Future of the Beef Industry by Scott Starr

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AGA recently held the 47th Annual National Convention. All who attended the event left with a clear vision of the future of the Gelbvieh and Balancer business. Growing pains surrounding the
implementation of genomics were discussed. However, the future is incredible with the promise of BOLT, the single-step genetic evaluation, and all it can offer the largest beef animal database in the world in which Gelbvieh is a part of. Attendees also got a look at how Gelbvieh and Balancer fit into the beef industry and uphold the standards discovered in the National Beef Quality Audit. Marketing alliances with industry leaders like Superior Livestock Auction, Western Video Market, and Cattle Country Video were a few companies mentioned. The current breed growth and membership growth that the AGA is experiencing further validates that our Meeting Modern Industry Demands strategic plan is focusing on the needs of every breeder involved. The strategic plan is further positioning Gelbvieh and Balancer as a leader and with everyone pulling on the same end of the rope, such cooperation will continue to strengthen our position and enlarge Gelbvieh critical mass.

Science continues to drive the industry, but it is proven that on-ranch data is imperative for the technology to continue. In visiting with a friend of mine, Dan Warner, we were trying to think outside the box for being a leader in breed growth without slowing generational turn around. I wanted to share this idea with you to spark your imagination. The idea we were working on was collecting 20 oocytes from a set of known females, mating to 20 different sires, performing a biopsy on each embryo to gather genomic information for the more difficult to collect data, e.g., carcass data. In the discussion, let’s take it one step further and implant those embryos into recipient cows, grow and harvest all progeny and collect all phenotypes from birth to harvest. Wow! We
could excel all other breeds for data collection, validate genomics like no other, and set Gelbvieh and Balancer up to meet the modern industry expectations for reliable genetic prediction and be at the forefront of global marketing. This is the shortened version of all we talked about, but we should all have the goal of keeping our breed, operation, and ourselves viable into the future.

No matter if you’re a commercial or registered producer, we all have the same goal: an unmatched beef eating experience. The U.S. beef industry owns the high quality beef sector on a global scale. Much of this achievement is due to our infrastructure of having the genetics, feeding capabilities, and harvest facilities all with the safety that is second to no other country. We need to keep the foot on the accelerator to keep this global edge. One way to help keep the competition at bay is to get out and search for breed leading genetics that fit into the environment and the much bigger picture of the beef industry. If we keep the big picture as a goal, we will find our target. Don’t get caught up on the little things, we must have our commercial producers’ target in mind when we make all mating decisions. As technology advances, they will have individual data on every operation in the U.S., and let me tell you the more advanced harvest and feeding facilities already do! So get out and find the industry-leading Gelbvieh and Balancer genetics that will take us to the target.

I’ll leave you with a few quotes to ponder:
• Communication is a must; 90 percent of being married is shouting, “WHAT!?” from another room.
• Whenever you feel like giving up, think of all the people that would love to see you fail.
• “It’s better to change and fail than to attempt to hold the status quo.” – TD Jakes

The Gift of Knowledge by Angela Vesco

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Knowledge is power. How many times have you heard that in your lifetime? How many times have you seen it come to fruition? Knowledge about an industry, a specific subject, or whatever is usually what gives people the power to succeed. How do you acquire knowledge?

I am sure that I would hear a different response from everyone. But what it really boils down to is that you acquire knowledge by being studious. You take the time to read, to listen, to absorb, to think, and then put it into practice.

So why am I talking about knowledge? Well, we are coming up on the spring bull sale season and there is a lot of data that goes into putting a bull sale together. When you print your catalog,
you probably have expected progeny differences (EPDs), some genomic-enhanced EPDs, percentile rankings (at least I hope all seedstock suppliers print percentile rankings), and ratios. But, what good is data if no one understands it?

The beef industry continues to advance and finds more ways to select for higher quality genetics and as a result we have an ever-growing repertoire of genetic selection tools. How many of your
commercial producers fully understand how to effectively utilize those genetic tools? That is where you, the seedstock supplier, can give the gift of knowledge.

Educating your customers on the genetic tools you offer is one of the best things you can do from a customer service standpoint. You want them to be able to make educated decisions when they are buying your bulls. The more knowledge commercial producers have, the better they will be able to select bulls and manage their cowherds. Is it not one of the goals of the beef industry, which you are apart of, to make the fastest genetic progress possible? If your commercial customers understand EPDs, know that genomics enhance the reliability of EPDs, and why you print ratios for weights rather than actual weights, then they can help move the industry closer to that goal of genetic progress.

So how many opportunities do you have to educate your customers? Well, you have your catalog, for one. I know that adding more pages to your catalog can increase the cost, but I would encourage every seedstock producer to have a page explaining what each EPD is and its intended use. Also, a great time to visit with your customers is the night before the sale. Many of them are traveling in the day before to look at the bulls first thing in the morning so why not take that opportunity to hold a free dinner the night before; everyone likes free food. This provides a great opportunity to go over your process for selecting the genetics and other relevant information. Bull delivery is another opportunity to visit with customers and answer any questions they have.
Of course, not one of your customers is like the other. There are varying levels of knowledge so you will have to adjust your conversations accordingly to ensure that you are giving them the gift of knowledge.

Now, in order for you to give the gift of knowledge, you must possess that knowledge first. Giving yourself the gift of knowledge is also very valuable. Educate yourself on what is happening in the industry. Read those magazine articles, attend meetings within your county or state, read the proceedings and attend the Beef Improvement Federation annual convention, attend the national conventions of your breed association. Do all that you can to understand all the aspects of our industry.

As Benjamin Franklin said, “An investment in knowledge pays the best interest.”

Youth Leadership in the Beef Industry by Kallie Mattison

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The American Gelbvieh Junior Association (AGJA) provides opportunities for youth to grow as leaders. Through participation in contests and providing an environment in which the kids are
encouraged to develop relationships with other members, many skills are developed that will help them in positions of leadership. The demand for youth involvement is high, and the
future of the beef industry relies on those willing to take the lead. Youth organizations such as AGJA do just that by offering different contests for juniors to participate in, allowing
them to choose ones that will highlight their strengths and improve their weaknesses. For example, participation in quiz bowl allows juniors to educate themselves on various topics pertaining to
the beef industry, providing them with the knowledge to educate those who may not know much about livestock. Team fitting also helps juniors by giving them the opportunity to take charge, to do what they are good at, and to highlight the strengths of other teammates, ultimately creating a strong team that works together to be successful. These contests further assist in developing skills that will shape good leaders and advocates of the beef industry.

It is important to participate in youth organizations to build relationships and to gain experiences that allow kids to learn and thrive. It is members of these organizations that are responsible
for maintaining the integrity of the livestock industry. Association conventions and junior shows provide a forum where breed members can come together to bring up issues and to improve the organization as a whole, allowing for each voice to be heard.

Every leader begins as a follower. It is entirely up to an individual as to whether or not they choose to reach their full potential as a leader. The AGJA strives to build a network of future leaders that will make good decisions and to be the voice for the beef industry. You do not have to have a fancy title to be able to call yourself a leader. The AGJA encourages you to take every chance to develop your skills and to grow as a young person in agriculture. Participating in the National Western Stock Show in Denver, Colorado, is a great place to start, and I hope to see you there!

TJB Gelbvieh Sixth Annual Bull Sale

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November 4, 2017
Chickamauga, Georgia
Auctioneer: Dale Stith
Reported by Kelsie Bickett

Sale Averages:
18 2-year old ET Bulls                      $4,380
35 Fall Yearling Bulls                       $3,050
Sale Total (43 Bulls)                         $3,525

TJB Gelbvieh hosted their Sixth Annual Bull Sale at the farm in Chickamauga, Georgia on November 4, 2017. The sale weekend began with a good crowd of friends and buyers attending the dinner and viewing on Friday evening and enjoying a feast of roast and favorite “hot potatoes” with an appetizer of rocky mountain oysters.

An active crowd evaluated the bulls on Saturday, and when the day ended, 43 Gelbvieh and Balancer® bulls sold for an average of $3,525.

Top selling bull was a TJB Rusty Vail son by proven donor 823T selling for $6,500 to Hadden Ranch in Gibson, Georgia. Tied for runner-up was Lot 2 and Lot 4, both Outright sons by 220Y, selling for $5,000 going to Valhalla Ranch and Tyler Gregory. Bidding was very active in the $4,500 to $4,750 range.

TJB Gelbvieh would like to thank everyone for making this event a success. We would like to invite you to the next sale on November 3, 2018, to incorporate the maternal advantage of Gelbvieh and Balancer cattle with proven TJB genetics into your herd.

 

 

Flying H Genetics 20th Grown on Grass Bull Sale

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October 28, 2017
Butler, Missouri
Reported By Dick Helms

A cool, sunny day greeted new and repeat customers to the BULL BARN at Butler, Missouri, for the annual October offering of Fescue Adapted, Grown On Grass bulls from Flying H Genetics.

Representing eight states, the black and red bulls were well accepted with more bulls selling for a higher average than last year.

Topping the sale was a Red Purebred Simmental with 5 Star genetics and great phenotype and was taken home by a Kansas buyer for $10,000.  He was also volume buyer with eight bulls.

High selling group was the red Balancers averaging $6,312. Topped by Lot 57, A Schuler Rogue sired Show-Me Select Heifer Bull out of a Watchman Daughter found a home with Parker Farms in Arkansas.

Second high selling group was the black Balancers averaging $5,004.  Topping this group at $8,750 was an ET son of Final Answer and the 130X Donor cow with 5 Star Genetics and was a Show-Me Select Heifer Bull.

The FUSION bulls were the third high selling group with a $4,575 average and were topped by Lot 1, a homozygous polled, homozygous black son of Leachman Prophet out of a Carolina Fortune Donor dam, a 5 Star genetic package with superior phenotype bringing $7,000.

The offerings of 50 spring-bred heifers were very well received.  Selling in groups of five, they averaged $1,750.

Breeders Win Big During 2nd Annual Gelbvieh Carcass Contest

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Results of the Second Annual American Gelbvieh Foundation (AGF) Steer Challenge and Scale and Rail Sire-Identified Carcass Contest were announced during the 47th Annual American Gelbvieh Association National Convention awards banquet on Saturday, December 9, 2017. Breeders from Iowa and Nebraska took home top honors with prize payouts totaling $6,950.

The AGF continues to help advance the Gelbvieh breed through its support of research and development. For this reason, the AGF launched the Steer Challenge and Scale and Rail Sire-Identified Carcass Contest in 2016. These two projects together provide the information and funds necessary to generate datasets to advance Gelbvieh and Balancer® carcass merit.

The AGF Steer Challenge was a competition amongst individual Gelbvieh and Balancer-influenced steers in which the judging criteria focused on average daily gain in the feedyard, carcass value and overall top value animal, which combined average daily gain and carcass value. The Steer Challenge gives an opportunity for participants to donate a steer to the AGF. All proceeds from the donation go toward research and development within the Gelbvieh breed. The AGF Sire-Identified Carcass Contest judges steers, which were in a group of three or more animals from the same contemporary group, on these same qualities and also awarded a top-performing pen. In its second year, ten ranches participated with a total of 103 head on feed at Roode Feedyard in Fairbury, Nebraska. All steers were harvested and values were calculated in July 2017.

Flying H Genetics, Arapahoe, Nebraska, placed high in both the AGF Steer Challenge and Balancer division of the Scale and Rail Contest and took home a total of $3,725 in prize payouts. Flying H Genetics’ winning steer, a Red Angus-sired Balancer, in the AGF Steer Challenge swept the division taking home top average daily gain, top carcass value, and top value animal. The same steer also took home top accolades in the Balancer division of the Scale and Rail Contest including highest average daily gain at 5.93 pounds per day, top carcass value at $1,179 with a 1,118 pound hot carcass weight and a 17.10 square inch ribeye. This steer also took home top value Balancer animal with a value of $1,185, USDA Yield Grade 3 and a quality grade of USDA Choice.

Flying H Genetics also owned the champion pen of Balancer steers with an average value of $1,119, average USDA Yield Grade 3 and quality grade of USDA Choice. Flying H Genetics owned the steer that took second place for average daily gain in the Balancer division. This Red Angus-sired Balancer steer had an average daily gain of 5.75 pounds per day.

Eagle Pass Ranch, Highmore, South Dakota, owned the steer which took second place for top carcass in the Balancer division with a carcass value of $1,124, hot carcass weight of 1,049 pounds, and a 13.5 square inch ribeye. This same steer also placed second for top value animal with a total value of $1,129, USDA Yield Grade 3 and quality grade of USDA Choice. This steer was sired by EGL Barrett B050. Eagle Pass Ranch also owned the reserve champion pen of Balancer steers with an average value of $1,083, average USDA Yield Grade of 3, and average quality grade of USDA Choice.

In the Gelbvieh division, CKS Gelbvieh, Collins, Iowa, was a notable winner owning the steer for top average daily gain, top carcass and top value steer as well as champion pen and taking home $2,175 in prize payouts. CKS Gelbvieh’s top carcass steer had a carcass value of $1,151, a hot carcass weight of 1,089 pounds, and a ribeye area of 14 square inches. This steer also had a USDA Yield Grade 3, and quality grade of USDA Choice. This steer’s total value was the highest in the Gelbvieh division at $1,156 and was sired by BNC At Ease A357. CKS Gelbvieh also owned the champion pen of Gelbvieh steers with the average value of the pen being $1,126, average USDA Yield Grade 4.0 and average quality grade of USDA Choice.

CKS Gelbvieh also owned the steer that took second place for top carcass in the Gelbvieh division with a carcass value of $1,125, hot carcass weight of 1,067 pounds, and a 17 square inch ribeye. This same steer also placed second for top value animal with a total value of $1,130, USDA Yield Grade 3 and quality grade of USDA Choice. This steer was sired by DCH Hille X102.

Blackhawk Cattle Co., Oregon, Illinois, owned the reserve champion pen of Gelbvieh steers with an average value of $1,105, average USDA Yield Grade 3, and average quality grade of USDA Choice+.

To view full results, including all steers close-out data, please visit the projects page under the Foundation section of www.gelbvieh.org.

 

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Seedstock Plus Fall Bull Sale

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October 21, 2017
Joplin Regional Stockyards
Carthage, Missouri

Auctioneer: Jeremy Anstine
Reported by: John Burbank

9         Angus Bulls                 $2878
135      Balancer Bulls              $3531
35        Gelbvieh Bulls             $3933
179      Overall Bulls                $3577

 

The Seedstock Plus Fall Bull Sale was a larger offering this year and relative to the current cattle market, was a successful sale. There were 120 registered buyers in addition to active bidding online. Bulls sold to 95 buyers in 16 states at a rapid pace with every bull through the ring selling to a new owner. Every bull selling had genomic-enhanced EPDs and 40 percent of the sale offering was feed efficiency tested. All bulls were backed by an industry leading culling criteria and customer service.

Top selling bulls include:

Lot 661: GMF Highlight 610D. A Meng Farms Cattle Co. bull that is a homozygous black, homozygous polled purebred Gelbvieh with excellent phenotype. Purchased by Miller Gelbvieh and Angus, Texas, for $7,500.

Lot 563: TMMW Mr. Banker 25D. A Mulroy Farms bull that is a homozygous black, homozygous polled Balancer with tremendous spread from birth weight to growth. Purchased by Tom Strubberg, Missouri, for $7,250.

Lot 698: TMMW Mr. Montana 105D. A Mulroy Farms bull that is a homozygous black, homozygous polled purebred Gelbvieh with excellent calving ease. Purchased by Anne Gregory, Kansas, for $7,200.

Lot 694: DMP D610. A Pederson Gelbvieh bull that is a homozygous black, homozygous polled purebred Gelbvieh with breed leading growth. Purchased by Duck River Gelbvieh, Tennessee, for $6,550.

Lot 683: TMGC SB Gibraltor 109D. A Stuecken Bros. bull that is a homozygous black, homozygous polled purebred Gelbvieh with EPD balance. Purchased by Chance Koppenhafer, Iowa, for $6,500.

Lot 564: DMP D165. A Pederson Gelbvieh bull that is a homozygous black, homozygous polled Balancer with excellent EPDs and phenotype. Purchased by a partnership of Ashe Farms and Campbell Farms, Mississippi, for $6,200.

Lot 555: MTB BCC Red Balancer 511D ET. A Burbank Cattle Co. bull that is a red homozygous polled Balancer ET. Purchased by Bobby Powers, Tennessee for $6,100.

Lot 566: JGPG 686D. A JGP Gelbvieh bull that is a homozygous black, homozygous polled Balancer that is the total package. Purchased by Mahlon and Raymond Hoover, Kentucky, for $6,000.

 

American Gelbvieh Association Elects Leadership

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2018 AGA Board of Directors

Photo caption: The American Gelbvieh Association elected directors and officers for 2018 during its national convention in Wichita, Kansas. Front row (left to right): Dan McCarty, Rifle, Colo.; Secretary Klint Sickler, Gladstone, N.D.; Executive Director Myron Edelman, Broomfield, Colo.; President Scott Starr, Stapleton, Neb.; Vice President John Carrel, Columbus, Mont.; Treasurer Walter Teeter, Mount Ulla, N.C.; Lowell Rogers, Seminary, Miss. Back row (left to right): Leland Clark, Barnard, Kan.; Randy Sienknecht, Gladbrook, Iowa; Doug Hughes, Max Meadows, Va.; Jeff Swanson, Oxford, Neb.; Dennis Gustin, Mandan, N.D.; Jeff Loveless, Spanish Fork, Utah; Dustin Aherin, Phillipsburg, Kan.; Derek Martin, Bucklin, Kan.; Andrea Murray, Kingfisher, Okla.

Members of the American Gelbvieh Association (AGA) elected five candidates to the board of directors at the annual membership meeting held December 9, 2017, during the 47th Annual American Gelbvieh Association National Convention in Wichita, Kansas.

Newly elected board members are Dustin Aherin, Phillipsburg, Kansas; Jeff Loveless, Spanish Fork, Utah; Derek Martin, Bucklin, Kansas; and Dan McCarty, Rifle, Colorado. Re-elected to serve a second term was Lowell Rogers, Seminary, Mississippi.

The AGA Board of Directors also elected individuals to serve in leadership positions on the executive committee for 2018. Scott Starr, Stapleton, Nebraska, was re-elected as AGA president.

Elected as vice president was John Carrel, Columbus, Montana. Klint Sickler, Gladstone, North Dakota, was elected as secretary and Walter Teeter, Mount Ulla, North Carolina, was re-elected as treasurer.

Other members of the AGA Board of Directors are: Leland Clark, Barnard, Kansas; Dennis Gustin, Mandan, North Dakota; Doug Hughes, Max Meadows, Virginia; Andrea Murray, Kingfisher, Oklahoma; Randy Sienknecht, Gladbrook, Iowa; and Jeff Swanson, Oxford, Nebraska.

Retiring members of the 2017 AGA Board of Directors were Andy LeDoux, Ree Heights, South Dakota; Neal Pearson, Lake City, South Dakota; Dustin Rippe, Belleville, Kansas; and Duane Strider, Asheboro, North Carolina. The AGA would like to thank these members for their years of service on the AGA Board of Directors,

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