Media Releases
McDuffie Announced as the American Gelbvieh Association Summer Intern
Ryan McDuffie, AGA summer intern
LINCOLN, Neb. — The American Gelbvieh Association (AGA) is excited to announce the hiring of Ryan McDuffie, Perry, Georgia, as the AGA summer intern. In his internship, McDuffie will assist in all aspects of AGA operations including member programs and services support, member education and American Gelbvieh Junior Association (AGJA) Junior Classic activities.
“We are so excited to have Ryan join us in Lincoln this summer! His extensive background in competitive events and livestock shows will be a huge asset, and we look forward to the ideas he will bring to the table for hosting summer regional shows and the AGJA Junior Classic,” said Tawnie DeJong, AGA member and youth activities coordinator.
McDuffie is an alumnus of Fort Scott Community College and the University of Arkansas, where he was a member of competitive livestock judging teams at both institutions. McDuffie graduated with a bachelor of science in animal science and decided to further his education in animal science at the University of Arkansas. While obtaining his master’s degree, he has been the assistant coach of the 2024 University of Arkansas livestock judging team.
McDuffie is deeply committed to advancing youth participation in the agriculture industry and possesses a keen ability to ignite enthusiasm among young individuals for agriculture. He has honed his passion through internships at prominent junior livestock shows such as the Arkansas Youth Expo, California Youth Agriculture Expo, Cattlemen’s Congress, and the North American International Livestock Exposition. Through these experiences, McDuffie has cultivated a genuine love for youth exhibitors and a profound appreciation for his work within the junior livestock show circuit.
McDuffie eagerly anticipates the chance to collaborate with and gain wisdom from an esteemed breed association. His aspirations include forging connections with countless individuals, deepening his understanding of the Gelbvieh and Balancer® breeds, and helping orchestrate an unforgettable AGJA Way Out West Junior Classic event.
McDuffie began his internship on May 20 and can be reached at intern@gelbvieh.org or at the AGA office at 303-465-2333.
The American Gelbvieh Association is a progressive beef cattle breed association representing 1,100 members and approximately 40,000 cows assessed annually in a performance-oriented total herd reporting system.
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Bertz Selected as New Executive Director
Harold Bertz, AGA Executive Director
LINCOLN, Neb. — The American Gelbvieh Association (AGA) Board of Directors unanimously voted to hire Harold Bertz of Mayview, Missouri, as the Association’s next Executive Director.
Bertz recently served as the chief operating officer of the American Royal in Kansas City. He previously worked for the Red Angus Association of America for nearly 10 years focusing on growing the acceptance of Red Angus cattle with commercial cow/calf producers and feedyards.
“Harold brings with him great leadership, marketing expertise and understanding of the cattle industry, along with a clear vision of where Gelbvieh and Balancer® cattle fit the industry,” said Lori Maude, President of the AGA Board of Directors. “We are excited to have Harold leading the association and setting a solid path forward for the breed in a quickly changing beef industry.”
“I am honored and excited to serve this great breed and its members,” said Harold Bertz, American Gelbvieh Association Executive Director. “The Association has a rich history, innovative members strive to improve Gelbvieh and Balancer cattle, and a talent, vibrant staff. With these key elements, I have unlimited enthusiasm and optimism for our future.”
The Bertz family farm near Mayview has been in the family for seven generations. He and his wife, Melisa, are also involved with her family’s farm near Parker, Kansas. They have two grown children that are active in the beef industry.
Bertz began his new role with the American Gelbvieh Association on May 6, 2024. He can be reached at haroldb@gelbvieh.org or the AGA office at 303-465-2333.
Champions Selected at 2024 Cattlemen’s Congress Gelbvieh and Balancer Junior Show
LINCOLN, Neb. — The 2024 Cattlemen’s Congress Gelbvieh and Balancer® Junior Breeding Female Show was held on Sunday, December 31, 2023, in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. Exhibitors had the pleasure of welcoming judge Jason Hoffman of Thedford, Nebraska, to evaluate and sort through 30 Gelbvieh and 54 Balancer females.
Grand Champion Gelbvieh Female was JNCC Cowtown Julia 150J owned by Cameron Nowack of Bland, Missouri. Sired by GHGF Cow Town D536, and born September 9, 2021, this female first earned the title of Champion Senior Yearling Heifer.
Reserve Grand Champion Gelbvieh Female was TGV T Bar S Jada 168L owned by Memphis Peterson of Pukwana, South Dakota. Born March 9, 2023, and sired by DDGR Stellar 124J, this female first earned the title of champion spring heifer calf.
Grand Champion Balancer Female was BCFG Butlers Ms Kyla 549K ET owned by Braylen Schaeffer, Hagerstown, Indiana. Sired by PVF Blacklist 7077, and born February 28, 2022, this female first earned the title of Champion Junior Yearling Heifer.
Reserve Grand Champion Balancer Female was BCFG Butlers Ms Lola 133L owned by Ayven Moon of Ellensburg, Washington. Born January 12, 2023, and sired by PVF Blacklist 7077, this female first earned the title of Champion Winter Heifer Calf.
Gelbvieh Junior Breeding Females
Champion Spring Heifer Calf
TGV T Bar S Jada 168L
Memphis Peterson, Pukwana, S.D.
Sire: DDGR Stellar 124J
Reserve Champion Spring Heifer Calf
BRAX Lettie L37 ET
Braxton Murray, Kingfisher, Okla.
Sire: GHGF Man O’War F825
Champion Winter Heifer Calf
BCFG Butlers Ms Lucy 282L ET
Alexandria Raab, Markle, Ind.
Sire: JRI General Patton 213B97 ET
Reserve Champion Winter Heifer Calf
JRI Ms Bedazzled 254L92 ET
Lacy Renea Judd, Pomona, Kan.
Sire: JRI Bandito 253H32
Champion Senior Heifer Calf
CRLL Emeryn 2757K ET
Jacie Diane Carroll, Raymore, Mo.
Sire: RWG RWG Seminole Wind 9430 ET
Reserve Champion Senior Heifer Calf
JNCC Jewels 259K
Cameron Nowack, Bland, Mo.
Sire: RROF Over Final Line 16F
Champion Intermediate Heifer
AMT Kinsley 265K
Alexandria Raab, Markle, Ind.
Sire: GHGF Top Shelf 25G2 ET
Champion Late Spring Yearling Heifer
GHGF Whit’s Wisdom 25K
Shelby Candler, Weaverville, N.C.
Sire: GHGF Cow Town D536
Champion Junior Yearling Heifer
JRI Ms Precision 207K312 ET
Lily Grace Judd, Pomona, Kan.
Sire: JRI General Patton 213B97 ET
Reserve Champion Junior Yearling Heifer
MDR Birdie 211K
Corbin Lowe, Winfield, Kan.
Sire: JRI Top Dog 68T14
Champion Senior Yearling Heifer
JNCC Cowtown Julia 150J
Cameron Nowack, Bland, Mo.
Sire: GHGF Cow Town D536
Grand Champion Gelbvieh Junior Breeding Female
JNCC Cowtown Julia 105J
Cameron Nowack, Bland, Mo.
Sire: GHGF Cow Town D536
Reserve Grand Champion Gelbvieh Junior Breeding Female
TGV T Bar S Jada 168L
Memphis Peterson, Pukwana, S.D.
Sire: DDGR Stellar 124J
Balancer Junior Breeding Females
Champion Spring Heifer Calf
BREK Lucille L42 ET
Breckon Murray, Kingfisher, Okla.
Sire: Colburn Primo 5153
Reserve Champion Spring Heifer Calf
DTK Layla C124L
Teaghan Bird, Hampton, Iowa
Sire: PVF Blacklist 7077
Champion Winter Heifer Calf
BCFG Butlers Ms Lola 133L
Ayven Moon, Ellensburg, Wash.
Sire: PVF Blacklist 7077
Reserve Champion Winter Heifer Calf
GHGF Lorrie Darlin 907L
Shelby Candler, Weaverville, N.C.
Sire: GHGF Top Shelf 25G2 ET
Champion Senior Heifer Calf
JACY Follow You To Virgie 222K
Jaycie Forbes, De Smet, S.D.
Sire: GDV T Bar S Casino 115G ET
Reserve Champion Senior Heifer Calf
T Bar S 24 Karat 1167K ET
Ayven Moon, Ellensburg, Wash.
Sire: SCC SCH 24 Karat 838
Champion Intermediate Heifer
KRYB Karsyn’s Girl 02K
Karsyn Youngblood, Columbus, Kan.
Sire: TTTT 4T Pure Profit ET
Reserve Champion Intermediate Heifer
MDR Empress K87
Kyson Thiel, Kaw City, Okla.
Sire: MDR First Round Pick 9824G ET
Champion Late Spring Yearling Heifer
JCPG Julia 830F 223K
Molly Anderson, Marion, N.C.
Sire: TJB Rebel Yell 804F ET
Reserve Champion Late Spring Yearling Heifer
MDR Knock Out 203K
Corbin Lowe, Winfield, Kan.
Sire: MDR First Step 7549E
Champion Junior Yearling Heifer
BCFG Butlers Ms Kyla 549K ET
Braylen Schaeffer, Hagerstown, Ind.
Sire: PVF Blacklist 7077
Reserve Champion Junior Yearling Heifer
MDR Freedom 202K
Corbin Lowe, Winfield, Kan.
Sire: MDR First Round Pick 9824G ET
Grand Champion Balancer Junior Breeding Female
BCFG Butlers Ms Kyla 549K ET
Braylen Schaeffer, Hagerstown, Ind.
Sire: PVF Blacklist 7077
Reserve Grand Champion Junior Breeding Female
BCFG Butlers Ms Lola 133L
Ayven Moon, Ellensburg, Wash.
Sire: PVF Blacklist 7077
The American Gelbvieh Association is a progressive beef association representing 1,100 members and approximately 40,000 cows assessed annually in a performance-oriented total herd reporting system.
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Career Exploration for Tomorrow’s Industry Leaders
LINCOLN, Neb. — In continued efforts to provide educational resources and opportunities to its membership and the industry, the American Gelbvieh Association (AGA) hosted a special webinar geared toward providing career education to the next generation of producers and industry leaders. The event, Career Exploration for Tomorrow’s Industry Leaders, featured Jake Renner, former AGA member and youth activities coordinator, Of the West business owner, Jessie Jarvis, and Corteva Associate Territory Manager for Pasture and Land Management, Paxton Dahmer.
“Less than one percent of Americans grow the food and fiber that fuels the agriculture employment sector,” Renner told attendees. “However, more than 15% of the 320-plus billion people in the US are employed by a career in agriculture.”
With diverse backgrounds, the three shared what fueled them to become a part of the agriculture industry and how each leveraged the opportunities the industry presented.
Finding A Fit
Jarvis says that while she and her husband are both involved in agriculture and have a strong involvement in the sector through ranching and rodeo, she identified a gap between agriculture employment opportunities and qualified applicants, noting that the connections weren’t always enough.
With aspirations of becoming a doctor, Jarvis says that after high school, she was ready to part ways with agriculture – that parting of ways with the industry that she has known her entire life lasted for six weeks. She quickly found that agriculture was where she belonged. Changing her biology degree, Jarvis graduated with a business degree that she put to work for the Idaho Cattlemen’s Association first during an internship and then in a full-time position as communications director.
The entrepreneurial path became a natural fit.
“We (Jarvis and her husband) were always getting calls from friends—others in the industry—asking if we knew anyone for the positions these businesses, farms and ranches were looking to fill. Or we were having friends ask us if we knew of any open jobs,” Jarvis says. “After doing some research, I didn’t find that “connection” in an online platform, so we decided to start our own. That’s when we decided to build Of the West.com.”
Today, Of the West serves as a premiere digital platform for job seekers and employers in the western industry. Additionally, the service provides relevant industry career news and interviews from leaders in the industry through both a blog and podcast to serve as a one-stop career resource for anyone looking for an employment opportunity within the western lifestyle.
For Dahmer, a career in agriculture was never a second thought.
Dahmer’s current role with Corteva’s Pasture and Land Management team feels like home for the 2020-21 Central Regional National FFA Vice President. Traveling the countryside, helping ranchers is a natural fit for the Nevada, Missouri, native who grew up showing livestock across the country.
Studying agricultural education and leadership communications with a minor in plant sciences, Dahmer currently lives in San Angelo, Texas.
“I still work with producers every day,” he says, referencing his time connecting first at the local level through the state of Missouri and then nationally. “I work with our customers in a variety of ways to develop different programs that fit within their current grazing program.”
Renner’s story began one generation removed from agriculture.
“My dad grew up raising sheep and cattle just 15 miles east of where I grew up,” Renner says. “Growing up, we visited my uncle on the farm, but it wasn’t a daily ocurrance. I would say that I grew up with a narrow understanding of the opportunities in agriculture that existed. I didn’t understand the opportunities that existed beyond what I saw every day, and I think that is the case for a lot of young people today, and why resources like this webinar are important to shine a light on the opportunities that exist in agriculture.”
Fort Hays State University, Hays, Kansas, served as an incubator for his passion that grew for agriculture. Renner first became an extension agent for Kansas State University and went on to graduate with a Master of Science in Agricultural Education and Communication from Kansas State University.
Don’t Let Opportunities Slip By
“Agriculture is a tight knit community. This fact makes the industry both endearing and imtimidating to those outside of the show ring or beyond the farm gate. However, the panelists share that there really are no limitations today for opportunities within agriculture—if you can dream it, there’s a place for it,” Jarvis says.
“Agriculture is the biggest and brightest ocean of opportunity. Whatever you’re dreaming, there’s likely a great outlet in agriculture. From photography to computer engineering and everything in between, there’s just really no limitation today,” she says. “For those who are involved in agriculture, be kind and encouraging. It’s going to take us all and we need more people in our industry. We have an opportunity to share agriculture with so many today, it only takes our time to walk alongside and show someone the way.”
All three panelists agree that an early introduction to what agriculture had to offer, followed-up with additional education throughout the academic career of every student is a vehicle the industry should be investing in.
The one-hour webinar framed the career paths of each panelist, complete with the specific classes that they continue to find value in; the webinar lays the foundation for career discovery, hard and soft skills, transferrable education and the necessity to remain nimble and open minded to opportunity.
To watch the full webinar visit www.gelbvieh.org and find the webinar resources under the “Learn” tab.
The American Gelbvieh Association is a progressive beef cattle breed association representing 1,100 members and approximately 40,000 cows assessed annually in a performance-oriented total herd reporting system.
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Champions Awarded in Eighth Annual American Gelbvieh Foundation Scale and Rail Contest and Steer Challenge
LINCOLN, Neb. — The results are in, and champions have been awarded in the 2023 American Gelbvieh Foundation (AGF) Scale and Rail Contest and Steer Challenge. The contest harvested 62 head from 9 participants, awarding $3,625 total in cash prizes and 21 banners sponsored by the AGF.
The steers had an excellent overall performance with an average daily gain of 4.02 pounds per head per day and a dry matter feed conversion of 6.06:1. The AGF extends a special thank you to Kinsley Feeders of Kinsley, Kansas, and Derek Martin, for hosting and supporting the contest.
The steers were harvested at National Beef in Dodge City, Kansas, and sold on the USPB grid. Thank you to Stuart Jarvis for donating the USPB delivery rights. The steers had an overall hot carcass weight of 953 pounds with 97% having a yield grade 1,2, or 3.
The AGF continues to help advance the Gelbvieh breed through its support of research and development. For this reason, the AGF continues its Scale and Contest and Steer Challenge. These two projects provide the information and funds necessary to generate data sets to advance Gelbvieh carcass merit. Together, these projects will solidify carcass merit within the Gelbvieh breed and place the cattle in a more competitive position in the beef industry through providing supplementary carcass data on Gelbvieh-influenced genetics. In addition to the data collected and the knowledge gained from these projects, money raised will help to further develop more accurate tools for ranchers when selecting Gelbvieh and Balancer® genetics.
Scale & Rail Contest Results
The Scale and Rail Contest awards $1,625 in cash prizes and 15 banners to outstanding participants in both the Gelbvieh and Balancer divisions.
Champion Average Daily Gain Gelbvieh Steer
Tag: 245K1
Average Daily Gain: 4.82
Quality Grade: USDA Choice
Yield Grade: 2
Owned By: Post Rock Cattle Company
Sired By: DCSF Post Rock Top Gun 65F8 ET
Champion Average Daily Gain Balancer Steer
Tag: 8093
Average Daily Gain: 5.16
Quality Grade: USDA Select
Yield Grade: 3
Owned By: Wilkinson Gelbvieh
Sired By: BNW Plainsman Dirt Road 6144D
Champion Carcass Value Gelbvieh Steer
Tag: 245K1
Carcass Value: $3,072.00
Quality Grade: USDA Choice
Yield Grade: 2
Owned By: Post Rock Cattle Company
Sired By: DCSF Post Rock Top Gun 65F8
Champion Carcass Value Balancer Steer
Tag: 7079
Carcass Value: $2,748.90
Quality Grade: USDA Choice
Yield Grade: 2
Owned By: Wilkinson Gelbvieh
Sired By: BNW Plainsman Granger 9126G
Champion Pen of Gelbvieh Steers
Pen Value: $8,419.18
Pen Quality Grade: USDA Choice
Pen Yield Grade: 3
Owned By: Post Rock Cattle Company
Sired By: DCSF Post Rock Top Gun 65F8 ET
Champion Pen of Balancer Steers
Pen Value: $8,892.75
Pen Quality Grade: USDA Choice
Pen Yield Grade: 2
Owned By: Wilkinson Gelbvieh
Sired By: BNW Plainsman DirtRoad 6144D
Reserve Champion Pen of Balancer Steers
Pen Value: $8,734.10
Pen Quality Grade: USDA Choice
Pen Yield Grade: 2
Owned By: Flying H Genetics
Sired By: FHG Mr. Protégé 173G
Steer Challenge Results
Participants of the 2023 Steer Challenge were award $2,000 in cash prizes and six banners. All three participants — Boehler Gelbvieh, Flying H Genetics, Wilkinson Gelbvieh — each donated $1,000 to the AGF.
Champion Average Daily Gain
Tag: 310K
Average Daily Gain: 5.06
Quality Grade: USDA Choice
Yield Grade: 2
Owned By: Boehler Gelbvieh
Sired By: XXB Classic 308G
Champion Carcass Steer
Tag: 7079
Carcass Value: $2,748.90
Quality Grade: USDA Choice
Yield Grade: 2
Owned By: Wilkinson Gelbvieh
Sired By: BNW Plainsman Granger 9126G
Congratulations to all the 2023 Scale and Rail Contest and Steer Challenge champions and thank you to everyone who participated in the contest. To view complete results and learn more about the contest, visit https://gelbvieh.org/foundation/projects.
The American Gelbvieh Foundation secures, grows, and responsibly distributes assets for research, member education, and youth development to sustain and grow Gelbvieh genetics.
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Mark and Patty Goes Named American Gelbvieh Association 2024 Hall of Fame Inductees
Pictured (left to right): Patty Goes, Mark Goes, and award presenter; Connie Tabor.
LINCOLN, Neb. — Each year the American Gelbvieh Association (AGA) recognizes a dedicated member who has been an influential figure in the Gelbvieh breed. The 2024 AGA Hall of Fame inductees are Mark and Patty Goes of Odell, Nebraska. The Goes were presented with their award at the 53rd Annual AGA National Convention on November 30, 2023, at the Omaha Marriott Downtown at the Capitol District in Omaha, Nebraska.
In his professional career, Goes served as an instructor at Southeast Community College in Beatrice, Nebraska. During his tenure, he started a Gelbvieh and Balancer® herd at the college and advocated for the breed among students by taking them to shows and sales. Many of his students have started their own Gelbvieh and Balancer herds and become members of the AGA.
Goes continued youth education outside of the classroom by implementing the live carcass evaluation contest at the American Gelbvieh Junior Association (AGJA) Junior Classic. He procured the cattle, scheduled harvest slots and explained the carcass results to the contestants. Through the creation of this contest, Goes helped connect live cattle production to the value of end-product merit and consumer demand.
Goes has served in many leadership positions throughout the beef industry. Goes is a past president of the American Gelbvieh Association, serves as an active committee member, and was the first president of the American Gelbvieh Foundation (AGF) where he currently serves as the vice president. Additionally, Goes has served in multiple positions to develop the strategic directions of many industry-leading organizations.
“While I’ve always known Mark is a selfless individual, it has become even more obvious while serving on the AGF board with him,” said Tanner Aherin. “When an important decision is to be made, Mark is someone who wants to vet all the outcomes and how they might impact each breeder across the country — never making himself the priority. Mark is willing to challenge the group to ensure the right decision is made that is most beneficial for all people involved in the Gelbvieh breed.”
Congratulations to the 2024 AGA Hall of Fame inductees, Mark and Patty Goes!
The American Gelbvieh Association is a progressive beef cattle breed association representing 1,000 members and approximately 40,000 cows assessed annually in a performance-oriented total herd reporting system.
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