Results: MN State Fair 4-H show

I got a text message late last night from our 4-Her, Courtney, who is at the MN State Fair with a yearling heifer breeding project. It simply said: "Got reserve red heifer!"

I immediately called my dad to see if he heard the good news. Yep. He and Courtney had already discussed the competition and results. As my dad told me, "I told (Courtney) congratulations and that she deserved it," to which Courtney's reply was, "No Jack, you deserve it." Man, it brings tears to my eyes just thinking about it. It's not often that you find a 4-Her as humble and easy-going as Courtney. We like to tease her about the success she has had this year showing cattle, but it boils down to this: Courtney worked hard to learn about the breeding beef project, put in her time on the farm and at the fairs, and has found success. Everyone at Shady Oaks Farm is proud to create those types of situations for young people.

So, SHO Miss Queen 0914, a March 2009-born daughter of Cyr's Queen 1200 (cow) and LMG Gills Rattler (bull), did well at the MN State Fair. Placing second in a class of 7-8 head, and going on to capture 4-H Reserve Champion Red Angus Heifer.

Other kudos go out to the Philip Berg Family, it was Samantha Berg that had 4-H Champion Red Angus Heifer. Also, our hats go off to the Paul Fehrman Family; Christina Fehrman earned 4-H Champion Cow-Calf Pair. My dad has seen both of these competitor's cattle while at the Red River Valley Fair, and they are good! It's quite an honor to have known both Samantha and Christina before they were even 5 years old.

Allow me to make a trip down memory lane here. We haven't had a Reserve Champion 4-H heifer since 1999, the summer after my senior year in High School. I recall being so proud because it was the first heifer I exhibited that I also bred and raised from the great Bieber Marie A515 Cowline in our operation. Estatic, to say the least. We weren't accustomed to being an annual contender at that point in our lives; we were still young. I remember I had to miss freshman orientation at the University of Minnesota, Crookston; and a weekend of volleyball games, just to make it to the state fair.

Anyways - we'll be back to the state fair next week for the Open Show. Will update you if Courtney gets a call-back for Showmanship!

Results: Itasca County Fair

Our hometown fair was held Aug. 18-22 in Grand Rapids, MN. We brought 10 head of registered Red Angus cattle, among other things. Our lone 4-Her, Courtney Johnson, assisted, as did former 4-Her, Marcy McNichols.

Judge for the event was Clint Hathrein from Little Falls, MN. Clint is a Charolais breeder, and a new face to man of our beef exhibitors. It was nice to have someone "new" to our small judging ring.

Here's a re-cap of who did what, what surprised us, and wowed us.

It all got started with the 4-H competition Saturday morning, Aug. 21. Courtney took our young heifer calf, 1001 (whom I've named Divine) out in the prospect breeding heifer class against a stout-made Black Angus heifer from the Ingvaldsons. We wound up winning the class. Whoa... that wasn't expected (though hoped for...).

Then it was the breeding heifer project, where Courtney took out 0914 in a class of five yearling heifers, where she ended up placing first as well.

For the cow-calf class, there was this stout-made April-2010 bull calf at the side of a near-three-year-old Red Angus cow from Ingvaldsons. We knew the competition would be tough for our two-year-old and her heifer calf (Angel and Divine). The judge really appreciated how matched of a pair they were, and ended up placing our pair first.

For overall 4-H project - Courtney's heifer won. In the state fair line-up (though you can only take one entry to the state fair), Courtney placed first with her yearling heifer and third with the cow-calf pair. She then went on to win Senior 4-H Showmanship. After all this, we joked about Courtney being able to get her "ego" into the barn. She had a fantastic day, was extremely humble about it all, and deserved every honor awarded to her.

In the open show, we were a bit more humbled. The bull classes were first and we placed second and third to two nice Mulberry sons from Ingvaldson's. The April-2010 born bull calf they had ended up winning Reserve Champion Overall bull.

But our females surged back, and kept us about even:
Cow, 3 years and over (w/calf): 1st out of 1
Cow, 2 years and under (we/calf): 2st out of 2
Yearling heifers: 0914, 0947, 0929 and 0926* This was a class where dad and I bet Dairy Queen on our placings. Well, I ended up placing dead last - though the judge said my heifer was the prettiest one he had seen all day. She just wasn't as free-moving as the others above her.
Heifer calf: 1st out of 1

The overall Red Angus female honors went to our yearling heifer, 0914. In the overall female drive, it sounds like she would have placed third. As it was, Dan Brown's cow-calf pair was first, followed by a Simmental calf from Pashe's.

We faired well in the group classes, and took Reserve Champion Purebred Cow-Calf pair with our two-year-old pair. That surprised us!

We also ended up with the Reserve Champion Herd (second to Dan Brown's - which was sort of a given since he had Overall Champion bull and female). The judge went to shake dad's hand, saying that it was he who did all the work. When all the animals exited (but mine and dad's), he called him back over to introduce me saying, "It's all her breeding program; I'm just the hired man here." While I don't really agree with dad's analysis, it was nice of him to attribute some of our breeding success. Clint (the judge) told us he really appreciated the uniformity and femininity of our group and really loved the rib our cattle had."

Next up - MN State Fair 4-H weekend. Courtney leaves tomorrow with the heifer, opting for that project since she's taken a cow-calf pair several times to the fair.

Results: North St. Louis County Fair

As I write this, the cattle and kids should be home from the North St. Louis County Fair (Chisholm, MN). It's a local event, though not our county fair, held about an hour from our house. The North St. Louis folks always show us hospitality and provide bedding and hay for hungry critters, not to mention some of the best midway fair food around.

Jack, Marcy and Courtney took nine head to the show. That consisted of:

• Two cow-calf pairs (0806 and a heifer calf and 0302 and a bull calf);
• Four yearling heifers; and
• One yearling bull

There's not a whole lot of beef cattle at this event, but it's a good show to get out and get the cattle ready for the Itasca County Fair. Here's how we did:

Judge for the day was Troy Salzer, Carleton County Extension Agent. Jack reported that there wasn't much in terms of competition.

Heifer calf was a lone entry and thus placed first.

In the yearling class, it went: 0914, 0929, 0947 and 0926 - aka, "Fatty Patty." Jack's comments: "He grouped the big, showy heifers and then the working class heifers." The Angus Junior division champion was 0914.

In the cow-calf division, each won their respective class. The champion Angus Cow-Calf pair was 0302 and her bull calf over 0806. "He had a hard time between these two because 0302 has an April calf, but she's a beautiful cow. [The judge] asked me why she calved so late (compared to 0806 who calved early February). I told him it was because she didn't stick AI," Jack said.

Overall champion Angus went to 0302 and her bull calf, beating 0914 for the honor. My mom, Mary, was on the halter working 0302 and did a great job - so much that the judge even winked at her!

In the bull division we had a bull calf and yearling bull (0910). Each won their respective class, with 0910 winning the Angus bull division.

Overall Champion Female: 0302 and bull calf, Shady Oaks Farm
Reserve Champion Female: Darwin Porter
Overall Champion Male: 0910, Shady Oaks Farm
Reserve Champion Male: Bull calf, Shady Oaks Farm
Overall Herd: Shady Oaks Farm

So, all-in-all a very good day. Jack caught up with the Nortons, who used to have beautiful Gelbvieh cattle on "da range." They sold out a few years ago and now travel by RV to work on Habitat for Humanity houses, spending much of their time in Brookings, SD. Their daughter, Sharla, lives on a ranch near Pierre, SD. Dad gave out my contact information; I'm looking forward to catching up with them.

Next show, the Itasca County Fair in three weeks!

Results: Red River Valley Fair, Day 3 (Youth Beef Show)

Dad and Marcy just returned home from the Red River Valley Fair in West Fargo, ND. Dad and I discussed the day's show results from the Red Angus Youth Beef Show.

No cow-calf class. Whew - I bet that cow was happy to sleep in.
Heifer calf (1001): Second out of two.

They combined the March and April yearling heifer classes. Yearling heifers (0947 and 0914): 0947 placed second, 0914 placed third out of four.

Judge was Ross Carlson from Murdock, MN

We're on a break from showing until the North St. Louis County Fair (July 31).

Dad's parting words, "The corn is over my head... hee hee hee!"

Results: Red River Valley Fair, Day 2 (Open Red Angus Show)

Jack's concluding thoughts on Tuesday was, "Let's hope 0914 brings her A-game!"

Unfortunately, that momentum was squashed by Wednesday's results. Dad was a little disappointed with the results, but overall, we still did OK.

Cow-Calf, 0806 Angel and heifer calf 1001: First out of 2.
Heifer calf, 1001: Second out of 2. She won the class yesterday.
April yearling heifer, 0947: First out of 1.
March yearling heifer, 0914: Third out of 3. That's quite a flip from winning the class yesterday.

Judge for the event was Jerry Talsma from Edgerton, MN. Maybe we'll meet him again down the road.

Results: Red River Valley Fair, Day 1 (Regional Red Angus Junior Show)

Just got a call from my dad. They pulled into West Fargo, ND, yesterday morning for the Red River Valley Fair. It's a four-day event with three separate cattle shows. Had to pull some strings to get a heifer calf registration number, but all is well.

Jack and Marcy are in Fargo handling the string. They've brought four animals this time. The two-year-old cow-calf pair, and two yearling heifers (a March- and April-born).

Judge today was Nate Frederickson from St. Onge, SD. We had another really good day! The cow-calf pair was first in it's class of two, but didn't manage to get around the aged cow-calf pairs for Champion or Reserve overall cow-calf pair. The heifer calf won it's class of two. The April-born yearling heifer (0947) was first in a class of one. The March-born yearling heifer (0914) was second in a class of three - but, as Jack tells me, "[The judge] hmmed and hawwed over first and second, it was really close." In the overall drive, Champion went to a Berg Red Angus January/February-born heifer, and the Reserve went to the Berg March-born yearling heifer (that just beat us in class).

So, a very good day in all. You can tell Jack is excited, because he had to call me right away as he was leading the two-year-old cow from the showring to the barn. Sounds like Fargo is going to get hit with severe storms today, and possible hail. I wish I could be with the girls and dad at the show, but it's fun to get updates from them. Dad says, "They all looked really, really good."

It's a good day when you can take something you've raised and say that. Way to go!

Results: Central Minnesota Cattlemen's Association Riverboat 4-H/FFA Beef Show

Our 2010 show season began with the Central Minnesota Cattlemen's Association Riverboat 4-H/FFA Beef Show in Aitkin, MN. The 4-Hers really like this one-day show, mainly because it's quick. We've had mixed results over the years, being on both the top and bottom of classes. It's a nice show to bring cattle to for their first time, and there's a hoof-trimmer on site to take care of the show calves feet (if need be).

We took three animals to the show for competition. Our two-year-old cow-calf pair, Angel (0806), and her heifer calf, 1001 placed first in their class of three (two Red Angus cow-calf pairs and one Angus cow-calf pair). Our yearling heifer, 0914, won her class of seven. Courtney Johnson was called back for showmanship, too!

A good day! Courtney treated Jack and Marcy to Dairy Queen on the way home.

Bulls For Sale - 2010

Sires of these sons sell!

 

LJC Mission Statement P27 (AI sire)
Sons include: 0910, 0911, 0915

Bieber Pocasse 10553 (Natural Service sire)
Sons include: 0928, 0941, 0945

Bieber Maximuss 6993 (AI Sire)
2-Year Old Son: 0810

Our 2010 bull offering is our most uniform yet! We have procured six outstanding studs, half of which are the result of our intensive artificial insemination (AI) program. We are also offering one two-year old bull that is ready to cover a larger number of cows.

We are focused on producing bulls with strong maternal traits, that calve easy and have moderate growth,and muscling. Your success is important to us, and we are happy to visit with you about what type of bull will best meet your needs.

Bulls are slowly developed on a growing ration of,corn silage and beef-grower grain supplement. Average Daily Gain (ADG) measurements reflect a 120-day weigh period. Bulls are required to pass a Breeding Soundness Examination before the sale is final.

Our entire herd has passed three consecutive wholeherd TB tests and we are a Level II Johne’s disease-free herd. We follow Beef Quality Assurance guidelines. All purchasers receive a registration certificate.

At weaning, bulls are given:

• Vaccinations for blackleg, BVD, IBR
• Poured for lice/worms

At yearling measurements:

• Bulls have passed a Breeding Soundness Examination and veterinary inspection.
• Poured for lice/worms

We’re looking forward to visiting with you, and are able to deliver purchases up to 300 miles. Bulls can be left at Shady Oaks Farm Red Angus at a cost of $2/day after July 1.

0910 - SHO Slick Statement 0910

0910 has a sweet disposition and was shown as a calf. He’s moderate framed, heavy muscled with a level top and is deep bodied. He’s a dark cherry red package, smooth shouldered and stands on good substance of bone. His mother (117) is a fantastic maternal matron with a 102 MPPA on 9 calves, below average birth ratio and above average weaning ratio. Two-generations of AI sires produced this outstanding brute. 3/20/2010 weight = 1,107 lbs.

For current EPDs, extended pedigree and performance data, click here. Asking price? $1,650.

0911 - SHO Sandy Statement 0911

We joke that this bull is hairy, a trait he got from his mother. Unlike his mother, he is a bigger framed bull with good bone structure and muscling. 0911 is the highest gaining bull in our offering, posting a 3.93-lb. average daily gain over the 120-day test period. His mother isn’t pampered, with a 102 MPPA on 8 calves and above average weaning ratios. 3/20/2010 weight = 1,018 lbs.

For current EPDs, extended pedigree and performance data, click here. Asking price? $1,550.

0915 - SHO Mini Statement 0915

Looking for a range-bull to cover your cows? Here’s a moderate framed, smooth topped, moderately muscled bull that fits the bill. His mother has raised 9 calves with below average birth weight ratios, and above average weaning and yearling ratios—an excellent combination for easy calving and growth to follow. 3/20/2010 weight = 1,040 lbs.

For current EPDs, extended pedigree and performance data, click here. Asking price? $1,500.

0928 - Made For U Pocasse 0928

Here’s a nice-topped bull with good muscle and a moderate frame. His mother consistently raises above average weaning weight ratio calves. If you’re looking for maternal traits and calves that can gain, this bull is the bull to do it. 3/20/2010 weight = 931 lbs.

For a current EPDs, extended pedigree and performance data, click here. Asking price? $1,450.

0941 - SHO Holy Toledo 0941

This heavily muscled brut has a smooth front, level top and moderate frame. He walks out on a good set of feet and legs. His mother posted a 103 MPPA on 5 calves, with below average birth and above average weaning and yearling data. 3/20/2010 weight = 983 lbs.

For a current EPDs, extended pedigree and performance data, click here. Asking price? $1,450.

0945 - SHO Turn N Burn 0945

The youngest calf in our offering is not one to write off. He’s level-topped, with good feet and legs. His smooth shoulder compliments his medium frame. This calf has a very prolific mother, a donor cow for Bieber Red Angus. She boasts a 107 MPPA on 22 calves with above average weaning and yearling data. 3/20/2010 weight = 973 lbs.

For current EPDs, extended pedigree and performance data, click here. Asking price? $1,500.

Rangeman sighting!

Just a note-worthy note: Eric has been quoted in BEEF magazine regarding an article about managing "cheatgrass." Check it out, here!

Happy 21st Birthday, Sunshine!

Some may find it strange that every March I mutter a "Happy Birthday, Sunshine" on March 13. Who is Sunshine, you ask? Well, just the greatest maternal mama and foundation of our herd at Shady Oaks Farm. You see, Sunshine was my very first 4-H project, an open heifer we purchased from Bieber Red Angus. I know her birthdate so well because I had to memorize first for the 4-H heifer project, then later as I showed her in cow-calf classes.

Sunshine had a prolific life at our farm. In subsequent years when attending the Bieber production sale, I'd daydream that I'd run into Craig, Ron, or even a cowhand and we'd have a lengthy discussion about the merits of A515 (Sunshine's tattoo/ID), her mother and father, and how she is working for us.

Sunshine was more than just a number for us on the farm. She's raised top-gaining sons for the Focus On Efficiency bull sale/test. She's produced females that had longevity in our herd. Her daughter was my 4-H heifer in 1999, and I won Reserve Champion Red Angus heifer with her (her name was Madeline). It was quite a feat to raise your own champion. And all thanks to Sunshine.

I remember cold mornings in August while at county fairs. My friends and I would pile on top of her back and snuggle (and she'd let us). Nothing really got her riled up. She always looked for grain or a scratch. She weighed in at 1550 lbs., without any help of feed. She was an easy-keeping cow that continued to be productive well into her teens!

My parents didn't tell me the day they took Sunshine "to town." I don't think I could have handled it. But her memory lives on. I think I'd credit her with the reason we're in the Red Angus business. She gave us no troubles and we admired the entire breed because of her (and a few others). To this day, I'll be studying pedigrees in our herd and say something like, "She's the great-granddaughter of Sunshine," and then lobby to keep that bloodline in our herd. It's amazing the kind of impact one animal (or person, for that matter) can have on an operation.

Learn more about Sunshine's performance stats here.

Babies everywhere!

Had a call from Dad Tuesday night - he had a slew of calves to update me on. On Sunday they had 3, with another on Monday. Looks like the weather is cooperating for them at home (40 degrees and higher) - which is unusual for us. The latest calves on the ground are Durango. Dad says they're long, lithe little buggers and that cows just haven't been having any problems.

Proud of my dad

This past weekend, on one of our frequent phone calls to and from the farm, my dad and I were discussing our upcoming breeding season. He had called last week to let me know that Pete (our Genex genetics provider) would be stopping by, and wondering if we had selected our sires for the upcoming breeding season.

It's pretty early for us to select a sire for the next breeding season, mainly because we haven't seen what last year's studs are doing (read: no calves on the ground out of those sires). But, my dad and I are learning from our mistakes. 2009 was just a year of chaos - for both the farm and family. I remember getting ready to board a flight to Scotland for our honeymoon and trying to get ahold of Pete to deliver semen so I'd have something to breed cows to when I returned. We don't want to relive that experience (and stress) again.

So, my dad, Eric and myself put our heads together and narrowed the semen possibilities. We decided to go with Messmer Packer, and got 30 units on him. You see, when we first started AI-ing we bred to multiple sire groups. But when you only breed 30 cows AI/year, there's not a whole lot of progeny to get a sample on each bull. Thus, we're going to use one or two sires to get a good number of progeny (calves). We're pretty excited because we'll have Packer calves born this year (2010), and next year.

But I'm not only proud of my dad because he's got the semen ordered (and in the tank) by February (and we breed in May), but because he's going to take an AI class. For the past 10 years, I've been the only one trained on our farm to AI. That's great when you're a college kid and you live close to home around May to breed heifers and cows, but it's not convenient when you live 370 miles away in another state. So, dad's going to get trained. We'll be able to shoulder the load of breeding cows together (and maybe a local 4-H gal will learn, too). Either way, our operation will be better because of it.

Baby #2 has arrived

Just got an email from mom this morning entitled "Calf Update." We must trade at least 100 "Calf Updates" throughout February and March. Why? Because we are so excited about each new arrival (and ok, because I keep an Excel spreadsheet of data that I cross-reference with dad's calving book).

Remember our last bundle of joy was born Feb. 6? Well - they're keeping it in the family! Baby #2 is related! 0806 (Angel) gave birth first... and while we haven't decided a name for her calf, our 4-Her would like to call her Harmony. Well, Angel's mother - 27N (Heaven) - gave birth last night to a healthy, bucky little boy! We're excited about this new bundle of joy because his father is an AI stud - Messmer Packer - and we just ordered 30 more units of Packer to breed our cows this spring.

Mom tucked in her email a note about how it is supposed to be -8 tonight at the farm. Brrr! I hope the new babies that are coming into the world won't have to face that cold temp. I expect lots of calves to start rolling in now.

Say Cheese!!

My dad, Jack, tried to take pictures of the new mama and her baby. Here's his handiwork!

Looks cold, doesn't it??

Ah, ain't she sweet!

First calf of the season!

Good morning all! I come bearing good news - we started our calving season yesterday. This is cause for excitement every year because we wait with anticipation to see the arrival of the new crop of artificial insemination (AI) calves. This year, we weren't disappointed (will publish photos of the new bundle of joy when possible).

We start calving our heifers 1 full breeding cycle (3 weeks) before the cowherd, so it was one of the new-moms who had a baby. And the day couldn't have been nicer. Saturday morning, Feb. 7, 2010, the temperatures were 34 degrees (quite nice for February in Northern MN). The mama was 0806, better known as Angel, and she had a little heifer calf. The cow has a beautiful udder. I'm excited because this is a continuation of the line of Don Burt cattle (I was given 0806's mother, 27N, as a bred heifer for handling the Don Burt cattle sale). It always reminds me of Uncle Don.

Let me know if you have any names for our new cherub! Grandmother's name: Heaven; Mother's name: Angel...

Reflecting on 2009

There have been many reasons to cheer in 2009, but we're also happy to see it go. Here are a few re-caps for our avid fans:

• We found some amazing successes with our 4-H youth show program - having three of our young ladies exhibit cattle at the MN State Fair 4-H weekend. One lucky lady - her last eligible year of 4-H - was named Reserve Champion Red Angus Cow-Calf Pair and Reserve Champion Senior Showman for the Cow-Calf division. What an honorable success.
• Alaina and Eric were married May 1, 2009 and now live in Brookings, SD.
• Jack retired from his day job, teaching science at Hill City High School.
• Jason was diagnosed with squamous cell carcinoma February 6, 2009 and BEAT it!
• All of the kids were home for Christmas 2009.
• Jack became president of the Itasca County Farm Service Board.
• Mary completed her remodeling project and has an expanded quilt room!
• We only had 3 open cows at the end of the 2009 breeding season.