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Canadian Hereford Digest
Highlights from the Spring 2006 Issue

Contents

2006 Spring Issue
On the cover
This unique shot was taken following a late spring rain at Lone Pine Lake Herefords, owned by Edgar and Bernard Scheershmidt, south east of Stettler, AB
 Photo by Kurt Gilmore

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• • •

From Field to Desk

One of the hottest sales in North America in mid-March saw a Montana Hereford breeder sell 80 bulls in just over an hour for a $6,000 average. Most exciting of all was that the majority of these bulls sold to commercial ranchers with Angus cows. We are seeing more of that here at home this spring as well. In fact, in a feature story in this issue ("Got Milk"), an Angus breeder refers to the importance of Hereford genetics in an Angus crossbreeding program. His point is that Hereford cattle create a lower maintenance cost to the cow herd and at the same time maintain efficiency of reproduction. In addition, I have talked to several major ranch managers at bull sales this spring who have been using black bulls for the past few years but assured me they will be back buying Hereford bulls in the near future.
   This is only one of a combination of factors that has given us a whole spring of successful bull sales with sale averages increasing as much as 30 to 50 per cent over the 2005 figures.
   There's not much to be sad about for today's Canadian Hereford breeder. Yes, we'd like to be able to export breeding cattle to the U.S. and other countries but that will come. Most breeders previously involved in that trade, have adjusted through the increased export of frozen semen and embryos or by establishing Canadian homes for cattle purchased by foreign investors. In fact, plans are in the works for a major agreement with a country that plans to import Canadian Hereford beef and genetics in vast quantities over several years. They will be building their own national beef herd based on Canadian genetics. Other plans include a Canadian National Hereford beef-marketing scheme. We hope to be able to release details of these plans in our upcoming Herd Sire Edition. Nationally and internationally, there is a growing focus on Canadian Hereford cattle. Our breeders are doing a wonderful job of maintaining their focus on marketing only the best and it is paying dividends! I look forward to visiting with many of you at club and zone field days as well as at "Hereford Week" in Brandon, Manitoba this summer.

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Calgary Bull Show And Sale

March 2-3, 2006 Calgary, AB
Judges: Cal & Robin Ramsay, Cut Knife, SK
Auctioneer: R.C. (Bob) Balog
Total Average
183 bulls $693,400 $3,790

Over the long haul, every bull sale in the world relies on the loyalty, satisfaction and enthusiasm of those ranchers and commercial cattlemen who take pride in their cow herds and choose their replacement stock bulls carefully. Never was this more evident than at this year's Calgary Bull Sale held at the Calgary Exhibition & Stampede Grounds on March 2 and 3. In fact, six longtime customers of this event purchased a total of 52 bulls or 30 per cent of the offering. The volume buyer again this year was Miller Ranches Ltd., Hanceville, BC, who took home a total of 16 bulls from the sale. Other volume buyers included Simkin Ranching and Guenthner Bros., both of Consort, AB; White Lake Colony of Nobleford, AB; Phillip Kostawich, Consort; Clinton Brost, Consul, SK; and the Pipeline Grazing Association of Medicine Hat, AB Almost all these buyers took home between five and 12 bulls apiece.
   The three top selling bulls all commanded excellent but not extreme prices. Bar Pipe sold the top bull at $21,500 while Fenton Hereford Ranch Inc. received $18,000 for their feature bull and Adams Hirsche Herefords topped their string with a bull at $12,250. What really made this sale so successful was the fact that so many ranchers raised their sites in terms of the value of the bulls offered and had a true appreciation of the good bulls the consignors brought to town. In all, 26 bulls in this sale sold between $5,000 and $6,000 and almost all were purchased for use in top commercial herds.
   The Alberta Cattle Breeders, who manage the bull sale, have always provided basic performance information that included birth weight, sale weight, weight per day of age and scrotal circumference. This year that information was enhanced by the addition of a complete set of EPDs for every bull as well as a measurement for fat thickness over the rib eye as measured by a professional right at the bull sale before the bulls were stalled.



GRAND CHAMPION

The Grand Champion Bull at the 2006 Calgary Bull Show and Sale was entered by Bryce Medin of Stauffer Farms Ltd., Eckville, AB. His entry of BM 76M Sandman Lad 3P was named the Senior Champion before going on to the win the grand championship banner. 3P is a Bar Pipe bred bull by BP Kahlua 76M out of BP Miss Sandman 79M by BP 146D Sandman 108J. This was the first time that Bryce has consigned a bull to the Calgary Bull Sale. The Byemoor Colony paid $6,000 to own this good bull.



RESERVE GRAND CHAMPION (picture of BP 122L)

Bar Pipe Farms, Okotoks, AB, saw their entry of BP Panda 122P win the Intermediate Champion before being named the Reserve Grand Champion Bull. Sired by BP 146D Sandman 108J, he is out BP Miss Commander 48F, a daughter of CC 7Z Maverick 59D. Adams Hirsche Herefords and Bar S G Ranches joined forces and paid $21,000 to top the sale and become the new owners of Panda.

The First Working Ranch Horse Sale at the Calgary Bull Sale

March 2, 2006 Calgary, AB
Auctioneer: Donald J. Raffan, Valley Auction, Armstrong, BC
Total Average
12 Broke Geldings $84,700 $7,058

At their annual meeting in 2005, the directors of the Alberta Cattle Breeders made a decision to add two new events to the Calgary Bull Sale to draw greater attention and bring more people into town to take part in all activities. Added to this year's schedule was a Working Ranch Horse Sale as well as a stock dog competition, both of which were well attended despite severely cold weather in the outside tent where the abilities of these animals were put on display.

Nearly 1,000 people showed up to bid on the 12 horses offered. They were all consigned by top cattlemen, most of which had a close allegiance with the bull sale. Almost, without exception, these well trained geldings four to ten years of age sold back to some of the top ranchers in western Canada There is no doubt, this event will be held again at the 2007 Calgary Bull Sale and those consignors who participated this year will be first in line to come back.

The sale was jointly managed by the Alberta Cattle Breeders and by Don Raffan of Valley Auction at Armstrong, BC. Mr. Raffan also acted as the auctioneer for the event.

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Got Milk?
Dr. Christoph E. Weder SVR Ranch Consulting

By now, most of you have heard me harp about the milk factor in beef cows once or twice. It's another one of those pet peeves that I can't help taking a shot at. In fact every time I read the different breeder magazines it makes me think that these associations have a Freudian envy of the dairy industry. Everyone is pushing milk and I guess it fits in line with the beef industry's infatuation of ever-increased production from our beef herd. If you really want to breed some milk into your cows, then just use a Holstein or Jersey and I'll guarantee you, in one turn you will have achieved that goal. But no one would do that, would they? After all, we all know that Holstein crosses are tough keeping cows. Well guess what? little by little many of our beef breeds are headed in that direction. The fact of the matter is there are no free rides and the more milk genetics you add to your cow herd the rougher and not tougher doing they will be.

• • •

The Alberta Influence

BULL LOTTERY
The third Alberta Hereford Association Bull Lottery is now in progress. The 2005 Bull Lottery winners were Bill and Donald Day of Consort. They won a $5,000 credit with their purchase of THESNIF 68L STANDARD LAD 13P from Doug and Judy Finseth of Tofield.
In 2006, to increase your chances to win, we are giving away two $2,500 credit vouchers. Remember to ask for your transfer to be AUTOMATICALLY entered to win.

COMING EVENTS

JUNE 10 Northern Alberta Hereford Club Annual Meeting, Location TBA Call Ken Rutledge (780) 888-3644 or Shelley Prichard (780) 385-2298 for details JUNE 16-18 Alberta Hereford Association Annual Meeting, Olds Cow Palace
Friday Evening, Alberta Directors and Club Executives Meeting
Saturday - Annual Meeting, BBQ and Presentation of Awards
Sunday Alberta Junior Hereford Association Annual Show
JULY 27 Northern Alberta Hereford Club hosts the Hardisty Field Day
JULY 29 Calgary District Hereford Club Field Day @ Tristar Cattle Co., Airdrie
AUGUST Central Alberta Hereford Club Field Day will take place toward the end of August

WATCH FOR YOUR COPY OF THE SUMMER SIZZLER FOR DETAILS ON ALL THESE UPCOMING HEREFORD EVENTS.

REMEMBER that Alberta is hosting the 2006 National Hereford Show @ Farmfair International in November

The Northern Alberta Hereford Club is featuring a 'Diamond Solitaire' Classic and the top placing heifer wins $5,000. All this and more at Farmfair in November 2006

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Saskatchewan Cow-Man Sense
Back From Black
submitted by Sherry Yewsuk, NE Zone Secretary

The cattle industry has been going through some tough times of late, including the purebred business and not excluding the Hereford sector of that business. When times get tough you will see a move away from one or all parts of the industry. People make changes to increase the profitability of their herd, which is to be expected as they are in the cattle business to make money, otherwise it would be called a hobby which is fine for some but not the majority.
   A common trend that we see among our breed is the move to breed the red-white face cows to black bulls to capitalize on the resulting black baldie females that are in demand as replacement and feeder calves that "bring more money". But do they?
   One former purebred Hereford breeder that went away doesn't think so. Without mentioning names I will say that he is a former breeder that showed, took part in bull and female sales, sat on Hereford boards and was a big proponent of the industry. The rising costs and lower profits saw him also follow the fad and go black, seeing that as the better move financially.
   But with him being a real numbers guy, it did not take him long to realize it just wasn't so. He did his calculations taking everything into account and he found that his straight-bred Hereford calves made him more money than the blacks.
   A big reason being that he says he can buy a much more superior quality Hereford bull for less money than a poorer black bull. And the resulting calves will of course be of better quality and he will make more money in the long run.
   Wouldn't it be great if more people came to the same conclusion? The more good quality straight-bred Herefords in the marketplace the better off our breed would be.
   We ourselves have bucked pressure from cattle buyers to "mix it up". We have kept our commercial herd completely red-white and we top the market when we sell our calves and our breed can't ask for better promotion than that.
    Mark your calendars to attend these events being held this spring and summer in Saskatchewan.

The South East Hereford Zone will be hosting their Annual Meeting on Saturday, April 8th at the Kenosee Inn, Kenosee, SK. The annual meeting will be followed by their Annual Honour Roll Banquet. Contact Arden Charlton, Zone Secretary at 306-842-6146 or Robin Hogberg, Zone President for more information.

The North West Zone will be hosting the Saskatchewan Hereford Association Annual General Meeting on June 24 at the Leachman's at Maidstone, SK (Big Gully Farms). The Zone's Annual Summer Field Day will take place at the Bill Ayrey farm on July 25. For more information contact, Raymond Bygrove, Zone Secretary at 306-825-2645.

• • •

The Manitoba Mainstream

The Manitoba Hereford Association held their Annual Meeting in Brandon on Jan. 7. The Annual Meeting and Junior meetings were held in the morning and afternoon with a joint banquet with the Manitoba. Angus, Charolais, Hereford, Limousin, and Maine-Anjou Associations in the evening, followed by presentations and entertainment by a hypnotist.
   In the 4-H report, Steven Manns reported that a total of 63 kids had shown Hereford and Hereford Influence animals in 2005. Zach Mayo of the Clearwater 4-H Beef Club won the $500 draw for the members in Manitoba that had shown a Hereford or Hereford Influence animal. He used that money to purchase a bred heifer out of the Good as Gold Sale.
   Zach Mayo receives $500 4-H credit from MHA President, Don Guilford.
   The Good as Gold Sale continues to be an excellent source for people to purchase top quality purebred animals from many of the top breeders in Manitoba reported Jackie Mitchell in the sale report. The bull portion of the sale was strong with the females selling for a similar average to the previous year.
   The Hereford Connection Newsletter, the magazine that is put out by the Manitoba Association, showed a small profit for 2005. It will continue to be published three times a year with Grant Moffat continuing as editor. If you wish to be put on the mailing list, contact Grant at (204) 728-7874.
   The Manitoba Juniors were busy throughout 2005. They sold pies at the Southwest Bull Test Station Sale in March. The Juniors had shows at the Royal Manitoba Winter Fair and the Ag-Expo Shows. Now they are busy planning for the Bonanza 2006 that will be part of "Hereford Week in Canada" in Brandon, August 2 to 6.
   Dan Gullett, CHA Director from Manitoba reported on the 2005 activities and asked that everyone plan to attend the CHA Annual Meeting to be held in Brandon at the same time as the Junior Bonanza.
   There are Hereford bulls that are on test at both the Southwest Bull Development Centre and Douglas Bull Test Station with both sales coming up in March and early April.
   CHA General Manager Gordon Stephenson and Katelin Wildeman, Communications and Membership Services Coordinator brought greetings from the office and answered any questions or concerns that the breeders had.
   The Summer MOE Shows and Field Days were discussed with the new Board of Directors to decide on dates and locations at a later date. The Stoneham family of Ashern were selected as the 2005 Hereford Commercial Cattle Producers of the Year. The presentation will be made at the Lundar Bull Sale on April 22.
   Eight breeders were nominated for a two-year term on the MHA Board with Don Guilford, Jackie Mitchell, Doug Allison, and Allen Larsen being elected.
   Following the Annual Meeting, the new Board of Directors held a short meeting with the Executive remaining the same for 2006. It consists of: President - Don Guilford; Vice-President - Floyd Price; Secretary - Dan Gullett; and Treasurer - Jackie Mitchell
   The Manitoba Hereford Fraternity is very proud of Michelle and Albert Rimke, Oak Lake, who were named winners of the 2006 "Outstanding Young Farmers Foundation of Manitoba Award". We believe that Michelle and Albert are indeed very deserving of the award based on their commitment to agriculture and the livestock industry in general, along with their very significant contribution to 4-H, CJHA, their family, and their community.
   Michelle and Albert will go on to the National competition in November to be held in Saskatoon, SK. Congratulations Michelle and Albert!

• • •

Ontario Hereford Happenings
ONTARIO DOMINATES CANADIAN ALLSTAR AWARDS FOR 2005
Sponsored by Masterfeeds and Herefords Today

Back row: Phil Brown representing Herefords Today and holding award for Taboo Polled Herefords, Gary & Norma Jean Boose, Nobleton, ON and Charlton Farms, Weyburn, SK, for Reserve Champion Spring Heifer Calf; Tina & Hank Hiddink, Wild Oak Farms, Bloomfield, ON and Elm Lodge Polled Herefords awarded Reserve Champion Spring Yearling Bull

Front Row: Sarah Darraugh, Bar-J-M Herefords, Whitney, ON, awarded Reserve Champion two-year-old; Mary & Grant Elmhirst, Elm Lodge Polled Herefords, Indian River, ON, awarded Champion Spring Yearling Heifer and Champion Junior Heifer Calf.

MEDONTE HIGHLANDS RECEIVE FIVE ALLSTAR AWARDS

Left to Right: Lois McAughey, Ryan Brown, Kevin Brown, Phil Brown (representing Herefords Today), and Jack McAughey, Orillia, ON, for the following awards: Reserve Champion Junior Heifer Calf; Reserve Champion Junior Bull Calf; Grand Champion Bull; Champion two-year-old; and Breeder of the Year.

Ontario Hereford Association Show Bull of the Year Award
Receiving the award on behalf of Medonte Highlands Polled Herefords are Ryan & Kevin Brown for Wilgor 55K Northeastern OL 2N

Ontario Hereford Association Show Female of the Year Award
Sarah Darraugh, Bar J-M Herefords, Whitney ON receiving her award for Bar J-M Dixie Lady 31N.

DEADLINE FOR SECOND FUTURITY ENTRY
June 1 to OHA Office - $25 with entry

ONTARIO HEREFORD ASSOCIATION BOARD OF DIRECTORS - 2006 - 2007

Standing Left to Right: Kevin Aitken; Burt Grundy, Vice-President; Kevin Brown Rae Mahaffy; Leon Silk; Earl McEachren; Scott Leeson & Wallace Pugh.

CHA Representatives Seated: Nadine & Ron Wells, Secretary Manager; Scott Cornish, President: Jamie O'Shea.

GOLD TROPHY AWARDS

Ryan and Kevin Brown receiving the following awards for Medonte Highlands Polled Herefords, & Medonte Highlands, Sadie, Zachary, & Kyra McConnell, Orillia, ON from OHA-CHA representatives Grant Elmhirst and Scott Leeson:.

Gold Dam Awards: BET-AN 23C Kathy 10K & MHPH Ms 24K Goldie 307M

Gold Sire Award: Star America BNMHPH SS MKS 68M - Owners: Medonte Highlands; BnC; Star Lake Cattle Co. Red Hills; DeShazer Cattle Co.

Gold Sire Award (not pictured): WTK 07 Klyve 106E - Lone Pine Cattle Services & Country Lane Farm, Innisfil, ON

Gold Dam Award: WTK 25E Blanche 55G - LLCH Cattle Co. received by Jim Metcalfe, Hereford Heaven, Bradford, ON and Wallace Pugh, Lian Mor Polled Herefords, Orangeville, ON from Grant Elmhirst - OHA- CHA representative.

The following are SILVER TROPHY AWARD WINNERS not pictured: MHPH Ms 68M Goldie 126P - Owner: Medonte Highlands, Sadie, Zachary, & Kyra McConnell; BNMHPH Ms Kaylee ET 129R - Owner: Medonte Highlands, BnC Polled Herefords; MHPH 69M Rawhide 1012R - Owner Medonte Highlands Polled Herefords; OVHF Passion 21N - Owner: Medonte Highlands Polled Herefords; Bar J-M Dixie Lady 31N - Owner: Sarah Darraugh, Whitney, ON .

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Obituary
Neil Wilson
   The family of Neil Wilson announces, with much sadness, Neil's sudden death on February 21, 2006, at age 59, of a heart attack at the farm, Wawota, SK. He will be kept safe in the memories of those who survive him: wife Lenna, daughter Kristy, son Chad, mother Clara Wilson, and siblings Kenneth (Anne) Wilson, and Lois Greenbank, as well as special nieces and nephews, Kevin Wilson, Shannon Aleksic, Tamara Greenbank, and Natalie Bloomfield. Neil will be fondly remembered for the challenge and passion with which he approached the life events of track and field, baseball, hockey, the cattle industry and most of all his love for his family, neighbours and friends. His friends and fellow cattlemen held Neil in a place of high esteem and had an appreciation for his talents in many arenas. His calm, confident presence, sense of humour, and charisma are all attributes to be valued.
   Wilsons' herd, known as Haroldson's Polled Herefords, is a familiar name worldwide and cattle from this operation have won numerous accolades and National championships over the years. In 1995, Neil and Chad campaigned a truly outstanding yearling heifer, Haroldson's Rose ET 74D. She was named Champion Heifer that summer when Chad showed her at the Junior National Bonanza in British Columbia, won numerous divisional championships throughout Saskatchewan and Manitoba and was named Reserve Grand Champion Female at the 25th Anniversary Canadian Western Agribition. She went on to defeat females from 15 other breeds when she was named champion of the 3rd Upjohn First Lady Classic. "Rose" was also the top selling heifer in Canada that year when she sold at auction for $20,000.
   In October of 2005, Neil Wilson and his family co-hosted their 16th production sale where their cattle still commanded attention and enthusiastic buyer participation. Neil actively supported the Hereford industry all of his life and in 2005 served as president of the Saskatchewan Hereford Association.

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Cattle Sales

Medicine Hat Bull Sale
March 14-15, 2006Medicine Hat, AB
Total Average
47 bulls $180,000 $3,830

Maple Creek Bull Show & Sale
March 24-25, 2006 Maple Creek, SK
Total Summery
61 bulls $213,450 $3,499

Misty Valley Farms Production Sale
Feb. 8, 2006 Maidstone, SK
Total Average
28 bulls $79,900 $2,854
48 females $80,175 $1,670
76 lots $160,075 $2,106

Midwestern Horned Hereford Sale
Feb. 9, 2006 Lloydminster, SK
Total Average
36 bulls $120,100 $3,336
11 females $21,325 $1,939
47 lots $141,425 $3,009
38 bred commercial heifers averaged $1,300
3 open commercial heifers averaged $850

Blume Ranches Sale
Feb. 10, 2006 Castor, AB
Total Average
47 3/4 bulls $153,500 $3,215
2 females $5,000 $2,500
49 3/4 lots $158,500 $3,186

MJT Back to the Basics Sale
Feb. 11, 2006 Edgerton, AB
Total Average 40 bulls $166,800 $4,170
5 commercial bred heifers averaged $1,225
104 open commercial heifers averaged $924

 

Pine Butte Ranch Horned Hereford Production Sale
 Feb. 18, 2006 Kamloops, BC
Total Average
31 bulls $103,300 $3,332

Pride of the Prairies Bull Sale
March 5-6, 2006 Lloydminster, SK
Total Average
24 Horned Bulls $65,300 $2,721
9 Polled Bulls $24,500 $2,722
33 Bulls $89,800 $2,721

Fraser's Total Performance Bull Sale
March 20 Brooks, AB
Total Average
31 bulls $110,500 $3,565
51 Angus bulls averaged $3,173
18 open RWF heifers averaged $950

Regina Bull Sale
March 20, 2006 Regina, SK
Total Average
21 bulls $60,450 $2,879

BC Provincial Bull Sale
March 25, 2006 Kamloops, BC
Total Average
8 bulls $19,050 $2,381

Bulls Eye Select Sale
March 28, 2006 Brooks, AB
Total Average
39 bulls $106,400 $2,728
145 open commercial heifers averaged $845

Copper Creek Ranch Spring Bull Sale
April 1, 2006 Princeton, BC
Total Average
15 bulls 41,450 $2,763

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