The_Ledger_Spring_2019

THE LEDGER Association News | Features | Events & Shows SPRING 2019

National Show and Sale

Official Publication of the American Aberdeen Association

Winning in the Pasture and the Show Ring Sandford Ranches Offers the Best of Both Worlds

2019 National Champion Aberdeen Moderator Bull DCS Forever More 4F Aberdeen Reg# 38642 Sired by Duff Trust Me 2525, owned and shown by Deep Creek Seedstock and Effertz EZ Ranch

Semen Available

Semen Available

DUFF Trust Me 2525 Aberdeen Reg# 22055 Fairwyn’s Low Beau 204M x DUFF Amigo 927K Juanda 071 At Sandford Ranches, we are utilizing Aberdeen sires on our 2,500-head herd of registered Angus, Aberdeen Plus and commercial Angus cattle. We recognize the intrinsic value of a moderate-framed, grass-efficient cow that can thrive on well-managed pasture. The efficiency of this type and kind of cattle has helped us grow from our humble beginning to our current scale, as well as bring multiple generations into the family owned operation.

DUFF Mercy Me 459 Aberdeen Reg# 28474 Ardrossan Orient x DUFF 927K Instinct 1541

Commercial Pricing Available

Sandford Ranches Jack Sandford—Greenwood, Texas Call to order Semen ($30/Straw/$30/Cert.) — 940-389-9225

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Heaven Sent Ranch THe HudlOw FAMily

DENV E R 2 0 1 9

Thanks to our Customers and Congratulations to

Winner Maker Farms • Kiowa, CO

JC Ranch • Malvern, AR

HSR Jacks Baby Girl 2019 NWSS Reserve National Champion Junior Yearling Heifer Purchased at 2018 Supreme Sale

HSR The Forgotten Rose

2019 NWSS National Champion Yearling Heifer Purchased at 2018 National Sale

HSR Showgirl 4105 2019 NWSS Reserve National Champion Spring Heifer Calf

HSR Jacks Shining Star

2019 NWSS National Champion Senior Heifer Calf

We have a Super Set of 2018 Moderator Heifers FOR SALE – gIVE US A cALL!

Heaven Sent Ranch

Jacob and Kendall Choctaw, Okla. Jacob: (479) 601-1551

Mike, Valerie and Hailey Fayetteville, Ark. Mike: (479) 841-9319

cAttLE FOR SALE At ALL tImES

“Championship Genetics with Commercial Application and Eye Appeal”

Spring 2019 INSIDE THE LEDGER

THE LEDGER The official publication of the American Aberdeen Association is published quarterly and mailed to AAA members and interested parties. MAGAZINE STAFF Publisher Blueprint Media P.O. Box 427, Timnath, CO 80547 email: info@blueprintma.com Managing Editor JESSIE TOPP-BECKER jbecker@blueprintma.com • (701) 307-0772 Editor LISA BARD • lbard@blueprintma.com (970) 498-9306 National Account Sales Manager DEAN PIKE • Dean.pike249@gmail.com (303) 810-7605 Designer/Materials Coordinator MEGAN SAJBEL • msajbel@blueprintma.com

ON THE COVER Logan Litchfield leads his Aberdeen yearling heifer to the National Aberdeen Show at the 2019 National Western Stock Show in Denver, Colo.

FEATURES Annual Meeting Report

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Highlights from the annual meeting and banquet during the National Western Stock Show.

(303) 981-4668 Administration LESLIE MCKIBBEN lmckibben@blueprintma.com (970) 556-9296 Copy Editor LARISA WILLRETT

Starting from Scratch

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Rethinking AAA’s governance structure.

AJAA Heifer Raffle and Auction See who took home the

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facebook.com/TheLedgerMagazine

donated heifer and learn the results of the AJAA auction.

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The Principle of Pasture Diversity

NEXT ISSUE ADVERTISING DEADLINE ISSUE: DEADLINE: Summer 2019 April 19, 2019 The Ledger is recognized by the American Aberdeen Association as the official breed publication for Ab erdeen cattle; however, management, editing and financial responsibilities are vested in BluePrint Media LLC. We reserve the right to edit or refuse any copy or advertising material submitted for publication. BluePrint Media LLC hereby expressly limits its liability resulting from any and all mis prints, errors and/or inaccuracies in advertisements or editorial content. The opinions and views expressed in all editorial material are those of the writer or the person interviewed and not necessarily those of American Aberdeen Association. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to: American Aberdeen Association, 19590 East Main Street, Suite 104, Parker, CO 80138.

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Plant diversity in your pasture benefits your cattle, your pastures and your bottom line.

Meet the Rancher: C.A.B.B. Farms

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Read about the Bender family and how they are using Aberdeen genetics on their grass fed and finished operation.

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2019 National Western Stock Show Results

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Find out who exhibited the Grand and Reserve Grand Champion Aberdeen at the NWSS.

DEPARTMENTS 10 President’s Column 10 Junior Corral 11 Aberdeen Sale Report

18 Logistics 18 Aberdeen Events 23 Ad Index

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SPRING 2019 | 5

American Aberdeen Celebrates at 2019 Meeting

The American Aberdeen

Association celebrated achievements and milestones at their annual banquet, annual meeting and national show and sale at the 2019 National Western Stock Show. The well attended events brought plenty of fellowship, fun and success. Here’s to another great Aberdeen year! TL

Janis Black (center) is recognized for her nine years of service to the American Aberdeen Association as she finishes out her last term. Presenting her with a belt buckle for her service are 2018 AAA Board members (l-r) Rob Fanning, Darwin Engelkes, Wade Coffey, Gary Gilbert, Neil Effertz and Craig Walker.

Right: Shea (center) and Maddie (on phone held by Shea) Esser are honored as AAA Herdsman of the Year. Presenting the buckles to the Essers are Rob Fanning and AAA President Janis Black. Below: Wade Coffey (left) presents the AAA Breeder of the Year to (l-r) Rick, Shelley and Jalyn Dodd of Topline Aberdeen Cattle Company.

Above: Jan Effertz (right) receives the Distinguished Service Award from President Janis Black (left) in recognition of her contributions to the American Aberdeen Association.

Right: AAA Board members for 2019 are (back row, l-r) Rob Fanning, Allen Sieverkropp, Gary Gilbert and Wade Coffey and (front row, l-r) AAA Vice President Darwin Engelkes, President Craig Walker and Secretary/ Treasurer Neil Effertz.

Right: The AAA National sale draws a crowd in Denver.

Below: Darwin Engelkes (at podium) introduces junior scholarship recipients at the AAA annual banquet, (l-r) Carson Schnieders, Madalyn Gabel, Jaysie Schoenfeld, Taylor Kruger and Jordan Gilles. AJAA President Duncan Haiar stands to the right of Darwin.

Joel Judge judges at the National Aberdeen Show at National Western Stock Show.

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SELLING 25 HEAD Private Treaty ongoing March - June, 2019 H erd R eduction S ale !

Ausmerica Apex Bringing Aberdeen Genetics to the Peak.

This was a very tough decision. We love every cow on the place! We have simply outgrown our pasture limitations. Every animal has elite genetics, most are young, all in excellent flesh, Heifer & Bull Calves Breeding-age Bulls Embryos by Encore & Roulette We are selling mostly Aberdeen Plus and purebred cattle, plus a few fullbloods – Bred Cows (some with calf) Bred Heifers

docile and the right kind to start or improve a herd. CONTACT US TODAY!

He just keeps getting better!

The cattle for sale are progeny fromour four notable herd sires. Semen also available!

KRYPTONITE

ENCORE

DOC HOLLIDAY

CONSISTENTLY DOCILE • STOUT • DEEP-RIBBED • CORRECT • OUTCROSS

'CROSS CREEK FARMS Ron & Cindy Jackson Bluett 909 Travelstead Rd. • Adolphus, KY 42120 Cell: 270-606-0965 Email: crosscreekcattle@gmail.com www.crosscreekcattle.com Contact us for more information!

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AMERICAN ABERDEEN ASSOCIATION 19590 East Main Street, Suite 104 Parker, CO 80138 • (303) 840-4343 info@americanaberdeen.com www.americanaberdeen.com BOARD OF DIRECTORS President CRAIG WALKER • W Diamond Livestock Co. 1601 Springfield Rd. • Roswell, NM 88201 (575) 626-7444 wdiamondlivestock@gmail.com www.wdiamondlowlines.com Vice President DARWIN ENGELKES • Pine Hurst Farm 16927 H Ave. • Wellsburg, IA 50680 (319) 415-0540 pinehurstfarm@live.com Secretary NEIL EFFERTZ • Effertz EZ Ranch 17350 Hwy 1804 N. • Bismarck, ND 58503 (701) 471-0153 effertz@bektel.com • www.loala.com Director GARY GILBERT • Gilbert Aberdeen Angus 3986 Lindahl Rd. • Hermantown, MN 55810 (218) 348-7877 tgjgilbert@aol.com Director ROB FANNING • Fanning Cattle Co. 877 Oakland Lane • Harrodsburg, KY 40330 (309) 373-2996 fanningcattleco@yahoo.com Director WADE COFFEY • 7C Aberdeen Cattle Co. 4001 W Glencoe Rd. • Stillwater, OK 74075 (405) 880-6908 coffeyiron@gmail.com Director

A s your new American Aberdeen Association (AAA) president, I would like to extend the most heartfelt thank you to Janis Black for her dedication and the thankless hours she has donated over the last nine years. Job well done, Janis! The 2019 National Western Stock Show and AAA National Sale were well attended, and the excitement about the breed was obvious. Congratulations to all ex hibitors for your success and displaying the deepest set of cattle this breed has exhibited to date. PRESIDENT ’S COLUMN  CRAIG WALKER The highlight of the show and annual meeting was the keynote speaker, Paul Moya, who brought insight, enthusiasm and empowerment to us all. We all walked away with renewed enthusiasm for our breed, a vision that encouraged us to “rethink how we think,” and a feeling of unity for our future direction. The take away from Paul’s presentation was to give the breed back to the breeders. Over time, members have become reliant on the AAA Board of Direc tors to do all the leg work and make all the decisions. Paul reminded us this is not the board’s responsibility. This is the responsibility of the committees and members. The board’s job is to oversee and keep the breed moving in a posi tive direction, while the committees, made up of active members, are the legs of the breed. During the meeting, it was adopted and implemented to initiate a “grass roots” movement to empower the committees and the regional associations. Every active member will have a voice through committee participation. A quote that Paul left us with is, “If you don’t actively participate, then you don’t earn the right to have a voice.” The AAA Board is excited for the opportunity to serve our membership in a new capacity. We would ask for all members, new and old, to contact your region (visit the AAA website for more information) and actively participate in the process for the betterment and growth of our breed. As your new president, my goal for this next year is to keep the membership engaged and moving in a positive, informed and unified direction. We look forward to the future of OUR association. “The achievements of an organization are the results of the combined effort of each individual.” – Vince Lombardi TL G reetings, everyone. I hope everyone is doing well after the National Western Stock Show. The American Junior Aberdeen Association (AJAA) Board of Directors had a busy week in Denver, Colo. Congratulations to all the juniors who participated in the junior show! Mother Nature threw a curve ball on Thursday – it snowed! It was perfect tim ing since the AJAA members had coffee and donuts for everyone. Thank you to Derek Kruger and Chris Spear for donating the coffee and donuts. During the American Aberdeen Association (AAA) National Sale, the juniors sold a heifer as a fundraiser. A huge thank you to the Wade and Cheryl Coffey family for donating the heifer; Neil Effertz for buying the heifer; everyone who gave add-ons for the heifer; and, last but not least, JDA Auctions for helping with the sale. The AAA Annual Banquet was a success as well. Many items were auctioned off to benefit the AJAA and its members. Thank you to all who donated auction items and those who purchased items; Shea Esser for bid calling; and Shane Goss, Darwin Engelkes and Chris Spear for the ring help. JUNIOR CORRAL  DUNCAN HAIAR, AJAA PRESIDENT

ALLEN SIEVERKROPP • S Four Farms PO Box 235 • Ephrata, WA 98823 (509) 750-4203 allens4@odessaoffice.com www.sfourfarms.com

AAA Representative  DEAN PIKE

Need assistance in purchasing Aberdeen cattle, marketing your program or herd management? Contact Dean Pike: (303) 810-7605 Dean.pike249@gmail.com

For information about registering animals or membership, contact the AAA Office: 19590 East Main Street, Suite 104 Parker, CO 80138 • (303) 840-4343 The American Aberdeen Association is a not-for-profit corporation of North Dakota dedicated to the preservation and promotion of Aberdeen cattle . The International Year Code for 2019 is: G info@americanaberdeen.com www.americanaberdeen.com

Continued on page 14 

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ABERDEEN SALE REPORT

National Aberdeen Sale Jan. 24, 2019  Denver, Colo.

with bull calf alongside, ILC Shelby GT, by ILC Locomo tive, was consigned by Idaho Livestock, Hayden, Idaho, and was sold to University of Findlay, Findlay, Ohio, for $5,000. The high-selling fullblood bull, Lot 8, FCC Johnny Ringo, was consigned by Fanning Cattle Company, Har rodsburg, Ky., and was sold to Robert O’Neil, Wattsburg, Penn., for $5,750. The high-selling open Aberdeen Plus female, Lot 12, FD Juliet, was consigned by Four D Land & Cattle, Athol, Idaho, and was sold to Robin Smith, Kiowa, Colo., for $6,500. The high-selling bred Moderator Plus female, Lot 10, SFR Rain, was consigned by Sunflower Ranch, Ramah, Colo., and was sold to Jennifer Booker, Colfax, Wash., for $1,150. The high-selling open Modera tor female, Lot 7, FCC CRH Erica 4F, was consigned by Fanning Cattle Company, and was sold to Trinity Cattle Ranch, Castle Rock, Colo., for $2,900. The high-selling bred Moderator female, Lot 3, Gilbert Ella 7559E, was consigned by Gilbert Aberdeen Angus, Hermantown, Minn., and was sold to Sullins Ranch, Beggs, Okla., for $4,700. The high-selling Moderator bull, Lot 4, Gilbert Eiffel 7522E, was consigned by Gilbert Aberdeen Angus, and was sold to Sullins Ranch for $3,500. The high-selling bred purebred female, Lot 23, LFL Dee T1, was consigned by Litchfield Family Lowlines, Boone, Iowa, and was sold to Robert O’Neil for $1,250. TL

SALE AVERAGES 7 Fullblood Bulls

$2,200 $3,500 $2,500 $7,300 $6,500 $2,100 $3,250

1 4 5 1 1 2 2 1 1

Moderator Bull

Open Fullblood Females Bred Fullblood Females Open Aberdeen Plus Female Bred Moderator Plus Female Open Moderator Females

Bred Purebred Females Fullblood Cow-Calf Pair

$975

$5,000 $1,150

Flush

43 Embryos

$710

35 Units of Semen $102 The sale was managed by James Danekas & Associates, Inc. The auctioneers were C.D. “Butch” Booker and Cotton Booker. The high-selling open fullblood female, Lot 32, SWR Red Demo, was consigned by Wobig Ranch, Cody, Neb., and was sold to Chris Spear and Rogelio Hernan dez, Lovington, N.M., for $4,500. The high-selling bred fullblood female, Lot 25, TL True Vista, was consigned by Topline Aberdeen Cattle, Monroe, Wash., and was sold to Jorgensen Ranch, Madera, Calif., for $17,000. The high selling fullblood cow-calf pair, Lot 16, ILC Mustang Sally,

The FAB FIVE sell March 23, 2019 in th e MODERATE FOR PROFIT SALE | MITCHELL, SD

These are some of the TOP PICKS from the 2018 HEIFERS! They are the herd building kind!

JJ Maxine 11F BD 4-15-18 Moderator Sire: WDL R2D2

JJ Ruth 13F BD 4-24-18 Moderator Sire: WDL R2D2

JJ Jenny 2F BD 4-3-18 Moderator Sire: DCS Cash 1C

JJ Marie 3F BD 4-6-18 Fullblood Sire: JH Mister Jack 5A

JJ Faye 17F BD 5-2-18 Moderator Sire: WDL R2D2

FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT 2J LIVESTOCK | Casper, Wyoming | (307) 262-1279 | 2jlivestock@gmail.com 2J LIVESTOCK Also Selling at the Ranch are a Top Select Group of Bulls! THESE ARE THE CREAM OF THE CROP!

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Starting From Scratch Rethinking AAA’s Governance Structure

BY JESSIE TOPP-BECKER, MANAGING EDITOR R egardless of size or scope, all organizations strive to make an impact. The key to an organization making a lasting impact is members working together to accomplish a common goal. With diverse members and ideas, that can sometimes be a challenge. But it doesn’t have to be. A well-thought out governance structure, effective communication processes and active members help organizations make long-term impacts. Prior to addressing American Ab erdeen Association (AAA) members during the 2019 AAA Annual Banquet, Paul Moya, Millennial Labs CEO, spent time asking members about their vi sion for the association. While gather ing member feedback, one word kept recurring – unity. As a breed, American Aberdeen is in a unique position to meet growing consumer demand, but in order to do that, the association and members

have to come together to capitalize on the opportunity. “I think there’s a huge opportunity on the line through this association,” Moya said. “If we could come together as one and figure out how to govern and lead this association effectively, then we can actually capitalize on those opportunities.” To move forward, Moya suggested rethinking the organization’s current structure. “If we started from scratch right now in this association, how would we think about our governance struc ture?” he asked. Sometimes people think that being an effective organization or company is all about size and sophistication, but it’s not. Rather, it’s about under standing the right structure to have in place where every stakeholder has the opportunity to share ideas. To unite the association and move to a place where members can capital

Paul Moya addresses the Aberdeen Association annual meeting in Denver.

ize on various opportunities, Moya sug gested a new board of directors and committee structure that is focused on active participation and effective com munication. Transparency is key to being a uni fied association. Every AAA member should know the role of the board and

Continued on page 14 

Figure 1

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Building the DCS Pref ix Deep Creek Seedstock

NATIONAL ABERDEEN MODERATOR CHAMPION BULLS FOR SALE Two full sibs to Forever More. Both are herd bull candidates! They have the same style and balance as Forever More and his sister Farrah (pictured below). Contact us for photos and more information.

DCS Forever More 4F BW: 70 lb | Adj WW: 676 lb Deep Creek Seedstock is honored to have exhibited the National Champion Moderator Bull, DCS Forever More 4F. He is a Duffs Trust Me son out of our great donor cow, EZ Sizzle 137X. He is no accident! His full brother DCS Cash 1C was the high-selling bull at the 2016 National Sale at $22,000, selling to Rowell Cattle Co. of Oklahoma where carcass data is being collected. Another brother, DCS Dividend 3D, is serving in the Black Shadow Aberdeen Farms herd in Kansas. Sizzle is also the dam of the 2014 National Reserve Champion Female, DCS Dazzle, owned by Beechwood Farm of Maine. Thanks and congratulations to Effertz EZ Ranch for purchasing Forever More. We look forward to his future in North Dakota. Our calves were raised in a grass fed, high elevation environment!!

DCS Farrah 2F Full sister and flush mate to Forever More Res. Champion Moderator Heifer 2019 Denver Jr. Show

SELLS MARCH 23 MITCHELL, SD

DCS Federal Reserve 81F BW: 66 lb | Adj WW: 640 lb Aberdeen Enhancer Sire: MCR Making Money Congratulations and thanks to RowellCattle Co. for adding him to their program.

SELLING IN THE MODERATE FOR PROFIT SALE!

DCS Flower 88F

Sire: MCR Making Money We look forward to seeing what the future holds for this fancy Denver class winner.

DEEP CREEK SEEDSTOCK JILLANE PIKE 140246 Mitchell Heights Road · Mitchell, NE 69357 720-891-5171 · jillpike79@gmail.com www.DeepCreekSteedstock.com

GIVE US A CALL!! We would love talk about the breed and our program!

Visit us at Deep Creek Seedstock

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“It’s about every member of this association saying, ‘I’m in this association because I care, because I have a stake in it, and because I’m going to be a vocal participant and take action to move us forward.’” – Paul Moya

Starting From Scratch Continued from page 12

committees, and understand how is sues, ideas and concerns are funneled from the member level to the board of directors. “The answer to transparency is hav ing a more effective structure in place that everyone understands, under stands their role in it and understands what it takes to get an idea from the local operation all the way to the board and become organization wide – that’s transparency,” he said. Moya’s proposed structure is made up of three levels – regions, commit tees and a board of directors (Figure 1). The association’s five regions form the foundation of the proposed structure. Each region is tasked with: 1) creating a vehicle for local mem ber voices to funnel to the board; 2) developing a consensus of regional members on important issues and concerns; and 3) sending a voting representative to each committee meeting. Committees comprise the middle layer of the association. The role of the committees is to: 1) divide up the work of the organization; 2) expedite work by removing routine tasks from monthly board consideration; 3) utilize members’ specific talents and knowl edge; 4) permit broader participation by all members; and 5) create a place where all member voices can be heard. Functional committees ensure that the board can focus on the bigger pic ture, while giving members a pathway to voice their ideas. “If these committees don’t work, then you’re left with a situation where the board is in a really bad spot be cause there’s too much for them to take on,” Moya said. “And the mem bers are in a bad spot because there’s no longer a pathway for them to share ideas. “When committees don’t work, none of it works,” he added.

The board of directors sits at the top of the structure and is tasked with: 1) organizational oversight; 2) effective governance; 3) developing the vision and outlining strategic organizational goals; 4) designing systems for effec tive execution and involvement; and 5) empowering committees to solve problems and develop new ideas. “A lot of times, people think the board handles everything – the board solves all the problems, comes up with all the ideas, passes everything, and we wait and see what happens,” Moya said. “In reality, in an effective struc ture, the role of the board is organiza tional oversight – they’re developing effective governance, they’re the one tasked with developing the vision and strategic organizational goals.” The board’s focus on framing the vision – the big picture so to speak – allows the association to capitalize on future opportunities. Having an effective organization structure that prioritizes committees allows the board to be more proactive rather than reactive because it empow ers committees to solve problems. Effective communication is key to success under the new structure. The design of the structure allows for information flowing in both directions – from members all the way up to the board and vice versa. “It’s about every member of this association saying, ‘I’m in this associa tion because I care, because I have a stake in it, and because I’m going to be a vocal participant and take ac tion to move us forward,’” Moya said. “Whether that’s at the regional level, the committee level or the board level, there is a place in this model where every single voice in this room can be heard.” who is eligible to serve on the board. It is a huge learning experience. The 2019 AJAA Junior National Show and Competitions will be held in Lawrence, Kan., at the Douglas County Fairgrounds, June 24-28. I would like to invite all junior members to par ticipate. Junior nationals is not just

While the model allows (and encour ages) members to share their opin ions, it does not guarantee that things will always go the way a member wants. “Unity isn’t about getting along and having the same opinion on every thing,” he said. “Unity is understanding that we all have a voice, we’re on the same page and understand what’s go ing on … and we have enough faith in each other as an association that we believe they made the right decision with the information they had at the time.” Some may think the proposed structure seems pretty basic, and Moya agreed. “This structure isn’t reinventing the wheel by any means,” he said. “It’s simply trying to understand where we’re trying to go and asking, ‘How do we make sure there are checks and balances across the board?’” With consumers demanding more efficient, environmentally friendly products, AAA is in line to seize the opportunity to provide them with beef that meets their demands. Doing so will require the association to rethink its structure and force members to get involved. “We’re at a place where we can implement something that can create great change,” Moya said. “If we adopt this structure (or a similar structure), then across the association everybody knows their pathway is to let their voice be heard, and it’s up to their personal responsibility to step up. “The only way we win is if everybody says, ‘I’m fully in – I have faith in my peers, I have faith in the structure, I understand how the structure works, and I’m ready to be an active partici pant.’” TL about exhibiting your cattle, although it’s a big part; it’s about seeing all your friends, making new ones and having fun. Many competitions are held dur ing the week, along with some other fun activities. Be on the lookout for more info as the AJAA Board begins to develop the schedule. TL

Junior Corral Continued from page 10

I would also like to give a shout out to our AJAA advisors, Shane Goss, Darwin Engelkes and Kiersten Beilke. If not for our advisors, I am not sure how we could do what we do. They push us and teach us so much. The junior board is a great organization to be a part of. I encourage everyone

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2019 AJAA Heifer Raffflle and Auction

Donated Heifer Buyer Effertz EZ Ranch, Bismarck, N.D.

MISCELLANEOUS LOTS Hitch Cover: Penny Pinching Farms, Roswell, N.M. Beyond the Backdrop Photoshoot: Topline Aberdeen Cattle Co., Monroe, Wash. Canvas Print: Buena Vida Farms LLC, Lovington, N.M.

JUNIOR NATIONAL BUCKLE SPONSORS Grand Champion Percentage Heifer

7C Aberdeen Cattle Company, Stillwater, Okla. Reserve Grand Champion Percentage Heifer Reinken Cattle Company, Boone, Iowa Grand Champion Fullblood Heifer Tunk Mountain Ranch, Riverside, Wash. Reserve Grand Champion Fullblood Heifer LT Livestock, Louisburg, Mo. Grand Champion Percentage Cow-Calf Idaho Livestock, Hayden, Idaho Reserve Grand Champion Percentage Cow-Calf Crazy Town Livestock, Roswell, N.M. Grand Champion Fullblood Cow-Calf Bar J Ranch, Brooten, Minn. Reserve Grand Champion Fullblood Cow-Calf JWJ Lowlines, Isanti, Minn. Grand Champion Overall Steer W Diamond Livestock Co., Roswell, N.M. Reserve Grand Champion Overall Steer

Donated Heifer Buyers Group

Crazy Town Livestock, Roswell, N.M.; Buena Vida Farms, Lovington, N.M.; Baldridge Livestock, Pineville, La.; Idaho Livestock, Hayden, Idaho; Cross Key Farm, Choctaw, Okla.; High Point Lowlines, Victoria, British Columbia; and Lime Kiln Farm, Delmar, N.Y. Thank you to all the Aberdeen breeders who participated in the heifer auction. A special thank you to 7C Aberdeen Cattle Company, Stillwater, Okla., for donating the halfblood heifer! AJAA Auction Results SEMEN LOTS 7C Cerveza: Baldridge Livestock, Pineville, La. FCC SFR Legacy 2E: S Four Farms, Inc., Ephrata, Wash. Red Box: W Diamond Livestock Co., Roswell, N.M. Pure Beef: Sigel Sunset Ranch, Cadott, Wis. 4 Real: Gilbert Aberdeen Angus, Hermantown, Minn. Brambletye Tequila: Crawford Farms, Dixon, Ill. JH Mr. Jack 5A: Tom McKenny, Pownal, Maine TCS Mr. Jack 1D: Y4 Ranch, Hines, Ore. SAG Country Boy: Crazy Town Livestock, Roswell, N.M. Bar J Hybrid: Dan Radamacher, Kiowa, Colo. Duff Mercy Me: Sigel Sunset Ranch, Cadott, Wis. Duff Trust Me: Gilbert Aberdeen Angus, Hermantown, Minn. Bar N Rancher: G Squared Livestock, Calhan, Colo. Ardrossan Orient D332: Dan Rademacher, Kiwoa, Colo. ILC Locomotive: Deep Creek Seedstock, Mitchell, Neb. FT Sir Constantine: Randy and Rebecca Miller, Delmar, N.Y. Legacy: Buena Vida Farms LLC, Lovington, N.M.

Reinken Cattle Company, Boone, Iowa Grand Champion Percentage Bull

7C Aberdeen Cattle Company, Stillwater, Okla. Reserve Grand Champion Percentage Bull

Crazy Town Livestock, Roswell, N.M. Grand Champion Fullblood Bull Cross Key Farm, Choctaw, Okla.

Reserve Grand Champion Fullblood Bull Randy and Rebecca Miller, Delmar, N.Y. OTHER JUNIOR

NATIONAL SPONSORSHIPS T-Shirt Sponsors: Tummons Cattle Co., Gallatin, Mo. Bucket Sponsors: Idaho Livestock, Hayden, Idaho

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LOGIST ICS  NE I L EFFERTZ Rules Work It is in your best interest to tag or retag your animals at home with the exact number to match their tattoo number. This helps eliminate confu sion and duplication. Many times, we see animals that still have their sale lot number tags, which some breed ers never cut out and are still using as the identifying number in their herd records. This is not a good practice and often leads to chaos. The Future The Aberdeen breed is now in the process of developing a U.S. Depart ment of Agriculture (USDA) certified beef program for Aberdeen and Aber deen Moderator (including Aberdeen Plus) progeny that can be certified through the USDA Process Verification System. Under this process, it is imperative to keep good records, and the first step is to have your animals properly identified. DNA may be required on the sires of all calves entering this program, or in the case of an Aber deen female’s offspring entering the program, DNA on the Aberdeen cow. There may be a requirement of an electronic ID on all certified Aber deen-cross feeder cattle entering the program for the Certified Aberdeen Beef program. The USDA Process Verification Program may require certain qualifica tions that will be verified by periodic USDA audits such as: 1. Source verification – all animals can be fully traced from ranch to harvest. 2. Parentage verification – this sets our breed apart from others

F rom when we were young and in grade school to now as adults, there are rules in everything we do. Rules are intended to create order out of chaos. They are intended to make it better for EVERYONE involved. The key word is everyone , not just you. Rules also save time and money. One rule that our breed has ad opted is the proper identification and tattooing of your Aberdeen seed stock, making them worth more than commodity price, with: 1. Your breeder letters (unique to your herd); 2. An identifying number; and 3. A year letter, recognized in all breeds across North America (they can be found at https:// americanaberdeen.com/mem ber-resources/international-year letter-codes/ ). In our sales management experi ence, we find a lot of variation in the interpretation of these rules. As we check the tattoos in all the animals in each of our sales, we find some ani mals are not tattooed at all, some are poorly tattooed and some omit the breeder or year letters. These tattoos are unique to your animal and sepa rate its identity from all of the other animals in the breed; they must be done correctly to achieve that unique ness. If you need assistance in tat tooing technique, call an experienced breeder in your area or a member of the Breeder’s Services Committee for advice. A correctly applied tattoo is essential to maintaining accurate records.

since we have DNA on file from the origin of our breed in North America. 3. The Never Ever 3 – No antibiotics fed, no growth promotants (hor mones) and no animal byprod ucts fed. A. Grass fed – All animals in this program have been grown, raised and fattened on a grass (forage) diet. B. 80 percent grass fed/20 per 4. Two feeding options: Paul Moya, the guest speaker at the recent American Aberdeen Associa tion Annual Meeting, accurately point ed out that we have a very unique opportunity in animal agriculture with our breed. We have the potential to deliver a sought-after, high-quality product while satisfying the modern consumer’s desire for animals that have a lower environmental impact, require less water and are sustainably raised in a moderate portion size. He called this a “billion-dollar opportu nity.” This endeavor will take time to work out and develop, but will un doubtedly positively impact the value of all Aberdeen breeding stock. The importance of selling a source verified product that will set itself apart from the competitive meats ab solutely requires following the rules. Remember, rules work. They are good for everyone! TL cent grain fed – cattle must receive a diet that comes from a direct pasture harvest or other roughage sources during all of their lifetime.

ABERDEEN EVENTS

March 23

June 24-29

Moderate for Profit Aberdeen Sale, Mitchell, S.D. Power Plus Annual Bull and Female Sale, Hobart, Okla.

AJAA Junior National Show and Competition, Lawrence, Kan.

29

October 2

West Fryeburg Fair, Fryeburg, Maine

May 31-June 1 Effertz EZ Ranch 13th Annual Focus on Efficiency Breeders Seminar and Production Sale, Bismarck, N.D.

5

Shetler Cattle Company Aberdeen Production Sale, Dickinson, N.D.

Photo by Muddy Creek Ranch

18 | THE LEDGER

The Principle of Pasture Diversity BY ALLEN R. WILLIAMS, PH.D., FOUNDING PARTNER, GRASS FED INSIGHTS, LLC W hat is the principle of di versity? In my experience working with several thou sand farmers and ranch present in plants that have a pro found impact on animal health, plant

health and human health. These secondary and tertiary compounds help plants protect themselves from disease and pests, feed an array of soil microbes, produce medicinal and anti-parasitic benefits in live stock, and provide human health benefits. In Fred Provenza’s, Ph.D., Forag ing Behavior: Managing to Survive in a World of Change , he details the impact of why encouraging rich plant species diversity results in signifi cantly better animal performance and health. His research has shown that livestock grazing pastures with few plant species perform far below that of livestock grazing diverse pastures. He notes that nature constantly alters the nutritive value of specific plants, resulting in shifts in the quantity of available energy, protein, minerals, and secondary and tertiary com pounds. Livestock have to deal with these shifts by recognizing the nutritional deficits in their bodies and in the plants they eat. If livestock are relegated to monoculture or near monoculture pastures, then they have no way to balance their own diet and correct these deficiencies. We must consider that animals are individuals, just as humans are. Therefore, the common “scientific” approach to livestock nutrition of treating all animals within a herd or flock as needing the same nutrition each day is simply erroneous. We have animals at very different stages of growth, lactation, gestation, age, sex, etc. Their daily nutritional needs are going to vary widely. Monoculture or near monoculture pastures do not allow them to select what they need to satisfy their distinct nutritional and medicinal needs. Insects and Birds Galore Another benefit we see from the principle of diversity, and correspond ing plant species diversity and com plexity, is the return of a wide array of insect species, earthworms, spiders and pollinators. The vast majority of these insects are beneficial and not

ers across a wide variety of environ ments and landscapes, I have found that plant species complexity and diversity are critical to building posi tive compounding and cascading ben efits. In that regard, I have concluded that all pastures or rangeland need to have the three primary plant classes represented – grasses, legumes and forbs (broadleaves). Additionally, it is desirable to have a number of species of each of the three primary plant classes. Microbial Species Array There are a number of reasons for wanting multiple species of each of the three plant classes in our pas tures. First, each plant class, and even individual plant species, attract different arrays of microbial spe cies. If we have monoculture or near monoculture pastures, then we limit the microbial species that can be present and active in our soils. Complexity and diversity in plant species results in complexity and diversity in soil microbial species, and significantly increases total soil microbial biomass. We have to re member that most soil microbes live and thrive in the root zone. Greater plant species complexity and diversity results in greater root diversity – root depth, root mass, root exudates. This fuels the underground livestock – soil microbes. Secondary and Tertiary Compounds Greater complexity and diversity in plant species results in greater numbers of plant secondary and tertiary chemical compounds. These are a host of nutritive compounds produced by plants that are often ignored by conventional science. We all know the primary nutritive com pounds that comprise a typical forage analysis. These include crude protein, total digestible nutrients, neutral detergent fiber, acid detergent fiber and mineral profile. However, there are hundreds of other compounds

pests. They are kept in check by spi ders, birds and other predators. Insects are a direct indicator of the status of soil health. These insects and other macro-organisms do a tremendous job of starting the plant litter degradation process required to turn it into new soil. They are also im portant to a thriving ecosystem. More insects attract more predators in the form of spiders, birds and other spe cies. Extended Grazing Increased plant species diver sity also creates a natural extension to the grazing season. One major drawback with monoculture or near monoculture pastures is that we have a definitive peak growing season, with only highly vegetative production on the front end and reproductive stage growth on the back end. The period of peak production for any one plant species is limited. However, with a rich array of plant species present, these peak periods of production are spread over an extended period. This results in a host of benefits that favorably impact our bottom line. First and foremost is significantly greater forage biomass production on an annual basis. More grass, legumes and forbs equals more carrying ca pacity. Second, we naturally extend the grazing season, resulting in lower hay and feedstuff supplementation. Third, we expand the palate of our livestock. They learn to eat a much wider variety of plant species. How to Develop Diversity There are several keys to develop ing a better array of plant species diversity and complexity. First, we

Continued on page 26 

SPRING 2019 | 19

C.A.B.B Farms U sing A berdeen G enetics in a G rass F ed and F inished O peration

BY MACEY MUELLER, FREELANCE WRITER F irst-generation cattle produc ers Dustin and Erin Bender are all about the beef – farm raised, grass fed and finished, locally processed beef. The Lexing ton, Ohio, couple may be new to the cattle industry, but they are making great strides in beef production using quality Aberdeen genetics, extensive record keeping and an open mind. “We knew from the beginning we wanted to raise grass fed beef, and that was in the early 2000s when it was still a pretty novel concept among most producers,” Dustin says. “We relied heavily on the help of our local Ohio State Extension agent, researchers at The Ohio State Univer sity and our own intuition to develop our program, and we’re proud of the product we are able to deliver to our customers.” The Benders both grew up in rural Ohio but had never owned cattle before purchasing their 68-acre, Civil War-era farmstead. With a strong ap preciation for agriculture and rural living, they knew they wanted to raise their children – Amelia and Mathias – on a farm. In 2006, they established C.A.B.B. Farms, an acronym derived from their grandparents’ last names – Caruso, Ault, Borland and Bender – that pays homage to the heritage and

values instilled in them through their families. “Being sustainable has always been the driver in our operation, and it’s important to us that our children understand how and why we feed our cattle the way we do,” Erin says. “It stems back generations in our fam ily; Dustin’s grandmother was grow ing food organically in the ‘60s and ‘70s before that was even a known concept.” While the couple started with reg istered Angus females, the Aberdeen breed began to stand out as they researched options to increase beef productivity on the limited land re sources available. The smaller struc ture of Aberdeen cattle was also ap pealing to the Benders, whose young children are starting to show some of the animals raised on the farm. “Both of our children have a herd that we add to each year, and they are learning to make management decisions for the animals they own,” Dustin says. “Our hope is that we can teach them about beef production through showing while also investing in their future.” The couple began introducing Aberdeen genetics with the purchase of a set of cows in 2013. Their herd has since grown to more than 30 full blood Aberdeen, purebred Angus and Aberdeen-Angus crossbred females. They use a combination of fullblood

Aberdeen bulls and artificial insemi nation. “All the things we love about the Angus breed – the quality, the yield, the value – we could get with the Ab erdeens in a smaller, more compact package, both for showing and for beef production,” Dustin says. The Benders intend to make the most of their land and their cattle with sustainable animal nutrition and management practices. Using an in tensive rotational grazing program on 16 acres of native bluestem, timothy and fescue grasses, the family moves two separate herds of cow-calf pairs through 32 half-acre cells during the spring and summer. Red and white clover has also been planted in the cells for added protein consumption, and in the colder months, cattle are fed hay and mineral supplements. Dustin and Erin have a 38-acre hay meadow and purchase hay they cus tom bale for other local farmers to provide roughage for their cattle. The Benders also background and finish their yearlings with a combina tion of grass, hay, baleage, alfalfa pellets and mineral supplements. The grass fed finishing process can take 20 to 28 months, and the cattle are then processed just 25 miles down the road at E.R. Boliantz Co. The family-owned processing facility is inspected by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and each carcass receives a Quality and Yield Grade.

Continued on page 28 

Erin Bender and her family routinely spend time among their cow herd on their farm in Lexington, Ohio.

20 | THE LEDGER

SPRING 2019 | 21

ABERDEEN  MARKETPLACE

Casper, WY (307) 262-1279 LivestoCk 2J

BREEDER OF NATIONAL CHAMPION ABERDEEN MODERATOR BULL DCS FOREVER MORE 4F Deep Creek Seedstock

Visit us on Facebook!

Jim & Deanna Moris 8339 Adams Lane • Cassville, WI 53806 Phone: 608.725.5552 • Cell: 608.642.1837 Jim@highvoltagefarms.com www.highvoltagefarms.com H usung F arm Jack & Lucille Husung 18549 Deer Ridge Rd. Moody, TX 76557 (254) 681-4811 cell jwhusung@hotmail.com B reeding C hampion L owLines America’s Fullblood Red Lowline Foundation Herd LAZY G www.lazyglowline.com LOWLINES

JILLANE PIKE Mitchell, NE 69357

(720) 891-5171 

jillpike79@gmail.com

www.DeepCreekSeedstock.com

Fine Line Farm LLC

Aberdeen Angus Breeding Stock and Grass-fed Beef

Mike and Linda Wehner PH: (812)-873-0012

Glenn & Nancy Chapman LGL Lazy G Lowlines Vale, Oregon (541) 473-4248

LAZY G lowlines

Visit our website to see our cattle for sale: bblowlines.com

Bill Kauffman 610.842.8415

23 Mountz Rd., Morgantown, PA

lowlineangus@hotmail.com

To place an ad in The Ledger, contact Sales Representative: DEAN PIKE (303) 810-7605 • Dean.pike249@gmail.com

SUMMER ISSUE ADVERTISING DEADLINE Reserve your ad by April 19, 2019!

22 | THE LEDGER

ABERDEEN  MARKETPLACE

Star View Farm Lowline  Aberdeen Bulls  Cows  Calves

MINI COWS WEST

JEFF & TERI SCHELKOPF P.O. Box 343 Sutton, NE 402-469-7294 Home of GMC Rifleman B9900 Co-owned with Grass Master Cattle

‘Genetically Selected Miniature Cattle Breeders’

MINIATURE CATTLE See bios at minicowswest.com SEMEN SALE New Lower Prices! Semen from great Fullbloods bred close to the Trangie release. A Size for Everyone! Semen from two, smaller, belted bulls and one Wagyu.

Gene Kantack 208.523.5959

Semen 

Embryos

5405 Long Cove Dr. Idaho Falls, Idaho Easy4s@msn.com minicowswest.com

Yukon Jack 28Y Son of Yarra Ranges Jackaroo

USA#18469

SVFSales@mail.com AUS#13545 CAN#1249

970 - 691 - 0623 

triplescattleco@windstream.net

StarViewFarmLtd.com

MADE EASY

Tunk Mountain Ranch ABERDEEN CATTLE

Neenah Creek l i ve s tock Specializing in ReD ameRican abeRDeen Breeding for the Best REDAmerican Aberdeen Genetics

Dale Krebs, Owner (608) 584-5605

Darren & Katherine Wise 1765 Tunk Creek Rd. • Riverside,WA 98849 509/846-3075 (D) • 509/846-3013 (K)

www.neenahcreeklivestock.info 2892 county Rd. g • Oxford, Wi 53952 email: dale@neenahcreeklivestock.info

tunkmountainranch@live.com TunkMountainRanch.com

Sigel SunSet Ranch

Cadott, Wisconsin 715.215.9864

U R I L A L O W L I N E S V I C T O R I A A U S T R A L I A

ARTUSI Supreme Champion’s USA qualified

Semen for Sale Bill and Hilery Belton

Breeding exceptional aBerdeen & Moderator cattle for all prograM types. Mark & TaMMy Gilles 715.215.9864 sigelsunsetranch@gmail.com AD INDEX ‘Cross Creek Farm. .......................... 9 2J Livestock............................ 11, 22 Aberdeen Sires.............................. 22 Auction Effertz Ltd............................ 7 B&B Lowlines................................ 22 Black Bull Ranch............................ 22 D&J Farm...................................... 27 Deep Creek Seedstock............. 13, 22 Duff Cattle Company........................ 8 Effertz EZ Ranch. ............................. 5 Fanning Cattle Co.. ........................ 29 Fine Line Farm............................... 22 Heaven Sent Ranch. ........................ 3 Heavenly Arces Ranch LLC.............. 22 Hickamore Hill................................ 22 High Voltage Farms........................ 22 Husung Farm................................. 22 Idaho Livestock........................ 26, 31 Lazy G Lowlines. ............................ 22 Mini Cows West. ............................ 23 Neenah Creek Livestock................. 23

lowlines@beltons.com.au www.urila-lowlines.com.au

L u c k y L a d i e s L o w l i n e s L

Y4 Ranch Missy Ousley, & Cowan Perkins Owners

Triple

Farms

Patti & Kellie 352-255-1728 (P) 352-396-3778 (K)

27810 Hwy. 20 West Hines, Oregon 97738 (541) 589-4852 (541) 589-1475 y4ranch@yahoo.com

P.O. Box 895127 Leesburg, FL 34789

Create your own champions

tripleLfarms13@aol.com

Neil Show Cattle............................. 30 Rowell Cattle Company. ................. 32 S Bar 5 Farms............................... 29 S Four Farms................................. 27 Sandford Ranches............................ 2 Shetler Cattle Company LLC............ 21 Sigel Sunset Ranch........................ 23 Star View Farm Ltd......................... 23 Registered Lowline Angus Cattle Fullblood • DNA Verified

y4ranchlowlines.com

Topline Aberdeen Cattle Co............. 23 Triple L Farms................................ 23 Triple S Cattle................................ 23 Tummons Cattle...................... 16, 17 Tunk Mountain Ranch..................... 23 Urila Lowlines................................. 23 Vanden Heuvel Farm...................... 28 Y4 Ranch...................................... 23

SPRING 2019 | 23

ABERDEEN  SHOW RESULTS 2019 National Western Stock Show Open Show JAN. 23-26, 2019  DENVER, COLO.  OPEN SHOW JUDGE: JOEL JUDGE

Grand Champion Fullblood Bull and Supreme Champion Fullblood TCS Picture Perfect 20F, shown by Tummons Cattle Co., Gallatin, Mo.

Reserve Grand Champion Fullblood Bull AVR Dominator, shown by Archer Valley Ranch, Priest River, Idaho

Grand Champion Fullblood Female SCC Miss Jackie 5F, shown by Tummons Cattle Co., Gallatin, Mo., and Shetler Cattle Co., Dickinson, N.D.

Grand Champion Fullblood Cow-Calf Pair ILC Mustang Sally, shown by Idaho Livestock, Hayden, Idaho

Reserve Grand Champion Fullblood Female EZ Tennille 42F, shown by Effertz EZ Ranch, Bismarck, N.D.

Reserve Grand Champion Fullblood Cow-Calf Pair FCC Echo’s Wink, shown by Mathias Maxwell Bender, Lexington, Ohio

Grand Champion Percentage Heifer and Supreme Champion Percentage Exhibit TCS Miss A 1D 1F, shown by Tummons Cattle Co., Gallatin, Mo.

Reserve Grand Champion Percentage Bull TCS Jacks Hi 14F, shown by Tummons Cattle Co., Gallatin, Mo.

Grand Champion Percentage Bull DCS Forever More 4F, shown by Deep Creek Seedstock, Mitchell, Neb.

Reserve Grand Champion Percentage Cow-Calf Pair Pine Hurst Sassafras, shown by Pine Hurst Farm, Wellsburg, Iowa Continued on page 26 

Reserve Grand Champion Percentage Heifer TCS Erica 5A 21F, shown by Tummons Cattle Co., Gallatin, Mo.

Grand Champion Percentage Cow-Calf Pair ILC Sassy Girl, shown by Idaho Livestock, Hayden, Idaho

24 | THE LEDGER