DVO Outside City Limits 798H Over Draft Pick 413D AS
Top 10 Reasons
why its worth the drive and the wait for the LT prefix
1. Structurally sound and proven longevity- grown on a high fiber diet (Zero Corn)
2. Proven feed efficiency in the pasture and feedlot
3. Strong carcass merits resulting in higher yielding and grading carcasses
4. Strong Fertility resulting in more pregnancies and pounds of red meat produced - All bulls semen tested prior to sale day!
5. Quality- Top 50% of bulls on test in the offering!
6. Affordability - Bulls to fit the commercial ranchers price point while still maintaining top quality
7. Volume- Midwest’s largest bull offering
8. Strong Maternal traits balanced with top performance
9. Desirable Docility- Resulting in better feed intakes and higher average gains
10. Highest Customer service in the industry- Unmatched customer buyback program (Over 50,000 head fed and marketed in 2024)
Welcome!
Thanks for joining us! We are a free, premier livestock publication featuring and serving seedstock and commercial beef producers nationwide. Raising cattle is so much more than a hobby; it is our livelihood and our passion. We understand that, and in every issue want you to see not only incredible cattle, but also relatable, entertaining, and informative editorial features for the producer with 5 or 500 head.
To us, you are more than reader or advertiser; you are a beef producer. We are committed to doing our best for you, every day. Please feel free to communicate with us, your input is appreciated. The Stockman (ISSN 2694-1740), Vol. 7, No.
BILL SCHERMER, Owner/Herd Consultant
641.425.2641 |
Bill and his wife, Nancy, have made their living in the cattle industry. He has provided marketing services for purebred and commercial breeders since 1970. Schermer Angus Cattle continues to be active in the NJAA and raises quality cattle near Clarion, IA. As owner of The Stockman, Bill leads by example providing producers with the highest level of customer service.
CHERYL KEPES, Assistant Editor
417.766.0990
cheryl@stockmanmag.com
Working for The Stockman is the perfect combination of two of Cheryl’s favorite things: writing and cattle. Cheryl has decades of experience as a professional writer. She finds great joy in sharing stories about people in the agricultural industry. Cheryl’s family raises registered Angus, Red Angus, and Simmental cattle in Fair Grove, MO.
KIM BANKS, Graphics
507.530.0914
kkbanks@frontiernet.net
Makayla serves as editor, graphic designer, and manager of The Stockman. Her focus and passion continues to provide high quality service and original promotional materials to cattlemen. She and her husband, Jared, raise their four kids, and together they run their family operation, JMF Herefords and SimAngus, near Morris in west central MN.
SARAH HILL, Editorial Writer
307.274.0419
sarahhill1007@yahoo.com
Cheryl Kepes
Sarah Hill
Justin Fruechte
Dr. Vince Collison Kirk Lynch
Kim is a graphic designer with many years of design experience. Producing creative marketing materials to help others look their best is what she loves doing the most. She and her husband, Kevin, along with their son, raise grain and have a small commercial cow/calf and feeder operation on the family farm near Lynd, MN.
Sarah lives on a small hobby farm near Arlington, SD, with her husband, Braeton, and their three daughters: Harper, 8, Vayentha, 5, and Aurora, 1. She grew up on a Missouri dairy farm and has an Agricultural Journalism degree from the University of Missouri. Sarah enjoys baking, reading, and gardening.
MARIA OPHEIM, Social Media Manager
507-828-1374
riawbr@gmail.com
to Makayla Flower, 1530 10th St. NW Holloway, MN 56249.
Maria, her husband Cade, and daughter Tawnee, of Mound City, S.D. currently reside on their fifth generation commercial & Limousin cattle and grain operation. Maria also works as a R.N. She is excited to promote producers through The Stockman’s social media platforms!
TY BAYER
715.573.0153
tcreds@gmail.com
Ty works alongside his family in their purebred operations, Country Lane Farm and TC Reds near Ringle, WI. An advocate for youth programs and dedicated cow/calf man, he is excited to help producers merchandise their cattle.
JAN FORD
800.693.8048
jford17879@aol.com
CHAD AND BRANDI CLAUSSEN
563.349.5089
chad.claussen@yahoo.com
Chad Claussen and his wife, Brandi, along with their two sons, operate purebred and commercial cow herds in Stockton, Iowa. The Claussen family also enjoys showing cattle, goats, and sheep. Off the farm, Chad works in the HVAC industry and Brandi works as an inventory and harvest coordinator.
RON HINRICHSEN
785.770.0222
rlangus@bluevalley.net
For the past 30 years, Ron, his wife, Lynne, and their two children have owned and
BRANDON CREAMER
970.596.4965
creamer b 150@hotmail.com
Brandon owns Lazy JB Angus with his parents and sister in Montrose, CO. Raised in the cattle industry, he has a true passion for it and loves marketing quality cattle throughout the US.
LORA HUTCHINS
615.293.3695
loralea1172@gmail.com With her passion for agriculture, Jan brings over 35+ years of advertising sales experience in the beef industry. She and her late husband Norm had a commercial Angus cow herd and grain operation near Tipton, IA, which her sons still manage today.
BRIGHAM AND MEGAN STEWART
785.747.8028
megancollisondvm@gmail.com
Brigham works alongside his parents at Mid Continent Farms, their large, multi-breed cow/calf operation in Kansas. Megan graduated from ISU as a DVM in the spring of 2021 and is a big part of her family’s Angus herd and Veterinary Clinic in Iowa.
operated Hinrichsen Ranch, a registered Angus ranch in Westmoreland, KS. He has an extensive background in the agricultural industry and is excited to put it to work for each of his customers.
CARTER WARD
carterward79@gmail.com
816.261.0891
Carter resides in Plattsburg, MO, with his girlfriend, Mandi, where they help run
Ward Brothers Livestock with Carter’s family - their primary focus is Angus show cattle. Carter is also a partner in Campbell/Ward show cattle that specializes in the Hereford breed.
Lora owns and operates Destiny Angus Farm with husband Brian and daughter Morgan in Charleston, IL. They have raised and shown cattle successfully on the national level for several years. They also have owned a production herd with as many as 200 registered cows.
STEVE WOLFF
701.710.1574
swolff318@yahoo.com
Steve is a third generation Hereford breeder - his family has been raising Herefords since 1951. He offers bulls by private treaty every year and has a heifer sale every fall. Steve also enjoys traveling to sales and shows whenever possible and likes camping as well.
Meinders Stock Farms thrives on its agricultural versatility, encompassing four breeds of cattle, grain farming, pigs, and
The McClun family, owners of Lazy JM Ranch in Wyoming, has been selling high-quality Hereford bulls.
The Mueller family, Halstead, Kan., is charting a course of success in various sectors of the industry.
Krista Currier of Lebanon, Mo.
Does anyone else ever find themselves saying, “I just have to get through this week, and next week will slow down!” Am I the only one that never actually sees “next week” slow down?! Why do we think this way when in reality it never really happens like we foresee it to? Maybe it’s our mind’s way of giving us a pep talk to get through the next big slug of things on our to-do list, or a reminder of hope that the hard things shall pass. Sometimes it’s all we can do to live moment by moment. But keeping that thought of hope and the goal of accomplishment is important to remember when we’re in the thick of things.
Our team is thrilled to place another issue of The Stockman into your hands. We hope you enjoy the inspiring producer stories and timely educational articles within these pages.
Spring is just around the corner and I think we’re all ready for it! Warmer temps, green grass, and a surplus of sunshine sounds wonderful this time of the year. I am anxious to get back into my garden and set some freshly potted flowers around our home. And best of all, the cows will be traveling to green pastures very soon!
publication date
May 1, 2025
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September 1, 2025
October 1, 2025
November 1, 2025
December 1, 2025
January 1, 2026
February 1, 2026
March 1, 2026
April 1, 2026
materials due
April 10
July 10
August 10
September 10
October 10
November 10
December 1
January 10
February 10
March 10
ring service call for a quote
TR BRIGADE 4037M | ANGUS | AAA: 21131625
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225 Bulls & 55 Registered Open Heifers
Troy & VeaBea Thomas | Clint, Cally, Tee & Tyler Kindred 18475 Capri Place - Harrold, SD 57536
Meinders Stock Farms thrives on its agricultural versatility, encompassing four breeds of cattle, grain farming, pigs, and sheep, all contributing to the business’s growth.
Brothers, Zach and Jake Meinders, are perfecting the art of consistently balancing a wide array of agricultural endeavors. Every day they work as cattle producers, grain
growers, sheep herders, and pig farmers. Their multifaceted operation, Meinders Stock Farms, located in Buffalo Center, Iowa, utilizes feed efficiency protocols, extensive
data collection and analysis, as well as a customer calf buyback program to help set them apart from their counterparts.
photos courtesy Meinders family
MEINDERS BROTHERS
Brothers farming together runs in the family. Zach and Jake’s dad, Gary, and his brother, Dale, partner in their own farming operation called Meinders Brothers. Dale’s two sons, Hunter and Hayden, pitch in to assist both farming operations. Though separate entities, Meinders Stock Farms and Meinders Brothers run their cattle and work the land collectively.
Diversification serves as a guiding philosophy for the business. All the Meinders brothers work side-byside to row crop 1,600 acres of corn and soybeans. In total, they own 450 Simmental, Angus, Stabilizer, and Charolais momma cows. The Stabilizer cattle are a four-breed composite – Angus, Hereford, Gelbvieh, and Simmental.
The brothers also feed out 500 steers. Additionally, Zach and Jake lamb 250 Katahdin and Polypay ewes as well as farrow a handful of sows.
CATTLE HERD
The operation’s diversification extends throughout each segment of Zach and Jake’s business. Their cattle operation includes seedstock, commercial, and feeder cattle. Additionally, Meinders Stock Farms produces Simmental, Angus, Charolais, and Stabilizer bulls. They work in partnership with Leachman Cattle, Meriden, Wyo., to market 50 bulls annually and then sell another 50 in their own sale each year.
“I like to think we have a pretty
good feel of the cattle industry because we raise bulls that sell in the Midwest and in the West. We have some commercial cows and some seedstock cows,” Zach Meinders explained. “We take some cattle all the way to finish, and we sell
those on the grid and use that data and put it back into the Leachman evaluation, which runs our EPDs. We collect a lot of data, and we see a lot of segments of that industry,” he added.
DATA DRIVEN
The compiling of data starts the day an animal is born at Meinders Stock Farms. The Meinders collect DNA samples at birth on approximately 300 of their 450 calves each year. The DNA is sent off for advanced genomic testing.
The compilation of data starts early at Meinders Stock Farms be-
cause the brothers reference the findings when making early selection decisions. The information helps Zach and Jake choose which calves will be sorted together into the future herd bull group, future replacement heifer group, and future feedlot group.
“We really try to make sure we have good, strong contemporary
groups. So, for example rather than putting some steers in with some bulls all summer and breaking up our contemporary that way, we’ll try to get those cows with steers into their own contemporary group and in their own pasture. Because the bigger the contemporary group, the more meaningful the data you collect out of that group of calves,” Zach said.
UTILIZING INDEXES
In addition to utilizing breed association EPDs for making decisions, Meinders Stock Farms contributes data to Leachman Cattle’s database which emphasizes profit driven measures. Leachman Cattle, in partnership with Zoetis, created a set of indexes that focus on factors that impact cattle producers’ bottom line, economic factors, and genomic predictions.
“I’m really a data-oriented guy. I like collecting data and submitting it into the evaluation and seeing how it changes our EPDs and then how those EPDs tie into what we’re seeing every day in the cow herd and in the feedlot,” Zach shared.
Leachman’s index focuses on three indicators: $Ranch, $Feeder, and $Profit™. According to Leachman’s definitions $Ranch represents profit from birth through weaning and includes measures of
fertility, milk, growth, cow feed intake, and mature size. Next, $Feeder looks at profit from weaning to harvest which incorporates values for feed conversion, carcass value, and carcass weight. Lastly, $Profit™ which combines $Ranch and $Feeder into one value.
“We’re trying to collect as much data and get as much accuracy behind these cattle as we possibly can to help us and help our customers make the best decisions possible,” Zach stated.
The brothers gather data at different stages of an animal’s life. The bulls in their program undergo a thorough assessment that includes scoring their feet, disposition, and
eye appeal. The potential herd bulls also receive carcass ultrasounds evaluating ribeye, marbling, and fat thickness. The Meinders scan 100 percent of their bulls and replacement heifers.
FEED EFFICIENCY TESTING
Several years ago, the Meinders brothers invested in C-Lock SmartFeed units to measure the total daily feed intake of their animals. The testing bunks give the Meinders the ability to collect feed efficiency records on their replacement heifers and bulls.
Meinders Stock Farms utilizes the feed efficiency data to make future breeding decisions. It helps them select for lower intake cattle that convert better and thrive in their environment.
CATTLE MANAGEMENT
Meinders Stock Farms is fast-tracking its herd genetics. The operation’s breeding program consists of embryo transfer (ET) and AI. They implant 100 embryos in their commercial cows each year. They breed 300 head via AI and clean up with herd sires from their topnotch bull battery.
“Since we are involved in a lot of segments of the industry, we see how these cattle perform at each point of their lifespan. We take all that in and select for all of it. We try to breed for the best well-rounded animals that we can,” Zach said.
The cow herd calves from January 1 through mid-April. The intentionally long calving season exists
so they can maximize the use of their 50 head capacity heated calving barn. Additionally, their herd bulls can be turned out in April and May and then again in June and July on the later calving cows–once again increasing efficiency of resources.
The Meinders brothers produce their own replacement females. “We’ll keep more heifers than we need every year, and we’ll sell some of our middle-aged cows commercially as breds each fall. That’s how we make room for the young females who have the latest and greatest genetics,” Zach explained.
Zach and Jake market their cattle through two of their own sales; a live bull sale in the spring and an online female sale in the fall. They also sell bulls at Leachman sales throughout the year.
CALF BUYBACK PROGRAM
Meinders Stock Farms gives its customers the opportunity to be a part of a calf buyback program. They offer to purchase the calves sired by the bulls they sell. They will pay their bull customers premi-
ums above the top of the feeder calf market based on the $Feeder index of the bulls they buy. Zach and Jake then feed out those calves. “I think that (the buyback program) shows the confidence level we have in our own genetics,” Zach stated.
SOWS AND SHEEP
Meinders Stock Farms takes its diversification to yet another level with their pig and sheep operations. They farrow and sell feeder pigs. Additionally, every other month they lamb the ewes in their Katahdin and Polypay flocks. The sheep side of the business gives the brothers cash flow year-round.
The cattle and sheep operations benefit each other regarding feeding rations. They feed their cattle herd a total mixed ration (TMR) consisting of corn silage, corn, alfalfa, wet distiller’s grains, and
ground hay. The production of the TMR for the cattle means it is also a readily available and affordable feed for the sheep.
EYE ON THE FUTURE
As Meinders Stock Farms looks toward the future, they plan to continue to raise the bar for their operation – always mindful of keeping the various aspects of their business progressing for themselves and their customers.
5 p.m. near Buffalo Center, IA learn more www.meindersstockfarms.com
2025 SPRING SALE: Saturday, April 19, 2025
Extension Education
Aaron Berger, Nebraska Extension Educator University of NE - Lincoln, UNL Beef beef.unl.edu
University research you can use.
FIVE WAYS TO REDUCE UNIT COST OF PRODUCTION IN A COW-CALF ENTERPRISE
Unit cost of production is a ratio where costs in the numerator are divided by the units produced in the denominator.
There are five ways to reduce unit costs of production in a cow-calf enterprise.
1. Decrease costs while keeping production the same. An example of this would be to sell unneeded equipment or reduce equipment expense while keeping calf produc-
tion the same. Costs decrease while production is maintained, decreasing unit cost of production.
2. Hold costs the same while increasing production. The use of hybrid vigor in cow-calf production is an example of this strategy. Research shows that a crossbred cow will be more productive over her life than the females of the straight bred contemporaries used to create her. An example of this would be an F1 Hereford X Angus cross cow. Costs of production would likely be the same, but productivity is expected to increase, decreasing unit
cost of production.
3. Decrease costs while increasing production. An example of this could be the moving of a calving date for a cow herd to better match the availability of significantly lower cost feed resources. This move of calving date could also potentially improve calf survivability if weather is more favorable, resulting in an increase in the number of calves weaned. Costs decrease while production increases, reducing unit cost of production.
4. Increase costs with an expected greater percentage increase in production. The strategic use of a protein supplement for spring-calving cows grazing low-quality forage is an example of this. The protein supplement can increase the ability of cows to utilize low-quality forage, resulting in improved body condition scores at calving, greater survivability of calves, greater calf weaning weights and increased pregnancy rates for cows. The percent increase in productivity exceeds the cost of the protein supplement, reducing unit cost of production. UCOP = Costs Units Produced
5. Significantly decrease costs with a smaller percentage decrease in expected production. An example of this would be the decision to select for a genetically adapted cow that better fits her environment and requires fewer supplemental feed inputs. Pounds of calf produced would likely decrease with the cow requiring fewer inputs, but the cost to produce those pounds of calf is expected to decrease at a proportionally faster rate, resulting in a decrease in unit cost of production.
For producers weighing opportunities to reduce unit cost of production, evaluate the potential ripple effects of the proposed change to the
whole cow-calf production system. Some questions to ask in evaluating the possible impact of those changes include:
1. Does this proposed change increase the vulnerability of the cowcalf production system to extreme weather events?
2. Does the proposed change build greater resiliency to the production system or increase risk?
3. What may be some of the unintended consequences of this change?
4. Who are people that have already made these changes or have the proposed production system in
place that I can learn from?
5. What impacts do the proposed changes have on the expected price to be received from products produced?
Think creatively about how you might address unit cost of production in your cow-calf operation. Sometimes a little “out of the box thinking” can open the doors to changes that can significantly impact unit cost of production.
Interviews with the authors of BeefWatch newsletter articles become available throughout the month of publication and are accessible at: www.go.unl.edu/podcast.
Courtesy University of NE - Lincoln, UNL Beef
HALLSTRAND ANGUS
Hallstrand Profound M58 • AAA 21163962
Sire: Ellingson Profound 2022 x MGS: Square B True North 8052 CED+16, BW-1.1, WW+78, YW+136, Milk+34, $M+102
Hallstrand Resilient M21 • AAA 21168827
Sire: Sitz Resilient 10208 x MGS: Ellingson Rangeland CED+8, BW-.5, WW+82, YW+140, Milk+22, $M+93
Broadcasted On: Cattle have all been DNA tested by Angus GS® and parentage tested. Hallstrand Angus calving-ease performance, maternal soundness and longevity.
- (715) 820-1810
- (715) 657-0531
Farm/Sale Address: W6861 County Rd I Ogema, WI 54459 Kurt & Christina Hallstrand Todd Hallstrand Kurt - (715) 657-0233
For better fly control, get with the program.
Improved fly control starts with the Y-TEX® Insecticide Tag Rotation Program.
Insecticide resistance is a growing threat to cattle producers everywhere. What worked last year may be totally ineffective this year, which is why it makes sense to adopt the Y-TEX® Insecticide Tag Rotation Program.
Only Y-TEX® offers fly tags in three different chemical classes, allowing you to rotate from one class to another to protect your cattle as well as the long-term viability of current active ingredients. In fact, university research shows that rotating tags is one of the best ways to forestall resistance in horn flies, face flies and other damaging pests.
To discover how the Y-TEX® Insecticide Tag Rotation Program can help you stop resistance dead in its tracks, see your livestock products supplier or come visit us at www.y-tex.com today.
JANDEL ANGUS .C
Meinders Stock Farms
By
GENERATIONS Five Strong
The McClun family, owners of Lazy JM Ranch in Wyoming, has been selling high-quality Hereford bulls for more than 50 years.
t’s not often you see red and black cattle grazing peacefully in the same pastures, but that’s exactly what you’ll find at Lazy JM Ranch, owned by the McClun family, Veteran, Wyo. For 80 years, the family has raised Herefords, and branched into Black Angus as well.
BUILDING A LEGACY
Jim McClun moved to the ranch around 1947 with his father, Earl, at age 12. At first, the McCluns raised Saler cattle, and then expanded into Herefords, bringing the herd to somewhere in the ballpark of 80 to 100 head.
“From the stories I heard, the Salers were hard to handle, so Grandpa Jim decided he wanted something easier,” said Kody McClun, Jim’s grandson and the fourth generation of the McClun family to work on
Sarah Hill photos courtesy McClun family
the ranch. “That’s where Herefords fit in nicely. Black Angus came to be part of the herd because that’s the breed that was in higher demand from our bull customers.”
Jim is now 90 years old, but still helps out with day to day work on the ranch, alongside his son, Jeff, and daughter-in-law, Kari, who works at the hospital in Torrington, Wyo., when she’s not helping out on the ranch.
“We’re blessed that Grandpa’s still with us and that three generations can be active in the day-to-day work,” Kody said.
Kody and his wife, Tyler, have two boys and a girl - the fifth generation to live on Lazy JM Ranch: Mason is in seventh grade; Kane is in second grade; and Haisley is in preschool. Tyler is actively involved with the bookkeeping and records, when she’s not substitute teaching.
“She keeps everything straight when we’re artificially inseminating and using different sires,” Kody said. “Tyler is irreplaceable.”
MANAGING TWO HERDS
Kody has observed that the Herefords have gained in popularity over the years, so today they’re very competitive with the Black Angus bulls in pricing. The Lazy JM herd is comprised of 60 percent Herefords and 40 percent black Angus, with 350 to 400 momma cows. Total numbers depend on how many replacements are kept and how many open females are sold each year.
above The McClun family - Front (l-r) Kane and Mason. Back (l-r) Kody, Tyler, Haisley, Kari, Jeff, and Jim McClun.
“We background the heifers that we keep for replacements and develop the bulls,” Kody said.
The momma cows are split into a spring herd and a fall herd, with two groups calving in the spring. One group calves in January to the beginning of February, with the other group calving from March to the end of April. The fall herd calves from mid-August to the end of October. Artificial insemination helps the McClun family maintain their tight calving windows, which are essential with the field work and haying.
PACKING IN PERFORMANCE
Kody said that in the last five years, the family has been striving to produce bulls that are high in calving ease while still packing in as much performance as possible. While many of the ranch’s customers are looking for heifer bulls, Kody said that the family gets compliments from customers about how much they like their calves at weaning and how easy calving went.
“We’re really proud of helping our customers achieve record weaning weights every year,” he said. “When our customers make money, we make money, because
they keep coming back for our bulls - of both breeds.”
The McClun family aims to breed eye-appealing, functional cattle that are going to work for their customers, Kody said. They also have to be able to walk with sound feet and be gentle for easy handling.
Over the years, there have been several bulls that have left their mark on the Lazy JM herd. One of the bulls Kody remembers from his youth was a Hereford bull his Grandpa Jim co-purchased called Pacer.
“Pacer is all over our cattle pedigrees. He did a lot of good for us,”
Kody said. “Another Hereford bull we bought from Kevin Jensen was KJ BJ 58Z Cat-Man-Du 288C ET. He was the longest-lasting bull we ever had. We just sold him, and he was with us for 13 or 14 years. He’s stamped all over our pedigrees now, too.”
On the Angus side, SAV Final Answer 0035 has been used a lot and the McCluns have purchased many sons out of him for use as herd bulls.
“We’ve sought after those sons because our customers have been searching out bulls with Final Answer in their pedigree,” Kody said.
Currently, Lazy JM Ranch has been using BAR Dynamic, Architect and Cherry Creek Chambered, that they purchased from a neighbor last year. Kody said he’s excited about Chambered and how his calves will turn out.
“We’ve also had a lot of interest in selling semen on Chambered, since he’s really structurally correct with excellent feet, he’s out of
an older cow that’s been a proven producer, and he’s extremely docile and easy to handle,” Kody said. “You can walk up to him in the pasture and pet him, even during breeding season.”
For the Herefords, Innisfail Trademark 1939 ET sired some of the McClun’s best bulls. SHF Houston D287 H086 and Churchill Red Baron 8300F ET have also sired some really good calves for their herd.
GRAZING NATIVE PASTURE
Momma cows are turned out on native pasture as soon as possible after May 1, as long as sufficient grass is available. The McCluns supplement with hay until the grass really gets going. One pasture is irrigated with a pivot, and that is generally grazed by heifers later in the season. Calves are weaned on the first weekend in October.
“We like to wean them sooner, but in hot and dry years, we don’t want to put calves in the feedlot
with all the dust,” Kody said. “The timing also depends on when we get corn silage chopped, which is usually the end of September, because we like to feed the calves that fresh silage.”
The McClun family farms 700 acres of irrigated farm ground in corn and alfalfa hay. The corn is primarily chopped for silage and the cattle graze on the cornstalks. Some alfalfa hay is sold to the neighbors, but primarily, it feeds the cattle herd. The ranch also manages 4,000 acres of native pastures.
“Bulls are developed on corn silage and ground hay,” Kody said. “We call it a light grower ration.
We’re not trying to make them fat and we want to keep them in good shape and not cause foundering or structural issues. There’s some energy in the silage, but it’s not a finisher ration.”
WARRANTY SETS THEM APART
Lazy JM Ranch has been selling bulls for 52 years, hosting an annual bull sale for the past 30 years. The majority of their bulls stay in Wyoming or a four-state area including Colorado, Montana, and Nebraska, but the family has sold bulls as far away as California, Minnesota, New Mexico, and Wisconsin over the years.
“We don’t sell anything that is a problem,” Kody said. “Another thing that sets us apart is our warranty - we guarantee our bulls’ first breeding season. We want to provide bulls that do their job and perform and make money for our customers. If for any reason, except for abuse or neglect, that a bull isn’t doing his job, then we will fix it.”
Kody explained that if there’s a vet diagnosis and a bull has to be put down or sold and they have a suitable replacement at home, the McCluns will trade bulls. If the customer isn’t hurting bad for a bull that year, or it’s the end of the breeding season, then they receive credit at the next year’s sale. The
family deals with those situations on a case-by-case basis, and most of their customers are honest about it - for example, if a bull was injured because he was fighting with a neighbor’s bull.
BUILDING A NAME IN THE INDUSTRY
Kody showed home-raised Hereford steers in 4-H before switching to showing baldies. He said the heterosis really showed up when he was raising fat steers. Today, Kody and Tyler’s kids are getting into showing cattle in 4-H with homeraised steers.
In 2021, the McClun family sold a heifer to DaKitch Farms, owned by the Kitchell family, Ada, Minn. Kody said that the Kitchells showed that heifer at several shows and brought home all kinds of hardware.
“We’re so happy for them, and proud that they bought that heifer from us,” he said. “We’re gaining in popularity each year and getting a more recognizable name in the industry. We want to keep doing things the right way and doing business with a handshake that’s built on honesty and integrity.”
Kody said he would like to see his kids join the operation someday and keep the family business going, but that’s still a way off for his young family. In the meantime, Kody and his family plan to continue raising quality cattle that their customers want and keep coming back for.
SPRING SALE: Saturday, April 10, 2025 1:00 pm MST - Torrington, Wyo.
SATURDAY | APRIL 5, 2025 | NOON
SATURDAY | APRIL 2025 |
These Highlights Sell on April 5th!
BASIN JOY 9140 *19462949
Sire: EXAR Monumental 6056B • Dam: Basin Joy 5367
Selling a heifer pregnancy sired by FF Rito Ambitious from the dam of Basin Jameson 1076.
Selling a heifer pregnancy sired by Byrd Bullseye 1186-A100!!
CIRCLE G RUBY 1107 +*20031197
Sire: Hoover No Doubt
Dam: 44 Ruby 66064
CED -2, BW +2.9 , WW +81, YW +144, Milk +11, CW +65, MARB +.73, RE +.91, FAT +.006, $M +49, $W +56, $F +118, $G +60, $B +178, $C +280 Due April 2025 to EWA Captain.
RIVERBEND RITA H132
+*19723192
Sire: EWA Peyton 642
Dam: Gabriel 8T05 Discovery 6050
CED +7, BW +2.5 , WW +79, YW +150, Milk +24, CW +63, MARB +1.26, RE +1.02, FAT -.019, $M +31, $W +60, $F +115, $G +89, $B +203, $C +294 Due February 2025 to GAR Fireproof. Flushed conventionally one time for 14 embryos.
Seeds in Season
Functional forage and pasture.
contributed article by Justin Fruechte, Product Expert - Ag Renovo Seed, Brookings, S.D. renovoseed.com
SEED AND SEEDSTOCK PURCHASING
Bull and alfalfa buying season are here! Both are purchases that will impact your operation for about five years, and both come with a plethora of data. Unfortunately, there are years when we let time slip by and end up buying the no-sale bull left at the neighbors or the pallet of alfalfa left over at the farm store without knowing any data about either. Now is the time to learn how to buy alfalfa.
FALL DORMANCY
First, let’s decode the numbers and determine what is of value. Like EPDs, these numbers may or may not be relevant to what you are searching for. FD stands for Fall Dormancy and is the most important number to pay attention to. Fall Dormancy is ranked from 1 to 11 and is determined on its ability to grow more yield later into the fall.
Higher numbers are less dormant, and consequently less suitable for colder climates. We want alfalfa varieties that can grow late into the year, but they also need to properly go dormant before winter without freezing. A Fall Dormant 4 is very common for the Upper Midwest.
WINTER HARDINESS
Winter hardiness is another important score to understand. This score reflects the variety’s ability to survive winter conditions through dormancy. These ratings are scored from 1 to 6, with the lower number being more winter hardy. Winter hardy scores of 1 and 2 are suitable for the northern states.
There was a time when bull tests were popular, and buyers got to see how various producers’ bulls stacked up against one another in the same environment. This is very relatable to alfalfa forage trials, which is another useful tool to use when selecting a variety. These trials will measure yield and nutritional analysis of numerous varieties and publish results yearly. Much like the bull tests, these university
funded forage trials have dwindled, but if you can search one out near you, the data is valuable and relevant.
HAY MARKETING
If you are marketing your hay, look at how premiums are being paid for hay in your area. A bull that can get your calves into a value-added program adds premiums to your crop. An alfalfa variety that has marketing perks is worth looking into.
Many hay markets are now paying a premium for alfalfa/ grass hay over straight alfalfa hay. Using a blend of alfalfa with orchard, timothy, or tall forage fescue could capture those higher market premiums. Another buzz term that has been adding premiums to hay is low lignin content. There are conventionally bred low lignin alfalfa varieties that will yield great while still maintaining high digestibility scores.
When you find seedstock producers who consistently breed quality bulls for your program, it’s easy to buy from them. Do your
due diligence on researching alfalfa this spring and find an alfalfa program that supports you. Alfalfa research won’t be as fun as watching bull videos on auctions, but it will be worth having the correct hayfield on your farm for the next half a decade.
Photos courtesy Renovo Seed learn more renovoseed.com
Renovo Seed, Brookings, S.D.
The team of folks at Renovo Seed have roots that run deep in farming, agriculture, and in the overall respect for the landscape. They opened their doors in 1987 and continue to walk alongside farmers, ranchers, and landowners across thousands of acres throughout the Midwest.
Real Cattle Raised By Real Cattlemen
At Flying W Ranch, we strive to breed cattle that excel on a range environment. Our cows are expected to be fertile, early maturing, and easy fleshing. They must calve unassisted and care for their calves on their own. 99% of our calves are born outside with no assistance and only the trees for protection.
Where Performance and Growth is Bred in, Not Fed On
Generations of selection without feeding creep feed has allowed us to identify the superior maternal bloodlines of our herd. The yearlings offered on our sale were raised on only grass and their mother’s milk with NO CREEP FEED. As yearlings, they have been developed in a range environment with a high forage and low concentrate diet. These bulls have been bred and raised to work for you!
More Than Great Genetics
Free delivery in Minnesota and surrounding states. All bulls have been ultra-sounded and are performance and fertility tested and fully backed by a 1 year breeding guarantee.
All In
The Mueller family, Halstead, Kan., is charting a course of success in various sectors of the commercial cattle industry.
Afourth-generation farmer and rancher in Halstead, Kan., Josh Mueller locked in on his desired profession at a young age. “I tell people when I’m giving my life sto ry that I only ever wanted to do two things. One was to be a professional football player, and the other was to be a cattle buyer, and so obviously we know how that ended,” Josh Mueller said with a chuckle.
Confident of his chosen career path, Josh started buying cattle for his family and neighbors while in high school. After he graduated from Kansas State University, he accepted a position with a feedyard in northwest Kansas. Soon he became a representative with Superior Livestock Auction, setting him on a course as a cattle marketer for 22 years and counting. In addition to repping for Superior, Josh operates his own custom cattle buying business – Circle M Cattle Co.
Though Josh has lived his dream job as a cattle buyer for two decades, his drive coupled with his commitment to the cattle industry
By Cheryl Kepes
photos courtesy Mueller family
has placed his career on a steady upward trajectory. Now, Josh works in most every facet of the commercial cattle industry. He grazes thousands of stocker and feeder cattle, manages hundreds of bred heifers and cow/calf pairs, and owns and operates a local sale barn, El Dorado Livestock Auction.
Additionally, Josh works alongside his dad and family in the dayto-day operations of Mueller Farms. The business row crops 1,200 acres of wheat, corn, milo, soybeans, and hay.
Josh appreciates the insight he gleans from working in branches throughout the agriculture industry. “We’re involved in many different segments and so I get input and talk to people that are in all those different segments all the time and try to keep a good grasp on the market,” Josh shared.
Despite his packed work schedule, Josh sets aside time to devote to local, state, and national organizations. The Kansas Beef Council recently appointed him vice-chairman for 2025. Nationally, he serves on the Federation of State Beef Councils.
Josh and his wife, Macey, have four children: Conway (17), Raleigh (8), GG (6), and Coral (5). Macey is equally entrenched in the agriculture industry. In addition to helping
with the farming and cattle operations and El Dorado Livestock Auction, she writes for agricultural publications, acts as the Halstead Community Foundation Associate Director, and serves on the United Sorghum Checkoff Program board.
The Muellers are growing their direct-to-customer beef program as well. What started as processing beef for themselves and a few friends, has evolved into finishing 12 to 15 beef a year.
above The Mueller family: Front (l-r) GG and Raleigh. Back (l-r) Conway, Coral, Josh, and Macey.
EL DORADO LIVESTOCK AUCTION
Throughout his life, Josh has made the 53-mile drive to El Dorado Livestock Auction countless times. As a cattle order buyer he was a regular at El Dorado Livestock Auction’s sales, knew its owners and customers, and appreciated the value it brought to the community. When the business went up for sale six years ago, the Muellers purchased the sale barn. They decided the business would fit seamlessly with their current operations.
The Muellers made facility improvements at the sale barn and expanded its sale offerings. After
following an in-depth process, El Dorado Livestock Auction is now certified and registered with IMI Global. The certification allows the sale barn to market program cattle such as all-natural cattle and Non-Hormone Treated Cattle (NHTC).
Josh dedicates time to working with producers to help them get the most money possible for their animals. He advocates for vaccination and weaning protocols and is always willing to share advice and answer questions. “I’m more than happy to advertise the fact that we think that there’s tools out there that these guys can use that maximize their profitability,” Josh said.
El Dorado Livestock Auction markets close to 70,000 head of cattle annually. The addition of the sale barn to the Muellers’ business ventures has helped them create new relationships and partnerships with even more people in the cattle industry.
“It’s open some doors for us. It’s expanded our network and enlightened us as to different aspects of what other people are doing. And we are just that much more in tune with the market itself because we deal with it every week,” Josh stated.
CATTLE OPERATION
The Muellers manage a diverse cattle operation spread across multiple counties and states. They run stocker/grower and cow/calf programs in the counties near their farm and ranch headquarters.
During the winter months, the cattle graze in the Muellers’ wheat fields. Then the first of May, the cattle pasture in the native grasses of the Flint Hills. At any given time during the summer as many as 2,000 to 3,000 head of cattle forage on the Flint Hills prairie land. In July and August, the stocker cattle will be sold as feeders.
The principal criterion for selection in the Muellers’ stocker program is the health of the animal. Josh purchases stocker cattle with Angus cross genetics, but the herd also consists of different crosses, primarily black and red hided.
The Muellers further diversify their business through investing in feeder cattle. They finish cattle in seven commercial feedlots located in Kansas and Nebraska. Through their own inventory and partnership feeder cattle, the Muellers consistently possess interest in 1,000 to 1,500 feedyard cattle.
As a risk management strategy, Josh aims to buy and sell feeder cattle a couple times a month. His goal is to ensure he is buying and selling in the same market. This is a tactic a revered cattle buyer taught Josh during his first days in the business.
COW/CALF PROGRAM
At their home place, the Muellers manage a commercial Red Angus cow herd. Additionally, they run a crossbred cow/calf operation. This year the Muellers increased the numbers in their cow/calf program.
They are currently caring for 300 to 350 fall and spring calving females. Due to the current prices in the stocker and yearling market, the Muellers chose to expand parts of their cattle operation. “We picked up some spring cows and bought some bred heifers this year just because of the tightness and numbers of feeder cattle. We are spreading our risk out with the different grazing programs that we have,” Josh explained.
Balancing the various aspects of their operation can be a bit daunting. The Muellers rely on their small crew of employees as well as cattle partnerships to help each segment of their business run smoothly. “It gets a little intense to manage and we’re always trying to figure out ways to handle it better by adding people to our network,” Josh said.
GROWING ORGANICALLY
Josh and Macey wanted to expand their cattle operations through the years but in some ways, it simply grew on its own. “We had some opportunities present themselves and so we were just fortunate enough to be able to take advantage of some of them,” Josh said. “We didn’t do it all on our own. There’s been people who helped us along the way and so I give credit to those people and will always be thankful for the people that gave me a hand up,” he added.
Josh and Macey have reached the point in their business journey in which they can help young farmers and producers reach their own goals. The Muellers are grateful for the guidance and wisdom they received from industry leaders, and now it gives them deep satisfaction to also partner with and invest in the next generation.
learn more eldoradolivestock.com
A PASTURE TO PLATE PROGRAM
A FULL SERVICE ANGUS & BEEF OUTFIT
Fred Linz | Owner
Ben Weis | Ranch Manager
Anthony Randall | Cattle Procurement Manager
DLCC RANCH
DLCC Gold Dust 64G ASA#3726878 >>
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The most exciting bull in the South Devon breed in decades. His sons ranked #1 in average marbling and #3 in average carcass weight in a commercial progeny test compared to 13 popular SimGenetics AI sires. His combination of superior phenotype and industry-leading EPD offers endless potential to capture outcross genetics, and heterosis.
Veterinarian View
contributed article by Dr. Vince Collison Collison Embryo and Veterinary Services, Rockwell City, Iowa collisonembryoservices.com
INCREASING PREGNANCY RATES WITH FIXED TIME ARTIFICIAL INSEMINATION
s we go into the spring, it is time to focus on our AI and ET programs now that calving is almost over.
Fixed timed artificial insemination (FTAI) is a method where all cows or heifers are bred at the same time after being synchronized. This is usually 60 to 66 hours after pulling a CIDR for cows and 54 to 60 hours for heifers.
This works fairly well, and I tell producers that they should expect about a 50 to 60 percent pregnancy rate with this strategy. For owners who want to utilize a timed AI program but would like to increase their percentages of pregnant females, there are a couple of variations.
EARLY HEAT DETECTION
Do some heat detection early. If a cow is showing signs of estrus in the range of 24 to 48 hours after pulling a CIDR, it would probably increase their chances of becoming pregnant by performing AI earlier. Especially for a cow which won’t be bred via AI until 60 to 66 hours. For cows, shoot to AI in a range 8 to 13 hours from the start of standing heat. If that falls before the appointed time to AI, I would get her AIed early to increase her chances. For heifers, we usually perform FTAI earlier, so there probably won’t be as many that this applies to.
HYBRID FTAI
Use a hybrid FTAI where you will heat detect out to 72 to 84 hours and then time breed any cows or heifers that have not shown heat yet. This gives every female a chance to show heat and time the AI around the start of standing estrus. So, if we were to heat detect out to 84 hours, any female that is found standing at this time will wait to be AIed 12 hours later and all females that are not in standing heat will be AIed at 84 hours. In some cases, I will even extend this time out to 96 hours, especially with heifers.
SPLIT TIME AI
One strategy that has worked very well for us is split time AI. With this method we will AI all females that are in standing heat at 60 to 66 hours. We will apply an estrus detection aid at the time we pull CIDRS to make this easier to determine on the first day of AI. We then will come back 24 hours later, and time breed all the other females that were not in heat on day one. Usually many of these cows and heifers will be in heat by the second day.
This program has usually resulted in a higher percentage of females pregnant than a FTAI done all in one day. We usually give all females that are synchronized a GNRH injection on the first day of AI, but for the cows or heifers that don’t show heat on the first day, you can wait to give them their GNRH injection on day two when they are AIed.
If you want to use sexed semen to optimize pregnancy success, it is recommended to use sexed semen only on females that have exhibited estrus by the first or second AI and only conventional semen on females that have not exhibited estrus.
Also, when using any timed breeding program, the sire can make a lot of difference on pregnancy rates. Many AI companies will have data on the bulls they offer, showing which ones may work better in a FTAI program.
ADDITIONAL RECOMMENDATIONS
For all programs, for best results when performing AI off of heat detection we recommend:
• With conventional semen, AI cows 8 to 13 hours after the start of standing heat.
• With conventional semen, AI heifers 12 to 16 hours after the start of standing heat.
• With sexed semen, AI 16 to 22 hours after the start of standing heat for cows and 20 to 24 hours for heifers.
• Perform vaccinations with any modified live pre-breeding vaccines at least 30 days prior to starting a synchronization program.
Many details go into a successful AI program. Often many decisions on how soon to AI a cow or heifer are very subjective. If someone is trying to decide whether to AI a cow or heifer that night or wait until the next morning, I will usually AI a cow that night and wait to AI a heifer the next morning. This is based on ovulation patterns of cows and heifers.
Cows will ovulate sooner and are usually fertile in the second half of their standing heat. Whereas heifers ovulate later and are still fertile even after they have come out of heat. For many producers with these variations of FTAI programs, pregnancy rates can rival those of a program that is 100 percent based off of heat detection.
learn more collisonembryoservices.com
Dr. Vince Collison is co-owner of Collison Embryo and Veterinary Services PAC in Rockwell City, Iowa.
3144 Sired by Sitz Barricade
3082 Sired by Connealy Craftsman
3007 Sired by Sitz Profile
3030 Sired by Musgrave Redemption
Come see them after April 1, 2025
In the kitchen with
Krista Currier
Wall Street Cattle Co. - Lebanon, Mo.
I am a city girl who was born and raised in Fort Myers, Florida but fell in love living out in the country. I am a wife and mom to three girls and one boy: Bailey (16), Aspen (6), Paris (7 months), and Dace (14). They keep me busy and on my toes. We have several dogs and cats at the homestead and one unique pet (to me at least being from the city) which is my pot-bellied piggie named Martini Chanel. Yes, she has a bougie name because she is just a character and very bougie and spoiled. Martini is very special to me. We got her when she was just a couple days old. She is a year and half old now. My husband, Adam, and I, along with Adam’s parents, Eddie and Ann, own Wall Street Cattle Company in Lebanon, Missouri. We run about 450 momma cows and have several different breeds of cattle: Angus, Red Angus, Charolais, Brangus, and Akaushi. Some really exciting news is that we just recently started building an AQHA breeding program.”
Tell us about The Exchange at Wall Street Cattle Company.
The Exchange is a 30-acre complex comprised of five areas. The first being a beautiful post and beam building with a main hall which has soaring 38-foot cedar ceilings. To complement the main hall, we have a smaller dining area and a private conference room. The Exchange also features a large amphitheater where we host outdoor concerts. We even had a collectors car auction out there. There is also a large sale facility with horse stalls behind it. Our latest addition to The Exchange is a 200 by 300foot open air arena. And finally, the last feature is one that is near and dear to our hearts and keeps us from getting homesick - our beach. During the COVID pandemic, we built our very own sandy beach on our lake behind the main building. We just wanted to have a little something that reminded us of home.
STOCK Kitchen
Cowboy approved recipes used by our favorite country cooks.
Where did you learn to cook?
Well, funny thing is I learned to cook from my husband who is an amazing chef.”
What is your most requested dish or what is your favorite thing to make?
I love to make different things, but the most requested dishes would be meatloaf, baked ziti, and homemade chicken nuggets.”
What is your least favorite job in the kitchen?
My least favorite job in the kitchen would definitely be the dreaded dishes.”
BAKED ZITI
Krista Currier
2 T. olive oil
1 whole large onion, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 lb. Italian sausage
1 lb. ground beef
1 can (28 oz.) whole tomatoes, with juice
2 cans (14.5 oz.) tomato sauce or marinara sauce
2 tsp. Italian seasoning
½ tsp. red pepper flakes
kosher salt, to taste
ground black pepper, to taste
16 oz. ziti or mostaccioli, cooked until not quite al dente
15 oz. whole milk ricotta cheese
1 ½ lb. mozzarella cheese, grated and divided
½ c. grated Parmesan cheese
1 egg
freshly chopped parsley
Step 1: Heat the olive oil in a pot over medium heat. Add the onion and garlic, and sauté for several minutes, or until starting to soften. Add the Italian sausage and ground beef and cook until browned. Drain off the fat, leaving a bit behind for flavor and moisture. Step 2: Add the tomatoes with juice, tomato sauce, Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Stir and simmer for 25 to 30 minutes. After that time, remove 3 to 4 cups of the sauce to a bowl to cool down. Step 3: Preheat the oven to 375° degrees Fahrenheit. Step 4: In a separate bowl, add the ricotta cheese, 2 cups of grated mozzarella, Parmesan, egg, salt, and pepper. Stir together just a couple of times (do not mix completely). Step 5: Drain the pasta and rinse under cool water to stop the cooking and cool it down. Pour the cooked pasta into the bowl with the cheese mixture and toss to slightly combine (there should still be large lumps). Add the cooled meat sauce and toss to combine. Step 6: Add half of the coated pasta to a large casserole dish. Spoon half of the remaining sauce over the top, then top with half of the remaining mozzarella cheese. Repeat with another layer of the coated pasta, sauce, and mozzarella. Bake until bubbling, about 20 minutes. Remove from oven and let stand for 5 minutes before serving. Sprinkle chopped parsley over the pasta before serving!
1 lb. ground beef
IDAHO TACOS
Krista Currier
½ c. tomato sauce
1 can Rotel tomatoes shredded cheese of choice Idaho potatoes sour cream
½ c. beef broth
3 T. of your favorite taco seasoning
Step 1: Bake the potatoes for about two hours to get them nice and crispy on the outside. Step 2: Brown the meat then drain if needed, add the Rotel tomatoes, tomato sauce, beef broth, and taco seasoning. Simmer until half the liquid is gone and then serve. Step 3: Top with sour cream and cheese.
Note: This is my mom’s recipe.
Private treaty offerings available every spring and fall
POUND CAKE
Krista Currier
3 c. flour
¼ tsp. salt
¼ tsp. baking soda
½ lb. butter
3 c. sugar
6 eggs
½ pint sour cream
2 tsp. lemon (optional)
2 to 3 tsp. vanilla
Step 1: Sift together flour, salt, and baking soda. Step 2: Cream together butter, sugar, eggs, and sour cream. Add 2 teaspoons of lemon if desired. Next, add 2 to 3 teaspoons of vanilla, depending on how much of a vanilla flavor you prefer. Step 3: Alternate adding the flour mixture to the sugar mixture. Step 4: Grease the bottom of a tube pan with baking spray with flour. Bake at 325 or 300 degrees Fahrenheit for approximately 1 hour and 20 minutes. I use metal pans, so I bake at 300 degrees.
Note: This is our family’s recipe.
Sale Barn Study
contributed article by Kirk Lynch
A
of the current cattle market.
this fat cattle deal to continue an upward trend going into the new year and into spring. How high we can go, that is the million-dollar question!
Lynch Livestock Inc. and Humeston Livestock Exchange, Humeston, Iowa
humestonlivestockexchange.com
s I wrote this article, we have received our first snowstorm of the winter and my four little ones could not wait to throw on their snow pants and go play in the white stuff! Me on the other hand, not so excited about leaving the warmth and comfort of my office. It is because they are looking forward to joy and fun and I am dreading frozen waters and/or sick cattle. Either way, it is safe to say that winter is upon us!
STEADY SPRING MARKET
pring is around the corner; most people are finishing or well into calving and field work is on the horizon. One of my favorite times of the year is the grass turns green and baby calves, cows, and grass cattle are hitting the fields.
Now to look at some of the market reports that we have been seeing in the barns. The fat cattle market has been on a hot streak for several weeks, until this past week, when we experienced a slight dip in the market. We have seen some highs in the mid to high forties, but these have been some extremes. Most cash cattle in the country have been trading at forty level or slightly higher the past couple of weeks. I expect there to be a few bumps in the road, but I expect
As far as the markets are con cerned, they have been steady over the past 4 to 6 weeks. The fat cattle have maybe taken a little bit of a dip but generally it seems that if we are up a $1 to $2 one week, we trade cattle $1 to $2 lower the next week.
Kirk Lynch, Lynch Livestock Inc., Waucoma, IA
The higher fat cattle market is driving a higher price for the feeder cattle market as well, even with the higher feedstuff inputs. We have seen some front end big strings of 800 pounds bringing well into the sixties and some 600-pound cattle bringing into the seventies and eighties. Once again these are some extreme tops. We have been trying to fill up our own lots as fast as possible, as I am not sure the feeder cattle are going to get any cheaper. We have been able to find cattle at cheaper prices than that and so when we do projects they are in the black.
The cull cow and bull market has lagged the fat market, as from all reports there have been around six
Kirk is the Beef Division manager for Lynch Livestock Inc. and oversees all aspects of their backgrounding and cattle feeding operations throughout Iowa and Kansas. He is also deeply involved in the newly reopened Humeston Livestock Exchange in Humeston, Iowa. In addition, Kirk and his wife Mary own and operate Heartland Simmentals in Northeast Iowa, which is a seed stock operation that consists of 500 registered Simmental and Angus cows. They have four children: Gabrielle (8), Brayden (7), Vivian (5), and Bianca (1).
As has been the case for the past several months, we have been see ing cattle bringing about $5 more in the auctions compared to cash bids in the country. We have been seeing tops generally in that $210 range with some extreme tops in the barns, while generally the cash country cattle have been bringing in that $200 to $205 range.
Feeder cattle continue to sell ex tremely well and high. There are a lot of open pens in feedlots to go with reasonably priced commodities. In addition, the shortage of overall feeder cattle numbers continues to push feeder cattle to record prices.
HUMESTON LIVESTOCK EXCHANGE
Humeston, Iowa 641-877-6092
percent more last year, making supply of cows. down, which be into next year, cow and bull with the same market.
The breeding been up and cently, I heard commercial pairs $2,000 and then can buy all the I want for $1,200 are looking to now is the time reasonably priced with increased are going to be ply over the next Wishing everyone Christmas and
everyone a Happy Easter and safe spring!
In the News
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
2025 ANGUS FOUNDATION SCHOLARHIP APPLICATIONS - DEADLINE SOON!
Youth can apply for Angus Foundation scholarships until May 1.
Since 1998, the Angus Foundation has championed the success of Angus youth by investing in their education. In the past 27 years, the Foundation has awarded more than $4.9 million in scholarships including $388,500 in 2024 alone. These scholarships help support students in their educational endeavorswhether pursuing undergraduate, graduate or trade degrees. Applications opened February 1 and are due by May 1, offering an opportunity for Angus youth to receive financial support for their education.
“Thank you to the Foundation for your unwavering commitment to supporting our aspirations and for fostering an environment that promotes growth and opportunity,” said Addison Cotton, a past Angus Foundation scholarship recipient.
“Your generosity has not only given me the resources to pursue my educational goals but has also in-
spired me to strive for excellence in everything I do. While it may seem unconventional to aspire to be a registered nurse that raises cattle, I am excited to combine these passions into a fulfilling future where I can work hard at what I love.”
For many junior members, like Addison, the impact of the Angus Foundation extends beyond financial support; it helps to shape young leaders in the Angus breed. Whether it is exposing youth to unique career paths or exploring new opportunities, the Foundation’s support is felt far and wide.
“Raising the Bar and LEAD have allowed me to experience agriculture in different regions and form friendships with Juniors from all over the country,” said Allison Davis, a past Angus Foundation scholarship recipient. “The Foundation scholarships are allowing me to attend an out-of-state university. I know that I would not be able to attend an out-of-state school and have the experiences I have without the support of the Foundation and its donors.”
The Angus Foundation undergraduate and graduate scholarship
applications are available to National Junior Angus Association (NJAA) members through their American Angus Association® login.
In addition to offering scholarship opportunities to National Junior Angus Association members, the Foundation also offers opportunities to youth from a commercial cattle operation background, through the Commercial Cattlemen’s scholarship program.
The Foundation’s Certified Angus Beef®/National Junior Angus Association and commercial cattlemen scholarships can be accessed at angus.org/foundation and submitted through email. The website also offers more information about the scholarship program.
“This scholarship program is designed to support students with a commercial cattle background in the beef industry,” said Jaclyn Boester, Angus Foundation executive director. “Supporting youth in their education is an important part of the Foundation’s mission.”
Boester elaborated on the scholarship program noting, “The Angus Foundation scholarships are one of the most prominent and consistent ways our donors support Angus youth. Our scholarships pave the way for a bright future for our industry by ensuring young people can reach their full potential.”
Undergraduate and Graduate Angus Foundation Scholarships
Applicants for undergraduate and graduate scholarships must have, at one time, been a member of the NJAA and currently be an active junior, regular or life member of the American Angus Association®. The following documents are required to be considered for a 2025 undergraduate or graduate scholarship: the 2025 scholarship application; three letters of rec-
ommendation; a copy of current high school/college/university transcript; and the applicant’s Association member code.
Access to Application: AAA login (www.angusonline.org/Account/ Login), “Programs” tab
Submission: Through AAA login
Deadline: May 1, 2025
Certified
Angus Beef®/National Junior Angus Association Scholarship
Since 1990, the NJAA has teamed up with Certified Angus Beef® (CAB) to help Angus youth pursue their higher education goals. The selected applicant will receive a $1,500 scholarship. A separate application from the
Angus Foundation scholarship application is required for the CAB/ NJAA scholarship.
Access to Application: Download application at angus.org/foundation
Submission:
Email to scholarships@angus.org
Deadline: May 1, 2025
Commercial Cattlemen Scholarship
The Angus Foundation will award five $1,500 scholarships to undergraduate students who use Angus genetics in a commercial cattle operation’s breeding program or whose parents use Angus genetics. Emphasis will be placed on applicants’ knowledge of the cattle industry and perspective of
the Angus breed. The applicant or their parent/guardian must have transferred or been transferred an Angus registration paper in the last 36 months (on or after May 1, 2022) and must be considered commercial and not seedstock in their operation. The scholarship applies to any field of study.
Access to Application: Download application at www.angus.org/ foundation/apply-for-scholarships/ commercial-scholarships
Submission:
Email to scholarships@angus.org
Deadline: May 1, 2025
- By Molly Biggs, Communications Specialist, American Angus Association
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Pladsen Red Angus
Rawhide Portable Corral
Renovo Seed
Rocking W Angus
Safety Zone Calf Catchers
Sandrock Ranch Herefords
Schooley Cattle Co.
Sealpro Silage Barrier Films
Slate Group
Sonstegard Cattle Co.
Stockman Design Services
Summit Ag Group
The Judge Source
Thomas Ranch
TWG Ranch
Voss Angus
Wall Street Cattle Co.
Weishaar, Seth
Wiese & Sons
Y-Tex Corporation
STOCKMAN traight
About the Stockman.
I am originally from western Kansas, where I was raised on a commercial cow/calf operation near WaKeeney. I met my wife, Lynn, when I was asked to judge a showmanship competition at a Charolais junior national. We have been raising registered seedstock for 40 years and have focused our attention mainly on South Devon cattle. We have developed a composite breed of South Devon crossed on Continental cattle called Navigators and the composite English cross are called Poundmakers. My son, Lane, and his wife, Kate, and our daughter, Leah, are actively involved in the operation. They all graduated from Kansas State University with agricultural degrees and Lane just completed his doctorate in genetics at Colorado State. Although not living directly on the ranch they assist with marketing, breeding decisions, genetic evaluation, shows, and production sales.”
Your favorite non-farm activity to do in your free time?
I am a long-time Kansas City Chiefs fan. My go-to for nonfarm activity is watching both the Chiefs and Kansas State Wildcats football.”
Which animal (any species) has left the greatest impact on you?
I believe DLCC Tiffany Lass 11U. She was one of the first South Devon females purchased for $700 who went on to win the 1988 National South Devon Show. The other is DLCC Gold Dust 64G, he is a two-time national champion, and he is a key figure in our current program. He has done everything right: genetics, performance, and production. He has produced progeny that have went into commercial and purebred herds across the U.S., and is currently in the process of CSS approval, with semen soon to be available worldwide.”
What is the most used tool on your farm? How old is it?
The most useful tools on the ranch are the skid steer and the side-by-side. They are both ten years old and we couldn’t survive without either of them.”
below Hall of Fame induction. Leah, Lynn, Dar, Lane and Kate Giess. North American South Devon Association Youth Ambassadors, Ciera Steinlicht on the left, and Addison Kelm on the right.
Dar Giess
DLCC Ranch of Pierz, Minn.
What about the beef cattle industry excites you the most?
Technology that is available to producers that we did not have 20 years ago. Including, genomically enhanced EPDs, genetic predictions available through DNA testing, and the ability to predict how an animal will perform with the data collected from the dam, sire, and resulting progeny.”
Your go-to sorting apparatus?
We try to work the cattle slowly and without the need for a sorting apparatus. If we do need to use something we use a sorting stick or flag.”
The most important lesson you’ve learned in this business?
The importance of staying in touch with customers and knowing their expectations and the focus of their breeding programs. Customer service is key, including delivering all cattle personally after the production sale.”
What is your least favorite job on the farm?
Farming! I’m a better rancher, than farmer. I’ll leave the planting and harvesting to professionals.”
ANNUAL SALE:
Saturday, April 19, 2025
At the ranch near Pierz, Minn.
Describe your best and worst day.
I believe accepting loss is the worst part of production agriculture. Although you do everything in your power to save an animal and you lose them, you definitely feel defeated. It doesn’t matter how long you have been in the business the feeling is still the same. Losing a show animal you have put so much time and care in is definitely the worst.
The best is watching the calves grow throughout the summer and into the fall. It is especially satisfying to see what your breeding decisions have produced and watch them go to new homes across the U.S.”
• The Cowboy’s kind of PERFORMANCE bull.
• A multi-trait leader that will MERRITT results.
• Physically Merritt displays tremendous length of body, depth of rib, muscle expression, and docility on a solid, correct foot.
• Impressive ratios: 117 for weaning & 116 for yearling.
• A rare combination of top $M and $C.
• His dam is a wide based, meaty, perfectly uddered, Confidence Plus donor cow at Connealy’s.
• His calves are born jet black with extra vigor and have shape right away.
• A sale feature at the 2024 Connealy spring bull sale.
• For semen & certificates contact Danielle Ostrand at 308.750.8137 or ostrandangus@gmail.com
S S Enforcer E812
Williams Jonesboro 700-602 Powell Erica 7312
Connealy Confidence Plus Panzee of Conanga 726K Parta of Conanga 33C
