The Whiteface HEREFORDS — The Efficiency Experts February 2009 Building the Baldie Commercial cattlemen can find value utilizing crossbreeding and heterosis. by Angie Stump Denton

s bull sale and breeding season approaches, it’s a good time to remember the benefits of Acrossbreeding and the value of heterosis. For commercial producers with black cow herds, Hereford bulls are a great option to add value to the resulting calf crop. According to Matt Spangler, University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension beef if understood and used of non-additive effects genetics specialist, “Crossbreeding takes correctly,” Spangler explains. (dominance and epistatic) advantage of heterosis (hybrid vigor) and Beginning in the and 3) capturing heterosis The breed complementarity. Commercial 1960s, numerous studies Hereford Role in (hybrid vigor). cattlemen must realize that no one breed documented crossbreeding Breed complementarity Heterosis excels in all areas that affect profitability. effectiveness in improving is the combination of Breed combinations can be engineered to lifetime productivity strengths of the breeds in accommodate environmental constraints by more than 20%. the cross. Spangler adds and meet marketing objectives.” Crossbreeding can be fairly that the strengths of the A crossbred animal is created by mating easy to implement and has the Hereford breed can be utilized two straightbred animals of different potential for significant benefits. to complement strengths and breeds or a crossbred animal to an animal “There is a clear economic advantage to weaknesses of other breeds in a strategic of a third breed or two crossbred animals crossbreeding,” Spangler says. “Crossbred crossbreeding system. “Heterosis can only of different mixes of breeds. Crossbreeding cows can generate $100 per year or more be garnered by crossbreeding, and the is the opposite of inbreeding. than their purebred contemporaries. Traits use of Hereford genetics in a traditionally Traditional crossbreeding systems that are lowly heritable, like reproductive straightbred commercial herd can have been shown to maximize heterosis traits, benefit greatly from heterosis.” help capture profit for the commercial but can be very cumbersome in practice. Spangler says the advantages cattleman that straightbred cattle leave on “Crossbreeding is yet another tool in of crossbreeding can be thought the table,” he explains. the tool box of genetic improvement and of as 1) taking advantage of breed continued on next page… like anything else can be very profitable complementarity, 2) taking advantage

“The use of Hereford genetics in a traditionally straightbred commercial herd can help capture profit for the commercial cattleman that straightbred cattle leave on the table.” — Matt Spangler …Building the Baldie continued from the cover As explained by Jim Gosey, numerous studies quantifying heterosis retired University of Nebraska for specific traits under specific crosses. Extension beef specialist, heterosis is “We would expect that when actually the recovery of accumulated mating two parental lines (breeds), the inbreeding depression. In just one corresponding calf crop would represent generation, the offspring exhibit the average of the two parents,” Spangler the maximum of what was lost explains. “Heterosis is the unexpected, through generations of “pure” and often beneficial, deviation from the breeding within a closed gene pool. parental average. This deviation arises due By definition, the gene pool in to dominance and epistatic effects that any given breed is limited. A certain within breed selection tools do not allow amount of production potential is us to capture.” always sacrificed in order to gain the Heterosis beneficially influences uniformity desired in a breed, since many traits that are important for the most dependable way to gain the increased beef production, including uniformity was by using inbreeding fertility and reproduction, calf and linebreeding in the early history survival — due to hardier calves — of the breed. A breed is essentially a maternal ability, growth rate of young closed group of cattle, not allowing animals, efficiency and longevity. any infusion of other genetics. It thus Percent heterosis can be calculated as: accumulates some inbreeding over % heterosis = [(crossbred time, even if it’s not done deliberately. average – straightbred average) ÷ straightbred average] × 100 Heterosis Spangler says a phenomenon as old and A simple example would be the as recognized as heterosis still seems percent heterosis realized in the average to spark debate and, unfortunately, weaning weight from breeding a herd confusion. A quick search of the of Breed A cows to a group of Breed B scientific literature will provide bulls. Let 525 lb. be the average weaning Crossbred cows provide the ultimate benefit Commercial cattlemen can experience the greatest amount of benefit percent of crossbred heifers calved at 2 years of age, reaching gained by crossbreeding when using crossbred cows. Even though puberty and becoming pregnant earlier than purebreds. many stockmen use crossbreeding of straightbred parents to produce And if a cow is healthier, with a stronger immune system exceptional market calves — calves that gain faster than straightbreds due to hybrid vigor, she develops better immunity when and do well in the feedlot — the crossbred cow is the key to maximum vaccinated and imparts better colostrum to her calf, which beef production and profitability in a cow-calf operation since hybrid in turn keeps him healthier through the risky days of early vigor in the cow produces phenomenal maternal advantages. calfhood. Genetics plays a big role in an animal’s immunity Research has shown that a crossbred cow is 8% more efficient and immune response. The crossbred animal is hardier than than a purebred cow, lives 38% longer and has 25% more lifetime a straightbred animal partly just because genes control production in pounds of calf weaned. These advantages are partly the process of recognizing disease agents and inbreeding due to crossbreeding having the biggest effect on traits that are not doubles up more of the undesirable immune-response genes. highly heritable (and hence more difficult to improve through selective Crossbreeding ensures more genetic diversity and optimal breeding within a breed), such as fertility, age at puberty and longevity. immune response. Thus, a crossbred cow tends to have more Crossbred cows live longer and are also less apt to be culled for optimum immune system function than a straightbred cow and, being late or open due to increased fertility. Any cow that can calve hence, not only stays healthier herself but may also produce at 2 years of age, never miss a year of calving and stay in the herd more protective colostrum. another year or two beyond average culling age makes her owner When all factors are weighed, the crossbred cow gives money. When a producer considers all the benefits of a crossbred her owner the most benefit. By contrast, the stockman who cow, he can see why animal scientists call this the “only free lunch” in is merely trying to take advantage of hybrid vigor in the calves the cattle business. using straightbred cows and bulls of another breed, gains less As pointed out by Larry Cundiff, retired from the U.S. Meat Animal impact on profitability. Calf weaning weights for crossbred Research Center (USMARC), Clay Center, Neb., data from its calves are 5% more (and yearling weights 4% more) than heterosis studies showed that the breakeven costs of production were straightbred calves. The research study in the 1990s that came reduced about 10% by using crossbred cows. up with these figures showed that a straightbred cow with a Another study at Montana State University compared the effects crossbred calf earned an average of $23.37 more than if she of breed and heterosis on heifer pregnancy using purebred and had a straightbred calf. But a crossbred cow with a crossbred crossbred females of several breeds. Results showed that a higher calf netted $116.88 more than a straightbred cow with a weight of the F1 calves, 450 be the This result is logical since traits that are Spangler says average weaning weight of the Breed lowly heritable have a small additive there are three The A population and 550 be the average component (proportionally speaking) main types of Hereford Role in weaning weight of the sire’s population. and crossbreeding takes advantage of heterosis: Heterosis The pounds of heterosis would be: dominance and epistatic effects. 1) individual, pounds of heterosis = 525 – With that in mind, traits of low 2) maternal and [(450+550)/2] = 25 lb. heritability (reproductive traits) generally 3) paternal. He says benefit from heterosis the most (Table the offspring of a F1 The percent of heterosis would be: 1). They generally have a heritability female will benefit from % heterosis = 25/[(450+550)/2] = of less than 10% and can be improved maternal heterosis (Table 2). .05 or 5% through the adequate use of crossbreeding See “Crossbred cows provide the systems. End-product traits that benefit ultimate benefit,” for more about The amount of heterosis that is from heritability in the moderate to high the F1 female. realized for a particular trait is inversely range, on the other hand, benefit less related to the heritability of the trait. from heterosis. Table 2: Maternal heterosis: Advantage of the crossbred cow1 Table 1: Trait Observed Improvement % Heterosis Individual heterosis: Advantage of the crossbred calf1 Calving rate 3.5 3.7 Trait Observed Improvement % Heterosis Survival to weaning 0.8 1.5 Calving rate 3.2 4.4 Birth weight 1.6 1.8 Survival to weaning 1.4 1.9 Weaning weight 18.0 3.9 Birth weight 1.7 2.4 Longevity 1.36 16.2 Weaning weight 16.3 3.9 Cow lifetime production: ADG 0.08 2.6 No. calves 0.97 17.0 Yearling weight 29.1 3.8 Cumulative wean wt., lb. 600 25.3

1Adapted from Cundiff and Gregory, 1999 1Adapted from Cundiff and Gregory 1999

Crossbred cows provide the ultimate benefit straightbred calf. This potential increase in profit is one reason a number of producers went to crossbred cow herds. During the past decade, however, with the increasing popularity of “black” cattle and the drive toward more uniformity and marbling, many of America’s commercial cow herds have lost most of the heterosis they once had. Due to market pressures for beef calves, many stockmen have been using bulls of just one breed, and the replacement heifers then become more and more straightbred with each generation. Jim Gosey, retired University of Nebraska beef Extension specialist, says the loss of heterosis in these herds shows up most quickly in the traits that are least heritable and most associated with inbreeding depression, namely reproduction (fertility), hardiness and longevity. The price paid for the loss of heterosis is cumulative — as a number of very small losses add up and amount to a substantial sacrifice in lifetime productivity. As one cattle buyer observed a few years ago after a very cold and slow spring during which feed supplies were short, most of the cows in several herds he worked with were thin, and there was a high rate of open cows after the breeding season. Interesting to note, the cows that bred back the best and on time — in spite of the tough conditions — were the old crossbred cows that were still in the herds. The younger females that were a high percentage of straight breeding didn’t do as well. — Heather Smith Thomas “When we asked John and Mark if they would be willing to work with us on the Harris Ranch study, they both jumped at the opportunity,” Huffhines says. “They have always been loyal to the industry first. They have strived to protect our ranching rights, and they have never turned down an opportunity to evaluate those things that can make commercial cattlemen more profitable.” The AHA recognized the Lacey family in Denver by presenting them with the AHA Hereford Industry Innovator Believing in Heterosis Award for their years of service to the beef industry and their commitment John and Mark Lacey are presented the AHA Hereford Industry and cooperation with the Harris Ranch Innovator Award for their years of service to the beef industry and their heterosis project. cooperation in the Harris Ranch heterosis project. Ranching tradition by Angie Stump Denton The Lacey family has been ranching in California since 1870. After settling in hird and fourth generation Hereford Association (AHA) executive the Owens Valley, Mark B. Lacey and his cattlemen, John and Mark Lacey, vice president. “John has held the top level son expanded the operation to include are true leaders in the beef leadership role of our industry as president 15,000 acres of city of Los Angeles lease industry.T The father-son team, based of the former National Cattlemen’s land that increased their carrying capacity in Independence, Calif., raise cattle Association back in the 1990s.” to 1,000 head. The ranch began with and horses. Since 2005 Lacey Livestock has been Hereford and Shorthorn cattle. In 1960 “John and Mark Lacey have been faithful cooperating with AHA, Harris Feeding Angus cattle were introduced to replace servants to the U.S. beef industry for Co. and Harris Ranch Beef Co. in a the Shorthorns. decades,” says Craig Huffhines, American research project studying the value of Mark B. Lacey passed away in 1964, heterosis. The objective of leaving John and his wife, Dee, along the project is to conduct a with their children, Mark and Nicki, to John Lacey says he is happy with the research project controlled crossbreeding continue to manage Lacey Livestock. results. “We reaffirmed the system comparing John and son Mark still ranch most value of heterosis and saw progeny sired by Hereford of the original Lacey outfit. They have an improvement in weaning weight, health and feed and Angus bulls under divested themselves of all federal lands conversion,” he says. “We commercial conditions, and have added 40,000 acres more to believe the project was done emphasizing economic the Owens Valley Ranches. Altogether, in a real-world commercial setting and others should differences at the ranch, Lacey Livestock is 60,000 acres with experience the same results.” feedlot and packing plant. approximately 2,000 cows. Today the Lacey family ranch is a cow-calf and stocker operation. They also raise Quarter Horses, and in 2003 Lacey Livestock earned the title of American Quarter Horse Association Remuda of the Year. The Lacey family owned several ranches in San Luis Obispo County that they sold in 2000 to purchase the historic Dressler Ranch in Bridgeport, Calif. This ranch has 7,000 acres and annually is home to 8,000 steers. Lacey Livestock purchased this ranch with David Wood under the Centennial Livestock partnership. The partners completed an easement with the American Land Conservancy and In early December the Lacey calves were shipped from the backgrounding lot in Smith Valley, the California Rangeland Trust. This Nev., to the feedlot in Coalinga, Calif. Mark Lacey says their 2008 calf crop had one of their highest weaning weight averages in recent years. He attributes the increased pounds to crossbreeding as ranch will be preserved for perpetuity. well as improved feed sources. Centennial Livestock also leases 230,000 acres of the historic Tejon Ranch, south of Bakersfield, which is home to about “The baldie females The 7,000 head. Hereford Role in are the biggest pay Heterosis Heterosis study Huffhines says the Harris research project off for us participating is becoming a landmark study defining what genetics can do for the industry in the project. It is allowing when used properly in a real-world commercial setting. us to get some heterosis back Mark says, prior to participating in in our cow herd.” the project, his family had been part of — Mark Lacey the Harris Partnership for Quality (PQ) program since 1997. To participate in the PQ program, producers have to follow “I was pleasantly surprised by the Harris’ guidelines, which include specific Hereford cattle’s feedlot performance,” genetic criteria and prescribed best Mark says. “They were very efficient and management and animal health practices. lived up to their billing. As far as grade, Mark says producers don’t know the I expected them to be lower, but the first value of heterosis in a cow herd until they calf crop was a little lower than expected.” lose it. Then they are really caught because Data on the second group of calves are it takes too long to re-establish especially still being reviewed, but early results show when you keep and develop your own that the Hereford-sired calves narrowed replacement females. the quality-grade gap in 2008. “Heterosis is invaluable,” he says. “From “It is evident they are efficient,” Mark my observations at the ranch, as we lost says about the Hereford-sired calves. heterosis, we were seeing more health “They do it in the feedlot, and in general issues and the weaning weights just held I think the Hereford-sired females are their own. showing the same efficiency on the range.” “It was our opinion that we couldn’t The study is also tracking the continue to just breed to Angus productivity of the females. Females indefinitely and continue to lose heterosis from the first calf crop have weaned their in our herd. Harris agreed to allow the first set of calves and are at the feedlot. trials of other breeds to see if they could The effect of maternal heterosis will be meet the company’s carcass requirements. determined by tracking productivity of Year one results of the heterosis project The Hereford Association stepped up and the replacement heifers that were retained showed a $78 advantage for Hereford-sired was willing to participate. My dad has and identified to a sire. The objective calves compared to Angus-sired calves. The second calf crop has been harvested and the always been a Hereford fan, so it was a is to attempt to determine lifetime third crop is at the feedlot in Coalinga, Calif. perfect fit for us.” productivity and profitability differences To start the project, 400 mature between sire groups. new ground. What we were hoping is Angus-based cows were sorted and “The baldie females are the biggest pay that Harris would find the beef to be a identified with electronic ear tags in the off for us participating in the project,” product that would fit the PQ program. Lacey Livestock program. Cows were Mark says. “It is allowing us to get some Harris has been impressed with the randomly mated to 10 Hereford or 10 heterosis back in our cow herd.” dollar advantage, but trying to figure out Angus bulls, selected based on rigorous Mark says he and his father are anxious how to market the beef is the issue.” genetic parameters (expected progeny to see the improvements in fertility, differences [EPDs]) for overall merit. The longevity and health. “In the cattle The future project is being conducted for a three- business, fertility and longevity is what As the project comes to an end, Mark year period, the typical lifespan of a bull make us money,” Mark says. says the Laceys will continue to use under Western range conditions. To have The female data showed that the the Hereford bulls that remain in more numbers for the project in year two baldie females had a 7% advantage their bull battery. This year he also and three, Lacey Livestock increased the in pregnancy rate in 2008. As more artificially inseminated his black number of cows to 600 and the number of data are compiled and reviewed, the replacement heifers, nearly 250, to Hereford bulls to 16. Laceys expect to see even more value two calving-ease Hereford bulls. Year one results showed a $78 with the Hereford-sired females and “We want to continue to produce advantage for Hereford-sired calves their calves. Mark says the heterosis is more baldie females,” Mark says. “As compared to Angus-sired calves in a real- giving them increased calf survivability range cows go, I think the Hereford world commercial setting. The second calf and a better weaning percentage. female is a superior range cow and crop has been harvested and the third “By and large the project has gone as makes a great mother.” crop is at the feedlot in Coalinga, Calif. expected,” Mark says. “We’re not breaking that the Hereford bulls were still in good enough shape to bring enough money Hereford Longevity to help replace them at the sale barn.” Commercial cattlemen have been looking for a bull with stayability Oftentimes when we talk about longevity, we talk about structural for years — the Hereford bull just may be the answer. soundness, Spangler says. A bull that by Tosha Powell can’t stay in the herd because he’s not structurally sound can attle producers know the best produce daughters with the way to increase income is to same structural deficiencies. reduce costs. Purchasing a Nebraska Sandhills cattleman high-qualityC bull with genetics that Arlan Paxton says his commercial are complementary to your herd Angus operation uses Hereford every year or two defeats the purpose. bulls to take advantage of the The good news is that Hereford bulls hybrid vigor bred in the black may have the longevity a producer baldie calves. Paxton uses needs to remain in the black. Hereford bulls to take the edge off “When people shop for a herd bull, the Angus’ disposition and put you have to know what constraints longevity back in the cow herd. your environment holds,” says Matt “I like Angus-Hereford cross Spangler, University of Nebraska- to maintain hybrid vigor,” Paxton Lincoln Extension beef genetics says. “I also like that I can keep an specialist. “You must have cattle that English cow base.” can survive in your environment.” Before Paxton purchases a new For commercial cattle producers bull for his herd, he says, he wants with predominantly Angus cows, the bull to look and act the part. crossbreeding gives not only heterosis for,” Ron says. “We don’t pamper our bulls “In order for me to buy a bull, he but combines the individual breeds into a lot, so when they come in here already has to look the part: structurally sound, a calf crop that brings top dollar in the in good shape and ready to go out and fertile and be able to demonstrate he’s market place. work, we don’t complain.” efficient enough to get my herd where I “You have to look for a bull that Crossbreeding is becoming a natural want it.” complements your cow herd,” Spangler trend in the cattle industry. Thomson Like Thomson, Paxton sees longevity in says. “If mated to a different breed of says he finds that calves from a Hereford- the Hereford bulls he purchases. cows, Hereford bulls can produce calves Angus cross have more natural growth “I can keep the Hereford bulls longer that benefit from heterosis. If producers and always give a few more pounds at the than the Angus bulls we run,” Paxton are retaining their own replacements they sale barn. says. “We can keep the Herefords for at should realize that crossbred females can “Sure we want good genetics,” least six breeding seasons vs. four with generate up to $100 more per year than Thomson says. “But what we really want Angus bulls.” their purebred contemporaries. is the whole package that a horned Some producers say that other bull “Traditionally, Hereford cattle are Hereford bull can give to make a good breeds have the tendency to “fall in love” known as a rugged, low-input breed,” he crossbred calf.” too easily with the cows in the pasture. continues. Taking the strengths from each For any commercial cattleman, it’s Where the Angus bull breeds the same breed and combining them into one calf important to find the right makeup in a cow 10 times, a Hereford can breed 10 crop can give a herd the total package a bull to complete his herd. But of course, different cows, Paxton says. buyer is looking for at the sale barn. cost is on every cattleman’s mind. Hereford cattle have proven to be Ron Thomson and his brother, Don, Spangler says, “How often do you want more docile and not as aggressive manage a commercial herd near to have to replace a sire? There is nothing as other breeds. Paxton finds that Tarkio, Mo. wrong with spending more money on a the Angus bulls in his operation “We backgrounded steers on our bull if he meets your breeding objective fight with each other more than the own grass until eight or nine years ago,” and is able to stay in the herd for more Herefords do; therefore, the Herefords Thomson says. “But with source and years than the average bull.” are able to stay in the herd longer. genetic verification practices, we thought Thomson says he chose Hereford bulls Hereford bulls are the choice of it would be a good idea to change our not only because of the genetic component commercial producers who are seeking an operation and manage our own cow herd.” but because of the ability to save money economic advantage. Herefords’ genetics Although the Thomsons chose to with Herefords’ natural longevity traits. provide soundness, fertility, efficiency manage Angus cows for their operation, “Our last set of bulls we worked for five and longevity — all things that help it was Hereford bulls that they found to breeding seasons,” he says. “We run about producers make and save money. complete the whole package. 19 cows per bull and was able to keep “Hereford bulls go out and do their job them around for five years. It’s nice to and that’s exactly what we were looking know that we can work them like that and straight black. “It was clear to us we with Hereford needed to make changes,” he says. “We influence.” The needed to do something to add vigor Bottom line, Hereford Role in back into our herd.” what R-Y Ranch Heterosis The family has been selling its calves on likes about the Western Video Market for 12 years, Hereford bulls so realizing the need for a change, Dan is the females contacted Andy Peek, who was president they produce. “The of Western Video Market and manager of baldie is the most Shasta Livestock Auction at desirable package in the cattle the time, to seek his advice. business today,” Dan says. “Our Following that discussion, baldie females are gaining and R-Y Ranch purchased growing so much better than our Hereford bulls in 2007 and straightbred females.” they plan to continue to buy Herefords for years to come. R-Y herd When the cow herd was The results started by Yet’s family in It was an obvious advantage, 1956, it was predominately Dan says, pointing to sale black baldies. Yet’s father, Dan Chase is sold on Hereford bulls and the receipts. The family’s 2007 “We needed to Sandy Sanders, used baldie females they produce. He says R-Y’s calves were shipped on Jan. Hereford bulls at one time baldie females gain and grow so much better than its straightbred females. 28, 2008, averaging 582 lb. do something to and then other bulls were In comparison, the 2008 purchased following the spring-born calves, which add vigor back trend in the cattle business. were sired by Hereford bulls, Through the years the An Obvious were sold on Nov. 28, 2008, into our herd.” ranch used “eared” or weighing 588 lb. Bos indicus cattle before “We were able to sell the — Dan Chase switching to mostly straight Advantage Hereford-sired calves 70 Angus about 20 years ago. California commercial ranch tops days earlier, and they still averaged 6 lb. It’s easy to describe the family as heavier,” Dan says. “And, if we would have progressive and aggressive. They have market with Hereford-sired calves kept them another 30 days, we would have diversified the family’s businesses and that were sold 70 days earlier and seen an even bigger advantage.” continue to expand and grow the ranch. Dan says using the Hereford bulls The family manages a custom farming 6 lb. heavier than previous year’s provided numerous benefits to the and fencing services business as well as straight black calf crop. R-Y herd: a growing cow herd. A new opportunity 1) A calf that can go to for the ranch has been to use part of the by Angie Stump Denton market sooner. cow herd as recipient cows for seedstock producers wanting to place embryos. 2) Improved feed efficiency t’s hard to argue with data, and Today the R-Y herd includes both a fall and conversion. commercial cattlemen Richard Peters and spring calving herd numbering about and Dan Chase of Grenada, Calif., 3) Improved conception rates. 500 head. The embryo contracts, custom haveI the numbers to prove the advantage 4) Decreased use of the farming and the increased income and their ranch has experienced from utilizing hay pile. decreased expense from using Hereford Hereford genetics. “We’re enthusiastic 5) More time for cows to bulls are allowing the ranch to expand in about using Herefords,” Dan says. “There recondition before calving. size and cow herd numbers. is no way you can talk me out of using a “If we can continue to sell calves 70 Hereford bull. I’m convinced Herefords “The entire package is a major days earlier, we can increase our carrying help add premiums on ship day.” improvement for our program,” he says. capacity and stretch feed without R-Y Ranch is owned and managed by “Using Hereford bulls bought us six buying or renting more land,” Dan says Richard and Yet Peters and their son- months in building our program.” with confidence. in-law and daughter, Dan and Becky Dan says he’s seen advantages in Becky, who has been involved with Chase. Dan and Becky’s children, Dillon managing Hereford bulls compared to the R-Y herd since birth, is also sold on and Ty, are the fifth generation to work bulls of other breeds. “They cover the the benefits of Herefords. “We’ve got the on the ranch that is located in northern country and get the job done,” he says. numbers to prove it,” Becky says. “Using California in the beautiful Shasta Valley. At calving time they also saw a Herefords allowed us to market our calves Dan explains that he was getting tired difference in health and calf vigor. “There 70 days earlier, they weighed more, plus of decreasing weights and efficiency as is more ‘buck and kick’ in those calves,” they topped the market. You can’t argue the R-Y herd became more and more Dan says. “You just get a little more snap with that.” 2) Producer nominates calves for the Pennsylvania Producers Add Value with program in mid- to late-summer. 3) Calves are given rounds of a set vaccination program on the farm. Feeder Calf Pool First round is given when calves by Sara Gugelmeyer are on the cows; second round, at weaning, about 14 days later. ore and more producers are value $28.21 per head. The Hereford-cross 4) Calves are weaned on the farm for pooling their efforts and their heifers also weighed on average 35 lb. at least 40 days prior to shipment. cattle to help increase profits. more, resulting in a $43.05 advantage. These calves are fed a quality ration, MThey are also using Hereford bulls to take “Using the above numbers, if a producer making them bunk broke and advantage of the extra pounds heterosis had 18 calves marketed in the program gaining about 2 lb. per day. provides. Pennsylvania cattlemen have with half being steers and half being been working to add value with the heifers, they received an additional $641.34 5) All calves are handled under Pennsylvania Feeder Calf Pool since the of income by using a Hereford bull,” Beef Quality Assurance (BQA) program began in 1995, and they have Heeter says. guidelines and are all tagged with reaped the rewards. Skip Dick, Smithfield, Pa., is one of the BQA tags and electronic ID. Penn State Extension Agent Dustin founding members of the Pennsylvania 6) All calves are graded on the farm. Heeter has compared the profits earned by calf pool program, and he has chosen to 7) Weights are taken on each calf or a those participating in the pool with other use Hereford bulls on his Angus-Gelbvieh tape estimate is made. Pennsylvania cattlemen and discovered that cross cows. He says he has been pleased 8) Information on all calves is in the past five years, participants earned with the added pounds the Hereford compiled to form load lots. Once between $100 and $145 more per head, even influence has put on his calves. Because the information has been compiled after program expenses were paid. he only has about 50 to 60 cows, the calf and calves assigned to lots, then the Hereford-sired calves brought more pool allows him to combine with others to cattle must sell and be delivered. than purebred or other crossbred calves, make a full semi load and take advantage also. “Data once again proves that of the increased price. 9) The calves sell the last Friday of crossbreeding and especially the use of Cattlemen do have to meet September via a tele-auction from Hereford bulls brings more dollars of requirements in order for their calves to Buckhannon Stockyards. Calves return,” Heeter explains. At the 2008 be eligible for the program. Dustin Heeter never leave home until shipment. sale, 472 calves sold with the Hereford- explains that the process is 10 easy steps: Multiple shipping dates have been established to meet the needs of sired steers weighing an average of 29 lb. 1) Producer must make a commitment producers who calve later or have a more than the others, increasing their to work with others for the good of all. longer calving season. 10) Calves are taken to shipping 2008 Pennsylvania Feeder Calf Pool data point on assigned day and Straight bred Crossbred Hereford-sired weighed and sorted. This weight Steer 553 lb. — $534.45 574 lb. — $554.70 582 lb. — $562.66 is the pay weight, including slides. $28.21 Hereford advantage Buckhannon Stockyards makes payment directly to the producer Heifer 527 lb — $471.76 518 lb. — $463.68 562 lb. — $514.81 following shipment. The program does also require some $43.05 Hereford advantage added expense, but Heeter says the added profit more than makes the difference. “Data once again proves Pool expenses include the following: The Sale commission $10/head that crossbreeding and Hereford Role in Pool processing $8/head Heterosis Insurance $.44/head especially the use of Checkoff $1/head Vaccine $5.35/head Hereford bulls brings more Dewormer $2.80/head These expenses result in a cost of $27.59 dollars of return.” per head. — Dustin Heeter

Producing quality Pennsylvania commercial producer says using Herefords in his program is the perfect fit. If you are a commercial producer with a black “Right now we are in a data collection mode,” Rick adds. cow herd, the best way to get a big payback “We want to try to collect data and make genetic choices based is to use Hereford bulls says commercial on the data.” cattleman Rick Fabin, Indiana, Pa. To track progress, Rick fed his 2007 calf crop in Kansas “Put a whiteface on your calves and see how at Decatur County Feed Yard. He says the cattle performed good they do for you,” Rick explains. “The value adequately despite the fact that market conditions were not ideal. of heterosis and the benefits of crossbreeding At press time he was considering sending his 2008 calf crop to is real. Commercial producers can earn real value by using Decatur. “We want to continue to see if we are moving in the right Hereford bulls on their black cow herds.” direction,” Rick adds. Rick farms in partnership with his brother, Stanley. The Focusing on the female, the Fabins collect hip, pelvic and Pennsylvania Cattlemen’s Association named Fabin Bros. Farms ultrasound measurements on all replacements to make sure they its 2007 commercial cow-calf producer award winner. are retaining proper females. To continue to build a better herd, Fabin Bros. is a diversified livestock and crop farm with 3,000 Rick culls the bottom 10-15% of his herd each year. acres of rotational pastures, hay, corn, soybeans and wheat. The Rick says he tries to make intelligent, information-based Fabin family spent years in the dairy business before dispersing the decisions to achieve his breeding goals. To do this, he utilizes herd in the ’80s. The family then started feeding cattle (purchasing expected progeny differences (EPDs). stockers) before deciding about three years ago to start building a His sire selection focuses on maternal traits with the goal beef herd with the hope of better utilizing its land assets. of producing an F1 baldie female with the best maternal Rick explains they started putting their herd together three years characteristics possible. “I’m willing to give up some performance ago. “We continue to progress and build a herd we are striving to get the maternal characteristics I’m striving for, but I’ve found I to have,” he says. “At the time my son, Andy, was going to Penn don’t have to give up much, if any.” State and his interest is in cattle. Our hope is some day that he Rick strives to develop moderate-framed females that are can come back home and we can start feeding cattle again. Our functional with good udders and feet. “You don’t need tremendous goal with the cow herd is to produce the type of cattle we would growth numbers. Calves with 1,300-1,400 yearling weights do not want to feed in our own lot.” give you a 1,200 lb. cow,” he says. Today the Fabins have grown their cow herd to include about 130 Hereford and Angus-based females. Rick says the 2009 The producers’ role calf crop will be 75% baldies, and his goal is to eventually be “As commercial producers, our job is to produce quality beef for producing 100% baldies each year. “My goal is to produce a the consumers,” Rick says. premier F1 — the Hereford-Angus baldie female,” he says. He adds that he believes seedstock producers exist to He says they focus on producing baldies because of their work with commercial producers to meet consumer needs. disposition, how they fit the environment and their quality on “Purebred breeders need to be producing genetics that work for the “table.” commercial producers who are feeding and producing cattle for the consumer.” Utilizing technology As a leader in the beef industry, Fabin serves on the The Fabin family is dedicated to improving efficiency and utilizing Pennsylvania Hereford Association board, is a member and new technology to improve its operation. director of the Pennsylvania Cattlemen’s Association, and is “I want to be a progressive cattleman,” Rick explains. “I want to a member of the Pennsylvania Farm Bureau and the National have a program: produce cattle that fit a specific marketing target, Cattlemen’s Beef Association. not just turn out a group of cows to utilize grass.” Producing quality beef is job No. 1 at Fabin Bros., and Rick For Rick this includes having a detailed health and management Fabin says Herefords help him achieve that goal. program as well as using artificial insemination and embryo — Angie Stump Denton transfer. He seeks out the best genetics available and tries to take advantage of those genetics. Cashing in on the Black Market Hereford-sired calves go head to head with Angus and prove profitable on the grid. by Patti Long

hen Jeff Palmer assumed was a group of crossbred Hereford and The Certified Angus Beef (CAB) management of a 1,800-head Angus calves — “black baldies,” as they’re acceptance for the solid blacks was 30% cow-calf operation six years known in the industry. and 20% for the crossbred calves, both ago,W he wanted answers to some of the Both pens of cattle were finished at Beef better than the national average of 18%. industry’s most vexing questions. Northwest, a feeding company based in The Hereford-sired calves made more First and foremost, he wanted to know North Powder, Ore. All of the 300 head money even though their acceptance rate which breed or breed combination would group were managed under identical was 10% lower. Both groups returned work best in — and generate the greatest conditions. Both pens entered the feedlot about $4 per hundredweight (cwt.) over economic returns for — his eastern at the same time, received the same ration the commodity price. Oregon environment. and were marketed on the same day. These two groups of cattle were high- In 2008 Palmer, who manages Ironside When the closeout data came back, quality cattle (the top two pens at the Associates of Ironside, Ore., got some of his Palmer was surprised. He had odds on packer that week), which made the questions answered when he fed out two the black cattle, but when the results were comparison even more interesting. groups of calves and compared the results. tallied, the baldies had the best bottom line. The baldies’ increased profit margin The first set consisted of primarily “It was a real eye opener,” says Palmer, was because of their crossbreeding, straightbred Angus cattle. The second set who expected the straight blacks to bring Palmer says. He credits the effects more money. “The straight black calves of heterosis, or hybrid vigor, for the “With performed a little better on the grid, but increased profitability of the crossbred our profit per head was better on the calves. Heterosis is a boost in productivity heterosis, white-faced calves. That was a pretty big that takes place when a producer mates one for me.” two unrelated breeds to produce more you are While the solid black cattle produced vigorous and economically efficient higher-grading carcasses (90% Choice offspring. “I think heterosis goes clear getting and Prime), the baldies (77% Choice through to the rail,” he says. and Prime) had lower input costs and, Crossbred cattle, for instance, are almost more bang thus, made more money. There were always more healthy and productive and marginal differences in most aspects of perform better in ranch and feedlot settings for your the comparison (including conversion and than their purebred counterparts. buck.” gain per day), but the bottom line — the Other segments of agriculture have one that counts the most — was in favor taken advantage of heterosis and reaped — Ron Rowan of the baldies by $7.12/head. the benefits, or profits, for years. The corn industry recognized this boost in productivity and began producing and The marketing hybrid seed corn. Today, “Health, feed Hereford Role in virtually all swine and poultry are Heterosis hybrids. And, for more than 30 years conversion, rate of now, cattle producers have also benefited from crossbred cattle and boosted the gain: those are three productivity of their livestock. Most people in production agriculture are trying to big advantages of heterosis balance their books. And if they can cut in the feedlot.” expenses or reduce input costs, they can put more money in their pockets and be — Bob Harrell more profitable. Crossbreeding doesn’t increase costs but can increase profits. Simply put, “with heterosis, you are don’t think business can be as successful increase their yield grade,” he says. Beef getting more bang for your buck,” explains as if we are working together,” Rowan says. Northwest takes part in Country Natural Ron Rowan of Beef Northwest. The feedlot has a good relationship with Beef, a program that pays premiums for the packer and with the producers who ribeye area. Working together supply the raw product. “Many people think you can’t make One of the primary functions of Rowan’s “We have a vested interest in getting it work with another breed,” says position is developing alliances and the best cattle we can for these feedlots,” Bob Harrell. “But what Jeff Palmer’s partnerships among seedstock producers, says Rowan. “We’re dependent on the raw comparison proves is that you can ranchers, the feedlot and the packer as a product, and our raw product is cattle.” maintain quality while achieving greater way of ensuring quality and adding value The feedlot manager knows what the economic returns by using a disciplined to beef. packer wants and has a responsibility crossbreeding program. There was a During the last three years, Beef to pass the information on to the 10% difference in the Certified Angus Northwest worked closely with Harrell cow-calf sector, where the process Beef acceptance rate, but the Hereford- Hereford Ranch and Thomas Angus begins. The sharing of information influenced cattle still made money. Ranch, Baker City, Ore., to form and collaboration from each segment “If the people are buying your cattle Northwest Premium Genetic Partnership. is crucial to quality end product. With because they know they will make more Underpinning this effort is the belief data collected from the feedlot to the money, they’ll pay you more money for that breed complementarity and heterosis rail, producers can analyze their product those calves,” Harrell says. “If you retain is the most efficient way to achieve and make adjustments accordingly. ownership, you have seen the added profitability and quality end products. Rowan agrees, and he works with value in the form of premiums paid by “Our belief is that we need to work producers to make sure the lines of the packer.” together to get a better, more efficient communication are open. “We’re trying Perhaps the biggest advantage is in the product,” explains Rowan. “Heterosis to keep customers on the leading edge by increased health of crossbred calves — — through disciplined and planned giving them information so they can make particularly when they enter the feedlot. crossbreeding — is an example of how it changes in their operations” Data on more than 75,000 cattle can work.” Often times, a producer can make harvested from Five Rivers Feeding Co. As part of this alliance, both the genetic adjustments that cost no more in 2006 show the importance of ensuring Harrells and the Thomases host their money but pay dividends in the form of healthy calves in the feedlot. annual spring bull sales during the same premiums. And every bit helps. The groups with no death loss were $40/ week. This arrangement (plan, schedule, Increasing ribeye through selection head more profitable. collaboration) allows commercial of the right bull can be a great benefit Feedlots that focus on calf-feds are customers to purchase genetics from both of heterosis too. “If you have calves that particularly sensitive to keeping cattle programs as a way of fostering heterosis in did well in the feedlot and had a high healthy. And that’s why many feeders like their own programs. percentage Choice, but they didn’t have Beef Northwest have begun pushing for “We’re not an island in this industry that many 1s and 2s, producers could cattle with heterosis as a way of decreasing — in any segment of it — and if we are, I increase ribeye, use a ribeye bull and sickness and death loss. “Health, feed conversion, rate of gain: those are three big advantages of heterosis “With the F1 cross, our weaning in the feedlot,” Harrell says. weights having significantly increased It all starts back at the ranch compared to the straightbred cattle Perhaps the biggest advantage of heterosis is back at the ranch, however. we have bred in the past.” “The most important thing for us is the production end and getting a live calf,” — Justin Jacobs continued on next page… …Cashing in on the Black Market continued says Palmer. “Our cattle are all a significant amount of savings,” outside, they calve on their own, and says Jacobs. “We didn’t have any we expect a 95% calf crop without idea the feed prices would get to helping them. We don’t think we where they are now. We’ve been Mailing address: could do that without crossbreeding doing the F1 deal for eight years. In P.O. Box 014059, Kansas City, MO 64101 and hybrid vigor.” hindsight, it looks like we made a Physical address: “Heterosis will always give pretty good move.” 1501 Wyandotte St., Kansas City, MO 64108 you a boost in fertility and calf Jacobs adds that in addition (816) 842-3757 • (816) 842-6931 fax survivability,” explains Harrell. to feed efficiency, the qualities www.hereford.org “Those are things you don’t usually they appreciate about the F1 Executive vice president: Craig Huffhines put a dollar value on because you baldie cow are their fertility, easy [email protected] don’t get paid for it. An open cow or fleshing ability, temperament and Chief operating officer and a sick calf costs money. You might reproductive health. director of breed improvement: not see any money changing hands Perhaps most of all, what Jacobs Jack Ward because of it, but you can feel the and Palmer like best about their [email protected] loss in your wallet.” black baldie calves is that they’re Chief financial officer: Leslie Mathews To keep on the plus side of the easy to sell; they know there’s strong [email protected] ledger, you have to equip yourself buyer interest in them because the Director of records department: with the right tools. “People industry now recognizes the value of Stacy Sanders who aren’t taking advantage of quality cattle with hybrid vigor. [email protected] crossbreeding are just missing “There’s a strong market for the Director of youth activities: those pieces that can help them be calves. When you get to the feedlot, Amy Cowan [email protected] profitable. You can’t do the best job you’ve got a nice product,” Jacobs says. Executive assistant: if you don’t have the right tools and The cattle buyers know the Mary Ellen Hummel you are not prepared,” Harrell says. advantages, and they understand [email protected] Riverside Ranch of Prairie City, heterosis can translate into profit. Ore., has filled its toolbox with the “Anytime you get an extra person right stuff. The family has taken to raise their hand, and they go back P.O. Box 014059 advantage of the Hereford-Angus and forth a couple of times, pretty Kansas City, MO 64101 cross and has been producing F1 soon that’s a buck or two a hundred (816) 842-3758 (816) 842-6931 fax black baldies for years. more on a six-weight animal; that’s www.herefordbeef.org The ranch, which is owned by $12 to $15 a head more. That’s sure a the Jacobs family, runs about 1,000 difference,” he says. Interim general manager: cow-calf pairs in the high country Jacobs has seen the advantages Arden Gremmert near the Malheur National Forest. with using heterosis and [email protected] “We run in big country,” says Justin understands sometimes you have to Vice president of supply: Jacobs. “We need cattle that have adapt to change. “It doesn’t matter Jim Williams [email protected] some go to them and can get to the how much you like your cattle. If (308) 222-0170 top of the mountain. We need cattle the market doesn’t like them, what Account managers: that have some ruggedness to them.” are you doing it for?” Shonda Anderson With their baldie cow herd, they His adaptation has added value to [email protected] see a boost in productivity over the his herd, and the demand is solid. Brad Ellefson straightbred herds they’ve run before. “In the past, with the straightbred [email protected] “With the F1 cross, our weaning cows we would have about 5% of Jared Long [email protected] weights have significantly increased the calves that couldn’t go with the Account analyst: compared to the straightbred rest. We would just have to take Marya Hitch cattle we have bred in the past. We those to the local auction barn. Now [email protected] don’t have actual data to compare, it’s really nice. When we ship, most Food service director: but I would estimate 10-20 lb. at everything goes.” Jacobs says. “The Mick Welch weaning,” Jacobs says. uniformity with the F1 cattle is [email protected] Jacobs says he also believes he’s outstanding. We’ve had great success Hereford Verified and HerfNet.com specialist: improved the feed efficiency of his marketing the cattle. The people Heidi Tribbett cow herd because of the heterosis. who have bought them in the past [email protected] (970) 580-4503 “If you feed each cow even 2-3 lb. keep coming back.” less per day than what you would For information about Herfnet: www.herfnet.com or (866) HerfNet feed a 1,300-lb. straightbred cow over the course of the winter, that’s