THE

Bull PenA PUBLICATION OF BAR-T-BAR RANCH AND SEEDSTOCK PLUS Spring 2007

Managing Trich“The only place you won’t find Trich

is where you don’t look for it,” says JamesLytle, DVM of Wickenburg, AZ. Of 14herds Lytle tested last fall, nine wereinfected with Trich.

In fact, Lytle, a practicing veterinarianand ranch owner says he and other vet-erinarians are seeing moreTrichomoniasis in Arizona than in thepast, whether that’s due to more accu-rate testing diagnostics, cyclical cownumbers or other factors.

“Best guess studies say that probably15-20 percent of all western herds haveTrich and that 5-10 percent of all rangebulls are infected,” explains GaryThrasher, DVM of Hereford, AZ, anotherlong-time cow-calf veterinarian.“If theincidence is that high, a bunch of us mustbe living with it and don’t even know it.”

Unfortunately, that’s a safe bet given theinsidious nature of the disease. Infectedbulls show no clinical signs ofTrichomoniasis—a venereal disease caus-ing early-term abortions—nor do the cowsthey infect. Plus, especially in areas requir-ing extended calving seasons (more than100 days) infected cows can abort, clearthe infection, then breed back and calveto a non-infected bull, albeit much later inthe calving season. Consequently, infec-tion can smolder in herds for a year or twobefore calving rates plummet.

“I’ve seen Trich-infected herds with a20 percent or less calf crop,” says Lytle.He’s also seen infected herds with an85% calf crop, which many non-infectedherds would brag about. Such heady sta-tistics aren’t sustainable in the face ofinfection, though.

“A third, and sometimes up to 90 per-cent of exposed cows become infected(from an infected bull). Most affectedcows abort in the first two or threemonths of pregnancy and come backinto heat soon enough to pass the infec-tion along to another bull,” saysThrasher.“Most cows will clear them-selves of infection three months after

they abort, but some will end up withuterine infection, and a few will calveand stay infected.”

According to Russ Daly at SouthDakota State University, speaking at theRange Beef Cow Symposium two yearsago,“Models have put the drop inincome from the presence ofTrichomoniasis in a herd at 22-37 per-cent. In 2000, a group of Colorado pro-ducers figured the impact of Trich infec-tion in their herds at $143.17 per cow.

According to Daly,economic losses inaffected herds occurdue to smaller andless uniform calfcrops, the costs ofculling and subse-quent replacements,and increased veteri-nary expenses.

Herding SnakesAs anyone running

cows on range knows,added frustration inmanaging aroundTrich comes with thefact that there are nosurefire solutions thatwork in every situa-tion, only some com-monsense strategiesthat work some of thetime.

Of course, part ofthis reality has to dowith the fact that youcan’t pick your neigh-bors any more thanyour neighbors can choose to have yourunning cows next to them. That means ifone of you chooses to do everything pos-sible to avoid Trich and the other onedoesn’t, you’ve still got a problem, espe-cially if cows are running next to eachother during breeding season.

“In a utopia you’d test all of the bulls,not use any bulls over 4 years old; you’dturn all of your bulls out for 45 days of a90-day season then gather everythingbut the 4-year-olds; leave them for thenext 45 days, then gather and ship themto town.You’d also preg-check and shipanything open; as well as any cows calv-ing out of season,” says Lytle.

That’s utopia, which Arizona isn’t, noris anywhere else for that matter.

“You look at that drastic of manage-ment, then you look at our conditions inthe state. I’d say fewer than 10 percent ofthe operations would even dare to try a90-day calving season. Of the operationsthat do pull bulls, I’d say most of us areusing a 150-day season or so,” explainsLytle.“Every ranch has to do what theycan in their situation.”

For instance, maybe you can’t pullbulls younger than 4 half-way throughbreeding season, but you can ship all ofthe 4-year-olds after breeding season.Thrasher explains bulls infected after 4years old stay infected for life, plus themore miles a bull has covered the moreexposure he’s had to infection.

“If you don’t think you have a problem

with Trich and can’t see the utopia test-ing protocol working in your operation,you might consider at least testing thecull bulls you send to town. That at leastgives you a notion of whether or not youhave a problem,” says Lytle.

As for replacement bulls, Lytle advis-es,“Don’t buy any non-virgin bulls.Though I think most bull suppliers areexceedingly honest, look at your bullsupplier and determine whether it’s like-ly the bulls they’re selling as non-virgins

really are…Moststates with regulationsfor Trich considerbulls 2-years-old andolder to be non-vir-gins whether theyactually are or not.”

In the odd circum-stance that youbelieve a non-virginbull merits the healthrisk, Lytle suggests,“You should definitelyobtain three negativeculture tests beforeyou use him (more ontesting in a moment).”

And, if you uncoverTrich in a bull, Lytlesays,“Don’t evenmess with trying toget him cleaned up,get him gone.”

Incidentally,Thrasher explainsTrich vaccine for cowscan be an aid in somesituations, but not ananswer.

“Giving the cowherd two doses ofvaccine—one shot six to eight weeksbefore breeding, and the second amonth before (not too practical with longand year-round breeding seasons—canhelp prevent cows from aborting thatyear (in infected herds). But, if that’s allyou’re going to do, you’d better warnyour neighbors and keep your fencestight; more of your bulls will likely beinfected next year,” says Thrasher.“You’llhave to be even more vigilant with vacci-nations each year…It’s best to combinecow vaccination with a strict bull test andcull program or a plan for replacing allbulls each year.”

Perhaps most important of all, if youuncover Trich in your herd, Lytle isadamant:“I need to inform allof my neighbors. Some folksnever want to say anythingabout it. It’s not placingblame—did I give it to you ordid you give it to me.Whoknows and who cares?” Hesays the important thing isworking together to avoid acatastrophe come calvingtime.

Using a different loop, ifyour bull saunters onto theneighbor’s place or visa versa,you both have the same needto test the bull before sendinghim back home, explains Lytle.

Thrasher sums it up this

way:“If you’re miraculously blessed withextra feed and need to re-stock, don’tbuy non-virgin bulls, three-brand, bro-ken-mouthed pairs or someone else’scull cows and mix them with your herd. Ifyou ranch in a Trich-endemic area—yourneighbors always re-stock with tradercows and mature bulls—don’t wait untilyour calf crop is less than 50 percent oruntil the calves come six months latebefore you get around to preg testingand Trich testing—it’s not all caused byhollow-belly and weeds. It’s also a goodidea to turn over your bull battery whilethey still have a full set of good teeth.After that, recommendations for manag-ing Trich get a bit trickier.”

Tests and CostsAt least testing for Trichomoniasis is

fairly cut and dried. There are still onlytwo options, each with advantages com-pared to the other.

The most common and least expen-sive test is the culture test Lytle referredto earlier. In basic terms the veterinarianuses a special instrument to scrape thefolds inside the bull’s sheath where theprotozoon that causes Trich can befound. This sample is then grown in alaboratory culture for a couple of days tosee if the organisms are present.

According to Lytle, diagnostic labora-tories charge $5-$10 for the culture.Throw in the veterinarian’s time and trav-el and you can be talking a total cost of$30-$50 per bull. If the culture test ispositive, both Lytle and Thrasher thenrun a more sensitive PCR test on thesample for confirmation. Diagnostics forthat test run $25-$30.

In terms of testing protocol, back inutopia, Lytle says you would test all thebulls before breeding season, about aweek to 10 days after bulls are gatheredfollowing the breeding season, thenagain a week to 10 days after that, andyet again in another week to 10 days.

“I would at least test them when theycome out and again before turn-out,”says Lytle.“That’s me versus Ivory Towerrecommendations.”

Even with testing, Thrasher explains,“If just one bull in a herd turns up posi-tive, all bulls in the herd are highly sus-pect…Statistics suggest that three nega-tive tests at least a week apart willensure that a bull isn’t infected, but I

Even when you run bulls year-round, commonsense strategies can reduce losses.

“Trich control methods

should beadapted to

each ranch’sbreeding

program goals,range manage-

ment plans,marketing

system,location,

circumstances,resources,

facilities andabilities.”

Inside This IssueManaging Trichomoniasis .................page 1Diablo Trust Earns National awards ..page 2Time to exploit heterosis...................page 3Managing in Dry Times.....................page 6 2007 Bull Listing.....................center spread250 Bulls Sell.....................................page 7Bar T Bar Cornerstones of Profit........page 6Seedstock Plus—it’s about the customer .....................................page 2Spending Where it Matters ...............page 8Bar T Bar Cooperators.......................page 8

–T––T–

Buy and use only virgin bulls.

Keep newly purchased mature cows

separate from the main herd.

Don’t use any bulls older than 4

years of age.

Reduce the length of breeding/calv-

ing season if possible.

Preg-check and cull open cows; or

screen a representative group of

the open cows for other causes of

abortion.

Keep cows away from neighbors’

fences during breeding season.

Test all bulls before turn-out, then a

week to 10 days after bringing them

home; or at least test cull bulls.

Trich Tips

continued on bottom of page 6

2

Its About The Customer

“So much of environmental debate isconflict-based, and this serves as a bea-con that ranchers and environmentalistscan engage in debate without conflictand with better results.”

That’s how Dan Dagget of Flagstaff,Arizona, a self-described rabid environ-mentalist characterized the efforts of theDiablo Trust a few years ago when theinnovative group was just beginning tohit its stride.

Founded by the Metzger family’sFlying M Ranch and the Prosser family’sBar T Bar Ranch in 1993, Diablo Trust is avoluntary land management group thatincludes environmentalists, local, stateand federal agencies, universityresearchers, educators, the general pub-lic and ranchers in managing the landcared for by ranchers.

When the organization began, DiabloTrust president, Mandy Roberts Metzgersays,“The impetus behind it was a com-bination of things, but there was a grow-ing feeling that there was a wideninggap between what ranchers were think-ing and what the public thought theywere thinking.”

At its core, Judy Prosser explains, cre-ating the Diablo Trust was an attempt byBar T Bar and Flying M to help the publicand other ranches understand andaddress environmental issues of commonconcern, issues impacted by both theranching community and the public.

“Originally, both ranches felt likethere was increasing pressure from envi-ronmental groups.We felt like we need-ed to drum up some local supportbecause we felt like those pressures

would increase,” says Prosser.Pick a pressure: elk populations grow-

ing willy-nilly and chewing up the pre-carious balance of forage production,pinion-juniper spreading like a canceracross the land, watersheds in need ofpractical protection rather than abandon-ment. And, all the public knew about anyof these issues was what environmentalactivists and the media told them aboutit, which at times was misleading.

Moreover, working together was noth-ing new. Bar T Bar and Flying M Ranchesbegan sharing ideas, labor and equip-ment in the 1950s. They never needed toformalize their collaborative efforts,though, until the profitability of theranches was under siege from severalurban and environmental movements.Through Diablo Trust, the two ranchescould combine forces to initiate research,educational and stewardship programs.

Formally, the Diablo Trust is a non-profit organization designated as aNational Reinventing GovernmentLaboratory in 1998. This designationoffered the Trust the cooperation of allfederal agencies ‘within the constraints ofstatute’ to, demonstrate innovativeapproaches to restore and maintain natu-ral processes that create and protect ahealthy landscape that supports adiverse flourishing community of human,plant, and animal life in the Diablo Trustland area.

And how. Since the inception of theDiablo Trust:

• Participants developed a zone-ratingsystem to define different areas of the

ranches and monitor health and viabilityof the land.

• Diablo Trust ranches have completedalmost 100,000 acres of grasslandrestoration since the 1960s and are cur-rently planning to restore an additional80,000 acres.

• Cooperatively, Diablo Trust hasworked to form the Forage ResourceStudy Group, designed to integrate rangeand wildlife forage utilization monitoringwith management.

• In 2005, the Diablo Trust Ranchesembarked on a mission to create one ofthe first rural Planning Areas (RPA) in theState of Arizona. A resulting publication,The Diablo Canyon Rural Planning Area;Evolving Traditions in a New Economyidentifies a toolkit of economic opportu-nities to provide landowners with alter-natives to development of 40-acreranchettes and wildcat subdivisions.Included in the toolkit are discussions oftransfer of development rights, commer-cial wood products, local beef marketingand alternative energy developmentincluding biomass, wind and solar.

• Participants are restoring a 750-acrenatural wildfire burn site using animalimpact and seeding.

• The Trust produced three educationalvideos for primary and secondary educa-tion; and they’ve developed an environ-mental education program for grades 6-12.

• The Trust’s community projects haveincluded Reflections of the Land – Diablo

Trust Forum for the Arts.

• The Trust has enabled expanded sci-entific monitoring programs in coopera-tion with Northern Arizona University’s(NAU) Sisk Lab.

• Fostered creative marketingapproaches, including exploration oflocal beef with NAU’s Center forSustainable Environments.

“The ranches have been leaders inland restoration, using a variety of man-agement techniques to accomplish goalsfor range, livestock, watershed healthand wildlife habitat restoration; in eachcase, fitting the techniques to the site andthe objectives,” says Richard Miller,Arizona Game and Fish Departmenthabitat program manager.“They'reunique in their use of collaboration toachieve land management goals on thesediverse lands.”

Besides being centered around thecentury-old homesteads and the ranchesassociated with the homesteads on theDiablo Trust lands, the Flying M and BarT Bar Ranches also work hard with thesupport of other collaborators such asU.S. Forest Service, Arizona State LandDepartment, Arizona Game and FishDepartment, and National ResourceConservation Service to manage andpromote watershed health, wildlife habi-tat improvement, spring restoration, andwetland protection.

This winter, the Diablo Trust receivedtwo national awards that they were proudto accept.

First was the Region VII NationalEnvironmental Stewardship Award pre-sented by the National Cattlemen’s BeefAssociation during that organization’sannual meeting in early February. Laterthat month, the Diablo Trust received the2006 US Forest Service NationalRangeland Management Award, present-ed at the annual Society for RangeManagement meeting.

“We are truly honored to be recog-nized by these organizations for the col-laborative work of the Bar T Bar andFlying M Ranches,” said Metzger.“Through the years, the Ranches haveused collaboration to accomplish innova-tive land management projects. Theseawards also belong to our many commu-nity partners for it is with them that wegain diversity of ideas and talents.”

For more information, go to www.diablotrust.org

Dear Cattle Producer,Seedstock Plus has “partnered” with

Bar T Bar Ranch and the Prosser familyalong with 65 other ranching and farmingfamilies across the country for more thanseven years.The premise of our organiza-tion from the beginning was to combinethe individual talents and resources offamilies such as the Prossers with otherquality producers nationally to providemore opportunities for commercial cattleproducers, and to impact the beef industryin a positive manner.We cherish our rela-tionships with families such as the Prossersand our customers.

In Seedstock Plus’ opinion it is notabout selling a bull or female for as muchmoney as possible; it’s about buildingvalue in our genetics and working with ourcustomers to build a long term relation-ship, matching our genetics to their man-agement and environment.

That’s why our members have beenleaders in providing the industry withhybrid genetics in the form of Balancers—Gelbvieh X Angus—as well as top Angus,Gelbvieh and Red Angus purebreds, all involume. No one breed can do it all. Cow-calf producers need to do business withfolks who understand that and also under-stand the workings of crossbreeding.

Matching genetics to the environmentis also why we acclimate our bulls on aregional basis.We know, for instance, thatby developing bulls at Bar T Bar Ranch,those bulls are better prepared for theharsh environments of our customers inthe West and Southwest.

Moreover, we believe in capturing atremendous amount of data and informa-tion on our bulls and providing that data toour customers.This helps ensure the rightfit genetically for our customers’cowherds.

The way we develop, test and sort ourbulls, we’re confident that each one weoffer will perform for you. If you’ve donebusiness with us before, you know that ifany problem arises, we’ll work with youand stand behind our genetics.That’s notonly the right way to do business, it’s theonly way we know to do business.

Seedstock Plus, Bar T Bar Ranch and allother breeders who art part of SeedstockPlus are in this business for the long term.We pride ourselves on the fact that whatwe do is about more then selling a bull.Weare committed to doing more for and withour customers.

An example of this is our efforts inhelping our customers market their cattle.We have conducted feeder calf sales andreplacement female sales on behalf of ourcustomers.We have helped market cus-tomers’ cattle private treaty. As a group wehave also invested in Profit Partners whichis an entity that bids on and purchasesGelbvieh and Balancer sired feeder cattle.We also continue to fund a second full timeSeedstock Plus employee to work with our

customer base to add value to their indi-vidual programs.

Bottom line, as Seedstock Plus contin-ues to evolve with the changing marketsand economic circumstances of the beefbusiness, we continue to meet our goalsand identify new areas of service for ourcustomers, too.

Seedstock Plus is committed to earningyour genetic business by providing youmore value for the dollars that you investin your breeding program.We are here toserve you and to help you be more prof-itable over the coming years.

Sincerely,

John BurbankCEO, Seedstock Plus

John Burbank

Bar-T-Bar Winter • 928-289-2619 www.bartbar.com Bar-T-Bar Summer• 928-477-2458

Diablo Trust Earns National AwardsCollaboration between Flying M and Bar T Bar Ranches brings ranchers and publicinterest groups together in the name of sustainable resources.

From left:Mandy Roberts Metzger,Judy Prosser, SpencerProsser,Warren Prosser,Bob Prosser and JackMetzger.

towards less crossbreeding and morereliance on a single breed. Generally,that has been quite positive, because

many of the herds werecrossbred and hadhigh levels of hetero-sis,” says Daley.“Therefore five to eightyears of one breed hasreduced heterosis, butprovided a consistent,highly marketableproduct, with somematernal heterosis stillpresent in the cowherd.”

Conversely, Daleyexplains,“I am hearingconcern from somevery large, progressiveproducers as theircows become morestraight-bred in atough environment.Longevity, rebreeding,calf survivability allbecome importantissues. I don’t thinkthey’re seeing a chal-

lenge because they bought the wrongbulls or managed their ranches incorrect-ly. It is because they have forgotten orignored heterosis. It is time for many pro-ducers to design long term, simplisticplans that capture maternal heterosis.”

Bottom line, Daley says,“I would notwant to manage cattle in any environmentwithout the incredible value of heterosis.And the tougher the environment themore critical hybrid vigor becomes. Aswe turn the corner in the cattle cycle andbegin to experience somewhat lowerprices, I am confident that we can nolonger forget how to reduce input costs,and heterosis has to be part of that equa-tion.” –T–

tle herds in the United States,” explainsDaley.“Many of these systems that weteach as part of standard animal breed-ing or beef productioncourses have very limit-ed applications in thereal world.” The samecan be said for thelargest most intenselymanaged cow outfits,too.

That’s one reasoncomposite and hybridbulls like Balancer(Gelbvieh X Angus) aregrowing in popularity.In effect, it allows com-mercial producers totransfer the crossbreed-ing to the seedstocksupplier. That, andsome populations ofcomposite bulls nowhave the same breadthand depth of pedigreeand performance databehind them as theirpurebred peers.

More than anything,though, the eagerness with which someignore crossbreeding has to do with theindustry’s fascination with outputs ratherthan inputs, says Daley.

“It’s certainly easier to measure calfperformance on an individual basis thanall of the costs associated with that pro-duction. But, as a commercial producer,much of what I need to know is input-driven,” says Daley.

That’s where heterosis shines themost, especially maternal heterosis,extending longevity and productivity forless cost, moreso when the environmentis most challenging.

“In the far west (as in much of theUnited States), we have seen a move

California State University-Chico says,“Idon’t know how I can ignore heterosis ina competitive business.”

From an economic standpoint, Daleyexplains heterosis has the most impact onthe least heritable traits that are also thehardest to measure. Think of things likeconception rate and calf survival to wean-

ing. These are outputs,but think of theincreased input effi-ciency fostered byimprovement in theseareas.

“Traits like calf liv-ability, survival toweaning, conceptionrate, age at pubertyand many others, allbenefit from heterosis.The individual changein one trait is small, butthe cumulative effect ontotal productivity andon lifetime productivityis tremendous, rangingwell over 20 percent,”says Daley.

Yet, as an industryDaley concludes,“We’ve ignored it,we’ve forgotten it, as anindustry we’ve done alousy job of it.”

There are valid rea-sons why plenty of pro-ducers have avoided

crossbreeding (see Reasons Cross-breeding is Still Untapped below). It’s notnecessarily easy for one thing.

“One reasons that we have ignored orforgotten about heterosis is that we (uni-versities) have presented complicatedcrossbreeding systems as a ‘normal’practice to diverse cattle operations,especially to the countless small beef cat-

3

Exploit Heterosis

Reasons Crossbreeding is Still Untapped

• A cultural bias that clearly reflects,“purebreds are better,” if for no otherreason than they have a registrationpaper...Please don’t misunderstand, thereis certainly value associated with thatrecord, particularly our ability to trackperformance and predict genetic potentialof purebreds. But being purebred shouldnot be a presumption of superiority.

• Our predilection for single trait selec-tion focusing on bigger is better. Thisindustry seems to choose a trait of impor-tance and then put an inordinate amountof pressure on that trait, ignoring geneticantagonisms: If a 90-pound yearling EPDis good, 100 must be better.We havealready done frame, growth (weight of allkinds), milk, and carcass traits (both rib-eye and marbling). I sometimes have toask myself,“so what is the trait of theyear this time?” It is akin to the flavor ofthe month at the local ice cream shop.And because we often have chosen rela-tively highly heritable traits, we have notneeded to crossbreed to achieve thosegoals. The subtle and cumulativeimprovement that heterosis providesdoes not lend itself to maximums.

•We have decided that measuring out-puts is more meaningful than measuringinputs, as well as easier to do. It is certainlyeasier to measure calf performance on anindividual basis, rather than all costs associ-ated with that production. I can weigh themat weaning quicker than I can determinedifferences in treatment costs over time.

By D.A. Daley, California State University-Chico

• Uniform phenotypes for qualitativetraits (color) have a distinct and real mar-keting advantage that is difficult toignore. That does not mean you cannothave uniformity of color within a cross-breeding program, but the widespreadand indiscriminate planning (or lackthereof) of many crossbreeding programscertainly gave us some interesting mar-keting challenges. Generally, it is easierto produce a uniform color in straight-bred programs.

• Heterosis is very difficult to visualizeand even more difficult to measure.Because heterosis is expressed as a smallnet positive in many traits we do notknow it when we see it. Slight changes inmorbidity, age at puberty, conception rateand significant changes in longevity arenot easily observed. However, we all knowwhen calves gain faster in the feedlot.

• The presentation of complicatedcrossbreeding systems as a normal prac-tice to diverse cattle operations, especial-ly the countless small beef herds in theUnited States. Many of the systems that weteach as part of standard animal breedingor beef production courses have very lim-ited application in the real world. Mostbeef herds are too small to implement thestandard systems. Our penchant for tellingpeople how to modify their environmentin order to get heavier calves, higher per-cent calf crop and more total pounds,rather than how to increase net return.

How many new supplementation pro-grams can you develop in order to getyour heifers bred or wean bigger calves?In fact, we can recommend programs fornon-cycling females…..you just have topay for it and then pass those genetics tothe next generation! Heterosis providessome improvement in traits at relatively lit-tle cost. However, we have obscured theopportunity for producers to focus onthose traits because they are so busymasking differences with artificial envi-ronments.

• Historically, there has been activeresistance to crossbreeding from sometraditional marketing outlets, some pure-bred producers and (in some cases)breed associations. I would like to com-mend many of the associations who, quiterecently, have taken the risk of suggest-ing where their animals fit most effective-ly in crossbreeding programs.

• Inappropriate use of breed diversity.

Nothing undermines crossbreeding morequickly than the unplanned “Heinz 57” or“Breed of the Month Club” approach. Forthose who were willing to experiment incrossbreeding, there was often very poorplanning of the combination of breedsand the selection within those breeds.

• Our industry and University systemshave focused on individual trait measure-ment for more than 50 years.We havedone a very poor job of incorporating realworld economics into our models.Wehave EPD’s for a plethora of traits ….andwe are adding more. Economic indices arestarting to catch up, but we are stillbehind. Has anyone thought about meas-uring return per acre or return on invest-ment? We have had a disconnect betweenagricultural economists and animal sci-ence that has not been well bridged.Wetend to think linearly rather than laterally,which has reduced the application of inno-vative crossbreeding. –T–

Bar-T-Bar Winter • 928-289-2619 www.bartbar.com Bar-T-Bar Summer• 928-477-2458

“I don’t care who you are, you can’tafford to breed and feed a straight-bredanimal in a commercial situation. Even ifyou’re not going to retain replacementheifers and benefit from maternal het-erosis, crossbreeding correctly will turnout a product more in line with what theindustry is demanding,” says JohnBurbank, CEO ofSeedstock Plus.

Tom Brink, seniorvice president of CattleOwnership and RiskManagement for FiveRivers Cattle RanchFeeding—the largestcattle feeding organi-zation in the world—brought that pointhome at last year’sBeef ImprovementFederation meeting.

“A large number ofthe industry’s cattle arestill designed wronggenetically. Too manyhave the wrong breedcomposition to suc-ceed in the feedlot andto satisfy the con-sumer,” said Brink.“You will be paid morefor avoiding breedcomposition problemsin your cattle.”

Specifically, FiveRivers wants cattle thatare 50-75% Angus, up to 50%Continental, with no more than 25% BosIndicus or other breeds. Other thanniche markets, that’s the same basicrecipe demanded by other mainstreamcattle feeding operations.

Bottom line, Dave Daley, a fourth gen-eration California cattle producer who isalso a professor of animal science at

“A large numberof the industry’s

cattle are stilldesigned wronggenetically. Toomany have thewrong breed

composition tosucceed in thefeedlot and to

satisfy the con-sumer.You willbe paid morefor avoiding

breed composi-tion problems in

your cattle.”

“I would notwant to manage

cattle in any environmentwithout the

incredible valueof heterosis.

And the tougher theenvironment

the more critical

hybrid vigorbecomes.”

Congratulations Hartmans and C Spear Ranch

Bryan and Mary Hartman of Benson,AZ were last year’s winners of thegooseneck trailer sponsored by FarmCredit Services, Southwest. Each year araffle for a grand prize trailer providesneeded funds for the Arizona CattleGrowers Association Litigation Fund.

As part of that same raffle, C SpearRanch of Benson, AZ won the reservegrand prize—two heifers—from Bar TBar Ranch.

See Fight Back and Win on page 6 foryour chance to help this year, andmaybe when a trailer or genetics, too.

2007 Bar T Bar Bull ListingBreed Abbreviations: Tag Colors: Trait Abbreviations:AN = Angus Yellow CE Dir = Calving Ease Direct AN %=>75% AN Yellow with star BW = Birth weightAN + = 69-74% AN Yellow with underline WW = Weaning WeightAR = Red Angus Blue YW = Yearling WeightBal = AN x GV or AR x GV Purple Milk = MilkBal + = 69% GV Purple with underline GL = Gestation LengthGV = Gelbvieh Green DCE = Calving Ease of DaughtersHyB = Hybrid Blue with underline ET = Embryo Transplant

PE= Pedigree EstimatePost Weaning Gain - Average 3.08

Breed Averages:CE BW WW YRL MILK TM GL DCE

National American Angus Assoc. 5 2.3 40 74 20American Gelbvieh Assn.-- Balancer 104 0 35 72 18 35 -1 103 (Includes ANAR)American Gelbvieh Assn. --Gelbvieh 103 1.9 40 73 18 39 -1.3 104Red Angus Association 6 0.3 31 55 16 32

Remember only compare EPD's within breeds NOT across breeds!

Definitions:

Horned: HAn animal with a horn growth affixed to the skull that has or has notbeen removed.

Polled/Scurred: SAn animal with rudimentary horn growth that will not develop into ahorn. The rudimentary horn growth may or may not become affixed tothe skull at an older age.

Polled: PAn animal with absence of horn growth (An animal can have scurrs andstill be genetically polled).

Double Black: dblkAn animal whose sire and dam are both black, which give the animalthe possibility of being homozygous for the black trait but its not yetproven so.

Homozygous Black: hblkAn animal who carries two black genes and has been proven by matingor genetically tested to produce black calves with every mating.

Herd ID Current Breed HPS Color Pen Birth BIrth W et Dam ID SIRE Dams Sire CE BW WW YW Milk GL DCE DailyWt. # Date Wt. W DIR EPD EPD EPD EPD EPD EPD Gain

Bar-T-Bar Winter • 928-289-2619 www.bartbar.com Bar-T-Bar Summer• 928-477-2458

= TOP 25% FOR THAT TRAIT

67W 794 AN P HB 1 2/20 40 580 4207 L K K Appeal 425 LBH Faxline 911 0 0.4 37 65 16 3.6768W 790 AN P HB 7 86 550 4.79105 982 Bal P Red 0 2/17 94 708 3113N BTBR Mr Red Cross 4005P Bennett K503 ET 103 0.1 41 84 17 -1.1 103 1.74106 1132 Bal P Blk 0 2/21 80 647 3171 BTBR Mr Red Cross 4005P Hunts Calculator 2720 108 -1.1 36 74 16 -1.2 105 2.69517S 828 Bal + P DB 1 4/2 B10C Red Major 144 BKN 702A Na 1.9 30 63 15 -1.2 99 3.61519S 838 Bal P DB 7 4/10 4021 Red Major 144 R&J Spade 1204 Na -1 25 63 13 -1.8 101 4.33603 1196 AN P HB 0 2/24 75 704 Maid Bon View New Design 1407 S A F Fame 12 0.1 42 81 21 5.25603W 1044 AN P HB 0 2/10 86 725 403 Bon View New Design 1407 Bon View Bando 598 5.44605 1016 AN P HB 0 3/25 70 574 417 Mytty In Focus C A Future Direction 5321 11 -0.6 46 91 26 4.26606 1072 AN P HB 0 4/9 81 626 305 Hollands FD of 204 414 Bon View New Design 1407 9 1.5 43 81 27 5.05607 968 AN P HB 2 4/13 75 596 402 S S Objective T510 0T26 Bon View New Design 1407 11 0.4 56 105 25 3.77608 938 AN P HB 0 4/13 84 516 001 Hollands FD of 204 414 S A F Fame 8 2.3 32 65 15 3.84612 926 AN P HB 2 4/23 78 572 T510 Hollands New Design 1407 209 S S Traveler 6807 T510 7 1.9 39 76 18 4.16614 806 AN P HB 1 5/7 76 587 9440 Hollands FD of 204 414 R R Scotchcap 9440 10 1.8 33 67 19 2.52615 962 AN P HB 1 5/15 94 651 806 Hollands New Design 1407 209 Bon View Bando 598 2 3.5 46 81 24 4.26616 854 AN P HB 1 5/22 87 625 805 Hollands FD of 204 414 N Bar Emulation EXT 4 3 41 75 22 3.90627W 736 AN P HB 7 4/2 70 530 2791 Foxboro LRT Casius Clay 0088 Hollands EXT Extreme 903 9 0.1 30 56 11 3.44645W 840 AN P HB 1 3/7 76 615 45118 Foxboro LRT Casius Clay 0088 TC Freedom 104 7 1.1 36 63 18 3.976002S 956 Bal P DB 2 2/14 60 530 4308P Shamrocks Rito 1426 Plainsman 2114M 108 -4.4 31 72 22 -1.2 103 4.566003R 1116 AN P HB 0 1/17 83 598 6366 Sitz Alliance 474N Paramont Ambush 2172 9 0.1 39 68 21 4.496006R 1106 AN P HB 0 1/19 64 580 4107 Sitz Alliance 474N BT Traveler 725L 9 0.6 46 80 22 4.726006S 776 Bal P DB 8 2/17 80 452 417 Perfecta 046P Quick Draw 1107L 102 -0.1 33 73 14 -1.1 101 3.446007R 1136 AN P HB 0 1/20 60 580 0306 Sitz Alliance 474N Bar LR Rito 6I6 0102 16 -2.5 42 74 23 4.496007S 904 Angus + P DB 1 2/17 75 486 4035P BTBR 5321 of Hollands204 4156 Gridmaker 2008M 107 -1.1 35 87 17 -1.3 104 3.846009 812 AN P HB 1 2/17 70 464 4098 BR Right Time 338-54 Bon View New Design 208 11 -0.2 42 80 31 3.816010R 1088 AN P HB 0 1/27 64 572 0314 Sitz Alliance 474N Bar LR Rito 6I6 0102 14 -1.6 43 74 22 4.076011S 888 HyB P Red 2 2/17 76 513 4207P Buf Crk Romeo L081 Lchmn Stabilizer 4003J 106 -2.7 33 75 14 -0.7 101 3.766012R 1260 AN P HB 0 2/1 84 664 851 Sitz Alliance 474N R R Scotchcap 9440 10 0.8 42 77 20 5.256013 884 AN P HB 2 2/18 60 528 2108 BR Right Time 338-54 Mr Ebony Cross 8014 Et 15 -3.1 39 82 26 3.796014R 1126 AN P HB 0 2/10 94 650 0211 Sitz Alliance 474N Bar L R Rainmaker 0002 8 1 45 81 21 4.926014S 996 Bal P DB 2 2/18 80 561 4078P Perfecta 046P Mr Black Jack 2016M 104 0.2 45 94 15 -1 106 5.296015S 936 Bal S DB 2 2/18 75 541 4238P Mr Black Cross 3002 ET Plainsman 2114M 105 0 43 87 18 -1.3 103 4.716016S 982 Angus % P DB 2 2/18 73 579 4347P Woodhill Commander 143L-132N Barn Burner 251 106 -1.9 40 85 17 -1.1 102 4.456019S 960 Angus + S DB 2 2/19 78 547 4031P S S Objective T510 0T26 Black Plainsman 0005K 105 -1.6 44 101 17 -0.9 102 4.316019W 810 AN P HB 7 4/5 82 575 0019 Foxboro LRT Casius Clay 0088 B&H Traveler 9755 10 -0.5 29 51 14 4.036020R 1044 AN P HB 0 3/1 82 528 0302 Sitz Alliance 474N Bar L R Rainmaker 0002 8 0.4 39 67 23 4.796021R 1006 AN P HB 0 3/5 79 470 0208 Sitz Alliance 474N Alberda Traveler 416 8 1.3 39 73 23 4.266022S 916 Bal P DB 2 2/19 82 491 4236P Bennett K503 ET CK Bronco 411G 108 -0.9 37 80 17 -1.3 106 4.286024R 1012 AN P HB 0 3/22 84 462 0304 Sitz Alliance 474N Bar L R Rainmaker 0002 6 1.4 38 73 18 5.156029S 708 Bal P DB 7 2/20 60 387 4129P Bennett K503 ET Plainsman 2114M 111 -4.4 21 57 21 -1.2 106 3.186034 864 AR S Red 2 3/5 58 458 6230 Cherokee Cnyn 4912 Multi-Sire Red Angus 7 -1 26 40 11 4.026041S 1060 Bal P BWF 0 2/21 68 629 4023P Mr Black Cross 3002 ET BTBR Mr Black Cross 2209 105 -1.3 49 97 18 -1.5 103 4.876042S 890 Angus + S DB 2 2/21 84 585 4071P Mytty In Focus BTBR Mr Black Cross 2209 108 -0.3 51 109 20 -1.5 104 3.726047S 990 Angus % P DB 2 2/21 74 581 9204J LS/Plus Cimarron P207 Lchmn 8608G 108 -3.7 28 74 15 -1.5 103 3.796050S 900 Bal P DB 2 2/22 75 522 4108P Bennett K503 ET CK Bronco 411G 109 -1.4 40 88 15 -1.2 105 4.476056S 876 Angus + P DB 2 2/23 75 522 2168M LS/Plus Cimarron P207 Multi-Sire Angus 107 -3 28 70 14 -1.2 103 3.816057S 844 Angus % P DB 1 2/23 70 508 4043P RAB-EGL Blue Moon 4407M N Bar Explosion Z1452 102 -4 32 75 20 -0.6 101 3.586059 866 AR P Red 1 2/23 70 476 4093 Buf Crk Romeo L081 Cherokee Cnyn 4912 8 -0.7 35 61 21 3.866061S 762 GV P DB 8 2/23 80 427 4269P Flying H Exclusive 194H Mr Ebony Cross 8014 Et 109 -0.6 36 81 20 -2.3 106 4.026062S 926 Bal S DB 2 2/23 78 535 4285P Mr Black Cross 3002 ET Buckshot J160 103 -0.6 43 86 17 -1.4 102 4.146064S 742 Bal P Blk 8 2/24 50 394 4019P Time Out 463 Plainsman 2114M 108 -0.9 35 76 15 -1.2 104 3.866066S 946 Bal S DB 2 2/24 95 552 4041P Mr Black Cross 3002 ET Black Plainsman 0005K 98 2.7 49 98 18 -1 99 4.496069S 842 GV P DB 1 2/24 60 497 4204P Flying H Exclusive 194H Ace Ventura 234F 109 -4.1 33 78 20 -2.2 106 3.446071 788 AN P HB 8 2/27 70 475 2096 BR Right Time 338-54 S S Traveler 6807 T510 12 -0.8 41 80 24 3.656073S 846 Angus + S DB 1 2/24 74 537 4271P BTBR 5321 of Hollands204 4156 N Bar Prime Time D806 109 -2.5 32 74 14 -1.3 105 4.056074S 806 Angus + S DB 8 2/24 65 462 4325P S S Objective T510 0T26 Barn Burner 251 104 -3.3 39 92 13 -0.9 100 3.746077 944 AN P HB 2 2/24 62 563 8336 LS/Plus Cimarron P207 R R Traveler 5204 14 -2.8 35 73 19 4.216077W 904 AN P HB 2 2/27 70 735 Sassy Foxboro LRT Casius Clay 0088 S M 6807 Traveveler R119 7 1 28 54 12 3.286083S 750 Bal P DB 8 2/25 75 396 4004P Bennett K503 ET Mr Black Jack 2016M 110 -2.7 31 74 19 -1.4 106 3.916085S 948 Bal P Blk 2 2/25 60 585 4073P Perfecta 046P Mr Black Jack 2016M 113 -3.4 40 87 16 -1.7 107 4.426088S 880 Bal P Red 1 2/25 94 538 4230P Perfecta 046P Black Plainsman 0005K 99 2.1 40 87 18 -0.7 101 3.816091S 1152 Bal P DB 0 2/26 86 673 02118K Mr Black Cross 3002 ET Bud 11G 104 -0.5 50 97 15 -1.6 102 5.156092S 910 Bal P DB 1 2/26 84 573 1027L Bennett K503 ET Schiefelbein Exposure 109 -1 35 75 17 -0.9 105 4.056094S 876 Bal S DB 1 2/26 92 552 2073M KFC Bennett N473 Carolina Balancer 2477J 103 0.2 35 77 17 -0.9 102 3.866096 764 AN P HB 8 2/26 86 475 4020 BR Right Time 338-54 Shamrocks Advantage 4609 6 1.4 41 82 31 3.486101S 782 Bal P Blk 1 2/27 85 453 4169P Time Out 463 Cherokee Cnyn 4912 109 1 36 74 14 -1.6 104 3.626102S 766 Angus % P Blk 1 2/27 74 458 4359P Cherokee Cnyn 4912 Hollands Bando 598 of 805 108 -2.8 38 82 16 -1.4 102 3.296103S 708 Angus + P Blk 8 2/27 80 394 4363P BTBR Mr Black Cross 2209 Barn Burner 251 101 0.1 34 78 17 -0.3 98 3.586106S 890 Bal S DB 1 2/27 86 543 9050J Woodhill Commander 143L-132N Ace Ventura 234F 108 -1.9 32 71 16 -1.9 103 4.126107 926 AN P HB 2 2/27 78 543 G216 S S Objective T510 0T26 N Bar Explosion V1495 9 -0.3 49 94 18 4.026110S 960 Angus + P DB 2 2/28 81 541 02100K BR Right Time 338-54 Ace Ventura 234F 107 -2.6 33 80 18 -1.1 103 4.646111S 834 Bal P DB 1 2/28 70 420 419 Bennett K503 ET Quick Draw 1107L 112 -2.9 27 63 16 -1.2 106 4.216112S 712 Bal P Blk 8 2/28 71 398 4258P BTBR 5321 of Hollands201 4135 Magic Man 313K 105 -0.9 28 79 11 -0.9 105 3.186115 916 AR P Red 2 2/28 76 516 8291 Cherokee Cnyn 4912 Mr Ebony Cross 6124 7 0.2 35 56 16 4.146117S 968 Angus + P Blk 2 3/1 90 559 2033M Mytty In Focus K G Power Design 111 -2.3 39 93 22 -1.8 107 4.056118W 828 AN P HB 7 4/9 80 600 5118 Foxboro LRT Casius Clay 0088 Hollands Krugerrand Echo 907 9 -0.4 24 45 13 4.396120S 820 GV P DB 1 3/1 65 517 1001 JDKG Exclusive 182P SRGG Cocoas Classic 100 1.2 46 89 18 -2.5 104 3.536123S 930 Bal P Red 2 3/2 80 583 02061K Perfecta 046P B/R New Design 323 105 -0.7 37 84 20 -0.9 103 3.956125 982 AN P HB 2 3/2 87 569 1040 BR Right Time 338-54 S S Traveler 6807 T510 7 1.4 47 88 27 4.566126 926 AN P HB 2 3/2 90 563 206 Woodhill Commander 143L-132N S S Traveler 6807 T510 6 2.3 47 82 21 4.006127S 1000 GV P DB 2 3/2 90 609 2029M Carolina Fortune 4192 Freedom 178F ET 107 1.9 52 102 22 -2.3 105 4.216128S 868 Bal P Blk 2 3/2 80 550 2090M Perfecta 046P Kudos 061K 105 -1.6 32 72 15 -2 105 3.066130S 844 Angus % P DB 1 3/2 75 574 2122M Buf Crk Romeo L081 Carolina Balancer 2477J 105 -2.6 34 76 18 -0.8 101 3.466131S 850 Bal + H DB 8 3/2 85 409 3288N Mr Black Cross 4136P Black Cross 1123L 108 0.5 29 81 20 -1.1 105 4.716133S 824 Bal P DB 1 3/2 82 477 4164P BTBR 5321 of Holland204 4156 Magic Man 313K 108 -0.4 28 64 15 -1 106 4.316137 900 AN P HB 2 3/2 85 543 780 Woodhill Commander 143L-132N Emulation N Bar 5522 6 1.7 40 71 22 3.956140S 810 Bal P DB 8 3/3 55 504 02295K Mr Black Cross 3002 ET Slash 856 of 398 Fame 107 -4.9 33 75 14 -1.8 105 3.256142S 800 Bal P DB 1 3/3 67 486 1242L Mr Black Jack 2016M CK Bronco 411G 108 -1.4 43 85 10 -1.4 106 3.696144 1082 AN P HB 0 3/3 75 671 2100 RAB-EGL Blue Moon 4407M Hunts Calculator 2720 7 0.4 49 86 24 4.666152S 846 Bal P DB 1 3/3 65 469 4163P BTBR Mr Black Cross 2209 Ace Ventura 234F 108 -3.4 30 72 18 -1.2 103 4.246155S 790 Angus % P DB 1 3/4 75 508 1013L LS/Plus Cimarron P207 S S Traveler 6807 T510 106 -3.1 25 73 17 -1.2 101 3.626156S 682 Bal P DB 7 3/4 65 365 1803N Perfecta 046P CK Bronco 411G 110 -2.2 27 71 11 -1.4 106 3.346157 784 AN P HB 1 3/4 70 460 2003 S S Objective T510 0T26 K G Power Design 10 -0.1 47 91 21 3.226158S 896 Bal P DB 1 3/4 90 528 2006M KFC Bennett N473 S S Traveler 6807 T510 106 -0.1 35 81 20 -0.9 103 4.026159S 1058 Bal P Blk 0 3/4 75 636 2131M Mytty In Focus Freedom 178F ET 111 -3.2 45 96 18 -3.2 107 4.996162S 952 Bal S DB 2 3/4 95 647 2321M Mr Black Cross 3002 ET Black Cross 0044K 101 3.6 54 102 18 -1.2 100 3.916165S 800 Bal P Red 1 3/4 73 491 3122N Mr Black Cross 4136P Multi-Sire Angus 107 -2.9 23 58 16 -0.7 104 3.446166S 784 Bal P DB 8 3/4 60 502 3135N Mr Black Cross 4136P C A Future Direction 5321 110 -4.2 27 68 22 -1.1 106 3.556168S 964 Bal P DB 2 3/4 75 570 9186J Perfecta 046P Mr Ebony Cross 6021 ET 107 -2 32 73 19 -1.3 106 4.056169S 820 Bal S DB 1 3/5 70 464 02178K KFC Bennett N473 Mr Ebony Cross 6021 ET 109 -3.9 23 61 19 -1 107 3.746172S 956 Angus + P Blk 2 3/5 68 590 1060L BR Right Time 338-54 Lchmn Hybrid 8214J 107 -4.6 33 77 22 -1.5 103 4.286177S 810 Bal P DB 8 3/5 78 462 3292N Plainsman 2114M MSA 110 -1.9 23 57 18 -1.1 103 3.936178S 810 Angus + P DB 8 3/5 80 418 4350P BTBR Mr Black Cross 2209 Hollands Bando 598 of 805 106 -0.2 39 90 16 -0.9 103 3.936179S 890 Bal S Blk 1 3/6 86 576 02173K Woodhill Commander 143L-132N Pro Hart Gold 2X 105 -0.7 36 75 16 -1.4 103 3.746181S 982 Bal P DB 2 3/6 90 546 2023M KFC Bennett N473 Carolina Balancer 2477J 103 0.4 39 87 21 -1.1 104 5.226184 926 AR P Red 2 3/6 79 488 2031 Cherokee Cnyn 4912 BJR Make My Day 981 7 -1.4 36 63 20 3.93

Herd ID Current Breed HPS Color Pen Birth BIrth W et Dam ID SIRE Dams Sire CE BW WW YW Milk GL DCE DailyWt. # Date Wt. W DIR EPD EPD EPD EPD EPD EPD Gain

= TOP 25% FOR THAT TRAIT

6187S 928 Bal P DB 2 3/6 80 564 2239M KFC Bennett N473 G A R Precision 1680 106 -0.8 35 82 21 -1.2 105 3.916189 898 AN P HB 1 3/6 85 530 ET 417 Mytty In Focus C A Future Direction 5321 11 -0.5 47 92 26 4.266192S 878 Bal P DB 1 3/6 74 550 3256N Mr Black Cross 4136P Hollands Bando 598 of 805 107 -0.1 38 75 14 -0.8 105 3.976193 830 AN P HB 1 3/6 66 508 7200 LS/Plus Cimarron P207 N Bar Explosion Z1452 11 -1.2 40 73 13 3.796195 842 AN P HB 1 3/7 75 508 212 Mytty In Focus Hollands Ideal Bando 904 8 0.3 45 84 24 3.626196S 1052 Bal P DB 0 3/7 93 645 2062M Perfecta 046P S S Traveler 6807 T510 104 1.3 46 96 20 -0.9 102 4.526197S 924 Bal P DB 2 3/7 90 521 2066M Perfecta 046P Ace Ventura 234F 102 0.6 36 83 17 -1 103 4.356200 824 AN P HB 1 3/7 85 436 3295 Woodhill Commander 143L-132N Hollands Bando 598 of 805 5 1.9 36 69 20 3.676201 852 AR P Red 1 3/7 72 462 9051 Buf Crk Romeo L081 Leachman Safe Bet 1057C 8 -1 29 50 20 3.726202S 782 Bal P DB 8 3/7 84 484 93n Time Out 463 K C F Bennett Dateline K295 102 0.7 37 84 13 -0.7 102 3.586203S 936 Bal P DB 2 3/8 70 581 02076K KFC Bennett N473 Ace Ventura 234F 114 -3.3 28 68 17 -1.4 107 4.056204S 958 Bal S Red 2 3/8 74 592 1203L Perfecta 046P Slash 856 of 398 Fame 110 -1.7 36 81 17 -1.4 107 4.196205S 868 Bal S DB 1 3/8 80 540 2017M G 13 Structure Freedom 178F ET 103 -0.4 37 84 17 -2.4 103 3.726206S 936 Bal P DB 2 3/8 78 576 2098 Carolina Fortune 4192 Bon View New Design 878 109 -1.7 43 94 24 -0.9 105 3.206207S 976 Bal H Blk 2 3/8 98 560 2142M Mr Black Cross 3002 ET Carolina Balancer 2477J 96 1.7 43 87 18 -1 100 4.666212S 908 Bal P DB 2 3/8 85 469 3103N Barn Burner 251 K G Power Design 103 -0.6 23 69 18 -0.5 101 4.526217S 948 Angus + S Red 2 3/8 94 645 9124J Buf Crk Romeo L081 Pro Hart Gold 2X 101 0.3 40 81 15 -0.5 99 3.676221S 976 Bal P DB 2 3/9 75 605 02077K Mr Black Cross 3002 ET VDAR Luckys Boy 102 -1 41 90 17 -1.5 103 4.196227S 1032 Bal P Blk 2 3/9 84 641 2224 Mr Black Cross 3002 ET Black Cross 0044K 103 0.9 51 99 18 -1.4 102 4.496229S 766 Bal P Red 8 3/9 76 464 3086N Plainsman 2114M CK Bronco 411G 109 -2.3 26 61 14 -1.2 105 3.256230S 824 Bal P DB 8 3/9 90 438 3104N Mr Black Cross 4136P Bon View Spectrum 1176 107 1.2 23 66 18 -0.8 104 4.196231S 864 Bal P Blk 1 3/9 80 524 3148N Plainsman 2114M Bon View Spectrum 1176 107 -0.4 31 67 23 -1.1 103 4.096232S 834 Bal + P Blk 1 3/9 72 526 3308 Plainsman 2114M Black Cross 1123L 108 -2.2 33 66 20 -1.4 104 3.446233S 946 Bal P DB 2 3/9 92 576 9034J Perfecta 046P Ace Ventura 234F 102 -0.7 33 75 17 -1 103 4.076238S 1000 Bal P Red 2 3/10 86 649 187J Mr Black Cross 2024M Leachman New Day 205B 108 -2.2 35 74 15 -2 101 4.316240S 1068 GV P DB 0 3/10 76 627 2075M Flying H Exclusive 194H Kudos 061K 110 -1 45 92 21 -2.9 106 5.156241S 906 Angus + P DB 1 3/10 88 570 2078M L/S Plus Cimarron P207 Carolina Balancer 2477J 106 -1.3 36 82 15 -1.2 103 4.096243S 828 Bal + P DB 1 3/10 75 444 3077N Mr Black Cross 4136P CK Bronco 411G 109 -1.3 31 78 15 -1.1 106 4.126244 844 AN P HB 1 3/10 76 519 3107 Mytty In Focus White Oak Precise 6002 8 0.2 47 89 26 3.516247 846 AN P HB 1 3/10 80 477 3216 S S Objective T510 0T26 Hollands Ideal Bando 904 5 2.6 52 94 17 4.246251S 788 Bal P DB 1 3/10 78 510 9233J KFC Bennett N473 Ace Ventura 234F 109 -2.3 28 67 16 -1.6 106 3.256252 838 AN P HB 1 3/10 78 539 ET 4009 Woodhill Commander 143L-132N BTBR Mr Black Cross 2209 9 0.6 46 78 24 10 3.366253 1118 AN P HB 0 3/10 100 581 ET 420 Bon View New Design 1407 C A Future Direction 5321 12 0.3 42 83 28 5.656255S 1040 Bal P DB 0 3/11 73 654 11L S S Objective T510 0T26 Elk Night Ryder 522E ET 101 -1.6 51 100 17 -1.3 101 4.876258S 930 GV S DB 2 3/11 69 596 2064M Carolina Fortune 4192 CK Bronco 411G 116 -0.8 50 94 20 -1.9 108 3.866260S 950 Bal P DB 2 3/11 95 579 2166M Perfecta 046P Buckshot J160 96 2.1 43 93 16 -0.9 101 4.406261S 864 Bal P Blk 1 3/11 94 473 2232M Black Cross 3011N ET Black Plainsman 0005K 101 1.5 44 95 12 -1.1 102 4.386262S 1092 Bal P DB 0 3/11 72 669 2331M RP Bushwacker 3 944 Kudos 061K 103 -1.5 48 95 21 -1.8 103 5.016265S 868 Angus + P DB 1 3/11 70 504 4113P BTBR 5321 of Holland204 4156 Gridmaker 2008M 108 -2.7 36 83 18 -1.3 105 4.096267S 840 Bal P Red 8 3/11 80 539 8331H Cherokee Cnyn 4912 Ace Ventura 234F 111 -3.8 31 64 14 -2 101 3.486268 890 AN P HB 1 4/2 83 541 402 S S Objective T510 0T26 Bon View New Design 878 6 2.6 64 114 25 4.056269S 950 Bal P Red 2 3/12 90 632 2212M Buf Crk Romeo L081 Black Plainsman 0005K 103 0.2 43 88 18 -0.7 102 3.846272 930 AN P HB 2 3/12 82 581 ET 4009 Woodhill Commander 143L-132N BTBR Mr Black Cross 2209 9 0.6 46 78 24 10 4.026273 958 AN P HB 2 3/12 92 605 ET 4009 Woodhill Commander 143L-132N BTBR Mr Black Cross 2209 9 0.6 46 78 24 10 4.426274 988 AN P HB 2 3/12 85 607 ET 4009 Woodhill Commander 143L-132N BTBR Mr Black Cross 2209 9 0.6 46 78 24 10 4.266278S 882 GV P DB 1 3/13 82 543 2312M Flying H Exclusive 194H Buckshot J160 105 -0.1 41 88 21 -1.9 103 3.866280S 852 Bal S DB 1 3/13 95 460 3248N Barn Burner 251 Hollands Bando 598 of 805 101 2.5 29 75 10 -0.5 100 4.456282S 1080 Bal P DB 0 3/13 100 678 9246 Time Out 463 Plainsman 2114M 108 -0.7 47 91 19 -1.2 104 4.826283 814 AN P HB 1 3/14 82 561 1273 BR Right Time 338-54 Q A S Traveler 23-4 6 1.6 44 76 24 2.946284S 992 Bal P DB 2 3/14 93 587 2041M Mr Black Cross 3002 ET Carolina Balancer 2477J 101 0.6 46 91 16 -1.3 102 4.596287S 870 Bal P DB 2 3/14 95 614 2076M Black Cross 3011N ET Kudos 061K 99 2.5 56 106 11 -1.9 101 2.996288S 942 Bal H DB 2 3/14 76 607 2107M Mr Black Cross 3002 ET Carolina Balancer 2477J 107 -2 44 90 17 -1.8 104 3.726291S 846 Bal P Blk 2 3/14 86 541 3143N Mr Black Cross 4136P Bud 11G 104 1.5 41 79 16 0 102 3.556292S 802 Bal H DB 1 3/14 67 466 3147N Barn Burner 251 Hunts Calculator 2720 105 -3 25 69 14 -0.7 101 3.656298S 974 GV P DB 2 3/14 75 587 8138H JDKG Exclusive 182P Flying H Extra 150D 110 -0.9 40 76 18 -2.9 105 4.756300 874 AN P HB 8 3/14 87 538 PE 4122 Mytty In Focus C A Future Direction 5321 11 -0.3 45 90 29 3.726301S 926 Bal P DB 1 3/15 81 524 1127L Perfecta 046P CK Bronco 411G 105 -0.9 37 79 11 -1.6 105 4.286304S 856 GV P Blk 1 3/15 74 535 7156G Flying H Exclusive 194H Lchmn Better Deal 2024D 113 -2.6 38 84 20 -2.4 108 3.796305 820 AN P HB 1 3/15 77 469 G279 S S Objective T510 0T26 N Bar Ballot Z104 9 0.2 46 89 14 4.006306 906 AN P HB 2 3/15 71 605 PE 4122 Mytty In Focus C A Future Direction 5321 11 -0.3 45 90 29 3.486309S 908 Bal P DB 2 3/16 88 480 3133N Barn Burner 251 Bennett K503 ET 103 0.7 29 72 17 -0.7 101 4.596310S 836 Bal S Blk 1 3/16 90 458 4025P Time Out 463 Mr Black Jack 2016M 103 1.6 42 89 15 -0.9 103 4.096311S 888 GV P DB 1 3/16 86 572 8086H Mr Big Sky 436P Post Rock Black Savvy 102 3.6 43 70 16 -0.6 103 3.726312S 860 Angus + P DB 1 3/17 90 539 0204 Black Cross 3011N ET Slash 856 of 398 Fame 106 0 48 102 10 -1.4 102 3.726314S 1000 Angus + P DB 2 3/17 85 612 02297 Black Cross 3011N ET Slash 856 of 398 Fame 106 -0.3 53 110 8 -1.4 103 4.356319S 788 Bal P DB 8 3/17 84 464 3284N Barn Burner 251 Peachs Boy 1136L 99 1.1 31 79 16 -0.6 99 3.626320S 796 Bal P Red 8 3/17 71 459 3301N Plainsman 2114M Multi-Sire Angus 106 -2.7 22 52 19 -0.9 103 4.006322S 978 Bal P DB 2 3/18 90 625 1076L Mr Black Cross 3002 ET Bud 11G 103 -0.4 46 88 14 -1.2 102 4.246324 982 AN P HB 2 3/18 85 561 2063 LS/Plus Cimarron P207 S S Traveler 6807 T510 9 0.5 43 82 21 4.646328S 828 Bal P DB 1 3/18 69 491 3068N Perfecta 046P Atlas 712G 106 -2.9 33 83 17 -0.9 106 3.516335S 904 Angus + P DB 1 3/19 100 574 1030L S S Objective T510 0T26 High Valley 4C6 Ambush 106 0.4 46 98 16 -0.9 101 3.916337S 830 GV P DB 1 3/19 90 508 9283J JDKG Exclusive 182P Flying H Extra 150D 103 0.9 39 75 17 -2.6 102 3.696338 920 AN P HB 2 3/19 90 581 ET 420 Bon View New Design 1407 C A Future Direction 5321 12 0.3 42 83 28 4.196339S 792 Bal P Red 1 3/20 85 450 3210N Mr Black Cross 4136P Black Cross 1131L 105 1.2 32 74 18 -0.9 103 3.766341 744 AN P HB 8 3/20 80 442 4173 BTBR 5321 of Holland204 4156 Shamrocks Advantage 4609 8 1.2 34 70 27 3.536342S 802 Bal P DB 7 3/20 82 515 4253P Time Out 463 Bon View New Design 208 106 0.3 47 95 17 -1.1 103 3.326343S 752 Angus + P DB 8 3/20 50 389 4324P BTBR 5321 of Holland204 4156 Plainsman 2114M 108 -5.1 21 55 17 -1 104 3.796347S 1026 Bal P DB 0 3/21 95 607 02068K Time Out 463 CK Bronco 411G 101 2.6 48 95 7 -1.2 101 4.316348S 812 Bal P DB 8 3/21 76 517 2068M Perfecta 046P Lchmn Hybrid 8214J 104 -2.5 30 69 18 -1.2 104 3.726349S 1030 Bal P DB 0 3/21 86 656 2083M Time Out 463 Kudos 061K 103 1.3 48 91 15 -1.7 102 4.406351S 824 Bal P Blk 2 3/21 82 526 3124N Mr Con Dateline Bal 17EN Bennett K503 ET 111 -1.1 36 80 16 -0.8 107 3.606353S 746 Bal + P DB 8 3/22 77 420 1228L Mr Big Sky 436P Mr Ebony Cross 9014J 105 0 24 52 10 -0.9 103 3.346355S 824 Angus + P DB 1 3/22 81 493 6167 Barn Burner 251 Multi-Sire Red Angus 100 -1 25 59 10 -0.3 97 3.346360S 958 Bal S DB 2 3/22 95 561 ET 421P KFC Bennett N473 Rupple Gigolo 991L ET 105 0 38 85 23 0.3 104 4.246362S 860 GV P Red 8 3/23 90 460 2328 Mr Big Sky 436P Buckshot J160 101 2.8 38 71 12 -1 102 4.526363S 846 Bal P DB 1 3/23 86 502 7085G Perfecta 046P Black Gun 102 0 27 62 21 -0.9 104 4.006366S 860 Angus + P DB 1 3/23 82 532 1109 Black Cross 3011N ET S S Traveler 6807 T510 103 -1 43 99 12 -0.8 100 3.416367S 836 GV P DB 1 3/24 95 533 02036 Mr Big Sky 436P CK Bronco 411G 99 3.5 47 79 9 -1.3 101 3.516369S 872 Bal P DB 1 3/24 78 524 1200L Time Out 463 Slash 856 of 398 Fame 105 -0.8 33 71 12 -1.3 104 3.846371S 862 Angus + P DB 1 3/24 70 484 2263M Black Cross 3011N ET Mr Ebony Cross 8014 Et 105 -2.9 41 92 11 -1.3 102 3.626372S 832 Bal P Blk 1 3/24 65 508 2327M Perfecta 046P Buckshot J160 111 -3.4 26 64 16 -1.2 106 3.916379 768 AN P HB 8 3/25 74 420 4167 B T B R Mr Black Cross 2209 C A Future Direction 5321 9 1.1 40 74 23 3.956380S 882 Bal P DB 2 3/25 90 491 9250J Mr Big Sky 436P R R Traveler 5204 99 1.3 32 65 16 -1 99 3.886381S 900 Bal P Red 2 3/26 75 526 02022K Perfecta 046P Lchmn 8608G 109 -2.5 31 73 18 -1.4 105 4.196382S 920 Bal P DB 2 3/26 95 508 1010L Mr Big Sky 436P S S Traveler 6807 T510 96 2.3 40 78 15 -0.4 98 4.406383S 816 Bal P Red 1 3/26 86 504 1153L Perfecta 046P Bud 11G 105 -1.2 33 73 16 -1.2 104 3.486386S 852 Angus + P DB 1 3/26 95 499 2253 Black Cross 3011N ET Mr Ebony Cross 8014 Et 104 0.8 46 100 15 -1.3 101 3.746391S 740 Bal P Blk 8 3/27 83 425 3087 Mr Big Sky 436P Cherokee Cnyn 4912 101 1.4 30 70 12 -0.8 100 3.256393S 884 Bal P Red 2 3/27 82 585 9084 Mr Big Sky 436P Leachman Safe Bet 1057C 103 0.8 40 76 9 -0.7 102 3.226395S 876 Angus + P DB 1 3/28 90 574 02252 Black Cross 3011N ET Slash 856 of 398 Fame 106 0.4 54 111 7 -1.4 102 3.486396S 914 Bal P DB 2 3/28 80 506 1003L Perfecta 046P Papa Forte 1921 105 -1.5 26 66 18 -0.6 104 4.076397S 898 GV P DB 2 3/28 95 519 113L Mr Big Sky 436P Atlas 712G 98 4.4 50 85 16 -1 102 4.096400S 834 Angus + P DB 1 3/28 98 510 3034 Mr Con Dateline Bal 17EN C A Future Direction 5321 100 2.8 44 83 17 -0.5 100 3.346401S 722 GV P Red 8 3/28 70 442 3090N Mr Big Sky 436P Pld Free Agent 125J3 105 -0.7 32 66 12 -1.9 104 3.066402S 904 Bal S DB 2 3/28 97 528 9252J Mr Big Sky 436P Mr Ebony Cross 6021 ET 98 2.7 41 76 14 -0.8 101 4.096404S 742 Bal P DB 8 3/29 72 403 2123N Time Out 463 CK Bronco 411G 110 -1.9 32 75 7 -1.6 104 3.866407S 930 Bal P DB 2 3/29 70 600 9041J Black Cross 3011N ET N Bar Explosion Z1452 99 -1.5 47 97 15 -1 99 3.796408S 878 Angus % P Red 1 3/29 90 530 9241J Cherokee Cnyn 4912 Mr Red Cross 6081 108 -1 41 82 16 -1.4 101 3.516409S 1066 Bal P DB 0 3/30 95 641 02141K Black Cross 3011N ET Bud 11G 101 1.7 60 109 13 -1.3 100 4.716411S 960 Bal + P DB 2 3/30 92 583 2187M Time Out 463 CK Bronco 411G 102 2.7 52 96 11 -1.4 103 4.006413S 858 Bal P DB 1 3/31 95 506 1120L Time Out 463 CK Bronco 411G 100 1.7 42 85 8 -1 100 3.936414S 902 Bal P DB 2 3/31 105 548 2109M Mr Big Sky 436P Carolina Balancer 2477J 92 4 46 84 13 -0.6 97 3.846418S 864 Bal P DB 1 3/31 100 453 3278N Black Cross 3011N ET Black Cross 1123L 105 2.5 45 101 10 -1.6 103 4.566420S 854 Bal P DB 1 4/1 80 567 2272M Black Cross 3011N ET Black Plainsman 0005K 104 0.6 49 95 11 -0.9 102 3.086425S 744 Bal P Red 8 4/2 69 425 3180N Perfecta 046P Ace Ventura 234F 110 -3.4 22 71 16 -0.5 106 3.586426 940 AN P HB 2 3/11 79 535 ET 4009 Woodhill Commander 143L-132N BTBR Mr Black Cross 2209 9 0.6 46 78 24 10 3.916427S 820 Bal P Red 1 4/2 83 480 6089F Barn Burner 251 9136 104 -0.5 24 59 11 -0.6 99 3.726430S 932 Angus + P DB 2 4/3 75 587 1041 Black Cross 3011N ET High Valley 4C6 Ambush 106 -1.2 51 104 13 -1.3 104 3.676432S 935 Bal P Blk 2 4/4 73 548 2250M Black Cross 3011N ET Black Plainsman 0005K 109 -0.9 47 95 10 -1.5 103 4.186433S 866 Bal P Red 1 4/5 75 530 1031L Perfecta 046P Lchmn Hybrid 8214J 108 -2 31 69 18 -1.4 105 3.846435S 808 Bal + P DB 1 4/5 73 441 3182N Black Cross 3011N ET CK Bronco 411G 106 -1.1 46 102 5 -1.7 104 3.886436S 890 Bal P Red 7 4/5 81 502 9069J Perfecta 046P Buf Chk Chf 824-1658 105 -1.1 32 71 17 -1.2 103 4.386439S 742 Bal P DB 8 4/6 62 431 3044 Mr Big Sky 436P C A Future Direction 5321 101 0.7 37 73 17 -0.9 102 3.486440S 798 Bal P DB 8 4/6 67 442 3081N Mr Big Sky 436P Bon View Spectrum 1176 99 -1.1 34 76 17 -0.5 99 3.746444 764 AN P HB 8 4/8 75 408 1171/4103 BTBR 5321 of Holland201 4135 C A Future Direction 5321 9 1.4 40 76 21 3.656445S 824 Bal P Red 1 4/8 75 469 2070M Perfecta 046P Ace Ventura 234F 109 -2.5 27 70 17 -1.4 105 3.916447S 812 Angus + P Red 8 4/8 90 475 7101 Perfecta 046P Glacier Logan 210 108 0.2 31 71 16 -1 106 3.626450S 870 Angus + P DB 2 4/11 75 585 1057 Black Cross 3011N ET S S Traveler 6807 T510 105 -2.4 53 112 12 -1.1 102 3.296452S 824 GV P BWF 1 4/14 90 513 02079K Mr Big Sky 436P CK Bronco 411G 101 3.8 51 90 10 -1.1 102 3.446454S 890 Bal P DB 1 4/14 80 482 1072L Time Out 463 CK Bronco 411G 105 0.6 43 86 10 -1.3 103 4.406461S 740 GV P Blk 7 4/19 95 405 7042G Mr Big Sky 436P Lchmn Better Deal 2024D 101 3.2 38 69 14 -1 102 3.886462S 738 Bal + S DB 8 4/19 90 442 9210J Mr Big Sky 436P Mr Ebony Cross 6021 ET 101 2.6 38 69 10 -0.9 102 3.326528W 854 AN P HB 2 3/2 92 680 9528 Foxboro LRT Casius Clay 0088 B&H Northlander 9367 10 -1.3 24 43 12 3.516529W 808 AN P HB 7 4/3 76 540 9529 Foxboro LRT Casius Clay 0088 B&H Northlander 9367 5 0.4 23 42 11 3.976819W 908 AN P HB 2 3/17 88 750 9819 Foxboro LRT Casius Clay 0088 G A R Ext 4934 8 0.2 32 54 14 2.666878W 832 AN P HB 1 3/30 70 680 9878 Foxboro LRT Casius Clay 0088 N Bar Commitment Y4754 11 -1.1 30 54 15 2.956908W 744 AN P HB 7 2/28 94 535 9908 Foxboro LRT Casius Clay 0088 G A R Ext 4934 6 1.1 31 57 11 3.546988W 844 AN P HB 2 2/27 85 660 9988 Foxboro LRT Casius Clay 0088 G A R Ext 4934 10 -0.7 29 52 10 3.3864080W 882 AN P HB 1 2/26 60 580 4080 Regal Flyer 3201 Foxboro LRT Casius Clat 0088 NA NA NA NA NA 4.10

6

El Nino, La Nina or De Nada

wouldn’t bet the ranch on that.”“I’ve tested a virgin bull and had him

turn up positive,” says Lytle.The onlyexplanation was that young Valentinohopped the fence to prowl cows, thenhopped back again, or that he was infect-ed by bull-to-bull contact, which is a theo-retical possibility. Lytle also relates thestory of the guy with 26 pregnant cows ina group. He had a Trich-negative bull andgeographic bio-security with a railroad onone side of him, highway on the other andhis own ranch in between. He brought in anew pregnant 5-year-old cow. He branded27 calves that year.The next fall he hadone pregnant cow because of Trich.

Experiences and Suggestions“If a Trich problem is suspected I usu-

ally suggest tail-bleeding a representative

number of open cows at preg-check timeand conducting a series of abortionscreening tests thatinclude BVD, IBR,Lepto and Vibrio (nowcalled Campylobac-ter). Then follow thatwith Trich-testing allor a significant num-ber of bulls known tohave been with theopen cows,” saysThrasher.

So, rather than try-ing to identify Trich inthe cows, you’re tryingto find other reasonsthey may be open.“Since Trich-control programs are so dra-conian, it’s best to take on the whole

enchilada if you’re going to the troubleand expense to get Trich under control,”

explains Thrasher.Thrasher has worked

with a number of largeherds that got rid ofTrich by preg-testingearly, culling everyopen cow and replacingthe entire bull batteryfor two or three years ina row.“Others have vac-cinated cows and notculled the open cows sodeep,” he explains.“Others culled theirentire bull battery anddidn’t breed any cows

for six months or more, vaccinated all oftheir cows the first year, replaced bulls the

following season and went on. Others bredtheir herds AI and used a few new clean-up bulls each year.”

Obviously, none of these strategies ischeap or easy.

“Trich control methods should beadapted to each ranch’s breeding pro-gram goals, range management plans,marketing system, location, circum-stances, resources, facilities and abilities,”explains Thrasher.“Some can eliminatethe problem quickly, others will need tomess with it for three or four years, andsome ranches have already learned to livewith it long-term.Textbook remedies forTrich management seldom fit everyone.”

Lytle emphasizes.“If you have a prob-lem it’s not something that’s going awayovernight, but you’ll never find it if youdon’t look for it.” –T–

Bar T Bar Cornerstones of Profitability1. Inherent Fertility, First and ForemostWe have no tolerance for open, late-bred or cows that do notwean a calf.

2. In Harmony With The ResourcesMother Nature defines our cowherd. Those cows that can pro-duce here stay here.We utilize planned grazing with thosecows to maximize pounds of beef produced with minimalinputs.

3. Simplified CrossbreedingWe strive to optimize maternal hybrid vigor by sourcing out-cross Angus (British) and Gelbvieh (Continental) genetics. Inour own commercial herd the use of Balancers has reduced thenumber of herds we run, increasing range management flexi-bility and reducing costs over time.

4. Added Value in the MarketplaceWe have proven to ourselves that there is money to be madefrom producing calves that meet the industry demand for feed-lot efficiency and carcass grade and yield. Those cattle thatmeet grid and branded specifications are even more valuable.

Managing Trichcontinued from page 1

Bar-T-Bar Winter • 928-289-2619 www.bartbar.com Bar-T-Bar Summer• 928-477-2458

“If you have a problem it’s not some-thing that’sgoing away

overnight, butyou’ll never find

it if you don’tlook for it.”

These are changingtimes.

Times are a changing.

Change is the only thingthat is constant over time.

Whatever your favorite perspec-tive, there are some major trends on acollision course with profitability forranching operations.

It is an undisputed fact that weatherand precipitation have a huge impacton profitability, production, and quali-ty of life for ranchers big and small.

Whether you believe in GlobalWarming or believe this is part of theNatural Climate Cycle it makes littledifference. The fact is, it is dryer andmoisture is less dependable than itwas in the 70’s and 80’s. It can beargued that it is worse than the DustBowl period of the 1930’s in someareas of the country. Annual precipita-tion is less and input costs are climb-ing at an alarming rate. Fuel costs are200% of three years ago, supplementand feed costs are approaching 175 %of two years ago, vaccine and herdhealth costs have increased 300% inthe last 15 years, and land and equip-ment costs carry a 7-10% annualcreep for the last 20 years. The 2007blizzard on the Plains aside, if the pre-cipitation trend was to change tomor-row it would take three to five yearsfor the best managed western rangesto produce at the levels we wereblessed with in the 80’s.

The good news: Interest rates arehistorically low, demand for beef hasimproved, market prices for cattle arestrong, and information is available atthe stroke of a computer key.

A wise man once told me that thefuture is for those who build it. At BarT Bar Ranch we strive to build genet-ics that compliment the challenges ofour time. With reduced carryingcapacities and increased input costs,your cattle need to work for you; notyou for them.

Every rancher has control over hisor her input costs, including geneticcosts and management strategies.Those choices have a direct effect onthe profitability, quality of life, andsustainability of that operation. At BarT Bar we pride ourselves in selecting

A.I. sires for calving ease, growthwithout additional frame, moderatemilk, marbling and tenderness. As wesubject the progeny of these geneticsto low-input management pressures,we identify the cattle that produceefficiently on native range, gain effi-ciently in the lot, and produce a highquality carcass.

Put simply we have culled the mis-takes so you don’t have to. Producersthroughout Arizona and fromCalifornia to Kansas rely on us toimprove their bottom line by utilizingour genetics. The set of bulls we areoffering this year will improve fertilityon the female side while improvinggrowth, marbling, and tenderness.

As the value of grass continues toincrease because of lingering droughtand increased ethanol production,adding genetics that utilize forageefficiently will continue to be aninvestment in the future.

In this issue of The Bull Pen we havetried to share information we think isvaluable in fighting the collidingtrends that affect us every day. Everyopen cow or hairball calf is a drain onthe system. Dave Daley, a long timefriend and bull customer, puts a pro-ducer perspective on Crossbreeding.Dr. Jim Lytle and Dr. Gary Thrasheradd down to earth recommendationsfor management of Trich. RandyBlach, long time friend and ExecutiveVice President of Cattle Fax addssome analysis to management that hasnever been more timely.

We choose to be proactive aboutthese times rather than doing nada—nothing. All of us at Bar T Bar Ranchwish you the best in your geneticadditions. We will continue to pray formoisture in the Southwest, but so far,por nada. –T–

We hope you find this issue of TheBull Pen useful,

Bob

Every day environmental activists withtoo much time, too much money and too lit-tle common sense attack the livelihoods ofArizona ranchers using the Clean Water andEndangered Species Acts and other regula-tions to press their own agendas which sel-dom have anything to do with stewardship.And, every day, the Arizona Cattle GrowersAssociation (ACGA) is there to fight thoselegal battles for ranchers, everything fromSpotted Owls, to restricted or would-beeliminated grazing, to illegal takings.

But, the price tag for legal fees is steep.Fill out and clip out the coupon below,donate a calf or $300 cash and you’re notonly helping pay for the fight protectingyour interests, but you’re also in the runningto win a gooseneck trailer donated by FarmCredit Services, SW.

Fight Back and Win! ACGA Litigation Fundraiser 2007 Drawing TicketCalf donation or $300 cash Contribution ACGA Litigation Fund Raiser 2007YOUR RECEIPT Calf donation or $300 cash Contribution

Prizes: Name_________________________________Grand Prize: 6’X20’ Steel Gooseneck Address_______________________________Donated by Farm Credit Services, SW ______________________________________

Phone_________________________________Reserve grand: 1 bull or 2 heifersDonated by Bar T Bar Ranch, Inc. Donation:

_______ Calf _______ Value Ck #_______Drawing: July 2007-ACA Annual Convention

_______Cash _______Amount Ck #_______

Possession of receipt indicates Drawing July 2007 at ACA Conventionyou have been entered into the drawing. You do not need to be present to win. Make Checks Payable to:

ACGA Litigation Fund(contributions are not tax deductible)

Donation:

_______ Calf _______ Value Ck #_______ Mail to:

_______ Cash _______ Amount Ck #_______

ACGA Litigation Fund1401 N. 24th Street, Suite 4Phoenix, AZ 85008

Bob Prosser

7Bar-T-Bar Winter • 928-289-2619 www.bartbar.com Bar-T-Bar Summer• 928-477-2458

Volume Genetics — Volume Service

Inside This Issue!

The Prosser FamilyP.O.Box 190Winslow,AZ 86047

PRESORTEDFIRST CLASS MAIL

U S POSTAGE

PAIDOklahoma City, OKPermit No. 926

Managing Trichomoniasis.................page 1Diablo Trust Earns National awards..page 2Time to exploit heterosis...................page 3Managing in Dry Times.....................page 6 2007 Bull Listing.....................center spread250 Bulls Sell.....................................page 7Bar T Bar Cornerstones of Profit........page 6Seedstock Plus—it’s about the customer.....................................page 2Spending Where it Matters...............page 8Bar T Bar Cooperators.......................page 8

“Many breakeven producers havebeen successful at reducing costs, but atthe expense of productivity, and theyneed to re-evaluate those areas to deter-mine which areas have impacted produc-tivity,” explains a Cattle-Fax report sharedin February at the Cattlemen’s Collegesponsored by Pfizer Animal Health.

According to Cattle-Fax analysts aver-age profits in the cow-calf sector were$2.33 per head—basically breakeven—from 1980 to 2000. Low-return producerslost about $54 per head during that time.Conversely, high-return producersearned $120-150 per head more thanlow-return producers, and about $65more per head than average-return pro-ducers. Keep in mind this is for 1980-2000, before the last several years whenabout anyone with a live animal and apair of fencing pliers could make cowspay.

Though these high-return producersexhibited superior profit performance,they were significantly below average insome key areas, says Cattle-Fax: annualcow costs; breakeven calf costs; feedcosts; input costs; and general operatingcosts (Figure 1).

There’s not much that can be doneabout interest costs other than workingyour way to lower debt levels. The otherareas, though, continue to be ripe withprofit possibility.

For instance, according to the Cattle-Fax, one way high-return producersachieve lower nutrition costs is by utiliz-ing home-raised feed more efficientlyand by procuring purchased feed at themost optimum time. These are also thefolks most likely to find more efficientways than traditional haying to preservethe nutrient value of the hay they’ve got.

In terms of herd health, the low-cost,high-return producers typically precondi-tion calves and utilize specific vaccinationprotocols, says Cattle-Fax. These folksalso tend to spend more money on genet-ics than high-cost, low-return producers.

Bottom line, the high-return crowdspends more money in areas that canreturn the most money, and they spendthe least money on things that can’t alterthe return.

“Low-cost production and profitabilityis about more than keeping costs incheck—it’s about maximizing productionrelative to cost (more pounds weaned percow exposed,” emphasizes the Cattle-Faxreport.

That’s one area where high-return pro-ducers strive for above-average perform-ance. It’s not just the money in the bankdefined by those pounds, it’s the differ-ence in how much money you must havefrom them.

Look at it this way. According to Cattle-Fax, the breakeven price of a 550 lbs.weaned steer calf is $80/cwt. if youassume an annual cow cost of $350 andan 80% weaning rate. Increase the wean-ing percentage by 10 points, holding allelse equal, and the breakeven pricedrops to $71/cwt. That works out to aboutto be about $50 difference in the revenueper cow.

“At higher cow costs, these differenceswiden even further,” explains Cattle-Fax.

“If the annual cash cost to carry a cow is$450, the difference between weaning 90percent and 80 percent is about $60 percalf.”

Compare that to the $6-$8/cwt.decrease in breakeven cost that Cattle-Fax says comes with increasing weaningweight from 550 lbs. to 600 lbs. whilemaintaining the same cow cost.

Increasing Opportunity andChallenge

Though still underutilized by theindustry on average, these concepts arecertainly nothing new.

Think of a world shaded by ethanolproduction, though. Consider the fact thatevery 50-cent per bushel increase in thecost of corn takes about $12/cwt. off theprice of a five-weight calf, according toCattle-Fax; $6-$7 off a 750 lb. feeder.

Ponder what the most efficient herdsand cows might look like when $4 perbushel is the low for corn prices ratherthan the impending high. The value ofmanagement principles embraced byhigh-return producers is magnified evenmore.

As an example, the odds-on bet, atleast in the short-run, is that feedlots willseek to dilute breakevens by placingolder, heavier cattle on feed. On average

that means cattle will be on feed forfewer days. In effect, that also meansaverage feed yard occupancy rate willdecline, which is also negative tobreakevens.

This suggests that faster growth andgreater feed efficiency on forage will beworth more.When shopping for geneticsthat means documented performanceshould be even more important to you.

Likewise, cattle with the ability tograde Choice with fewer days on feedwill likely be sought after even harderthan they have been. Since the only waysto increase grade are through manage-ment and genetics, and since there willbe fewer days on feed to manage cattleas a group, it makes sense that geneticswill also gain importance.

Although it seems logical that healthrisks at the feed yard will also declinebecause heavier, older cattle are beingplaced, it’s going to take renewed focuson health management prior to the feed-lot to get them there cost-efficiently.

The bottom line of all of this is thataverage-return producers will struggleharder to achieve breakeven status in theethanol world. The high-return folks,though, are positioned to exploit the chal-lenges of high grain prices rather thanfall prey to them. –T–

Spending Where it Matters

Figure 1

11 Habits if High-Return Producers

• Below average annual cow costs• Lower than average calf breakeven

prices• Lower feed costs• Lower interest expense (less debt)• Lower general operating expense• Higher average weaning weights• Higher conception rates• More pounds weaned per cow

exposed• High quality bulls with strong genetics• Preventative herd health programs• High-quality pasture (maintain nutri-

tional requirement of the cow)

Source: Cattle-Fax

Bar T Bar – Seedstock PlusCooperators

◆ Bar LR Angus • Benson, AZ◆ Bull Run Ranch • Prescott, AZ

◆ McKinley Farms • McLoud, OK◆ Quarter Circle H Angus • Taylor, AZ◆ Walking Cane Ranch • Flagstaff, AZ

We’re pleased to be associated with each of these ranches that have bulls on test at our facility. Their bulls add to the genetic depth and

breadth of what we’re offering.