Highlights from the Spring 2007 Issue

Contents

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Alberta Influence Alta Genetics Purchases Independent Breeders Service Auctioneers, Consultants And Services Biofuels Get Big Boost in 2007 Blume Ranches Sale Calgary Bull Show and Sale Canada-Wide Quick Reference CHA Section Coulee Crest Herefords Sale Dr. Kee Jim on the Importance of Feed Efficiency Frasers Total Performance Bull Sale From Field To Desk Hereford Highway Keith Gilmore Foundation Golf Tournament Medicine Hat Spring Bull Sale Midwestern Horned Hereford Sale Misty Valley Farms Production Sale MJT Back to the Basics Sale On The Edge Of Common Sense Pine Butte Ranch Sale Pride of the Prairies Bull Sale Saskachewan Cow-Man Sense Ulrich Hereford Ranch First Annual Spring Bull Sale Working Ranch Horse Sale

The "Babysitter" taken by Kurt Gilmore at Fulton Herefords, Carstairs, AB » Looking for Back Issues? Click Here

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From Field to Desk

Since we started our spring bull sale season in northwest Saskatchewan the first week in February, one successful sale has continued to follow another with very few shortfalls. Consignment sales and breeder sales alike have drawn a host of cattlemen willing to give "a little extra" for the ones they really like and we have sold more bulls to commercial cattlemen in the $3,500 to $6,000 range than I can remember for many years.

Breeders are also catching the fever. More top prospects have traded into registered herds last fall and this spring than anyone could have forecasted. It was time.

The severe culling practises of the last decade are showing dramatic results. There is "More Bull Available for the Money" at Hereford sales than anywhere else.

A breeder who recently spoke with several of his long time customers remarked to me, "I've hit one of those years - many of my regular customers still have some of my bulls working after six and seven years." Now that may mean they don't need a new bull this year, but where do you think they'll come back to when they do?

I continue to hear reports of more and more bulls selling by private treaty. The fact that we are experiencing that kind of "on-farm" interest is a good indication of the health of our business and the confidence ranchers of all stripes are showing in the breed.

More auction markets are going to host Hereford and Hereford Influence Special Calf Sales this fall. It is essential that breeders do everything they can to support sales of this kind in their area. Even in geographic areas where straight bred cattle of any breed are not common or popular, the influence of Hereford genetics is getting the recognition it deserves.

We still have many bull sales to attend but a trend has been set. It doesn't always happen, but we try to keep our web site undated almost daily with the latest news from these sales. Check it out at www.hereforddigest.com

There's lots of moisture in the ground and water in the dugouts. Good luck with the rest of calving season and ENJOY THE GRASS!!

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Calgary Bull Sale
March 7-8, 2007 Calgary, AB

Judges: Blaine & Shannon Brost, Irvine, AB

	Total	Average
134 bulls	$528,700	$3,946

This year's Calgary Bull Show and Sale held on March 7 and 8 was one of the most exciting in recent years. Buyers gathered in large numbers, especially for several of the large strings they favoured. Bidding was brisk and competitive throughout the day and resulted in a sale average more than $150 higher than we saw in the strong 2006 sale.

Several of the large operation volume buyers again made a special point to attend the Calgary Bull Sale and certainly their interest was a major influence on the success of this year's event. Some of those who participated heavily included Guenthner Bros. and Simpkin Ranching of Consort, AB; Pipeline Grazing Association, Medicine Hat, AB; Clinton Brost, Consul, SK; and Miller Ranches Ltd., Hanceville, BC.

Blaine and Shannon Brost truly did an excellent job performing the judging duties and nearly all of their class winners and divisional champions were among the top sellers on sale day.

JNHR RED STANDARD 68R

Grand Champion Bull

JoNomn Hereford Ranch, owned by Norm and Joanne Parrent and family, Clyde, AB, were thrilled to win the Grand Champion Bull with their entry of JNHR RED STANDARD 68R. Born April 2, 2005, he was first named the Junior Champion Bull before winning the grand championship banner. 68R is sired by JNHR Red Standard 283M out of a dam by Melstar Standard Volt 3X. Doenz Ranches Ltd., Warner, AB and Floyd Anderson Family Herefords, Aetna, AB, joined forces to purchase this champion bull at $40,000, the top selling price of the Hereford sale.

 

SFL 86M ROBIN 99R

Reserve Grand Champion Bull

It was an entry from Stauffer Farms Ltd., owned by Murray Stauffer, Eckville, AB, that was named the Reserve Grand Champion Bull. SFL 86M ROBIN 99R by BP Robin Hood 86M and out of a daughter of SJSL Hi 20 Stand Lad 10S was previously named the Reserve Junior Champion Bull. He was selected by Gordon and Neal Church, Balzac, AB, for $16,500.

 

 

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Second Annual Calgary Working Ranch Horse Sale
March 7, 2007 Calgary, AB

	Total	Average
14 horses	$124,050	$8,270

As a result of the success from the 2006 event, the Alberta Cattle Breeders, managers of the Calgary Bull Sale, opted to repeat the horse sale for this year and it proved to be even stronger and more competitive. Fifty per cent more horses were sold this year for a total of 15 head and the average price increased by $1,200 per head to $8,270.

As was the case last year, all horses were put through their paces at the Big Top Tent behind the bull sale barn in the afternoon previous to the sale and that exhibition, as well as the sale itself, drew unbelievable crowds, many of whom travelled a great distance to take in this special sale.

While most of the consignors brought geldings, this year's offering also included some top mares and a proven, well-broke stallion that was consigned by the Douglas Lake Cattle Co.

Cash Em Feature

Clinton Broist receives the Parsonage Ranch Buckle for the top selling horse, Cash Em Feature. Diamond Resources Ltd., Bassano, AB was the buyer, paying $13,000

 

 

 

 

 

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Dr. Kee Jim on the Importance of Feed Efficiency

Dr. Kee Jim

As science advances and the price of feed increases, cattle breeders are often left confused. How do you keep your business profitable? What type of cattle should you be selecting for? How do you know how to select them, with pedigree analysis, EPDs, ultrasound and DNA testing just some of the multiple methods at your disposal? Which traits will allow you as a producer to maximize your profits and minimize your expenses? Or, is it worth it to invest a little more upfront, and will that be profitable in the long run?

 

 

 

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The Alberta Influence

Thank you to the Calgary area women who provided cookies for our booth at the Calgary Bull Sale and to the Calgary District Hereford Club for the use of their popcorn machine. Special thanks to Aurica Hawkwood for setting up and to all who helped man the booth. This kind of hospitality is always very well received and sets us apart as a breed. We served hundreds of cups of coffee, countless pails of cookies and over 500 bags of popcorn. Thank you again!!

COMING EVENTS

APRIL 5 Central Alberta Hereford Club AGM and Semen Auction, Bowden
JUNE 15-17 Alberta Hereford Association Annual Meeting, Olds Cow Palace
Friday Evening - Alberta Directors and Club Executives Meeting
Saturday - Annual Meeting, Barbecue and Presentation of Awards and Junior events and activities
Sunday - Alberta Junior Hereford Association Annual Show (for more information contact Junior Adult Advisors, Gordon and Cathy Klein @ (403) 628-3249
JULY 26 Northern Alberta Hereford Club hosts the Hardisty Field Day
AUGUST 1-4 Canadian Hereford Association Annual General Meeting and Bonanza, Truro, Nova Scotia

WATCH FOR YOUR COPY OF THE SUMMER SIZZLER FOR DETAILS ON OTHER HEREFORD EVENTS ACROSS THE PROVINCE WHERE DATES HAVE NOT YET BEEN DETERMINED.

Check out our website @ http://www.albertaherefords.com

Our 2007 Bull Lottery is in progress. With the transfer of a bull you are AUTOMATICALLY entered to win one of two $2,500 credit vouchers!!

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Saskatchewan Cow-Man Sense

The Saskatchewan Hereford Association held their draw for the winners of our 2006 Bull Lottery. This year we awarded two $1,000 credit vouchers to be used towards the purchase of Saskatchewan bulls.

The winners are: Gleich Farms of Eriksdale, MB with the purchase of Haroldson's Global 13P 13S from Chad Wilson of Wawota, and Tozak Herefords of Tribune,SK with the purchase of McCoy 47N Boardwalk 82R from Gary Nicholas of Milestone. The credit vouchers will be used to purchase another bull from a Saskatchewan breeder.

SOUTHWEST HEREFORD ZONE
The Southwest Hereford Zone held their 2007 Annual Meeting on January 8 in Swift Current. Murray Andrews was elected President along with Directors: Steve Weibe, Craig Braun and Rod Gamble.

Planning was finalized for their Cattleman's Choice Bull & Female Sale that will be held on April 23, 2007 at Heartland Livestock in Swift Current. The zone will also be hosting the Saskatchewan Hereford Association Annual General Meeting on July 28 and 29 in Moose Jaw, at the Moose Jaw Exhibition. For further information contact Murray and Bridget Andrews.

NORTHWEST HEREFORD ZONE
The Northwest Hereford Zone held their Annual Meeting on January 23 in North Battleford. Elected to their Board of Directors was: Terry Adamson, Stan Lock, David Mitchell, Claude Wasden, Todd Bygrove (President) and Kelly Feige.

Each year the zone presents an award for the Cattleman of the Year. This year's recipient was Gordon Craig, Craig's Ranching of North Battleford. Congratulations to Gordon and his family on receiving this award.

SOUTHEAST HEREFORD ZONE
The Annual Meeting of the Southeast Zone will be held on Saturday, April 21 at the Kenosee Inn, Kenosee. The meeting will include a supper to honor commercial and purebred breeders in the zone. Their Annual Cattleman's Field Day has been set for August 11 at the farm of Tracey and Joe Beckstead, Fillmore.

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Alta GENETICS Purchases Independent Breeders Service

Alta Genetics Inc. has reached an agreement to purchase the Independent Breeders Service program and lease the IBS facility, effective March 1, 2007. IBS is located near Airdrie, Alberta and the bull housing, collection, testing and storage facilities located there will operate under Alta management.

"Alta is committed to providing the best service to our custom collection clients," states Cees Hartmans, Alta CEO. "The Alta custom collection program has enjoyed tremendous growth in recent years. This agreement provides the ability to sustain growth and continue to provide a superior standard of client service."

The IBS program has enjoyed a rich history of success and strong relationships with breeders under the leadership of Harry Haney, President and Owner. The agreement between Alta and IBS coincides with Mr. Haney's decision to retire from day-to-day involvement in the business. Most of the IBS staff will be joining the Alta Team and Harry Haney will be working with Alta through the transition period.

With the agreement, Alta will operate two custom collection programs based in Airdrie and in Balzac. The programs will be under the direct management of Terry White, Alta's custom collection program and distribution manager.

"We are focused on providing a seamless transition for the current clients of the IBS program," states White. "We are well into peak season for the program, so we will operate on a 'business as usual' basis. At the same time, we are looking forward to the opportunity to build relationships with these valued partners and to creating value for new clients."

Sires currently housed at the Airdrie location will continue to be cared for and collected by the existing IBS barn and lab staff. This team will work closely with Alta's production team located in Balzac. Under the terms of the agreement, Alta will assume the management of the private storage operation currently located in the IBS warehouse.

Clients of the IBS program will receive more information on the agreement and services offered by Alta in March 2007.

According to White, "This acquisition will also put Alta in a stronger position to manage risk with regard to potential bio-security challenges and will offer long term stability in the custom collection industry. This agreement demonstrates our commitment to the custom collection industry and to serving breeders in this market."

Alta is a leader in the livestock genetics and custom collection industry. Alta operates genetic programs in the United States, Canada, the Netherlands, and Brazil and is actively marketing products in 84 countries around the world. Alta also offers superior genetic products and reproduction and management consulting services to progressive clients globally.

Contact: Terry White, Manager, Custom Collection & Distribution, Alta Genetics, Inc., (403) 226-0666

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Sale Results

Misty Valley Farms Production Sale Feb. 7, 2007 Maidstone, SK Total Average 36 bulls $119,200 $3,311 34 females $53,125 $1,563 70 lots $172,325 $2,462 52 commercial bred heifers averaged $1,054 Midwestern Horned Hereford Sale Feb. 8, 2007 Lloydminster, SK Total Average 36 bulls $117,300 $3,258 13 females $21,150 $1,627 49 lots $138,450 $2,826 30 commercial bred heifers averaged $1,342 Blume Ranches 46th Annual Sale Feb. 9, 2007 Castor, AB Total Average 40.5 bulls $118,750 $2,932 MJT "Back to the Basics Sale " Feb. 10, 2007 Edgerton, AB Total Average 39 Hereford bulls $125,800 $3,226 78 Black Angus bulls averaged $2,972 20 Red bulls averaged $2,418 21 Black Angus open yearling heifers averaged 1,404 56 open yearling commercial heifers averaged $780 72 bred yearling commercial heifers averaged $1,002

Pine Butte Ranch Sale Feb. 17, 2007 Kamloops, BC Total Average 29 bulls $87,250 $3,009 Ulrich Hereford Ranch First Annual Spring Bull Sale Feb. 23, 2007 Fort Macleod, AB Total Average 27 Hereford bulls $84,100 $3,115 51 Angus bulls averaged $3,306 Coulee Crest Herefords Annual Sale March 12, 2007 Bowden, AB Total Average 19 bulls $50,850 $2,676 1 heifer calf $3,000 $3,000 20 lots $63,850 $2,693 30 open commercial heifers averaged $745 Fraser's Total Performance Bull Sale March 19, 2007 Brooks, AB Total Average 30 bulls $107,750 $3,592 57 Angus bulls averaged $2,774

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Pride of the Prairies Bull Show & Sale
March 12-13, 2007 Lloydminster, SK
Judges: David Johner, Maidstone, SK & Ken Lewis, Spruce Grove, AB

Total Average
15 Horned Bulls $41,900 $2,793
16 Polled Bulls $42,150 $2,634
31 Bulls $84,050 $2,711

POLLED HEREFORDS
Grand Champion Bull
HINTERLAND SUGAR DADDY 20R was the Grand Champion for Anita Doktor of Hinterland Polled Herefords, Vilna. He is sired by DXB 73J Cisco 10M out of Hinterland Sunshine 51L. 20R sold for $3,200 to Leggert Farms, Edgerton, AB.

Reserve Grand Champion Bull
K-Cow Ranch, Elk Point, AB, were in the winner's circle with their Reserve Champion Bull, K-COW RESISTOL 291R. He is a son of BRL Call 100L and NCX Miss Jackie 291J. The buyer was Bar JX Ranch, Czar, AB paying $3,800.

HORNED HEREFORDS
Grand Champion Bull
Travis Bygrove of Sky Track Ranch, Lloydminster, won the Grand Champion Horned Hereford Bull with a son of FE 254E Ribstone Chace 144K. He is STR 144K Revolution 114R and is out of MVF 138E Dom Std Lass 21H. 114R brought $2,750 selling to Lock Farms Ltd., Macklin, SK.

Reserve Grand Champion Bull
It was Wilson L. Blair of Bonaventure Farms, Lanigan, SK, who took home the Reserve Grand Championship banner with BVHF STD LAD 82P. He is a son of BVHF Std Lad 45L out of BVHF Std Lass 68L. The buyer was Oddan Ranching, Maidstone, SK, who bid $3,600

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Medicine Hat Spring Bull Sale
March 20 - 21, 2007 Medicine Hat, AB
Judge: Lanni Bristow, Heinsburg, AB
Total Average
54 bulls $225,900 $4,183

GRAND CHAMPION (Junior Champion)
MHH 011H BRIT LAD 46R by MN 26E Sil Britisher 011H
Exhibitor: MARGARET HERMAN, Bindloss, AB

RESERVE GRAND CHAMPION (Reserve Junior Champion)
GEL STONE LAD 507R by GEL Ribstone Lad 212M
Exhibitor: LEHR HEREFORDS, Irvine, AB

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