Texas Longhorn Trails
February 2013
Texas Longhorn Trails (817) 625-6241• (817) 625-1388 (FAX) P.O. Box 4430 • Fort Worth, TX 76164 E-Mail: trails@tlbaa.org www.tlbaa.org
Staff Editor in Chief:
Laura Standley •
Ext. 105
laura@tlbaa.org • trailseditor@tlbaa.org
VOL. 24 NO. 11
FEBRUARY 2013
Contributing Editor: Henry L. King Advertising:
Troy Robinett •
Ext. 117 • troy@tlbaa.org
Rick Fritsche •
Ext. 107
rick@tlbaa.org • registrar@tlbaa.org
Graphic Design & Production:
Myra Basham, Art Director • Ext. 108 myra@tlbaa.org • artdirector@tlbaa.org
Multi-Media Designer/Photographer:
Scotty O’Bryan •
Ext. 109
scotty@tlbaa.org • web@tlbaa.org
Regional Correspondents
21-25
Feature Article:
Departments:
Bull Management & Nutrition By Walker, Perry, Daly & Olson......21-25
Officers & Directors ........................5 Chairman Letter ..............................6 TLBT Update ................................42 News On The Trail..........................46 In The Pen ......................................46 Movers & Shakers ........................47 Affiliate News ..........................48-49 Ad Index ........................................55 Just For Grins ................................55 Save the Date ................................56
Articles: Breeder Spotlight: Sherman Boyles By Henry King ............................28-30 Inbreeding, Linebreeding & Outcrossing in Texas Longhorns By David M. Hillis ......................33-36 Bull Selection By Richard W. Rice........................38-39
Sales, Shows & Tours: Wichita Mtn. Wildlife Refuge Sale ..20
About the Cover: A Texas Longhorn bull overlooking his cows in the pasture, beautiful in his element and a fitting illustration of this month’s focus – herd sires. A critical part of anyone’s breeding program, this isssue highlights articles on care and management, as well as lots of prime examples of Texas Longhorn herd sires from our advertisers. Photo by El Coyote Ranch of Kingsville,Texas.
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Lori Beeson • Nolensville, Tennessee Bonnie Damrow • Roca, Nebraska Paige Evans • Kiowa, Colorado Deb Lesyk • Outlook, Saskatchewan, Canada Wanda Moore • Sulphur Bluff, Texas Bodie Quary • Prague, Oklahoma
Office Staff Office Manager: Rick Fritsche • Ext. 107 rick@tlbaa.org • registrar@tlbaa.org
Show & Sales:
Pam Galloway •
Ext. 106 pam@tlbaa.org • salesandevents@tlbaa.org
Registrations:
Dana Coomer •
Ext. 116 dana@tlbaa.org • registrar@tlbaa.org membership@tlbaa.org Rick Fritsche • Ext. 107 rick@tlbaa.org • registrar@tlbaa.org
Accounting:
Donna Shimanek •
Ext. 121
donna@tlbaa.org
Adminstrative Assistant/Receptionist:
Cynthia Guerra •
Ext. 100 cynthia@tlbaa.org
The Texas Longhorn Trails (ISSN-10988432, USPS 016469) is published monthly by the Texas Longhorn Breeders Association of America, 2315 N. Main, Ste. 402, Fort Worth, TX 76164. Periodical Postage Paid at Fort Worth, TX. Subscription rates: $60 per year; foreign per year $75. Postmaster: Send address changes to: Texas Longhorn Trails, 2315 N. Main, Ste. 402, Fort Worth, TX 76164. Phone (817) 625-6241. Fax (817) 625-1388. Advertisers and advertising agencies assume liability for all content of advertisements printed and also assume responsibility for any claims arising from such advertisements made against the publisher. Publisher reserves exclusive rights to accept or reject advertising or editorial material submitted for publication in the Texas Longhorn Trails magazine. Articles and photos from this publication may be reprinted only with permission of the publisher.
“We reach every TLBAA member”
Deadline: March 2013 deadline is January 23rd. Printed in the USA
Texas Longhorn Trails
Alaska
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Canada, New Zealand, Australia
17 13
EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE
18
2 3
16
14 15 NORTH WEST
Hawaii
9
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CENTRAL
EAST
12
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SOUTH
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SOUTHEAST
TLBAA Regions
DIVISION A ~ REGIONS 1-6
Chairman of the Board: Bernard Lankford • (817) 341-2013 Executive Vice Chairman: Lana Hightower • (903) 963-7442
1st Vice Chairman: Dora Thompson • (318) 872-6329
At-Large Director
At-Large Director
Nancy Dunn
(334) 318-0887 nancydunn2010@windstream.net
Lana Hightower
At-Large Director
At-Large Director
Treasurer: Gary Bowdoin • (254) 640-0844
Director: Steven Zunker • (210) 827-3940
2nd Vice Chairman: Larry Smith • (281) 935-2811
DIVISION B ~ REGIONS 7-12
Secretary: Jim Rombeck • (620) 257-5247
Director: Ray Beadle • (408) 834-0110
DIVISION C ~ REGIONS 13-18 At-Large Director
(903) 963-7442 glcattleco@aol.com
(620) 704-3493 tmck7@ckt.net
Todd McKnight At-Large Director
Dora Thompson
(318) 872-6329 or (318) 871-6160 echoofambush@aol.com
John Parmley
(281) 541-1201 john@jspservicesinc.com
(573) 406-9868 info@robertslonghorns.com
Region 1 - Director
Region 7 - Director
(403) 548-6684 walkersu7texaslonghorns@gmail.com
Region 13 - Director
Ron Walker
Region 2 - Director
David Roberts
Donnie Taylor
(936) 414-1401 longhorn4t@msn.com
(308) 750-8384 or (308) 246-5600 tejas@mcintyreranches.com
Region 8 - Director
Region 14 - Director
L.D. McIntyre
Mark Stuck
(540) 752-6831 bcrstuck@hotmail.com
Bernard Lankford
(817) 341-2013 MoriahFarmsBL@aol.com
(620) 257-5247 jimrombeck@yahoo.com
Region 3 - Director
Region 9 - Director
Region 15 Director
(618) 729-2004 ssimmons@copeplastics.com
Scott Simmons
Region 4 - Director
Jim Rombeck
Robert Richey
(325) 942-1198 r3ranch@aol.com
(979) 906-0043 cperz1@hotmail.com
Region 10 - Director
Region 16 - Director
Craig Perez
Roger Townsend
(931) 309-9480 tnman37_38478@yahoo.com
Gary Bowdoin
(254) 640-0844 Tonkawacattleco@aol.com
(435) 275-2112 ddlonghorns@hotmail.com
Region 5 - Director
Region 11 - Director
Region 17 - Director
Doug Hunt
Terry King
(850) 956-4154 tklonghorns@centurylink.net
Larry Smith
(281) 935-2811 texasslonghorns@aol.com
(208) 860-7430 terry@fuhrimanins.com
Region 6 - Director
Region 12 - Director
(337) 328-7258 longhorn@camtel.net
(210) 827-3940 stevenzunker@msn.com
Region 18 - Director
Gene Juranka
CHARLES SCHREINER III* 1964-1967 WALTER G. RIEDEL, JR.* 1967-1969 J.G. PHILLIPS, JR.* 1969-1971 WALTER B. SCOTT 1971-1973 JAMES WARREN 1973-1975 J.W. ISAACS* 1975-1977 J.T. “HAPPY” SHAHAN* 1977-1978
Terry Fuhriman
Steven Zunker
JOHN R. BALL 1979-1980 BILL ANTHONY 1981-1982 DR. L.V. BAKER 1982-1984 DR. W.D. “BILL” CLARK 1984-1986 RICHARD D. CARLSON 1986-1988 JOHN T. BAKER 1988-1990
RIEMER CALHOUN, JR. 1990-1992 GLEN W. LEWIS 1992-1995 TIM MILLER* 1995-1998 SHERMAN BOYLES 1998-2003 BOB MOORE* 2003-2005 JOEL LEMLEY 2006-2007
(408) 834-0110 rlbeadle@longfibre.com
Ray Beadle
BEN GRAVETT 2007 DR. FRITZ MOELLER 2007-2009 MAURICE LADNIER 2009-2010 ROBERT RICHEY 2010 STEVEN ZUNKER 2010-2011 BRENT BOLEN 2011-2012
— MEMBER —
* DECEASED
TLBAA BREED ADVISORY COMMITTEE Chairman: Dr. Bob Kropp
Dr. Harlan Ritchie
Dr. Bill Able
Marshall Ruble
Dr. Charles McPeake
Dr. Scott Schaake
Dr. Randall Grooms - TAES
Oklahoma State University
Michigan State University
Northwestern Oklahoma University
Iowa State University
University of Georgia
Kansas State University
Texas A&M University
February 2013
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From the Chairman of the Board It has been an honor and a priviledge to serve as Chairman of the Board of the TLBAA for the past year. The board met in person in January and October and had 12 teleconference board meetings. In addition to being involved in supervision of the everyday business of the TLBAA, the board has worked diligently to hire a CEO/President. We have needed someone in that position for a while and are excited about our decision. We have hired Mike Coston as President/CEO. Mike previously served as President/CEO of the Chamber of Commerce, Kilgore, Texas. He has an extensive background in marketing and public relations, and is already working on ideas for the TLBAA. Mike was present at our functions in Fort Worth on January 17th-19th and will begin in the office by February 4, 2013. The Foundation Board, with input from the TLBAA Board, is moving forward with plans for our building in the Stockyards. The building committee, chaired by John Parmley, is finalizing plans and should have them ready with a color elevation and cost estimate by the General Membership Meeting. We negotiated a new two-year lease on our current office and entered into a five-year agreement with GPS on the HORNS System. Because we have not had a President/CEO, I have spent many days in the Fort Worth office helping conduct TLBAA business and want to commend Rick Fritsche for the job he has done as acting office manager. We will be celebrating our 50 year anniversary in April 2014. An anniversary celebration committee is in the formation stage. Hopefully our building will progress so we can have our anniversary celebration and open house in our new building. As Chairman, my focus has been to promote the well-being and continued success of the TLBAA and its members, and uphold and adhere to the TLBAA and TLBA Foundation by-laws and policies and procedures.May God bless you, the TLBAA and the USA.
Bernard Lankford
Michael (Mike) B. Coston As New President/CEO We would like to welcome Michael (Mike) B. Coston as President/CEO of the TLBAA. He will begin in the office no later than February 4, 2013. Feel free to contact Mike at 903-987-4040 or you can email him mike@tlbaa.org.
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Texas Longhorn Trails
Give your breeding program Beadle Land & Cattle - Ray & Bonnie Beadle Los Gatos & Hollister, CA (408) 834-0110 • (408) 656-6266 e-mail: rlbeadle@longfibre.com
Box Z Ranch - Steven Zunker & Louis Christa 1506 Harwood Road, Luling, TX 78648 Ranch mobile (210) 827-3940 www.boxzranch.com
Buckhorn Cattle Company - Buck & Sharon Adams 110 N. Broad, Guthrie, OK 73044 www.buckhorncattle.com (405) 260-1942 • (405) 282-9800
Eagles Ridge Longhorns - Paul & Judi Sellers 3245 Sugarloaf Key Rd, U21A, Punta Gorda, FL 33955 (941) 979-2419 or (443) 624-0792 e-mail: ancopa5@yahoo.com
Kent & Sandy Harrell
15 W 6th St Ste 2510, Tulsa, OK 74119 (918) 299-6402 • (918) 733-4008 www.harrellranch.com • e-mail: Kent@harrellranch.com
Kaso, Lisa & Jake Kety - Little Ace Cattle Company P.O. Box 386, Folsom, LA 70437 (985) 796-3918 e-mail: ketyfolsom@aol.com
PJ’s Cattle Company – Jim Swigert or Lance Swigert 2130 CR 100, Caldwell, TX 77836 Jim: (979) 224-2861 or Lance (979) 219-4902 e-mail: jim@swicoauctions.com or lance@swicoauctions.com www.pjslonghorns.com
MCA Ranch – Andrew & Carina Menzies 26610 Woodpecker Trl • Spicewood, TX 78669 (512) 739-6808 tc@newbellhurst.com
McLeod Ranch – Michael, Jackie, Mike & Makayla McLeod 355 C.R. 303A, Edna, TX 77957 (361) 782-0155
Brennan & Michele Potts - Rocking P Longhorns
P.O. Box 579, Emory, TX 75440 (903) 473-2430 Cell: (903) 348-5400 www.rockingplonghorns.com • e-mail: bpotts1@verizon.net
Rio Vista Ranch - Elmer & Susan Rosenberger 4818 Eck Lane, Austin, TX 78734 (512) 266-3250 Cell: (512) 422-8336 e-mail: elmer@riovistaranch.com www.riovistaranch.com
Westfarms Inc. - Dale, Lynette, Leslie & Matt Westmoreland 13529 Hwy 450, Franklinton, LA 70438 (985) 839-5713 Cell: (985) 515-3172 e-mail: westfarmsinc@gmail.com
a boost with Butler genetics! Frank Anderson Jr. and III 828 South Rosemary Drive • Bryan, TX 77802 (979) 846-8020 • (281) 501-2100 edie.wakefield@gmail.com
DALGOOD Longhorns - Malcolm & Connie Goodman (713) 782-8422 • Waller, TX e-mail: dalgood@comcast.net www.dalgoodlonghorns.com
MCA Ranch – Andrew & Carina Menzies 26610 Woodpecker Trl • Spicewood, TX 78669 (512) 739-6808 tc@newbellhurst.com
Moriah Farms - Bernard Lankford Weatherford, TX (817) 341-4677 • (817) 319-9198 cell www.moriahfarmslonghorns.com
Rocking G Ranch - Mrs. Ramie Griffin 5005 Callais Road • Beaumont, TX 77713 (409) 892-2662 • Fax (409) 838-6926 Cell (409) 781-3215 e-mail: dayamisrockingranch@yahoo.com
Rocking I Longhorns - Nancy Ince & Tony Mangold 30 FM 3351 N, Bergheim, TX 78004 (830) 237-5024 • e-mail: tmangold@sbcglobal.net www.rockinilonghorns.com
Sidewinder Cattle Company - Ed Shehee, Jr. 1007 Airport Blvd • Pensacola, FL 32504 (850) 572-6595 www.sidewindercattleco.com
Jane’s Land & Cattle Co. - John & Jane Thate 418 W. Margaret St. • Fairmont, MN 56031 (507) 235-3467
Triple R Ranch - Robert & Kim Richey 21000 Dry Creek Road • San Angelo, TX 76901 (325) 942-1198 • e-mail: r3ranch@aol.com www.butlertexaslonghorns.com
This space is available for your ranch listing!
October 2012
1
Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge 69th Annual Sale Results Sale report submitted by Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge
DECEMBER 6, 2012
WICHITA MOUNTAINS WILDLIFE REFUGE LAWTON, OKLAHOMA
✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯ HIGH SELLING LOTS:
$1,200 Bull Calf
Buyer: Quinton Fullerton, Marlow, OK
$1,000
Highlights
Buyer: Loran Nelson, Coalgate, OK
78 Registered Buyers from 7 states
2-year-old Cow/Calf Pair
141 Lots sold averaged $483.73 20 Cows averaged $478.75
3-year-old Bull
$950
Pete & Stacy Hood, Indiahoma, OK.
Buyer: William Davis, Pershing, OK
$700
Yearling Heifer
1 Bull averaged $1,000
Buyer: Loran Nelson, Coalgate, OK
3 Cow/Calf Pairs averaged $841.67
Yearling Heifer
19 Yearling Bulls (2011) averaged $560.53
$700
Buyer: Quinton Fullerton, Marlow, OK
$650
13-year-old Cow
20 yearling (2011) Heifers averaged $561.25
Buyer: Matt Ratliff, Faxon, OK
33 Bull calves averaged $446.52
3-year-old Cow
40 Heifer calves averaged $450.63 5 Skulls averaged $84
$650
Buyer: Loran Nelson, Coalgate, OK
$650
Yearling Bull
Buyer: Dean Baustert, Edmond, OK
Volume Buyer: Schulyer Wight, Goldsmith, TX
TLBAA Rick Fritsche; Dick Robbins, Belvidere, KS.
Doug Hillary and grandson Keagan, holding puppy "Ace"
$550
Heifer Calf
Buyer: Schuyler Wight, Goldsmith, TX
Photos by Scotty O’Bryan
✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯
Area students learning how to help. Bow Meek, Leon Fletcher, Billy Evans. Dick Robbins, Belvidere, KS and camera crew.
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June 2009
Texas Longhorn Trails
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Julie Walker - Dept. of Animal and Range Sciences, South Dakota State Univ., Brookings, Julie.Walker@sdstate.edu George Perry - Dept. of Animal and Range Sciences, South Dakota State Univ., Brookings, George.Perry@sdstate.edu Russ Daly - Veterinary Science, South Dakota State Univ., Brookings, russell.daly@sdstate.edu Ken Olson - Dept. of Animal and Range Sciences, South Dakota State Univ., Brookings, Kenneth.Olson@sdstate.edu Proper management and nutrition of bulls is essential to ensure cow/calf producers maximize reproductive efficiency and genetic improvement of the calf crop. In addition, the herd bull influences overall herd fertility more than any other single animal, and loss of fertility by a bull can cause substantial loss to a potential calf crop. Each cow produces one calf per year; however, bulls should contribute to the calf crop by 25 to 60 times via siring 25 to 60 calves. Additionally, bulls influence their daughters’ production in the cow herd. Therefore, bull selection can be the most powerful method of genetic improvement in the herd, but bulls with low fertility, structural problems and low libido reduce the percent calf crop weaned. The number of cows bred during the breeding season plays the largest role in percent calf crop weaned, and percent calf crop weaned is the single most important factor influencing profitability in beef operations. The weaning weight is influenced by the bull selection. Since greater than 90% of the beef cows in the United States are bred by natural service, it is important that bulls be managed to optimize breeding performance. Producers spend the necessary time to find quality bulls based on EPD’s, but how does the way the the bull is managed from purchase to breeding or between breeding seasons affect the longevity of a bull? Has the nutrient requirements of the bull(s)
been met during these periods or are the bulls placed into a pasture to be forgotten about until the next breeding season? There are several factors that influence bull fertility. First, a bull must be developed properly and have reached puberty to be fertile. Second, physical characteristics, such as scrotal circumference, mating ability, and semen quality play a role in a bull’s fertility. Third, libido and social dominance influence a bull’s ability and desire to service cows. This paper will start with nutrition.
Puberty and bull development The most commonly used definition of puberty in bulls is when an ejaculate collected via electroejaculation contains a minimum of 50 x 106 total sperm with at least 10% progressive motility. The age and weight that puberty occurs is affected by feeding different energy levels of feed. High levels of energy can increase weight, height, and scrotal circumference without effecting age at puberty or first mating, showing nutritional effects on bull development without affecting sexual development. Highly fitted or excessive conditioned bulls may fatigue rapidly, contributing to fewer cows serviced. Ideally, bulls should be in a condition score of 6 (9 point system) since bulls normally lose about 100 to 200 pounds during the breeding season. This weight loss should come from energy stored as fat (condition) rather than muscle tissue. This is especially important for young bulls since they are still growing.
How a bull is managed from purchase to breeding can affect the breeding ability of the bull. Nutrition is a key factor in off season management. February 2013
Furthermore, extremely low energy can delay puberty and potentially impair sperm production. In addition, bulls that are undernourished at a young age may never develop appropriately when compared to bulls that are properly fed (VanDemark et al., 1964). The age and weight at which puberty occurs also varies greatly among breeds and level of nutrition during development; however, research with various breeds suggests that a practical indication of eminent puberty is when scrotal circumference is between 27 and 29 cm (Lunstra et al., 1978). However, simply because a bull can produce semen does not translate directly to fertility. Sperm quality and quantity continues to increase for several months after the initiation of semen production. Only about 35%, 60%, and 95% of 12, 14, and 16 month old bulls, respectively, are reproductively mature and produce good quality semen (Barth, 2000).
Nutrition Seedstock producers are the primary individuals managing the development program of bulls being sold. For commercial cow-calf producers, feeding programs usually include feeding purchased bull(s) from delivery until the breeding season and bulls retained from one breeding season to the next. Bulls are often managed as one group even though there may be large differences in age, size, and body condition. The debate over the correct method for developing bulls is not settled: Should you develop bulls at a moderate rate of gain or develop bulls on a ration that is capable of supporting high rates of gain so genetic differences can be measured for selection and marketing purposes? Bulls put into many
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bull test stations are placed on rations to support high rates of gain. Many seedstock producers have established specific feeding programs to fit the desired animal performance where bulls show their genetic potential and are cost efficient. The key to a well-developed feeding program is that nutrient requirements are met and animals are not under-or over-fed. It does not matter if they are developed with a high-grain ration or forage-based program. While the effect of underfeeding is obvious, overfeeding bulls also has negative effects on reproductive performance. Excess external fat cover is not only found on the back of the bull, but also in the scrotum. The increased scrotal temperatures associated with over conditioned bulls can reduce sperm production and the quality of stored sperm. Being overly fat also increases stress on the bull and limits his ability to travel so he can search out and service cows that are in estrus. Let’s focus on five time periods; 1) Preweaning nutrition, 2) Post-weaning nutrition, 3) Conditioning prior to breeding season, 4) Breeding season, and 5) Post breeding season.
Pre-weaning nutrition: Nutrition management of beef calves (including bull calves) is to maintain them on their dam until normal weaning at 6 – 9 months of age. Under normal environments, the plane of nutrition from dam’s milk and forage should be adequate for normal growth rates of bull calves. It is important that adequate nutrition is available to the dam. Additional management options such as early weaning or creep feeding can be considered when the calves’ plane of nutrition is less than desired; however, the cost should be considered when making your decision.
Post-weaning nutrition: During the time period from weaning to first breeding season is when producers are determining rations. We suggest developing bulls at moderate rates of gain instead of high rates of gain. Since bull selection is based on genetic information such as EPDs, more producers are using a moderate plane of nutrition to develop breeding bulls during the postweaning phase. Nutrient requirements for growing bulls can be found in NRC (2000) or through the extension service. There are many possible rations that could be used to develop bulls at the desired animal performance prior to the first breeding season.
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The best ration depends heavily on the availability and cost of feed ingredients. The key is developing the ration to meet the desired animal performance without overor under-developing the bull. During the post-weaning period both under-nutrition and over-nutrition can have negative impacts. Under-nutrition results in delayed puberty and over-nutrition can reduce semen production and quality. Limited data is available in the area of bull nutrition. Diets should be balanced to meet the nutrient requirements for the desired animal performance and body condition score should be monitored to ensure that the bulls are not being under- or overnourished. Typically, many of the diets to develop beef bulls contain from 40 – 60% concentrate. For breeds that are known to reach puberty later, a common practice is to place the bulls on a slightly higher plane of nutrition (60 – 70% concentrate). The theory is to hasten the onset of puberty; however, with breeds that reach puberty early; additional energy is not beneficial and may cause over-conditioned animals.
Conditioning prior to the breeding season: Yearling bulls should have a body condition score of 5.5 to 6.5 (9 point scale) at the start of the breeding season. Once body condition has been assessed, management is needed for over-conditioned bulls and thin bulls. If yearling bulls are over-conditioned they need to be “let down” to prepare them for the breeding season. Gradual changes are needed when changing diets to be more or less concentrated to reduce the possibilities of metabolic disorders and impaired breeding performance. Because mature sperm is produced over a 60- day period before ejaculation; nutritional effects of over- or under-feeding on sperm quantity and quality will have some carryover effect. The general method of stepping down bulls is to gradually replace a portion of the concentrate in the ration with forage over several weeks until the bulls are consuming forage or forage plus a supplement. Ideally, this should start at least 30 to 60 days prior to turn-out and yearling bulls should continue to gain 1.5 to 2.0 pounds per day. Thin bulls should be put on a ration with a higher level of energy to increase rate of gain. If bulls purchased or previously in your ownership are in good condition you will need to ensure that they are adapted to high-forage rations prior to turn out.
Breeding Season Nutrition: There is limited opportunity to manage bull nutrition during the breeding season. They are basically on the same plane of nutrition as the cows. However, you should assess the body condition score of bulls during the breeding season as well as observe bulls’ ability to service the cows. Bulls often lose from 100 to 200 pounds during the breeding season. If bull(s) get extremely thin during the breeding season you may want to replace him because his ability to service the cows will probably be reduced.
Post-breeding season: The need for proper growth and development still exists and continues after the breeding season, especially for young bulls that are still growing. Nutritional management postbreeding is influenced by both age of bulls and amount of weight loss during the course of the breeding season. Once the breeding season is over, producers usually turn bulls out to a separate pasture to regain lost weight and prepare them for the next breeding season. Mature bulls in fairly good condition after the breeding season can be managed on pasture or an allroughage diet without supplements during the winter. Hay quality should be 8 to 10% crude protein and fed at 2% of body weight. Rations should be modified based on available feed ingredients and to manage the bulls to maintain moderate body condition. Young bulls are still growing so the ration should be formulated to gain 1-1/2 to 2 pounds per day depending on the magnitude of weight loss during breeding. The need to supplement young bulls on summer/fall pasture will depend on the quality and quantity of forage available. The best method for developing a diet for bulls is to test potential feeds and formulate a ration based on age, size and desired performance. For example, during the winter feeding program, feeding roughage at 2% of body weight plus 3 to 6 pounds of grain so total diet protein content is 10 to 11% will often provide the targeted rate of gain in young bulls.
Minerals and Vitamins: Minerals and vitamins are important for successful animal growth and breeding performance. As you develop a ration for your bulls remember to include a quality mineral and vitamin program. Texas Longhorn Trails
Two Breeding Seasons per Year: Some producers have both spring and fall calving herds, hence double-using bulls. This puts additional management onto these producers to ensure that bulls will be prepared to serve cows at each breeding season. With two breeding seasons per year, bulls have a shorter time to replenish their weight loss before the next breeding season. Young bulls may need to gain 2 to 2 1/2 pounds per day to recover from weight loss. Even with the best nutrition program some bulls have low fertility or other reproduction problems which will limit their servicing capacity. We will highlight some management that can be completed to increase the probability of high performing and fertilitybulls and other things to measure to decide if bulls are fertile or not.
Facilities Facilities vary widely among operations. It may include pens/pastures, fences, water/waterer, forage supplies, corrals, working areas and natural barriers. The key is having facilities that can safely handle fighting bulls and ensures the safety of those working with the cattle. Pens and pastures should be large enough to ensure bulls adequate exercise to prepare them for the breeding season. To encourage bulls to get exercise, locate feeding areas away from water. Bunk space should be 24 to 30 inches per bull if all bulls are being fed at the same time, space can be reduced to 8 to 12 inches with a self feeder.
Social Dominance Typically social ranking (dominance) is controlled by size, age and seniority within the group. This ranking may affect the February 2013
number of cows a given bull will service in a multiplesire herd. Livestock managers must be aware of these relationships to ensure normal breeding rates. For example, a dominant bull with poor semen quality or low libido could reduce pregnancy rates for an entire herd even when more fertile subordinate bulls are present. A bull’s seniority is the major factor influencing his social ranking; the dominant bull in a breeding cadre is likely to be an older bull (Chenoweth, 1997). Therefore, it is important not to introduce a young (yearling) bull into a herd with an older, more mature bull. Introducing young bulls into a herd with an older bull can be avoided by separating cows into single-sire breeding groups. In multiple-sire breeding groups, multiple bulls tend to breed the same sexually active cows, this increases the risk of bull injury. The number of breeding pastures is often limited within a beef operation. When running multiple-sire breeding groups with a variety of ages, it is important to group bulls together based on multiplesire groups before the breeding season. This allows them to determine the social ranking prior to turning them into the cow herd.
Bull to Cow ratio Since variation exists between bulls in their desire to mate (libido), recommendations for bull to cow ratios range from 1:10 up to 1:60. Practically bull to cow ratios vary greatly depending on the capability of individual bulls and the situation they are placed in (e.g., synchronized or nonsynchronized herds). Bull age also affects bull to cow ratios. Yearling bulls have a lower
serving capacity than older bulls. Therefore, it is important to remember that young bulls should be utilized at a lower bull to cow ratio than older bulls. Individual 2- and 3- year old bulls with high reproductive capacity have been used in nonsynchronized single-sire breeding groups with bull to cow ratios of 1:60 with no decrease in estrous detection or conception (Chenoweth, 1997). However, when multiple sires are used on a single group of females, additional bulls will be required since several bulls will breed the same cow. In addition, when cows are synchronized and bred by natural service, greater pressure is placed on the herd bull. Therefore, additional bulls will be needed to breed the same number of cows when compared to the number of bulls needed to breed nonsynchronized cows (Healy et al., 1993). Maximum bull to cow ratios will vary depending on mating ability, semen quality, and libido of individual bulls. Bull to female ratios can usually be increased in single-sire breeding groups; however, bulls should be observed closely during the breeding season to ensure that they continue to mate successfully. Poor performance of a bull in a single-sire breeding group will affect the entire calf crop of that group.
Health A good health program is essential for the herd bulls. The best method for developing a health protocol is by working with your local veterinarian. You should determine the vaccinations to be given, parasite control, and other specific procedures most suited to your location. Health problems can be divided into 1) affecting the individ-
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ual bull or 2) infectious diseases that may affect the herd as well as the bull’s fertility. Conditions that affect the individual bull are: 1) Johne’s disease, 2) Lameness due to injury or infection, 3) Pinkeye, 4) Vesiculitis, and 5) Other conditions. Those conditions can influence the bull’s ability to service the female or depress the semen quality. Some possible herd conditions are: 1) Bovine Viral Diarrhea (BVD), 2) Trichomoniasis, 3) Leptospirosis, 4) Vibriosis, 5) IBR-Infectious Bovine Rhinotracheitis (Red Nose). All of these conditions impact the profitability through reduced number of calves born.
Mating Ability The purpose of the physical examination portion of a BSE is to determine a bull's mating ability. Mating ability can be described as the physical capabilities needed to successfully breed a cow. A bull must be able to see, smell, eat, and move normally to successfully breed cows. The physical examination closely scrutinizes a bull’s eyes, teeth, feet, legs, and nutritional level (evaluated by body condition score). Any disease or injury that affects joints, muscles, nerves, bones, or tendons may cause a bull to be structurally unsound. In addition to structural unsoundness, diseases or injuries to the penis or prepuce can result in an inability to breed via natural service. These abnormalities will only be detected by careful examination or observing an attempted mating of a cow. A bull that has high quality semen but is unable to physically breed cows is unsatisfactory for natural service.
Breeding Soundness Evaluation (BSE) The American Society for Theriogenology developed minimum guidelines for a bull to pass a BSE. A BSE includes a physical examination, measurement of scrotal circumference, and evaluation of semen quality. To successfully complete a breeding soundness evaluation, a bull must have at least 30% sperm motility, 70% normal sperm morphology, and a minimum scrotal circumference based on age (Table 1; Chenoweth et al., 1992). Bulls should be tested approximately six weeks to one month prior to the breeding season by a veterinarian. This allows for time to retest bulls where unsatisfactory results are obtained or time to find a replacement herd bull.
Scrotal Circumference As scrotal circumference increases, so does the daily production of high-quality sperm. There is a positive genetic correlation between a sire’s scrotal circumference, the scrotal circumference of his sons, and the pregnancy rate of his daughters. Furthermore, a negative genetic correlation exists between a sire’s scrotal circumference and age of puberty in his daughters. This indicates that bulls with a larger scrotal cir-
Table 1. Minimum scrotal circumference requirements for bulls to successfully pass a BSE based on the age of bulls (Chenoweth et al., 1992).
Minimum scrotal circumference requirements based on age Age in months
≤15 > 15≤18 > 18≤21 > 21≤24 ≥24
Scrotal circumference (cm) 30 24
31
32
33
34
cumference will likely sire sons with larger scrotal circumference. Furthermore, daughters should reach puberty at younger ages. There are two commonly used methods for measuring scrotal circumference, a scrotal measuring tape or the Coulter scrotal measuring tape. Scrotal circumference is measured by placing a measuring tape around the scrotum at the widest point and measuring the circumference of the scrotum. A scrotal circumference measurement is an indirect estimate of the mass of testicular tissue; moreover, amount of testicular tissue is directly related to sperm quantity and quality. Studies on 1,944 bulls of various breeds and ages indicated that as scrotal size increased, the probability of a bull passing a BSE also increased (Cates, 1975). Additionally, bulls with small scrotal circumference at a year of age tended to have small scrotal circumference at two years of age.
Semen Quality Semen quality includes ejaculate volume, sperm cell motility, and sperm cell morphology. It is important to remember that substandard nutrition, extreme environmental temperatures, and disease can reduce semen quality, and that the quality of semen from a single bull may change over time. Sperm motility is calculated by evaluating the percentage of spermatozoa in a sample ejaculate that have progressive (headfirst) movement under a microscope. Sperm morphology is calculated by evaluating the percentage normal spermatozoa in a sample ejaculate compared to sperm with primary and secondary abnormalities. Primary abnormalities originate in the testis during spermatogenesis. Secondary abnormalities originate in the epididymis, during sperm transport, or with handling of the sperm. Primary and secondary abnormalities refer to the origin of Texas Longhorn Trails
the defect and not to the severity of the defect. Therefore, both primary and secondary abnormalities are equally important when evaluating sperm quality. Sperm morphology influences pregnancy rates. Bulls with less than 20% abnormal sperm elicit greater pregnancy rates compared to other bulls (Wiltbank and Parish, 1986; Table 2). Therefore, selection of bulls with greater than 80% normal sperm can increase overall pregnancy rates in a herd.
1975). Furthermore, it has been shown that semen quality in young bulls can improve for up to 16 weeks following puberty. Conversely, a bull that successfully passes a BSE can fail a subsequent BSE. Sperm production is a continuous process and many factors can affect it. Injury, disease, fever, and extreme environmental conditions are four of the main factors that can decrease sperm production. Injury to the penis or testis can also result
Table 2. Bulls were selected randomly or had 80% normal sperm cells. All bulls had a scrotal circumference >32 cm and successfully passed a breeding soundness evaluation (Wiltbank and Parish, 1986). Year 1 Random ≥80% Group Normal Sperm
Cows Exposed No. of Bulls No. Pregnant % Pregnant % Increase
655 26 571 87%
Is a single BSE valid for the life of a bull? Sperm production is a continuous process. However, a BSE is conducted at a specific point in time, and measures the sperm production at that specific point time. Therefore, the results of a BSE may change over time. Out of 34 young bulls (< 2 years) that failed their first BSE, 26 of these bulls successfully passed a second BSE and were classified as satisfactory potential breeders in a study conducted at the University of Missouri (Elmore et al.,
675 27 656 93% 6%
Year 2 Random ≥80% Group Normal Sperm
1282 51 1179 85%
808 33 769 90% 5%
in infertility in bulls. In light of these facts, it is important to realize that the results of a single BSE are not valid for the life of a bull, and testing a bull annually, usually a month prior to breeding season is recommended.
Libido Libido refers to the desire to mate and is not part of the BSE. Libido is thought to be a highly inherited trait with heritability ranging as high as 0.59. This is because there is more variation in libido between sons of different sires than between sons of
the same sire. It is important to remember that scrotal circumference, semen quality, and mating ability (evaluated in a BSE) are not related to libido. Therefore, a bull that passes a BSE may have poor libido or a bull with good libido may fail a BSE. Libido has positive effects on pregnancy rate and, as such, can influence the success of an entire breeding season. For this reason, it is important to evaluate a bull’s desire to mate prior to the start of breeding season. This can be done by placing a bull in a pen with an estrous female and record the bull’s eagerness to mate over a five minute period. A bull’s eagerness can range from no sexual interest to successfully mating with the female. Libido can be more practically evaluated by closely watching a bull after introducing him to a cow herd.
Conclusion Proper nutrition is needed to ensure that the bull’s reproductive development and performance is maximized. Since reproductive traits are not highly heritable, greater selection intensity is required to achieve genetic improvement. Selection intensity for female reproductive traits is usually low, since selection of replacement females in commercial herd is usually based on age, or weight and not reproductive performance. As a result, greater selection intensity is required in selection of herd bulls to achieve the desired level of genetic improvement. Structurally sound bulls with a large scrotal circumference and high semen quality should be selected as herd sires. Moreover, it is important to remember that semen quality of an individual bull changes over time and, for a bull to be fertile, libido and mating ability should be evaluated periodically.
Barth, A. D. 2000. Bull breeding soundness evaluation. 2nd ed. Published by Western Canadian Association of Bovine Practitioners. Cates, W. F. 1975. Observations on scrotal circumference and its relationship to classification of bulls. Proc. Ann. Mtng. Soc. for Theriogenology. Cheyenne, WY. pp. 1-19. Chenoweth, P. J., J. C. Spitzer, and F. M. Hopkins. 1992. A new bull breeding soundness evaluation form. Proc. Ann. Mtng. Soc. for Theriogenology San Antonio, TX. pp. 63-71. Chenoweth, P. J. 1997. Bull libido/serving capacity. Vet. Clin. North Amer. Food Anim. Prac. 13:331-344. Elmore, R. G., C. J. Bierschwal, C. E. Martin, and R. E. Youngquist. 1975. A summary of 1127 breeding soundness examinations in beef bulls. Theriogenology. 3:209-218. Healy, V. M., G. W. Boyd, P. H. Gutierrez, R. G. Mortimer, and J. R. Piotrowski. 1993. Investigating optimal bull:heifer ratios required for estroussynchronized heifers. J. Anim. Sci. 71:291-297. Lehrer, A. R., M. B. Brown, H. Schindler, Z. Holzer, and B. Larsen. 1977. Paternity tests in multisired beef herds by blood grouping. Acta Vet. Scand. 18:433-441. Lunstra, D. D., J. J. Ford, and S. E. Echternkamp. 1978. Puberty in beef bulls: hormone concentrations, growth, testicular development, sperm production, and sexual aggressiveness in bulls of different breeds. J. Anim. Sci. 46:1054-1062. Nutrient Requirements of Beef Cattle (NRC) 2000. VanDemark, N. L., and R. E. Mauger. 1964. Effect of energy intake on reproductive performance of dairy bulls. I. Growth, reproductive organs, and puberty. J. Dairy Sci. 47:798-802. Wiltbank, J. N., and N. R. Parish. 1986. Pregnancy rate in cows and heifers bred to bulls selected for semen quality. Theriogenology. 25:779-783.
References
February 2013
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1975 – 2013 Strong like the breed, STLA is proudly recognized as the oldest affiliate of the Texas Longhorn Breeders Association of America (TLBAA).
VICTORY GAME DOB: 4/6/10 Victory Lap x Over Shadowed
Astera Meadows Ranch
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Danny & Merrilou Russell Edna, Texas • 361/781-4269 www.cactusroselonghorns.com
The South Texas Longhorn Association is comprised of dedicated breeders, ranchers, and hobbyists throughout Texas who raise and love Texas Longhorn cattle.
FR TEXAS RED Fisher Ranch Longhorns
Adkins, TX
Bruce & Karen Fisher • bruce@frlonghorns.com H 210/649-4449 • R 361/938-7376 • www.frlonghorns.com
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Vida Nueva Ranch
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Jim & Carolyn Van Duzee www.JandCLonghorns.com
817-491-1423 China Spring, Texas
T
he popularity of team roping made roping steers a valuable commodity in southeastern Mississippi, so in 1986, Sherman Boyles decided to raise some for his own use. Both he and his high school-age son, Steve, were involved in the sport, he had available land to raise the steers on, and it wouldn’t take a major investment to add a few Longhorn cows to his herd. The Boyles family had been in the cattle business for generations, and Boyles’ acres, near Waynesboro, Mississippi, already supported a successful Brahman program. “I went to the IV Ranch, Kosciusko, Mississippi, intending to buy a few steers,” Sherman recalls, “and I wound up buying three cows. Mike Wood had
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been talking to my son, Steve, about showing cattle at the Dixie National, and we started looking into that. We had a little Longhorn bull that he showed, but it just wasn’t the kind the judges wanted, and he always placed last. We just weren’t producing the kind of cattle that could win in the show ring. Then one day I told him, ‘Pack your clothes, we’re going bull hunting.’” The trip took them to Kansas, Oklahoma and Texas where they visited with a number of breeders, but they finally found the bull Sherman wanted at John T.L. Jones’ place in Fayetteville, Texas. “Bob Dube was working for Johnny at that time,” said Sherman, “but when I picked out the one I wanted, he said I couldn’t have that one – it had been consigned to a sale being put together by Johnny Hoffman.” In order to get the bull, Boyles had to get Hoffman to agree, which he did on the premise that Jones would consign an animal of the same quality to his sale. That being all worked out, Sherman and Steve Boyles became the new owners of Miller Time, a son of the legendary Bail Jumper. “That’s when it started for me,” said Sherman. “He was a really good producer.” The first crop they got from the bull included a heifer they named MT Queen of Hearts that won for them at the Dixie National, and their show career was now on a successful trajectory. Later in life, Queen of Hearts was Grand Champion Mature Female at the World Show two different times. “I bought a cow from Johnny Hoffman at one of his sales,” Sherman recalls. “She was called Lonesome Dove and she was the high-selling cow. She was sired by Bail Jumper, and she was bred to Emperor. She had a bull calf, and Johnny Hoffman came up here and tried to buy him from me, but I wouldn’t sell him. We named him BB Lonesome Stranger and we kept him and used him as a herd bull.” Among his more prominent offspring, BB Lonesome Stranger sired B/B Lonely Rebel, which was Grand Champion of the 1999 TLBAA World Show, after having been World Reserve Grand Champion the previ-
ous year. He was the 1999 Hall of Fame Champion, and was chosen Grand Champion during the 1999 show season by eleven different judges. In addition to the World Show, some of his bigger wins included the Dixie National, the State Fair of Texas and the stock shows at Fort Worth, San Antonio and Houston. In addition to an outstanding show record, B/B Lonely Rebel also proved himself as a sire, including the award-winning QR It’s A Lonely Knight, which the Boyles owned in partnership with Tom & Mary Beth Peoples. QR It’s A Lonely Knight was the winner of the 2001 TLBAA World Reserve Grand Champion Bull and the 2002 TLBAA World Grand Champion Bull. “At one time,” said Sherman, “I had three daughters of Doherty 698, and I had one daughter of Measles. I’ve had some nice cattle. A lot of my cattle descended from Texas Ranger because Measles was by
Texas Ranger, and Bail Jumper was out of Measles. That bloodline was what most people got their show cattle from. You had to have that for the structure you needed for the show ring. The bull I’m using now I got from Owen McGill up in Wyoming. This bull’s got good conformation, and of course, he’s got a lot of horn. I’m putting him on those Miller Time daughters, and I’m keeping some heifers, but as far as the bulls, I’m just steering them. There’s not a market down here, and I’m not involved like I used to be, not going to sales. I’m just raising them for my own pleasure.” With the practiced eye of a lifelong cattleman, Sherman Boyles’ cattle selections obviously improved the Texas Longhorn cattle population, but it was his contribuTexas Longhorn Trails
tion as a member and as an officer that has made such a lasting impact. The first TLBAA function on a national level that Sherman attended was the Convention held at Las Vegas, Nevada. Although he went simply as a member with no personal agenda, he wound up creating history of a sort by becoming the first TLBAA Director from east of the Mississippi. Then in 1998, when he was elevated to President, he was the first TLBAA President from east of the Mississippi. Aside from the happenstance of his geographic home site, Sherman Boyles holds numerous TLBAA claims to fame, beginning with the fact that he is the only person to head the organization for five consecutive years, serving as President from 1998 to 2003. “There were more programs put in place during that time than any other time since the TLBAA has been around. I’m not bragging; but we had a great board who would all come together to do what was best for the TLBAA.”
The burst of creativity that advanced the public profile of the TLBAA included programs and concepts in which the TLBAA was a participant as well as others in which it was an approving bystander. Among the official programs initiated were the Horn Showcase, the Best at West sales, enhancement of the TLBAA web site, the Horn Showcase Sale, the Fall Breeders Cup Futurity, the Outrider program, the TLBT Hall of Fame for youth members, the Dams of Merit program and the procedures for the official registration of clones. Non-TLBAA programs that impacted the breed include the Millennium Futurity, February 2013
the Autobahn Youth Tour, the NASA Longhorn program, and the integration of Longhorn Max, “the official software of the TLBAA.” Among the unique events during Boyles’ administration, the Fort Niobrara herd was moved, Starlight, the thenlongest-horned cow in the breed was cloned, and a Starlight clone was auctioned in the 2002 Horn Showcase Sale. “A lot of times I would fly to Fort Worth,” observed Sherman, “and Don and I would ride together; we might go up to Kansas, or to South Texas to a show or sale or whatever, and we would just brainstorm ideas. Some of them were so crazy, but anything we could think of, we would throw it out there. That’s how we came up with a lot of that stuff.” Before bringing ideas before the board, Sherman would have the details worked out. His method of meeting management was to encourage board members input. During meetings everyone at the table would have the time and opportunity to get everything off their chest, and only then would the matter under consideration be brought up for a vote. During Boyles’ tenure as head of the organization, the title was changed from ‘President’ to ‘Chairman’ because he felt the position was invested with too much power. Instead of a president who could make unilateral decisions, he felt that this change made the vote of the chairman no more powerful than that of any other board member. “My daddy told me, ‘Son, you can get anything you want if you approach it in the right way.’ And that’s pretty well true.” “When we started the Best at West Sale, Don told me we were going to have to have Eddie Wood’s cooperation. I said I know that, and I went to Eddie and asked him what he thought about it. He said, ‘Let’s do it, son – that sounds great.’ So I told Don to look around for a sale barn where we could do this. He came back and told me about the one down at West. Every time I would see Eddie Wood, he would ask when we were going to start the sale, and I would tell him ‘when we get all our ducks in a row – we will.’ Don was kind of procrastinating – he
was a little scared. Finally one day I told him let’s do it – I want it done now. He was concerned about the association being involved in a sale like that, but I wasn’t. I knew it was going to work; I knew it was going to be a success before we had the first one.” Sherman told his board members that his efforts and theirs should focus on moving the TLBAA forward. The results will show that the concept worked, a lot of programs were initiated, and the organization recorded steady growth. One of the things he saw a need for was educational programs. “We have so many people that come into the association that are not cattle people, so they need to be educated. If you don’t, the association is just not going to be what it should be without the education that these people need. Back when I was active, there were very few cattle people in that association. You could just about count them on your hands.” Registration of cloned cattle was a contentious subject during Sherman’s administration. “That got a little tense, but it all worked out. There were a lot of technical and scientific details that had to be considered. We just tried to educate everybody, take it very slow. I would just try to stay in neutral, and just do the navigation. I wouldn’t jump in and be for or against; I would just try to take the middle ground
29
and get all the things worked out and move on.” According to Sherman Boyles, the Horn Showcase was a no-brainer. “The Horn Showcase was an easy sell. We had talked about getting the horn people involved. The biggest thing we had for involvement was the show people. Dale Hunt was the first one to talk about it, and when we got to talking about measuring tip-to-tip and around the poll, we knew it would be a winner. People who weren’t involved in the show circuit were kind of left out, so that brought them into the fold. You know they’re all proud of their long horns. Back then, the longest-horned cows usually brought the most money in the sales.” Sherman has an abiding concern for the Texas Longhorn breed, which is one
reason he was so supportive of the Outrider program, another example of progressive thinking initiated on his watch. ”Jim Curry and Larry Barker came up with that idea,” he recalls. The concept was that people with an interest in the history of the American West might well be interested in Texas Longhorns, but might not have the land to support the cattle. Though they might not want to become fullfledged Texas Longhorn breeders, they could protect the unique heritage of the breed and its link to history by becoming a TLBAA Outrider. “It’s a great idea and a good program,” Sherman believes, and he wishes there were more social opportunities afforded its membership. “You’ve got to bring all those people in, somewhere, and have a big
30
shindig for them. Things like a chuck wagon cook-off or a trail ride or some kind of entertainment. That’s what I wanted, but the plans never materialized.” The Dams of Merit program was initiated on Sherman’s watch. This program recognizes the legendary ability of the Texas Longhorn cow to begin producing calves at an early age, and continue to produce a calf every year thereafter. In addition to programs developed by the TLBAA, interested third parties came to the table with offerings that have made spectacular impacts. John and Diann Chase funded the Autobahn Youth Tour, whose scholarship offerings have grown to stratospheric proportions and attracted a whole army of youth members, Penny and Terrell Miller developed Longhorn Max, a computerized herd management program specifically tailored for the unique needs of the Texas Longhorn breed. Many members in the Houston area worked to establish an educational program combining assets of the Clear Creek ISD and the Johnson Space Center which utilizes Texas Longhorns in the research and exposes the cattle to over a million visitors a year. Ben Gravett and Bill Davidson initiated the Millennium Futurity which has worked wonders to increase the value of futurity cattle as well as their offspring. “We stated to build,” observed Sherman, “we started getting more members, we straightened up a lot of things at the office, and it became prosperous.” “When I kind of backed off, we had a feed mill – my son Steve ran it – we were a Purina dealer and we had a mill where we custom made feeds. Steve wanted to go to the ranch and run it. He bought some Angus and started building on that and he runs 250 head of mamma cows now. That’s what he does, and he loves it. He owns some flush cows with Dr. Bill Evans at Stephenville, Texas. He’s got cattle that came out of Montana, Wyoming, Nebraska – a lot of different places. He’s pretty wellconnected and involved with the Angus breed now.”
“I’ve still got about 25 Longhorn cows, but you know, we used to run a coupla hundred; I’ve cut down now. I’ve got one little pasture where I run my cows and Steve has his cattle about 20 miles west of Waynesboro.” “When I got into the business, people were trying to breed beefier cattle, put some meat on them and
put some structure to them. Well, we did that. Then about the time I got out, got out of the show ring, became inactive, they started breeding for one trait only, and that is horn. I look at the magazine every month, and I’m really disappointed. Whenever you breed for one trait, you’re going to lose your other traits. I’ve always believed there was a correlation between milk production and horn. I’ve noticed, back before they got the large horns like they have today, there were a lot of cattle that had the biggest horns that didn’t produce very much milk. They would hardly raise a calf.” “When we had the seminars, we were breeding and judging Longhorns the same way that you judged an Angus or Hereford in the show ring. We really added a lot to our cattle; now I always loved horn, got nothing against them, but I wanted as much horn as I could get on a good carcass. Breeding for one trait – I don’t think that’s the right thing to do. At some point, that has to change -- it will change, I think.” “It would be hard to get things like these off the ground now; it’s a different time. But when the economy comes back, there are still a lot of good ideas that could be done with the association, but it has to be in better times than what we are in.”
Texas Longhorn Trails
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Texas Longhorn Trails
Texas Longhorns are noted for being remarkably free of genetic defects that plague some other breeds of cattle. This is largely a result of the natural selection against deleterious traits that occurred when Texas Longhorns lived in wild herds on the open range. Most other breeds of cattle have undergone intensive artificial selection and inbreeding, as breeders have developed breeds to express certain traits in a uniform manner. One of the easiest ways to accomplish this goal is to use the bulls that express the desired trait to breed many cows, and then cross the progeny until the trait becomes fixed or uniform. Breeding closely related animals thus reduces genetic variation. This process is known as inbreeding. Unfortunately, there is a serious down-side to inbreeding. In addition to fixing the desired traits in the breed, inbreeding also fixes (or increases in frequency) deleterious recessive traits that are genetically linked to the desired traits. ("Genetically linked" simply means that the two genes are located on the same chromosome, close to one another). Many of these deleterious recessive alleles may have only small effects (even when homozygous), but as more of them become fixed or increase in frequency in the population, the fitness of the inbred animals almost always suffers. Thus, fitness usually declines upon inbreeding (and this is particularly true of reproductive traits and traits associated with overall configuration and body size). All organisms, including the very best bull in any breed, are expected to have some rare, deleterious, recessive alleles at some of their genetic loci. Because these alleles are rare, typically just one of the two alleles at a given genetic locus (= a gene) represents the deleterious trait. Since the alleles are recessive, there is no effect on the phenotype of the animal as long as they remain in the heterozygous state. The problem arises when two of these alleles are present in the same animal (one inherited from each parent). If the frequency of a deleterious allele in a population is only 0.01 (i.e., one out of every 100 alleles), and all the animals mate randomly, then only one out of every 10,000 animals would be expected to inherit the trait from both parents, and thus express the defect. But imagine that this trait is present in a particular bull, and that bull is very popular (because he also has some desirable trait, such as very long horns in the case of Texas Longhorns). As this bull is bred to many females, half of the resultant offspring would now carry any given deleterious recessive trait possessed by that bull. If these individuals are mated to one another, then 25% of their offspring would be homozygous for the deleterious allele, and another 50% would carry the allele in a heterozygous state. In this extreme form of inbreeding, in just two generations the defect went from being expressed in one out of every 10,000 animals to one out of every four animals, with three-quarters of the animals now carrying the defect. The decrease in fitness that results from such inbreeding is known as inbreeding depression. Fortunately, most breeders are well aware of the negative effects of such severe inbreeding, and few breeders would purposefully breed siblings with one another. However, another strategy, sometimes called linebreeding, is very common, and is practiced to some extent by all Texas Longhorn breeders. Linebreeding involves mating within an historically-defined and related set of individuals (a line). Lines may be formally or informally recognized, and there may be lines within lines. At one level, the Texas Longhorn breed is a line within cattle. Within the Texas Longhorn breed, there are seven commonly recognized historical "families," which represent smaller lines. Within these family lines, some people may February 2009
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the offspring. This effect is known as hetmaintain or promote even smaller lines erosis or hybrid vigor, and is essentially (e.g., the Texas Ranger JP line within the the opposite of inbreeding. This effect Phillips family). Why are these lines even extends to crosses between breeds of maintained? The usual reason is because cattle, which is why crossbreeding proeach line has (or is perceived to have) grams are popular (for producing cattle unique and desirable traits (e.g., disease for beef operations, for instance). Essenresistance in Texas Longhorns as a breed, tially, one can get many of the benefits of or longer than average horns in the Buttwo breeds of cattle in the first generation ler family line, or perhaps overall conforof a cross. mation in the Texas Ranger JP line). Given that some detectable level of inHowever, all linebreeding results in some breeding is present even in the Texas degree of inbreeding. The degree of inLonghorn breed as a whole, is inbreeding breeding will be negligible if the number likely to be a problem for Texas Longhorn of individuals in the line is very large and breeders? The answer to this question decare is taken to avoid matings between pends on the goals and practices of a parclose relatives, but it will rapidly increase ticular breeding program, and the degree if the size of the line becomes more reof potential risks and benefits that a parstricted or if matings between close relaticular breeder is willing to assume. The tives are common. Texas Longhorn breed is almost certainly Extreme inbreeding may be avoided in large and diverse enough at this point in any linebreeding program by not mating its history that inbreeding no longer fathers to daughters or siblings to each needs to be a significant problem (this other (or other similar matings that inwasn't necessarily true earlier this cenvolve close relatives). However, the degree tury). Most breeders wish to preserve the of inbreeding is related not just to the imhistorical integrity of Texas Longhorns, mediate relationship between the two and the breed clearly possesses many demated individuals, but also to the degree sirable traits that are not found (or else to which these individuals were already are not common) in other breeds of catinbred. For instance, if a particular bull is tle. Therefore, it makes sense to maintain widely used in a linebreeding program, then many of the cattle in that program will already share the genes of that bull, and the chances of getting two deleterious alleles from that bull in the same offspring are greatly increased. The chances may not be as great as would occur between the matings of siblings, but they are much higher than would occur in a randomly mating population. Even small Figure 1. Monarch 103. This highly inincreases in inbreeding bred bull was well known for producing result in some inbreedvery long-horned Texas Longhorn cows. ing depression. For instance, just a 1% increase the breed as a separate in inbreeding (that is, a 1% increase in the line. This argument could probability that a calf receives the same be extended to the "seven BEVO gene from both parents) results in a measfamilies" of Texas Longurable decrease in milk quantity and horns as well: since some quality, shortening of productive life, and people are interested in maintaining famincrease in calving interval in studied ilies of Texas Longhorns for historical reabreeds of cattle. sons, and since some of the families have How can the effects of inbreeding be traits that are viewed as desirable within avoided? When two lines are crossed, the breed, then maintaining "pure" herds then any deleterious alleles present in one of a single family makes sense for those line but not in the other are masked, and breeders. there is typically a boost in the fitness of
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However, it is important to note that as the linebreeding is restricted to a smaller-and-smaller group, then the effects of inbreeding also become more severe. Crossing between families will result in some degree of heterosis, so Texas Longhorn breeders who select their breeding stock among many different families will have some advantages in the overall health, fitness, and conformation of their animals. On the other hand, if a particular trait is the primary interest of a breeding program, and that trait is best expressed in one family (the long horns of the Butler family is a good example), then more restrictive linebreeding may be desirable. The important point is to realize that any linebreeding comes with some cost, which must be weighed against any benefits. I've been asked by several breeders if it is "OK to breed two half-siblings" (usually, a bull and a cow that share the same sire). The short answer is that there is nothing "wrong" with breeding any two animals of any degree of relatedness, as long as you understand the potential risks and benefits of the mating. Any level of inbreeding does carry some risk (the risk that one or more formerly hidden deleterious recessive traits will be expressed in the homozygous offspring), but there is also the potential for benefits (a beneficial trait in the common sire may be replicated). As the degree of genetic relatedness between a cow and bull increases, more and more of the alleles inherited through the cow and the bull will be the same, so that overall homozygosity will increase. Since homozygosity is negatively correlated with overall fitness and size, close matings are not usually desirable. However, if a breeder wished to replicate a particularly desirable trait in a particular bull, then one of the fastest ways to achieve this would be by mating two half-siblings produced by that bull (or, even more extreme, by mating the bull to his daughters). The danger does exist that undesirable deleterious traits would be exposed in some (perhaps many) of the calves produced from such a mating, so a breeder who is unwilling to cull a large fraction of his or her calves would be best Texas Longhorn Trails
breeding has been used to develop a deested in breeding for overall conformaadvised to avoid breeding such close relasirable trait. In other words, both linetion, size, health, and reproductive fittives. On the other hand, for a breeder breeding and outcrossing have advantages ness) to practice outcrossing among the who is willing to cull many inferior calves under different sets of circumstances and families of Texas Longhorns, and to leave to produce one exceptional calf, then criteria. (Note, however, that many of the linebreeding to those who wish to spehalf-sibling matings or other close matcompetitive cattle in the Horn Showcase cialize on a particular trait or preserve the ings could be a good strategy. The Texas also come from programs that blend cattradition of a particular family line (and Longhorn bull Monarch 103 (Figure 1), tle among the families, so I do not mean who also can afford a larger fraction of which is generally acknowledged to be to suggest that inbreeding is the only way cull heifers). one of the best producers of long-horned offspring in the breed, was the product of a sire (Bevo) mated to one of the sire's own daughters (Lady Butler). Then again, Monarch only weighed about 1300 pounds at maturity, whereas many wellknown Texas Longhorn bulls that are the products of outcrossing between families weigh over a ton. The potential danger Figure 2. The reduced-switch syndrome in a Figure 3. The reduced-switch syndrome as it of half-sibling matings Texas Longhorn cow. Note the lack of a tail affects the relative hair length of white and (as well as other matings switch. Some affected individuals show a wild-type colored hair of the winter coat of a among close relatives) smaller reduction in the switch. Texas Longhorn. Note that the white hair is also depends on the delong (normal for winter) but the wild-type colgree of prior inbreeding ored hair is short. In some animals and in the of the sire and the two warmer months, this genetic defect is easiest At this point, you may be dams involved. For instance, breeding two to see in the tail of the affected animals (see asking "what are these supindividuals that have the same sire is less Figure 2), because it produces a short or absent posed deleterious traits?" One likely to be problematic if the two dams tail switch (unless the tail is white). This photoanswer is that many quantitaare distantly related (e.g., one from the graph was taken in winter in Nebraska; in tive traits, such as total body Yates family and one from the Butler famwarmer climates and on some animals, the trait weight, are affected by many ily) than if the two dams are closely remay not be as obvious. different genes, and these traits lated (e.g., both cousins from the Butler tend to show obvious effects of family). Therefore, breeders interested in to breed for very long horns). inbreeding and outcrossing. This is one maintaining "pure" herds of a single famIn addition to the many genes of reason why most competitive Texas Longily need to be much more careful to avoid small effect, inbreeding sometimes unhorn show cattle are produced from matings between half-siblings or cousins covers single alleles that have relatively blends across families. The heterosis proor other relatives than do breeders who large deleterious effects. About a decade duced from outbreeding will almost aluse multiple families. Moreover, the ago, I was contacted by a Texas Longhorn ways produce larger-bodied, more breeder of the "pure" family must accept breeder in Nebraska who had discovered muscular offspring with superior conforthe likelihood of some level of reduced exactly such a genetic defect. The genetic mation compared to offspring produced overall fitness (as a trade-off for the bendefect produces a phenotype that is very from linebreeding a single family. Reproefits of keeping the historical family similar to a trait called "rat-tailed" synductive fitness also tends to be tightly herd). There is nothing "wrong" with eidrome that has been reported in Simlinked to heterozygosity, so outbred catther outcrossing or linebreeding, but each mental cattle (Schalles and Cundiff, 1999: tle are likely to show higher fertility than breeder must weigh the potential costs J. Anim. Sci. 77:1144–1147). However, the are inbred cattle. This higher fitness in and benefits and assess which strategy genetic basis and expression of the trait outbred compared to inbred cattle is best fits his or her long-term goals and inthat occurs in Texas Longhorns appears to largely the result of many homozygous terests. These comments about the possibe somewhat different than in Simmendeleterious genes (each with a relatively bility of reduced fitness also apply, but to tal cattle. In Texas Longhorns, there are small negative effect) in the inbred cattle. an even greater degree, to breeders who two primary consequences of the trait. On the other hand, linebreeding in the wish to linebreed based on a single bull First, the tail switch is greatly reduced or Butler family has produced some of the that has particularly desirable traits. In even absent, unless the tail hair color is longest-horned animals in the breed this latter case, the inbreeding depression white (see Figure 2). Second, the colored (again, consider the pedigree of is likely to be considerable, even if care is hairs on the body are shorter than the Monarch), so pure Butler cattle are often taken to avoid matings among the closest white hairs. This latter condition is much competitive in the Horn Showcase comrelatives. Therefore, I'd advise most more obvious in the winter coat, and may petition. This is an example of how linesmaller breeders (as well as anyone interFebruary 2013
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be missed in areas with mild winters. This produces an unsightly animal (see Figure 3), but it also probably has a large fitness effect. The very similar rat-tail syndrome in Simmental cattle is known to result in calves that show significantly lower weight gains in the winter months, presumably because they are expending more energy just to maintain body heat. Moreover, a missing or reduced tail switch is considered undesirable in Texas Longhorns (see TLBAA breed standards), is considered to detract from their appearance, and has a direct effect on fitness as well (the switch is important for keeping blood-sucking flies off the animal). A cow with a long switch will be bothered by flies and other insects much less than will a cow with a rat-tail.
The genetic basis of reduced-switch syndrome has not yet been definitively determined. It appears to be the result of a recessive allele (unlike rat-tail syndrome), and even homozygous animals may show variable degrees of expression. It does not appear to affect white hair, so white-haired animals may be homozygous for the allele and not show any signs of reduced switch or hair length (also true for the rat-tail syndrome). To date, reduced-switch syndrome has been observed mostly in herds in areas with cold winters, and so it may be expressed more strongly or simply be more obvious in areas with cold weather. In addition, limited pedigree analysis suggests that the trait appears in herds that trace back multiple times to a particular and popular
Texas Longhorn bull that has been used widely for artificial insemination. (Or, possibly, to two such bulls that are themselves related). Therefore, the frequency of this trait appears to be related to inbreeding (and in particular, to linebreeding these popular bulls), although the trait may also appear in herds that have no significant inbreeding history. About the author: David Hillis raises Texas Longhorns at his Double Helix Ranch near Mason, Texas (see more information at http://doublehelixranch.com). He is a Professor of Integrative Biology at the University of Texas at Austin. One of his current research projects involves studying the genomes of Texas Longhorns and comparing them to the genomes of other breeds of cattle.
I would like to receive information from any breeders who have observed this trait in their herds, together with the pedigree information for the affected animals. Responsible breeders will want to identify the source and genetic cause of this defect, so that all breeders can more easily select against it and maintain the standards of quality for the breed. I will keep all information confidential, but will use the pedigree information (with names of the animals and owners removed) to report on the genetic inheritance of this trait. Once the genetic basis is documented, then the breed associations can use this information to establish guidelines for assuring that bulls certified for artificial insemination are free of the defect. Send information on this or any other genetic defects in Texas Longhorns to: DoubleHelix@att,net. By studying and selecting against defects, we can maintain the health and vitality of this historic breed. — David Hillis
Please send an acknowledgement to: Name ________________________________________ Address ______________________________________ City ____________________ State _____ Zip _______ My Name _____________________________________ Address ______________________________________ City ____________________ State _____ Zip _______
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Enclosed is my gift of ___ $25 ___$50 ___$100 __$_____
___ In memory of: ______________________________ ___ In honor of: ________________________________ Name of person to be remembered. Please print. Please mail form and donation to the Texas Longhorn Breeders of America Foundation, P.O. Box 4430, Ft. Worth, TX 76164.
Texas Longhorn Trails
February 2013
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By Richard W. Rice Department of Animal Science 1, College of
ne of the most important decisions that a cattle producer makes is the selection of bulls for his cow herd. Bulls contribute half of the genetic material for the cow herd. If replacement heifers are selected from within the herd, the bull will influence the production of the herd for up to 10 years or more.
Bulls are selected for their genetic potential. It is difficult to determine genetic values of bulls since the outward appearance (phenotype) are a result of both genetic potential and the conditions under which the animal was developed (environment). Nutrition, climate, diseases, parasites and insects plus weather conditions influence the outward appearance of the bull. Where possible the animal should be compared with other animals within the same herd and should be raised under conditions similar to those which he is expected to perform. However, the genetic value of bulls can be determined and compared with bulls throughout the country because of the sire record systems of the purebred beef cattle associations.
The genetic value of a bull can be estimated by his own performance. In addition, the physical attributes he expresses visually will aid in selection. Genetic values are often available that take into account the performance of his sire, dam, grandsire, granddam, herdmates and brothers and sisters. The genetic evaluation is called Expected Progeny Differences (EPD). For bull selection, a breeder should establish goals for his own herd, evaluate herd strengths and weaknesses and select bulls which will improve the production and genetic merit of the herd. Selection has to include a realistic appraisal of the resources available to support the cow herd and growth of calves. There are three major categories of bulls needed for commercial beef production.
One or all of these categories may be useful in a breeding program based upon the goals of the manager and the quality and quantity of feed resources provided by the ranch. EPD values may be used to achieve desired production goals. However, EPD’s for many desirable traits are not available. A list-
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ing of important traits for which information may be available is given in Table 1.
Table 1. Traits for Selection Trait
Maternal Bulls For Heifers
Scrotal Circumference Pelvic Area Calving Ease Birth Weight Weaning Weight Milk Total Maternal Yearling Weight Carcass Percent Protein Carcass Quality
Large Large High Low Match Match Match Match Conflict High
Where match is listed, the bulls selected should be matched with the resources available on the ranch. Matching is illustrated in Table 2. Table 2. Matching Bulls to the Resources
Mature Size
L L L M M M H H H
Milk Level
H M L H M L H M L
Availabilty of Food From Grazing Low Medium High
0 -
0 + + 0 + 0
+ + + + + + 0 0 +
+ = Matching mature size and milk production with resources, 0 = Risky, extra feed may be necessary or fertility and production may be affected. - = Avoid the combination, production will be unsatisfactory. Texas Longhorn Trails
Agriculture, The University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona 85721
High levels of milk production require more feed resources. An increase of 5 lb. in milk production increases en-
of Bulls Based Upon Function Maternal Bulls For Cows
Terminal Bulls For Cows
Large Large High Medium Match Match Match Match Conflict High
Medium-Large Not Important High Medium High Not Important Not Important High High High
ergy required by 15%, protein required by 21% and minerals (calcium and phosphorus) by as much as 37%. Larger cattle require more feed. An increase in mature cow size from 1000 to 1200 lb. results in a 15- 20% increase in the maintenance requirement. Most of the genetic traits available from performance records and EPD’s are based upon increases in the weight and growth of cattle. If we all select for size increases, the result may be a mis-match of resources to support the herd, loss of maternal factors affecting fertility and a reduction in the efficiency of production. Excessive size is not desired by the meat industry, therefore, requirements for the final product must be involved in selection. Size affects weight required for puberty, successful reproduction and desirability of the final product. For example, a 1400 lb. cow will produce heifers that will not reach puberty until they weigh 900 and steers that will not grade choice until they reach a weight of 1300 lb. Heifer development and fertility are important and resources normally available will not produce the desired puberty of large animals at a young age. Cattle feeders, packers and retailers do not desire excessively heavy cattle. Therefore, sire selection has to be matched with the resources available, maternal efficiency of heifers produced and the product deFebruary 2013
sirable to feeders, packers, retailers and consumers. Breeding systems to achieve productivity, fertility and a desirable final product can be classified into three systems.
COW SIZ TION AREE MAAND MILK PRODUCTCHED WITH RESOURC FEED AND BULL THE SAMEES S O B IOLOGICAL TY F ARE SELECTE PE WILL HAVE S D. REPLACEMENT ATTRIBUTES IMILAR DESIRED AS THE COW HERD. COW HER SIZE A D MILK PRODUCTID ON MATCN HED TO TH FEED RESO MENTS AREUPRCES. REPLACE- E MATING BULL RODUCED BY DESIRAB ITY S WITH MATERNAL WITH AND YOUIL NG COWS. HEIFERS MATURE COWS, 4 YE RS OLD OR OLDER ARE MATEA TERMINAL ,SIR D TO ES, ALL CA ARE SOLD. LVES MATCHED COWS ARE ATED TO LARGE B ULLS. ALLMC ARE SOLD. R ALVES ARE PURCHA EPLACEMENTS SEPARATELY. SED OR BRED REFERENCES Brinks, J.S., 1990. Cattleman’s Handbook for Expected Progeny Differences. J.S. Brinks, P.O. Box 710, LaPonte, CO 80535.
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Texas Longhorn Trails
February 2013
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Dear TLBT Members,
Spring is coming up and so are the shows! If you show Texas Longhorns, the pace has picked up and things are about to get really busy. For many of us, this is also a favorite time of the year because new calves are starting to arrive in our pastures. Hopefully the worst of the winter is behind us, and spring will bring the nice green grass that means so much to those of us who raise cattle. Our new TLBT t-shirts have arrived and they look great! This year they are only available in black. Each shirt shares our new theme for the year, “Big Horns, Big Hearts.” The new shirts will be available at shows and sales for $18.00 each. Please buy a shirt and show your support of the TLBT. I would like to remind everyone about our fundraiser for TLBT OFFICER this year. The TLBT’s plan is to raise money for St. Jude’s SPOTLIGHT Children Research Hospital with a fundraiser called “Crazy Cakes for Kids.” Through this fundraising project, we try to get a couple cakes donated for each show or sale and then auction them off before it begins or during the break. All the money that is raised from this fundraiser goes to St. Jude’s Children Research Hospital. If you’d like to bake a cake or help TLBT Office: Director with our project, please feel free to contact me at Age: 8 years old sarahfaske@gmail.com or 979-224-6562. School: Elysian Fields
Shyanne W. McClendon
Elementary Number of Years in the TLBT: 2
See You on the Trail,
Sarah Faske TLBT President
How has showing Texas Longhorns helped you? Showing Texas Longhorns has helped me become more confident in myself. What is your favorite characteristic of the Texas Longhorn breed? I love everything about my Longhorns, but my favorite characteristic is the lean beef they produce that I get to eat! When and how was your experience in your first show? My first show was the Fort Worth Stock Show and even though I was nervous, I had a great time. How has showing and raising Texas Longhorns impacted your life? Raising and showing my Longhorns has helped me to raise money for college and I have made many friends at the shows I have been to.
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Texas Longhorn Trails
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Longhorn Cage $2,560 Paul Warford
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The TLBAA Directory will be published in July 2013. Please make sure you update your contact information in H.O.R.N.S. or contact the TLBAA office no later than May 24, 2013 and update via phone to ensure accuracy in our printed directory. February 2013
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Join Us! We’re Growing Fast! a small group of concerned cattlemen banded together to preserve the unique heritage of Texas Longhorn cattle. With this goal, they established the Texas Longhorn Breeders Association of America (TLBAA) to maintain the breed registry and to promote the magnificent breed to as many persons as possible.
In 1964,
the purposes of the TLBAA remain the same. In addition, the Association has expanded its membership services as the number of Texas Longhorn enthusiasts has increased to an all-time high.
Today,
The Advantages of Membership Include: H State of the art Registration Department to maintain four H H H H H H H H H H H H H H
decades of herd registry. Active, dedicated officers and directors. Dedicated and knowledgeable staff. Network of national and international affiliates. Active youth organization – the Texas Longhorn Breeders of Tomorrow (TLBT). Youth Show Circuit and Youth Hall of Fame. Strong World Qualifying Show Circuit and a World Exposition. Hall of Fame. Canadian show circuit for breeders in the North. Weekly Internet newsletter, E-Trails. Breed Advisory Committee of dedicated animal scientists. Horn Showcase for official horn measurements. Active Foundation Board to preserve the history of our association and the Longhorn breed. Yearly subscription to Texas Longhorn Trails monthy magazine. Educational Web site.
H Sales Management Division with cattle sales available to the membership.
H Riding steer group – another unique use for the Texas
Longhorn. Educational breed seminars. Group field days. Futurities. Commercial breeding programs. A.I. Certified Sires. Dam of Merit program. Member of state and national cattle organizations. Exclusive computer software program to keep your herd updated. H Advertising campaigns in world circulated publications. H Mail-in voting for regional directors.
H H H H H H H H
THE GREATEST BREED OF CATTLE IN THE WORLD AND THE BEST GROUP OF PEOPLE ANYWHERE! Texas Longhorn Breeders Association of America P.O. Box 4430 Fort Worth, TX 76164 817/625-6241 • Fax 817/625-1388 www.tlbaa.org
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Texas Longhorn Trails
Heart of Texas Round-Up Sale
An Open Consignment Sale where ALL Longhorn Breeders are Welcome
March 9, 2013 at 12 noon
Auctioneer: Joel Lemley Sale Manager: Russell Hooks Conveniently located at West Livestock Auction in the Heart of Texas just an hour and twenty minutes south of Fort Worth on I-35 Cataloged cattle (on-line catalog & handout at sale) Deadline: March 4 Fees: $150 plus 5% on Registered Cataloged Cattle Commercial Cattle and Roping Steers Arrival Deadline 10:30 am - March 9 7% on Commercial cattle and ropers Vet available on Friday for pregnancy testing and brucellosis testing For more information, consignment forms and catalog, visit our website:
★
www.longhornroundup.com Russell Hooks (409) 381-0616 russellh@longhornroundup.com
★
NEWS On the Trail...
1
Texas Longhorn Cattle Win Big At Hico FFA Invitational Show
FV Donie Rose & TLBT member Jake Vinson (NTLA)
The Texas Longhorn breed was represented at the Hico FFA Invitational show, as TLBT members Jake Vinson and Tarah Moore exhibited against cattle of other breeds. Jake and his heifer FV Donie Rose were awarded Reserve Grand Champion Heifer following a Santa Gertrudis heifer. Congratulations Jake and Tarah and way to represent the breed!
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TLBT Members Go To State Football Championship Garrett Tanner, son of Greg and Beth Tanner of Stephenville, Texas were priviledged to be a part of the Championship High School game at Dallas Cowboys Stadium. This is his senior year and final year to play for the Yellow Jackets. His mother Beth, says it's because of Texas Longhorns they had to move from Colleyville to Stephenville many years back. In her words, "You never know where these cattle will take you!"
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Also making the trip to the Cowboys Stadium, was Stephenville freshman and TLBT member Tori Fairchild. She is the daughter of Russell Fairchild also of Stephenville, Texas. She was cheering the boys on as a part of the Stephenville High School cheerleading squad. Both Garrett and Tori have been involved with Texas Longhorns for quite some time and have made their appearance at a TLBAA show or two.
3 1. TLBAA’s Scotty O’Bryan with Kim Hudson, Decatur, TX; 2. TLBAA’s Dana Comer with Dave & Althea Sullivan, Celina, TX. 3. Ed Roberts, Fort Worth, TX. Texas Longhorn Trails
MONTHLY MOVERS & SHAKERS
Registrations and Transfers from December 1, 2012 to December 31, 2012
Division A
Division B (cont.)
Division C
Mark and Tina Stewart Jimmy L. Jones Neal Hinton Hudson Longhorns Marie Galloway Westfarms, Inc. Bruce and Carol Curtiss Kathy Kittler Claude or Carole D. Lipscomb George and Laureen Gennin Curtis Elburn Curt & Katie Mulder Dave Hovingh Emily Ingram Rick Bogle Sand Hills Ranch Scott Zirk Shawn M. Pequignot Calvin Deemer Panther Creek Ranch Guthrie Nielsen Hubert D. & Margaret Norwood Jody Shaw John Leonard Khaos Cattle Company Meridian Longhorns Ray & Donnah Stavig R & R Ranch Shawn & Cathy Norton Terry R. Moore Tom A. Smith Triple R Ranch Willie R. Nielsen
Star Creek Ranch Vida Nueva Ranch Gary Kudrna M. A. Vanek Armand Ranch Larry and Paula Reck Bernard Seger Brian Brett Charles A. Tompkins Liberty Longhorn Ranch Rick Hager Steven Zunker Sylvia Johnson H & L Ranch Bill & Freida Golden Bobby Cox Clinard Longhorns Don & Velna Jackson Doug and Sandy Stotts Joe Tucker Kathleen and David Looper, Jr. Lee and Linda Blackwell Marlene & Howard Isbell Ricky & Mary Dawn Tekell Ronnie & Jackie Mullinax Steve and Rene' Azinger Young Ranch @ Flat Rock Crossings Davis Green, LLC Limb Cattle Company Taylor Cattle Company Alan Sparger, III Bruce & Karen Fisher Carla Payne Deer Creek Longhorns Donnie Taylor Dr. Zech Dameron III Edwin & Debra Stojanik Frank Anderson, Jr. Helm Cattle Company Kimberly Lee Parker Kyle & Whitney Mayden Lazy L Longhorns LL Longhorns Richard James Filip Robert & Maria Whitaker Ryan M. Culpepper Schumacher Cattle Company Thurmond Longhorns
Semkin Longhorns John Murphy Christine Fowble NT Ranch Christopher Herron Michael G. Williams, Jr. Guy or Vicki Packer Candi Maddox Kenneth J. & Valerie J. Webb Doug Hunt Straight Arrow Cattle Co. Carole Muchmore Brink Longhorns Christine & Anthony DeMaria Jim and Wanda Taylor Alexandra Dees Joseph Sedlacek Dale Hunt Harold and Barb Minge Jerry and Gretchen Lotspeich Kevin Mathey Tamara K. Thacker Woodson School Ranch Mike Lutt Broken Wagon Cattle Co., LLC Cody or Shynna Maloney Del Vic Farms Dr. G.T. Bohmfalk Jan C. Colton Joel and Tamara Kuntz Larry &/or Mary Ann Long Matthew & Kerry Metevier Nick Noyes Randy and Jamie Briscoe Robert & Lisa Van Liew Stewart Bros. Stompin Brush Farm TJJ LIVING TRUST Tommy and Cathy Franks Verne D. Schartz
Division B
Davis Green John & Diann Chase Rick & Tracey Friedrich J. Todd and Christie T. Price Prime Source TX Longhorns, LLC Roger & Jacqueline Garlitz Alan R & Donna Farr Copper Creek Ranch Dave & Althea Sullivan Mark and Keighley Jacobson Kirk Ray El Coyote Ranch Randy & Miki Bienek Rio Vista Ranch February 2013
47
SOUTH TEXAS LONGHORN ASSOCIATION
Danny Russell, President • crose@cactusroselonghorns.com • (361) 781-4269
On December 7th and 8th, the South Texas Longhorn Association hosted the 2012 Winter Festival in Edna, Texas. The show was a great success with more than 210 entries. Exhibitors competed in youth, haltered, and non-haltered divisions for belt buckles and prizes. We also had the first ever Miniature Texas Longhorn Exhibition Show. For many spectators, this was their first glimpse at these tiny little Longhorns. The STLA would like to send a sincere thank you to Merrilou and Danny Russell, who worked diligently to make this show a success, to all the volunteers who supported them, and to our judges, Russell Hooks, Justin Hansard, and Julie Pack. If you missed out on the Winter Festival, we hope you will join us next year for another great show. The San Antonio Stock Show is right around the corner, and the STLA is working hard to make the Longhorn shows fun and successful. If you are interested in being a belt buckle sponsor, please contact Sarah Faske at 979-224-6562 or sarahfaske@gmail.com, or contact Annie Morgan at 210-885-8653 or annieoakley64@aol.com. Membership cooperation, participation and support are what make a great affiliate. Thank you to all those who have actively been involved and worked together with STLA to host four shows and two field days a year. Your dedication does not go unnoticed and is greatly appreciated.
ARK-LA-TEX
Jessica Wade, President • dubosejessica@yahoo.com
We had a busy end to our 2012 year. We started off with our Annual Fall Show in Lufkin at the Angelina Expo Center. And as is tradition, it was very cold. We held our Points Only Show Friday night with Gary Bowdoin as Judge. We provided everyone who came a warm bowl of chili, gumbo or seafood casserole. We started out Saturday morning with our costume contest then followed by the open show with Lana Hightower as Judge. Saturday night was our dinner, calf scramble and calf giveaway. Our youth show was held Sunday, judged by Justin Hansen. We had a great turnout and look forward to next year. And of course this was only possible because of the exhibitors and sponsors. Youth Exhibitors - Lufkin Show We also held a show as part of the Louisiana State Fair. Even though the numbers were not what we would like, we are hoping more interest will grow as we continue to participate in this fair. Gene and Linda Juranka hosted our annual Christmas Party at their ranch in DeRidder, LA. Ark-La-Tex Annual Christmas Party-2012 We had a nice group there, great food and as always a fun time. Everyone enjoyed looking at Gene and Linda’s Longhorns. Now to what’s ahead in 2013. We have our show on March 21-22, 2013, in Beaumont at the South Texas State Fair. It’s not too late to get your entries in. Go to our website at www.arklatexlonghorns.com and download your forms. We look forward to seeing you there.
48
Texas Longhorn Trails
TEXAS LONGHORN BREEDERS GULF COAST ASSOCIATION Rick Friedrich, President • 713-305-0259 The Board of TLBGCA has been working hard to schedule two upcoming activities for the association’s membership. The Brenham Spring Show will be held at the Washington County Fairgrounds in beautiful Brenham on April 12-14, 2013. Early reservations are encourage at the Hampton Inn in Brenham as there are limited rooms available and reservations will only be held at the TLS special rate until March14th. There are also camper/trailer hook-ups for those seeking alternative reservations. The divisions will include Points Only, Open Haltered, Free/Non-Haltered, Showmanship, and Youth. The schedule of events is available on the TLBGCA website. Youth who received donations last year are required to show those cattle in this show, join us the share their NASA Project Director Jennifer Edenfield, hard work and efforts for the last year and support their success. and Susan Young finalizing TLBGCA is actively seeking membership participation as class sponsors for both the show and Kris Peterekregistration 2012 individual classes, please connect to the tlbgca.com website for the levels available. Acknowledgement will included in the show program and on the website. Additional activities have been included for the show for the coming year to include Adult Showmanship, Team Penning, etc. Registration includes a catered meal on Friday evening. Also mark your calendar to include the Cattle Baron’s Sale to be held in May 11-12, 2013 in Navasota, Texas. Room availability may be hard to find during the sale period due to the conflicting date with the Texas A & M graduation. As of the end of December rooms were still available at the Super 8 Motel in Navasota for $89.95 a night, 9460 Hwy 6 Loop, Navasota, Texas, 936-825-7775. The deadline for consignment is Feb.1, 2013. Please contact Rick Friedrich for additional information (cell) 713-3050259. The sale includes display pens, semen lots to be included in the auction and limited silent auction items. Donation lots are also sought for the sale with proceeds going to the TLBGCA Scholarship Funds.
Ron Hamilton, Scorekeeper and Steven Zunker, Announcer at Brenham Show, Spring 2012
Haltered class at Brenham, 2012 Brenham 2012 Show
TEXAS LONGHORN BREEDERS ASSOCIATION OF NEW MEXICO
Jerry Stevens, President • (575) 882-7425 The Texas Longhorn Breeders of New Mexico held their annual membership meeting on Saturday, January 5th in Ruidoso, New Mexico, with an optional lunch gathering; the meeting following. Our meeting was called to order by President Jerry Stevens; with many enthusiastic members attending and making plans for this new year. Our next event will be the 2013 Dona Ana County World Qualifying Halter, Free and Youth, Longhorn Show to be held March 9 and March 10 in Las Cruces, New Mexico. Please contact Kristi Wilson (kmewilson@windstream.net or 575 354 1210) or show chair, Jerry Stevens (575 649 0987) for more information.
AFFILIATES… Send Us Your News! Is your Longhorn Affiliate celebrating a big event, hosting a show, a sale or just having a monthly meeting? If so, spread the news to the entire TLBAA by submitting your information to the Trails each month. Don’t forget to send photos, if you have them. Simply email your information to the Trails, Laura Standley at laura@tlbaa.org or call her at (817) 625-6241. We want to hear from you to help spread the news about your local Texas Longhorn activities. February 2013
49
Gold N Rule Sittin Bull
Max Caliber Coach
Mountain Home, Texas
• Semen Collection & Processing • CSS Available Facility • Storage • Shipping • Supplies • AI • Embryo Collections • AI Training Schools
1-800-YO RANCH charlie4@yoranch.com Proud member of the TLBAA and TLMA
At our facilities or on-farm collecting Bob Woodard
903.521.7904
Brenda Barton
903.567.4044 (Office)
Craig Barton
903.920.3223
18035 FM 17 • Canton, TX 75103 Toll Free 1.866.604.4044 Fax 903.567.6587 www.championgenetics.com
Butler Meeting Held November 16-17, 2012 Submitted by Kim Richey
Electric brands shipped within 24 hours. Electric number sets 3 or 4 inch – $290 Plus Shipping & Handling
Personalized Brands: One Letter-$95 Two Letters-$105 Three Letters-$115
Pamphlets Available At Most Livestock Auctions
1-800-222-9628 FAX: 800-267-4055
P.O. Box 460 • Knoxville, AR 72845
Web site: www.huskybrandingirons.com
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Butler Breeders gathered in Franklinton, LA on November 16 and 17, 2013 at Westfarms hosted by Matt, Dale, Lynnette and Leslie Westmoreland. Friday night attendees enjoyed a bonfire party and birthday party for Elmer Rosenberger which included wild hog cooked by Marice Ladnier and musical entertainment by Jake Kety. Saturday found 60+ Butler breeders gathered to tour Westfarms cattle. The group then went on to Little Ace Cattle Company and Eagle Ridge Longhorns. They ended up the day with a delicious Cajun lunch and a planning meeting for the 2013 sale led by Kaso Kety. Texas Longhorn Trails
BREEDERS GUIDE ALABAMA
ARKANSAS
COLORADO
KANSAS
EAS CAT Y LOC TLE ATO R!
MICHIGAN
OKLAHOMA
For more information on upcoming TLBAA sales and events call Pam Galloway at (817) 625-6241
CALIFORNIA
Call in, ask for your H.O.R.N.S. password and take control of your herd inventory and membership information. (817) 625-6241
KENTUCKY READ E-TRAILS for news on upcoming TLBAA Sales and Events. Go to www.tlbaa.org and click on E-Trails February 2013
51
OKLAHOMA
NORTH CENTRAL TEXAS
Call in, ask for your H.O.R.N.S. password and take control of your herd inventory and membership information. (817) 625-6241
PENNSYLVANIA
TENNESSEE
Call in, ask for your H.O.R.N.S. password and take control of your herd inventory and membership information. (817) 625-6241
SOUTH TEXAS
NORTHEAST TEXAS
CENTRAL TEXAS
SOUTHEAST TEXAS
NORTH CENTRAL TEXAS
52
Texas Longhorn Trails
SOUTHEAST TEXAS
SOUTH CENTRAL TEXAS
WEST TEXAS
SOUTH CENTRAL TEXAS
CANADA
ALBERTA
www.tlbaa.org
TEXAS LONGHORN T•R•A•I•L•S
February 2013
53
CLASSIFIEDS AUCTIONEERS
WESTERN DECOR
THATE Cattle Company
JoelAuctioneer Lemley P.O. Box 471 Blackwell, TX 79506
Your source for big-horned cattle in the North—utilizing the right bloodlines to produce the horn. Fairmont, Minnesota
(507) 235-3467
325-668-3552
www.lemleyauctionservices.com TX. License 15204
OLIVER LONGHORNS
www.oliverlonghorns.com Cattle for sale “To God Be The Glory”
Bruce E. McCarty Auctioneer Weatherford, TX
(817) 991-9979
joliver@mytocn.com (972) 268-0083
At SAND HILLS RANCH we enjoy working with NEW BREEDERS & offer QUALITY GOOD HORNED STRAIGHT BUTLER & BLEND cattle, many to choose from & an attractive OWNER FINANCE PKG, Dora Thompson (318) 8726329 echoofambush@aol.com Mansfield, LA www.sandhillsranch.com Located near the Texas Line & Shreveport.
REAL ESTATE CATTLE FOR SALE
♥
TRIGG MOORE
Have A “Lovely” Valentine’s Day…
... and remember our great choices of Longhorns to supplement an existing herd, begin a new one or just surprise that special person on your valentine list. • Top notch, gentle bulls, bred and open heifers, plus beautiful young cows… many with calves at side. • Awesome, big horned trophy steers, 3 yrs. & up. They are destine to become traffic stopping pasture art. Very gentle and colorful! To schedule a ranch tour or just talk Longhorns, call:
Dorie Damuth • Flying D Longhorn Ranch Magnolia, Texas • 281-356-8167 281-356-2751 Fax dorie27@sbcglobal.net www.damuthflyingdranch.com ELITE TEXAS LONGHORNS FOR SALE- Dale Hunt - www.rockinhlonghorns.com. JBR LONGHORNS- frozen embryos, AI & ET, semen, elite females, miniatures, lean beef, free advice, call before you buy. Jim Rombeck (785) 562-6665, Justin Rombeck (816) 536-1083.
LONE WOLF RANCH Dr. Lee and Linda Ragains
New Location: Sallisaw, OK (918) 774-9107 • (918) 855-4907 new web site:
www.lonewolfranch.net
BEAVER CREEK LONGHORNS- Check our new Web site with "Super Sales" and herdreduction prices. Tazman (Gunman) genetics. Carole Muchmore, Ponca City, OK (580) 7659961, www.beavercreeklonghorns.com
W W W. C R A Z Y C AT T L E C O M PA N Y. C O M Cows for sale bred to the HSC-LWC winner, WF Poker. 18-month Sittin Bull son availabletotal package bull. Call Shawn or Sam (717) 577-3347. HERD DISPERSAL SALE - Mature Tejas Star son, bulls, bred cows and young stock. Visit web site for photos, prices and pedigrees. www.thesinnemaranch.com. For more info contact Stacy (509) 951-3102.
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HOME & RANCH REALITY CO-OWNER/AGENT
Ofc: (254) 965-5500 Fax: (254) 965-5532 Cell: (254) 396-5592
936 S. Hwy 281 Stephenville, TX 76401 Email: trigg@c21homeandranch.com
www.c21homeandranch.com
TRADE & BARTER
TRADE YOUR LONGHORNS – We’ll take your bulls and steers in trade for cows, heifers, pairs, herd sires or semen from breeds’ top quality bulls. Stonewall Valley Ranch, Fredericksburg, TX. Days (512) 454-0476 / Weekends (830) 644-2380.
WOULD YOU LIKE SOME VANIZM OR JUBAL JANGLER HEIFERS? – Save your cash for hay. How about trading bulls or steers for them instead of cash? Call (785) 447-9132 McIntyre Ranches - www.mcintyreranches.com.
TRANSPORTATION HAULING - Anywhere-Anytime We specialize in Longhorns. Dan Tisdale (940) 872-1811 Mobile: (940) 841-2619
LIVESTOCK TRANSPORTATION Ted Roush (713) 299-7990 Cell www.asocl.com or troush57@yahoo.com YOU CALL - I HAUL! WANTED
LOOKING TO PURCHASE LONGHORN SEMEN – Looking for straws of semen on the following bulls: Phenomenon, Laramie & Tango. Brian Wallis (214) 755-6880.
For upcoming event information, visit
www.tlbaa.org
Specializing in mounted steer horns, cow skulls, horn furniture, hides
M.P. & K.D. HORN and LEATHER SHOP 408 E. Drew • Ft. Worth, TX 76110 817-927-8061 • Fax: 817-927-7970 E-mail: MPKDhornshop8061@msn.com Web site: www.hornandleather.com
TEXAS LONGHORN T•R•A•I•L•S (817) 625-6241 • Fax (817) 625-1388 trails@tlbaa.org Classified ads are $15.00 for 25 words. Box ads are $25.00 per inch. Deadline is the 25th of the second month preceding publication.
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Texas Longhorn Trails
A DVERTISERS ’ I NDEX A
Adcock, Terry & Sherri............40, 53 Almendra Longhorns ....................51 Anderson, Frank Jr. and III ............9 Astera Meadows Ranch ................26
H Ranch ....................................51 B Bar Beadle Land & Cattle ................8, 51 Bear Boot Ranch ............................53 Billingsley Longhorns....................52 Box Z Ranch ........................8, 27, 53 Bolen, Brent & Cindy ......................7 Brett Ranch ......................................52 BT Farms ..........................................52 Buckhorn Cattle Co...................8, 51 Bull Creek Longhorns ....27, 37, 52 Butler Breeders ..............................8-9
C
Cactus Rose Longhorns ................26 CedarView Ranch ....................40, 51 Champion Genetics ......................50 Clark, John & Lauren ....................40 Commanders Place Longhorns ..51 CV Cowboy Casanova ................BC
L
Arrow Ranch........52, IBC M Marquess MCA Ranch....................................8-9 McKnight, Todd & Kelli................40 McLeod Ranch ..................................8 Midwest Sale....................................11 Millennium Futurity......................45 Miller, Tim........................................51 Mills, David & Linda ....................40 Moriah Farms ............................8, 52
N
E
Eagles Ridge Longhorns..................8 El Coyote Ranch ....................1-2, 52 End of Trail Ranch ..................10, 51 Everyday Minerals ........................IFC
F
Fisher Ranch Longhorns ..............27 Flying Diamond Ranch ................51 Flying H Longhorns ......................52
G
Gaskill, Steve....................................12 Gist Silversmiths ............................43
H
Harrell Ranch................................3, 8 Heart of Texas Round-Up Sale ....46 Helm Cattle Co. ............................52 Hickman Longhorns ....................52 Hubbell Longhorns ........................7 Hudson Longhorns ................13-15 Hudson-Valentine Spring Inv.16-18 Husky Branding Irons ..................50
J
J&C Longhorns ..............................27 J.T. Wehring Family Ranch ..........52 Jack Mountain Ranch....................53 Jane’s Land & Cattle Co...................9 JHC Longhorns ..............................26 Johnston Longhorns......................51 Jones, Jimmy......................................7
K
Kittler Land & Cattle Co. ..........41, 51
L
Lemley Longhorns ........................53 February 2013
Just For Grins Create an original caption for this photograph and win a TLBAA cap! (Only first-place winners receive prizes.)
Photos for “Just for Grins” are welcome, but they cannot be returned. Send your caption to: Texas Longhorn Trails P.O. Box 4430 • Fort Worth, Texas 76164 Please specify which month your caption is for. Email entries should include address.
Northbrook Cattle Co...................52 No-Bull ............................................50
O Orton Longhorns ..........................12 P
P&C Cattle Pens ............................43 Pace Texas Longhorns ..................12 Panther Creek Longhorns......19, 51 Pearl Longhorn Ranch ....26-27, 53 PJ’s Cattle Company ........................8
R
Rio Vista Ranch ................................8 Rocking G Ranch..............................9 Rocking I Longhorns ..9, 26, 32, 53 Rocking P Longhorns ......................8 Rocky Mountain Select Sale ........31 Rolling D Ranch..............................51 Running Arrow Farm ....................50
Longhorns ........................9 D Dalgood Deer Creek Longhorns..................53 Diamond Q Longhorns ..............52 Dick’s Ranch Supply......................50 Double LB Longhorns ..................53
Lightning Longhorns ....................52 Little Ace Cattle Co...........................8 Lone Wolf Ranch............................51 Longhorn Designs..........................43 Longhorn Sale Pen ........................43
S
7 Bar Longhorns ............................52 Safari B Ranch..................................51 Sand Hills Ranch............................32 Semkin Longhorns ................37, 52 Sidewinder Cattle Co.......................9 Smith, Chad & Janell ....................40 Smith, T.M. & Jean ........................52 SS Longhorns..................................52 STLA............................................26-27 Stotts Hideaway Ranch ................53
T
Thdyk, Phil & Brenda ....................41 TLBA Foundation ..........................36 TLBAA Membership......................44 Triple R Ranch (MI) ......................51 Triple R Ranch (TX) ..................9, 26 Triple T Longhorns ........................52 Twining, Kurt & Glenda................40
U Underwood Longhorns ................51 V
Vida Nueva Ranch ........................27
W Walker, Ron ....................................53
Webb, Ken........................................12 Westfarms, Inc...................................8 Wichita Fence..................................43
Y
YO Ranch ........................................50
Photo courtesy of Valene Goff, Eureka, MT
JANUARY PHOTO FIRST-PLACE WINNER:
“Psst... We’re supposed to eat this, not lay in it!” Wendy Hastings, Art, TX ◆
HONORABLE MENTION: "It is really not that cold!!” Brian Miller, San Antonio, TX
Coming Next Month:
Longhorn Weekend 55
Save The Date!
Texas Longhorn
FEBRUARY 2013 FEB 9 • Hired Hand Huddle, Tarrant County Community College, Fort Worth, TX. Molly Clubb, www.mococreative.com, (319) 269-8903, mococreative@gmail.com. FEB 8-9 • San Antonio Livestock Show, San Antonio, TX. Annie Morgan (210) 885-8653 or annieoakley64@aol.com. Qualifying Free and Youth. FEB 22-24 • San Angelo Stock Show, San Angelo, TX. Dennis Urbantke (325) 656-9321 or dennisurbantke@zipnet.us. Qualifying Haltered, Free and Youth. FEB 28-MARCH 4 • Houston Livestock Show, Houston, TX. TLBAA, Pam Galloway (817) 625-6241 or pam@tlbaa.org. Qualifying Haltered and Youth.
MARCH 2013 MAR 8-10 • North Texas Longhorn Breeders Show, Glen Rose, TX. Kevin & Lauri Rooker - krooker@centurylink.net. Qualifying Haltered, Free and Youth. MAR 9 • Heart of Texas Roundup Sale, West Auction Barn, West, TX. Russell Hooks russellh@longhornroundup.com or (409) 381-0616. www.longhornroundup.com MAR 9-10 • Texas Longhorn Breeders of New Mexico Show, Las Cruces, NM. Kristi Wilson kmcwilson@windstream.net or (575) 354-1210. Qualifying Haltered, Free and Youth. MAR 15-16 • Star of Texas Fair & Rodeo, Austin, Texas. Louis Christa (210) 863-7003 or lchri58@msn.com. Qualifying Haltered, Free and Youth. MAR 21-22 • South Texas State Fair, Beaumont, TX. www.ymbl.org. Qualifying Haltered and Youth. MAR 22-24 • Stillwater Shootout, Stillwater, OK. Steve & Bodie Quary (405) 567-3093 or diamondqlonghorns@yahoo.com. Qualifying Haltered, Free and Youth. MAR 30 • B&C Show Me Longhorn Spring Sale, Brookfield Livestock Auctions, Inc., Bus. Hwy. 36, Brookfield, MO. Sayre Auction & Sale Management, Bill Sayre (660) 258-2973 or cell (660) 734-0827 or Shawn (660) 734-8782.
APRIL 2013 APR 5 • Southeastern Winchester Futurity. Terry King (850) 956-4154 or tklonghorns@centurylink.net; Danny Guffey (256) 717-9986; Nancy Dunn-nancydunn2010@windstream.net or (334) 3180887. APR 5-6 • Hudson-Valentine Spring Invitational Texas Longhorn Sale, WKU Ag Expo Center, Bowling Green, KY. Lorinda Valentine (270) 393-2012 APR 5-7 • STLA Rockdale Spring Show, Rockdale, TX. Chair: Sandi Nordhausen (512) 898-2401, sandi@nordy.com. Co-chair: Louis Christa (210) 863-7003, boxzranch@msn.com. Qualifying Haltered and Youth. APR 12-14 • TLBGCA Spring Show, Washington County Fairgrounds, Brenham, Texas. Susan Young - susanbyoung@hotmail.com or (713) 294-6334. Qualifying Haltered, Free and Youth. APR 13 • Red River Longhorn Sale, Red River Sale Barn, Overbrook, OK. Rick Friedrich-rick@riverranchlonghorns.com or (713) 305-0259. APR 27 • Midwest Longhorn Sale, Winfield, KS. Mike Bowman (316) 778-1717 or www.endoftrailranch.com.
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Coming Events MAY 2013 MAY 3-4 • Red McCombs Fiesta Sale and Premier Heifer Sale, Johnson City, TX. www.redmccombslonghorn.com. Alan & Teresa Sparger, alan@redmccombsranches.com, teresa@redmccombsranches.com, (210) 445-8798. MAY 11 • Cattle Baron’s Premier Longhorn Sale, Mid-Tex Livestock Auction, Navasota, TX. Rick Friedrich (713) 305-0259 or rick@riverranchlonghorns.com. MAY 17-18 • Millennium Futurity, Glen Rose, TX; Bill Davidson (405) 258-7117 or mlflonghorns@sbcglobal.net. www.mlfuturity.com
JUNE 2013 JUNE 12-14 • TLBAA World Show, Will Rogers Memorial Center, Fort Worth, TX. Pam Galloway (817) 625-6241 or pam@tlbaa.org. Qualifying Haltered, Free and Youth. JUNE 12-16 • Autobahn Youth Tour “Autobahnanza”, Will Rogers Memorial Center, Fort Worth, TX. Larry Barker (817) 988-6110 or lbarker@abahn.com. www.autobahnyouthtour.com JUNE 14-15 • Winchester Futurity of the North, Gibson County Fairgrounds, Princeton, IN. www.winchsterfuturitynorth.com. Scott Simmons (618) 729-2004 or Deanna Sanders (618) 7805365. www.winchesterfuritynorth.com JUNE 15 • “Trail Of Tears Heifer Futurity”, Idabel, OK. Wes Watson (580) 286-1240 or wes@idabelok.net.
AUGUST 2013 AUG 9-10 • Rocky Mountain Select Sale, Latigo Arena, Colorado Springs, CO. Stan Searle (719) 481-3735 or Gary Lake (719) 314-8294.
SEPTEMBER 2013 SEPT 14 • 5th Annual Appalachian Trail Registered Texas Longhorn Consignment Sale, Mt. Airy Stockyard, Mt. Airy, NC. Carl Brantley, Wilkesboro, NC pyledriver1964@yahoo.com or (336) 667-5452. SEPT 14 • YO Ranch Texas Longhorn Fall Sale, Mountain Home, TX. (325) 668-3552. SEPT 21 • 17th Annual “Waaka Lapish Foloha” Longhorn Sale, Durant, OK. Wes Watson (580) 286-1240 or wes@idabel.net. SEPT 26-28 • East Texas State Fair, Tyler, TX. Dr. Gene & Lana Hightower (903) 963-7442 or glcattleco@aol.com. Entry forms & info at www.etstatefair.com Qualifying Haltered, Free and Youth
OCTOBER 2013 OCT 26 • Marquess Arrow Production Sale, Ben Wheeler, TX. Ron & Barbara Marquess-maranch@aol.com or (903) 833-5810 Ranch or (903) 570-5199 Ron. www.maranch.com.
Let us know about your upcoming events! (817) 625-6241or email us at laura@tlbaa.org.
Texas Longhorn Trails