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CATTLEMAN’S CHRONICLE FLYING H GENETICS

Spring Newsletter

2013

Vol. 12

Really? Don’t Crossbreed . . . That’s Crazy!

ver the last two years, I have read several articles, subjected myself to the Angus Association’s marketing blitz, and listened to a keynote speaker all trying to convince me NOT to crossbreed. That’s UNBELIEVABLE! If there is any sure fire, “slam dunk” way to increase profits in this business….. crossbreeding is one of them, hands down. The smoke screen wafting from these anti-crossbreeding advocates is driven by one simple argument – consistency/predictability. Opponents of crossbreeding say that using hybrids vastly decreases the genetic predictability of a calf crop, thus creating an inconsistent mongrelized set of calves. They believe that predictability far outweighs the merits of heterosis (hybrid vigor) to a fault. To them, it is better to breed cattle that are consistent for type and small rather than a set that is uneven and heavy. As you can see, arguments against crossbreeding are not profit driven. Therefore, we can conclude that the attacks on crossbreeding are not levied with YOUR profits in mind, only theirs.

Let’s clear the air right now and establish that some crossbred cattle can be inconsistent for size, type, & kind. The real issue lies not with them being crossbred, but rather their breeding. To further explain, mating cattle that are unlike for size, type, & kind will tend to create inconsistencies in future generations. However, if you mate similar individuals of different breeds that have the same approximate patterns for growth, mature size, end product qualities, etc. then those cattle and their offspring will be quite predictable. All of this can be seen easily when one examines the poultry, pork, and seed industries’ successful use of hybrid stock to produce a product that is both reliable and proﬁtable. Let’s use an example from farming to further illustrate this point. Most seeds used in modern agriculture are genetically sculpted hybrids that are very consistent in their performance and yields. The combination of modern technologies and trial & error have created a

Continued from page 1

business built on PLANNED hybrid genetics that is far more predictable today than in years past. This platform for success starts with the same basic fundamentals that makes the use of hybrid genetics the “common sense” answer to all plant & animal agriculture. Increased fertility, hardiness, yield, and PROFIT are all synonymous with crossbreeding, whether your business is plants, pigs, chickens, or cows. The key word to take away from this article is planned. Designing a system for crossing similar and complimentary cattle is the crucial element for adding stability to your cows and uniformity to your calves. When designing a functional breeding system, a good cowman or woman must identify what their targets to success are. Hopefully, “proﬁt” is the ﬁrst item you identify! Next, determine your ideal cow size by analyzing environmental factors associated with carrying capacity – type and quality of grass, length of grazing season or seasons, access to affordable supplemental feeds, and your available time & labor inputs. Lastly, identify the breeds of cattle that most successfully hit your target for

profit driven qualities like weaning weight, fertility, longevity, and end product value. Notice that I said BREEDS of cattle to hit your target! Folks, it takes more than one and that is just plain and simple fact. No one breed can do it all and allow you to efficiently produce the ideal pounds of product to sell when compared to crossbred cows. Not even close! Using the same breed faithfully can make your cowherd more consistent. Your cows will be consistently less productive with lighter calves at weaning. You will consistently have more open cows. And, lastly you will be predictably less profitable than those that do crossbreed. FACT! I know I goofed on Angus earlier for trying to convince everyone that Angus cattle can do it all. I have to also give them their props and state that Angus cattle, along with Red Angus, are an invaluable part of the ideal crossbreeding systems now and into the future. The other half of that hybrid equation should be cattle that best combine superior red meat yields, growth, and maternal traits. Continental breeds tend to do those things very well. Some better than others, however, most can be Continued on page 6

Flying H has TWO trained Superior Reps on staff

Talk to your seedstock producer today about this opportunity by contacting Jared Wareham at 417-309-0062 or e-mail jared@ﬂyinghgenetics.com or contact Marty Ropp at Allied directly by e-mail mropp@alliedgeneticresources.com or at 406-581-7835.

BACK TO THE FUTURE? “Looks like Joe’s SimAngus & Balancer bulls are really adding pounds to his calves.” “Yeah, they’re real even & thick made.” “My calves grew like that when I used to crossbreed, but they weren’t that even.” “What’s the difference?” “They call it ‘Planned Crossbreeding’ or using the right genetics.” “Sure has made a big difference.” “Doesn’t he get his bulls from Flying H?” “Yep, why don’t you give ‘em a call.”

FLYING H GENETICS Jared & Jill Wareham Missouri Regional Affiliate Cell: (417) 309-0062 jwareham@hughes.net

Give us a call, send us a TEXT, drop us an email, or just stop by. We’ll help you add consistency to your cows and pounds & uniformity to your calves. Visit our website and read testimonials about our genetics & service from cattlemen just like you.

www.flyinghgenetics.com

SPRING PRE 105

Sire: Black Diamond W253 • SimAngusTM • BD: 9/24/11

Sire: Sandman • Balancer® • BD: 8/6/11 CE

0.18

0.21

102

0.22

0.34

SATURDAY, MARCH 16, 2013 Lowry City, MO

Heifer Bull

Sire: S A V Iron Mountain • Balancer® • BD: 1/28/12

Sire: JC FHG Luckyman 7514 • SimAngusTM • BD: 9/23/11

Sire: Jillians Trademark • SimAngusTM• BD: 1/04/12

104

0.26

0.38

0.23

0.38

111

0.22

0.50

Sire: Mr NLC Upgrade • Simmental • BD: 2/01/12

Sire: Sandman • Balancer® • BD: 8/02/11

Sire: Beef Maker • SimAngusTM • BD: CE

105

32.5

.49

.75

103

0.14

0.59

120

0.14

0.76

Gelbvieh Association is now using the same EPD scale as the Simmental Association, therefore ALL EPDs are on the same scale. Apples to Apples.

Heifer Bull

Sire: Mr NLC Upgrade • Simmental • BD: 1/01/12 WW

114

0.14

0.82

0.22

0.19

Missouri Regional Affiliate

Sire: MCATL Rodmere • SimAngusTM • BD: 1/02/12

SIMMENTAL

FLYING H GENETICS

SIMANGUS TM

ANGUS

BALANCER ®

Jared & Jill Wareham Ph: (417) 309-0062 jared@flyinghgenetics.com

GELBVIEH

REVIEW

Home of B U L L S

Over Half of Sale Offering Will Be 18 Month-Old Bulls

Sire: S A V Final Answer • Balancer® • BD: 8/07/11

Sire: STF Fixation • Simmental • BD: 9/13/11

Sire: TNT Tanker U263 • Simmental • BD: 1/08/12

135

0.31

0.40

0.11

0.38

118

-0.03

1.06

12 Heifer Bull

Better Baldy

Sire: Olie • SimAngusTM • BD: 1/16/12

Sire: RCR Sweet Meat • Simmental • BD: 8/30/11

Heifer Bull Sire: Premium Beef • SimAngusTM • BD: 9/05/11

0.24

0.41

101

0.28

0.88

0.59

0.71

See Website for Sale Book, Videos & Ultrasound Data

rd st a ha k e u q e To R Boo f Sale call, o y p o c os r Vide and/o , or TEXT email

New Sale Location!

www.flyinghgenetics.com 5

★

Lowry City, MO

Continued from page 2

“…crossing similar and complimentary cattle is the crucial element for adding stability to your cows and uniformity to your calves.”

used successfully when crossed with Black or Red Angus in a planned system. We must also recognize the need for heat tolerant genetics in hybrid cow herds in regions with extreme conditions for all things related to heat stress. At Flying H, we tend to favor the continental breeds, Simmental and Gelbvieh, for their superior combination of muscle, maternal, fertility, and end product value. Angus or Red Angus crossed with either is a sought after commodity by the feeding and packing industries for their increased proﬁtability. Another new factor that makes these two breeds our continentals of choice is they are

now on the same EPD scale. Thus, they can ﬁnally be compared Apples to Apples! The Simmental Association has the only multi-breed database in existence and is currently using that technology to help calculate EPDs for themselves, Gelbvieh, and Red Angus. There are things in this world that are very unpredictable: the next major earthquake, massive volcanic eruptions, or even the next time the Royals or Chiefs have a winning season! However, crossbreeding is not one of them. If done properly, it’s as predictable as the quality of Grandma’s cookies, the sunrise and sunset, and the fact that we are now 3 years, 352 days away from the next Presidential Inauguration.  Lastly, let’s not forget crossbreeding’s well documented beneﬁts to a producer’s bottom-line: increased weaning weights, increased fertility, increased cow productivity and lifespan. And, the best part…..it’s all free! Just invest your replacement bull dollars in the RIGHT genetics.

The Flying H Scrapbook Jared & Jill at the Missouri Flying H bull facility work with local FFA students teaching the basic fundamentals of artiﬁcial insemination and preg checking. Students jumped right in to receive “hands on” training becoming familiar with the inner workings of a cow’s reproductive track. “Sorry to say this guys, but the girls dominated the day.”

FLYING H GENETICS Jared & Jill Wareham Missouri Regional Affiliate 9510 NE Center Rd. Lowry City, MO 64763 www.flyinghgenetics.com

Flying H Genetics Spring 2013 Newsletter

SPRING BULL SALE At the Farm, O Lowry City, M r map

(See website fo to new and directions n) locatio

B U L L S ★ New sale location ★ Saturday, March 16 • 1:00 p.m.

Sire: Beef Maker • SimAngusTM

Sire: Mr NLC Upgrade • Simmental • BD: 1/01/12

Sire: Mr NLC Upgrade • SimAngusTM • BD: 1/21/12

105

32.5

.49

.75

113

0.14

0.91

130

0.48

0.91

SIMMENTAL | SIMANGUS TM

| ANGUS | BALANCER ® | GELBVIEH