ACA Bulletin          

WORDS FROM YOUR BOARD MEMBER:
Something to Hold On To – The cattle business can be complicated, and even more so when we take on $5 corn, $13 beans, escalating costs on fuel, fertilizer, pharmaceuticals, equipment and land, and who knows what else. As we search for practical economic solutions, it gets even more complicated.

Maybe it’s time to take a more simplistic view of a complex business. Let’s consider what Porter Waggoner and Dolly Parton sang in one of their hit songs:

Why do we keep holding on when nothing’s left to hold on to?

Let’s be honest with each other; that’s the least that we can do.

I am a classic (maybe “simple” is a better adjective) country music fan. One Nashville songwriter said that classic country music was ... “ three chords and the truth.” So what does Porter and Dolly’s song have to do with raising cattle? For one thing, you can’t tell the truth with one chord, but some cowboys never stop trying even “When nothing’s left to hold on to.”

“Let’s be honest with each other.” Over recent past years, our nation’s cowherd has become less efficient. Retail product, as measured by REA, has shrunk while wasteful external fat has increased. Isn’t this going backwards? Do we not have more science than ever to guide cattle breeding, such as EPDs, ultrasound, genetic markers, economic indexes, evolving phenotypic design, etc?

“Let’s be honest with each other; that’s the least that we can do.” The quality and quantity of retail beef product is determined by genetics and environment. I can’t tell if the national environment for raising cattle has changed over the last 50 years, but genetics have.

Let’s all reflect back, one more time, on an applied research test carried out under the management of the National Cattleman’s Association in coordination with Colorado State University and Texas A&M University in 1993. It was a very simple study with the complicated title of “Strategic Alliance Field Study.” The Executive Summary goes into some detail about all segments of the cattle chain maximizing the efficient production of a value added retail beef product. When you boil it all down, the simple question that was asked and answered was, “What feeder steers make the most profit in the feedlot?”

After all the rules regarding feeding, keeping and slaughtering the cattle were applied equally to each pen of feeder steers, there was no question about which cattle made the most profit. If we could…“be honest with each other”…isn’t making a profit the acid test of what is right and wrong in the cattle business?

There were 13 pens representing purebred British cattle, British crossbreds, and Continental-British crossbreds. The pens were identified by numbers and the results were published by breed type, not specific breeds. (There was an unstated desire to not embarrass any particular breed of cattle.)

There were two Chi influenced pens and each of these two pens, by a substantial margin, made more profit than any of the other 11 pens. Some pens lost money! Hybrid vigor and Chi genetics proved more profitable than purebreds, but we were taught that back in the 50’s.

So have things changed since the NCA study of 1993? Aside from the cow herd going backwards, ask the feedlot owners that compile data on their fed cattle. If success in the feedlot is tied to nothing but profit, the Chi cattle always come out on top. For those who might question quality of product, that is one of the bigger factors in determining profit. Chiangus carcasses have and continue to win Denver in both the wholesale and hotel/restaurant divisions.

Following the study, various breed associations encouraged their members to get in line and follow what the ACA members had been doing since 1972. The term, “composites”, became a part of the industry’s vocabulary. Now we have all kind of descriptive names for composite seedstock that never existed before the 1993 study. We members of the ACA are obviously decades ahead of our peers.

So isn’t it time for the beef industry to quit trying to hold on when…"nothing’s left to hold on to”…and, heterosis and complimentary genetics are so much more efficient? The simple answer in this ethanol era is that they will have to if they survive.

We know how much more healthy, thrifty, more productive and faster growing our Chiangus calves are. We know how efficient our cows are on whatever feed or forage is available; the longevity that gives us 25% more productivity over a cow’s lifetime; and, the fertility to breed back every year. To hear otherwise educated people claim that the mating of extremes within a breed provides the same hybrid vigor as crossbred composites generally and Chi cattle in particular is just not being intellectually honest about the facts or the science. Do we even need to talk about carcass contests and the inability of purebreds to win such events where quantity and quality of end product drives selection? Why do they…“keep holding on when nothing’s left to hold on to?”

Don’t take me wrong. We do need purebreds or one-chord cattle. But, the music about cattle profits is sweeter when we can combine the one-chord cattle with another chord or two to make more efficient, higher quality composites or crossbred cattle. That’s the truth in the melody of cattle production profits.

The bottom line is that you the members of the ACA, are breeding the most profitable cattle available today, and, the only commercial bull that can turn around a calf crop the first year is a Chi composite. With our genetics and the inherent gift of heterosis, we are poised to survive and prosper with these new challenges in the cattle business. "Let’s be honest with each other, we have “something to hold on to.”

Sincerely,
Tom Looney

2008 NJHS ENTRY FORMS AVAILABLE APRIL 1
Entry forms for the 2008 National Junior Heifer Show in Kansas City, Mo., will be available on the ACA website, www.chicattle.org, April 1. Forms will also be mailed to those juniors who exhibited in the 2007 NJHS or NAILE. If you would like to receive an entry form and rules, please contact Heather Counts, ACA Activities Director, at (517) 214-0927 or by email at acjeditor@earthlink.net

HERD REFERENCE AD DEADLINE APRIL 1
The deadline to reserve ad space for the upcoming Herd Reference Issue is April 1. Contact Heather Counts at (517) 214-0927 or acjeditor@earthlink. net to place your ad today! Don't be left out of this important issue.

PAY MEMBERSHIP DUES BY MAY 1 TO GUARANTEE PLACEMENT IN ACA YELLOW PAGES
Guarantee that your operation will appear in the 2007 ACJ Herd Reference Edition directory of information, known as the "yellow pages," by paying your ACA annual activity fee now.

You must be an active member as of May 1, 2008 to be included in the upcoming breeder directory.

The directory contains every active adult member's name, address, phone number and herd prefix. In this helpful reference section, farm names and owners are listed by state, with a cross reference section by name.

Don't miss out! If you are unsure of your activity status, please contact the ACA office and we will be happy to assist you.

SEND IN ADDRESS & PHONE NUMBER CHANGES
It is crucial that your address and phone number are listed correctly in the ACJ yellow pages. If your address or phone number has recently changed, please let us know. We need to hear from you before we can make changes to your membership information.

Also, if you have an email address, please send it to us. We want to list as much contact information as possible about each member.

GENETIC DEFECT TEST & PARENTAL VERIFICATION REMINDER
All AI Sires and Donor Dams MUST be tested for all known genetic defects and be parentally verified, with results released to the ACA, before resulting calves can be registered. Please be sure to have your cattle tested in a timely manner so registrations are not delayed.

Also, please note that the PHA test is now available. For those animals that previously had the TH test done, breeders may contact the AgriGenomics lab at (217) 762-9808 and request the PHA test be run on your cattle. The fee for this additional test is $15.

Submission forms and information can be found on the ACA website, www.chicattle.org, under the Genetic Testing Info tab.

If you have any questions regarding genetic defect tests, please contact the ACA office and we will be glad to assist you.

TURN IN REGISTRATION DATA BY APRIL 15 FOR INCLUSION IN HERDBOOK NUMBERS
The ACA fiscal year ends April 30 and in order to have your registrations counted for this fiscal year and appear in the Herdbook, you must submit them by April 15. This gives us time to complete registrations before the deadline.

Send in those registrations, they are the lifeblood of the association.

ULTRASOUND DATA GUIDELINES
As a reminder, in order for ultrasound data to be entered with the ACA and adjustments made, all cattle must be registered. Please make sure the ultrasound technician has registration numbers to submit with the data.

Data received without registration numbers will not be processed.

If you have any questions, please contact the ACA staff.

COMER APPOINTED SOUTHERN AREA SALES MANAGER
Trans Ova Genetics has announced the hiring of Stan Comer as area sales manager, covering the primary states of Oklahoma and Texas, and providing additional client support across the Southeast.

In his new position, Comer will advise cattle breeder clients on reproductive technologies such as embryo transfer (ET), sexed semen applications, genetic preservation and cloning and in vitro fertilization (IVF) to create offspring from choice genetics. Comer will work closely with Trans Ova Genetics’ clients, seeking to understand their unique breeding goals and how the advanced reproductive technologies offered through Trans Ova Genetics can help them multiply their own genetic success.

Comer joins the Trans Ova Genetics team after two years as a territory manager for Cargill Animal Nutrition in southern Oklahoma and north central Texas. Combining a strong beef and equine background, Comer also previously worked as the Livestock Production Manager for Red River Farm Cooperative in Gainsville, Texas. He and his family own and operate Yellow Rose Cattle Company, an Angus and Chi-Angus cattle breeding enterprise. Comer currently serves as the Chairman of the Board for the American Chianina Association. A recognized cattle judge, Comer recently judged the Chi Pen Bulls at the National Western Stock Show and the Texas Longhorn Junior Show at the Fort Worth Stock Show.

"Stan Comer is an exciting addition to our sales team," says Chris Sigurdson, sales and marketing director, Trans Ova Genetics. "His deep cattle knowledge, extensive understanding of cattle health and nutrition, and his passion and personal investment in the cattle industry are valuable assets for both Trans Ova Genetics and the clients we serve."

"I am looking forward to applying my interest and passion for elite cattle with my understanding and application of nutrition to help Trans Ova Genetics’ clients achieve greater results," says Comer. “Making sure cattle are nutritionally sound – before going into an ET or IVF program – will help improve the odds of success for everyone involved.”

Comer is a graduate of Oklahoma State University, where he was a member of the National Champion Livestock Judging Team. Comer and his family reside in Ardmore, Okla., and he will work closely with the Trans Ova Genetics Professional Services Teams at the company’s regional centers in Crescent, Okla., and Centerville, Texas.

IN PASSING
Ronnie Lynn Woodard, 60, died Monday, December 18, 2007 after a short battle with cancer. He was surrounded by a host of family and friends and greeted in Heaven by his parents and friends who have gone on before.

Ronnie was born on May 24, 1947, the youngest child of Johnnie and Eula Mae Woodard. He proudly served in the U.S. Army in Korea during the Vietnam War. After his tour of duty, Ronnie graduated from the Johnston Technical Institute in 1975 with a degree in Agricultural Science and Mechanization. Ronnie started producing hogs in the 70s and cows in the 80s. He was a successful crop farmer and operated a farm that has been in the Woodard family for over 100 years. He strived to produce prize-winning livestock and worked continuously to improve the herd for his children and grandchildren. Ronnie was President of the former Carolina Farmers Co-op Warehouse and on the Board of Directors for the Johnston County Farm Bureau, and a lifetime volunteer of the Johnston County Youth Livestock Show. He was a member of the American Chianina Association, the Pine Level American Legion, the Pine Level Veterans of Foreign Wars and the Selma Masonic Lodge. In 1979 he won first place in the NC Corn Yield Contest with a yield of 191.72 bushels/acre. In 1980 he received the Outstanding Tobacco Producer by Phillip Morris. Ronnie was co-owner of both WEBC Yankee Clipper PCA and RDD Crown Royal.

Ronnie was a loving husband, caring father and wonderful Pa, who always made time for his family. So many people will miss him dearly, but we find peace in knowing that he will suffer no more.

Surviving are his wife of 40 years, Alice Pittman Woodard; two daughters, April (Neil) Bowman of King, N.C., and Amy (David) Long of Pine Level, N.C.; and two grandchildren, Lynae Bowman, 5, and Braelyn Long, 2. Braelyn and Lynae are both members of the AJCA.

Walter G Mize passed away Saturday, Jan. 26, 2008 in Stephenville, Texas. Walter was born in Anson, Texas, and grew up in the North Central Texas area. He graduated from Alvarado High School in 1956 and North Texas State University in 1961. He was married to the former Mary Ann Medvecky on Sept. 4, 1960 and she survives. He is also survived by two children, Adam L. Mize of Hico, Texas, and Mary C. Mize Hicks of Cleburne; two grandchildren, Cody R. Hicks and Hunter G. Hicks, also of Cleburne; a brother, Donnie G. Mize of Hunt, Texas; and several nieces and nephews and numerous cousins and other family members.

Mr. Mize was an entrepreneur, businessman and rancher. He sold Bibles door-to-door to earn money while in college. Later, during his college years, he sold insurance for Commercial Standard Life Insurance Company of Fort Worth, Texas. After he graduated college and had been in business for just a few years, Mr. Mize purchased and subsequently sold that same insurance company.

Mr. Mize was involved in the oil and gas business, starting in 1963 and continuing until the present. His various companies have drilled or caused to be drilled more than 400 oil or gas wells in Texas, Oklahoma and New Mexico.

One of Mr. Mize's great loves was ranching. He owned two ranches, one near Hico and one outside Cleburne. He began raising traditional breeds of cattle, moved toward "exotic" breeds and finally to fullblood Italian Chianina cattle. He was one of the first Chianina breeders in the U.S., introducing Chianina influence into his herd. In 1975, he brought the first three fullblood Italian Chianina females into the U.S. and created the premier herd of fullblood Italian Chianina cattle in the country. He served in many capacities in many breed associations. He served as president of the International Chianina Association and, in the American Chianina Association, served two terms as president of the Southwest Region, two terms as national board member and two terms as chairman of the National Board of Directors.

The family has requested that, in lieu of flowers, donations be made to one of the following: Creation Evidence Museum, P.O. Box 309, Glen Rose, TX 76043; Spirit of Sharing, Field Street Baptist Church, 201 N. Field Street, Cleburne, TX 76033; or Remembering Israel, c/o Christian Heritage Foundation, 2 N. Caddo Street, Cleburne, TX 76031.

Roy Allen Wallace, 63, passed away while attending The National Western Stock Show in Denver, Colorado on Jan. 20. He was born Feb. 15, 1944, to Ralph and Marguerite (March) Wallace of Scotch Ridge, Ohio, both precede him in death.

Roy, never married, is survived by sister Mary (Bill) Van Horn, Mt. Gilead, Ohio, brother George (Roma) Wallace, Burgoon, Ohio, brother David Wallace, Perrysburg, Ohio, and sister Ann (Larry) Hayward, Hillsboro, Texas. Roy had numerous extended family as well as friends, coworkers and colleagues in the beef industry that he considered family.

Roy graduated from The Ohio State University and was a member of the meats and livestock judging teams and involved in numerous student organizations.

In 1967, Roy joined Central Ohio Breeding Association as beef field representative, and in 1969, he joined the Select Sires Inc. staff as beef sire analyst. He was later promoted to vicepresident, beef programs. Wallace was one of an original group of cattlemen that helped form the Beef Improvement Federation (BIF). He served as a member and board member of BIF and the only person to have attended every BIF convention, from 1967 through 2007.

Wallace was a past president and board member of the Buckeye Beef Improvement Association, the National Cattlemen’s Association and the Ohio Cattlemen’s Association.

In 2004, Roy Wallace was recognized as one of BEEF Magazine’s Top 40, an honor given to 40 people that had made major contributions to the beef industry throughout the past 40 years. He was a leader in the areas of sire evaluation, progeny testing and estrus synchronization in the United States and throughout the world, and was a frequent speaker on these topics.

Memorials can be sent to Beef Improvement Federation, or The Ohio State University, The Department of Animal Sciences, Roy Wallace memorial, c/o Dr. James E. Kinder, Chair, 2029 Fyffe Road, Columbus, Ohio 43210.

LETTER TO THE EDITOR:
Remembering Walter – In 1995, we moved into our new home at our small (220 acres) ranch in Goldendale, Wash. After some research, my husband decided he was interested in the Chianina breed. So, in October of 1996, we attended the “Fall Fiesta” at Walter Mize’s Hico ranch. Being a city girl, I had never attended a cattle auction before and it was only my second trip to Texas (Bob grew up outside Houston). Needless to say, I was overwhelmed by the pens of Chianina cattle and Walter’s auction facility. Prior to the auction, Bob had decided which animals he was interested in. After the bidding was over, we had purchased three cows, two heifers (twins) and one bull – WGM Vincent. That was the start of “Klickitat Valley Chianina.”

Over the years, we purchased other bulls, WGM Mezentius, WGM Cairano (who we renamed Federico, aka “Fast Freddy”) and WGM Bruni. In May of 2000, when Walter needed to reduce his herd because of a drought, we bought what came to be known as the 20 “Wild and Crazy Texas Girls.” During these years, we also got to know Walter on a personal level. Bob and he spoke frequently about the Chianina breed, Heritage Beef and the oil business. And, Walter was instrumental in our being contacted by “The Cattle Show” which did a feature on our cross-breeding program after Walter’s show on fullbloods.

On one of our trips to Texas a few years ago, we were guests of Mr. & Mrs. Mize at their Cleburne ranch. Once again, Walter blew me away with his game bird operation and private skeet shooting stations, his car collection, the pool cabana with bar, his gun collection and the most amazing trophy room I’m sure I’ll ever see. As a host, Walter made us feel like part of the family.

I’m sure that many members of the Chianina Association knew Walter better than we did, and I’m sure many members have their own opinion of Walter. It is my understanding that Walter was one of the pioneers in bringing the Chianina breed to the U.S. and was a constant promoter of the breed until the day he died. On that, I believe, we can all agree.

So we say goodbye to Walter G. Mize and send our condolences to his family.

Judy & Bob Morrow
Klickitat Valley Chianina
Goldendale, Wash.