Media Releases
Dannehl Joins American Gelbvieh Association
LINCOLN, Neb. – The American Gelbvieh Association (AGA) is pleased to announce the addition of Sarah Dannehl, Wymore, Nebraska, to the AGA staff as the performance programs coordinator. In her role, Dannehl will assist AGA members and customers with the AGA Online Registry Service, support AGA data collection projects, help members with DNA testing questions, and focus on member education efforts.
“We are excited to have Sarah joining our talented AGA team,” says Megan Slater, AGA executive director. “She has a strong cattle background and a well-suited set of talents that make her a great fit for this role where she will work closely with AGA members and customers.”
Dannehl grew up on her family’s farm and ranch in Bertrand, Nebraska. She was heavily involved in 4-H and FFA showing cattle and horses. She received her bachelor’s degree in Animal Science from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln in May of 2020. She was involved in the Sigma Alpha agricultural sorority and the Alpha Zeta national honor society. During college, she pursued many animal science related internships but she didn’t find her niche until she interned with the AGA in 2019.
“Growing up on my family’s commercial cow-calf operation, raising Gelbvieh and Balancer® cattle, the breed is very near and dear to my heart,” said Dannehl. “I truly enjoyed my internship with the AGA and am excited to be back working with the AGA team as well as members and producers.”
Dannehl began her role on April 17 and can be reached at sarah@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.
###
Cow Power Delivers Validation and EPD Accuracy
LINCOLN, Neb. – Dr. Bob Weaber, Kansas State University, shares in a recent interview that the merit and value of establishing “Cow Power”, a female genotyping project that is a collaborative effort between the American Gelbvieh Association (AGA), American Gelbvieh Foundation (AGF) and Neogen to increase the number of genotypes and phenotypic information on females in the AGA herdbook. The information allows producers to make data-driven female selections for their herd on an ongoing basis.
Weaber, who serves as a genetics consultant for the AGA, says that collecting genotypic information from cow herds is an excellent way to establish and maintain validated, parent-verified pedigrees on cows in the herd.
He says that the true value of the Cow Power project is found in genotyping because of the significant amount of information it adds to the genetic evaluation system.
“The accuracies of the EPDs on those females improve to provide more precise breeding opportunities for those cows,” he says. “By gathering the genomic information, we get more information about that cow’s genetic potential and her lifetime production. Genotyping cows or heifers early in their life provides opportunities for more precise breeding of those females, and genotyping allows us to track out a cow’s trajectory and your herd’s trajectory for genetic trends using that genetic information.”
Weaber shares that even in well-managed herds, somewhere between five and ten percent of the pedigrees are incorrect. And while he says those discrepancies aren’t anyone’s fault, they do impact the accuracies of the EPDs that are calculated from those animals. The Cow Power project is instrumental in resolving pedigree discrepancies, allowing producers to know what the pedigree is, and providing accurate values for EPD calculation.
Not only does the information collected help to strengthen the AGA’s database and improve genetic predictions, members will also see benefit by having this information collected on their own cowherd. Because females typically only have one calf per year, it can take years before data is collected on even just a handful of her progeny. For traits such as weaning weight and yearling weight, a genomic test can offer as much information as having 25 calves on the ground. For marbling and back fat, it’s the equivalent of having 10 progeny reported for those traits. Having this type of information of every female in the herd not only helps increase the accuracy of the EPDs but allows producers the knowledge to make more informed breeding and selection decisions.
Producers who participate and remain engaged in the Cow Power project will have access to the research to genotype replacement heifers. If a producer has submitted 90% of the genotypes for mature cows, along with mature body weight and body condition score in the first year, the member will be eligible to submit replacement heifers annually at the research price as long as the project continues. A minimum of 90% of the replacement heifers must be tested to receive research pricing.
“Cow Power allows you to plot your own destiny through the use of genomic information, which allows you to select heifers that go into the replacement pen – you can really key in on those important traits based on a heifer’s EPDs and genomic information,” he says. “From an association perspective, genotyping a broader group of animals in the population creates a greater representation of all the genotypes in the total herd. That data allows us at the research level and at the genetic evaluation level to do a better job of documenting differences in genetics because of the broader sampling.”
Weaber says that current pricing also makes the Cow Power project attractive and encourages producers to invest in their herds by utilizing the technology.
With generous support from the American Gelbvieh Foundation (AGF), the Cow Power project is now offering a lower price for the genomic test. Through participation in the project, members have the opportunity to receive a research price of $20 for a GGP-100k genomic test on females to DNA test at least 90% of their current active cow inventory. Additionally, participants who submit both mature weights and body condition scores electronically on at least 90% of the current active cow inventory will receive an additional one-time $4 rebate per head. Thus, all females can receive a GGP-100k genomic test for only $16. For just $1 more than a parentage test, members are encouraged to take advantage of this incredible opportunity and learn about the cow power in their herd.
To enroll in the Cow Power Project, contact the AGA office at 303-465-2333 or visit Gelbvieh.org.
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.
###
2023 Futurity Scholarships Awarded
LINCOLN, Neb. – Presented at the National Gelbvieh and Balancer® Show, held in conjunction with the third annual 2023 Cattlemen’s Congress, both the People’s Choice Balancer Futurity and Breeder’s Choice Gelbvieh Futurity Scholarships were awarded. Each scholarship provides the winning recipient with $1,000 to be used for the continuation of their education in the field of their choice. Criteria for both scholarship opportunities include active membership within the American Gelbvieh Junior Association (AGJA) and being actively enrolled as a high school senior or college student that has not yet turned 22 as of January 1, 2023. Scholarship funds may be used to attend a two-year or four-year college, university or technical school.
The 2023 People’s Choice Balancer Bull Futurity scholarship is Gabrielle Hammer, Wallace, Kansas. Gabrielle is the daughter of Lyle and Christy Hammer and currently attends Fort Hays State University majoring in Biology with the hopes of finding a career in Physical Therapy. Graduating from Wallace County High School in 2019 with a cumulative GPA of 4.0, Hammer was actively involved in 4-H, Student Council, National Honor Society, as well as various community organizations over the years. Through 4-H, Hammer could be found leading as an exhibitor and mentor in the dog project at the local and state level all while balancing leadership positions in both 4-H and the Kansas Junior Gelbvieh Association.
“The Gelbvieh breed has shaped me into the young lady I am today, and I am so grateful for all the opportunities this breed has provided for me. I have come to realize the necessity of educating the public not only about the beef industry but also about agriculture in general,” Hammer mentions.
A ten-year member of the AGJA, Hammer has earned several top recognitions including division winners along with the top five female. Additionally, she has been recognized as a top 10 exhibitor for nine of her 10 years within the association. Hammer looks forward to leading by example in her final year as a member of the AGJA and plans to return to the ranch and continue expanding her Gelbvieh and Balancer herd after finishing her secondary education journey.
Preston Dunn, son of Brian and Carolyn Dunn, of St. John, Kansas, was selected as the recipient of the 2023 Breeder’s Choice Gelbvieh Bull Futurity Scholarship. Dunn currently attends Kansas State University as a freshman majoring in Animal Science and Agricultural Economics. A National Honor Society member and 4.0 2022 graduate of St. John High School, Dunn was actively involved in 4-H serving as his county 4-H council president and treasurer. Among numerous awards received within his 4-H career, Dunn was the recipient of the Kansas Key Award, one of the highest honors awarded to 4-H members across Kansas. Additionally, he has competed on the livestock, meats, and skill-a-thon team placing all-around individual at the 2021 state 4-H Livestock Sweepstakes contest. Dunn didn’t stop there placing second in the state, he participated in the Kansas 4-H Science of Agriculture Challenge presenting on Genetic Selection for Feed Efficiency in Beef Cattle. Dunn was also very involved in his local FFA chapter serving in many roles including Chapter Vice-President.
Dunn stated, “I don’t know exactly what direction I will end up and am interested in pursuing internships as I progress through college to learn more and find my place in the industry.”
A six-year member of the AGJA, and currently serving his third year as an AGJA director, he has shown exemplary promise and dedication to the Gelbvieh breed through all walks of life.
Congratulations to both of the 2023 Bull Futurity Scholarship recipients. If you know an AGJA member who meets the aforementioned criteria to apply for an AGJA scholarship like these, we encourage you to reach out and share the opportunities provided through the AGJA, American Gelbvieh Foundation, bull futurities, and several memorials. Please contact Jake Renner, AGA member and youth activities coordinator, with questions at gelbviehjuniors@gmail.com.
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.
###
2022 Ring of Gold Champions Named
LINCOLN, Neb. – The American Gelbvieh Association (AGA) is excited to announce the Ring of Gold champions. The 2022 results were tabulated following the conclusion of the Gelbvieh and Balancer® Shows at the National Western Stock Show in January.
The AGA established the Ring of Gold program to honor the top animals shown at the conclusion for the show year. Points are earned for grand and reserve champions, as well as division champions and reserves, and are based on the actual number of animals shown at each show per division.
To honor those animals who have risen to the top during the shoe season, the Ring of Gold awards are presented to the top Gelbvieh female, Gelbvieh bull, Balancer female and Balancer bull based on points awarded throughout the year. Animals must earn points in at least two shows to qualify for Ring of Gold points each year. The 2022-2023 Ring of Gold qualified shows in either the Gelbvieh, Balancer or both divisions were: Iowa State Fair, Missouri State Fair, Northern International Livestock Exposition, National Western Stock Show and Cattlemen’s Congress. The following is a list of the top animals in their Ring of Gold division. Junior shows are not calculated in the total number of entries for the Ring of Gold tabulations.
Ring of Gold Gelbvieh Female:
- CDCG 164J, Taubenheim Gelbvieh, Amherst, Neb.
- CRLL Saterrah 1757J ET, Cameron, Nowack, Mo.
- JNCC Ashlynn 123J, Cameron Nowack, Bland, Mo.
Ring of Gold Balancer Bull:
- JRI Bonus Plan 214K298, Lily Judd, Pomona, Kan.
- JNCC Rearview Town 149J, Cameron Nowack, Bland, Mo.
There were no animals to earn points as a division champion or reserve champion at two or more shows within the Balancer Female or Gelbvieh Bull division within the show year. On February 1, 2023, the revised regulations and qualifying standards to earn points at a show for the Ring of Gold will take effect. We encourage all exhibitors at the state, regional and national levels to review the new point standards and encourage the show superintendents to submit the official results following your shows. Ring of gold rules can be found on the Ring of Gold page under the News & Media tab on gelbvieh.org.
Below are this year’s champions in each Ring of Gold division.
Champion Ring of Gold Female – CDCG 164J, Taubenheim Gelbvieh, Amherst, Neb.
Champion Ring of Gold Balancer Bull – JRI Bonus Plan 214K298, Lily Judd, Pomona, Kan.
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.
###
PHS Prohart Kryptonite 23K Wins 2023 Breeder’s Choice Gelbvieh Bull Futurity
2023 Breeder’s Choice Gelbvieh Bull Futurity Winner – PHS Prohart Kryptonite 23K
LINCOLN, Neb. – The 26th Annual Breeder’s Choice Gelbvieh Bull Futurity was held on January 1, 2023, in conjunction with the Cattlemen’s Congress held in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. Gelbvieh breeders and supporters initiated the futurity to increase participation in the National Gelbvieh Show, the National Gelbvieh and Balancer® Sale, and to identify the most useful young sires in the Gelbvieh breed. The futurity event is managed by Chris Mitchell.
PHS Prohart Kryptonite 23K was the winner of this year’s futurity, owned by Pro-Hart Seed Stock of Pueblo, Colorado.
PHS Prohart Kryptonite 23K received the most votes after two rounds of voting to beat out the eight other entries in the Breeder’s Choice Gelbvieh Bull Futurity. PHS Prohart Kryptonite 23K is a 93.75% purebred Gelbvieh bull born on January 20, 2022, and sired by WAHL Flying H Mr High Rev 20G ET. He posts a 72-pound birth weight and a 790-pound weaning weight.
DCSF Post Rock Black Box 150K1, owned by Post Rock Cattle Company, Barnard, Kansas, was one of the runners-up. He is a 99.9% purebred Gelbvieh bull born on February 9, 2022, and sired by DLW TPG Frontrunner 2510F. DCSF Post Rock Black Box 150K1 was the high weaning bull calf who ratioed 122 and ranked first out of 71 contemporaries.
JRI Bonanza 254K426, owned by Judd Ranch Inc. of Pomona, Kansas, claimed the other runner-up in this year’s futurity. He is an 87.5% purebred Gelbvieh bull born on February 11, 2022, and sired by JRI Bandito 253H32. Fertility, longevity, and teat/udder excellence run deep in Bonanza’s pedigree as he features three Dam of Merit/Dam of Distinction honored grandams and is bred with performance as he posted a 970-pound actual weaning weight.
The champion bull sold as lot one in the National Gelbvieh and Balancer sale for $11,000 to Deibler Gelbvieh of Mullen, Nebraska, for possession and semen interest.
The Gelbvieh futurity holds a drawing among members to win proceeds from the sale of the champion bull. Warner Beef Genetics of Arapahoe, Nebraska, and K Lazy S Farms won the drawing.
The futurity is limited to 53 membership slots. Spots only come available when an operation does not renew their membership.
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.
###
DCSF Post Rock Prominent 139K8 ET Wins 2023 People’s Choice Balancer® Bull Futurity
2023 People’s Choice Balancer® Bull Futurity Winner – DCSF Post Rock Prominent 139K8
LINCOLN, Neb. – Post Rock Cattle Company, Barnard, Kansas, captured championship honors in the 2023 People’s Choice Balancer® Bull Futurity with their entry, DCSF Post Rock Prominent 139K8 ET. The event was held in conjunction with the Cattlemen’s Congress in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. Over $20,000 will be awarded to Post Rock Cattle Company for breeding and exhibiting the futurity champion.
The People’s Choice Balancer Bull Futurity is in its thirteenth year and is organized by Slaughter Sale Management. The event and selection identify elite young Balancer sires that have the potential to be breed leaders.
DCSF Post Rock Prominent 139K8 was selected champion by Balancer futurity members. He was born on February 6, 2022, and is a 62.5% Balancer son of JRI Probity 254D28.
DCSF Post Rock Prominent 139K8 is a long-spined, soggy made herd bull prospect that is made correct and smooth at every angle. He is out of a flush that combines proven pedigrees and is designed to make fault-free cattle. His sire is JRI Probity 254D28 is a past futurity winner as well.
Each year, one membership is randomly drawn to receive full possession and half semen interest in the champion bull. Overmiller Gelbvieh, Smith Center, Kansas, won the drawing.
The two runners-up were TAU Limit Lock 20K ET, owned by Taubenheim Gelbvieh, Amherst, Nebraska, and BGGR Top Gun J011, owned by Black Gold Genetics, Pritchett, Colorado. Each runner-up received $2,500 in prize money.
TAU Limit Lock 20K ET was born on January 22, 2022, and is a 36.7% Balancer son of Deer Valley Growth Fund. He is massive-footed, thick-ended and big-middled. His EPD profile ranks in the top 1% for Weaning Weight, Yearling Weight and Carcass Weight.
BGGR Top Fun J011 was born on November 24, 2021, and is a 40.3% Balancer son of EGL Game Changer D136. He posted a 70-pound actual birthweight and 970-pound actual weaning weight from grass and his dam alone. He ranks in the top 3% for Weaning Weight, Yearling Weight and Feeder Profit Index.
Anyone interested in becoming a futurity member should contact David Slaughter to get their name on the waiting list for the 2024 Balancer Bull Futurity.
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.
###