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full-size crossbred cow, according to the AAA. Because of this efficiency, American Aberdeen are well suited for grass-fed beef production, but also perform well on reduced grain finished diets, for those who prefer grain-fed taste. Ringwall agreed with the econom ics of feeding American Aberdeen females. Whether a large-scale producer or a small-acreage farmer, American Ab erdeen may truly be the breed that’s “one size fits all.” TL G rass M aster C attle WHO SAID BEAUTY IS ONLY SKIN DEEP? 1/2 page Island The Ledger 4 color Grass Master Cattle Summer 2020 “American Aberdeens are a key tool to helping the industry in managing cow size – that’s their value.” –Kris Ringwall, Ph.D. “Managing cow size is a function of profit and it’s a function of sustain ability,” he concluded. “Those cows and their ability to sustain condition in tough times is important.”

(traditional commercial Angus calf crop) and a “range” herd (American Aberdeen-influenced calf crop), Mad dock found that the smaller framed steers had higher marbling scores, a larger ribeye area per 100 pounds and overall lighter carcasses – all while maintaining acceptable Yield Grade. To help producers further capture carcass value, the AAA recently es tablished Aberdeen Premium Beef™ – an age- and source-verification program to help cattlemen document and encourage the use of American Aberdeen genetics. Calves sired by registered fullblood, Aberdeen Plus or Moderator bulls that have DNA samples on file with the AAA are eli gible for the program. “For seedstock producers, this is an opportunity to continue to expand the value and influence of American Aberdeen genetics in the commercial marketplace,” the AAA website states. David Lalman, Ph.D., professor – Harrington Chair and Extension beef cattle specialist, Oklahoma State University, agreed with the benefits of seeking moderation in mature cow size and added, “Today cattle have tremendous capacity for post-weaning growth, carcass weight and marbling.” Lalman also said focusing on fe males with moderate size, growth and milking ability will aid in producing those types of calves within a given production system environment. “Developing females that thrive in their natural production environment without requiring excessive external inputs is essential to a sustainable, profitable system,” he said. Lalman shared that a textbook defi nition of environment often includes forage availability and nutritive value, climate, parasite and disease chal lenges, water location and quality, and soil type; but he adds even more to the meaning of environment. Lal man’s definition of a female that fits her environment is one that can wean a healthy calf every 365 days for 12 consecutive years, is problem free, low cost, utilizes the country, thrives in the good years as well as the bad, and produces calves with the capac ity to gain on grass and build a good reputation for their owner. Gaining on grass is a key charac teristic of American Aberdeen. For many cattle producers, feed is one of the most important line items in the annual cash flow. Halfblood Ameri can Aberdeen females are noted for maintaining themselves on signifi cantly less feed than is required by a

GMC Sturgis AF 38181 2020 National Summer Yearling Champion

GUESSWORK IS OVERRATED Take comfort in knowing that you can expect MORE by using GMC genetics in your herd. Why? More than 15 generations of whole-herd ultrasound testing creates high predictability in your calf crop. Bulls and females for sale by Ducati, Marksman, Stockman and others. Red and Black, Fullblood and Moderators ® , including a full brother to Sturgis!

GMC Sturgis’ marbling image at NWSS

By GMC Rifleman with 3.3 WDA birth to 12 months, shown here at 10 months.

GMC Marksman

co-owned with Gabe Brown, Brown’s Ranch, Bismarck, N.D. Ultrasound at 22 months of age ▪ REA: 20.87 ▪ BF: .15 REA/CWT: 1.61 ▪ Ribeye Ratio: .53 ▪ IMF: 5.0 ▪ Tenderness: 2.2 GMC Pitt Bull A531X

Rick Lloyd ▪ Chamberlain, S.D. 605-730-6152 grassmastercattle@gmail.com

75% Moderator® ▪ DOB: 6/6/2013 ▪ BW: 53 Sire: RLL Scooter ▪ Dam: GMC Crystal Clear Y531

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