simmental focus november 2014

NOVEMBER 2014 Vol.24 No.5

Canadian Publication Mail ProductAgreement

No.40005367

SIMMENTAL FOCUS-3

Sale Feature

Shades of the Prairies Sale December 15, 2014 Keystone Center

Brandon, MB

This powerful

baldy heifer is a

MUST SEE!!

An own daughter

of Hard Rock.

PLCC 78A

Bred to HSF High Roller 12T

PLCC 635A

Perkin Land & Cattle is

now a Pride Seeds dealer,

contact us for all your corn & soybean needs.

Darryl & Tanya Perkin & Family

Ph: (204) 769-2159Cell: (204) 534-8137

Sired by Wheatland Bull 680S

2-SIMMENTAL FOCUS

SIMMENTAL FOCUS-3

Sale Feature

Shades of the Prairies Sale December 15, 2014 Keystone Center

Brandon, MB

This powerful

baldy heifer is a

MUST SEE!!

An own daughter

of Hard Rock.

PLCC 78A

PLCC 635A

Perkin Land & Cattle is

now a Pride Seeds dealer,

contact us for all your corn & soybean needs.

Darryl & Tanya Perkin & Family

Ph: (204) 769-2159Cell: (204) 534-8137

Sired by Wheatland Bull 680S

2-SIMMENTAL FOCUS

The test results are in... He’s HOMO

POLLED!

EPD’S CE BW WW YW MCE MWW Milk 18.5 -0.8 59.8 81.6 16.2 56.3 26.4

www.bonchukfarms.comDAVE

(204) 773-0467WAYNE

(204) 796-0004

The majority of the Purebreds selling will

be bred to “Sheriff.” Other herdsires include

Wheatland Circuit Breaker, Crossroads

Radium, Erixon Dealer, KWA Red Rock &

LFE Ridgeline. Join us December 16, 2014 1:00 p.m.at Heartland Livestock in Virden, MB

4-SIMMENTAL FOCUS SIMMENTAL FOCUS-3

ADVERTISING RATES Full Color Black & WhiteFull Page $450 $400Half Page $275 $225Quarter Page $160 $125Business Card $60 $50*GST must be added to above rates. Contract rates avail-able on request. The publisher reserves the right to accept or refuse any advertising or editorial material. All contents under copyright of Simmental Focus.

Simmental FocusThe official publication of the Manitoba Simmental

Association published six times per year.Box 2296, Carman, Manitoba R0G 0J0

Phone 204-745-3255Email: [email protected]

PUBLISHER/EDITOR- Joanne BestCell 204-750-2350

MARKETING & SALES- John BestCell 204-750-4270

ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT- Cheryl LehmannCell 204-851-3808 Email: [email protected]

SUBSCRIPTIONS: All members of the Manitoba,Saskatchewan and Alberta Simmental Associations receive Simmental Focus free of charge. As well, Simmental Focus is mailed to approximately 2000 commercial producers in the prairie provinces and to interested breeders throughout Canada and the U.S. If you would like to receive Simmental Focus, send your name and COMPLETE mailing address to Simmental Focus, Box 2296, Carman MB R0G 0J0. Outside Canada, please enclose $10 (U.S. Funds) to cover first-class postage.CURRENT CIRCULATION: 3400POSTMASTER: Please return undelivered covers to:

Simmental Focus, Box 2296, Carman, MB R0G 0J0

Printed by The Prolific Group, Winnipeg, MBCanadian Publication Mail Product #40005367Upon placing an ad, the advertiser agrees the publisher shall not be liable beyond the cost of the advertisement where error has occurred. The publisher makes every attempt to ensure the material printed is correct.

Are you a member of the Manitoba Simmental Association?

To join us, just send a cheque for $50 for a life membership to:

Manitoba Simmental Associationc/o Donalee Jones, sec-treas.

Box 142, Cartwright, MB R0K 0L0Ph 204-529-2444

email: [email protected]

This issue we “focus” on:Down The Trail........................................................7On The Roundup......................................................7Ad Index.................................................................45Newlyweds.............................................................10Five Nations Beef Alliance Tour & Conference.....18,19North Dakota Research Center Tour.......................30,31,38WLB Internet Sale..................................................43Bar 5/Prospect Hills Sale........................................37CSA News...............................................................35War Memorial Unveiled..........................................33,34Agriculture Minister Announces New Service.......28

On The Cover..........

ISSUE: DECEMBER 2014Mailed December 1

DEADLINE: NOVEMBER 10ISSUE: FEBRUARY 2015

Mailed February 1DEADLINE: JANUARY 10

ISSUE: MARCH 2015Mailed March 1

DEADLINE: FEBRUARY 10ISSUE: APRIL 2015

Mailed April 1DEADLINE: MARCH 10

SIMMENTAL FOCUS PUBLISHING SCHEDULE:

View SIMMENTAL FOCUS online @

www.gouldranch.caand follow the link

For all address changes please contact Simmental Focus:phone 204-745-3255 or email [email protected]

A sweet heifer posing for her cover shot.(Photo courtesy of Andrea Bertholet)

The test results are in... He’s HOMO

POLLED!

EPD’S CE BW WW YW MCE MWW Milk 18.5 -0.8 59.8 81.6 16.2 56.3 26.4

www.bonchukfarms.comDAVE

(204) 773-0467WAYNE

(204) 796-0004

The majority of the Purebreds selling will

be bred to “Sheriff.” Other herdsires include

Wheatland Circuit Breaker, Crossroads

Radium, Erixon Dealer, KWA Red Rock &

LFE Ridgeline. Join us December 16, 2014 1:00 p.m.at Heartland Livestock in Virden, MB

ADVERTISING RATES Full Color Black & WhiteFull Page $450 $400Half Page $275 $225Quarter Page $160 $125Business Card $60 $50*GST must be added to above rates. Contract rates avail-able on request. The publisher reserves the right to accept or refuse any advertising or editorial material. All contents under copyright of Simmental Focus.

Simmental FocusThe official publication of the Manitoba Simmental

Association published six times per year.Box 2296, Carman, Manitoba R0G 0J0

Phone 204-745-3255Email: [email protected]

PUBLISHER/EDITOR- Joanne BestCell 204-750-2350

MARKETING & SALES- John BestCell 204-750-4270

ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT- Cheryl LehmannCell 204-851-3808 Email: [email protected]

SUBSCRIPTIONS: All members of the Manitoba,Saskatchewan and Alberta Simmental Associations receive Simmental Focus free of charge. As well, Simmental Focus is mailed to approximately 2000 commercial producers in the prairie provinces and to interested breeders throughout Canada and the U.S. If you would like to receive Simmental Focus, send your name and COMPLETE mailing address to Simmental Focus, Box 2296, Carman MB R0G 0J0. Outside Canada, please enclose $10 (U.S. Funds) to cover first-class postage.CURRENT CIRCULATION: 3400POSTMASTER: Please return undelivered covers to:

Simmental Focus, Box 2296, Carman, MB R0G 0J0

Printed by The Prolific Group, Winnipeg, MBCanadian Publication Mail Product #40005367Upon placing an ad, the advertiser agrees the publisher shall not be liable beyond the cost of the advertisement where error has occurred. The publisher makes every attempt to ensure the material printed is correct.

Are you a member of the Manitoba Simmental Association?

To join us, just send a cheque for $50 for a life membership to:

Manitoba Simmental Associationc/o Donalee Jones, sec-treas.

Box 142, Cartwright, MB R0K 0L0Ph 204-529-2444

email: [email protected]

This issue we “focus” on:Down The Trail........................................................7On The Roundup......................................................7Ad Index.................................................................45Newlyweds.............................................................10Five Nations Beef Alliance Tour & Conference.....18,19North Dakota Research Center Tour.......................30,31,38WLB Internet Sale..................................................43Bar 5/Prospect Hills Sale........................................37CSA News...............................................................35War Memorial Unveiled..........................................33,34Agriculture Minister Announces New Service.......28

On The Cover..........

ISSUE: DECEMBER 2014Mailed December 1

DEADLINE: NOVEMBER 10ISSUE: FEBRUARY 2015

Mailed February 1DEADLINE: JANUARY 10

ISSUE: MARCH 2015Mailed March 1

DEADLINE: FEBRUARY 10ISSUE: APRIL 2015

Mailed April 1DEADLINE: MARCH 10

SIMMENTAL FOCUS PUBLISHING SCHEDULE:

View SIMMENTAL FOCUS online @

www.gouldranch.caand follow the link

For all address changes please contact Simmental Focus:phone 204-745-3255 or email [email protected]

A sweet heifer posing for her cover shot.(Photo courtesy of Andrea Bertholet)

SIMMENTAL FOCUS-7

Down The Trail.............November 6FarmFair Simmental Show, Edmonton, ABNovember 7Headliner All Breed Sale, FarmFair, Edmonton, ABNovember 7Manitoba Livestock Expo Simmental Show, Brandon, MBNovember 14Jewels & Diamonds Simmental Production Sale, Ponoka, ABMaple Lake Stock Farms Female & Prospect Sale, Grand Clairiere, MBNovember 15Pembina Triangle Association Female Sale, Cypress River, MBNovember 22Transcon’s Cow-A-Rama XV, Innisfail, ABNovember 26Canadian Western Agribition Simmental Show & Sale, Regina, SKDecember 1Harvest Hoedown, Neepawa, MBDecember 2Camrose Country Classic Simmental Sale, Camrose, ABDecember 6Majestic Cattle Co. Commercial Production Sale, Lethbridge, ABDecember 6Workman Farms & Guests Female Sale, Killarney, MBDecember 6Springcreek “The Golden Opportunity Sale”, Virden, MBDecember 8The Source of Elite Simmental Genetics Sale, Lloydminster, SKDecember 9Keystone Konnection Sale, Brandon, MBDecember 10Double Bar D Female Sale, Grenfell, SKDecember 11Transcon’s Simmsational Simmental Sale, Moose Jaw, SKDecember 12McMillen Ranching Ltd. Herd Builder 2014 Fall Female Sale, Carievale, SKDecember 15Shades of the Prairies Sale, Brandon, MBDecember 16Bonchuk Farms Female Production Sale, Virden, MBDecember 17Swan Lake Farms & Johnson Stock Farms Breed Builder Female Sale, Whitewood, SKDecember 20Checkers & Fullblood Perfection Simmental Sale, Red Deer, ABDecember 20Transcon’s National Trust “On Ice” Semen & Embryo Sale Chapter VII, Red Deer, ABDecember 21Transcon’s Fleckvieh Equation Fullblood Simmental Sale/Ultimate Red & Black XVII Simmental Sale, Red Deer, ABDecember 22Black Sand Cattle Co. Dispersal Sale, Virden, MB

The Manitoba Simmental

Association and the YCSA are

working together to build the future

of our breed.

2014 Fall SalesNovember 14 Maple Lake Stock Farms Female & Prospect SaleNovember 15 Pembina Triangle Association SaleDecember 1 Harvest Hoedown Simmental SaleDecember 6 Spring Creek “Golden Opportunity” SaleDecember 9 Keystone Konnection SaleDecember 15 Shades of the Prairies SaleDecember 16 Bonchuk Farms Fall Female Production SaleDecember 22 Black Sand Complete DispersalJanuary 3 All Breeds Anuual Meetings, Brandon

YCSA Scholarship Heifer Donated by Schweitzer Simmentals

BSF PAYTON 52AS: KOP Brier 96Y D: Twin Brae Ruby

Bred: IPU Romano 90X on April 25Draw date: December 15

@ Shades of the Prairies Sale, Brandon, MB

PresidentEverett Olson204-867-0076

[email protected]

Secretary-TreasurerDonalee Jones204-529-2444

[email protected]

Association

6-SIMMENTAL FOCUS

** Reminder **Application deadline for scholarships is

December 31, 2014. For more info check the website.

www.mbsimmental.com

Well folks, here is the start to Chapter 25... After 24 years of being published by Lois Gould, the opportunity came for Joanne and myself to take over the reins. We are both thrilled and extremely excited to carry on the great tradition and proven track record that the Focus has had. We don’t plan on making any major changes in the near future, we aren’t re-invent-ing the wheel, we are just putting a fresh spin on it. You can count on the same great customer service and quality that has made the Focus what it is today. ..........Record calf prices have renewed optimism in the cattle industry. These are truly exciting times to be involved in such a great business. It has been a long time coming, but now the hard work and com-mitment of the cattle producer is paying off. The future is extremely promising and we look forward to working with you in the promotion of your programs and keeping our readers informed of what is happen-ing in the breed to the best of our ability......... as for news, conratulations to Rick Dequier of Triple R Simmentals, Haywood, MB on a milestone birthday this summer, they say 50 is the new 40 you know!........ and we send best wishes to Fraser & Kate Red-path, Redpath Simmentals, Mather, MB who have sold their herd and have decided to concentrate on the grain side of farming. We will miss their friendly faces and dedication to the Simmental breed........... The fall show & sale season is underway with reports of record crowds and record prices in both the purebred and commercial sectors. This is an oppor-tune time to do some culling and replace those cows with quality Simmental females for even money or just a few dollars more.............We will be atttending many of the upcoming shows and sales. We are looking forward to visit-ing with all of our customers & friends and fellow breeders, and by all means, if we have not had the chance to meet, please introduce yourself. We enjoy meeting new people and talking Simmental........... Until next time.......John

SIMMENTAL FOCUS-7

Down The Trail.............November 6FarmFair Simmental Show, Edmonton, ABNovember 7Headliner All Breed Sale, FarmFair, Edmonton, ABNovember 7Manitoba Livestock Expo Simmental Show, Brandon, MBNovember 14Jewels & Diamonds Simmental Production Sale, Ponoka, ABMaple Lake Stock Farms Female & Prospect Sale, Grand Clairiere, MBNovember 15Pembina Triangle Association Female Sale, Cypress River, MBNovember 22Transcon’s Cow-A-Rama XV, Innisfail, ABNovember 26Canadian Western Agribition Simmental Show & Sale, Regina, SKDecember 1Harvest Hoedown, Neepawa, MBDecember 2Camrose Country Classic Simmental Sale, Camrose, ABDecember 6Majestic Cattle Co. Commercial Production Sale, Lethbridge, ABDecember 6Workman Farms & Guests Female Sale, Killarney, MBDecember 6Springcreek “The Golden Opportunity Sale”, Virden, MBDecember 8The Source of Elite Simmental Genetics Sale, Lloydminster, SKDecember 9Keystone Konnection Sale, Brandon, MBDecember 10Double Bar D Female Sale, Grenfell, SKDecember 11Transcon’s Simmsational Simmental Sale, Moose Jaw, SKDecember 12McMillen Ranching Ltd. Herd Builder 2014 Fall Female Sale, Carievale, SKDecember 15Shades of the Prairies Sale, Brandon, MBDecember 16Bonchuk Farms Female Production Sale, Virden, MBDecember 17Swan Lake Farms & Johnson Stock Farms Breed Builder Female Sale, Whitewood, SKDecember 20Checkers & Fullblood Perfection Simmental Sale, Red Deer, ABDecember 20Transcon’s National Trust “On Ice” Semen & Embryo Sale Chapter VII, Red Deer, ABDecember 21Transcon’s Fleckvieh Equation Fullblood Simmental Sale/Ultimate Red & Black XVII Simmental Sale, Red Deer, ABDecember 22Black Sand Cattle Co. Dispersal Sale, Virden, MB

The Manitoba Simmental

Association and the YCSA are

working together to build the future

of our breed.

2014 Fall SalesNovember 14 Maple Lake Stock Farms Female & Prospect SaleNovember 15 Pembina Triangle Association SaleDecember 1 Harvest Hoedown Simmental SaleDecember 6 Spring Creek “Golden Opportunity” SaleDecember 9 Keystone Konnection SaleDecember 15 Shades of the Prairies SaleDecember 16 Bonchuk Farms Fall Female Production SaleDecember 22 Black Sand Complete DispersalJanuary 3 All Breeds Anuual Meetings, Brandon

YCSA Scholarship Heifer Donated by Schweitzer Simmentals

BSF PAYTON 52AS: KOP Brier 96Y D: Twin Brae Ruby

Bred: IPU Romano 90X on April 25Draw date: December 15

@ Shades of the Prairies Sale, Brandon, MB

PresidentEverett Olson204-867-0076

[email protected]

Secretary-TreasurerDonalee Jones204-529-2444

[email protected]

Association

6-SIMMENTAL FOCUS

** Reminder **Application deadline for scholarships is

December 31, 2014. For more info check the website.

www.mbsimmental.com

Well folks, here is the start to Chapter 25... After 24 years of being published by Lois Gould, the opportunity came for Joanne and myself to take over the reins. We are both thrilled and extremely excited to carry on the great tradition and proven track record that the Focus has had. We don’t plan on making any major changes in the near future, we aren’t re-invent-ing the wheel, we are just putting a fresh spin on it. You can count on the same great customer service and quality that has made the Focus what it is today. ..........Record calf prices have renewed optimism in the cattle industry. These are truly exciting times to be involved in such a great business. It has been a long time coming, but now the hard work and com-mitment of the cattle producer is paying off. The future is extremely promising and we look forward to working with you in the promotion of your programs and keeping our readers informed of what is happen-ing in the breed to the best of our ability......... as for news, conratulations to Rick Dequier of Triple R Simmentals, Haywood, MB on a milestone birthday this summer, they say 50 is the new 40 you know!........ and we send best wishes to Fraser & Kate Red-path, Redpath Simmentals, Mather, MB who have sold their herd and have decided to concentrate on the grain side of farming. We will miss their friendly faces and dedication to the Simmental breed........... The fall show & sale season is underway with reports of record crowds and record prices in both the purebred and commercial sectors. This is an oppor-tune time to do some culling and replace those cows with quality Simmental females for even money or just a few dollars more.............We will be atttending many of the upcoming shows and sales. We are looking forward to visit-ing with all of our customers & friends and fellow breeders, and by all means, if we have not had the chance to meet, please introduce yourself. We enjoy meeting new people and talking Simmental........... Until next time.......John

Congratulations to Tyson & Alisha Birmingham, TSN Livestock, Brandon, MB who were married

June 7, 2014.

Congratulations to Erin & Tyler Libke, Sunny Valley Simmentals, Hanley, SK who were married

on October 11, 2014

New Beginnings

Congratulations to Tyson & Alisha Birmingham, TSN Livestock, Brandon, MB who were married

June 7, 2014.

Congratulations to Erin & Tyler Libke, Sunny Valley Simmentals, Hanley, SK who were married

on October 11, 2014

New Beginnings

Trevor & Amy H (204) 328-7458 C (204) 573-0587Brad & Lauren H (204) 723-0254

Matt & Marguerite H (204) 723-2293 C (204) 526-7423

December 1, 2014 Neepawa, MB* 6 Bred Heifers

* Fullbloods & Red PurebredsDecember 21, 2014 Red Deer, AB* 6 Bred Heifers & 1 Open Heifer

* Fullbloods * Red & Black Purebreds

After a number of years of retaining most of our heifers and rebuilding

our herd we are ready to put females back out on the market! These girls

are powerful and packing the essentials for producing top notch

seed stock!

Watch for our showstring at MLE in Brandon & at Agribition!

For more info and pictures visit our website:w w w . b i g s k y s i m m e n t a l s . c o m

HARVEST HOEDOWN FLECKVIEH EQUATION/RED & BLACK SALE

MMVI 58A

MMVI 42A

MMVI 58B

MMVI 68A

36th Annual Keystone Konnection SaleDecember 9, 2014

Keystone Center, Brandon, MB

POLLED 100% FULL FLECKS: Cherry Creek Carmac 14X DS: Exodus

“ Power of Genetics

with Tradition of

Excellence”

RICHVIEW 28A

LONGMIRE 27A

POLLED 100% FULL FLECKS: South Seven Top Notch 29T DS: Gibby’s Ultimate 29S

HORNED FLECKS: Crossroad Tuxedo 222T DS: Exodus

HANS 23A

Ed & Lynne Anderson Boissevain, MB

PH: 204-534-6096 Cell: 204-534-7533

“Polled Horned Fullblood Fleckvieh Genetics at their Best!”

Trevor & Amy H (204) 328-7458 C (204) 573-0587Brad & Lauren H (204) 723-0254

Matt & Marguerite H (204) 723-2293 C (204) 526-7423

December 1, 2014 Neepawa, MB* 6 Bred Heifers

* Fullbloods & Red PurebredsDecember 21, 2014 Red Deer, AB* 6 Bred Heifers & 1 Open Heifer

* Fullbloods * Red & Black Purebreds

After a number of years of retaining most of our heifers and rebuilding

our herd we are ready to put females back out on the market! These girls

are powerful and packing the essentials for producing top notch

seed stock!

Watch for our showstring at MLE in Brandon & at Agribition!

For more info and pictures visit our website:w w w . b i g s k y s i m m e n t a l s . c o m

HARVEST HOEDOWN FLECKVIEH EQUATION/RED & BLACK SALE

MMVI 58A

MMVI 42A

MMVI 58B

MMVI 68A

36th Annual Keystone Konnection SaleDecember 9, 2014

Keystone Center, Brandon, MB

POLLED 100% FULL FLECKS: Cherry Creek Carmac 14X DS: Exodus

“ Power of Genetics

with Tradition of

Excellence”

RICHVIEW 28A

LONGMIRE 27A

POLLED 100% FULL FLECKS: South Seven Top Notch 29T DS: Gibby’s Ultimate 29S

HORNED FLECKS: Crossroad Tuxedo 222T DS: Exodus

HANS 23A

Ed & Lynne Anderson Boissevain, MB

PH: 204-534-6096 Cell: 204-534-7533

“Polled Horned Fullblood Fleckvieh Genetics at their Best!”

JVB 97A

A Genetic Masterpiece, A crown jewel. You travel many miles to find one as good as Swan Lake Pepsi 97A. She is absolutely stunning and always

striking a pose for a picture. Pepsi has the power, shape, correctness, depth and is beautiful fronted. She is easy on the eyes and backed by the

Agribition Champion Lock N Load and the $47000 MRL 390x flush cow that we own with Ashworth Farm and Ranch and Bouchard Livestock. Take her

home and build your own legacy. Reserve the right of one flush.

Her Homo Polled Flush brother also

* HOMO POLLED *

Swan Lake Farms & Johnson Stock Farms Breed Builder Female Sale

December 17, 2014 Whitewood, SK

Join us for

Greg GoudyPh: (306) 457-7730

Email: [email protected]

SIMMENTAL FOCUS-1514-SIMMENTAL FOCUS

JVB 97A

A Genetic Masterpiece, A crown jewel. You travel many miles to find one as good as Swan Lake Pepsi 97A. She is absolutely stunning and always

striking a pose for a picture. Pepsi has the power, shape, correctness, depth and is beautiful fronted. She is easy on the eyes and backed by the

Agribition Champion Lock N Load and the $47000 MRL 390x flush cow that we own with Ashworth Farm and Ranch and Bouchard Livestock. Take her

home and build your own legacy. Reserve the right of one flush.

Her Homo Polled Flush brother also

* HOMO POLLED *

Swan Lake Farms & Johnson Stock Farms Breed Builder Female Sale

December 17, 2014 Whitewood, SK

Join us for

Greg GoudyPh: (306) 457-7730

3 full sisters sell

BSCC 65A- Maternal sister to Lotto MBJ 73T – 3 Maternal Progeny sell

4 pregnant recips by FBFI Combustible

BSCC 952W- 3 Maternal Progeny sell

9 pregnant recips by Olympian (MBJ 66A)

5 full sisters sell

BSCC 24A

40 Lotto daughters sell

BSCC 5A

12 maternal progeny

BSCC 17X – 3 full sisters sell

Cows Bred Heifers Heifer Calves Pregnant Recips Semen Embryos Herdbulls

Every female identified for coat color & polled.

Craig & Karla Davidson & FamilyBox 2680 Virden, MB R0M 2C0

PH: 204-761-5991Email: [email protected]

Follow us on Twitter @BlackSandCattle

w w w . b l a c k s a n d c a t t l e . c o m

Sired by Industry Greats Spring Creek 104S Harvey Wallbanger

Hart All In Spring Creek 56U Spring Creek Lotto

Bred to Sires of the Future Spring Creek Gold Standard

Spring Creek Olympian Maxwell Royal Red BlackSand Mind Ganes

TNT Bootlegger Westway Absolute

200 Lots, All Females Sell December 6, 2014Heartland Livestock, Virden, MB

Selling Approximately...35 proven cows & 75 bred heifers

Reds & Blacks

MBJ 72S MBJ 77S MBJ 27T

MBJ 15T MBJ 155A MBJ 90S

MBJ 11A MBJ 806A MBJ 145A

3 full sisters sell

BSCC 65A- Maternal sister to Lotto MBJ 73T – 3 Maternal Progeny sell

4 pregnant recips by FBFI Combustible

BSCC 952W- 3 Maternal Progeny sell

9 pregnant recips by Olympian (MBJ 66A)

5 full sisters sell

BSCC 24A

40 Lotto daughters sell

BSCC 5A

12 maternal progeny

BSCC 17X – 3 full sisters sell

Cows Bred Heifers Heifer Calves Pregnant Recips Semen Embryos Herdbulls

Every female identified for coat color & polled.

Craig & Karla Davidson & FamilyBox 2680 Virden, MB R0M 2C0

PH: 204-761-5991Email: [email protected]

Follow us on Twitter @BlackSandCattle

w w w . b l a c k s a n d c a t t l e . c o m

Sired by Industry Greats Spring Creek 104S Harvey Wallbanger

Hart All In Spring Creek 56U Spring Creek Lotto

Bred to Sires of the Future Spring Creek Gold Standard

Spring Creek Olympian Maxwell Royal Red BlackSand Mind Ganes

TNT Bootlegger Westway Absolute

200 Lots, All Females Sell December 6, 2014Heartland Livestock, Virden, MB

Selling Approximately...35 proven cows & 75 bred heifers

Reds & Blacks

MBJ 72S MBJ 77S MBJ 27T

MBJ 15T MBJ 155A MBJ 90S

MBJ 11A MBJ 806A MBJ 145A

Five Nations Beef Alliance Conference Held in Texas The Five Nations Beef Alliance held its 2014 Conference and Tour in Texas October 4-11, hosted by NCBA. The program included a tour of several cattle operations in south and central Texas and a two day con-ference. Delegates from Australia, Canada, Mexico, New Zealand and the U.S. as well as special guests from Brazil and Paraguay were in attendance. Brett McRae, Brandon, MB, was 1 of 3 Canadians selected to attend the Conference as a Young Leader participant.Day 1- The day started off in Corpus Christi with a lunch meeting for the Young Leaders where we learned about everyone’s background and each country delegate gave a brief overview of the beef industry in their country. Following lunch, Brett Stuart from Global Agri Trends gave an informative speech on the global beef demand.Day 2- Today we toured the King Ranch located in Kingsville. The ranch covers over more than 825,000 acres.

Over the course of 150 years, the King Ranch has devel-oped the Santa Gertrudis and Santa Cruz breeds of cattle. Wildlife is also abundant on the ranch. They manage their wildlife just as well as their livestock. Their goal at the King Ranch is to keep 1000 lbs/acre of residual forage for the wildlife at all times. One of their biggest challenges is con-trolling invasive mesquite brush. The tour of the ranch was capped off with a traditional Mexican cowboy lunch enjoyed in the company of the King Ranch cowboys.

From the King Ranch, we traveled to McFadden Enter-prises, NCBA President Bob McFadden & his wife Julie’s property. While there we got to see their Victoria Brafords, a 25% Brahma, 75% Hereford line of cattle. Also, Bob is

an avid Polo fan, so the group got to take in an entertaining demonstration by Bob himself. We were treated to a tremen-dous beef supper and refreshments while being serenaded by a Mariachi band.Day 3- Our first stop today was in Cureo at the Chisolm Trail Museum. where we learned about the history of the Texas beef industry. The museum showcases vintage items such as chuckwagons, saddles, spurs and early barbed wire. Next we visited Graham Land & Cattle Co. where they have the capacity to feed 30,000 head and background an additional 15,000 head in their feedlot. We saw many types of cattle there, but mostly Brahama. The biggest difference we saw from Canadian feedlots was instead of windbreak panels for wind protection they implement shade from the sun. We also learned that Graham Land & Cattle Co. was one of the filming locations for the Temple Grandin movie! We finished off our day’s tour with a stop at Sexing Technologies near Navasota. Sexing Technologies specializes in sorting semen into male and female sperm. It was an excellent opportunity to see the process and science behind sexed semen. We were surprised that not only does Sexing Technologies work with sexed beef cattle semen, but that sexed deer semen formed an important part of their business. After showing us their sorting facility, we were invited to their genetic development center to see some of the bulls currently on test and to share in another generous Texas meal.

From Navasota we travelled on to our home for the next few days – the Hyatt Lost Pines Resort at Bas-trop. On to the next leg….Day 4- We started the day off at Capitol Land & Livestock in Schwertner. This is one of the largest livestock dealers in the USA , and they have been in business since 1946. The company has 25 full time cattle buyers covering Texas, Oklahoma, Louisiana, Arkansas, Mississippi , Alabama and Georgia. While at Capitol Land and Livestock they taught us how the business works. They are one of the main custom-ers of McDonalds, they buy and sell 500,000 livestock per year and they have control of every single herd they buy, they can track from which part of the country the herd was bought. They have a system where they constantly call customers to buy their cattle so they can supply McDonalds. What I thought was interesting here was, that instead of “pre-sorting” the cattle before the auction, they “post-sort,” or so to speak. They purchase any number of animals not sorted whatsoever, bring them back to the ranch, and then sort them. The cattle are then sold in packages sorted according to specific needs of the buyer. At Capitol Land & Livestock they also have a unique weaning program in which they grass their calves, vaccinate them, and get them through the high risk stage after weaning before sending them to auction. One of my favorite stops was 44 Farms, where we were served lunch in their immaculate, gorgeous sale barn. 44 Farms is the largest Black Angus breeder in Texas, selling over 1000 bulls per year. Next on the agenda was the HEB grocery store, which is a chain of 305 stores in Texas and 48 in Mexico with over 80,000 employees. At this store they have on staff a full time Red Seal Chef who teaches you how to cook more than 50 kinds of beef (including HEB Prime 1, Central Market Organics, HEB Fully cooked, Carniceria and also Kobe beef). Let me tell you, this is a sure fire way to increase sales. HEB tracks the sales very carefully and have attributed having the chef on staff as the main reason for the increase in sales. That night we had dinner at the Texas Beef Council, which is an organization directed by 20 board members of cattleman and women representing 149,000 beef producers in Texas. Once again, we were treated to an outstanding Prime Rib meal that is second to none.Day 5- Now that the touring has come to an end, today was the start of the Five Nations Beef Alliance Conference. At the gala reception that evening there was plenty of entertainment including saddle broke longhorns and an informal bull whip cracking competition, where the Austrailians dominated.Day 6- Today was part 2 of the General Session where the fo-cus was on trade issues, animal health and sustainability. Fol-lowing the conclusion of the conference, we were treated to a boat tour in Austin, complete with an authentic cowboy band. To sum it all up, this was the best trip I have ever been on. Everything was first class-the tour, the ho-tels, the food and especially the people. I would like to thank the Five Nations Beef Alliance for choosing my blog entry and sending me on this trip. You can see my blog and others at http://fivenationsbeefalliance.com/blog/

Cattle waiting to be sorted at Capitol Land & Livestock

-story & photos by Brett McRae

Cattle chillin’ in the shade at Graham Land & Cattle

Authentic cowboy band on the boat tour.

Five Nations Beef Alliance Conference Held in Texas The Five Nations Beef Alliance held its 2014 Conference and Tour in Texas October 4-11, hosted by NCBA. The program included a tour of several cattle operations in south and central Texas and a two day con-ference. Delegates from Australia, Canada, Mexico, New Zealand and the U.S. as well as special guests from Brazil and Paraguay were in attendance. Brett McRae, Brandon, MB, was 1 of 3 Canadians selected to attend the Conference as a Young Leader participant.Day 1- The day started off in Corpus Christi with a lunch meeting for the Young Leaders where we learned about everyone’s background and each country delegate gave a brief overview of the beef industry in their country. Following lunch, Brett Stuart from Global Agri Trends gave an informative speech on the global beef demand.Day 2- Today we toured the King Ranch located in Kingsville. The ranch covers over more than 825,000 acres.

Over the course of 150 years, the King Ranch has devel-oped the Santa Gertrudis and Santa Cruz breeds of cattle. Wildlife is also abundant on the ranch. They manage their wildlife just as well as their livestock. Their goal at the King Ranch is to keep 1000 lbs/acre of residual forage for the wildlife at all times. One of their biggest challenges is con-trolling invasive mesquite brush. The tour of the ranch was capped off with a traditional Mexican cowboy lunch enjoyed in the company of the King Ranch cowboys.

From the King Ranch, we traveled to McFadden Enter-prises, NCBA President Bob McFadden & his wife Julie’s property. While there we got to see their Victoria Brafords, a 25% Brahma, 75% Hereford line of cattle. Also, Bob is

an avid Polo fan, so the group got to take in an entertaining demonstration by Bob himself. We were treated to a tremen-dous beef supper and refreshments while being serenaded by a Mariachi band.Day 3- Our first stop today was in Cureo at the Chisolm Trail Museum. where we learned about the history of the Texas beef industry. The museum showcases vintage items such as chuckwagons, saddles, spurs and early barbed wire. Next we visited Graham Land & Cattle Co. where they have the capacity to feed 30,000 head and background an additional 15,000 head in their feedlot. We saw many types of cattle there, but mostly Brahama. The biggest difference we saw from Canadian feedlots was instead of windbreak panels for wind protection they implement shade from the sun. We also learned that Graham Land & Cattle Co. was one of the filming locations for the Temple Grandin movie! We finished off our day’s tour with a stop at Sexing Technologies near Navasota. Sexing Technologies specializes in sorting semen into male and female sperm. It was an excellent opportunity to see the process and science behind sexed semen. We were surprised that not only does Sexing Technologies work with sexed beef cattle semen, but that sexed deer semen formed an important part of their business. After showing us their sorting facility, we were invited to their genetic development center to see some of the bulls currently on test and to share in another generous Texas meal.

From Navasota we travelled on to our home for the next few days – the Hyatt Lost Pines Resort at Bas-trop. On to the next leg….Day 4- We started the day off at Capitol Land & Livestock in Schwertner. This is one of the largest livestock dealers in the USA , and they have been in business since 1946. The company has 25 full time cattle buyers covering Texas, Oklahoma, Louisiana, Arkansas, Mississippi , Alabama and Georgia. While at Capitol Land and Livestock they taught us how the business works. They are one of the main custom-ers of McDonalds, they buy and sell 500,000 livestock per year and they have control of every single herd they buy, they can track from which part of the country the herd was bought. They have a system where they constantly call customers to buy their cattle so they can supply McDonalds. What I thought was interesting here was, that instead of “pre-sorting” the cattle before the auction, they “post-sort,” or so to speak. They purchase any number of animals not sorted whatsoever, bring them back to the ranch, and then sort them. The cattle are then sold in packages sorted according to specific needs of the buyer. At Capitol Land & Livestock they also have a unique weaning program in which they grass their calves, vaccinate them, and get them through the high risk stage after weaning before sending them to auction. One of my favorite stops was 44 Farms, where we were served lunch in their immaculate, gorgeous sale barn. 44 Farms is the largest Black Angus breeder in Texas, selling over 1000 bulls per year. Next on the agenda was the HEB grocery store, which is a chain of 305 stores in Texas and 48 in Mexico with over 80,000 employees. At this store they have on staff a full time Red Seal Chef who teaches you how to cook more than 50 kinds of beef (including HEB Prime 1, Central Market Organics, HEB Fully cooked, Carniceria and also Kobe beef). Let me tell you, this is a sure fire way to increase sales. HEB tracks the sales very carefully and have attributed having the chef on staff as the main reason for the increase in sales. That night we had dinner at the Texas Beef Council, which is an organization directed by 20 board members of cattleman and women representing 149,000 beef producers in Texas. Once again, we were treated to an outstanding Prime Rib meal that is second to none.Day 5- Now that the touring has come to an end, today was the start of the Five Nations Beef Alliance Conference. At the gala reception that evening there was plenty of entertainment including saddle broke longhorns and an informal bull whip cracking competition, where the Austrailians dominated.Day 6- Today was part 2 of the General Session where the fo-cus was on trade issues, animal health and sustainability. Fol-lowing the conclusion of the conference, we were treated to a boat tour in Austin, complete with an authentic cowboy band. To sum it all up, this was the best trip I have ever been on. Everything was first class-the tour, the ho-tels, the food and especially the people. I would like to thank the Five Nations Beef Alliance for choosing my blog entry and sending me on this trip. You can see my blog and others at http://fivenationsbeefalliance.com/blog/

Cattle waiting to be sorted at Capitol Land & Livestock

-story & photos by Brett McRae

Cattle chillin’ in the shade at Graham Land & Cattle

Authentic cowboy band on the boat tour.

On Offer:

12 Bred Heifers @ The Harvest Hoedown SaleDecember 1, 2014 Neepawa, MB

2 Bred Heifers @ The Keystone Konnection SaleDecember 9, 2014 Brandon, MB

We are proud to be donating

the 2014 YCS Scholarship Bred Heifer!!

For more info call:Home: (204) 764-2604

Cam cell (204) 365-6092 Myrna cell: (204) 365-7307Email: [email protected]

Located 1 mile East & 2 1/2 miles North of Decker, MB

Cameron & Myrna

Josh, Ashley& KaelynBrodie, Stacey & Kolbie

Visit our webpage at:www.simmentalbreeders.ca

“Met

1, 2014

On Offer:

12 Bred Heifers @ The Harvest Hoedown SaleDecember 1, 2014 Neepawa, MB

2 Bred Heifers @ The Keystone Konnection SaleDecember 9, 2014 Brandon, MB

We are proud to be donating

the 2014 YCS Scholarship Bred Heifer!!

For more info call:Home: (204) 764-2604

Cam cell (204) 365-6092 Myrna cell: (204) 365-7307Email: [email protected]

Located 1 mile East & 2 1/2 miles North of Decker, MB

Cameron & Myrna

Josh, Ashley& KaelynBrodie, Stacey & Kolbie

Visit our webpage at:www.simmentalbreeders.ca

“Met

1, 2014

Keystone Konnection Sale

December 9/14Keystone Center,

Brandon, MB

Shades of the Prairies Sale

Brandon, MB

11th AnnualWorkman

FarmsFemale Sale

SaturdayDecember 6/14

1:00 pmKillarney

Auction MartWith Guest Consignors McRuer Stock Farms &

Bill & Ann Magwood

Featuring home raised Simmental-x heifers bred Simmental or Red Angus,

many AI’d calving Jan - March (depending

on consignor)

Keystone Consignments

PWK 1B Red Mountain x Wheatland Bull 15X

PWK 3B Bravo x Bar 5 Magical

PWK 41B Boundary Odin x Wheatland Bull 15X

PWK 53B Wheatland Bull 15X x Sunrise Blk 31U

Shades Consignments

PWK 16B Red Mountain x Wise Guy

PWK 18B MRL To the Max x Beef Maker

POLLED POLLED

PWK 2A First Dream x Blk Baron (Bred Red Mountain)

POLLED

Plus: A Winchester x Wise Guy Bred

Heifer(Bred Red Mountain)

WORKMAN FARMSMinto, MB

Pat (204) 776-2386 C: (204) 534-8530 Greg (204) 776-2164 C: (204) 724-0564

POLLED POLLED

Keystone Konnection Sale

Brandon, MB

Shades of the Prairies Sale

Brandon, MB

11th AnnualWorkman

FarmsFemale Sale

SaturdayDecember 6/14

1:00 pmKillarney

Auction MartWith Guest Consignors McRuer Stock Farms &

Bill & Ann Magwood

Featuring home raised Simmental-x heifers bred Simmental or Red Angus,

many AI’d calving Jan - March (depending

on consignor)

Keystone Consignments

PWK 1B Red Mountain x Wheatland Bull 15X

PWK 3B Bravo x Bar 5 Magical

PWK 41B Boundary Odin x Wheatland Bull 15X

PWK 53B Wheatland Bull 15X x Sunrise Blk 31U

Shades Consignments

PWK 16B Red Mountain x Wise Guy

PWK 18B MRL To the Max x Beef Maker

POLLED POLLED

PWK 2A First Dream x Blk Baron (Bred Red Mountain)

POLLED

Plus: A Winchester x Wise Guy Bred

Heifer(Bred Red Mountain)

WORKMAN FARMSMinto, MB

Pat (204) 776-2386 C: (204) 534-8530 Greg (204) 776-2164 C: (204) 724-0564

POLLED POLLED

Mader Polled Farmgirl 12WMSA Summer Show Reserve Champion

Female & Senior Champion Female

Broken Oak Abracadabra 12AMSA Summer Show Grand Champion

Female, Junior Champion Female & Jackpot Heifer Champion

With cattle prices at an all time high, now is the time to invest in quality females from B.O.B.S

She sells at Keystone Konnection

1/2 sister to Broken Oak Abracadabra

12ASS/PRS Tailgater

She sells at Shades of the Prairies

Bred to SS/PRS

Tailgater

Broken Oak Black SimmentalsRobert Sharpe(204) 826-2519

Lesley Hedley(204) 826-2765 cell: (204) 573-1939

Rapid City, MB

24-SIMMENTAL FOCUS

Consigning SVS Captain Morgan 11Z daughters to:

Shades of the Prairies SaleDecember 15, 2014

Brandon, MB

Double Bar D Farms“She’s Got the Look”

Female SaleDecember 10, 2014

Box 217 McAuley, MB R0M 1H0

Glenn Lowes (204) 851-5669Barry Lowes (204) 851-0342Eric Pateman (306) 434-8567

After a long wait JP CATTLE CO. is excited to announce the arrival of Captain Morgan’s first progeny!

SVS Captain Morgan 11Z

Call for details or to request a catalogue, or better yet, stop by the farm! Visitors always welcome!

Visit our website at www.jpcattle.com

SIMMENTAL FOCUS-25

Wilcox SimmentalsErnie & Betty Wilcox

H: (204) 723-2735 C: (204) 526-7183Box 22 Treherne, MB R0G 2V0

Twin Meadow LivestockPat & Tracey Wilcox H: (204) 723-2386

C: (204) 526-7060 C: (204) 723-0029Box 531 Treherne, MB R0G 2V0

Email: [email protected] w w . w i l c o x s i m m e n t a l s . c o m

Pembina Triangle Association SaleNovember 15, 2014 Cypress River, MB

Canadian Western Agribition SaleNovember 26, 2014 Regina, SK

Agribition Agribition Agribition

PTSA PTSA

WILC 2BPretty Lady

TCW 26BPretty Lady

RF Nitro x GCF First Dream TNT Gunner x MFI Jahari Watch for semen lots at PTSA Sale,

all proceeds to YCSA

WILC Showgun x JDJ Nova

WILC 5A

Bred CMS Skywalker 305A

SHS Enticer x TNT Gunner N208

Full Throttle x Remington Red Label

WILC 14A

Bred Mader Honey Badger 5Z

SHS Enticer x TNT Gunner N208 RF Nitro x Big Hills Crusher

WILC 5BTCW 3BTCW 14A Bred Mader Honey Badger

Wilcox SimmentalsErnie & Betty Wilcox

H: (204) 723-2735 C: (204) 526-7183Box 22 Treherne, MB R0G 2V0

Twin Meadow LivestockPat & Tracey Wilcox H: (204) 723-2386

C: (204) 526-7060 C: (204) 723-0029Box 531 Treherne, MB R0G 2V0

Email: [email protected] w w . w i l c o x s i m m e n t a l s . c o m

Pembina Triangle Association SaleNovember 15, 2014 Cypress River, MB

Canadian Western Agribition SaleNovember 26, 2014 Regina, SK

Agribition Agribition Agribition

PTSA PTSA

WILC 2BPretty Lady

TCW 26BPretty Lady

RF Nitro x GCF First Dream TNT Gunner x MFI Jahari Watch for semen lots at PTSA Sale,

all proceeds to YCSA

WILC Showgun x JDJ Nova

WILC 5A

Bred CMS Skywalker 305A

SHS Enticer x TNT Gunner N208

Full Throttle x Remington Red Label

WILC 14A

Bred Mader Honey Badger 5Z

SHS Enticer x TNT Gunner N208 RF Nitro x Big Hills Crusher

WILC 5BTCW 3BTCW 14A Bred Mader Honey Badger

TWL Under Babe 71B

Mader’s Underdog 90Y x Conray Mona 878X

TCW Showgirl 4A

WILC Showgun x Bert’s Ms Kunitz 4X

TWL Little Ellie 138B

Congratulations to Mary Jane for winning Princess of the Marsh with Ellie!

Gary, Josie & Mary Jane RobinsonTreherne, MB

204-723-2275 cell 204-526-5010Email: [email protected]

Stop in for a visit, the coffee pot is always on!

28-SIMMENTAL FOCUSCUS

Ritz Announces $7.5 Million for New Livestock Traceability Servicereprinted from www.realagrictulture.com

Thefederalgovernmenthasannounceda$7.5millioninvestmentinanewagencythatwilllookafterdevelopingandoperatinganationallivestocktraceabilitydatabase.AgricultureMinisterGerryRitzannouncedthefundingfortheCanadianAgri-TraceabiityServicesinCalgaryonOctober9,2014 CATSisanot-for-profitcorporationthatbringstogethertheCanadianCattleIdentificationAgency(CCIA)andAgri-TraçabilitéQuébec(ATQ).Itsformationwasoriginallyannouncedin2012. ”Traceabilityplaysasignificantrolenotonlyinpreventingandmanagingadiseaseoutbreakbutalsoinaccessingmarketsglobally.BycombiningthebestfromtwoseparatetraceabilitydatabasespresentlyoperatedbyCCIAandATQ,thestateoftraceabilityinCanadawillbeimprovedwhilereducingthecostsforindustryandsimplifyingdatareportingforproducers,”saidCATSchairTerryKremeniukinanewsrelease. ThegovernmentsaysCATSwilladministeradatabasethatwill“collect,maintainandmanageinfor-mationinaccordancewithnationalstandards,federalandprovincialregulations,andthespecificneedsandrequirementsofindustry.”ThenewtrackingsystemissupposedtocutredtapeandcomplementtheCanadianFoodInspectionAgency’sTraceabilityNationalInformationPortal. TheCanadianCattlemen’sAssociationiswelcomingthefunding,sayingamoreefficienttrackingsys-temwouldbebeneficialtoproducers. “ThisinvestmentwillhelptheGovernmentofCanadadeliveronitscommitmenttoreducingredtapeandinturnthecostsoftraceability,somethinglivestockproducersgreatlyappreciate,”saidPatHayes,co-chairofCCA’sAnimalHealthandCareCommitteeandoneofCCA’sdirectorsonCanadianCattleIdentificationAgency. FundingfortheprojectiscomingfromtheAgriMarketingProgramunderGrowingForward2.

SIMMENTAL FOCUS-29

2015 SalesJanuary 31LazySRanchBullSale,Mayerthorpe,ABFebruary 12JanzenRanches22ndAnnualSimmental&RedAngusBullSale,Rosemary,ABFebruary 15DiamondMRanch3rdAnnualBullSale,Estevan,SKFebruary 16RendezvousFarms“HolidayMonday”11thAnnualSimmentalBull&FemaleSale,SteRoseduLac,MBFebruary 17Bata/OlafsonSimmentalSale,Rugby,NDFebruary 20MaderRanchesBull&FemaleSale,Carstairs,ABFebruary 21DoubleBarD“BestofBothWorlds”Bull&FemaleSale,Grenfell,SKFebruary 22BonchukFarmsAnnualBullSale,Virden,MBFebruary 25CrossroadFarms8thAnnualBullSale,ShellLake,SKFebruary 28LewisFarms30thAnnualBullSale,SpruceGrove,ABMarch 2MuirheadCattleCo.BullSale,Shellbrook,SKMarch 4ErixonSimmentalsBull&FemaleSale,Saskatoon,SKMarch 5PheasantdaleSimmentalsBull&FemaleSale,Balcarres,SKMarch 6LaBatteSimmentalswithguestMeadowAcresFarm35th

AnnualBull&FemaleSale,MooseJaw,SKMarch 721stAnnualMcMillenRanchingLtdProductionSale,Carievale,SKMarch 9AshworthFarm&RanchSimmentalBullSale,Oungre,SKMarch 1125thAnniversarySunnyValleySimmentalsBull&FemaleSale,Saskatoon,SK

March 12InPursuitofPerfectionSimmental&AngusBullSale,Moosomin,SKMarch 15RebelsoftheWestAngus&SimmentalSale,Virden,MBMarch 16 GeneticSourceSimmentalBullSale,Brandon,MBMarch 17PrairiePartnersBull&FemaleSale,Killarney,MBMarch 18Transcon’sPremiumBeefSimmentalBullSale,Neepawa,MBMarch 20FamilyTraditionCharolais&SimmentalBullSale,Dropmore,MBMarch 2311thAnnualButts,Gutts&NuttsSimmentalBullSale,Lloydminster,SKMarch 26WheatlandCattleCo.“FocusontheFuture”11th

AnnualBullSale,Bienfait,SKMarch 30SouthwestShowcaseSimmentalBullSale,SwiftCurrent,SKApril 9Transcon’sWinnipegSimmentalBullSale,Winnipeg,MBApril 11Transcon’sCattleCountryCharolais&SimmentalBullSale,Neepawa,MB

Down The Trail.............

Lunch inside the sale barn at 44 Farms during the Five Nations Beef Alliance Tour in Texas.(Brett McRae photo)

TWL Under Babe 71B

Mader’s Underdog 90Y x Conray Mona 878X

TCW Showgirl 4A

WILC Showgun x Bert’s Ms Kunitz 4X

TWL Little Ellie 138B

Congratulations to Mary Jane for winning Princess of the Marsh with Ellie!

Gary, Josie & Mary Jane RobinsonTreherne, MB

204-723-2275 cell 204-526-5010Email: [email protected]

Stop in for a visit, the coffee pot is always on!

28-SIMMENTAL FOCUSCUS

Ritz Announces $7.5 Million for New Livestock Traceability Servicereprinted from www.realagrictulture.com

Thefederalgovernmenthasannounceda$7.5millioninvestmentinanewagencythatwilllookafterdevelopingandoperatinganationallivestocktraceabilitydatabase.AgricultureMinisterGerryRitzannouncedthefundingfortheCanadianAgri-TraceabiityServicesinCalgaryonOctober9,2014 CATSisanot-for-profitcorporationthatbringstogethertheCanadianCattleIdentificationAgency(CCIA)andAgri-TraçabilitéQuébec(ATQ).Itsformationwasoriginallyannouncedin2012. ”Traceabilityplaysasignificantrolenotonlyinpreventingandmanagingadiseaseoutbreakbutalsoinaccessingmarketsglobally.BycombiningthebestfromtwoseparatetraceabilitydatabasespresentlyoperatedbyCCIAandATQ,thestateoftraceabilityinCanadawillbeimprovedwhilereducingthecostsforindustryandsimplifyingdatareportingforproducers,”saidCATSchairTerryKremeniukinanewsrelease. ThegovernmentsaysCATSwilladministeradatabasethatwill“collect,maintainandmanageinfor-mationinaccordancewithnationalstandards,federalandprovincialregulations,andthespecificneedsandrequirementsofindustry.”ThenewtrackingsystemissupposedtocutredtapeandcomplementtheCanadianFoodInspectionAgency’sTraceabilityNationalInformationPortal. TheCanadianCattlemen’sAssociationiswelcomingthefunding,sayingamoreefficienttrackingsys-temwouldbebeneficialtoproducers. “ThisinvestmentwillhelptheGovernmentofCanadadeliveronitscommitmenttoreducingredtapeandinturnthecostsoftraceability,somethinglivestockproducersgreatlyappreciate,”saidPatHayes,co-chairofCCA’sAnimalHealthandCareCommitteeandoneofCCA’sdirectorsonCanadianCattleIdentificationAgency. FundingfortheprojectiscomingfromtheAgriMarketingProgramunderGrowingForward2.

SIMMENTAL FOCUS-29

2015 SalesJanuary 31LazySRanchBullSale,Mayerthorpe,ABFebruary 12JanzenRanches22ndAnnualSimmental&RedAngusBullSale,Rosemary,ABFebruary 15DiamondMRanch3rdAnnualBullSale,Estevan,SKFebruary 16RendezvousFarms“HolidayMonday”11thAnnualSimmentalBull&FemaleSale,SteRoseduLac,MBFebruary 17Bata/OlafsonSimmentalSale,Rugby,NDFebruary 20MaderRanchesBull&FemaleSale,Carstairs,ABFebruary 21DoubleBarD“BestofBothWorlds”Bull&FemaleSale,Grenfell,SKFebruary 22BonchukFarmsAnnualBullSale,Virden,MBFebruary 25CrossroadFarms8thAnnualBullSale,ShellLake,SKFebruary 28LewisFarms30thAnnualBullSale,SpruceGrove,ABMarch 2MuirheadCattleCo.BullSale,Shellbrook,SKMarch 4ErixonSimmentalsBull&FemaleSale,Saskatoon,SKMarch 5PheasantdaleSimmentalsBull&FemaleSale,Balcarres,SKMarch 6LaBatteSimmentalswithguestMeadowAcresFarm35th

AnnualBull&FemaleSale,MooseJaw,SKMarch 721stAnnualMcMillenRanchingLtdProductionSale,Carievale,SKMarch 9AshworthFarm&RanchSimmentalBullSale,Oungre,SKMarch 1125thAnniversarySunnyValleySimmentalsBull&FemaleSale,Saskatoon,SK

March 12InPursuitofPerfectionSimmental&AngusBullSale,Moosomin,SKMarch 15RebelsoftheWestAngus&SimmentalSale,Virden,MBMarch 16 GeneticSourceSimmentalBullSale,Brandon,MBMarch 17PrairiePartnersBull&FemaleSale,Killarney,MBMarch 18Transcon’sPremiumBeefSimmentalBullSale,Neepawa,MBMarch 20FamilyTraditionCharolais&SimmentalBullSale,Dropmore,MBMarch 2311thAnnualButts,Gutts&NuttsSimmentalBullSale,Lloydminster,SKMarch 26WheatlandCattleCo.“FocusontheFuture”11th

AnnualBullSale,Bienfait,SKMarch 30SouthwestShowcaseSimmentalBullSale,SwiftCurrent,SKApril 9Transcon’sWinnipegSimmentalBullSale,Winnipeg,MBApril 11Transcon’sCattleCountryCharolais&SimmentalBullSale,Neepawa,MB

Down The Trail.............

Lunch inside the sale barn at 44 Farms during the Five Nations Beef Alliance Tour in Texas.(Brett McRae photo)

Manitoba Agriculture Tours Beef and Forage Research and Extension Centres in North Dakota

Story and pictures submitted by Jennilee Bernier, M.Sc., P.Ag.

FromOctober15through17,2014,ManitobaAgricultureFoodandRuralDevelopment(MAFRD)sentthreeemployeestoNorthDakotaonawhirl-windtourofsomeofthestate’smostinnovativeandsuccess-fulbeefcattleandforageresearchandextensioncenters.TheemployeeswhotookpartinthetourwereGlennFriesen,M.Sc.(ForageSpecialistfromWinnipeg),JaneThornton(ForageandPastureSpecialistintheSWregion)andmyself,JennileeBernier,M.Sc.(ForageandBeefResearchSpecialistfromBrandon).AlsoalongfortheridewererepresentativesfromManitobaBeefProducers(MBP),includingMelindaGerman(GeneralManager),LarryWegner(District6DirectorfromVirden),andMichaelThielefromDucksUnlimitedCanada(DUC).WhatwouldpossesssixadultstowillinglydrivearoundNorthDakotainarentalvanforthreedaysstraight?Theanswerissimple.ManitobaAgriculture,MBPandDUCseevalueinincreasing,promotinganddevelopingbeefandforageresearchandextensionintheprovince,andoneofthebestwaystogathergoodinformationistoseeitandhearitfirst-hand,andestablishvaluablecontactsthroughnetworkingopportunitiesalongtheway. OurfirstdestinationledustotheMenokenResearchFarmjustoutsideofBismarck,ND.TheMeno-kenFarmisrunbytheBurleighCountySoilConserva-tionDistrictandtheyconductanabundanceofinterest-ingextensionworkdemonstratingthevalueofdifferentsoilmanagementstrategies.HerewemetwithagroupofsoilscientistsfromIowa,andtogetherweenjoyedlunchandwatcheddemonstrationsshowingdifferencesinsoilstructureandinfiltrationcapabilitiesasaresultof

differentmanagementstrategies.Zero-tillandminimal-tillarecommonareasoffocus,buttheyalsoworkwithranchersintheareatoimprovesoilhealthinpastureandhaylandusingtechniquessuchas(butnotlimitedto)balegrazingandrotationalgrazing.Theyalsopro-moteanddemonstratetheuseofcovercropsongrainlandasameanstoimprovesoilhealth,soilfertilityandintegratecattleintoagrainoperationsoastoincreasecarryingcapacityofanygivenfarm.Thesuccessstoriesofimplementingsuchmanagementstrategieswereveryinteresting!Onecattlerancherfromtheareaspoketoour

groupabouthispersonalsuccesseswhilewewereattheMenokenFarm.Thatparticularrancherhasincreasedhisherdsizefromaround150headtoover300head,justfromimprovingsoilmanagementstrategiesthroughtheuseofrotationalgrazingandfeedingcowsonhishaylandduringthewintermonths.Hehasnotpurchasedorrentedanyadditionalland,butinfact,actuallyletonequarterofrentedpasturegobecausehedidn’tneeditanymore.Withastorylikethat,youknowthatsomethinginthatequationmustbeworking!

Illustrating the difference in soil structure allowing water infil-tration between different management strategies

A rain simulator table showing the difference in water runoff and infiltration between different management techniques (from left to right: continuous graze pasture, hay, rotational graze pasture, zero till and conventional till)

AfterourvisitatMenoken,wetravelledafewmileseastofBismarcktoBrown’sRanch;thehomeoftheinfamousGabeBrownandhisson,Paul,whoisnowapartnerinthefamilyfarm.TheBrown’sfocusonusingHolisticManagementtoruntheir5000acregrainandbeefcattleoperation,whichincludes350cowsthatcalveongrassinMay,and400yearlings.Theyoperatewithastrictfocusonimprovingsoilhealththroughno-tillfarming,andusingcoverandcompanioncropsontheirgrainlandtoincreasecarryingcapacityoftheircattleherd.Theirsuccessesincludenolongerrequiringtheuseofsyntheticfertilizer,fungicidesandpesticides,mini-maluseofherbicidesandhavingalargeenoughcarryingcapacityontheirlandtoaddinadditionallivestockspeciestodiversifytheiroperationinrecentyears.Since2011,Brown’shaveincorporatedsheep,pasturehogs,grass-finishedbeefandpoultry(layinghensandbroilersthatfollowthecowsinrotationonthepastures).Cur-rentlytheeggsfromthelayinghensaresoldfor$6/dozenatthelocalFarmer’sMarketinBismarck,alongsidetheirgrass-finishedbeef,andtheBrown’scan’tkeepupwithdemandforeitherproduct! ThelasttwodaysofthetripinvolvedtouringthreeofNorthDakotaStateUniversity’s(NDSU)Re-

searchExtensionCenters.ThefirststopwasattheNDSUBeefResearchCenterinFargo,a$3.3millionfacilitythatfocusesoncow/calffeedlotandoverwinteringresearchtrials.Thiscenterisrunby1.75fulltimestaff,plusafarmmanagerandsixorsevenundergraduatestudentsfromNDSU.Theircowherdincludesjustover200cowsand40bredheifers,mainlySimmental,AngusandafewShorthorn,thatcalveinJanuaryandFebruaryinordertomaximizecalfweaningweightsinthefall.ThefacilitiesattheBeefResearchCenterwereimpres-sive,includingstateoftheartautomaticfeedbunksthatweighandrecordindividualanimalintakesoftotalmixedrations,andcontrolorlimitintakesforspecificanimals.Thehandlingfacilityincludedahydraulicchutesysteminsideaheatedbuilding,indoorcalvingpens,andseveral

outdoorsortingpensandalleyways.Anotherfeatureofthesitewasanimpressivehay/feedshedwhereliquidsupplements,DDGS,corn,choppedhay,andotherra-tioningredientsarestoredandblendedintospecifictotalmixedrationsforindividualresearchstudies. FromFargowetravelledeasttoStreeter,ND,totheNDSUCentralGrasslandsResearchExtensionCenter(GREC).Thirteenfulltimestaff,includingtwoscientists,oneextensionspecialistandseveraltechnicians,herdsmenandafarmmanagerrunthiscenterwhichfocusesmainlyongrasslandrelatedresearchandextensionactivities.Anadvisoryboardofproducers,industryandcommunityrepresentativessetdirectionandgiverecommendationsforareastofocustheresearchprogramon.Someoftheircurrentstudiesincludecontinuousversusrotationalgraz-ing,theuseofcovercropsongrainland,andcontrolofKentuckyBlueGrassonpastures.Thissiteoperates5300acresofpastureandgrain,andacommercialherdof430cowsand60bredheifersthatcalveongrass.Theentireherdisbredviaartificialinsemination(A.I.)usingatimedA.I.protocolandtestingofyoungsirese-menfromSelectSires.

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Main building at NSDU Beef Research Center, Fargo, ND.

Handling facilities at NSDU Beef Research Center, Fargo, ND