Bottom Line Limousin’s Commercial Connection
Summer 2012
Volume 14, Issue 1
Management Practices To Add Value Methods for increasing buyer interest in your cattle and cash in your pocket
Herd Health Tips Grow heavier cattle, strategic deworming practices and choosing proper vaccinations
Mineral Supplementation Its role in feeder calf health and feedlot interest in your calves
H&T Bies Cattle Co. Finding profit with Limousin
Summer Marketing Advice Marketing considerations as you look to add margin to your operation
How Do We Stand? Spring highlights and what to expect this summer
Management Practices To Add Value by Joe Epperly Director of Commercial Marketing North American Limousin Foundation
Bottom Line is published four times per year by the North American Limousin Foundation 6 Inverness Court East, Suite 260 Englewood, CO 80112-5595 (303) 220-1693; Fax (303) 220-1884
www.nalf.org Executive Director - Mark Anderson Dir. of Communications - Brooke Bennett Dir. of Commercial Marketing - Joe Epperly
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s the feeder cattle supply tightens in the United States, producers are enjoying record prices for their calves. However, with higher prices come higher expectations. Premiums have been paid in the past for different processes that add value for the feeder or backgrounder. In the current economic situation, we should not only look at the practices as opportunities for premiums, but as a way to minimize discounts. Your customers, feeders, backgrounders and packers, are becoming more particular in the cattle they purchase due to the extra capital needed in today’s cattle market and tight margins due to high feed costs.
It is important to understand the aspects that affect backgrounder and feedlot profit. Cost of gain (i.e. performance) and health are the two major factors affecting the feeder’s bottom line. The following are sections of production that can be focused on at the producer level to increase the chances for feeder profitability. Nutrition. The nutrition program is the backbone of an operation and it begins with the cow. Research has shown that calves that do not receive adequate nutrition in utero are more likely to have health issues throughout their lives. Cows must also have adequate nutrition and health in order to produce quality colostrum, which is one of the essential continued on Page 2
To view the current and past issues of Bottom Line, or if you’re not already on the mailing list, visit the North American Limousin Foundation website: North American Limousin Foundation 6 Inverness Court East, Suite 260 Englewood, CO 80112-5595
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www.nalf.org. SUMMER 2012
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continued from Front Cover
building blocks to a healthy feeder calf. Calcium (Ca) and phosphorus (K) ratio is essential to maintain good metabolic processes. Copper (Cu), Selenium (Se) and Zinc (Zn) are three trace minerals that should be paid particular attention to since they are essential in the immune system and are deficient in various regions across the country. Test your forages and feedstuffs to ensure nutritional value and formulate your system to fit with the needs of the cow. A good herd mineral program plays a vital role in herd health and immunity, especially in calves. This mineral program needs to be matched with the deficiencies found in the soil and subsequent forages in your region to ensure the herd is receiving the proper nutrients in order to grow and prosper. Soil samples can be taken to analyze what nutrients are lacking in the soil of your region and you can work with supplement distributors in your area who can develop a custom mineral program for your particular ranch or pasture. Take time to visit with your local distributor because most mineral companies offer mineral packages that are developed to cater to specific areas of the country. Calves that have a good mineral program behind them have a stronger immune response, which is essential when they are put under the stress of hauling, handling and environmental changes that come with moving to a feedyard or backgrounding operation. When marketing your calves, be sure to make note of your mineral program to your buyers and supply them with the information. A good mineral program is worth real dollars to a feedlot with decreased morbidity and mortality, and gives value to your calves. Vaccinations and Herd Health. A strong vaccination program goes hand-in-hand with a good nutritional program. If calves have a high-
quality nutrition program, they will have a stronger immune response to a vaccine and will have more substantial immunity. Most vaccination protocols preferred by feedlots include a 7-way clostridial vaccination at 2-3 months of age along with a modified live virus (MLV) vaccine that covers the viruses commonly associated with the bovine respiratory disease (BRD) complex. The viruses included in most MLVBRD vaccines are: infectious bovine rhinotracheitis (IBR), bovine viral diarrhea (BVD), parainfluenza-3 virus (PI3) and bovine respiratory syn-cytial virus (BRSV). It is also important to remember to give the booster shots as directed on the label. A consistent de-worming program is also essential for both cows and calves to ensure that calves are free of parasites. Cows tend to shed worm eggs and larvae without showing many clinical signs of infestation and calves are more susceptible to these parasites as they learn to graze and have weaker immune responses. When marketing your calves, investigate particular programs like the Superior Livestock Auction’s ( S L A ) o r L i ve s t o c k Ma rk e t i n g Association’s (LMA) vaccination program definitions. If you follow the program, you then have a term for your program that is easily understood by buyers. Also, be familiar with Beef Quality Assurance (BQA) Guidelines for administration and handling of vaccines to minimize lesions in high value cuts of meat and maximize immune response. Value Added Programs. One area of the industry that has seen a great deal of growth in recent years is the variety of value added programs that cattle can be marketed to the feeder and the consumer. These programs yield opportunity for increased value and profit all the way through the production chain. The basic programs that are available to beef producers are non-hormone
treated cattle (NHTC), natural, age and source verified and Global Animal Partnership approved are just some of the main programs used today by producers. NHTC must be verified by a third party USDA process verified program (PVP), such as IMI Global or TriMerit’s Global Animal Management, and are eligible for export to the European Union. These cattle cannot receive any growth promotants such as hormone implants or ionophores. There are two types of natural cattle, affidavit and verified natural. Currently, most packers only require a producer affidavit stating the cattle have not received any growth promotants or antibiotics to certify a group of cattle as natural. Verified natural cattle have their natural status and records certified by a PVP with the added benefit that those cattle can move into an NHTC program if they should happen to need antibiotics in the feeding stage. Age and Source verification has been made popular with the expansion of exports especially to Japan. The Japanese have had a 20-month or younger age requirement on all imports since 2003 and several countries have 30-month or younger requirements for imports. This also requires a PVP or USDA Quality System Assessment (QSA) program to verify age and source records. Through the partnerships NALF has with IMI Global and Tri-Merit’s Global Animal Partnership, NALF can help facilitate access to these PVP programs and their resources with the Lim-Mark/Lim-Choice tagging programs for Limousin-influenced feeder cattle. You can visit the NALF website at www.nalf.org or call the office for more information. Weaning and Preconditioning. Both weaning and preconditioning are of vital importance to feeders due to their significant affect on feedlot health. Cattle weaned at home experience less
Factors Affecting Bovine Respiratory Disease (BRD) and Subsequent Feedlot and Carcass Performance1
stress and are less likely to have health problems at the buyer’s operation. The weaning and preconditioning process depends on your individual resources and facilities. Ideally calves should be weaned either in a dry lot or pasture situation for 30 or more days, and fed an adequate ration to have body condition scores of 4-6 (on a 1-9 scale) to reach their maximum gain potential in a feedyard. Superior Genetics. Cattle from proven and known bloodlines hold extra value for feeders due to the predictability of gains and overall increased performance that add profit. The number of days on feed directly affects the profitability of a feedyard. Cattle that can convert feed more efficiently with a higher rate of gain are simply more valuable and profitable, so feeders are willing to pay more for them. This is one of the many reasons most feeders prefer to feed hybrid cattle that are naturally more feed efficient and have faster rates of gain. When choosing bulls, try to get the most performance and carcass merit for your dollar and look for bulls that are of similar bloodlines to improve the uniformity of your calf crop. Though these bulls may cost more to purchase, they will more than pay for themselves in added pounds and extra value for your calf crop. As you look at these recommendations remember that no matter how you market your feeder cattle (sale barn, privately or video auction), those cattle are linked by feeders directly to you and their performance this year can dramatically affect the price you receive for years to come. Information is a key factor in marketing feeder cattle. The more you can show a potential buyer about the quality of your management practices and genetics gives you an upper hand on a the majority of feeder cattle for sale. Keep these initiatives in mind as you develop your calf crop for market this year, and your cattle will have the best chance to top the market. BL
Significant variables for adding value to calves in Superior Livestock Video Auctions* Variable
Calculated added dollars received for a 600 lb. steer
Steer vs. heifer
$52.43
Weaned vs. not weaned
$17.64
Source and Age verified
$12.83
Semi-load of calves
$12.65
VAC 34 and/or VAC 45 protocol vs. other protocol
$14.81
*From summary sale results compiled by Montana Beef Network (MBN)
1 Duff and Galyean, J. Anim. Sci. 2007 85:824 * + = decreased incidence or consequence - = increased incidence or consequence ? = effects not fully understood
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Vision The team working to serve you at Wulf Cattle is excited about the future of the beef industry; opportunities, challenges, technology and friendships working together to promote high-quality beef, genetics and services. Back, from left: Casey Fanta, Bob Metzger, Nate Knobloch, Mitch Fehr, Mike Wulf and Adam Zeltwanger Front, from left: Eric Zeltwanger, James Koehl, Rhonda Wulf, Robyn Metzger, Gary Fehr and Jerry Wulf
Wulfs Oppor tunity Sale of 2013—Friday, March 22
Leonard Wulf & Sons 47694 320th Street, Morris, MN 56267 Farm (320) 392-5802 • Fax (320) 392-5504 • Jerry Wulf (320) 491-1390 Cowherd Manager: Eric Zeltwanger (320) 766-0066 • Rhonda Wulf (320) 491-1746 Marketing Consultation: Jim Wulf (320) 491-6312 • Joel Edge (319) 540-1731 wulf@wulfcattle.com • www.WulfCattle.com 10 mi. south of Morris on Hwy. 59
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Three Quick Tips From Pfizer Animal Health Provided By Pfizer Animal Health Professionals
*WARNING: Contains copper. Do not feed to sheep.
Tip #1: Convenient Way to Grow Heavier Cattle Grazing cattle see big benefits from ionophores Ionophore feed additives provide a useful tool for cattle producers when added to an existing nonmedicated energy, protein or mineral supplementation program. Regardless of the season, including an ionophore as part of a nutritionally complete pasture supplementation program promotes increased average daily gain (ADG)—a benefit that pays off in heavier cattle.1* “Ionophores help cattle utilize energy better,” says Matthew Cravey, Ph.D., Pfizer Animal Health Cattle and Equine Technical Services. “Improved utilization of energy results in improved gains for cattle.” Even if producers aren’t mixing their own ration or supplement, it can be simple to feed an ionophore when cattle are on grass by using a medicated block such as Bovatec ® 2.2. The convenient 44-pound block contains 2.2 grams of lasalocid sodium per pound and is designed to be used continuously on a free-choice basis, allowing cattle to adapt easily and start gaining right away. In f a c t , a 1 5 - t r i a l s u m m a r y 2 demonstrated an 11 percent increase in ADG for pasture cattle fed Bovatec (200 mg/head/day)—resulting in 15 additional pounds of gain in a 107-day grazing period. Without dedicating a large amount of time to feeding extra supplements, adding Bovatec 2.2 to an existing nutrition program allows producers to improve their bottom line while reducing labor and equipment costs.3 Bovatec 2.2 is an efficient and cost-effective method for delivering an ionophore so that producers can benefit from increased weight gains for grazing cattle. “Several advantages of the Bovatec 2.2 block are convenience and the lack of product shrink due to wind loss,” Cravey says. “It won’t have the tendency to blow away in the wind like some loose minerals can if not placed in a protected feeder. Also, the addition of an ionophore absolutely pays for itself in added cattle weight gains.” Ask your Pfizer Animal Health representative if Bovatec 2.2 is the right fit for your operation.
Tip #2: Be Strategic About Deworming This Year Keeping a healthy herd requires more than your typical parasite control plan To d a y, m a n y c a t t l e p ro d u c e r s recognize that one-size-fits-all parasite control is not always the most effective approach. Rather than looking for a single solution, a strategic approach that considers geography and timing can help ensure that you get the results you expect from your deworming program. “Using the right products at the right time is key,” says Jon Seeger, DVM, Pfizer Animal Health Cattle and Equine Technical Ser vices. “Not just for good parasite control, but also when managing parasite resistance. Parasite resistance isn’t rampant yet in the United States, but it is a reality, and research has shown it can occur in cattle.1 Properly planned parasite control can help producers improve overall health and productivity of their herd.” Seeger recommends a more strategic approach to deworming, developed in conjunction with a local veterinarian. “ Pro d u c e r s n e e d t o t a k e i n t o account the geography, weather conditions, the type of operation and what they are trying to accomplish. What may work in one area might not work in another,” Seeger says. “Generally speaking, in the northern part of the country, spring deworming is the most critical time. Parasite control before turnout can help break the pasture contamination cycle and help keep cattle productive. 2 Deworming again in the fall can help stop inhibited larvae from maturing into adults.” Consideration for key factors affecting product efficacy—timing and controlling for specific parasites of concern in an area—are important when developing a strategic deworming protocol. “These factors can have an effect on the efficacy of the deworming products you are using and lead to a potential for parasite resistance,” Seeger says. “Timing and product type will accomplish different things, so work with your veterinarian to develop a program specific to your operation to get the most out of the deworming products you use.”
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Along with this strategic approach, Seeger suggests deworming solutions to help manage your parasite control program like rotating between two different classes of dewormer, such as Valbazen® (in the benzimidazole class) and Dectomax ® (in the macrocyclic lactone class). An example would be to utilize Dectomax Injectable Solution in the spring and Valbazen in the fall. “For the most effective parasite control, your strategic programs and the products you use need to be tailored to both regional and seasonal conditions and for the objectives that fit your operation,” Seeger says. “Implement a strategic deworming program with your veterinarian, based on the parasites prevalent in your area and the best timing for control.” Important Safety Information for Dectomax: Dectomax Injectable has a 35-day pre-slaughter withdrawal period. Dectomax Pour-On has a 45-day pre-slaughter withdrawal period. Do not use in dairy cows 20 months of age or older. Dectomax has been developed specifically for cattle and swine. Use in dogs may result in fatalities. Impor tant Safety Information for Valbazen: Cattle must not be slaughtered within 27 days after the last treatment with Valbazen. Not for use in lactating dairy cattle. Do not administer to female cattle during the first 45 days of pregnancy or for 45 days after removal of bulls. Tip #3 Choose Vaccines That Work Overtime Respiratory vaccines with duration of immunity claims can help keep cattle healthy, longer Producers work overtime to keep their cattle healthy. When it comes to protecting cattle against respiratory disease, it’s important they choose a vaccine that’s working just as hard. “Cattle moving through the production chain have ample opportunities to develop bovine respiratory disease (BRD),” says Victor Cortese, DVM, PhD, Dipl. ABVP, director, Veterinary Specialties Group, Pfizer Animal Health. “For example, a calf that goes through a sale barn, into a backgrounding operation and eventually to the feedlot will have multiple encounters with stressors and viruses that can lead to BRD.” That’s why it’s important producers choose respiratory vaccines that not only help prevent BRD but also
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have a duration of immunity claim to help protect cattle through each of these phases, Dr. Cortese says. With so many respiratory vaccines available, it can be tough to choose the right one. Veterinarians can help producers evaluate the finer points of each vaccine, including duration of immunity claims. “Viruses like infectious bovine rhinotracheitis (IBR) virus and bovine viral diarrhea (BVD) virus Types 1 and 2 can lead to BRD, but most vaccines aren’t labeled for a specific duration of immunity in relation to those viruses,” Dr. Cortese says. “In those cases, producers have no information regarding duration of immunity.” To help ensure cattle are protected during weaning, when placed into stocker operations or commingled in a feedlot, Dr. Cortese recommends producers talk with their veterinarians about vaccines that can help protect against the major BRD viruses, like Bovi-Shield Gold ® 5. With BoviShield Gold 5, producers can trust their vaccine is working overtime, helping protect cattle against IBR virus and BVD virus Types 1 and 2 respiratory disease for 279 days, as well as other viruses that can lead to BRD, including bovine respiratory syncytial virus (BRSV) and parainfluenza type 3 (PI3) virus.* “ Wi t h re c o rd - h i g h i n p u t a n d operating costs, producers can’t afford to use anything less than a respiratory vaccine with high levels of expected p ro t e c t i o n , ” Dr. C o r t e s e s a y s . “Choosing a vaccine that helps provide the longest-demonstrated duration of immunity and high levels of protection to help prevent BRD during every link in the production chain can help protect cattle and save producers’ valuable time.” *Prevents IBR respiratory disease and IBR and BVD Types 1 and 2 respiratory DOI claims apply only to SC route of administration. Intramuscular respiratory IBR claim is “aids in prevention.” About Pfizer Animal Health Pfizer Animal Health, a business unit of Pfizer Inc., is a world leader i n t h e d i s c ove r y, d e ve l o p m e n t and manufacture of innovative animal health vaccines, medicines, and diagnostics. Pfizer Animal Health invests more in research and development that any other animal health company. We work to assure a safe sustainable global food supply from healthy beef and dairy cattle, pigs, poultry, and fish while helping dogs, cats, and horses live healthier longer lives. To learn more visit, www. PfizerAnimalHealth.com. BL BOTTOM LINE
Mineral Supplementation Is Key To Profitability by Mark Anderson Executive Director North American Limousin Foundation
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he importance of mineral supplementation and nutrition is key to beef producers regardless of what segment of the beef production chain they are involved in. New vaccines, vaccination programs and protocols that many feeder cattle are sold on, will not be as effective if proper mineral supplementation has not occurred. Health problems that occur when cattle are shipped off the ranch will happen because cattle have not had sufficient mineral supplementation at weaning or from grazing programs. Depending on which part of the country you are located in, mineral deficiencies will occur specific to a region or state that is known to have mineral deficiencies. If cattle aren’t supplemented correctly through their nutrition program or a mineral supplement package, the best vaccination programs can fail resulting in sickness and increased death loss. Fresh weaned calves normally experience enough stress through weaning and shipping that a majority of feedyards require vaccination records so they know how to treat incoming cattle on arrival through this high stress period. In order to decrease the occurrences of receiving calves that are experiencing a mineral deficiency, many feedyards are now requiring producers to supply a history of mineral supplementation on the cattle they are purchasing. Feedyards have accumulated enough history on cattle purchases throughout various regions of the country that they are aware that some cattle need to be supplemented on arrival. Feedyards would rather know that cattle have had the help of
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a good nutrition and mineral package for cattle to endure the stress of weaning and shipping. Cattle with this advantage have better performance and start on feed quicker with less health problems and cheaper cost of gains. Cattle with a deficiency in copper can cause havoc for feedyards with new arrivals since immune response can be greatly diminished when cattle suffer from copper deficiency. Even though most yards will have a mineral package for new cattle in their starter rations for incoming feeder cattle, new arrivals can have an adverse reaction to normal incoming processing vaccinations if they are mineral deficient. Cattle that are deficient can take up to two or three weeks to build up sufficient levels to maintain health and feed intakes. Feeder cattle that are supplemented correctly prior to arrival will experience lower death loss and stress than cattle typically experience when they go through the sweat of initial processing vaccines. The effectiveness of vaccines are reduced if cattle are mineral deficient because it causes them to have less of an ability to build an adequate immune response to help fight off respiratory disease. Weaned cattle normally experience some form of stress, this in turn increases their susceptibility to infectious disease. It is important for calves to be supplemented with adequate levels of zinc and copper 45 days prior and during the weaning phase. Maintaining adequate levels of these minerals reduces the morbidity and mortality rates on cattle when entering the backgrounding or feedyard phase. Infectious Bovine Rhinotracheitus (IBR) is a major problem for feedyards throughout the country when placing new cattle
on feed. Research indicates that cattle that have had adequate mineral supplementation through weaning are dollars ahead of cattle that are deficient when battling IBR. Feedyard managers know that cattle arriving without mineral deficiencies start on feed faster than their mineral deficient counterparts. Because of this, shipped cattle experience fewer problems with health, treatments, better average daily gains and most importantly, death loss is reduced and animals treated with high priced treatment drugs actually respond better and go back on feed much faster. Mineral supplements make up a small part of the diet in most beef cattle operations, but it is often overlooked or discounted by many beef cattle producers. The importance o f p rov i d i n g a d e q u a t e mineral supplementation is evident once you understand how it can affect animal performance. The high cost of feed and rising cost of gains make most feedyard operators keenly aware of cattle that perform well on an annual and regular basis. History is kept at most feedyards to identify cattle that perform and just as importantly, cattle that fail. Money spent on providing adequate nutrition and mineral packages can pay big dividends on repeat buyers and demand for your cattle. Overlooking mineral supplements at the cow/calf level can be just as costly for beef cow operations. Calcium, phosphorus and magnesium are often associated with bone development and growth. While this is true, these minerals also serve other vital functions including growth, energy utilization, muscle contraction and hormone secretion. The ratio of calcium to phosphorus in the diet is
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important. A ratio between 1.5:1 and 3:1 is recommended. Deficiencies in calcium and phosphorus or an imbalance in the ratio can result in decreased fertility, growth, milk production and feed efficiency. Trace minerals are needed for optimal growth and performance, and many of these minerals play an important role in immune f u n c t i o n . Tr a c e m i n e r a l s t h a t are often supplemented to cattle include: copper, cobalt, iodine, iron, manganese, selenium and zinc. Most trace minerals are required at very small concentrations, which can make deficiencies difficult to recognize. These deficiencies can result in decreased fertility and libido, reduced intake and gain, abortions and stillbirths, light birth weights and poor cattle performance. Offering a complete mineral supplement can greatly enhance and affect the performance of beef cattle regardless of what level of the production chain you are involved in. Inadequate mineral levels can easily go undetected, resulting in poor reproductive efficiency, poor growth performance, and higher morbidity and mortality rates from a depressed immune function. All of these factors ultimately affect profitability. By providing a free choice, complete mineral package one can buy cheap insurance against the problems that can arise stemming from mineral deficient animals. The added bonus of this will ensure a good response to vaccination and treatment antibiotics that are available to the industry and ultimately add to the bottom line of your cattle and the profitability of the next owner of your cattle. BL
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Black Hills Family Finds Profit With Limousin by Brooke Bennett Director of Communications North American Limousin Foundation
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estled near the Black Hills of western South Dakota, H&T Bies Cattle Co. grazes 1,100 head of Limousin-Angus cross cows on both deeded and Forest Service land. The Limousin-Angus cross cows have adapted well to their environment and has allowed them to maximize their market opportunities. H&T is a true family operation that began in the 1970s and is run daily by a partnership that consists of Harold and his wife Judy; son Travis, his wife Deanna, and their children; as well as Harold and Judy’s daughter, Donna and her husband Dean Klapperich. During the 2012 National Western Stock Show in January, the North American Limousin Foundation (NALF) named H&T Bies Cattle Co. their Commercial Producer of the Year. Since purchasing their first Limousin bull in 1979 from Wulf Limousin Farms at the Black Hills Stock Show, H&T has pursued all-natural niche marketing. Jerry Wulf of Wulf Limousin Farms, Morris, Minnesota, characterizes H&T as the “perfect commercial customer.” Wulf recently stated, “H&T are always hungry for information and ways to improve, which yields a better product every time.” A consistent quality hybrid product is a focus for this operation and their dedication to information and enhanced marketing have made them one of the most successful operations in the country. Through careful genetic selection for high maternal and growth EPDs, H&T is able to wean a heavy calf in late September without the use of growth implants. By following a strict all-natural protocol, Bies have access to specific, value-added markets. Routine vaccinations are still administered to calves, but no antibiotics or growth hormones are given. Travis explains, “We believe we have to get the most dollars out of every calf. Managing our calves the all-natural way is just one more marketing tool to try and increase their value.” By choosing not to implant, Travis believes it provides more marketing options for the buyer. “I’d rather offer the feeder the opportunity to market cattle in different ways. Sometimes the buyers might be able to contract the cattle into the all-natural market and get them into a premium situation. Or, the buyer can choose to implant the cattle once they receive them. If I implant the cattle right away, I’m cutting out 6
marketing strategies for those who feed them out,” explains Travis. H&T adheres to a natural way of management throughout their operation. They calve their cows in April and May on open pasture, raise their own feed stuffs for winter, rotational graze to maximize forage use and prevent erosion, and only supplement with protein tubs in the winter as needed.
market (NHTC), qualifying their cattle to sell into the European Union. Selling their calves with this verified information has enabled them to receive premiums. They also participate in the Global Animal Partnership (GAP) humane handling program for Whole Foods and other retail markets. H&T’s commitment to information and operating with an extensive
H&T Bies Cattle Co. strives to achieve sound, practical cattle that have the ability to flesh and be productive in their particular environment.
Steer calves and non-replacement heifers are marketed just after weaning through either Superior Livestock video auctions or direct sales to feeders. They maintain contact with the feeders to assess their calves’ ability in the feedlot and on the rail. H&T has also retained ownership through the feeding stage to capture added value and to better understand their cattle’s performance. Heifer calves are weaned at the same time as the steers, but are retained at the ranch and backgrounded for 60-90 days. This not only enables H&T to spread their marketing window, but it also allows them to thoroughly select their replacement females and to check for docility. “You can’t outguess the market, but just splitting up the options helps us reach different markets. When you’re sorting through a large group of heifers for replacements, it gives us more time to see what we have and see how they behave in a lot,” says Travis. H&T understands the value of information at marketing time as they rigorously document their cowherd’s genetic and health records. They also age and source verify their calves each year using IMI Global’s third-party verification system. In addition, H&T is certified for the non-hormone treated
individual identification system has allowed them to assess their cowherd in a more thorough manner. The ranch uses an intense individual cow identification program where all information is electronically recorded every time cattle go through the chute so they are able to keep track of everything that is going on with each individual cow. By having extensive documentation on their cowherd, H&T is able manage their cows more efficiently by ridding the herd of underperforming cows. It has made culling easy at H&T, because
if a cow is consistently weaning a lightweight calf or if she has constant health problems it is time to remove her from the program. When it comes to breeding, H&T strives to achieve sound, practical cattle that have the ability to flesh and be productive in their particular environment. High weaning weight bulls are bred to the cows they believe will produce steers that will work well in feedlots. High-ranking maternal bulls are bred to cows that have good maternal characteristics and numbers. Important guidelines are a 12-month calving interval and hopefully a 95 percent weaning rate. H&T has 3,500 acres of dry land hay that is produced each year as well as 200 acres of pivoted ground comprised of sudan grass and sorghum cut for silage. Since their cattle graze on both deeded acres and Forest Service acres, they use the take half leave half method on grazed pastures using enclosures on their deeded acres. Besides the hay that is produced at H&T, they also purchase a protein supplement to feed in the winter and also purchase grain when they background their calves. During the winter, cattle are grazed as long as possible given the weather conditions and a complete salt and mineral program is maintained to ensure health and performance of the cowherd and calves. Looking into the future, H&T plans to continue to work toward the effectiveness of the decisions they make on the health of the ecosystem, the family as a whole, financial security, and adapting to change and new technology to produce a healthy product for the consumer. “We enjoy sharing our challenges and success’s with those who wish to become involved in agriculture fields, says Travis. “Knowledge learned and shared is the cornerstone for improvement in agriculture.” BL
Through careful genetic selection for high maternal and growth EPDs, H&T Bies Cattle Co. is able to wean a heavy calf in late September without the use of growth implants.
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s l l Bu at Hit Th arget T e Th We are one of North America’s largest sources for registered Limousin bulls. We keep our formula simple–raise stout, rugged, range-ready, 2-year-old bulls that get the job done year in and year out. Rest assured, when you call Running Creek for your next herd sire, we will provide you with an unmatched selection of high-quality bulls designed to hit several target markets.
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Joe Freund Sr. 45400 County Road 21 • Elizabeth, Colorado 80107 • 303/840-1850 Home • 303/341-9310 Office Joey Freund - 303/841-7901 • Pat Kelley - 303/840-1848 • Casey Kelley - 720/480-6709 www.runningcreekranch.com
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Summer Marketing Advice for Cow-Calf Producers by CattleFax
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pring calving activity is in the past for most U.S. cow-calf operations, and it is time to look to the future. Mending fences, counting cows and haying meadows presents a great opportunity to ponder the next marketing opportunity. Here are a few market considerations as you look to add margin to your operation. Market Opportunity with Older Cow-Calf Pairs Some regions of the United States have received needed moisture in the last fe w months—spurring unanticipated grass growth. Producers who have been holding back on stocking operations near 100 percent may now be asking how they can stock pastures on short notice. One market opportunity might be procuring older, “smooth mouth” cows with calves at their sides with the intent of carrying those cows into the fall, selling the calves and marketing the cows as cull cows. A producer could turn a bull in with the cows as well. However, the cows will not enter the cowherd—the management plan would be similar to a one-turn stocker phase. Each producer needs to calculate the breakeven—or estimated margin—on the pairs based on their input costs and expected fall market prices relative to the futures market. The accompanying table provides a summary of the necessary numbers for a basic breakeven analysis. If there is a positive margin using this strategy, minimize some of the price risk by incorporating a risk management strategy.
This market opportunity will not fit everyone and does come with some risks. However, there may be an opportunity to enhance the bottom line and minimize risk by incorporating the futures market. Calf Marketing Intentions Even though you just turned the cow-calf pairs out to pasture, it is the time to develop a marketing plan for the 2012 calf crop. Traditional marketing methods like sale barns and direct private treaty sales are always viable marketing options. However, more producers—particularly those who can assemble same sex load lots— are utilizing video auction markets to sell calves. Video auctions attract a large audience that is often positioned to bid aggressively for calves with value-added traits based on management, breed, vaccinations, NHTC, natural, sourceand-age verification, etc. Another important aspect of video auctions is timing. Approximately 80 percent of U.S. beef cowherds calve in the spring and those calves are weaned in the fall. Approximately 80 percent of those fallweaned calves reach the market that same fall. Calf prices are typically the weakest during the fall as the industry attempts to absorb the additional calves that flood the market. A 20-year analysis by CattleFax shows calves marketed through summer video auctions for September and October delivery have received an average premium of $4/ cwt. compared to calves that sold for immediate delivery in September and October video auctions.
Simple Breakeven on Older Cow-Calf Pairs with Fall Sale
Cost to Cost to Feeder Cattle 550-lb. Cull Cow Cow Total Buy Pair Manage Pair NOV contract Basis Calf Revenue Price Revenue Revenue
($/hd.)
($/hd.)
($/cwt.)
($/cwt.)
($/hd.)
($/cwt.)
$1,500.00
$200.00
$160.00
$15.00
$962.50
$74.00
($/hd.)
($/hd.)
$832.50 $1,795.00
The accompanying chart shows the average price received for 550-, 650- and 750-pound steers in video auctions over the last three years. Market seasonality is predictable about 80 percent of the time, and at this point, 2012 appears to be a seasonal year.
Lower Feed Costs to Support Calf Prices The USDA recently released the initial supply and demand projections for the 2012-2013 corn marketing year. Corn supplies will likely rise sharply this year with a sharp increase in corn acreage and potentially record-high average yields across the United States.
Expect corn prices to be at levels not seen since fall 2010. Declining feeder cattle and calf supplies coupled with cheaper feed costs should support prices for fall-delivery calves contracted this summer. Profit The cash fed cattle market ($/hd.) should trend lower into the $95.00 summer, toward $112 to
$116/cwt., but tight supplies of feeder cattle and calves should support strong deferred live cattle futures premiums over the cash market. The June 2013 live cattle futures contract, which many fall calves will be marketed against as fed cattle, will likely maintain a $5 to $10/cwt. premium over the cash market during this time, with prices remaining in the $117 to $124/cwt. range. December 2012 corn futures are expected to have risk to the $4.50 to $4.70/bu. range this summer, driving cash corn bids basis Omaha, Nebraska, toward the $4.25 to $4.40/ bu. range and total projected costs of gain for feedlots to the $0.70 to $0.75/lb. range. Last year, many 550-pound steer calves marketed from June through August received prices in the low $150s to mid-$160s in the Northern Plains. This year, expect prices to gain support from cheaper corn and tighter supplies. Steer calf prices will likely trade in a range from $190 to $205/cwt.—sharply higher compared to last year. Cow-calf producers can become a CattleFax member for as little as $200 per year. Members receive daily market updates as well as detailed weekly market analysis and commentary similar to this article. To learn more about membership, visit www.CattleFax.com or call 800/825-7525. CattleFax believes the information provided is accurate and complete, but no warranty is made with respect thereto. CattleFax should not be liable for decisions or actions taken by the user based on the data/information. BL
A Service For Every Program
T
he North American Limousin Foundation’s (NALF) extensive commercial programs focus on developing added value of Limousin influenced cattle in the commercial sector. It is the breed’s goal to become the Continental common denominator in progressive c o m m e rc i a l b e e f p ro d u c e r s’ crossbreeding programs. In pursuit of that goal, NALF works with commercial producers, livestock market operators, cattle buyers, feeders, and packers to promote
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Limousin influenced cattle. Whether calves, feeders, stockers, or replacement heifers, NALF is here to assist producers in their marketing operations. Through partnerships with reputation branded programs like Laura’s Lean Beef and Strauss Veal, as well as marketing through NALF’s own Limousin Exchange Feeder Calf Classifieds, NALF has a program to assist marketing a variety of Limousin influences, types, and kinds. NALF provides the Bottom Line newsletter, a free guide to
cattle management, free of charge quarterly to commercial users of registered and transferred Limousin and Lim-Flex bulls. Up-to-date performance information, including EPDs is available with 24 hour-aday animal search and selector located under the Sire Selector o r G e n e t i c s a n d Pe r f o r m a n c e tabs. Outstanding commercial producers are recognized annually at the North American Limousin Foundation Annual Meeting, held in conjunction with Limousin
SUMMER 2012
activities at the National Western Stock Show in Denver, Colorado. The Limousin Commercial Producer of the Year, Limousin Commercial Marketing Booster of the Year, and Limousin Promoter of the Year are all recognized at this event. Fo r m o r e i n f o r m a t i o n a b o u t t h e No r t h A m e r i c a n L i m o u s i n Foundation’s Commercial Programs, contact NALF Director of Commerical Programs Joe Epperly at 303/220-1693. BL
BOTTOM LINE
2012 So Far...How Do We Stand? by Colin Woodall Vice President of Government Affairs National Cattleman’s Beef Association
M
uch has happened this spring as election year politics are having a huge influence on what the Obama Administration and Congress get accomplished. For the cattle industry, this spring has brought both good and bad news. For all of us in agriculture, the proposed Department of Labor (DOL) rule on prohibiting kids under 16 from working on farms or ranches, other than those owned solely and directly by their parents, had the potential to dramatically change life in rural America. We are proud of the work ethic and sense of pride we instill in our children as they grow up working with us, or with their grandparents, neighbors, or in 4-H and FFA. It is also a great training ground to prepare the next generation of agriculturalists. For DOL to say we had no right to let our kids work sent a shockwave through our community. This concern led to the submission of thousands of comments from farmers and ranchers to DOL telling them to stop the rule. This grassroots outcry, coupled with help from Congress, drove the message home at DOL, and in late April, the Obama Administration decided to pull the rule from consideration and stop this process. This is a great example of how your involvement in the political process can, and does, make a difference. This is not the first time we have seen proposed rules impacting agriculture
before the consequences were fully evaluated. We continue to see similar activity out of EPA. As I write this, we await EPA’s publication of their Clean Water Act Guidance. This guidance is a backdoor attempt to implement the Clean Water Restoration Act that has been defeated in Congress multiple times. This guidance would change the definition of a “water of the United States” by removing the term “navigable.” This would open up every body of water to EPA control which means that stock tanks, dry washes, or any feature that has, or could have, water in it would be required to be permitted before you could use it. As you can imagine, this would have a huge impact on your ability to utilize your water features and the land around them. This guidance is being finalized and we are working with your friends in Congress to see what we can do legislatively to strike this down. In April, the Senate Agriculture Committee completed action on their version of the 2012 Farm Bill. Much was at stake in this bill for the cattle industry, and overall, we are pleased with the Committee’s bill. Our top priority was to eliminate the livestock title in order to keep anti-marketing provisions out of this bill, and we were successful in doing that. We believe strongly in a free market and the ability for willing buyers and willing sellers to have the opportunity to negotiate business deals without government intervention. Fortunately, this bill maintains that fundamental right. We were also successful in preserving the conservation title by maintaining such
popular programs as the Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) and by changing the CRP program to allow haying of CRP in non-drought areas in order to send forage to other parts of the country that are suffering. The next step is for the full U.S. Senate to consider the bill, which may happen this summer. Only after the Senate is done will the House of Representatives start their work on the Farm Bill. The current bill expires on September 30th of this year, and it is unclear if the new bill will be done before then. This spring, however, has also had its share of challenges. In March, we were hit by the media on lean finely textured beef (LFTB) or “pink slime” as they were calling it. This quickly became an over-sensationalized attack on the beef industry. LFTB is 100 percent beef, but the media m i s re p re s e n t e d i t a s b e i n g a n unwholesome filler. Nothing could be further from the truth. The process to make LFTB is approved by USDA and has been thoroughly tested and used safely for years. It is a great technique to ensure we are getting as much beef out of a carcass as we can. Again, this is 100 percent beef, and it helps capture another 12 to 15 pounds of beef out of each animal. The media sensationalism, however, resulted in school districts and other consumers calling for a ban of this product by USDA. Even though a ban was not put in place, the resulting lack of demand for LFTB after the news stories caused three of the four plants that make it to shut down, which resulted in the loss of 650 direct jobs
and countless other indirect jobs. I just can’t understand how a vigilante media can be allowed to destroy businesses, jobs, local economies, and families over a simple and safe product. When we have so many more mouths to feed here and abroad, we need every technology available to maximize our output, but instead of being embraced, the consumer shuns our innovation. All this while they wait for the next best smartphone! As an industry, we were able to learn from LFTB and prepare for the next attack. That soon came as we learned of a case of BSE in a dairy cow in California. This was the fourth domestic case of BSE, but it was an a-typical case and not a case of classical BSE that is associated with contaminated feed. Immediately, we used social media to our advantage to get the facts out about BSE and all of the interlocking firewalls to keep our consumers and our herd safe. The 1997 feed ban, the removal of specified risk materials (SRMs), and keeping downers out of the food supply are several of the effective tools we have. Because of the quick response, we maintained the confidence of our consumer, kept our foreign markets open, and kept this from becoming a crisis. We expect the summer to be equally eventful (hopefully without the media attacks on our industry), but it is a great reminder that we need to always tell the great story we have on protecting our natural resources, taking care of our animals, and putting highquality beef on the plate. BL
fax it to NALF. Guidelines and the enrollment kit are available at www. nalf.org or by contacting Joe Epperly in the NALF office. Allow two weeks for tag printing and delivery.
For more information on LimMark/LimChoice program verification programs contact Epperly in the NALF office.
LimMark & LimChoice
N
ALF’s LimMark and LimChoice tagging program aids Limousin customers in identifying their cattle and positioning themselves for greater returns by coupling reputable genetics with documented information. The idea originated at the Limousin Visions Symposium in 2004, where feedyard managers shared the breed often does not get the recognition it deserves. In order to maximize the benefit to producers, NALF has partnered with the USDA Process Verified Programs (PVP), Tri-Merit and IMI Global, to offer verification services along with the LimMark/LimChoice tags. Cattle enrolled in the program must be source and age verified and have the option to be verified in certified natural, non-hormone treated cattle (NHTC), and humane treatment programs for added value. BOTTOM LINE
Only qualified, properly enrolled cattle may wear LimMark tags. Producers must complete a LimMark/ LimChoice kit from one of NALF’s partner PVP programs and mail or
SUMMER 2012
the and Joe BL
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Breeder Spotlight Want to advertise in the BREEDER SPOTLIGHT section? It’s easy! Call Brooke Bennett at (303) 220-1693, ext. 117.
North Central region Breeders
Hunt Limousin Ranch
Charles & Nancy Hunt Dan, Melinda, Jenna, Adeline & Houston Hunt 10329 Highway 136 • Oxford, Nebraska 68967 308/473-8521 • 308/991-3373 (Dan) e-mail: huntlimo@huntlimousin.com • Web: www.huntlimousin.com Certified Level 4 Johne’s Negative Cowherd
Austin, Leah, Bailee, Pitch & Tripp Hager 4651 2nd Ave. NE • Karlsruhe, North Dakota 58744 701/525-6363 • 701/626-2345 mobile www.HagerCattleCompany.com
Linhart Limousin
SPRING CREEKS CATTLE COMPANY
Bob Mitchell & Sons 48715 Hilldale Rd., Wauzeka, Wisconsin 53826 www.springcreekscattleco.com Bob, home: 608/875-5049 • Cell: 608/553-0971 Matt: 608/553-1251 • Bart: 608/553-8070 • Scott: 608/553-8069
Amherst, SD John: 605/448-5725 e-mail: jssymens@venturecomm.net
Stan, Mike, Mark, Dean and Chad Settje Chad • 402/910-5504 | Dean • 402/649-2615 Mike • 402/487-2897 or 402/920-0230 82291 560th Avenue • Creston, NE 68631 www.lonelyvalley.com
Robert “Cookie” & Mary Nielson 605/203-0903 | 605/203-0904
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21314 OSR • MADISONVILLE, TX 77864 JIM, CELL (281) 808-3473 KEVIN, CELL (281) 808-5511 KEVIN COUNSIL, SHOW BARN MGR. WWW.COUNSILFAMILYLIMOUSINS.COM
Lance Hall • 325/235-4345 office Ken Holloway • 580/597-2419, night 580/581-7652, day • 580/597-3006, office Clendon Bailey, Cattle Manager • 580/597-3325 23998 State Hwy. 5 • Chattanooga, OK 73528 www.hallchr.com • e-mail: chr@hallchr.com
Sale: Feb. 16, 2013
Limousin
Jim Watts • Jamie, Jack, Sam & Alex Watts 3647 Rd. AA • Fairfield, NE 68938 Home/Fax: (402)262-2240 • e-mail: wattscattle@yahoo.com Jim, cell: (402)462-0678 • Jamie, cell: (402)984-0177
Gene and Virginia Raymond • 785/448-3708 • 785/448-8026 cell Arne and Stacy Hanson • 785/448-6142 • 785/448-8027 cell 20217 NW Hwy. 31 • Garnett, Kansas 66032 • gvlimousin@ecksor.net
KEETON LIMOUSIN
Level 3 Johnes - Free Certified Herd
Wallace & Noreen Wieczorek 39778 267th Street • Mount Vernon, South Dakota 57363 • 605/227-4611
Curt & Leanne Wieczorek 39768 267th Street • Mount Vernon, South Dakota 57363 • 605/227-4601
Adam, Michelle & Greyson Nielson 605/203-0733 | 605/203-0732
Jim, Priscilla & Jared Schott 27601 108th St. • McLaughlin, SD 57642 605-823-4974 • info@schottranch.com • www.schottranch.com
BQA II Certified Herd Certified Brucellosis- and TB-Free
Jack. Vicky. Josh. Jase. Jamye. 24300 McDonald Dr. • Lebanon, MO 65536 800/543-3474 • jack@jbarjlimousin.com • www.jbarjlimousin.com
Annual Bull Sale In February
20129 450th Ave • Arlington, SD 57212 www.romnlimousin.com • romnlimo@msn.com
OWNERS: JIM & CAROLE COUNSIL
Tom & Rita Vaughn & Sons 9741 142nd Ave. NE • Cavalier, ND 58220 Home: 701/265-4097 • Cell: 701/520-0110 David: 701/520-2556 • e-mail: tomv@polarcomm.com
27195 175th St. • Leon, Iowa 50144 • www.linhartlimousin.com Charles Linhart: 641/340-1306 • David Linhart: 641/446-6906 John Linhart: 515/210-8048
LONELY VALLEY LIMOUSIN
South Central region Breeders
Leonard Wulf & Sons 47694 320th Street Morris, MN 56267 Farm (320) 392-5802 Fax (320) 392-5504 wulf@wulflimousin.com www.wulflimousin.com Jerry Wulf (320) 491-1390 Cowherd Manager: Eric Zeltwanger (320) 766-0066 Customer Relations: Joel Edge (319) 540-1731 • Jim Wulf (320) 491-6312 10 mi. south of Morris on Hwy. 59
SUMMER 2012
Leonard & Betty Keeton • Lyle & Shana Keeton 10510 CR 1100 • Wolfforth, Texas 79382 806/866-9440 • Leonard & Betty 806/866-9049 • Lyle & Shana 806/866-9441 • Fax • e-mail: llkt@door.net www.KeetonShowSteers.com
L A W R E N C E
F A M I L Y
Bruce, Paula & Lee Roy Lawrence Jonny, Amber, Tucker & Colt Parkinson P.O. Box 299 • Anton, Texas 79313 806/997-5381 e-mail: bll1@dtnspeed.net www.LawrenceFamilyLimousin.com
LIMOUSIN BOTTOM LINE
TB-Free Herd
308 West Mill • Plainville, Kansas 67663 Roger Comeau, owner • 785.434.4686 Mike Smith, manager • 785.885.4882 • Mobile: 785.737.6053
Wies Limousin Ranch Bob & Euvonne Wies | Mike & Heather Henderson, Mgrs. 103 Harris School Road - Wellsville, Missouri 63384 (573)684-2773 | text (573)220-5768 | www.wieslimousin.com
Gary Magness, Owner Southern Division PO Box 190, Platteville, CO 80651 53160 E. 110th Rd., Miami, OK 74354 970/785-6170, office 918/541-5482, George Hubbard www.magnesscattle.com
MILLERBERG LIMOUSIN 491 E 12000 South • Draper, Utah 84020 Bob Millerberg • 801/566-4665 Home • 801/561-9911 Office Jim Millerberg • 801/301-2953 Mobile
Bob & Gwen Minerich, Owners • (859) 582-6888, Bob-cell 2003 Barnes Mill Road • Richmond, KY 40475 Office: (859) 328-7118 • Fax: (859) 328-7120 Mark Smith, Herd Consultant (515) 965-1458
Jim & Jay Justice and Family 2765 Louisville Rd. | Harrodsburg, KY 40330 gbcattleco@gmail.com | Jeff Kaufman, Manager, 540/280-5388 “Check us out on Facebook”
Western region Breeders
Limousin and Lim-Flex Genetics Available
KEVIN & JULIE OCHSNER AND FAMILY 30300 WCR 388 • KERSEY, CO 80644 • TENDERLEANBEEF@HUGHES.NET H: 970-351-6008 • M: 970-396-5525 CONVENIENTLY LOCATED 60 MILES NORTHEAST OF DENVER, CO.
Don Beus • 502 E. Vineyard Ln. • Pasco, WA 99301 Brad Beus • 509/727-2082 • e-mail: bwbeus@msn.com
152 Florida Lane | New Florence, PA 15944 John & Kitty Goodish - 724/235-2178 www.tubmillcreekfarms.com
limousin Services Level 4 Johne’s-Free Certified Herd
53717 Gallagher Road • Charlo, MT 59824 Larry & Anita Coleman • (406) 644-2300 Trent & Melissa Coleman • (406) 644-2707 www.colemanlimousinranch.com
limousin & lim-flex Gordon, Earline & Kassi Schuppe
25653 CR 63, Iliff, CO 80736 970-522-8195 or 970-580-8195 • gschuppe@dishmail.net
Sale is 1st Saturday in March.
24018 State Hwy. 5 Chattanooga, OK 73528 580/597-3006 • Fax: 580/597-6619 Email: acs@americancattleservices.com
Joe Freund Sr. 45400 County Road 21 • Elizabeth, Colorado 80107 303/840-1850 Home • 303/341-9310 Office Joey Freund - 303/841-7901 Pat Kelley - 303/840-1848 • Casey Kelley - 720/480-6709 www.runningcreekranch.com
Cattle Available For Sale By Private Treaty
Ken Holloway • 580/597-2419 mobile: 580/581-7652 Bruce Brooks • 580/276-5137 mobile: 580/695-2036
Seedstock Consultants Specialized Sales
Brad and Janet Waddle 440 Road 161 • Pine Bluffs, Wyoming 82082 307/245-3599 Phone/Fax e-mail: waddlelimousin@rtconnect.net
2300 Monument Ave., Richmond, VA 23220 Keith Kissee • Cell: 817-821-6263 Ph: 804/353-2220 • Fax: 804/353-2221 email: kkseedstock@comcast.net www.kkseedstock.com
Eastern region Breeders
www.GatesLimousin.com
R&R Marketing Company Solid Values, Futuristic Vision
Bill & Mary Gates • Gary & Brandi Gates 250 Stillwater River Rd. • Absarokee, MT 59001 • www.gateslimousin.com 406/328-4393 • mary@gateslimousin.com • gary@gateslimousin.com
John Ethington - Cattle Manager - 859.533.1301 Bob Knudsen - Farm Manager - 859.621.2140 John Tobe - Owner - 859.621.4411 761 Engleman Lane - Lancaster, Kentucky 40444 englewoodfarm@live.com - www.englewoodfarm.com
Randall O. Ratliff Cell: 615.330.2735 Fax: 615.255.8992
(L#2845)
PO Box 281677 Nashville, TN 37228 Randy@RRMktg.com www.RRMktg.com
Want to advertise in the
Mat & Wendy Lewis
30849 Co. Rd. 56 • Iliff, CO 80736 (970)521-0545 • Cell: (970)580-8209 • lewislimousin@kci.net BOTTOM LINE
Chris & Laura Milam Caroline, Andrew, Zachary 785 Cedar Grove Rd. Olmstead, Kentucky 42265 Home: 270/726-1803 Mobile: 270/847-0634 e-mail: cmila2@uky.edu SUMMER 2012
BREEDER SPOTLIGHT section? It’s easy! Call Brooke Bennett at (303) 220-1693.
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(Calf)
(Bovate Calf) (BovateC ®
a convenienT way To geT yoUrr calveS calveS Bova ec Big. BovaT ®
Feeding an ionophore JUST goT eaSier. Ask your feed or nutrition supplier for BOVATEC, and if BOVATEC 2.2 is the right fit for your operation.
Registered trademarks are the property of Pfizer, Inc. © 2011, Pfizer, Inc. All rights reserved. MFA11054
Warning: Contains copper. Do not feed to sheep.
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SUMMER 2012
BOTTOM LINE