As we’re in the midst of farming, picking bales, hauling hay, irrigating and second/third cuttings, I interrupt to bring our attention to a few items on the cow front. As always, let me know if you have any questions or need to visit about upcoming plans.
Fall Calvers
The International Birth Year letter for 2023 is ‘L’. A full list is located here.
If you are collecting udder scores on females, make sure they are collected within 24 hours of calving and you record an udder suspension score in addition to a teat size score. Scoring information can be found here or I can provide a PDF via email.
The time to order TSUs to have on hand to collect DNA samples at calving or first time through the chute is now. Contact me to get your order placed.
Spring Calvers
It’s time to send in your 2023 calf data so we can get it reported into the breed association databases in a timely fashion. You can send me a spreadsheet with the information, photos of your calving notebooks, however it works best for you to provide me with the data. If you use sire codes, please send a key with the registration numbers and short codes so I can match those up appropriately.
For weaning/post weaning time, low hanging fruit to capture is docility scores. Scoring is on a 1-5 scale (no half scores). Read more about ideal circumstances and how to score this trait on the BIF website
Mature Cow Weights ideally are collected within 45 of weaning and along with the weight, a Body Condition Score (BCS) and/or Hip Height (HH) measurement is optimal. A goal is to capture weights on every first calf heifer, and then weights again every 2-3 years throughout her productive life. If you’re able to weigh and BCS and/or HH every female each year, that is great. If you do not have the set-up to do so, make sure to try and weigh the cow herd every few years.
Simmental Members
Fall 2023 THE – last day to make adjustments and remove females from inventory is August 15, 2023. Send any changes over my way along with appropriate culling reason so we can get that turned in.
DNA on 2023 born calves, consider collecting samples on >90% of the males and/or females and you can participate in the Calf Crop Genomics project and receive GGP100K testing for $25.00/ea. Aim to have samples collected and submitted to ASA this summer so we can beat the rush next fall.
Red Angus Members
Fall THR Inventory is due to RAAA by September 6. Please send over your updated enrollments via email by September 1 so I can get those completed on time.
Membership dues and the first installment of spring THR are viewable on your monthly statements mailed on Aug. 1. Be sure to read the renewal letter upon receipt. Reminder that RAAA bills finance charges after 30 days so please ensure your account is paid to avoid unnecessary fees.
Transfer fee update as of July 1, 2023 – Transfers completed within 120 days from the date of sale will be free of charge. Transfers after 120 days will be charged $25.00.
Angus Members
The Phenotype-Genotype show continues to grow year to year. I believe this is a wonderful opportunity to converse with juniors and expand education around EPDs and visual appraisal of animals. Read more here.
Angus Genetics Inc (AGI) implemented the annual updates to economic assumptions and genomic scores, as well as the bi-annual updates to main and supplemental sire listings, EPD averages and percentile ranks on June 2. Some change is expected but if you have an animal that moves significantly please reach out so we can discuss further with AGI. Read more about these changes here or additional information on the Angus podcast, transcript here.
Industry Tidbits
Superior Livestock will host the Big Horn Classic in Sheridan, WY August 21-25. Catalog information is located at the following links:
Clint Berry Team Lots – 73 lots and just over 8300 head including :
– Nearly 2400 Feeder Steers & Heifers
– Over 3200 Weaned Steers & Heifers
– And 2700 Steer & Heifer Calves
22 Lots featuring IMI Global’s BeefCare / Care Certified cattle.
– 8 Lots featuring GAP Verified cattle.
– 19 Lots of NHTC Verified cattle
– 11 Lots featuring a variety of DNA/Genetic Merit Verifications
As always – reach out via email, text or phone for more information on any of the above.
datageniellc.com 