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THE NEWS OF THE AMERICAN AKAUSHI ASSOCIAT ION

WINTER 2020

AKAUSHI

www.akaushi.com

AAA CONVENTION 2019

Successful DNA Sampling

Akaushi Prime Time • Winter 2020

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www.akaushi.com • Winter 2020

WINTER 2020 | VOL. 3 NO. 1

AKAUSHI

Features

15, 21 AAA 8th Annual Convention A glimpse of the association's annual membership gathering. 16 Successful Sampling How to take, preserve and ship samples for pregnancy, DNA and BVD testing. 18 Rockin' B Cattle Company Receives Securing the Legacy Award Bentkes recognized for their commitment and dedication. 22 2019 AAA Hall of Fame Inductees Honored Individuals recognized for their outstanding contributions to AAA and the Akaushi breed. 26 AAA 9th Annual Convention Announcement Make plans to join Akaushi breeders in Texas this summer.

ON THE COVER Attendees at the American Akaushi Association's 8th Annual Convention enjoy an evening of dancing and socializing.

In Every Issue 6 Cattle Tales 8 DNA Matters 10 Akaushi Matters

12 Beef Matters 14 Irons in the Fire 24 New Members

25 Calendar of Events 26 Ad Index

American Akaushi Association P.O. Box 487 | Flatonia, Texas 78941 (361) 238-7218 office | www.akaushi.com Executive Director Kaci Carrales (361) 238-7218 | kcarrales@akaushi.com A akaushi the american akaushi association ®

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BluePrint Media P.O. Box 427 | Timnath, CO 80547

info@blueprintma.com Editor | Lisa Bard

Akaushi Prime Time The News of the American Akaushi Association is published quarterly and distributed digitally to all interested parties. To receive Prime Time, call or email the AAA office.

Akaushi Prime Time • Winter 2020

Rancho Espuela & Big Bend Trailers A WINNING COMBINATION

INTRODUCING

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Our performance-proven, high-gaining, Purebred (15/16th blood), heterozygous polled Akaushi bull from the GrowSafe System ® test held in Canyon, Texas. On a 86 day test his ADG = or was 4.22 & his DM Feed Conversion = or was 5.22. We’re your source for polled Akaushi Genetics. Semen is available to ship and certified to go to South Africa, Australia and South America. Calves are all really calm and have good dispositions.

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Cattle Tales Kaci Carrales | Executive Director | kcarrales@akaushi.com EXECUT I VE DIRECTOR’ S MESSAGE I hope everyone had a magical Christmas being with family

Feb. 5-7 we will be in San Antonio, Texas, for the Cattle Industry Convention and Na- tional Cattlemen’s Beef Association Trade Show. I highly recommend you attend this event as it is the No. 1 cattle industry event of the year. Not only is it one of the larg- est trade shows filled with all things agri- culture, but there are also opportunities to hear industry leaders present on a variety of current industry topics. If you are at- tending, please stop by and say hello to the Akaushi team! March 27-29 we will be at the Texas and Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association Convention in Fort Worth, Texas. This is one of our favorite shows. Each year at this event, we look forward to seeing and visit- ing with our members and talking about all things Akaushi. If you’re making plans to attend this event, please stop by to say hello and bring your neighbor, friend or family member. Our main focus this year is our member- ship. We want to make sure we are doing our best to meet your needs. Registries and DNA are our top priority, and are some- thing we take very seriously as we know DNA verification is key to your success and business growth. We strive each and every day to make sure we are doing our jobs in the most efficient way without sacrificing quality control. We are excited to be working on a new set of EPDs along with compiling more than eight years of carcass data to make some incredible carcass EPDs. It’s pretty awesome to have the ability to have carcass data returned on a set of cattle each week. Combine that with a great database, and we can tie everything to a registered, DNA- verified Akaushi animal. The things you can do with all that information is simply exciting! We will keep everyone posted on our progress through this journey.

and friends, and started 2020 with a fresh new bang! As I reflect on my first year with the Ameri- can Akaushi Association (AAA), it has been such an amazing journey, and

I am so thankful for the opportunity to lead such a progressive group of cattle- men and women! It is such a pleasure to be able to call each and every one of y’all my Akaushi family. As we look forward into 2020, the AAA team will be representing Akaushi at vari- ous events, focusing on our efficiency in the office, finalizing our new expected progeny difference (EPD) goals, compiling more than 50,000 carcass data points for real-time carcass information and prepar- ing for our 9th Annual Convention hosted at Horseshoe Bay in Horseshoe Bay, Texas. Plus, whatever other opportunities pop up.

The Akaushi breed was well represented during the National Western Stock Show in January.

Continued page 9

Akaushi Prime Time • Winter 2020

american akaushi Experience the Difference.

American Akaushi genetics are well known for improving carcass performance and premium opportunities for cattle producers, but the cattle are also known to excel in important production traits, including growth, fertility, vigor and longevity. JOIN THE gROwINg NUMbER Of CATTlE pROdUCERS wHO ARE TURNINg TO AKAUSHI gENETICS TO Add vAlUE TO THEIR CAlf CROpS.

 DNA-verified, Akaushi-sired cattle receive an average premium of $100/head on calves and $300/head on naturally finished cattle.  In 2018, Akaushi cattle averaged USDA Quality Grades of 51.4% Prime and 47.4% Choice.

 The American Akaushi Association has registered more than 32,000 fullblood Akaushi cattle since 2010.  DNA verification and registration is required on all Akaushi progeny to maintain the breed’s purity.

www.akaushi.com • Winter 2020 A akaushi the americ n akaushi association ® Use Akaushi genetics and experience the difference – an animal that performs efficiently, improves consistency, maintains uniformity and maximizes profit. 7 AMERICAN AKAUSHI ASSOCIATION 128 East South Main  Flatonia, Texas 78941 (361) 238-7218  www.akaushi.com

AKAUSHI BREED GENET ICS

DNA Matters Tim Kozelsky | DNA and Data Service Analyst | tkozelsky@akaushi.com W ow, what a year for DNA submissions! In

DNA testing, Neogen also has poultry, swine, canine and human (think 23andMe) clients. All compete for limited DNA pro- cessing capacity. Your 2020 DNA submission planning should begin as soon as possible. While it may be too cold or too hot to work calves depending on your calving season, it is important to make sure you have the DNA supplies needed when the time is right. If you are ordering customized DNA tissue kits from Allflex or Datamars, please note that it takes at least two weeks for process- ing and shipping once the order is placed. All other supplies, including hair, blood and Allflex TSU tissue vials, are normally shipped the same day they are ordered, provided they are in stock at the office. Also, we are a member-service-funded organization, and for that reason, DNA processing fees are required at the time of service. A current fee schedule is normally included in your requested DNA supply or- der so that you can calculate DNA charges for the samples you submit. You can also find the DNA processing fee schedule on our website, www.akaushi.com , under the resources tab. Please include payment with your samples so that there isn’t a delay while we wait on payment. Finally, every animal that a DNA sample

2019, American Akaushi Association (AAA) mem- bers submitted samples and requested 27,068 DNA tests. In compari- son, 19,124 tests were requested in 2018. Un-

expected weather patterns and varying calving seasons can both lead to different peaks of DNA submissions. When we hit a peak, DNA processing time in the lab can be more than three to four weeks for a complete turnaround time. That time does not include processing time in the office, which can be two to three days depend- ing on the amount of DNA in our queue, as well as two days for shipping to the lab. Therefore, total lead time can be a mini- mum of 27 days during the peak before the AAA office even receives the results. I say all of this so that you can better plan your DNA submissions. All too often, we have members who submit DNA when grass is short, hoping for a miracle turn- around time so they can sell their calves. As an association, we have very little con- trol over lab lead times. Besides bovine

is submitted for is recorded in our DigitalBeef ® database. We do this so that the DNA sample is properly attached to the animal for tracking through the DNA lab and so that post-DNA parent verifications can be recorded in DigitalBeef. In order to record an animal in DigitalBeef, the minimum information needed is a birthdate or earliest possible birthdate for a group of calves, the sex of the calf, and breed type or tag/registration

Continued page 9

Akaushi Prime Time • Winter 2020

DNA MATTERS Continued from page 8

CATTLE TALES Continued from page 6

Now, let’s talk about our favorite event! The 9th Annual American Akaushi Association Convention is coming up June 4-7! Registration will be online only, and is scheduled to open Feb. 3. You may wonder why we moved the convention to June. As I have said before, we are a family and we want to make this a family event. We want to provide an opportunity at a beautiful resort for families to spend time with each other and enjoy a weekend full of all things Akaushi. We are looking forward to another fun and successful convention this year, and we have some fun and exciting things to come. See page 26 in this issue for more information. Please make sure you follow us on Facebook and check our website to find the latest and greatest news that is happening in the association and with the Akaushi breed. I invite those who are interested to serve the as- sociation in any capacity possible, such as trade shows, field days or sharing carcass data with neighbors. Let’s make 2020 the year we work to- gether to tell the Akaushi story, because together we are AKAUSHI! PT

information for the dam. If this information is not provided when the samples are being recorded in the office, we have to put them aside, contact the member and wait for the information. If our 2019 growth rate continues into 2020, timely submission of DNA will be critical so results are available when calves need to be sold. If our 2019 growth rate contin- ues into 2020, timely submission of DNA will be critical so results are available when calves need to be sold. Start planning today so that you are prepared and ready to go when calves start hitting the ground. PT

BOLZ RANCH AKAUSHI CATTLE

Selling fullblood embryos and semen; fullblood bulls; grade bred cows, halfblood & 3/4-blood bred heifers and cows to calve in March.

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www.akaushi.com • Winter 2020

Akaushi Matters Loni Soefje | Assistant to the Director | lsoefje@akaushi.com AMERICAN AKAUSHI ASSOCIAT ION UPDATE A s 2020 begins, I cannot help but reminisce

Braunvieh, Red Angus, Simmental and Canadian Simmental. During the first day of the two-day event, Kaci and I were given the opportunity to tour the Neogen lab, which is where all Akaushi DNA is sent for processing. It was exciting to witness every step of the DNA process, from the moment a DNA sample is opened at sample reception to seeing how DNA is extracted from different sample types, such as hair, blood and tissue. At the end of the tour we were able to see first- hand how obtaining a DNA sequence for an SNP profile is different than obtaining a DNA sequence for an STR profile. We were then given the chance to visit with Ruth Maschka, AAA’s customer sup- port representative from Neogen, which gave us the opportunity to discuss issues that could result in a quicker turnaround time for DNA results. The day concluded with an invitation to attend a dinner social at the Nebraska Club, which was a wonder- ful networking opportunity.

on how wonderful and successful 2019 was for the American Akaushi Association (AAA) and its members. Let me tell you, although I grew up within the beef cattle

industry, I had never met a group of such progressive cattlemen and women deter- mined to better the beef industry by cre- ating the best beef eating experience for consumers until I began working with the AAA a little more than a year ago. To think that spark is ignited by the simple addition of Akaushi genetics to a herd is outstanding! With a very exciting 2020 ahead of us and a record-breaking 2019 being left be- hind, I’d like to shed light on an experience that we participated in, in an effort to keep our office informed and running as effi- ciently as possible. In July 2019, AAA Exec- utive Director Kaci Carrales and I accepted an invitation to attend the 2019 Breed Council Fo-

Continued page 11

rum held in Lincoln, Neb. The Breed Council Forum is a very informative, two- day event hosted by Neo- gen that brings several breed associations togeth- er to learn ways to better serve members. Breeds that were represented alongside Akaushi in- cluded American Wagyu, Angus, Canadian Angus, Hereford, Black Hereford, Canadian Hereford, Gelb- vieh, Limousin, Canadian Limousin, Maine-Anjou, Santa Gertrudis, Interna- tional Brangus, Jersey,

AAA staff Kaci Carrales and Loni Soefje pose for a photo with representatives from Neogen at the 2019 Breed Council Forum. Pictured left to right are Kenny Stauffer, Sarah Dvorak, Richard Nelson, Trina Blankenship, Loni Soefje, Kaci Carrales, Tom Schultz, Leoma Wells, Jamie Parham and Rich Tate.

Akaushi Prime Time • Winter 2020

AKAUSHI MATTERS Continued from page 10

The second day was very informative. Tom Schultz, Neogen’s director of sales and marketing, started the morning by providing an inspirational vision of Neo- gen’s future. Kenny Stauffer, director of beef sales, presented the Neogen territory managers and shared how they can be uti- lized from a breed association standpoint. Stauffer then discussed the importance of Igenity ® testing, what factors fuel genomi- cally enhanced expected progeny differ- ences and how both can be utilized as an essential tool for commercial cattlemen. Following Stauffer were a series of in- formative presentations from Jamie Par- ham, beef products manager; Niraj Patel, Lincoln lab supervisor; Andy Dorn, Allflex livestock intelligence; and Sara Fendrick, customer service lead. The second half of the day included several breakout sessions. Kaci and I split up in order to learn as much information as possible on topics in- cluding genomics testing, DNA sequencing, parentage discussions and genetic defect testing. Jamie Parham presented an informative slideshow that detailed the available GGP panel options and how Neogen is prepar- ing the launch of GGP100K. Leoma Wells, strategic accounts manager, hosted a ses- sion that presented people with several dif- ferent real-life parentage scenarios, which allowed for an interactive session that gave listeners a chance to respond with how they have handled similar situations. The main take-home message from this session was to stick to the facts because DNA does not lie. The AAA would like to extend a heartfelt thanks to the entire Neogen team, espe- cially Leoma Wells, for organizing such a wonderful, informative and eventful meet- ing. I would also like to thank our wonder- ful members who made 2019 such a memo- rable year. I cannot wait to see what 2020 has in store! PT

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www.akaushi.com • Winter 2020

AKAUSHI BEEF

Beef Matters B eef matters. It tru- ly does! Especially when we are talk- Amy Tipp | Director of Customer Service, HeartBrand ® Beef Inc. | amy@akaushi.com

people select beef to feed their families. Quite often, repeat customers tell me they will not eat any other beef and that they didn’t know beef could taste so great. Oth- ers explain how they choose other proteins at restaurants since they can have a better steak at home with Akaushi beef. It is un- believable to see the number of people who stop by our office to just pick up a taste of beef and then end up making this stop a priority when passing through. The most frequently asked question is, what makes our beef different than other beef? My answer is Akaushi beef has a higher concentration of monounsaturated fat relative to saturated fat. This is when people’s heads typically turn sideways and they ask, “What do you mean?” Akaushi

ing about Akaushi beef. The flavor is undeniable. The consistency is reli- able. The health benefits are astounding. I would like to highlight some of our family and customer

favorites, and discuss the discount that HeartBrand ® Beef extends to all American Akaushi Association (AAA) members. As the director of customer service for HeartBrand Beef, I get to discuss our beef with a variety of people who are involved in all different aspects of the cattle industry and even different stages of life. I get to see Akaushi beef truly revolutionizing the way

Continued page 13

Fossil Creek Ranch RAISING CATTLE WITH ELITE GENETICS AND EXCEPTIONAL MARBLING, FERTILITY AND LONGEVITY

Selling fullblood bulls ranging from yearling to 3 years old.

We also have F1 heifers available for purchase to breed up.

TODD & JUDITH ROTHWEILER San Miguel, Calif. (805) 467-1721 • (909) 917-2252 jhopweiler@yahoo.com www.fossilcreekranchca.com

At Fossil Creek Ranch, we offer the highest quality, pasture-raised, hormone-free beef on the market. Orders can be placed through our website.

Akaushi Prime Time • Winter 2020

the ribeye spinalis (cap of ribeye) as a retail cut on the website. This piece is so tender it will melt in your mouth and you won’t want to share. The show-stopper steak falls on our Heart- Brand Beef sirloin strip. Just try one ... you’ll be back for more! The sirloin strip is an of- fice favorite and my personal favorite. The New York strip hasn’t always been my cut of choice but trying the HeartBrand Akaushi striploin has changed my mind. The rich, buttery flavor is highlighted in this cut and will outshine the competition. This steak is typically cut a little thicker at 1¼ to 1½ inch- es and a great 14-ounce portion. Have you ever tried dry-aged beef? We offer a bone-in, dry-aged striploin that is out of this world. Dry-aging is a process where the beef is hung in open air at a temperature that is just above freezing, over a period of time. During this process, the beef will develop a depth of flavor that cannot be achieved with wet aging. The fla- vor will be stronger and more concentrated as well as have a nutty, earthy perception.

BEEF MATTERS Continued from page 12

beef contains more healthy fats. When you cook Akaushi ground beef in a skillet, drain the fat into a small container. If you allow the fat to reach room temperature, you will notice that the fat will still move as a liquid. You can pour it from one contain- er to another. If you pick up the same lean percentage ground beef from the grocery store and do the same thing, the fat will most likely become a solid white texture once it reaches room temperature. Which one would you prefer run through your body? The most requested item we offer is a 14-ounce ribeye steak. Customers seem to gravitate toward this item since they are most familiar with this cut and have prob- ably ordered this item in a restaurant in the past. Our HeartBrand Beef ribeye has a great beefy flavor with the tenderness you would see in a filet. We recommend cook- ing this item medium to medium rare to accentuate the beefy yet buttery flavors. As a special feature, we are currently offering

Continued page 25

www.akaushi.com • Winter 2020

REFLECT IONS AND RECOLLECT IONS

Paul Marchant | Rancher/Columnist | idahomarchant@gmail.com Irons in the Fire S everal years ago, I helped coach the local high school basketball team for a few Hoosiers and Pea Eye

Final Four. For South Dakota State, it may be an eight-point loss to Baylor in the first round. There is no better than your best. There are about 100 kids who show steers at our county fair. It has turned into a very competitive show. Gone are the days when my kids had a fairly reasonable shot at winning the purple banner with one of our homegrown steers. That’s not to say we don’t have some decent calves, but they can’t really compare with some of the high- powered show steers in the show ring. That doesn’t mean my kids shouldn’t show because they can’t be the best, because they should always do their best. If a steer doesn’t make weight and misses the sale because he didn’t get fed right or he’s too rank to handle in the show ring because nobody took time to gentle him down at home, that is a different story. It seems like we get too hung up on the biggest, the prettiest or the highest priced. That’s often true in many aspects of the cattle business. Does it really matter to me if my neighbor topped the sale last fall with his January-born calves that came off the cows and irrigated pasture at 650 pounds when my March and April calves came off the desert at 500 pounds? Do you really need a new pickup with surround sound and a built-in Boy Friday? Or will the ’02 Dodge with 190,000 miles but the decent running Cummins work just fine for another year? Folks who have been able to remain in the cow business and make a decent living for themselves and their families year in and year out are gen- erally the least-cost and efficient producers who don’t tend to jump at every new trend and fad like a pup after a jack rabbit. The next big thing is always around the corner. Your next big thing, however, may not be mine. And that’s OK. PT

seasons. As anyone in rural America knows, hitching one’s hopes and reason for living to the

success of a small-town high school athletic program can sometimes be like a spring spent doctoring scouring calves. Your ef- forts and heart may be fully invested, but you’re most likely going to lose some. One particular season served up a good share of life lessons, as high school sports are supposedly intended to do. The team consisted mainly of a bunch of under-sized, under-talented over achievers. Our two best post players were barely six feet noth- ing if we lied about their height; our best shooter could hit a three pointer, but tend- ed to shut down if he missed one or two; our best athlete sometimes forgot about defense; and our best defender didn’t want to score. I’d like to tell you that we had a Hollywood season, but we were more Rudy than Hoosiers and more Newt and Pea Eye than we were Butch and Sundance. We lost more than we won, and we knew what it felt like to lose by 25. We didn’t end the season by shocking the world and taking state, but we did shock the county by com- ing through the loser’s bracket and mak- ing it to the state tournament, where we barely missed making it to the third day of the tournament. Translation: we lost our first two games and were knocked out of the tournament without a trophy. However, rarely did I ever feel like that team didn’t do its best. The point of this story is not that we should accept mediocrity. The point is that, no matter what we do, we should do the best we can. For Kentucky, that may be the

Akaushi Prime Time • Fall 2019

   2019 American Akaushi Association Convention

Keynote speaker Mike Howard, chairman and CEO of Howard Midstream Energy Partners LLC, with Jordan Beeman, HeartBrand ® Beef president.

Group tour of Elgin Breeding Service.

NCBA Senior Director of Government Affairs Danielle Beck (left) and NCBA CEO Colin Woodall (right) with AAA Executive Director Kaci Carrales (center). Beck and Woodall were both speakers at convention.

Ashley Beeman (left), country music artist Rick Trevino (center) and AAA Executive Director Kaci Carrales pose for a photo. Trevino provided entertainment for the opening night of convention.

Akaushi – the next generation. Bottom row from left, Brooklyn Beeman, Adalyn Carrales and Bailey Beeman. Top row from left, Parker Beeman and Joseph Carrales.

LEFT: Group tour of Fresh Plus.

ABOVE: AAA Executive Director Kaci Carrales (left) with 2019 Prime+ winner Billy and Connie Drews, FoodTown.

LEFT: Penny and Carl Rugg, Bovine Elite, stand in front of their trade show booth.

More photos on page 21

www.akaushi.com • Winter 2020

Successful Sampling How to take, preserve and ship samples for pregnancy, DNA and BVD testing

BY MICKY BURCH, CONTRIBUTING WRITER

T he calendar a human race, we’re living in the Informa- tion Age. As producers, we’re taking that infor- mation and turning it into the most produc- tive, efficient beef in history. But how do we actually get our hands on that information? Kelly Heath, DVM, director and attending veterinarian, Institu- tional Animal Care Program, University of Nebraska, presented “How to take, preserve and ship samples for DNA, bovine viral diar- flipped to 2020 not long ago. As

tein B (PSPB) that’s only produced by an active, growing placenta in the uterus. “If you’re going to be preg-checking heifers, you want to make sure you’re at least 25 days post breeding,” Heath con- tinued. Cows should be tested at 28 days or more post- breeding and 73 days or more post-calving because it takes a little longer for them to reach PSPB levels that can be detected. For producers testing recipi- ent females, it’s best to test 25 days post-implant of a 7-day-old embryo or 32 days post-heat.

Kelly Heath, DVM, explains successful sampling techniques at the 2019 Range Beef Cow Symposium.

rhea (BVD) or pregnancy testing” at the 2019 Range Beef Cow Symposium held Nov. 18-20 in Mitchell, Neb. Blood Testing Early-stage pregnancy testing through blood samples as an alternative to palpa- tion or ultrasounding is a non-invasive way to check for pregnancy, Heath said. It’s competitively priced at about $2.50 per sample and producers can get results with- in 48 hours of receipt at the lab. The test, BioPryn ® , is an enzyme-linked immunosor- bent assay (ELISA) of serum or plasma. “When you get all done, you get a report back that reads either pregnant, open or recheck,” Heath explained. Those results are 99 percent accurate for identifying open cows, and 95 percent accurate for detecting pregnant females, based on the presence of a specific pro- tein called the Pregnancy-Specific Pro-

When pulling a sample, supplies to gather before getting started include blood tubes (red tops for serum, purple tops for plasma), a needle holder or Vacutainer ® blood collection tube (which is a needle and hub), a double-sided needle or Vacutainer needle and a sharps container. Alterna- tive to a Vacutainer, Heath recommended a 3-mL syringe and 1-inch, 18-gauge needle. “If you’re just starting out learning how to collect blood samples from the tail of a cow, a syringe with a needle might be easi- er to handle than a Vacutainer,” he said. Blood samples are fairly easy to obtain from the cow’s tail. “There’s a dimple where the vertebrae meets a little hole – you can palpate that by running your finger up the bottom of the tail,” Heath described. “When you can feel that depression – it’s about the size of a nickel – that’s your target, so relax the

Continued page 17

Akaushi Prime Time • Winter 2020

tubes chute side and keep them organized. Further, he reminded attendees to use a new needle and syringe for every sample to prevent disease transmission between animals and any contamination of blood samples – which is also why an appropri- ately sized, thick plastic sharps container is a necessity. For disposing needles, Heath recommended something like a laundry detergent container – he emphasized that a milk jug or pop bottle are not adequate because the plastic isn’t thick enough. A video showing the steps to collect- ing blood samples from the tail can be found at https://www.youtube.com/ watch?v=lLgjMJCMfvI . Once the collections are gathered, they should be shipped within three days at ambient (room) temperature (never frozen). Under these conditions, PSPB will remain stable in the blood, giving producers the best chance for a high-accuracy pregnancy reading. The test can give false readings if blood samples aren’t collected and shipped according to these guidelines.

SUCCESSFUL SAMPLING Continued from page 16

tail a little bit, and go ahead and insert your needle and tube and then draw blood from that spot.” Heath pointed out that collect- ing blood samples may be a skill that is easier to train em- ployees to do compared to

Heath points to the correct location for a successful blood draw.

palpation for pregnancy checking. When collecting a blood sample, the goal is to gather 2 to 3 mL of blood. Health also recommended using the gridded boxes that blood/Vacutainer ® tubes come in to hold the

Continued page 19

POSTPONED TO AUGUST, 2021

POSTPONED

www.akaushi.com • Winter 2020

Rockin' B Cattle Company Receives Securing the Legacy Award

T he American Akaushi Association (AAA) established the Securing the Legacy Award to recognize individu- als who have demonstrated outstanding commitment and dedication to the Akaushi breed. During the 2019 Annual Conven- tion, the organization recognized Rockin’ B Cattle Company. Out of the thousands of fullblood Akaushi cattle, several of the breed's elite females and bulls have been raised by the Bentke family. Rockin’ B Cattle Company was launched in 1986 by Mark and Sherri Bentke. Ini- tially, their main business was contract hay work for a few different producers, but it was not long before they grew their busi- ness, enabling them to buy more cattle and take on a larger role in the cattle industry. In the early years they worked with sever- al breeds, including Angus, Brangus, Her- eford and Brahmans. This became quite a success for Mark and Sherri’s business after years of improving maternal traits in their cow base. In addition to buying and selling cattle, the couple began using their cows as recips for embryo production. Over time they added additional responsibilities and grew their cow herd.

AAA Executive Director Kaci Carrales with the Bentke family, Mark and Coleen Bentke, Darby Horstman and Corey Bentke.

Twenty-two years ago marks a turning point for Rockin’ B Cattle Company when the Bentkes came in contact with Heart- Brand ® – and that’s where the story and great relationship began. At that time, Akaushi cattle were not yet available for purchase; HeartBrand’s main goal was to grow the herd as quickly and efficiently as possible. Rockin’ B’s strong cow base made them the perfect choice for HeartBrand to expand their numbers. Out of the thousands of fullblood Akaushi cattle, several of the breed’s elite females and bulls have been raised by the Bentke family. Mark and Sherri are also involved in numerous progressive projects, and even produced King David, a heterozygous polled bull. It’s their great cattle husbandry knowledge and cattle care that have made them great partners, but most important, great supporters of the Akaushi breed. They have seen firsthand how productive and functional Akaushi cattle are. Recognizing Akaushi cattle’s superior carcass quality, the Bentkes have also taken the opportunity to breed Akaushi bulls to their Braford-type females to add value to their cattle. Since dealing with Akaushi, their business has benefited from additional premiums when marketing their cattle. Prior to raising Akaushi, they bred

Continued page 20

Akaushi Prime Time • Winter 2020

SUCCESSFUL SAMPLING Continued from page 17

select replacements to improve herd stabil- ity and reproduction; target animals to pro- duction and grazing systems; and invest in genetics that improve the bottom line. There are several means for producers Using the appropriate tools, blood and tissue samples can be collected and shipped successfully, helping producers arm themselves with information to make decisions about their herd.

Heath also reminded attendees that, while blood sampling does have benefits, there are addi- tional things to consider, like the delayed process- ing time for results that may require handling the livestock a second time to sort opens, and the delay in processing pregnant females for pre-calving vaccinations and parasite control to avoid working opens. Tissue Testing

to gather helpful infor- mation from their bull battery, including tissue, semen and blood samples, and hair follicles. “You just need to work with the company doing your genomic testing to get that set up,” Heath recommended. Most often, the test Heath uses to help gather all this information is a tissue test

Genomics have become a standard part of many breed association genetic evaluation programs as a means to help producers select, manage and market cattle; gauge maternal performance and carcass traits; aid producers in focusing time, feed and other resources on stock of verified merit;

Continued page 20

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paying for the tests, Heath said, “Go ahead and spend the money on a good ship- ping container.” His steps for shipping blood and tissue samples include: Step 1: Prepare a rigid outer package that will contain the secondary packaging. Use a cold pack if the specimen must remain at a refrigerated temperature, and especially if the weather temperature dur- ing shipping will be hot. If the

SUCCESSFUL SAMPLING Continued from page 19

that gives producers results in parentage verification, genetic selection tools and BVD diagnostics. Taken from an animal’s ear, tis- sue samples can generally be collected in a matter of seconds with the aid of a head catch for restraint. Tissue sampling technology through the use of a hand- held tissue-sampling appli- cator allows for a clean and

Heath recommends mailing samples in a Styrofoam container packed inside a cardboard box.

uncontaminated sample that is kept in a specifically designed preservative, contain- ing a large quantity of high-quality DNA that aids in excellent lab results. Individual tissue-sampling units can be identified with a pre-printed barcode. A tutorial about how to use this tissue sampling unit can be found at http://www.allflexusa.com/as- sets/Videos/Allflex%20Tissue%20Sampling %20Tutorial%20NO%20AAA%20REF%20 (Updt%2001.2017).mp4. A good, old-fashioned ear notch can be used for collecting samples strictly for BDV testing. A skin biopsy, approximately one- quarter to one-half inch in size, should be immediately placed in formalin, then sent for testing. Heath emphasized that tissue samples should not be frozen, and if there is a tattoo in the ear, producers should avoid collecting from that spot because the tattoo ink may interfere with the test, and taking tissue out of the tattoo may make it illegible in the future. Shipping Samples Given the effort put into collecting blood or tissue samples and the investment made

weather includes freezing temperatures, Heath suggested waiting to mail the pack- age until the cold spell has passed. A Sty- rofoam cooler placed snugly inside a card- board box works well for mailing samples, he added. Step 2: To prevent damage to speci- mens in transit, ensure blood tubes have adequate cushioning and are bagged to prevent leakage. Add a layer of filler, like newspaper or bubble wrap, between cold packs and specimens. Keep paperwork dry by packaging it in a separate zip-lock bag. Step 3: Add filler to decrease empty space within the secondary packaging. Se- cure the entire package with tape. Step 4: Work with the shipper to label the package in accordance to the speci- men’s classification; typically, identifying the package as “biological substance” is required. Using these tips, blood and tissue samples can be collected and shipped successfully, helping producers arm themselves with information to make decisions about their herd. PT The Bentkes have been valuable support- ers and promoters of Akaushi cattle and Akaushi beef. Rockin’ B Cattle Company and the entire Bentke family – Mark, Sher- ri, Corey and Colleen – thank you for your passion and excitement for the Akaushi breed. Your commitment and contributions to the breed have not gone unnoticed. PT

LEGACY AWARD Continued from page 18

to commercial and registered bulls to pro- duce replacement heifers and herd bulls. Using Akaushi genetics, they are still able to raise valuable replacement females, while gaining extra premiums with their terminal cattle.

Akaushi Prime Time • Winter 2020

   A glimpse at some of the AAA members who attended the annual convention. Thanks to everyone who made this a great event! 2019 American Akaushi Association Convention

Australian guest Alan Peggs (left) and Bill Fisher.

From left, Don Garrison, Aaron Cooper, Jennifer Fisher, JoJo Carrales and Ron Fisher.

From left, James Cornelius, Savannah Cornelius holding nephew Hollis Driver, Sara Black, Len Cornelius, Herff Cornelius, Ricky Black and Wyatt Cornelius.

From left, Joe Beltz, Terry Ter Wee, Michael Ruth, John Dell, Christina Beltz and Jimmy Sterling.

Nanna and Austin Brown II.

Jennifer Barnes (right) with son Matthew Farr.

Austrailian guests Katey, John and Matilda Dawkins.

From left, Corinne Yancy, Kim Birkenfeld, Donald Birkenfeld and Jim Yancy.

South Africa guests Frans and Almie Stapelberg.

RIGHT: DigitalBeef ® Operations Manager Jaye Massey (left) with Misty and Christy Guy of Chickadee Cattle.

From left, Patti and Kent Wayman and Cee Arnett.

www.akaushi.com • Winter 2020

2019 AAA Hall of Fame Inductees Honored

impact on the association and breed. The 2019 AAA Hall of Fame inductees are Gail Morris, Cee Arnett, John Shull, and Bubba and Janie Bain. Gail Morris Gail Morris, Bovina Feed- ers president, has likely fed more Akaushi cattle than anyone in the world. He started feeding his first Akaushi cattle in 2009. To- date, he has been a part of feeding approximately 80,000 Akaushi cattle. He started working at Bovina Feeders in 1977 and became its manager shortly after; he had that position until 2013. Over the years, Gail has been a major proponent of the Akaushi breed, which has been a positive for all Akaushi breeders. Cee Arnett Bovina Feeders General Manager Cee Arnett’s in- volvement with Akaushi started in 2013 when he started working at Bovina Feeders finishing Akaushi cattle. Cee actively promotes the Akaushi breed. He has entered many halfblood Akaushi in the Texas Cattle Feeders Association’s Fed Beef Challenge to show how well Akaushi cattle grade. He and his family also run Akaushi bulls on their ranch near Clayton, N.M., and he’s helped his friends and feeding custom- ers use Akaushi bulls on commercial cows. Dr. John Shull John Shull, DVM, Brazos Valley Genetics owner, is a board-certified theriogenol-

I n 2018, the American Akaushi Association (AAA) established the Hall of Fame to recognize and honor visionary in- dividuals who have made outstanding contributions

to AAA and the Akaushi breed. During the 2019 Annual Convention, the organization added five individuals to its Hall of Fame. These inductees were recognized for their positive

30 th Edition Bull Sale Saturday, March 21, 2020 1:00 PM Central At the Ranch | Carthage, Missouri

Selling 95 Bulls 75 Charolais 10 Halfblood Akaushi 10 Fullblood Akaushi And 15 Females Charolais/Red Angus 3-in-1 Pairs 6 with fullblood ET calves (4 bulls, 2 heifers) sired by HB Rhubarb, a son of Rueshaw. 9 with halfblood calves. All bred back to our impressive junior herd sire: HB Hot Damn 9249E.

HB Hot Damn 9249E Reg # AF103980 Growth : Big WW; 30 month weight of 1745 lb. Eye Appeal : Looks still count! Soundness : Great feet and legs. Disposition : Perfect. Foundation Stock : Check his pedigree!

VIEW/BID LIVE ONLINE:

Larry & Peggy Aschermann Carthage, Missouri (417) 793-2855 cell • (417) 358-7879 e-mail: hayhook@gmail.com www.aschermanncharolais.com

Visit our website for updates and sale catalog. Videos available the weekend prior to the sale. Catalogs mailed upon request.

Continued page 23

Akaushi Prime Time • Winter 2020

HALL OF FAME INDUCTEES Continued from page 22

AAA Executive Director Kaci Carrales with the Class of 2019 Hall of Fame inductees, from left to right, John Shull, DVM, Cee Arnett, Gail Morris, and Janie and Bubba Bain.

ogist who has been involved with embryo transfer work for more than three decades. In 2001, he began an exten- sive Akaushi embryo trans- fer project, and his profes- sional experience has played a critical role in expanding the breed. With more than 12,000 transfers, John has been a key contributor to the breed’s growth in the United States. His vast knowledge and experience with the breed is an asset for all Akaushi breeders. Bubba and Janie Bain Bubba and Janie Bain moved to South Texas in 2009 to lead the AAA as executive director and ex- ecutive assistant. Prior to joining AAA, Bubba was di- rector of field services for a breed association, owner/op- erator of an embryo trans- fer facility, manager of cow- calf operations and owner/ operator of a feedyard and feed mill. The couple was instrumental in building the association and guiding its growth; they established association programs, pro- moted the breed at industry events and grew the associ- ation’s membership. Today, the pair continues to pro- mote Akaushi as association field representatives. AAA and its members of- fer Gail, Cee, John, Bubba and Janie heartfelt con- gratulations for this well- deserved honor. The asso- ciation is grateful for their service and contributions to AAA and the Akaushi breed. PT

Junior Page Prime Time San Jacinto Winter 2020

SAN JACINTO RANCH LLC Texas BQA Award Winner • Huntsville, Texas Available private treaty: halfblood and¾blood Akaushi heifers, from Red Angus and Brangus dams crossed with registered Akaushi sires We annually perform Neogen’s® Ingenity® DNA test on all of our heifers, giving us management data for three indexes (maternal,performance and carcass) and 17 traits of genetic potential.

We have several very different Akaushi Sire bloodlines – Big Al • Heart Brand Red Emperor Shigamaru • Hikari • Tamamaru

On the dam’s side, bloodlines include – Akido • Kazutomo 1KYUHB C00621 Heartbrand T0326N • Haruko

Come by the Ranch just west of Huntsville, Texas to visit us! SJ Carolyn & Howard Davis 713-542-7777 • 713-899-4232 HBDavisJr47@gmail.com A akaushi m e m b e r theameric nakaushiassociation ®

www.akaushi.com • Winter 2020

Rancho Lamision, Genaro Garcia Hinojosa, Monterrey, Mexico La Nutria, Ricardo Romero Garcia, San Nicolas de los Garza, Mexico Agroganaderia Aguas Claras S.P.R de R.L.,

NEW MEMBERS

Silver Sage Akaushi, Lodema Knudson, Colorado City, Ariz. Johnathan Ellisor, The Woodlands, Texas Dutson Family Ranch, Daniel S. Dutson, St. George, Utah

Cesar Montemayor Guevara, Villa de Garcia, Mexico Ganaderia San Rafael S.P.R, Manuel Garcia Gonzalez, Monterrey, Mexico Rancho El 08, Jose M. Medina Chapa, Monterrey, Mexico Rancho San Salvador, Enrique Barreda Garza, Monterrey, Mexico Pedro Arreguin, Cypress, Texas Robert A. Cullen Jr., Austin, Texas M&C Farms Inc., Mike Hunt, Muleshoe, Texas Cerise Ranch, Lowell and Mary Cerise, Salmon, Idaho Holland Stock Farm, Tony Holland, Bronte, Texas PS1 Cattle Co., Mark Cadra, Shamrock, Texas David Craig and Janie Hoffman, Tucumcari, N.M. Prescott Cattle & Consulting LLC, Wyatt Prescott, Fairfield, Idaho Allen Ranch LLC, David L. Allen, Downey, Idaho A2 Bull Bank, Vernon St. John, Maricopa, Ariz. Evridge Farms, John and Amanda Evridge, Midkiff, Texas 3C Land & Cattle LLC, Jim Leslie, Dacoma, Okla. Bar 46, James, James Jr. and Jacquelyn Moreno, Culdesac, Idaho Double K Ranch, Marshall Wright, Aledo, Texas Maramia Ranch, Khal Yaghi, Austin, Texas Seven Stars Organic Farm LLC, Dean Willbanks, Avondale, Ariz. Texas Ten Cattle Company, Doug and Angela Heimer, Spring Branch, Texas Big Daddy Ranch, Rob Hagey, Nolanville, Texas A- Ranch, John and Mary Lou Block, Gothenburg, Neb. JKCA Ranch LLC, Mike and Michelle McMillan, Big Spring, Texas Younglund Ranch, Monty Younglund, New Raymer, Colo. 2 Bar 2 Cattle, Noel McAlexander, Austin, Texas Estes Ranch, Greg Estes, San Angelo, Texas Four L Akaushi, Jim Long, Sandia, Texas Brushy Creek Ranch, Larry Jeffery, McAlester, Okla. Gorges Cattle Company, Terry Gorges, Mount Hope, Kan. Herd Ranch, Dallas Nitschke, Tyler, Texas Justin Anderson, Magnolia, Texas ABN Ranch, Al Nessinger, Hatch, Utah Rapid Lightning Ranch, Donald and Julie Skinner, Sandpoint, Idaho

Davis Farms, Tim Davis, Murphy, N.C. MRL Ranch, Michael and Laura Ruth, Sulphur Springs, Texas

Murphy Family Ranch, LLC, Robert Mackey, Sonora, Calif. Cotter Ranch LTD, Lacy Cotter Vardeman, Slaton, Texas Edward Owens, Reno, Nev. HJ Ranch, H. Duane Johnson, Simpsonville, S.C. Eastham Ranch, James and Melissa Eastham, McKinney, Texas Oro Viejo, Federico Cenoz Baca, San Antonio, Texas Red & Black Akaushi LLC, Felipe Navarro, China Grove, Texas Johnny Holder, Weatherford, Texas Climax Akaushi Farms LLC, Tyler Mort, Climax, N.Y. High Noon Farms, Rod and DeAnne Roberts, Dickens, Texas Morace Cattle Company LLC, Cole Morace, Humble, Texas Jose Alejandro Acosta Salinas, Monterrey, Mexico

Akaushi Prime Time • Winter 2020

CALENDAR OF EVENTS

Registered Akaushi Cattle Percentage Blood and Purebred BROKEN WINDS CATTLE COMPANY

Looking to order an item we have high- lighted above? HeartBrand Beef and the American Akaushi Association have teamed up to allow producers a steady sup- ply of Akaushi beef through HeartBrand Beef’s retail website. HeartBrand Beef offers all active AAA members a discount when ordering online. Give us or the AAA a call, (877) AKAUSHI, to receive the dis- count code. We also have specials on whole pieces from time to time, and we can add you to the list to receive a phone call when these pieces are available. If interested, please email me to get your name added to the list. We look forward to delivering the beef for your next meal. PT APRIL 25-26 Hemphill County Cattlemen’s Symposium, Canadian, Texas JUNE 4-7 9th Annual American Akaushi Association Convention, Horseshoe Bay, Texas 15-17 Colorado Cattlemen’s Convention, Colorado Springs, Colo. JULY 18-19 Oklahoma Cattlemen’s Convention, Norman, Okla. 22-26 Arizona Cattlemen’s Convention, Scottsdale, Ariz. AUGUST 3 Preliminary Fall WHR Inventory Mailed 19-21 World Wagyu Congress, South Africa – POSTPONED SEPTEMBER 1 Fall WHR Invoices Mailed Broken Winds_1-4_PTFall19.indd 1 BEEF MATTERS Continued from page 13 FEBRUARY 3 Online Registration Opens for 9th Annual American Akaushi Association Convention 3 Preliminary Spring WHR Inventory Mailed 5-7 Cattle Industry Convention and NCBA Trade Show, San Antonio, Texas MARCH 2 Spring WHR Invoices Mailed 21 Aschermann Charolais/Akaushi 30th Edition Bull Sale, Carthage, Mo. 27-29 Texas and Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association Convention, Fort Worth, Texas

1/4 Vertical, 4 color Prime Time Comanche Cattle Company Fall 2019

Joe Beltz Canyon, Texas ● (806) 683-7329 cowhand@me.com www.brokenwindscattleco.com

A akaushi m e m b e r theameric nakaushiassociation ®

Comanche Cattle Company Proven Akaushi Genetics Selling registered, fullblood Akaushi cattle through private treaty.

A akaushi m e m b e r theamericanakaushiassociation ® FULLBLOOD BULLS FOR SALE

For more information contact:

Joe Beltz Canyon,Texas 806-683-7329 cowhand@me.com www.comanchecattleco.com

www.akaushi.com • Winter 2020

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