to the feedlot is often too late for cases initiated at weaning. This is where reliance on the cow-calf producer for giving the priming shots for histophilus BVD and others can avert big problems in the feedlot. With the purebred herds where preimmunization ahead of weaning is a wise decision and weaning as stress-free as possible. Clostridial disease is another that still occurs in outbreak form in unvaccinated cattle or some of the multivalent vaccines lack tetanus, clostridium hemolyticum (redwater), or clostridium sordelli. Lots have been written about clostridial disease so will say nothing more. There is no excuse for not using this vaccine. If worried about lumps which rarely happen vaccinate show cattle on the non-show side (left ) and can even hide the vaccine behind the elbow. They are more sensitive here but gives you an option. Lumps are a little more common with clostridial vaccines. Scour vaccines one must carefully follow which vaccine is given as time before calving is critical and with some protection wanes after about 90 days so later calving cows may need to be given a booster vaccine. I think it is imperative especially for the larger herds to get vaccinated. If we can prevent that first case of scours from developing we avoid contamination of the calving grounds and an outbreak.

Remember the other species on your farms and ranches. The good working dogs and barn cats all have preventable diseases for which there is a vaccination. This includes distemper, parvo, and rabies for dogs among others. Distemper and rabies for cats as well as influenza, rhino, and tetanus as well as a few neurological diseases for horses. Again, your herd veterinarian can best advise what vaccines for all these other species on your farm. Different areas of the country may have other vaccinations necessary such as leptospirosis, vibriosis, anthrax, and rabies for livestock in some areas. Certain herds may need to vaccinate for pinkeye, footrot, or coronavirus depending on risk levels. We are fortunate in Canada to be free of diseases like brucellosis or foot and mouth where vaccines are available but because we are free are unnecessary or not allowed. Again no vaccines are 100% but clostridials are close and with other vaccines herd immunity is considered when we get 80% protectivity. Many things confound the ability of vaccination to give good immunity. That subject has been written about many a time, but we always want to look after nutrition, parasites, minimize stress plus store, handle, and administer vaccines properly to maximize protection. Always ask about new developments or ways to increase immunity in the herd. Pharma companies are always adding new vaccine antigens to make your life easier. Together good vaccination strategies will go a long way to minimize these preventable diseases on our cowcalf, feedlot & purebred operations. This COVID19 crisis has shown the world the power and protective capability of vaccine farm out-weigh treatment. This is no different with our cattle operations and the critical vaccines that keep our herds healthy.

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