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SAN ANTONIO – Beefmaster Breeders United (BBU), with support from the Texas Beef Council and Texas AgriLife Extension Service, is hosting four days of educational courses for Beefmaster breeders as part of the Beef 706 program. This Beef Checkoff funded program is designed to help producers maximize profits and have a better understanding of the production process after their cattle enter the feedyard. As part of the exercise, Beef 706 participants will choose specific cattle to monitor through the feedyard and harvesting phases.

The first part of the educational series will take place on April 29, 2013 in Gonzales, Texas at Graham Feedyard. This introductory meeting is open to the public and will focus on feeder cattle evaluation, as well as provide participants with a behind the scenes look at the workings of a feedyard.

The second part of the program will take place on July 25, 2013 in College Station, Texas at the Texas A&M University campus. This intermediate meeting will focus on gain and feed efficiency, while also taking a deeper look into the importance of animal health. Even though these first two meetings do not require pre-registration, as there is no limit to the number of people who can attend, BBU does encourage participants to inform BBU staff members of their planned attendance.

“This will be an unforgettable, hands-on beef cattle short course. We, as Beefmaster breeders, are fortunate to have this opportunity and I encourage BBU members to take advantage of this year’s Beef 706 program,” said BBU Executive Vice President Tommy Perkins, Ph.D. “And thank you to the Texas Beef Council and Texas AgriLife Extension Service for making this program available to Beefmaster breeders.”

The program is completed with a two-day course hosted on Sept. 17-18, 2013 in College Station, Texas at the Texas A&M University meat science laboratory. This final part of the educational course will allow Beef 706 participants to see the finished product of the fed cattle they chose at the first meeting in Gonzales. During this hands-on meeting, participants will learn about carcass fabrication and how to evaluate the value of a beef carcass. Cattle industry experts will discuss the advantages and disadvantage of marketing cattle on a grid versus live basis. This third meeting does require registration due to limited available space.

“At the September meeting of the Beef 706 program there is only space for 45 participants and the open slots are filling up quickly. Information this valuable is rarely this affordable, so sign up quickly. The program is free and participants are responsible for only travel and lodging,” said BBU Executive Vice President Tommy Perkins, Ph.D.

For more information about the Beef 706 Program and to sign up for the September meeting, please contact the BBU office at 210-732-3132 or visit www.beefmasters.org. Stay connected to BBU through Facebook, view our videos on YouTube, follow us on Twitter and receive our news updates through joining our mailing list.

Written by Terry Ropp, Ozarks Farm and Neighbor Contributor

Greg Lemke of Gentry, Ark., always had a passion for cattle. However a hog hunting accident in 2007 followed by a layoff as a result of downsizing in Latco in Lincoln, Ark., fine-tuned the passion into a livelihood necessity. Greg found himself wheelchair-bound, out of work and unable to use his engineering design degree but not his intelligence and determination.

Greg has 130 acres on which he runs 50 Beefmaster mommas. Greg is very partial to the Beefmaster breed. Greg said, “I always liked the breed and already had a small cow herd when I was young. Then I talked with a guy who raised Beefmasters. Many years ago we traded my labor for painting his truck for a heifer. Then I bought another and started my Beefmaster herd with two. I have never looked back at that decision.”

According to Greg, Beefmasters are the top momma cows in fertility and milk production with a higher weaning weight. The cows also have good fertility, longevity and can also be successfully bred at 14 to 16 months. Because calf weight can vary from 60 to 80 pounds and because Greg wants to take advantage of the latest refinements in the breed, he pays very careful attention to EPDs (expected progeny differences) and carcass scan data. He scans his cattle and matches them to bulls for his AI breeding program. In addition, he has a particularly good momma cow that he flushes twice a year before breeding her back. He then uses some of those eggs in his cows and freezes the rest for his personal use and for sale.

Greg said, “The Beefmaster Breeders United Executive Vice President Dr. Tommy Perkins, has done amazing work with EPDs and scan data.” Beefmasters are a three-way cross between Hereford, Shorthorn and Brahman. As a result of a strict culling process, and a sever Texas drought, three quarters of the original Lasater herd was sold off. The result was that the remaining animals had a higher fat content in the rump area, which has given them higher fertility and drought tolerance. Later Dr. Perkins began to pay careful attention to the technical data. Now many Beefmasters have higher marbling with enhanced taste and tenderness.

Greg said, “When you’re in the business of selling meat animals, EPDs are far more important than pedigree. You want the highest quality and weight animal with the least amount of expense and intervention. That means careful breeding.” The final critical component in Greg’s breeding program is his cleanup bull. It is the brother to the Grand Champion Bull at the 2012 Beefmaster Breeders United National Futurity. Greg leaves nothing to chance.

While Greg feeds his cattle sweet grain a couple of times a month to keep them docile and comfortable with the corrals, his cattle are mostly grass fed with free-choice minerals that contain high magnesium in the spring to offset Fescue poisoning and high potassium one month before breeding. Because of his heavy dependence upon grazing, Greg pays as much attention to his land as he does his cattle. He hays about 40 acres of mixed grass. The drought over the last two years caused a loss of 80 percent of his forage with the dominant survival species being Bermuda. One of the reasons Greg was able to survive the drought was being able to send most of his herd to Oklahoma on water rich creek-fed land that belonged to the man who originally introduced him to Beefmasters. Nonetheless Greg planned extensive replanting this fall. He explained that the Natural Resource Conservation Service (NRCS) recommended fall replanting because more moisture and lower temperatures for a longer period of time promote better and stronger germination.

One of Greg’s choices during replanting was the use of a strain of Fescue called Jessop Max Q. It is entophyte free thus eliminating most of the Fescue toxicity problem. Greg said, “The intent is to bring up the conception and production rates because regular Fescue is hard on cattle.” In addition Greg mixed clover seed with his fertilizer this year to add nitrogen which for better grass growth and because cattle love clover.

Greg said, “I love what I do. I catch myself in the middle of the night thinking about which cows to cull and new ways to optimize my operation and income. Cattle is my passion.”Greg’s accident has led to two additional changes. Because he needs the extensive, but willing, help of neighbors and friends, he has recently purchased a new cattle chute for better safety, efficiency and ease. He has also started an online business featuring a wide variety of Beefmaster semen. The business helps fill in a void in the accessibility of those Beefmaster materials.

Original article as it appeared in Ozarks Farm and Neighbor

BBU invites the public, all BBU members, Junior Beefmaster Breeders Association (JBBA) members and potential Beefmaster breeders to learn more about the Beefmaster breed and how the breed is taking the commercial market by storm with several new BBU  programs. The episode is available below and on our social media platforms Facebook and YouTube. Please feel free to share the video with potential Beefmaster breeders and if you have any questions regarding the Beefmaster breed give us a call at 210-732-3132. Read more

Click the play button above to the view the video BBU Tales from the Road 1.4 via YouTube.

BBU Field Service Representative Jason Bates keeps you updated with what is happening in the Beefmaster world and how BBU is working to improve the Beefmaster breed, while also improving the entire cattle experience for all cattle industry partners.

SAN ANTONIO – During the past few months Beefmaster Breeders United (BBU) has traveled the country capturing footage for the upcoming Beefmaster episode on RFD-TV’s The American Rancher. After months of dedication there are less than two weeks until the episode premieres on April 8, 2013 at 9 p.m. Eastern Standard Time (EST) on your favorite rural television network, RFD-TV. BBU invites the public, all BBU members, Junior Beefmaster Breeders Association (JBBA) members and potential Beefmaster breeders to learn more about the Beefmaster breed and how the breed is positively influencing the beef cattle industry. The episode will also be available on the BBU website and social media platforms Facebook and YouTube.

“We are excited to be apart of this creative process and see hard work developed into an outstanding program that will share the Beefmaster story to a greater audience,” said Jason Bates, BBU field service representative. “Working with several breeders on this project has been a great opportunity for the BBU staff and Superior Productions.”

The Beefmaster episode on The American Rancher will explore the history of the breed and take an in-depth look at the Six Essentials – weight, conformation, milk production, fertility, hardiness and disposition; that the Beefmaster breed was founded on over 60 years ago by Tom Lasater. The episode will feature purebred and commercial cattleman as they discuss why they are utilizing Beefmasters on their cattle operations. The show will also examine the importance of the Beefmaster breed to the cattle industry as a whole and how Beefmaster cattle bring unique opportunities to cattlemen and women all over the world. Tune into the episode to learn from true blue cattlemen and how their ranches embrace the Beefmaster.

“The passion that the cattle producers shared while capturing the video was astounding. It was exciting to see purebred and commercial breeders still embracing the Six Essentials, while also sharing why docility, fertility and efficiency are important to their operation,” said BBU Executive Vice President Dr. Tommy Perkins, Ph.D., PAS. “It will be an impressive episode that I am excited for the public and BBU members to see.”

The show is sponsored by Bounds Swinging B Ranch, Collier Farms, Emmons Ranch, Lyssy Beefmasters, McManus Beefmasters, the Lasater Ranch and Cherry Glen Beefmasters. Not only did BBU work with multiple breeders on this video project, BBU had the honor to work with past BBU President Nolan Ryan, as well as work with Superior Productions to write, capture and edit the episode.

The American Rancher, hosted by Pam Minick, is entering its eighth year of broadcasting on RFD-TV. The series began in the fall of 2004 and brings audiences in touch with the people and places that make ranching an American lifestyle. The American Rancher is a half-hour television series that reaches a vast audience and premieres each Monday night at 9 p.m. EST and re-airs Tuesdays 11 a.m. EST and again on Sundays 12 p.m. EST.

For more information about Beefmaster Breeders United please contact the BBU office at 210-732-3132 or visit www.beefmasters.org. Stay connected to BBU through Facebook, view our videos on YouTube, follow us on Twitter and receive our news updates through joining our mailing list.

Leadership and success are not new to Tommy Smith, a cow/calf operator and Beefmaster breeder from Lake Arthur, LA. Smith also will not be the first one to brag to you about his successful adventures in the Beefmaster business; however it is easy to say that after visiting with Mr. Smith he has been a vital part of the breed for over 36 years. His success in the Beefmaster business and representing all cattlemen at industry events led him to an outstanding accomplishment for 2013; Tommy Smith was awarded Louisiana Cattleman of the Year by the Louisiana Cattlemen’s Association.

Smith currently serves as the Louisiana Cattlemen’s Association Vice President for district five, where he represents five Louisiana parishes at state cattle industry events. However, Smith is better known for his many years of serving the public school system and being a positive influence of kids involved in local agriculture. Smith has worn many hats with that of a teacher, coach, assistant principal, principal, superintendent, grandson of a dairyman and a Beefmaster cattle breeder.

With growing up around a dairy farm Smith always had an interest in cattle and bought into the cattle business at age 12. Smith spent a few years out of the cattle business to focus on sports but quickly came back to the business. He attended a cattle sale one Saturday 36 years ago and bought into the cattle business again, never looking back. Even though he was not always a Beefmaster breeder he got to the bred as fast as he could by the way of a good friend.

“A friend of mine new I was looking for a good bull and came across this Beefmaster bull that was deep and thick, just what I needed. We had a lot of good calves out of him and got us started in the Beefmaster breed,” said Tommy Smith.

Once Tommy got introduced to the Beefmaster breed he became more interested in the genetics of the bred, so he bought two cows to use for flushing and to improve the genetics of his herd. He started watching the EPDs of his cattle and got a hold of a Beefmaster Breeders United (BBU) book to learn more about genetics. He then began seeing the advantage to registering his cattle and becoming a BBU member. About 20 years ago Smith became a BBU member basically so he could register cattle for kids to show through 4-H and FFA; however he began to realize that there are more advantages to being a BBU member.

“Through getting involved in BBU and learning more about genetics through BBU programs I saw the advantage of being a member of this organization, even though I initially did it to help out the kids.”

Tommy expressed that as Beefmaster breeders it is important that records are kept current on all cattle. Breeders must make sure to transfer bulls when selling to a commercial cattleman so that BBU records are current and help improve the genetic records kept on file. Building his Beefmaster genetics and getting involved in BBU has been nothing but an asset to Smith, the cattle industry and his family. Smith raised more than cattle and taught more than school kids during his career. He and his wife Karla raised two boys that helped run the family farm when there were not busy with rodeo and football.

“I am blessed with a wonderful family and have met some of the most wonderful people in the Beefmaster breed. It is just great that we have breeders that invite you to their place and are very helpful.”

Tommy also expressed that he is blessed to be an advocate for an industry he believes in, while also representing Southwest Louisiana and voting on issues that affect the entire cattle industry. Smith believes that he has a responsibility to vote for what is best for every cattleman and women, not what is best for certain breeders and operators.

“I am honored to win this award, but the best award I have won is my wonderful family and representing Louisiana cattlemen and women.”

By Cody Morgan, Junior Beefmaster Breeders Association (JBBA) President-Elect

This show season has been a huge success for Beefmaster cattle and the Junior Beefmaster Breeders Association (JBBA). At every Texas major stock show Beefmaster cattle were either the first or second largest breed at the show.

Our first major was the Fort Worth Stock Show and Rodeo, where the breed was well represented with 227 entries. Next, we all traveled to San Antonio where there were 166 exhibitors showing their Beefmaster cattle. Just last week in Houston, our breed was represented with 265 heifers in the junior show. This year has been another great success for our breed and the quality of heifers continues to improve. The last Texas major is next week in Austin, come out and support our junior exhibitors as they compete at the Star of Texas show.

The show was not the only success for JBBA; the JBBA also had two successful hospitality rooms at the Fort Worth and Houston livestock shows. The participants enjoyed good food, games, leadership activities and learned about our national show. The 2013 National JBBA Show will be held in College Station, Texas starting July 22, 2013. Also, at every major this year we had JBBA officers and directors working the ring and helping out our junior exhibitors. Thanks to all the JBBA volunteers for donating their time and a big thank you to Allison Wells for her assistance as well. We also had BBU staff helping out, thank you to Collin Osbourn.

JBBA members will head to Brenham, Texas on April 27 for the Springtime in Texas Show, you may contact Dawn Compton with any questions about the show. The last show to round out the spring shows will be held in Salado, Texas and is the 2013 JBBA Extravaganza, Casey Ballard is the show coordinator. I hope to see you in the ring at one of these upcoming JBBA shows.

SAN ANTONIO – The Live Oak Beefmaster Breeders Association (LOBBA) officers and directors approved formation of the LOBBA Bull Development Test on Sat., Feb. 16, 2013. The program will begin the summer of 2013. Two tests per year will be held at the Tom Brothers Ranch in Campbellton, Texas.  The bull tests will begin January 1 and June 1 of each year. The bulls will then have a two week “cool down” period after the test before being sold and/or taken back to the owner’s ranch.

“Beefmaster Breeders United (BBU) is very excited about the level of interest exhibited by the Live Oak Beefmaster breeders toward the bull test. This new program will join the growing list of performance bull tests available to Beefmaster breeders,” said BBU Executive Vice President Tommy Perkins, Ph.D.

Bull test participants must be a member of LOBBA to consign bulls to the program. LOBBA consists of Beefmaster breeders throughout the United States and membership is open to any interested Beefmaster breeder at a cost of $30 per year. The consignment fee per bull is $25 per head to cover cost of the data analysis.

All consigned bulls will be tested for a 112 day feeding period following a three week “warm-up” period and followed by a two week “cool down” period. Bulls that complete the test will have all yearling data collected.  The bulls will be weighed both on and off test and at the 56-day mid-point. In addition, the bulls will have an ultrasound performed (scanned) for rib fat, rump fat, ribeye area and percent intramuscular fat during the test. The bulls will also be measured for pelvic area, scrotal circumference and hip height.

Cost of yardage, feed, medication and data collection will be determined by the Tom Brothers Ranch (e.g. yardage: $0.40/head/day; feed cost plus 4% and medication: $10 pull fee plus cost plus medication plus 2%).  Additional services offered by Tom Brothers Ranch include sale preparation which includes clipping, videoing, breeding soundness exams, sale tags and delivery to the sale facility. Breeders will be invoiced monthly.

The bulls will have a 21-day warm-up and will be fed at two percent of body weight during the feeding phase.  This will include a Grower 1 (48% corn, 38% cotton burrs and 14% protein pellet) ration, Grower 2 (56% corn, 30% cotton burrs and 14% protein pellet) ration and a Gain (67% corn, 19% cotton burrs and 14% protein pellet) ration. CalMin and ZinPro will be fed to prevent acidosis and to maintain food and rumen health.  The bulls will have access to free choice coastal hay as well.

The first test will conclude around November 21 with a two week “cool down” period. The second test will conclude around May 23 with a two week “cool down” period. Both tests will end in time to allow consignors the option to consign their bulls to the LOBBA Beefmaster Bull Sale in January each year if they choose. A field day may be held at some point during each of the 112 day test for LOBBA members, BBU members and commercial cattlemen.

Visit the BBU website for more information about the LOBBA Bull Development Test or to complete an entry form to consign bulls to the program. For other questions or inquiries please contact the BBU staff members at 210-732-3132 or visit www.beefmasters.org.

By Lynzee Glass, Managing Editor, Ozarks Farm & Neighbor

Paul and Rhonda Wallen of Wallen Prairie Ranch - Lockwood, MO

Paul Wallen left the racetrack and automotive repair industry and got on the fast track to raising Beefmasters full time after experiencing success with the breed first hand.

In the early ‘80s, Paul and his father, Norban, and brother, Phillip, started raising registered Beefmaster, a breed derived from Brahman, Hereford and Shorthorns.

Norban and Phillip have built a foundation herd of 230 cows that are mostly sold to the commercial producer.

In 2006, Paul and his wife, Rhonda, bought more land outside Lockwood, Mo., and started the venture of raising their own herd of registered Beefmasters as Wallen Prairie Ranch.

“Beefmasters have small birth weights but grow quickly. They don’t have problems with pinkeye, they’re heat tolerant, easy keepers and fertile. And the best part is you can breed for the look you want and make drastic changes in your herd,” said Paul.

Keeping true to Beefmaster qualities the herd is bred for disposition, fertility, weight, conformation, hardiness and milk production. Wallen Praire Ranch raises strictly performance cattle. Performance data is recorded on all cattle, which includes birth weight, 205-day weight, yearling weight, EPDs and ultrasound data.

The evidence of quality genetics can be seen in one of the herd bulls, WPR Total Package. Total Package’s daughters average birth weight is 65 pounds, 205-day weight averages 643 pounds and yearling weight averages 942 pounds. Total Package’s sons’ average birth weight is 67 pounds, 205-day weight averages 774 pounds and yearling weight averages 1,296 pounds.

The Wallens use AI and natural breeding on their 150 registered cows. They have a 90-day calving window both in the spring and fall to offer the most options for their customers. “We strive to make better cattle everyday. That is why we utilize AI and embryo transfers. Our first ET calves were born this May. We had really good luck and will continue to use ET,” said Paul.

“We credit Jason Bates, Tommy Perkins and the rest of the Beefmaster Breeders United (BBU) for our success,” acknowledged Paul.

To share their success and strategies Wallen Prairie Ranch is hosting a field day through the Ozark and Heart of America Beefmaster Breeders (OHOA) marketing group and Central States Beefmasters Breeders Association (CSBBA) satellite association on September 22.

To advocate the quality of the Beefmaster breed, Paul is on the board of the CSBBA and the OHOA. Paul and Rhonda were awarded Breeder of the Year of CSBBA.

Despite common misconceptions about Beefmasters being loose hided, with not as much muscle and more rib, Paul breeds his herd more clean, meaning tighter hides, strong muscled with more rib to generate better genetics. “We constantly strive to create the best real world cattle that are feed efficient and the most profitable cattle we can raise,” concluded Paul.

Original article on Ozarks Farm & Neighbor website

By BBU Executive Vice President, Tommy Perkins, Ph.D., PAS

Many cattle producers received some much needed moisture this past week, while cattle prices also remain high and the beef export market remains favorable. Other than the high cost of feed, fuel and fertilizer most beef industry professionals agree it is a great time to be in the beef cattle industry. There also seems to be trend in the beef industry to put the “cow” back into the beef industry’s “black hided” genetics. This has been very good news for the breeders of Bos Indicus cattle. This trend has been strong toward the Beefmaster breed. Here at Beefmaster Breeders United (BBU) we have received more interest in Beefmaster bulls than ever before. It appears that cattlemen are searching out large numbers of Beefmaster bulls to breed the fertility, longevity, docility and growth back into their cow herds. Performance tested Beefmaster bulls have been selling extremely well recently and their demand does not seem to be slowing.

The beef industry has the lowest number of cattle in more than fifty years which should help maintain excellent prices for feeder and stocker calves. This is due to the inability for producers to supply the numbers that will be demanded by the feedlot, packer and ultimately the consumer. The value of the replacement female should remain at an elevated level for several years as the industry tries to rebuild the nation’s cowherd.

Many good opportunities lie ahead for Beefmaster breeders in the coming years. Profitable seedstock producers will separate themselves from others by maintaining low to average production costs. Additionally, they will have a willingness to produce and deliver what their customers are asking for, while also standing behind the product they merchandize. Beefmaster breeders are definitely in the driver’s seat and they need to make sure to supply the “right kind” of cattle that the industry is seeking. For the best outcome breeders must continue to collect, and have available, as much data as possible on the cattle they market. This will help ensure the cattle buyer that they are buying a reliable set of cattle, while moving the breeder forward in the beef industry.