Media Releases
Gelbvieh adds value when feeding cattle
Feeder calves with Continental breed influence and the potential to hit the mark on Quality and Yield Grades are in demand at feeder calf markets across the country. The added pounds of carcass produced are adding dollars to the cattle feeder’s pockets.
“A bull that sires 20 head of the heavier-finishing steers each year has created $1,148 in additional progeny value versus another bull that sires the lighter-finishing steers,” says Tom Brink, JBS/Five Rivers Cattle Feeding, the largest fed cattle marketer in the world. The feeder wants the added carcass weight that Gelbvieh and Balancer® genetics bring to the equation.
Recent feeder cattle auctions show demand from feeders for Gelbvieh-influenced SmartCross® genetics. Cedar Top Ranch from Nebraska sold 800 pound steers for $147.50. Bedke K Savy Ranch from Idaho sold 490 pound steer calves at $156.00 and 580 pound steers at $140.00. Owl Mountain Ranch located in Colorado received $150.00 for steers weighing 475 pounds. DMD Livestock from Nebraska reached $142.00 on steers weighing 740 pounds. Reiber Ranch out of Montana got a price of $135.00 for 690 pound steers. The Buckingham Cattlemen’s Association in Virginia sold Gelbvieh/Balancer SmartCross steer calves weighing 540 pounds at $147.50 and 580 pound steers for $146.00 in their recent August Tel-O-Auction.
In good or tough economic times a Choice Yield Grade 2 carcass is an industry target. An 800-pound Yield Grade 2 carcass that has a USDA Choice grade in today’s market is worth $72.00 more than a 750-pound carcass with the same grade profile.
The American Gelbvieh Association uses a carcass value EPD (CV EPD) to calculate carcass parameters on a level that reflects true dollar value of carcasses as cattle are priced in real world grid marketing. The CV EPD is an index of four single trait carcass EPDs: carcass weight, marbling, days to finish and rib eye area.
What sets Gelbvieh apart from other breeds is the inclusion of the carcass weight trait when calculating the CV EPD. Weight drives value. Gelbvieh cattle selected for carcass value will increase grid premium potential in terms of carcass weight, Quality Grade, Yield Grade, and will reduce discounts for “out” carcasses.
Data from Colorado State University’s Maxwell Ranch SmartCross research showed Gelbvieh-influenced cattle resulted in significantly more dollars in both a low and high Choice/Select spread market over Angus-sired cattle. When based on Quality and Yield premiums/discounts and carcass weight in both scenarios, Gelbvieh-sired cattle added $53.17 per head in a low spread and $36.67 per head in a high spread.
Regardless of the cow herd base you are starting with, there is an easy way to use Gelbvieh or Balancer bulls to get to the most profitable place in the industry today. Feeders and packers demand an animal that will grade Choice with a Yield Grade 1 or 2. Crossbred cows have added longevity and a Gelbvieh-influenced female gives you more cow power in your pasture.
Visit the American Gelbvieh Association website at www.www.gelbvieh.org to get more information about the Gelbvieh SmartCross system and how it can work for you or call the AGA office at 303.465.2333. Add pounds and profit to your operation with Gelbvieh and Balancer genetics and marketing opportunities.
Author’s Note: SmartCross® is a crossbreeding program of the American Gelbvieh Association. The SmartCross system is crossbreeding made easy. The system offers scenarios where Gelbvieh genetics can be used in any cow herd base – high percentage British, Brahman-influenced, Continental/British, high percentage Continental, or multiple breeds and percentages – to maximize hybrid vigor and efficiencies. For more information on the SmartCross program visit http://www.www.gelbvieh.org/whygelbvieh/crossbreeding.html or call 303-465-2333.
Feeder calves with Continental breed influence and the potential to hit the mark on Quality and Yield Grades are in demand at feeder calf markets across the country. The added pounds of carcass produced are adding dollars to the cattle feeder’s pockets.
“A bull that sires 20 head of the heavier-finishing steers each year has created $1,148 in additional progeny value versus another bull that sires the lighter-finishing steers,” says Tom Brink, JBS/Five Rivers Cattle Feeding, the largest fed cattle marketer in the world. The feeder wants the added carcass weight that Gelbvieh and Balancer® genetics bring to the equation.
Recent feeder cattle auctions show demand from feeders for Gelbvieh-influenced SmartCross® genetics. Cedar Top Ranch from Nebraska sold 800 pound steers for $147.50. Bedke K Savy Ranch from Idaho sold 490 pound steer calves at $156.00 and 580 pound steers at $140.00. Owl Mountain Ranch located in Colorado received $150.00 for steers weighing 475 pounds. DMD Livestock from Nebraska reached $142.00 on steers weighing 740 pounds. Reiber Ranch out of Montana got a price of $135.00 for 690 pound steers. The Buckingham Cattlemen’s Association in Virginia sold Gelbvieh/Balancer SmartCross steer calves weighing 540 pounds at $147.50 and 580 pound steers for $146.00 in their recent August Tel-O-Auction.
In good or tough economic times a Choice Yield Grade 2 carcass is an industry target. An 800-pound Yield Grade 2 carcass that has a USDA Choice grade in today’s market is worth $72.00 more than a 750-pound carcass with the same grade profile.
The American Gelbvieh Association uses a carcass value EPD (CV EPD) to calculate carcass parameters on a level that reflects true dollar value of carcasses as cattle are priced in real world grid marketing. The CV EPD is an index of four single trait carcass EPDs: carcass weight, marbling, days to finish and rib eye area.
What sets Gelbvieh apart from other breeds is the inclusion of the carcass weight trait when calculating the CV EPD. Weight drives value. Gelbvieh cattle selected for carcass value will increase grid premium potential in terms of carcass weight, Quality Grade, Yield Grade, and will reduce discounts for “out” carcasses.
Data from Colorado State University’s Maxwell Ranch SmartCross research showed Gelbvieh-influenced cattle resulted in significantly more dollars in both a low and high Choice/Select spread market over Angus-sired cattle. When based on Quality and Yield premiums/discounts and carcass weight in both scenarios, Gelbvieh-sired cattle added $53.17 per head in a low spread and $36.67 per head in a high spread.
Regardless of the cow herd base you are starting with, there is an easy way to use Gelbvieh or Balancer bulls to get to the most profitable place in the industry today. Feeders and packers demand an animal that will grade Choice with a Yield Grade 1 or 2. Crossbred cows have added longevity and a Gelbvieh-influenced female gives you more cow power in your pasture.
Visit the American Gelbvieh Association website at www.www.gelbvieh.org to get more information about the Gelbvieh SmartCross system and how it can work for you or call the AGA office at 303.465.2333. Add pounds and profit to your operation with Gelbvieh and Balancer genetics and marketing opportunities.
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Author’s Note: SmartCross® is a crossbreeding program of the American Gelbvieh Association. The SmartCross system is crossbreeding made easy. The system offers scenarios where Gelbvieh genetics can be used in any cow herd base – high percentage British, Brahman-influenced, Continental/British, high percentage Continental, or multiple breeds and percentages – to maximize hybrid vigor and efficiencies. For more information on the SmartCross program visit http://www.www.gelbvieh.org/whygelbvieh/crossbreeding.html or call 303-465-2333.
American Gelbvieh Foundation Awards Scholarships
The American Gelbvieh Foundation recently awarded four scholarships to deserving American Gelbvieh Junior Association (AGJA) members based on their involvement within AGJA and the beef industry. The scholarships were presented during the 2011 AGJA Twister Classic held in Kearney, Neb., July 3-8.
The Leness Hall Memorial Scholarship, honoring an instrumental figure in importing Gelbvieh genetics to the U.S., in the early 1970s, was presented to Dustin Aherin from Phillipsburg, Kan. Aherin, the son of Dennis and Joyce Aherin, is a sophomore seeking a degree in animal science at Allen Community College where he is a member of the livestock judging team and currently serves as president of the AGJA Board of Directors.
The Earl Buss Memorial Scholarship, recognizing one of the founding members of the American Gelbvieh Association, was presented to Justin Taubenheim of Amherst, Neb. Taubenheim is the son of Mike and Renee Taubenheim and is a sophomore at Colby Community College where he is an animal science major and is also on the livestock judging team. Taubenheim currently serves as the vice president of the AGJA Board of Directors.
Selected to receive a $500 AGJA scholarship was Kaisha Jurgens from Miller, Neb. Kaisha is studying animal science at the University of Nebraska – Lincoln where she a member of the Beef Scholars program and is the daughter of Brad and Leann Jurgens. Jurgens also serves as president of the Junior Gelbvieh Association in Nebraska.
Selected to receive the Bob Rea Sr., Memorial scholarship, which honors the father and grandfather of an American Gelbvieh Association family, is Britney Volek from Highmore, S.D. Britney is the daughter of Keith and Janice Volek and recently completed a term with the AGJA Board of Directors. Volek attends Lake Area Technical Institute and is studying to be a physical therapy assistant.
The American Gelbvieh Foundation is dedicated to Gelbvieh genetics, merit advancement, and strengthening the breed influence with the changing beef industry, accomplished through breed promotion, growing demand, member education, research, and junior support.
The AGJA serves youth of all ages through 21 years. With more than 500 members coast to coast, AGJA provides leadership opportunities, scholarships, and competition for its members.
For more information about the American Gelbvieh Foundation, the American Gelbvieh Association or AGJA, please visit www.www.gelbvieh.org or call 303-465-2333.
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Gelbvieh Website Offers Free Feeder Calf Exchange
The height of the feeder calf marketing season is fast approaching. During the late summer and early fall, the majority of feeder cattle are marketed across the country through video auctions, live auctions, direct country trade, or privately. As cow-calf producers look to garner top dollar for their cattle, the American Gelbvieh Association offers a free listing service through their website to promote loads or lots of feeder cattle.
As part of the American Gelbvieh Associations commercial marketing service, a free listing service is available to members and commercial producers who use Gelbvieh and Balancer® genetics. The feeder calf exchange allows producers to list information about their cattle as well as the details of how they plan to market them on the association’s website at www.www.gelbvieh.org. Additionally, order buyers can view and sort the listing on the Feeder Calf Exchange on the website.
“The Feeder Calf Exchange is a free service to anyone who is looking to merchandize Gelbvieh influenced feeder cattle,” said Frank Padilla, director of breed promotion for the association. “When producers list their cattle on the exchange, they benefit by having more potential buyers for their cattle to ultimately market their loads.”
Producers can add their own listings by visiting www.www.gelbvieh.org/exchange/feedercalflistings.html. They will need to complete a short registration process through the website to create a login and password. Once completed, individuals can add their own listing and can also go back and edit a listing.
Another option to add a listing is to have association representatives add the listing for the producer. Producers can contact Padilla with their information by calling 303-465-2333 or email at frankp@gelbvieh.org.
“For computer savvy cattlemen, adding their own listing through the website is pretty simple. However, we are happy to work with producers to post their listing for them. Either way, once the listing has been posted, it will be immediately viewable on the Exchange.”
To post a listing, producers will be asked to provide the following information: farm or ranch name, contact name, city and state, a phone number, number of head, sale or base weight, breed type, delivery or sale date, any premium program qualifications, vaccination program, sex, and type of sale. Additional information such as a more complete description of the cattle or past performance information can be posted; as well producers can add photos of the cattle if available. Producers who intend to market their cattle through a specific video or auction market are encouraged to provide details on the sale (i.e. date, time, location, lot numbers) to allow for order buyers to bid on lots.
The association’s Exchange service also includes free Bull Listings and Female Listings for members and commercial producers with Gelbvieh influenced bulls or females for sale or who are looking to purchase bulls or females. Sales are directly between the buyer and the seller. For more information on the any of the Exchange listings, contact Padilla or visit www.www.gelbvieh.org.
Gelbvieh Breeders, Owners Select for Maternal Efficiency
Annual Dam of Merit and Dam of Distinction Honor Roll
The American Gelbvieh Association (AGA) is proud to honor females in their herdbook that exhibit consistent maternal efficiency through the Dam of Merit and Dam of Distinction program. The AGA credits its members who continue to place selection emphasis on the maternal traits of the breed by being owners or breeders of these outstanding Gelbvieh and Balancer® females.
Of the 37,865 active cows in the AGA herdbook, only 5.8 percent qualify for Dam of Merit. Just 1.2 percent of all active cows qualify for the Dam of Distinction honors.
“The Gelbvieh breed has long had the earned reputation of possessing functional, hard-working females with the ability to breed at a young age, rebreed for the second calf and wean one in that would push down hard on the scale,” comments the American Gelbvieh Association’s Frank Padilla. “The females that qualified for the Dam of Merit and Dam of Distinction program did not achieve such a level of productivity by happenstance. Breeders placed selection pressure on these traits in the development of females that would perform at a level that surpasses others.”
The Dam of Merit and Dam of Distinction recognition program was started in 1991 to honor the top-notch cows in the breed. The program recognizes two levels of productivity based on data submitted to the American Gelbvieh Association office. A Dam of Merit must have produced at least three calves, while a Dam of Distinction must have produced a minimum of eight calves. Both levels must still meet the strict qualifications requiring breeders to place selection pressure on early puberty and conception, regular calving intervals, and above-average weaning weights.
“To be the breeder or owner of a Dam of Merit or Dam of Distinction Gelbvieh or Balancer female is a testament to the emphasis our breeders place on maternal efficiency,” said Susan Willmon, AGA director of breed improvement. “The Gelbvieh breed offers females with the genetics to maintain high maternal productively, which ultimately adds profit for cow-calf producers in terms of more pounds of calf per cow exposed.”
The following is the top ten ranking of states for the combined total of Dams of Merit and Dams of Distinction.
Rank State Total
1. Kansas 363
2. South Dakota 313
3. Missouri 284
4. Nebraska 265
5. North Dakota 226
6. Montana 199
7. Iowa 142
8. Minnesota 118
9. Colorado 89
10. Kentucky 82
The American Gelbvieh Association recognizes the following members who rank in the list of the top 20 owners and breeders of Dam of Merit and Dam of Distinction Gelbvieh females.
Top 20 Breeders:
Judd Ranch Inc., Pomona, Kan.
Bar T Bar Ranch Inc., Winslow, Ariz.
Sieler Ranch Inc., Plevna, Mont.
Lazy TV Ranch, Selby, S.D.
Knoll Crest Farms, Red House, Va.
Wehri Gelbvieh, Hebron, N.d.
Flying H Genetics, Arapahoe, Neb.
Gaaskjolen Gelbvieh, Meadow, S.d.
Pearson Cattle Co., Inc., Lake City, S.d.
Bar Arrow Cattle Co., Phillipsburg, Kan.
Feist Gelbvieh, Ludlow, S.D.
J-Bob Farms, Biscoe, N.C.
Schafer Farms, Inc., Goodhue, Minn.
Stuecken Brothers, Freeburg, Mo.
Chimney Butte Ranch, Mandan, N.D.
Diamond D Gelbvieh, Mandan, N.d.
Miller Gelbvieh Farm, Glen Ullin, N.d.
MlmGelbvieh, Superior, Neb.
Jeff Swanson, Oxford, Neb.
Redland Gelbvieh, Hysham, Mont.
Top 20 Owners:
Judd Ranch, Inc., Pomona, Kan.
Bar T Bar Ranch, Inc., Winslow, Ariz.
Sieler Ranch, Inc., Plevna, Mont.
Lazy Tv Ranch, Selby, S.D.
Wehri Gelbvieh, Hebron, N.d.
Schafer Farms, Inc., Goodhue, Minn.
Knoll Crest Farms, Red House, Va.
Flying H Genetics, Arapahoe, Neb.
A B Farms, Inc., Lathrop, Mo.
Gaaskjolen Gelbvieh, Meadow, S.D.
Pearson Cattle Co., Inc., Lake City, S.D.
Feist Gelbvieh, Ludlow, S.D.
Miller Gelbvieh Farm, Glen Ullin, N.D.
MlmGelbvieh, Superior, Neb.
Bar Arrow Cattle, Co., Phillipsburg, Kan.
Redland Gelbvieh, Hysham, Mont.
Jeff Swanson, Oxford, Neb.
Diamond D Gelbvieh, Mandan, N.D.
Sandy Knoll Farm, St. John, Kan.
Stuecken Brothers, Freeburg, Mo.
American Gelbvieh Association Launches New Website Redesign
www.www.gelbvieh.org – New design, updated content, enhanced features
The American Gelbvieh Association recently launched the much-anticipated redesign of their website, www.www.gelbvieh.org. The new design features a modern look, ease of navigation and updated content.
“We are very excited to launch the redesign of the American Gelbvieh Association’s website. The site was designed to be multi-purpose and to serve the needs of members, commercial customers and people seeking more information about Gelbvieh,” said Frank Padilla, American Gelbvieh Association director of breed promotion. “We understand that members and commercial cattlemen are coming to rely on the Internet for their news and to conduct business. Whether looking for an upcoming sale or event, locating a Gelbvieh breeder in your area, searching for animal pedigree and EPD information, or wanting more information on the Gelbvieh breed, this site is a resource for members and commercial cattlemen alike.”
The site has many enhanced features from the previous site including a calendar for upcoming sales and events as well as sale listings for replacement females, bulls and feeder cattle notes Jennifer Scharpe, the association’s director of communications.
The AGA’s free listing exchange service is a current listing of Gelbvieh influenced feeder cattle, females and bulls for sale by members across the country. The listing includes seller contact information and a brief description of the animals including number and age range, color, breed description, photos and other information. Members and commercial cattlemen with Gelbvieh-influenced feeder cattle, bulls or females for sale can post their listing on the website free of charge or contact Padilla at 303-465-2333 for assistance.
Additionally, the “Places to Be” calendar has dates and information on upcoming sales, shows, junior activities and state association field days.
The website’s “Search for an animal” and “Find a breeder” features link directly to the Gelbvieh association’s registry database with online search capabilities.
“This system provides an up to date listing of animals in the Gelbvieh database including pedigrees, current EPDs and progeny reports, said Susan Willmon, AGA director of breed improvement. “Members and cattlemen can also search for animals using minimum and maximum EPD values and accuracies which will assist in locating genetics to fit any breeding program.”
For more information about the American Gelbvieh Association or the website, visit www.www.gelbvieh.org and send us your comments.
Bob Hart Receives Gelbvieh Association Member of the Year
Bob Hart, Kansas City, Kan., has been named the 2011 American Gelbvieh Association Member of the Year. Hart was recognized during the 2011 AGA annual convention, held January 7-8 in Denver, Colo.
Every year the AGA honors an outstanding member who gives their time, talent and dedication to further the improvement of their state and national association. Nominated by the Heart of America Gelbvieh Association (HAGA), Hart is a distinguished recipient of this award.
Owner of Hart Farm Gelbvieh located within the Kansas City area, Hart has built a small, but progressive Gelbvieh herd.
“Since 1996, we have concentrated on breeding the best red genetics our breed has to offer. We’ve selected our females carefully and used the breed’s top A.I. sires,” comments Hart.
Fellow HAGA member Mike Shrewsbury describes the Hart farm’s genetic program as powerful red cattle that would make anyone proud to own. “Hart Farm Gelbvieh has produced several A.I. sires and donor quality females as well as show heifer prospects. These cattle are his pride and joy and it shows when you talk to him about Gelbvieh.”
When Hart is not at the farm or promoting Gelbvieh, he can be found at his advertising agency, the Hart Agency located in Fairway, Kan. He uses his career in advertising to benefit the HAGA. Bob develops state customer ads for the breeder directory, and edits and publishes the directory. Additionally, he edits and publishes the HAGA state paper, Golden Cattle News. He has served as the HAGA secretary/treasurer for six years, co-chairman for the HAGA state sale, and carries out the state association’s advertising plan.
An avid supporter of youth, Bob often attends the American Gelbvieh Junior Association regional shows and Junior Classic to support Gelbvieh juniors. He gives generously to sponsor meals or awards for state and national junior events. Recently, Hart was elected to his first term on the AGA Board of Directors.
“It’s very easy to see the example that Bob sets towards others in leadership through service. His countless hours of work and promotion have no doubt left a long-lasting impact on Gelbvieh throughout Missouri and the surrounding states,” says Dana Stewart, AGA director of member services.
Outside of the Gelbvieh breed, Bob is a member of the Kansas Livestock Association and a supporter of Wyandotte County 4-H and its annual auction. He is also a member of the Arabian Horse Association and the Kansas City Direct Marketing Association, among many others.