The_Ledger_Winter_2021

THE LEDGER Association News | Features | Events WINTER 2021

Official Publication of the American Aberdeen Association ®

It’s about GENETICS...

FM39433

2018 Houston Grand Champion

2018 Canadian National Champion

2019 Houston Res. Grand Champion

2020 Denver Res. Senior Champion

** Certificates, Semen and Embryo Packages Available **

SPECIAL THANKS TO ANDREAS RUEEDI OF SWITZERLAND FOR TRUSTING US AND INVESTING IN OUR GENETICS

Welcome our newest addition: Red rocket BIL 332c (FM 39434) (CALCAN985)

GN Dominis 09H

GN Nobilis 49H

Wes Gunn 830.660.5981 Tracy Gunn 512.304.8792

GunnderosaAberdeens@gmail.com GunnderosaAberdeens.com

2 | THE LEDGER

WINTER 2021 | 3

Winter 2021 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 Designer/Materials Coordinator MEGAN SAJBEL FIELD msajbel@blueprintma.com • (303) 981-4668

ON THE COVER An American Aberdeen bull grazes at Chain Ranch, Canton, Okla. Photo by Kendell Harsh.

FEATURES Colostrum First

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Administration LESLIE MCKIBBEN lmckibben@blueprintma.com (608) 573-2530 Copy Editor LARISA WILLRETT

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Ensuring successful transfer of colostrum to newborn calves is imperative. Bull Buying Considerations and Why Quality Matters

facebook.com/TheLedgerMagazine

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A look at how to ensure you’re making the right selection decisions.

Meet the Rancher: Sandford Ranches

TO ADVERTISE IN THE LEDGER,

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Texas family builds a brand on faith, family and efficient cattle.

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. CONTACT BLUEPRINT MEDIA AT INFO@BLUEPRINTMA.COM OR (970) 498-9306

Parent Verification

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Webinar highlights the value of parentage verification. AAA Annual Meeting and National Show

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Find details about national American Aberdeen events taking place Jan. 27-30 in Woodward, Okla.

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DEPARTMENTS 6

President’s Column

6 8 8 8

Events

Logistics

Junior Corral

AAA New Members

17 Ad Index

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Change Brings a New Commitment

Duff Believe In Me 1805

DUFF BELIEVE IN ME 1805 Act. BW: 60 lbs. • Scrotal: 44 cm Advancing the New Commitment with more than 25 females bred to this 1,680-lb Genetic Improver

Announcing Dean Pike as part of the New Commitment at Idaho Livestock. Dean will be the Program Manager offering 40 years' experience in the seedstock cattle industry.

JOIN OUR VISION. MARKETING Fullbloods • Moderators ® • Semen • Embryos

Visit our Facebook page – Idaho Livestock and Cattle John Tomlinson , Owner · john@idlivestock.com Mike Rose , Ranch Manager · mike@idlivestock.com 208-818-5032 · 2631 E Spring Rock Lane, Hayden, ID www.IDlivestock.com

Dean Pike , Program Manager 303-810-7605 · dean.pike249@gmail.com

WINTER 2021 | 5

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

PRESIDENT ’S COLUMN  CRAIG WALKER, DVM A s we are nearing the end of the year, I always look forward to the winter edition of The Led ger and get excited about what the new year will bring. We will kick off 2021 slightly differently with the National Show and Annual Meeting held in Woodward, Okla. Many things are still fluid, but the schedule and information about the host hotel and annual meeting can be found on page 18. Be sure to visit www.AmericanAberdeen.com for updates. We are in some weird “one-off” times. There have been moments where our products weren’t readily available to a consuming public and where uncer tainty guided most days. We can hide from it or we can jump right out in the middle of it. The one thing that has been brought front and center throughout this pandemic is that the consumer wants direct access to a wholesome food source. As American Aberdeen breeders, we should be jumping in head first to fill this void. Our cattle fit the demands of today’s consumer — they are effi cient, low input and have a small footprint. Aberdeen Premium Beef is right for

DARWIN ENGELKES • Pine Hurst Farm 16927 H Ave. • Wellsburg, IA 50680 (319) 415-0540 pinehurstfarm@live.com Director REBECCA MILLER • Lime Kiln Farm 277 Clipp Road • Delmar, NY 12054 (518) 337-0231 lkfcattle@gmail.com Director

the times. This safe, consistent, age- and sourced-verified product should be popping up from coast to coast. We have been working tirelessly on our new online system, perfecting it so we can start collecting data to allow the breed to establish bench marks. This will provide breeders and buyers meaningful data and ratios that are relevant to make com mercial and purebred buying deci sions. Your participation will propel the breed to a new level. The American Aberdeen Associa tion ® is more than just a registry. We are here to promote the breed. We

The American Aberdeen Association ® is more than just a registry. We are here to promote the breed.

JACK SANDFORD • Sandford Ranches PO Box 556 • Greenwood, TX 76246 (940) 389-9225 sandfordcattle@gmail.com Director ROB FANNING • Fanning Cattle Co. 877 Oakland Lane • Harrodsburg, KY 40330 (309) 373-2996 fanningcattleco@yahoo.com Director ALLEN SIEVERKROPP • S Four Farms PO Box 235 • Ephrata, WA 98823 (509) 750-4203 allens4@odessaoffice.com www.sfourfarms.com Director KENNY HINDS • Comanche Beef 3302 Twilight Beach Rd. • Duncan, OK 73533 (580) 656-4383 khinds@cableone.net For information about registering animals or membership, contact the AAA Office: 19590 East Main Street, Suite 104 Parker, CO 80138 • (303) 840-4343 info@americanaberdeen.com www.americanaberdeen.com The American Aberdeen Association ® is a not-for-profit corporation of North Dakota dedicated to the preservation and promotion of Aberdeen cattle.

have a bank of promotional assets that are used daily to help market American Aberdeen cattle to the buying public. I remind you that these services are not free and the funds to keep it are generated from dues-paying members, along with registrations and transfers. It is crucial to the breed’s success that you to do your part and get your membership paid and your calves registered. I hope you have a safe and happy holiday season, and I look forward to see ing you in Woodward. TL Despite the challenges we’ve encountered in 2020, we look forward to moving ahead – together – for a stronger, better tomorrow. AMERICAN ABERDEEN EVENTS 2021 January 27-30 American Aberdeen February 2 Oiler Aberdeen Heifer Sale, www.sconlinesales.com

Association ® Show and Annual Meeting, Wood ward, Okla.

The International Year Code for 2021 is: J

6 | THE LEDGER

Do the math… More cows on the same forage means more profit. What are your biggest costs? Feed and labor? Taking into account all of the variables Mother Nature throws at you, the key factor you can control is cow size. Getting cow size and stocking rate right has a huge impact on the bottom line. Smaller cows mean more cattle on the same forage base. Spreading your fixed costs over greater numbers and reducing variable costs per head improves net profit.

Change is hard… Cashing bigger checks isn’t. If you’re going to sell 50,000 lb of calves, which load do you want to sell? Load A = 111 450 lb steer calves @ $1.43/lb = $71,429 Load B = 77 650 lb steer calves @ $1.17/lb = $58,559 The 111 Aberdeen calves grossed an extra $12,870 over the 77 heavier calves. Still want to sell big calves? What if instead of chasing weaning weights, we focused on efficiency and net profits?

CowWeight vs. Herd Size

105

1000 lb

100

100 hd

1100 lb

95

90

1200 lb

91 hd

85

1300 lb

83 hd

80 Herd Size

1400 lb

Call your local American Aberdeen breeder, or visit AmericanAberdeen.com , to see how getting cow size and muscling right leads to great profitability on the ranch.

77 hd

A ranch that produces enough forage to feed 71 hd of 1,400 lb cows could run 100 hd of 1,000 lb cows on the same acreage.

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70

71 hd

Cow Weight (lb/hd)

Value of Calves Sold 100 hd 500 lb steer calves @ $1.658/lb = $82,900 Total pounds sold = 50,000

71 hd 583 lb steer calves @ $1.535/lb = $63,538 Total pounds sold = 41,393

Advantage to the Smaller Cows = $19,362

AmericanAberdeen.com American Aberdeen Association Seedstock Programs Fullblood | Aberdeen Plus Moderator ® Moderator Plus ®

WINTER 2021 | 7

AAA WELCOMES NEW MEMBERS

LOGIST ICS  NE I L EFFERTZ

JUNIOR CORRAL  JAYSIE SCHOENFIELD, AJAA PRESIDENT H ello, everyone! What a year it has been. I am so excited for the upcoming year and what it will bring. With the way the last few months have unfolded, it is easy to get discouraged and down about life. I truly do believe great things will come from the challenges that have been put in front of us. But it comes back to working together as a team and remembering there is no “I” in team. We all have to come together to support each other for the betterment of the breed through the trying times. I first want to introduce our new American Junior Aberdeen Association Board of Directors for the upcoming year. This year’s leaders are Carson Schnieders, Hannah Hoffmann, Jacob Spear, Jordan Gilles, Mackenzie Serrano, Skye Korroch and myself. I am so excited for what is to come with this great group of team members. There is a little saying that my family has adopted over this last year and it applies to anything we are doing, whether it be raising livestock or playing sports. It is “burn the ships.” In 1519 A.D., during the Spanish conquest of Mexico, Hernan Cortes, the Spanish commander, ordered his men to burn all their ships. This symbolized they would have to conquer or die. Today when we talk of “burning the ships” it is not in such a drastic way. But the idea we need to get from this is to commit to the process. Burn the ships in your life and do what it takes to make something happen. Our ships all look different. We are all fighting our own battles and struggles. But we have to remember to trust the process and remember what you came to do. Find your tribe and trust the process. The storms of life will come and go, and at some point, we will all be in the midst of them. We must remember to do the little things and never be afraid to “burn the ships” and not look back. I can’t wait to see everyone again, and I hope everyone is staying healthy and well! TL W ith all the issues affecting our country this year, it is especially encouraging to me to have unprecedented interest in the American Aberdeen breed from commercial cattlemen. These producers are more motivated than ever to develop an aggressive approach to cutting production costs and lowering inputs, especially labor, in these chal lenging economic times. As a result of the promotional brochures and videos on our website https:// americanaberdeen.com/aberdeen-info/video-resources/ , some breeders are becoming aware that no other breed can do as much in one cross to accom plish these goals than American Aberdeen. No other breed can totally eliminate calving difficulty on first-calf heifers while producing a highly marketable calf. No other breed can increase pregnancy rates when rebreeding first-calf heif ers that are still growing and tend to come up open or late. No other breed can take 300 pounds off mature cow weight in one cross, which lowers feed cost and increases stocking rate. No other breed can dramatically increase ribeye area per hundredweight while simultaneously increasing marbling scores. These are all very desirable traits that can help commercial cow-calf produc ers lower their production costs in these challenging times while producing higher quality, higher yielding beef carcasses in a more sustainable fashion. Early data shows that American Aberdeen-cross female lasts longer too. This is Unprecedented Times, Unprecedented Interest all better for more sustainable beef production. If you get the chance, spread the good word! TL

Active Members (29) Alan C. Batt, Rigby, Idaho Avoyelles Aberdeen Angus, Mansura, La.

Diamond H Ranch, Fredonia, Penn. Bitney Springs Farm, Nevada City, Calif. Circle T Family Farm, Frankfort, Ky. Eatmon’s Farm, Alachua, Fla. Scott Davis, Zionsville, Penn. Cannon Spring Farm, Castalian Springs, Tenn. T&N Ranch, Colville, Wash. Christine M.J. Standard, Kismet, Kan. Hall’s Happy Hollow, Wilton, Calif. Beast AG LLC, Grandview, Texas Ciarra Ridge, Shell Rock, Iowa C3 Cows, Sedalia, Ky. D&E Farms, Tahlequah, Okla. Ware Investments, Pilot Point, Texas C-4 Land and Cattle, Perkins, Okla. Buchan Enterprises, Woodville, Texas Lazy H Ranch, Bonner Springs, Kan. Johnson Farms, San Antonio, Texas CR Creekside Ranch, Westport, Ind. Ask Farm LLC, Amarillo, Texas Highland Mtn. View Farm, Taylorsville, N.C. CNT Cattle, Wahoo, Neb. Joe Grimes Farm, Caddo Mills, Texas S&S Aberdeen, Bloomfield, Ky. JB’s Four Seasons Farm, Bristolville, Ohio Clifford Spiller, Floral City, Fla. Dubose Cattle Co., Brazoria, Texas Junior Members (10) Joshua Garlobo, Naples, Fla. Araina Caballero, Central Point, Ore. Rowan Geurtze, Hannacroix, N.Y. Colley Hill, Sedalia, Ky. Dustin Lindgren, Coupland, Texas Kaisson Jones, Chapin, Ill. Emma Martinez, Manzanola, Colo. Madison Reiselt, Oroville, Calif. Abby Moulton, Shelley, Idaho Gwyneth Murphy, Monticello, Mo.

8 | THE LEDGER

Colostrum First

BY MICKY BURCH, CONTRIBUTING WRITER M any cow-calf producers are aware of the importance of colostrum – the first form of milk available to newborns following delivery – and that colos trum contains antibodies that need to be absorbed into the bloodstream to protect against disease. According to Brian Vander Ley, DVM, assistant pro fessor and veterinary epidemiologist at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln Great Plains Veterinary Education Center, several factors go into the successful transfer of that colostrum to the newborn calf, including cow management, calving conditions and colostrum absorption. “If we’re proactive starting long be fore that calf is born and continuing up until the point of birth, we’re going to have a big impact on the transfer of colostral immunity,” Vander Ley stated. Cows start making colostrum up to 16 weeks before the calf is born by moving antibodies from their blood stream to their udder. This movement continues right up until parturition. The movement of these antibodies is why some vaccine protocols used on cows are for the benefit of the calf – they’re designed to put a lot of anti body in the cow’s bloodstream while they’re going through this process. “This process can go wrong in severe cases when we don’t have enough groceries for the cow,” Vander Ley said. “If the cow doesn’t have adequate nutrition, her colostrum can suffer in quality.” Cows with body condition scores (BCS) of less than 5 are two times more likely than cows with BCSs of 5 or greater to experience a dystocia event at calving. “Cows that are in good condition give birth more quickly, make bet ter colostrum, have calves that get up and nurse better because they’re stronger, and tend to have a better immune function and produce better antibodies for their calf’s immunity,” he reiterated. Vander Ley said there’s research showing that cows that are nutrient re stricted during gestation may produce calves that are less capable of absorb ing colostrum after they’re born.

In cases where producers have a dystocia, calves go through metabolic upset because of the length of time they spend in the cow and the re duced amount of oxygen they receive during parturition. “The longer a calf spends in anero bic metabolism without oxygen, the lower its blood pH goes, so the calf is in a state of acidosis,” Vander Ley explained. Acidosis in calves is a direct effect of depressing their brain function. “So, if you have a dull, depressed newborn calf, the most likely rea son for that is his blood pH is low,” Vander Ley said. “If they’re dull and

be OK,” Vander Ley explained. “If you assist a calving and they have a weak suckling reflex, there’s about a 98 percent chance they won’t nurse co lostrum in the first four hours, so go one extra step and make sure it gets colostrum.” Vander Ley reiterated there’s no other meal that has as much impact on a calf as the first one. Colostrum contains many vital nutrients that aren’t available again until the calf is eating forage. It’s also potent with a lot of energy, fat and protein. “Essentially, colostrum is a loan of immunity from the cow to maintain the calf’s health until it has time to

depressed when they’re born, they don’t get up and nurse very well and that’s one of the principal reasons why we get into trouble with colostral transfer.” He also said a study conducted at the University of Calgary by Elizabeth Homerosky, DVM, showed that when a birth was assisted – even an easy pull – it significantly increased the risk of the calf not nursing by four hours of age. To assess the vigor and likelihood that a calf is going to take a colostrum meal in the first four hours, researchers checked the suckling reflex of the calf by putting two fingers in its mouth. “If it nurses vigorously, that’s a reflex and they’re probably going to

build immunity of its own,” Vander Ley explained. Calves are born with a functioning immune system, but no antibodies. They do have the capacity to make antibodies and colostrum contains the antibodies that a calf needs while it builds its own immunity. “If a calf doesn’t receive that trans fer, it’s without protection for about two weeks,” he explained. The damage that can happen in that two-week period when they’re not protected can result in dead calves and poor doers if sick calves survive. With proper cow management and ideal calving conditions, colostrum absorption in calves is set up to suc ceed. TL

WINTER 2021 | 9

Bull Buying Considerations and Why Quality Matters

BY EMILY STRIBLING, CONTRIBUTING WRITER

A s we leave the fall days be hind, producers are already gearing up for the upcoming breeding season. For many, this preparation includes acquiring new bull power for their herds. Select ing the proper bull for your operation is the No. 1 priority when looking to make genetic improvements to your herd as the greatest genetic impacts will come from your newly selected sires. Identifying the bulls that will best serve the goals of your operation is of utmost importance and prepara tion is key. Before bringing home a new sire, there’s work that needs to be done to ensure you’re making the right selection. Determine Operation and Breeding Goals Before you set out to find the per fect bull, it’s important to determine your operation’s goal. A great place to start is determining your end market. Do you have a seedstock operation – looking to raise, develop and sell

bulls or females of your own? Are you planning to keep females as replace ments or to build your herd? Do you plan to sell calves at weaning or retain them for beef to sell locally? Every end market has its own specific traits to consider. While it’s never too late to define your goals, “it is much better to think about your end market early on in the game,” says Dean Pike, who worked as the American Aberdeen Asso ciation ® breed representative for 10 years and recently accepted the posi tion as program manager for Idaho Livestock. Evaluate Current Operations After determining operation goals, evaluating its current status allows you to determine the direction you need to go with future breeding deci sions. Are the sires you are currently using producing the desired quality offspring, or are there traits that could be improved, either phenotypically or performance-wise? Perhaps end car

cass weight and ribeye area weren’t as expected in the last year; selecting a bull with superior muscling can ben efit future lean meat yields. The herd’s foundation should also be evaluated. Are females perform ing as desired – efficiently raising and weaning calves and breeding back on schedule or should developing replacement females be considered? If improvements are needed, it would be especially beneficial to obtain further information regarding the bull’s dam and, if an active sire, any of his daughters, including phenotypic evaluation such as feet and leg struc ture and udder integrity. Sourcing Genetics With an overall direction in mind, it’s time to consider whether purchas ing a bull is the most cost-effective decision for your operation at the moment. Especially for operations with a small herd, it may be advanta geous to consider purchasing semen rather than a more expensive bull to

Continued on page 12 

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WINTER 2021 | 11

Bull Buying Considerations Continued from page 10

Regardless of

your end goal, sound bull selection be gins by simple observation. “By far the highest prior ity is overall quality, not pedigree,” Pike explains. Any bull be ing considered for purchase should be evaluated for proper confor mation. The No. 1 charac

reach your breeding goals. Artificial insemination (AI) opens a world of possibility to breeders because it enables you to utilize a more proven bull while mitigating your overall risks and advancing your genetics more rapidly. Be sure to factor in the ad ditional costs associated with AI, such as extra labor and synchronization, when making your decision. Semen can be sourced directly from breeders or through bull studs and third-party providers. If purchasing a bull is the right deci sion for your operation, the majority of fullblood American Aberdeen and Moderators ® will be purchased via pri vate treaty. Begin seeking out breed ers in your surrounding areas and inquiring about their current bulls for sale. The American Aberdeen Associa tion offers a useful tool on their web site, allowing you to search the mem ber database by ranch name, state or zip code. The association website also has a “Marketplace,” listing animals available for private treaty. Above all, ensure you’re buying from a reputable source that will stand behind the qual ity of their bulls. What to Look for in a Bull The American Aberdeen breed, both fullblood and percentage Ameri can Aberdeen, is known for the cat tle’s moderate size, low birth weight, high yield and overall efficiency – all very desirable traits in any operation. So, what sets one bull apart from another?

Photo is of the bull Rifleman

“If a bull has not produced a son better than himself, he may not be as high quality as you thought,” Pike says. Before buying or selling an older bull with average potential, consider the impact new genetics could have. Producing calves that are innovative in their look and performance pro vides your program with a leverage point when it’s time to market. Not to mention, sourcing new genetics is also important for breed advance ment. With limited funds to invest in your operation each year, it’s important to recognize that the genetic impact a bull has on the calf crop, in a typical breeding program, far outweighs the impact of acquiring a single, high-dollar female. With all the decisions that must be made regarding your operation, bull selection should be a top priority. Determine your overall goals, find a trusted genetic source and select a sound bull that will suit your needs. The genetic advancement alone that a quality sire can bring to your herd is well worth the effort, and the increase in marketability is a bonus. TL

teristic to consider is structural integ rity, specifically, feet soundness and leg structure. Watching the bull on the move is the best way to evaluate his conformation. He should move freely without restriction while covering his tracks, demonstrating his ability to travel and service the herd. Other characteristics to evaluate include overall muscling and depth of body. Why Quality Matters With so many decisions to be made and daily tasks to be completed, searching for and identifying the perfect bulls for your operation can fall to the wayside. While it may be more convenient to buy a bull for sale nearby or lease from a neighboring breeder, it’s worth the extra effort and travel to consider sourcing a bull that can further progress you toward your goals. A quality bull adds exponential value to your program as you advance your genetics and produce calves that demand higher prices as feeders or replacement females. With limited funds to invest in your

Photo from JC Ranch

operation each year, it’s impor tant to recog nize that the genetic impact a bull has on the calf crop, in a typical breeding program, far out weighs the im pact of acquiring

a single, high dollar female.

12 | THE LEDGER

SETTING THE STANDARD IN AMERICAN ABERDEEN GENETICS D&JFarm Genetics YouCanBuildOn

NOW AVAILABLE FOR SALE!

 YEARLING BULL CALVES

Available now, or coming in our spring crop. Bloodlines include: Brand Red, Mister Jack, All Jacked Up and DCS Bruzzer.

 MATURE COWS

Typical of the fine, mature cows we’re offering. All have been pregnancy checked. AI’d or natural service dates and more details available.

D&J Farm Dwane Riedemann Sutherland, Iowa 51058 (712) 446-3441 (712) 260-1891 (cell) driedemann@hotmail.com

For information contact

ANTHONY FA M I L Y FA R M • • F F CHI CHESTER , NH 6 0 3 5 4 5 7 2 3 3 T hank Y ou to the American Aberdeen Association! We’re looking forward to another great year! Anthony Family Farm: Craig and Kelly Anthony; along with our children, McGregor, Abigail and Annabelle Anthony.

Abby, Annie and McGregor like to entertain the herd!

“Baby J” out of the great SCC Miss Jackie 5F

Our first born - “Dakota”

WINTER 2021 | 13

Meet the Rancher: Sandford Ranches

EDITED BY JESSIE TOPP-BECKER, MANAGING EDITOR S andford Ranch was estab lished in 1986 by Blake and Carole Sandford on an 80 acre farm with a few cows in Wise County, Texas. Today, the opera tions are much larger and other family members, including Jack Sandford and his brother, Ben Sandford, along

grade its base stock and has recently looked into in-vitro fertilization as a way to rapidly upgrade the base stock by using its own recipient cows for embryos. The ranch’s registered cattle have been artificially inseminated or had registered Angus bulls on them. The commercial Angus herd is cov ered with both registered Black Angus and registered American Aberdeen bulls. The Texas ranch is approximately 8,000 acres of land divided into 20 different pastures within a five-mile radius. In Texas, the Sandford fam ily has about 700 acres of farmland for winter wheat. Most of that land is utilized for graze-out. The pasture is about one-third na tive pasture and the cows that run on it get liquid feed and have loose mineral. On cold winter days, cattle have access to Coastal hay. The Sand fords can run one cow-calf pair per 10 acres of native pasture. The other pasture in Wise County is all improved Coastal Bermuda grass, some of which is hay field to winter their cattle. The family grows and bales their own hay for the cattle. The cattle that run on the Coastal pas ture are hayed and given high-protein cubes during the winter and also get loose mineral. On the Coastal pas ture, they can run about one cow-calf pair to five acres.

In Oklahoma, the Sandfords oper ate a cow-calf operation as well as the majority of their stocker opera tion, which is along the Red River. The ranch consists of 4,000 acres of farm land and 5,000 acres of grass pas ture. They farm everything themselves and turn out their home-raised calves to graze winter wheat. They also turn cattle out on neighboring wheat pas tures and will take in outside cattle on the gain from time to time. The Sand fords harvest their own wheat and do custom combining for other farmers. The family also has a grain elevator and weigh station where they store their own wheat and also purchase wheat from local farmers. “The ranch is a great way of life for our entire family and we have all been very fortunate to be able to raise our children this way. It is a lot of work for everyone, but it is a good, wholesome way of life that has helped bind our family together,” Sandford says. “It has been a great way for the children and us to see God’s hand at work on the land and with the cattle each day. It has helped prepare our children for their future in teaching them many different life skills and good character traits. “Even though we always continue to work hard at making a profit ranching, the most important things for us have turned out to be what ranching has done for our family’s way of life.” TL

with his brother-in-law, Bodie Cole, have joined to help run the ranch. Sandford Ranches is comprised of a commercial and seedstock operation that includes both Black Angus and Aberdeen Angus cattle. The ranch consists of a 2,500-head cow-calf operation as well as a 3,500-head stocker-calf operation in northern Wise County, Texas, and southern Jef ferson County, Okla. “We strive to raise high-quality cattle that are moderate framed and forage efficient, that will thrive on grass pasture,” Jack Sandford says. “We believe the Lord God created cattle to be this way in the beginning, and we strive to follow His lead in order that we may be good stewards of the ranch.” The commercial cow-calf herd is predominantly Black Angus, primarily of northern genetics, as well as black Aberdeen Plus ® cattle. Approximately one-third of the cattle are foundation registered Angus bloodlines. About one-third are Aberdeen Plus. Sandford Ranches is continually trying to up

14 | THE LEDGER

Webinar Highlights the Value of Parentage Verification D NA-based parentage determination has helped to accelerate genetic improvement for decades by increasing the accuracy of the animal’s known pedigree. Misidentification of an animal’s par ents can lead to errors in selected matings, reduces the advancement of genetic gain and can ultimately lead to profit loss. Learn what Leoma Wells, NEOGEN’s data management and DNA consultant; Bob Weaber, Ph.D., professor and cow-calf Extension specialist at Kansas State University; and Clint Mefford, NEOGEN’s growth strategy manager, have to share about the importance of parentage verifica tion in a recent webinar. Specifically, the webinar will help you: • Learn how DNA-based parentage verification reduces poor breeding selection; • Understand how it helps accelerate genetic improve ment for decades; and • Discover how single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) technology supports your breeding decisions with transparent DNA results. A link to the webinar can be found on the association’s website, www.AmericanAberdeen.com , or can be viewed directly at https://www.neogen.com/neocenter/resourc es/importance-of-parentage-verification-table-talk/. TL

SEMEN AVAILABLE ON THESE 2 IMPRESSIVE RED FULLBLOOD BULLS!! *Heifers & Bulls for sale out of both outstanding bulls*

SUN 206E REG. #32525

AS JASE REG. #26139

Let S Four Farms help enhance your herd with some of the best Red Genetics in the Western States!

RED & BLACK ABERDEENS | FULLBLOODS & PERCENTAGE

WWW.SFOURFARMS.COM 22288 Sagebrush Flats Road • Ephrata, WA 98823 509-750-4203 • sieverkropp@gmail.com

Pine Hurst Farm IN THESE UNPRECEDENTED TIMES, IS OFFERING UNPRECEDENTED FEMALES!

EZ HELOISE 503Y 2013 National Champion Moderator Female

DOLL HOUSE TALK 414Y Sire of the 2017 National Champion Moderator Female

CRF WILLA 2011 National Champion Fullblood Female

K2K SARA F11 2019 IA State Fair and World Beef Champion Fullblood Female

PINE HURST MAGNOLIA ET REG. # 42838 This heifer already has a lot of firsts in her. She is the first female to be offered at the national level out of Heloise, the 2013 national champion moderator female and sired by Doll House Talk 414Y, the sire of the 2017 national champion moderator female. She is also the first all white female out of this mating. She will certainly catch a lot of attention when she walks in the ring. Stout made with a lot of body. DNA qualifies to both parents. BDA NADINE REG.#42108 Nadine is a big middled feminine fullblood female. A maternal sister to CHF Willa, the 2011 National champion female and K2K Sara, last Years IA State and World Beef expo Champion fullblood female. Her dam is the great Saratoga cow and she is sired by K2K Kosmo D7. A lot of great Fullblood genetics in her backgound.

H WATCH WWW.AUCTIONEFFERTZ.COM FOR VIDEOS AND PHOTOS AS THEY BECOME AVAILABLE! H

PINE HURST FARM DARWIN AND MEL ENGELKES AND FAMILY | 319-415-0540 | 16927 H AVE., WELLSBURG, IA | PINEHURSTFARM@LIVE.COM

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AMERICAN ABERDEEN  MARKETPLACE

America’s Fullblood Red Aberdeen Foundation Herd LGL LAZY G www.lazyglowline.com RANCH, LLC

Deep Creek Seedstock BREEDERS OF FABULOUS FEMALES!

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

Visit us on Facebook!

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

LAZY G RANCH, LLC

JILLANE PIKE Mitchell, NE 69357 (720) 891-5171  jillpike79@gmail.com

lowlineangus@hotmail.com

www.DeepCreekSeedstock.com

MINI COWS WEST

‘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

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

A B E R D E E N S MODERATORS & FULLBLOODS AVAILABLE BULLS • HEIFERS • SEMEN • EMBRYOS SALLY 360-748-8970 HALLIEDEW 541-350-3160 713 Deep Creek Rd., Chehalis, WA 98532 halliedew@halliedew.com • C A L L F O R FA R M T O U R S • North-central Louisiana (318) 650-6001 BaldridgeLivestock@gmail.com BL BALDRIDGE LIVESTOCK www.BaldridgeLivestock.com Breeding QUALITY

MADE EASY

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

www.neenahcreeklivestock.info 2892 county Rd. g • Oxford, Wi 53952 email: dale@neenahcreeklivestock.info New En g l and Be e f New England's Largest Full Blood Breeder newenglandbeef@gmail.com 978-319-0178 www.newenglandbeef.us

Jim & Deanna Moris 8339 Adams Lane • Cassville, WI 53806 Phone: 608.725.5552 • Cell: 608.642.1837

Jim@highvoltagefarms.com www.highvoltagefarms.com

Have you liked our Facebook pages? www.facebook.com/AmericanAberdeen www.facebook.com/AmericanJuniorAberdeen www.facebook.com/TheLedgerMagazine

16 | THE LEDGER

AD INDEX

AMERICAN ABERDEEN  MARKETPLACE

Tunk Mountain Ranch ABERDEEN CATTLE

2J Livestock..................... 16 American Aberdeen Association ® ....................... 7 Anthony Family Farm. ....... 13 B&B American Aberdeen... 16 Baldridge Livestock........... 16 D&J Farm......................... 13 Deep Creek Aberdeens. .... 16 Deep Creek Seedstock...... 16 Effertz EZ Ranch. .............. 20 Gunnderosa Aberdeens....... 2 Heavenly Acres Ranch LLC........................ 16 Hickamore Hill American Aberdeen..................... 3, 16 High Voltage Farms........... 16 Idaho Livestock................... 5 LGL Lazy G Ranch. ............ 16 Mini Cows West. ............... 16 Neenah Creek Livestock.... 16 New England Beef............. 16 Pine Hurst Farm................ 15 S Bar 5 Farms. ................. 17 S Four Farms.................... 15 Sandford Ranches............. 19 Topline Aberdeen Cattle Co..17 Triple S Cattle................... 17 Tunk Mountain Ranch........ 17 University of Findlay.......... 11 W Diamond Livestock........ 17 Y4 Ranch......................... 17

Home of

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

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GRAND CHAMPION 2018 NAILE

tunkmountainranch@live.com TunkMountainRanch.com

Dick & Patti Shulanberger Wagoner, Okla. • (918) 691-9555

Y4 Ranch Missy Ousley, & Cowan Perkins Owners

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

y4ranchlowlines.com

AIMING FOR EFFICIENCY IN BEEF PRODUCTION

Dont miss out on advertising in the next issue of

Aberdeen Influenced Breeding Stock

Premium Quality Grassfed Beef

JEFF & TERI SCHELKOPF P.O. Box 343 • Sutton, NE 68979 402-469-7294 • 402-773-4297 triplescattleco@outlook.com

Contact BluePrint Media: (970) 498-9306 info@blueprintma.com

Have you liked our Facebook pages? www.facebook.com/AmericanAberdeen www.facebook.com/AmericanJuniorAberdeen www.facebook.com/TheLedgerMagazine

WINTER 2021 | 17

American Aberdeen Association® National Show and Annual Meeting Due to the National Western Stock Show being canceled in 2021, the National American Aberdeen Show and Annual Meeting have been moved to Woodward, Okla. Join American Aberdeen breeders from across the country for the 2021 National American Aberdeen events at the Prevailing on the Plains event Jan. 27-30, 2021.

Tuesday, Jan. 26 Cattle begin arriving Wednesday, Jan. 27 3 p.m. Cattle arrival deadline Thursday, Jan. 28 6 p.m. American Aberdeen

Friday, Jan. 29 11 A.M.

National American Aberdeen Bull Pen Show and Open Bull Show The show start time is estimated. These shows will start immediately after the National Salers Show, which starts at 9 a.m. American Aberdeen Junior Show to follow the American Aberdeen Open Bull Show

Association ® Social, Annual Meeting and Junior Auction

Headquarters Hotel Northwest Inn 3202 1st St, Woodward, OK 73801 (580) 256-7600 www.northwestinnok.com Ask for the “Aberdeen” block Saturday, Jan. 30 9 a.m. National American Aberdeen Heifer Pen Show and Open Female Show

Visit https://americanaberdeen.com for updates And more information.

18 | THE LEDGER

Aberdeen Genetics to Build a Herd Around Order Semen Today—Volume Pricing Available!

DUFF Trust Me 2525 Aberdeen Reg# 22055 1/2 Blood Aberdeen, Fairwyn’s Low Beau 204M x DUFF Amigo 927K Juanda 071

DUFF Mercy Me 459 Aberdeen Reg# 28474 1/2 Blood Aberdeen, Ardrossan Orient x DUFF 927K Instinct 1541

®

®

DUFF Trademark 16152 Aberdeen Reg# 36036 1/4 Blood Aberdeen, DUFF Mercy Me 459 x DUFF Dixie Erica 3528

AVR Dominator Aberdeen Reg# 37221 Full Blood Aberdeen, Ardrossan Orient x MLC Merlot Co-Owned with Archer Valley Ranch

®

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.

Jack Sandford, Sandford Ranches Greenwood, Texas, 940.389.9225

For semen orders, call 405.547.2710 or visit PureBeefGenetics.com

WINTER 2021 | 19

20 | THE LEDGER