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Good Bulls Don’t Cost, They Pay by Kari White

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Ranching for profit has long been a business of tight bottom lines. Savvy ranchers are always looking for ways to reduce costs and spread them over more production points for greater profit. In doing this, one area of expense that might come under question is the price for good bull genetics: is it really cost-effective to pay more for a genetically superior bull?

Bull prices change frequently with the ever-changing markets, but investing in superior bull genetics routinely comes at a higher cost. Research done through the Noble Research Institute by Steve Swigert, agricultural economics consultant, show an additional $31.09 cost per cow for using known bull genetics versus using a bull with unknown pedigree and performance bought at a sale barn. In further research, Swigert investigated bull costs per cow for three different kinds of bulls: 1) bulls with unknown genetics bought at a sale barn, 2) bulls with known pedigree but limited performance information bought from a neighbor, and 3) bulls with known genetics with expected progeny differences (EPDs) bought from a seedstock supplier. Swigert found the total annual economic bull costs per cow to be $23.45, $36.14, and $54.54, respectively, assuming each bull was mated to 25 cows a year for five years.

Clearly, using known bull genetics comes at a greater cost. The follow-up question, however, is if the greater cost leads to greater returns. Swigert found using known bull genetics increased weaning performance of calves by roughly 100 pounds per calf. Pricing the value of increased weaning performance at $1.10/lb (in 2013), the value of increased performance came to roughly $110 per calf. The study further found an increase in yearling performance at $66 per calf, measured by difference in average daily gain. The total increased value credited to increased weaning and yearling performance came to $176 per calf from bulls with known genetics. In cow terms, that comes to a $144.91 marginal return per cow per year when mated to bulls with superior genetics. In bull terms, a genetically superior bull who sired 125 calves over five years had an additional marginal income of roughly $18,113!

Those are impressive numbers, but it can still be difficult to bite the bullet and write that large check for a bull on sale day. Large capital investments do come with a certain amount of risk. Is the risk actually that much greater for more expensive bulls with known genetics? According to an article by Troy Marshall in 2011 for BEEF magazine, the average service cost per cow at 25 cows per year for a $4,500 bull is about $63.14/cow. With the same assumptions, the difference between a $3,750 bull and a $5,250 bull on average cost per cow serviceded is $9/cow. When comparing that to the added value from increased calf performance at weaning, it doesn’t take very much for a more expensive bull to start paying for itself. Based on the calculation of actual costs of a bull per cow from Jim McGrann, Texas A&M emeritus professor, it only takes an added 12 pounds of weaning weight to justify paying $5,250 versus $3,750 a bull.

Buying bulls with unknown origin direct from the sale barn also comes with its own added risk, genetics aside. In an article by Laura Mushrush for BEEF magazine, Dr. Matt Spangler was quoted as calling the risks of such a purchase “multifold”. He points out you might be compromising your operation’s biosecurity since you have no idea what potential disease risks, both reproductive and otherwise, come along with that bull. By comparison, when genetics are purchased directly from a seedstock provider, the buyer will have access to test results for various diseases such as persistently infected (PI) carriers of bovine viral diarrhea. Additionally, many bulls purchased directly from seedstock providers are often yearlings, or come with a virgin bull certificate in the case of older bulls over 18 months. This ensures the buyer will not be introducing damaging reproductive diseases into their cowherd. Spangler points out the uncertainty of buying bulls direct from the sale barn, “…You have no idea if the bull is even fertile, or if he’ll pass a breeding soundness exam”. Couple that with no real idea of how the bull will perform in terms of genetic potential as a parent, and Spangler concludes, “Even though the bull may be much cheaper, it could be a very expensive decision to make if he happens to be diseased, unfertile, or counterproductive to the rancher’s goals”.

If bull buying is a game of dollars and cents, purchasing a bull with known superior genetics from a seedstock producer definitely pencils out. Comparatively, sale barn bulls with unknown origins and disease profiles are both high risk and potentially low producing. Despite a somewhat greater cost per cow, added value from greater weaning and yearling performance of calves coupled with greater security from potentially costly disease risks make buying seedstock bulls with known genetics a “no brainer”.

Sources
Swigert, Steve. “Buying known bull genetics adds value”.
October 2015. Noble Research Institute Ag News and
Views.
Marshall, Troy. “How much can you afford for a bull”.
March 2011. Beef Magazine.
Mushrush, Laura. “Don’t play Russian Roulette with your
cattle genetics”. February 2017. BEEF Magazine.

A Foundation for the Future by Aubree Beenken

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If you were fortunate to be raised in a small town you know how easy it is to become involved in a multitude of organizations. Growing up you can be a part of 4-H, FFA, FCCLA, National Honor Society, Student Council, breed organizations such as the American Gelbvieh Junior Association (AGJA), and countless other organizations. Youth programs are the backbone of American agriculture and they lay a foundation for the future by equipping youth with lifelong skills and connections that cannot be built within the walls of a classroom.

Through my involvement with multiple organizations I learned one of the most critical skills of all: communication. Standing up to deliver the FFA Creed, leading an advocacy workshop, or even giving a presentation at a 4-H meeting taught me the importance of being able to speak clearly, loudly, and in terms that my audience will understand. The ability to communicate becomes ever more important each day; whether it is talking to another producer, a veterinarian, a teacher, or a consumer. With each audience we address, our vocabulary changes and our body language shifts because the terms we use on the farm are foreign to some of the people living in our own communities. Youth organizations taught me that being able to communicate with others in understandable terms is crucial to preventing misconceptions and ensuring a positive image of the agriculture industry. Learning how to properly communicate has allowed me to share my beef story in an effective manner.

A skill often overlooked, but a vital skill I gained from my years in different youth organizations is time management. Growing up, I held leadership roles in many clubs that I was a part of and with all those leadership roles came a multitude of responsibilities that had to be fulfilled. The only way for me to be a successful leader was proper time management. Time management goes beyond just being a good leader. It teaches you to balance time and work in a manner that is effective and efficient, which showcases many benefits when it comes to school, work, or even responsibilities on the farm. A future employer will notice when you can balance multiple tasks at once and still produce high-quality work. Learning how to properly manage time is important for being successful in life at work, school, and at home.

Youth organizations instilled in me the importance of hard work and dedication. I remember spending hours practicing the FFA Creed or coming into school early for mock-job interviews, all to ensure I was fully prepared for my upcoming contest. These hours were not required or mandatory, but rather it was the extra effort I was willing to put in so I could be successful at whatever endeavor I was embarking on. Youth programs showed me how hard work and dedication pays off in the long run. Each day we have the choice to spend extra time studying EPDs to find the perfect match for the upcoming breeding, to take an extra fifteen minutes to practice showmanship, or even taking time to meet with a nutritionist to formulate the right diet for your animal in all stages of life. Our dedication to the beef industry, and our own cattle, make us willing to go the extra mile and put in extra hours because we know the time spent now will produce large rewards in the end.

My involvement with youth programs shaped me into the person I am today. I can stand up and speak in front of a group and be confident; I can share the events occurring on my farm to anyone no matter what background they may come from; I know how to balance my time to ensure all my obligations are met, and I have learned that hard work and dedication can go a long way. While youth organizations may seem like another responsibility to squeeze into an already busy schedule, I ask that you take a moment to reflect on how you have been impacted by youth programs. For me, my years spent in different youth programs laid a foundation for my future that allowed me to have a successful college career, an understanding of what lies outside my community, and even to my role at the Iowa Beef Industry Council this past summer. Youth programs have been, and will continue to be, the backbone of American agriculture by equipping youth with knowledge and skills to be successful.

Over the Fence with Kurt Johnson by Tom Strahm

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Kurt Johnson is part of a multi-generational ranching family that runs a commercial cow-calf operation in north central Nebraska. Kurt is the fourth generation of Johnsons to ranch near Stuart, Nebraska, dating back to 1929. The family’s ranching roots run just as deep on his mother, Twila’s side of the family. Twila’s grandfather, Walter K. Smith, started out with Herefords in 1941.

Today, the family runs approximately 500 commercial cows, and utilizes Gelbvieh and Balancer® genetics to help accomplish their beef production goals. The operation raises hay and enough forages to maintain the cowherd.

Twila and her husband, Ron Wherley, are still involved as Twila does all the recordkeeping and bookwork for the operation.

Kurt’s children, Amber and Paul, are also returning to the ranch, becoming the fifth generation on the land. Amber graduated from Wayne State, and is currently teaching junior high science and coaching athletics in Norfolk, Nebraska. Amber enjoys coming home to help during weaning, working calves, and moving cows.

Paul has recently returned to the ranch full time with his new bride Mikayla. Paul graduated from the University of Nebraska – Lincoln with a bachelor’s degree in animal science. Paul is now working alongside Kurt to complete the daily responsibilities of running a ranch and raising cattle.

When and why did you start using Gelbvieh and Balancer genetics?

“We started using 75 percent Gelbvieh bulls in 1994. We had been using terminal cross sires on our cows, but we wanted to start keeping our home-raised heifers as replacement females,” Kurt said.

Kurt and Twila agree that there were many attributes of the Gelbvieh breed that led them to begin using Gelbvieh bulls. Fertility, maternal ability, longevity, and docility are all very important traits in a mother cow. These females have good udder quality, but the Johnsons also wanted cows with moderate mature size and weight. They have been very happy with the results they have found in these cows while maintaining performance and growth in their calf crop.

What are some of the advantages to the crossbred cow with Gelbvieh and Balancer genetics?

These cows can raise a good calf every year, and breed back with minimal inputs. A short calving season is very important on Johnsons’ operation.

“We start calving in mid-March, and will be 85 percent done calving in 21 days. We are completely finished calving by May 1. We wean our calves in October. Weaning weights are collected and recorded for each individual calf. The calves are taken home for weaning and backgrounding. The cows run on corn stalks from November through January. We pregnancy check all of our cows in the fall. Maternal ability, fertility, and longevity are all very important to us,” Kurt said.

Structural soundness is another requirement. The furthest summer pasture is 23 miles from home. The Johnson family has a two day cattle drive to move cows to stalk fields near the ranch headquarters after the calves are weaned. “Feet and legs are important. These cows have to be able to walk.”

What decisions make up your calf weaning and marketing strategies? 

“We wean and vaccinate all of our calves. The calves are then backgrounded on a growing ration of wet distillers, homegrown roughage, and rolled corn. We want to grow and develop the calves, and add some frame but keep the cattle in desirable body condition for potential buyers.” The steers are sold at Bassett Livestock Auction in Bassett, Nebraska, and are usually marketed in January weighing 700-800 pounds.

Approximately 40 to 50 heifer calves are selected to be kept as replacements. The rest of the heifer calves are sold in mid-February.

Shane Kaczor, co-owner of Bassett Livestock Auction, explains that a large portion of the females are bought by other commercial cattle producers as replacements.

“I sort the heifers for sale as potential replacements how I would want to buy them,” Kaczor said. “More of these heifers are sold as replacements than are sold as feeders,” says Twila. In recent years, replacement heifers have been sold into six states. Kurt keeps in contact with the buyers and has numerous repeat customers.

What traits are important to you when selecting bulls, and how do EPDs influence your decisions? 

The family tries to buy top-end bulls and wants each one to be a complete package. Semen is collected on several bulls the family uses as commercial herd sires, and thus these bulls are being used in seedstock operations as well. Johnsons look for moderate framed, heavy muscled, structurally sound bulls and evaluate the EPDs on each individual.

“We want bulls with moderate birth weight EPDs because we don’t want calving problems. We have to start with a live calf! We also want bulls with moderate maternal EPDs because these Gelbvieh and Balancer females are good milkers,” Paul said. “We look for bulls with good weaning weights because growth and performance are important to us. We don’t want to buy bulls with extremely high yearling weight EPDs because we want to maintain moderate mature sized cows.”

The Johnsons buy bulls that are between 18 and 24 months old. They are maintained on hay with salt and mineral. Bulls are given breeding soundness exams in the spring before being turned out with the cows. What are some of your goals for the future? Kurt and Paul have a couple of things in mind for future improvement of the herd. “We would like to start a fall-calving herd. Also, we would like to start keeping more of the heifers, breed them, and then sell as bred replacement females,” Kurt said.

The family believes in continual improvement towards increased uniformity and consistency of their calf crop. Like most ranching families, Twila’s primary goal is to continue passing the ranch on to future generations.

Defined Success with Gelbvieh Influence by Rebecca Mettler

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What does it mean to raise a productive cow? Does she have to have a calf every year, produce a calf that meets or exceeds your expectations at weaning and breed back each season without fail? Chances are you answered yes to each of these questions and maybe even require a little bit more out of your cowherd.

Profitability on the farm or ranch starts with the cow. Selecting the right cow for the environment plays heavily into the success of a cowherd. A cow that cannot maintain her body condition with the resources available has a greater probability of being open when the vet comes to pregnancy check. And every producer knows, an open cow is not a profitable cow.

Adding body condition to thin cows before breeding also requires more feed resources and more money. Instead, having a moderate-sized cow that will maintain herself on forage and minimal supplementation is a goal that most cow-calf operations can get behind.

The U.S. Meat Animal Research Center data shows Gelbvieh females have the most moderate mature cow size of the four major Continental cattle breeds.

Producers across the country are finding the benefit of Gelbvieh and Balancer®-influenced females as a part of their breeding program to maintain a moderate framed female without forfeiting calf performance.

“Between 1,250 to 1,350 is the cull weight on our cows and we’ve gotten to where we are selling 900-pound calves at 10 months of age,” said Bill Far of XA Cattle, near Moorefield, Nebraska. “Why we choose Balancers is because cow efficiency is number one. They are low maintenance, whether it’s from the work end of it, or the feed end of it, they are really efficient.”

Maternal efficiency equates to maternal profitability. Efficiency in the cowherd encompasses many factors. Reproductive productivity and genetics are two key factors of maternal efficiency. For years, Gelbvieh and Balancer seedstock suppliers have been providing producers with genetics that directly impact economic efficiency.

Commercial producers who have been raising Gelbvieh and Balancer cattle have witnessed substantial improvements in fertility and longevity of the cowherd while seeing increases in weaning weight coupled with low to moderate birth weights.

Bill Tucker, Tucker Farms, Amherst, Virginia, is quick to point out the ability for his Gelbvieh-influenced females to maintain their reproductive status, when stressed, better than any of the other breeds that they raise. This becomes very important during times of drought. His Gelbvieh influenced females can maintain fertility at a full body condition score less than other breeds.

“That in and of itself doesn’t only translate to her longevity, but also her economic efficiency in times when we don’t perhaps have the ideal inputs, but we don’t have animals falling out of the system,” Tucker said.

Cow-calf producers need to raise cows with staying power. Selecting genetics with built-in stayability is something that will provide a good return on investment for cattle producers.

The American Gelbvieh Association (AGA) publishes a stayablity EPD that predicts the genetic difference, in terms of percent profitability, that a bull’s daughters will stay productive within a herd to at least six years of age. According to a study (Brigham and Enns), Gelbvieh females in the AGA registry have more success staying in the herd at six years of age compared to females in the American Simmental Association and Red Angus Association of America registries.

Gelbvieh Influence Beyond the Cow 

Gelbvieh cattle are not only known for their maternal capabilities, but also for post-weaning growth. Combine the Gelbvieh breed’s positive post-weaning traits with the power of heterosis gained by crossbreeding, and you’ve got a force to be reckoned with.

The advantage of crossbreeding is apparent both in the feedyard and on the rail. Balancer bulls have the ability to increase carcass weights, and the industry demanded quality grades without sacrificing yield.

“If you are looking for calves that go to the feedyard, in my experience, these composite calves grade well from a quality grade standpoint, and they also have favorable yield,” according to Wesley Welch, president and CEO of Spade Ranches, Lubbock, Texas.

Tucker uses Gelbvieh influence to add carcass weight, which is an important trait for him since his operation has been finishing out their steers for the last 22 years.

“We still get paid by the pound. Gelbvieh adds ribeye area, gainability and feed efficiency, which are all things we find highly valuable,” Tucker said.

Gelbvieh and Balancer seedstock suppliers are working hard to provide the industry with genetics to meet modern beef industry demands from the cow-calf to packer sectors.

Sources:
Brigham, B.W., Speidel, S.E., Enns, R.M., Garrick, D.J.
(2007) Stayability to Alternate Ages

Meat Animal Research Center Progress Report #22

Recapping a Week in Grand Island by Callahan Grund

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I know while reading this it feels like it’s been an eternity since we’ve all been at The Big Red Classic, and for those of you who were not in attendance, it was a fantastic week. June 25, 2017, junior members from across the nation gathered in Grand Island, Nebraska, for The AGJA Big Red Classic. The weather was fantastic and the facilities were above and beyond everyone’s high expectations. The Junior Gelbvieh Association in Nebraska and the Gelbvieh Association in Nebraska put in a lot of long hours and hard work to prepare for this event and on behalf of the entire organization, I would like to thank you once again! It was a great week of fantastic competition between members and time was spent fostering friendships and relationships once again that will last a lifetime. One of the things I spoke about throughout the week was the unique experience that our classic brings to our members each year. The competitions help hone the skills that are molding the future leaders of our cattle industry. As a younger member it’s easy to get overly concentrated on the prizes and coming in first, but it’s when you become an older member that you realize it’s so much bigger than that. Whether it be sales talk, where you utilize the skills it takes to market livestock in a real life scenario, or the judging contest where you have to make quick decisions and be able to defend them, these are valuable skills you’ll use for the rest of your life. Going into my last year in the association I’ve been able to see members older than myself take these skills and become leaders and innovators within the livestock industry and beyond.

Another reoccurring theme that was described throughout the week was the family atmosphere that is special to the Gelbvieh family and particularly junior nationals. Of the seven members that ran for spots on the junior board, we went a perfect seven out of seven running on the platform of unity and the goal of keeping the family atmosphere. This year the junior board released a strategic plan with four main points, which can be found on pages 18-20 of this edition of Gelbvieh World. Two of these points relate directly to junior nationals: increase educational opportunities for members and maintain the family atmosphere. It was fantastic to watch both of these goals be accomplished throughout the week in Grand Island and we hope to continue that into the future.

The other highlights of the week were, of course, the cattle shows. The judges on Thursday for the Balancer show and showmanship were Alan Miller and Will Coor. Friday, Jason Elmore sorted the steers and Gelbvieh bulls and females. As always, the champion females and bulls were fantastic representations of good-looking cattle that will hopefully go out and be functional cornerstone pieces of breeding operations.

In all, it was a fantastic week and we look forward to the start of a new year as a junior association!

It’s Not Just Another Cattle Show by Andrea Murray

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I hope that this issue of the Gelbvieh World finds our members caught back up on rest and back to the normal routines of their daily lives. I am sure many of you are busy putting up hay and preparing to wean calves; the fruits of your last year’s labor. I would like to take this opportunity to extend a great thanks to the Junior Gelbvieh Association in Nebraska and the Gelbvieh Association in Nebraska for the time and hard work they devoted towards hosting an amazing and successful 2017 AGJA Big Red Junior Classic. I also want to thank our junior board for the commitment and devotion they put into not only Junior Classic, but also the junior program and its members. I would be remiss if I did not send my gratitude to the parents of our juniors that help make this program possible and devote countless hours at home and take time out of their own careers to further the skills and knowledge of their young Gelbvieh members. Congratulations to all our juniors for your rewards and successes, but more importantly for your hard work and dedication!

Junior Classic is a fun-filled six days that draws our junior members and their best cattle together. Classic is not just another cattle show; youth also compete in various contests to prepare them for their future both in our breed and the beef industry. Video, poster, graphic design, and sales talk contests encourage members to establish priceless promotional and marketing skills that they will use in their own operations and for the breed. Undoubtedly, the most dreaded contest is impromptu speaking. The abilities acquired in this contest will continue to reap benefits for our members no matter what career path they choose. Quiz bowl and skill-a-thon push junior members to be well versed in beef cattle, the beef industry, and specifically Gelbvieh and Balancer® facts and trivia, and rewards them for their wisdom. In team fitting they must work together and communicate to obtain a common goal. They must also be able to see their animal’s flaws or weakness and disguise them with craft and steady hands. Programs like mentor/protégé enable more experienced juniors to lead and form bonds by helping first or second time junior classic attendees negotiate the action-packed week. Through these contests our members learn hard work, dedication, and perseverance; all of which are traits to be admired of our upcoming leaders of tomorrow’s beef industry.

Classic for many juniors is centered around time spent with friends. Underneath these friendships they are forming their very own network of peers that will help them blaze new trails for themselves and Gelbvieh and Balancer cattle. They establish firm relationships with these peers and established breeders through social time. They also leave lasting impressions on contest and cattle show judges, as well as sponsors. As a parent, I have encouraged my boys to seek out someone new to participate in contests with and make new friends! The bonds they form at Classic are invaluable and will last them a lifetime.

I believe one of the true advantages we hold as a breed is our junior program and the individuals that comprise it. I would encourage and challenge all of us to reach out to our own young members and to those that are not yet members and find ways to inspire, help, lead, and guide them. It is imperative that we continue to keep our junior program and junior classic high on our priority list. Our juniors are a jewel and they are the precious future of our
Gelbvieh and Balancer cattle. Through their annual meeting, contests, and running their own programs as committee and board members, we are ultimately preparing them to be adult members. As I consider the successes that some of our past junior members have achieved, I cannot help but think we will be truly amazed by the accomplishments of our current and future junior members.

Over the Fence with Brad Bennett by Megan Slater

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Brad Bennett is the extension educator for livestock evaluation and youth programs at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln (UNL). Brad serves as the UNL livestock judging team coach as well as the meat animal evaluation team coach in addition to teaching several courses. The primary focus of Brad’s extension program is youth education using animals as the vehicle to create knowledge, teamwork, critical thinking, and communication skills.

The American Gelbvieh Junior Association (AGJA) was grateful to have Brad join the AGJA at the 2017 Big Red Classic in Grand Island, Nebraska. He served as the announcer during both show days and helped coordinate and officiate the livestock judging contest.

What programs or opportunities does UNL offer students looking to seek a career in the agriculture industry?
In the UNL College of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources, we have 30 degree programs preparing students for careers in everything from animals to plants, soil to climate, golf to business, mechanization to leadership, and food to forensic science. We provide individualized academic advising to all our students so they can tailor their education and experiences to their interests and career goals. In addition to a wide range of majors, we have a program called Ensuring Your Future that guarantees participating students will have a job offer in their interest area within six months of graduating or we will pay to retrain them. To make this possible, we have our own career expert to help students with their resumé and interviewing skills as well as introducing them to numerous employers who attend our twice yearly career fairs. We are committed to student success at every level, which includes providing students with fabulous facilities, internationally recognized faculty, and significant scholarship dollars. We also offer the opportunity for students to create their own businesses through our Engler Agribusiness Entrepreneurship, get involved in an incredible line-up of clubs and organizations, conduct cutting-edge research with faculty mentors, or experience the world in far-flung locations through Education Abroad.

What does UNL look for in prospective students?
In a single word, we look for passion. That doesn’t mean you must know exactly what you want to do in life. More importantly, have an outlook that allows you to find something you love, dedicate yourself to excellence, and always work to make yourself and those around you better. We have a set of world class academic programs, student involvement, and campus engagement programs that can give you all the knowledge you’ll ever need. But we can’t replace dedication, drive, and passion. They say “there’s no place like Nebraska” and that’s all because our students come in with that passion and they transform it into something great. We’d be happy to host you on a visit and to have you as a part of the Husker family.

How do junior programs, such as the AGJA, 4-H, and FFA, help to prepare youth for future success?
In my opinion, nothing can replace the value of involvement in junior programs. Speaking from personal experience, it was involvement in 4-H, FFA, and junior breed associations that have opened up every opportunity I have ever had, both in college and my professional life. Often, we think of these associations as a way to show livestock and hopefully come home with some ribbons and banners, and that may be true. But what you will realize as your show career is coming to an end is that the livestock weren’t just there to be shown – they were there as vehicles to mold you into the person you are. Late nights in the barn, countless hours of work, and competing on the biggest stages build accountability, work ethic, and a competitive spirit. But they also instill communication, problem solving, and decision-making skills that are key components to anyone’s success in the future, whether you know that at the time or not. Beyond that, the network of people from all over the country that you have the chance to interact with will become your peers and mentors in the agriculture industry moving forward. I’ll paraphrase Jason Elmore’s comments at the conclusion of junior nationals that I thought best summarized how important these organizations and events are. “There is a lot of negativity in the world today. I wish everyone would witness what happens at a junior nationals and embrace the positivity we are building here.”

Why do you think it is important for youth to be involved in their junior breed association?
You’re never supposed to answer a question with a question, but hopefully we can make an exception this time. Would you grow up wanting to play professional baseball without first playing youth baseball? I think the answer would be no 100 percent of the time, and I’m a firm believer that it’s the same for those who want to be involved in the agriculture industry. Even if running a 500-head Gelbvieh seedstock operation isn’t in your long-term plans, chances are you’ll want to be involved in agriculture in some form and it’s organizations like the AGJA that will show you all the opportunities that exist in agriculture.

How does livestock judging prepare youth for a future career in the agriculture industry?
We hear from employers all the time that experiences outside of the classroom are huge factors in deciding who to hire. Livestock judging both at the youth and college level is a way to give you those experiences. Judging has grown into much more than learning how to place four head, even though that’s still a major component. It’s also communication, problem solving, and decision-making skills that can be near perfected by devoting your time to judging programs. There aren’t many other activities that can teach you to evaluate a situation, arrive at a conclusion, and then confidently explain why in a matter of minutes. When you enter your career that same process becomes a staple of your everyday life.

In our program, the focus is on building better people. When thinking about the list of pioneers that have brought the livestock industry to where it is today, many will trace the reason for their success back to livestock judging.

What do you see is the biggest challenge facing youth in agriculture? What can they do now to prepare?
Challenges are simply opportunities for the next generation. The agriculture landscape is changing rapidly and it’s up to youth to understand where we’re at today and where we need to be in 10, 25, or 50 years. Often, we can get bogged down by what’s happening right now. I would challenge youth to always be forward-thinking. We need you to be innovative, willing to adapt, and knowledgeable enough to lead this industry well into the future. There’s not a silver bullet that can prepare you for everything you’ll encounter in life, but no matter what, ask questions, reflect on what does and doesn’t work, and always be willing to step outside of your comfort zone for the sake of progress.

Ambassadors Chosen to Represent American Gelbvieh Junior Association

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AGJA 2017 Ambassadors

American Gelbvieh Junior Association Junior and Intermediate Ambassadors were chosen at the 2017 AGJA Big Red Classic in Grand Island, Nebraska. Braxton Murray of Kingfisher, Oklahoma (left), was selected to be the 2017-2018 Junior Ambassador. Baxter Lowe, Adrian, Missouri (right), was chosen to be the 2017-2018 AGJA Intermediate Ambassador.

 

Two junior members were selected at the American Gelbvieh Junior Association (AGJA) 2017 Big Red Classic to represent the AGJA as ambassadors. Baxter Lowe of Adrian, Missouri, was selected to be the 2017-2018 AGJA Intermediate Ambassador. Braxton Murray, Kingfisher, Oklahoma, was chosen to be the 2017-2018 AGJA Junior Ambassador.

Baxter is the son of Raymond and Melissa Lowe. In addition to this new role, he is very active in several other junior associations including the Heart of America Gelbvieh Junior Association. Baxter raises Gelbvieh and Balancer® cattle along with his sisters, Isabel and Jessie.

\Braxton is the son of Matt and Andrea Murray. Braxton is also an active member of the Oklahoma Gelbvieh Junior Association. Braxton enjoys working on his family’s Gelbvieh and Balancer operation with his parents and younger brother, Breckon.

The AGJA created the ambassador program to encourage and support youth involvement in the breed’s activities. The ambassadors represent the AGJA at Gelbvieh functions throughout the year including Gelbvieh and Balancer shows held at the American Royal, the North American International Livestock Exposition and the National Western Stock Show, along with many state fairs and other events.

The ambassador candidates are judged on their notebook, an oral interview, a speech given at the AGJA annual meeting and overall conduct during the annual junior national show. The notebook includes information and photographs on activities, awards and organizations as well as an essay on the candidate’s background and experiences with the Gelbvieh breed. A committee is appointed to conduct the interviews and select the AGJA Junior and Intermediate Ambassadors.

The American Gelbvieh Junior Association is the junior division of the American Gelbvieh Association. The AGJA provides members up to 21 years of age the opportunity to participate in youth activities.

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