Media Releases
Champions Selected at 2023 Cattlemen’s Congress Gelbvieh and Balancer® Heifer and Bull Pen Show
LINCOLN, Neb. – The 2023 Cattlemen’s Congress Gelbvieh and Balancer® Heifer and Bull Pen Show was held on Monday, January 2, 2023, in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. Exhibitors welcomed judge Jirl Buck of Madill, Oklahoma, to evaluate and sort through four pens of heifers and 13 pens of bulls.
2023 Gelbvieh and Balancer Pen Show
Cattlemen’s Congress
January 2, 2023
Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
Gelbvieh Pen of Heifers
Champion Pen of Three Gelbvieh Heifers was owned by Circle S Ranch of Canton, Kansas, with an average pen weight of 819 pounds and an average weight per day of age of 2.71 pounds. Ranging in age from January 22, 2022, to February 21, 2022, heifers in this pen were sired by CIRS Halen 717H, CIRS Right Time 22YF and DCSF Post Rock Power Built 37B8.
Gelbvieh Pen of Bulls
Champion Pen of Three Gelbvieh Bulls was owned by Judd Ranch Inc. of Pomona, Kansas, with an average pen weight of 1302.3 pounds and an average weight per day of age of 3.83 pounds. Ranging in age from January 12, 2022, to February 11, 2022, bulls within this pen were sired by JRI Bandito 253H32, JRI Secret Instinct 254U83 and JRI General Patton 213B97. The average scanned ribeye was 15.2 square inches, 3.4% IMF, and .32 inches of rib fat.
Reserve Champion Pen of Three Gelbvieh Bulls was owned by Post Rock Cattle Company of Barnard, Kansas, with an average pen weight of 1226.7 pounds and an average weight per day of age of 3.76 pounds. Ranging in age from January 24, 2022, to February 9, 2022, bulls within this pen were sired by DLW TPG Frontrunner 2510F. This pen scanned an average ribeye of 15.5 square inches, 3.1% IMF, and .33 inches of rib fat.
Champion Pen of Five Gelbvieh Bulls was owned by Judd Ranch Inc. of Pomona, Kansas, with an average pen weight of 1216.3 pounds and an average weight per day of age of 3.55 pounds. Ranging in age from January 13, 2022, to February 8, 2022, bulls within this pen were sired by JRI Secret Instinct 254U83 and JRI General Patton 213B97. The average ultrasound ribeye area was 14.7 square inches, 3.5% IMF, and rib fat of .26 inches.
Reserve Champion Pen of Five Gelbvieh Bulls was owned by Judd Ranch Inc, of Pomona, Kansas, with an average pen weight of 1193.2 pounds and an average weight per day of age of 3.53 pounds. Ranging in age from January 10, 2022, to February 24, 2022, bulls within this pen were sired by JRI Secret Instinct 254U83 and JRI General Patton 213B97. The average ultrasound ribeye area was 14.6 square inches, 3% IMF, and rib fat of .25 inches.
Balancer Pen of Heifers
Champion Pen of Three Balancer Heifers was owned by Judd Ranch Inc. of Pomona, Kansas, with an average weight of 939 pounds and an average weight per day of age of 2.72 pounds. Ranging in age from January 9, 2022, to January 24, 2022, heifers within this pen were sired by Deer Valley Growth Fund, S.A V Rainfall 6846 and JRI General Patton 213B97 ET.
Reserve Champion Pen of Three Balancer Heifers was owned by Barwick Gelbvieh of Orleans, Nebraska, with an average pen weight of 880 pounds, and an average weight per day of age of 2.64 pounds. Ranging in age from January 31, 2022, to February 2, 2022, heifers within this pen were sired by BARG High Stakes 21H.
Balancer Pen of Bulls
Champion Pen of Three Balancer Bulls was Judd Ranch Inc. of Pomona, Kansas, with an average pen weight of 1297.7 pounds and an average weight per day of age of 3.79 pounds. Ranging in age from January 9, 2022, to February 4, 2022. Bulls within this pen were sired by Basin Payweight 1682 and Deer Valley Growth Fund. The average scanned ribeye was 16.5 square inches, 3.8% IMF, and .38 inches of rib fat.
Reserve Champion Pen of Three Balancer Bulls was owned by Post Rock Cattle Company of Barnard, Kansas, with an average pen weight of 1195 pounds and an average weight per day of age of 3.61 pounds. Ranging in age from January 21, 2022, to February 9, 2022, bulls in this pen were sired by JRI Probity 254D28 and Crawford Guarantee 9137. The average ultrasound ribeye area was 14.7 square inches, 3.4% IMF, and rib fat of .3 inches.
Champion Pen of Five Balancer Bulls was owned by Judd Ranch Inc. of Pomona, Kansas, with an average pen weight of 1245 pounds and an average weight per day of age of 3.81 pounds. Ranging in age from February 2, 2022, to February 10, 2022, bulls within this pen were sired by Basin Payweight 1682 and JRI General Patton 213B97 ET. This pen scanned an average ribeye of 15.6 square inches, 3.7% IMF, and .3 inches of rib fat.
Reserve Champion Pen of Five Balancer Bulls was owned by Black Gold Genetics of Pritchett, Colorado, with an average pen weight of 1115.8 pounds and an average weight per day of age of 2.9 pounds. Ranging in age from December 2, 2021, to December 28, 2021, bulls within this pen were sired by BGGR Blk Gold Payload 6152 and BTBR Durant 6296D. The average scanned ribeye was 14.9 square inches, 3.1% IMF, and .25 inches of rib fat.
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 Seventh Annual American Gelbvieh Foundation Scale and Rail Contest and Steer Challenge
LINCOLN, Neb. – The results are in, and champions have been awarded in the 2022 American Gelbvieh Foundation (AGF) Scale and Rail Contest and Steer Challenge. The contest harvested 90 head from 15 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 4.12 pounds per head per day and a dry matter feed conversion of 6.19:1. 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 973 pounds with 92% having a yield grade of 1, 2, or 3, 79% grading USDA Prime or USDA Choice, and an overall average marbling score of 479.
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 Rail 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 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 awarded $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: 218J1
Average Daily Gain: 4.78 pounds
Quality Grade: USDA Choice
Yield Grade: 2
Owned By: Post Rock Cattle Co.
Sired By: RNBG 32F9
Champion Average Daily Gain Balancer Steer
Tag: 718
Average Daily Gain: 5.04 pounds
Quality Grade: USDA Choice
Yield Grade: 3
Owned By: Boehler Gelbvieh
Sired By: SB Shootout 725
Champion Carcass Value Gelbvieh Steer
Tag: J1K
Carcass Value: $2,402.37
Quality Grade: USDA Choice
Yield Grade: 3
Owned By: Lucky Cross Ranch
Sired By: VRT Lazy TV Sam U451
Champion Carcass Value Balancer Steer
Tag: 5353
Carcass Value: $2,582.74
Quality Grade: USDA Prime
Yield Grade: 3
Owned By: Ed Lavarentz
Sired By: SKF Dunn’s Escander 023E
Champion Pen of Gelbvieh Steers
Pen Value: $6,700.86
Pen Quality Grade: USDA Choice
Pen Yield Grade: 2
Owned By: Post Rock Cattle Co.
Sired By: RNBG 32F9
Champion Pen of Balancer Steers
Pen Value: $7,071.84
Pen Quality Grade: USDA Choice
Pen Yield Grade: 3
Owned By: Post Rock Cattle Co.
Sired By: JRI Probity 254D28
Reserve Champion Pen of Balancer Steers
Pen Value: $6,980.41
Pen Quality Grade: USDA Choice
Pen Yield Grade: 3
Owned By: Cedar Top Ranch
Sired By: CCMF Mr. Payweight 19C ET
Steer Challenge Results
Participants of the 2022 Steer Challenge were awarded $2,000 in cash prizes and six banners. All five participants – Boehler Gelbvieh, Flying H Genetics, Grund Beef Genetics, Lucky Cross Ranch, and Wilkinson Gelbvieh – each donated $1,000 to the AGF.
Champion Average Daily Gain
Tag: 718
Average Daily Gain: 5.04 pounds
Quality Grade: USDA Choice
Yield Grade: 3
Owned By: Boehler Gelbvieh
Sired By: SB Shootout 725
Champion Carcass Steer
Tag: 718
Carcass Value: $2,429.06
Quality Grade: USDA Choice
Yield Grade: 3
Owned By: Boehler Gelbvieh
Sired By: SB Shootout 725
Congratulations to all the 2022 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 contests, 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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Bradley Joins American Gelbvieh Association
LINCOLN, Neb. – The American Gelbvieh Association (AGA) is pleased to announce the addition of Shianna Bradley to the AGA staff as the office services specialist. In her role, Shianna will assist AGA members and customers with submitting data to the online registry service, support general office functions, and work with the DNA department to organize the DNA sample storage library.
“We are excited to have Shianna as a part of the AGA team,” says Megan Slater, AGA executive director. “With her welcoming and energetic personality, members will enjoy visiting with her on the phone and we are looking forward to the fresh ideas she’ll bring to our team as she finishes up her degree.”
Bradley grew up in South Whitley, Indiana, where she was an active 4-H member and FFA officer. She is finishing up her last semester at Purdue University pursuing a bachelor’s degree in Animal Science with a concentration in Animal Agribusiness and a minor in Farm Management. During her time at Purdue, she was an active member of Block and Bridle. She made the decision to complete her degree online to have hands-on experience within the industry.
“I am excited to be working at AGA to help members in such a supportive community,” said Bradley. “I didn’t have the opportunity to be raised with cattle, but my time in college has opened my eyes to what the beef industry has to offer. This opportunity to serve AGA members along with expanding my knowledge and experience within the cattle industry is truly amazing.”
Bradley began her role with the AGA on January 2 and can be reached at registry@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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Underwood Joins American Gelbvieh Association
LINCOLN, Neb. – The American Gelbvieh Association (AGA) is pleased to announce the addition of Megan Underwood to the AGA staff as the Communications Coordinator. In her role, Underwood will lead the communication efforts of the association, serve as editor and assist with advertising for the AGA’s monthly publications, and assist the marketing team in developing a national advertising campaign.
“Megan is a very talented young professional and has a wide range of skills in the field of agricultural communications,” says Megan Slater, AGA executive director. “We are excited to have her joining the AGA team and helping us grow the Gelbvieh and Balancer® message.”
Underwood was raised on her family’s Hereford seedstock operation in Campbellsville, Kentucky, and spent her summers showing cattle at the state and national levels. She received her bachelor’s degree in Animal Sciences and Industry with a minor in Mass Communications and Journalism and a Professional Strategic Selling certificate from Kansas State University. She served as a College of Agriculture Ambassador, was a member of the 2020 National Western and Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo Meat Judging teams, and was recognized as the 2018-2019 Block and Bridle Rookie of the Year. She graduated from Kansas State University on December 9th with her master’s degree in Agricultural Education and Communication. Her research focused on the uses and gratifications of beef cattle breed association magazines for United States beef cattle producers. She brings experience from her internships with many industry-leading beef organizations and breed associations.
“Having grown up in the beef industry, I knew I wanted a career that allowed me to focus on advancing the industry through communicating with innovative beef producers. I am excited to join the AGA and tell the Gelbvieh and Balancer story through print and digital communication platforms,” said Underwood. “I look forward to meeting AGA members and enhancing the AGA communication efforts.”
Underwood began her role with the AGA on December 19 and can be reached at meganunderwood@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.
2022 Scholarship Winners Announced at AGJA Crossroads Classic
The future of the Gelbvieh breed looks brighter each and every year. This year, eight scholarships were awarded totaling $5,500 at the 2022 AGJA Crossroads Classic Awards Banquet held in Salina, Kansas July 8, 2022. Gabrielle Hammer, daughter of Lyle and Christy Hammer of Wallace, Kansas, was awarded the $1000 Earl Buss Memorial Scholarship as well as the $500 Mary Zillinger Cates Scholarship. Gabrielle currently attends Fort Hays State University majoring in Biology with the hopes of furthering her education applying for a doctorate in Physical. A 3.95 GPA student, Hammer has excelled over the years in the areas of leadership and citizenship through 4-H and the AGJA. Hammer has received a top 10 exhibitor title eight times in the AGJA.
Preston Dunn, son of Brian and Carolyn Dunn of Saint John, Kansas, was awarded the $1000 Leness Hall Memorial Scholarship. Dunn will be attending Kansas State University, majoring in Animal Science as well as Agricultural Economics. Dunn has gone above and beyond over the years, volunteering and leading activities with his local, regional, and state 4-H organizations, including teaching classes at state 4-H conferences. A member of National Honor Society, Kay Club, Student Council, and FCCLA (among others), Dunn exemplifies leadership and devotion to the development of himself through assisting others.
Jayden Carrier, daughter of LeAnn Maude and the late Aaron Carrier of Hermosa, South Dakota, was awarded the $500 Rea Memorial Scholarship. Carrier will attend Casper Community College in Casper, Wyoming majoring in Forensic Science and work toward a Paralegal Certificate. Carrier was recently named a top four finalist for the first-ever AGJA Junior Breeder of The Year award. A 3.8 GPA student, Carrier was actively involved in Shooting Sports, Youth Group, Band, Theatre, and the Hill City Student Council.
Baxter Lowe, son of Raymond and Melissa Lowe of Adrian, Missouri, was awarded the $500 Patti Kendrick Memorial Scholarship. An Animal Science major at Fort Scott Community College, Lowe maintains a 3.7 GPA earning him a membership with Phi Theta Kappa International Honor Society. A 10-year member of the AGJA, Lowe accomplished multiple titles, including AGJA Ambassador, as well as earning the Champion Steer at the Junior National level.
Jaylea Pope, daughter of Jeff and Jeanne Pope of Ravenna, Nebraska, was awarded a $750 AGJA scholarship. Majoring in Agricultural Education with a minor in Animal Science, Pope will attend the University of Nebraska- Lincoln in the Fall. A current AGJA Board member, Pope, continues to excel within the association as a former Ambassador, two-time All-Around Exhibitor, and 2020 Premier Breeder as well as exhibiting multiple bred & owned champion entries.
Jaycie Forbes, daughter of Troy, and Pam Forbes of De Smet, South Dakota was awarded a $750 AGJA scholarship. Majoring in Agricultural Communications at South Dakota State University with a 3.5 GPA, Forbes continues to dedicate her time to the AGJA as the newly elected AGJA President. Actively involved in 4-H, FFA and her community, Forbes has a promising future in the beef industry.
Lily Judd, daughter of Nick and Ginger Judd of Pomona, Kansas, received a $500 AGJA scholarship. A hopeful sales manager for her home operation of Judd Ranch will attend Butler Community College majoring in Livestock Management and Merchandising. As a long-time member of 4-H and FFA, Judd also actively participated in multiple sports, National Honor Society and Phi Theta Kappa in High School.
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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Scholarship winners (Left to Right) Lily Judd, Pomona, Kan.; Preston Dunn, St. John, Kan.; Gabrielle Hammer, Wallace, Kan.; Jaylea Pope, Ravenna, Neb.; Jaycie Forbes, De Smet, S.D.
Not Pictured: Jayden Carrier, Hermosa, S.D.; Baxter Lowe, Adrian, Mo.
Note to Editors: High-resolution press quality photo is available by contacting Malerie Strahm, American Gelbvieh Association multimedia coordinator, at malerie@gelbvieh.org or 303-465-2333.
AGJA Board of Directors Elected at 2022 Crossroads Classic
The election of the American Gelbvieh Junior Association (AGJA) Board of Directors was held at the 2022 AGJA Crossroads Classic in Salina, Kansas on Wednesday, July 6, 2022. AGJA members elected four candidates to serve two-year terms.
The AGJA Board of Directors is comprised of nine AGJA members and one ex-officio member. Directors serve two-year terms and must be 16 years of age as of January 1 and may not have reached his or her 20th birthday as of January 1.
Newly elected board members are Isabel Lowe, of Adrian, Missouri, daughter of Raymond and Melissa Lowe; Drew Stock, of Waukon, Iowa, son of Mark and Stacy Stock; and Gentry Warner, of Arapahoe, Nebraska, daughter of Dan and Kate Warner. Re-elected for a second two-year term was Preston Dunn, of Saint John, Kansas, son of Brian and Carolyn Dunn.
The board also elected individuals to serve in leadership positions on the 2022-2023 executive committee. Jaycie Forbes, De Smet, South Dakota, daughter of Troy and Pam Forbes, was elected president. Madalynn Welsh, Franklin, Nebraska, daughter of Bryan and Gina Welsh, was re-elected vice president. Sadie Morris, Batesville, Mississippi, daughter of Jason and Susan Morris, was elected vice president of leadership development. Lily Judd, Pomona, Kansas, daughter of Nick and Ginger Judd was elected secretary and Preston Dunn was elected treasurer. Rachelle Anderson, Jamestown, Kansas, daughter of Robert and Charlotte Anderson was elected ex-officio.
Jaylea Pope, Ravenna, Nebraska, daughter of Jeff and Jeanne Pope will complete the second year of her first term on the board.
Retiring members of the 2021-2022 AGJA Board of Directors were Alexx Starr, Stapleton, Nebraska, daughter of Scott and Raberta Starr; Cody Forbes, De Smet, South Dakota, son of Troy and Pam Forbes; and Karley Rumfelt, Phillipsburg, Missouri, daughter of Brad and Amy Rumfelt.
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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The American Gelbvieh Junior Association elected directors and officers for 2022-2023 during its junior national show in Salina, Kansas. Front row (left to right): Lily Judd, Pomona, Kansas; Madalynn Welsh, Franklin, Nebraska.; Jaycie Forbes, De Smet, South Dakota.; Sadie Morris, Batesville, Mississippi; Preston Dunn, St. John, Kansas; Back row (left to right): Gentry Warner, Arapahoe, Nebraska; Jaylea Pope, Ravenna, Nebraska; Drew Stock, Waukon, Iowa; Isabel Lowe, Adrian, Missouri; Rachelle Anderson, Jamestown, Kansas.
Note to Editors: High-resolution press quality photo is available by contacting Malerie Strahm, American Gelbvieh Association multimedia coordinator, at malerie@gelbvieh.org or 303-465-2333.