LAKOTA
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The Only Totally Grass-Fed Bull Test
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Welcome to the
LAKOTA BULL TEST
The only totally grass fed bull test around
What is the LBT?
The Lakota Bull Test specializes in providing Beef Cattle Sires that will allow farmers to produce a consistent, high-quality product for health conscious consumers on grass.
Whether you are grass finishing stockers or sending calves to the feed lot, don't your momma cows have to raise a calf and be in good enough shape to re-breed on grass? Can you afford to do it any other way? The LBT is designed to identify animals and bloodlines which are genetically suited for production on grass. We have the top people in the business to help us do just that. We have experts to analyze soils, forages, ultra-sound data, DNA, and growth records. We aim to test and identify balanced animals genetically predisposition to perform on grass.
With the rising costs of production, one can continue to throw feed, fuel, and fertilizer at the problem or modify the genetic make-up of their herd to create animals who can do more with less input.…
The 2010 Consignments look great, this years sale will feature:
TallGrass Certified Bulls:
The TallGrass logo has been placed next to Lakota Bull Test sires that have not only completed the rigorous testing process here at the LBT, but have also met a higher standard for Carcass Quality and merit.
TallGrass Beef Company and the Certified Devon Beef brand endorse the LBT as a successful management system designed to evaluate beef cattle sires prior to production.
Bulls Certified by Tallgrass Beef Company and CDB are guaranteed to be primarily grown on grass in a competitive MIG system and possess the carcass traits needed to produce the type and quality calves desired by Tallgrass Beef Company, Certified Devon Beef, or any grass fed beef producer that wants a high quality animal capable of producing superior quality beef. This is as much an endorsement of the test as it is of the bulls listed. For bulls to qualify for this endorsement, they must first pass Lakota Bull Test standards, which only 50% of all bulls consigned can do.
The Tallgrass Beef and CDB Certification strive to establish standards for the selection of bulls that are balanced across all traits with exceptional carcass merit, high fertility indicators, and optimum growth rates on forage.
Linear measurement scoring system
Linear measurements were made famous by expert cattleman Dr. Jan Bonsma. Through extensive research and cattle evaluation Dr. Bonsma developed a system of measurements to evaluate bulls for balance and functional efficiency. Dr. Bonsma’s system is comprised of measurements that are used to determine six ratios of the utmost importance. We have awarded bulls 1 star (*) for every ratio in which they meet the requirements. A full spreadsheet of the bull’s measurements and their ratios is available as well.
Ultrasound Evaluation Scoring System
The ultrasound measurement parameters used by Tallgrass Beef Company uniquely select for cattle that are well balanced in the carcass traits, with the appropriate blend of marbling, backfat, ribeye area, tenderness, and retail yield. The ultrasound evaluation scoring system emphasizes optimum ranges for each trait while selecting against extremes. Tallgrass uses a color code system to indicate individual trait performance for each ultrasound measurement. Blue color coded traits indicate that the individual scored in the top tier for that trait, tan color coded traits indicate the individual scored in the second tier, and white color coded traits indicate they meet the minimum requirements in a particular trait. Red color coded traits indicate the individual scored below Tallgrass standards for that trait.
In addition, Tallgrass has developed an overall Ultrasound Evaluation Scoring System that provides a single score for five primary traits measured (Ribeye Area/Cwt, RES, BF, IMF, TEND). This score ranges from 1-6, with a score of 6 being ideal. Animals with an overall score of 3.5 or greater have met or exceeded optimum range standards for all ultrasound carcass traits measured.
Hereford bull from Underwood Farms, Culpeper,Va
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Lakota Bull Test Bulls Sale 12/5/2009
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What is the Lakota Bull Test?
By: Carl C. Stafford Extension Agent
10/10/08
The Lakota Bull Test (LBT) is an all forage bull test held at Lakota Ranch in Culpeper County, managed by Jeremy Engh. 130 bulls in three age groups are being tested at the farm, to be joined by another test group of at least 40 more bulls this fall. An educational field day, set for Friday October 24 starting at 8:00 am, is open to the public. Plan to attend to learn more about this unique bull testing method.
The idea of the forage bull test is similar in most respects to the traditional bull test in that bulls are brought in to a central location to eliminate variation in the environment. With the environment the same for all bulls, the differences that are measured must come from their genetics. Bulls are grown out to an end point that in the case of the first LBT group will be 2 years of age. They will sell at the farm Saturday, December 6, 2008.
A variety of measurements are taken so that buyers will know a lot about the animal. These measurements focus on weight gain which we know will be lower than you usually see as no energy or protein supplement is provided. The biggest cost factor with pasture is time. Gains are naturally slower when only forage is used and this test will have taken 14 months to complete. The bulls are frame scored, examined for breeding soundness, DNA tested and linear measurements made to give buyers all the information they will need on sale day.
The test committee includes producer consignors, the test manager, consultants in both agronomy and animal science and Extension personnel. We believe that when the first group sells in December, that buyers will find they can use the test data and their own eyes to choose a bull that has ability to grow on pasture. We know these older bulls will be capable of settling more cows, they will be accustomed to walking and grazing for a living on pasture and will sire calves that reflect the features measured in this unique, all forage environment.
Today’s economics make pasture more attractive than ever if our cattle can use it to advantage in putting on gain. Pasture quality certainly plays a role, but so do genetics. The LBT will help you make your genetic selections for forage gain from the breeds offered to include: Angus, Braunvieh, Devon, Hereford, and Tarentaise. We know your choices today have to be economical, and while pasture offers cheaper gains, it does take more time. You be the judge when it comes to profits on your farm.
Grazing schools are scheduled for our area in November. You will be interested to know that these schools are set for: November 10 & 11 in Albemarle and November 12 & 13 in Culpeper. A grazing school is a two day, intensive, practical, hands on learning experience that helps you understand the principles of managing pasture for forage quality and animal performance. We will teach you how to put fencing, soil fertility, forages and livestock back to work on your farm with the economic goal being: to spend less than you make. Pasture has the chance of being our way forward when costs and income continue to spread further apart. Call your local Extension agent for a copy of the program brochure.
Dates to Remember:
Lakota Bull Test Field Day – October 24 Culpeper Grazing School – November 12 & 13 Culpeper Household Water Testing Program – November 18 LBT Bull Sale – December 6 BCIA Bull Sale – December 13
Call 727-3435 for more information.
All Forage Diet At Lakota Bull Test
By: Carl C. Stafford
Extension Agent
4/29/08
Forage tested bulls are uncommon in Virginia as our traditional bull rearing methods use concentrates mixed with a cereal grain silage as the primary diet, growing out groups of young beef bulls in just over 100 days. Very few bulls are reared with just forages as this takes at least 3 to 4 times longer and most animals today have been designed for production on grain. So, why would a bunch of farmers decide to bite off this time consuming challenge and attempt to grow out young beef bulls without the help from grain? Maybe they are on to something. Last May, when the Lakota Bull Test (LBT) started the need for efficient low input animals was not as important as it is today. We all know the cost of farming has gone up dramatically since then and these costs have certainly affected grain prices.
Readers will agree that across the country grass finished producers are developing a niche market for their beef. This product has risen in national awareness to the point that large corporations are starting to take notice. Just the other night my wife saw a car commercial that drew a parallel between grass finished beef and the unique qualities of the car being featured. While cars and beef are miles apart, maybe their special features appeal to the same consumer.
We know that grass finished beef is not for everyone, but it does have an appeal to a segment of the population that seems to be growing. It is becoming a featured product at some big steak houses primarily in the Boston and New York City areas, it is the featured product at some stores, and is in demand by certain consumers. There are a variety of reasons for their preference, among other things is research that connects grass fed beef with benefits to human health. Grass fed beef is said to have higher levels of omega-3 fatty acids, Conjugated lenolic acids, vitamin-E, and beta carotene.
The Lakota Bull Test was started at Lakota Ranch in June of 2007 located along the Rappahannock River near Remington in Culpeper County, Virginia. It is the site of the only forage bull test I know of in Virginia and possibly is the only one of its kind in the country. People tell me the Edisto test at Clemson runs a forage based test but uses some grain. Certainly there are seed stock beef producers who grow out their bulls on an all forage diet but these are the exception rather than the rule.
While the LBT is formally described as a gain test, manager Jeremy Engh is quick to point out that cattle gains are only part of the test with bull fertility, longevity, carcass quality, carcass merit, disposition, and overall function playing key roles in bull evaluation. The two existing groups started with fall 06 calves in June 07 and Spring 07 calves in July 07. They will complete their respective tests at the end of October 08 and will sell at the farm, December 6, 2008.
The LBT could not have started at a worse time in terms of weather. In May last year we were well into a spring drought that lasted into the fall with overall rain at the farm short for the year by 27 inches. But, with high soil fertility and some timely rains scattered across the summer, year round grazing was achieved and minimal hay supplement was needed to get the bulls through the year. Gains reflect the Bulls tough summer experience and the bulls were forced to pick weight back up with fall stockpiled fescue offering the resources to help them move into spring with a rising gain curve.
In the fall 2006 contemporary group, Pokeberry Farms Tarentaise Bulls lead the way with gains averaging 1.6 lbs a day closely followed by Slusher Valley Farms at 1.5 lbs a day. Fox Run Farms Angus and Lakota Ranch’s Devons tied for third with gains averaging 1.2 lbs a day. In the 2007 Spring Contemporary group, Fox Run Farm’s Angus lead with gains averaging 1.5 lbs per day. In a tie for second with gains of 1.4 lbs a day are Plainfield farms Hereford’s and Lakota Ranch’s Devons. All animals on test are performing well with the fall 2006 contemporary group averaging 1.1 lbs a day gain and the 2007 Spring Contemporary group averaging 1.3 lbs a day. Prospective buyers are visiting bulls weekly to see these uniquel cattle offered for sale 12/6/08.
As I conclude, let me mention the American Devon Cattle Association’s National show and sale known as, “The Great Event” and LBT sponsored field day preceding it, the field day is set for October 24th at the farm with banquet to follow. Featured speakers include Dr. Allen Williams formerly an animal scientist with Mississippi State University, and founding partner of The Jacob Alliance LLC which specializes in ultrasound scanning of live animals. He is joined by Mr. Kit Pharo of Cheyenne Wells Colorado where profit oriented, forage based, functional beef cattle breeding philosophy is practiced at Pharo Cattle Company. His featured talk, “ Pharo Philosophies” will be delivered after the LBT field day in conjunction with the ADCA association banquet. Mr. Pharo will speakfrom 2:00 – 5:30 at the Crossroads Best Western in Culpeper and the event will be open to the public for $75.00 a seat, go to www.americandevon.com for more information..
By the time you read this article 50 new bulls will have started the next test for 2009. Look for their performance and that of the existing bull test groups by searching for Lakota Bull Test on the web at www.lakotareddevons.com .
For more information contact Carl Stafford at: ccstaffo_vt.edu or Jeremy Engh at: jeremy_lakotareddevons.com or enghs_aol.com or to find out more about Extension search for Virginia Extension.
Virginia cattle producer promotes grass-fed genetics
by Jon M. Casey
REMINGTON, VA – Devon purebred breeder, Jeremy Engh, co-owner of Lakota Ranch, is continually looking for the ideal Devon breeding stock that will outperform other breeds when raised exclusively on pasture. Engh’s Lakota Ranch, a 700-acre central Virginia farm, is home to more than 200 head of purebred Devon beef cattle and is also home to consignment bulls that are there on test for future sale on December 5, 2009. That is when the fall born 2006 and spring born 2007 bull consignments in the exclusive, totally forage-fed, Lakota Performance Bull Test, will be sold.
“We are looking to improve all breeds, to identify bloodlines within breeds for grass production, and to help cattlemen produce a more efficient type of beef animal,” said Engh. “That is why we select and test bulls that have the genetics to grow and finish on grass and still be tender and tasty for the consumer. The Lakota Bull Test is the first bull test of its kind for that purpose.”
“We have been doing this kind of testing for the past twenty years and testing the bulls of others for four years,” he said. “We had our first multi-breed sale last year. We plan to make the sale an annual event.”
According to Engh, Lakota Ranch relies on their bull testing website, www.lakotabulltest.com, as a way to inform the public about their animal’s progress and the upcoming events. At the same time, it serves to keep the consignors abreast of how their own animals are doing at the farm.
“About every 90 days or so, I will videotape the bulls just foraging wherever they are in the pastures, to give people an opportunity to look at the bulls and the grasses where they are grazing,” he said. “That benefits the consigners as much as it does the potential buyers. I also update the website between video inserts by posting new still photographs that I rotate on and off the site.”
Engh said that during the interval between the videos and the photos, they weigh the bulls and analyze their performance while they are on test. The young bulls are ultra sounded, semen tested, linear measured, and evaluated for structural correctness. Consignors and customers receive an entire review of how the bulls are performing. When the bulls are on test, they receive only grass and hay. “The bull’s performance is measured, with their environment being as close to that as what they will have to perform within at their destination farms,” said Engh.
“We then select only those bulls that perform in the top 70-percent for gain and for carcass data, and we will sell these at the end of the year,” he said. “What we have been finding is that over half of the bulls just can’t make it on grass alone. That is a greater ratio than we expected. We have found however, that certain consigners have done poorly while others have done very well.”
Engh said that he is very pleased with the testing committee that helps gather and record all of the important data. “We have highly respected people who come in to help us weigh the bulls and do the recording,” he said. “We want to keep the statistics as accurate as possible. We do not want any questions when it comes to the integrity of the information on the bulls.”
The committee members include Scott P. Greiner, Extension Animal Scientist, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, Va.; Carl Stafford, Extension Agent, Agriculture and Natural Resources, Animal Science; and Allen R. Williams, Ph.D., PAS, Tallgrass Beef Co. Other members include Charlie Thornton, certified nutrient management planner, USDA Agriculture and Natural Resources, Animal Science; Tim Mize, Extension Agent, Agriculture and Natural Resources, Animal Science; Tommy Clark, Mystic Hill Farm, producer, consignor. Jeremy Engh, cattle producer, and consignor, also serves as test station manager as well.
“Dr. Allen Williams does all of our ultrasound work,” Engh noted. “He is extremely well-respected in the industry. Scott Greiner, who heads up the Virginia Beef Cattle Improvement Association, is also on staff at Virginia Tech. He has been very helpful with our program, over the years.
“These bulls tend to go to a high-end cattle market,” said Engh. “For example, Tallgrass Beef Company is the largest grass-fed beef distributor in the nation. Tallgrass is certifying bulls on our test for grass production, as a way of acknowledging that these sires will produce calves that they are interested in purchasing as grass fed cattle.”
“With a high quality carcass, these grass genetics will give both local and national producers the kind of cattle that can get the job done on grass,” he said. “The input costs go way, way down. At the same time, profits go up.”
“Our grass-fed beef product that we are looking to provide, is not the ultra-lean beef that some consumers are looking to buy,” he adds. “We are working to produce an animal that has as much flavorful fat as a grain fed animal. It is a healthy fat.”
Engh said that he is excited about returning his breed of cattle to the former prominence it held when it came to North America 400 years ago. He said that the breed fell out of favor with cattlemen when they went to confined feeding in feedlots because the Devon breed would finish out before the other common breeds of commercial cattle and would not yield a large enough carcass for the feedlot premiums. For that reason, the Devon breed became obscure with only a few farms, such as Lakota Ranch, maintaining the bloodlines.
Engh said that he has managed the Lakota herd for the last 15 years. In addition to his bull testing, he has judged livestock at cattle events, consulted for other beef operations, and he runs breeding programs for 12 other grass-farming operations. Engh is Past-President of the American Devon Cattle Association. For more information on Lakota Ranch or the Lakota Bull Test, contact Jeremy Engh at Home 540-937-4264 or Cell 540-718-1139 or the Web at: http://www.lakotabulltest.com
In 2007 a forage test for beef cattle sires was formally started in Culpeper county. Lakota Ranch, located 70 miles southwest of Washington, D.C. near Remington, Va. is the location of this test. While formally called a gain test manager Jeremy Engh is quick to point out that cattle gains are only part of the test; fertility, longevity, carcass quality, carcass merit, disposition, and functionality also being evaluated.
Lakota Ranch has been breeding Devon cattle for over 50 years and raising the animals on grass without supplement. The selection of functionally efficient cattle with easy fleshing ability on grass has always guided the breeding program and the same selection criteria and management system is being used for the VFGC endorsed Lakota Bull test.
The Test, managed by Jeremy Engh, American Devon Cattle Association president from 2000-2006, and lifetime grass farmer was started at a tough time. Culpeper county is still in a horrible drought and forage quality and quantity are not where they should be. This situation has not hampered the development or success of the test. As Dr. Scott Greiner stated at the LBT field day in December 2007, “the gains are not near as important as the bulls performance within the contemporary group.” Jeremy Engh points out,” conditions like we are currently experiencing just separate the bulls with natural foraging ability from the pack that much more clearly”
So how are the bulls doing at Lakota? The bulls on test averaged a mere .70 lbs of gain per day during the summer last year which at first sounds poor until one considers that grass fed steer gains in the South East last summer where at .25 lbs per day. . The bulls have done much better in 2008, with gains on fescue from December to March being over 2 lbs per day and gains in April on Matua and Rye grass averaging over 3 lbs per day.
In the fall 2006 contemporary group, Pokeberry Farms Tarentaise Bulls lead the way with gains averaging 1.6 lbs a day closely followed by Slusher Valley Farms at 1.5 lbs a day. Fox Run Farms Angus and Lakota Ranch’s Devons tie for third with gains averaging 1.2 lbs a day. In the 2007 Spring Contemporary group, Fox Run Farm’s Angus lead with gains averaging 1.5 lbs per day. In a tie for second with gains of 1.4 lbs a day are Plainfield farms Hereford’s and Lakota Ranch’s Devons. All animals on test are performing well with the fall 2006 contemporary group averaging 1.1 lbs a day gain and the 2007 Spring Contemporary group averaging 1.3 lbs a day.
The Pastures at Lakota are managed with the help of soil scientist, Charlie Thornton, who sits on the Bull test committee and has lended his expertise in soil and forage evaluation. Considerable effort over the last 15 yeasrs has been placed in achieving balance and a high level of fertility within the soil. After much deliberation and data analysis Charlie recommended we put down 50 lbs of rain to the acre this spring.
The Lakota Bull Test specializes in identifying and providing Beef Cattle Sires that will allow farmers to produce consistent, high-quality calves that can perform on grass. With the rising costs of production producers can continue to throw feed, fuel, and fertilizer at the problem or modify the genetic make-up of their herd to create animals who can do more with less input.
What is LBT?
All Forage Diet
Country Folks 11/09
Forager Article 04/07
lbt nomination form
lbt consignors welcome packet
Check back often for updates to our Forms
lbt bull performance follow up sheet
health certif. lbt
Rules & Regulations
Lakota Bull Test
The Lakota Bull Test operates a forage bull test station at Lakota Ranch as a service to the beef industry. The test station is privately owned and with the Lakota Bull Test (LBT) committee will conduct the tests and sales according to these rules:
PURPOSE OF TESTS & SALES-- The Lakota Bull Test is aiming to perform a post weaning test on beef cattle sires in a forage based, real world environment. Cattle will be evaluated to determine their ability to convert forages to high-quality red meat, and then we will provide only thetop genetics to farmers wanting to produce sons and daughters for production on grass.
PURPOSE OF TESTS & SALES--The Lakota Bull Test is performing a post weaning functional efficiency test on beef cattle sires in a forage based, real world environment. Cattle will be evaluated to determine their ability to convert forages to high-quality red meat, and then we will provide only the top genetics to farmers wanting to produce sons and daughters for production on grass.
LOCATION OF TESTS & SALES-- Lakota Ranch is a 726 acre property located between Culpeper and Warrenton Va. For directions and more information, go to www.lakotareddevons.com.
ADMINISTRATION & MANAGEMENT--
LBT is responsible for consignments, performance records and general supervision. Test committee*:
Scott P. Greiner, Extension Animal Scientist, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, Va.
Allan R. Williams, Ph.D., PAS, Tallgrass Beef Co.
Carl Stafford, Extension Agent, Agriculture and Natural Resources, Animal Science
Charlie Thornton, certified nutrient mngmt planner, certified crop adv,
Tim Mize, Extension Agent, , Agriculture and Natural Resources, Animal Science
Tommy Clark, Mystic Hill Farm, producer, consignor
Jeremy Engh, Lakota Ranch, Test station manager, producer, consignor
NUMBER OF BULLS--
The Lakota Bull Test can carry a maximum of 100 bulls. Entries will be taken on a first come first serve basis.
ELIGIBILITY OF CONSIGNORS--
All producers whose animals have met the criteria are eligible to consign animals at this time.
DATES--
See front cover sheet for complete listing of dates which apply for the 2008-2009 test and sale season.
REQUIREMENTS & ELIGIBILITY: Designation of Sale Eligibility-
Unless otherwise designated (i.e. custom test or provision (B) below), all bulls consigned will be considered eligible for sale at the end of the test. All bulls qualifying for the sale must sell unless they are retained for home use or qualify under part B below.
Breeders wishing to test an animal and not post the animal for sale at test completion must state in writing their desire to retain ownership upon consignment. Otherwise all animals will be sold which meet the criteria established for LBT certification.
Minimum Weaning Performance: Bulls which have appropriate individual performance data on file with their respective breed association and performance certificate must reflect such (birth weight and weaning weight).
Actual Birth Weight, Adjusted Birth Weight & Ratio—Include on entry form, needed for adjusted yearling weight calculation.
Adjusted 205 Day Weight & Ratio—Bulls must have weaning weight recorded. A copy of the weaning performance record (adjusted weight and ratio) should be provided.
Conformation—Bulls should be a maximum frame score of 6.5. Consignors should not consign unsound bulls. The test and sale committee reserves the right to turn down physically unsound or unsuitable bulls (including disposition) upon inspection when bulls are delivered to the test station.
Health-
Certificate of Veterinary Inspection- Valid certificate of veterinary inspection must accompany bulls at delivery. Certificates may be obtained from a veterinarian.
Weaning and Vaccination Program-All bulls must be weaned at least 45 days prior to delivery to the test station. Bulls must be vaccinated for 7-strain Clostridial, IBR, PI3, BVD (both Type I and Type II), BRSV, and Pasturella (with leukotoxoid) at least 14 days prior to delivery. Modified live vaccines are required for IBR, PI3, BVD (Type I and Type II), and BRSV. All vaccines should be administered following label directions (including booster vaccinations if required) and using Beef Quality Assurance Guidelines. A signed health record form must accompany bulls at delivery. At delivery, bulls will be boostered for IBR, PI3, BVD, BRSV, 7-strain Clostridial, Pasturella and will be dewormed.
Brucellosis and Tuberculosis- Bulls originating from Virginia herds need not be tested for Brucellosis or TB prior to delivery. Bulls originating from out-of-state herds must have health papers for interstate shipment, and comply with their respective state’s interstate shipment regulations regarding TB and Brucellosis for transport into Virginia.
Anaplasmosis-All bulls must be tested negative for Anaplasmosis prior to delivery, and must be accompanied by documentation of negative test at delivery.
Reproductive Soundness-Bulls will be evaluated for reproductive soundness at delivery, including scrotal measurement and examination. Unsound bulls will be sent home.
Johne’s Disease-LBT strongly encourages breeders enroll their herds in their state Johne’s Disease Control and Prevention Program.
Dehorning-All horned bulls must be dehorned and healed.
Minimum Weight-per-day-of-age at Delivery- LBT bulls average gains of 2.25 pounds per day of age at delivery. Reasonable shipping shrink (2 to 6%) will be allowed.
Pre-test Nutrition/Management- Bulls must be weaned a minimum of 30 days. Favorable individual performance from birth until the test begins is reflected in adjusted yearling weight.
TEST GROUPS-
For purpose of comparison of test data (test ADG, test YW, WDA, adjusted ultrasound measurements), calculated ratios and indexes will apply to bulls of the same breed within the same test group. Designation of test groups will be made by the program supervisor. Purebred and percentage bulls of the same breed and age will be split into separate test groups.
REQUIREMENTS FOR SALE ELIGIBILITY
1. Individual Performance
A. Test ADG-Minimum test ADG Ratio of 65
B. Test Adjusted Yearling Weight—Minimum Adj. 365 day weight ratio of 80.
C. Frame Size—Frame size shall be determined by hip height off-test.
2. Health—All bulls selling must have negative TB, Brucellosis, and Anaplasmosis test within 30 days prior to the sale. Upon the recommendation of the consulting veterinarian, bulls may be withheld from the sale for other health reasons including (but not limited to) excessive ringworm or external warts.
3. Reproductive Soundness-Every bull must pass a breeding soundness evaluation off-test. The exam will include internal palpation, scrotal circumference measure and penile inspection with electro-ejaculator (no semen evaluation). Minimum scrotal measurement will be 30 cm for bulls less than 15 months of age, and 32 cm for bulls 18 months of age. The consignor agrees to any minor corrective surgery required.
4. Structural Soundness—The LBT committee will evaluate all bulls tested and may remove unsound or unsuitable bulls from the sale group. The consulting veterinarian, in conjunction with the station management, may also withhold bulls from the sale with structure or other defects.
5. Disposition- Bulls with undesirable disposition will not be sold. Test station management & Test & Sale Committees have the authority to eliminate such bulls at any time during the test.
6. Bull Retention for Home Use--Eligible bulls from each test may be retained if notice in writing is provided upon consignment. LBT must be notified by off-test date if bulls will be retained for home use.
7. Registration-Registration numbers must be provided to the LBT office no later than the 365 day weigh date for each test. Failure to do so may result in the registration data being unavailable in test sale publications.
SALE POLICIES—Sales will be held as public auctions.
1. Sale Manager-LBT Committee
2. Catalog Information—All pertinent information will be published in the catalog.
3. Floor Price-A floor price will be established by each test and sale
committee. Bulls not sold for failure to bring floor price will pay sale costs based on floor price.
4. Sale Order- Sale order will be determined by TestIndex described in section\.LBT reserves the right to make slight modifications to this order. The order in which breeds sell and distribution of breeds throughout the sale will be determined by the respective test and sale committees.
5. Transfer of Registration-This shall be the owners responsibility immediately following the sale. The consignor is responsible to furnish the endorsed registration certificate to the buyer of the bull. The sale manager reserves he right to withhold sale settlement from consignor until endorsed registration certificates are furnished to sale manager.
6. Sale Terms & Conditions-Upon consigning bulls, breeders agree to abide
by the terms & conditions published in the sale catalog. This includes agreement by the consignor to honor the sale breeding guarantee on all bulls sold, and properly follow the claims for refund or adjustment policy outlined in the terms & conditions of the sale.
COSTS—
All test costs on all bulls consigned (except consignment fee) will be deducted from sale proceeds for consignors with an adequate number of bulls qualifying for the respective sale. In the event a consignor does not have an adequate number of bulls qualify for the sale to cover total costs of all bulls tested, complete test expenses for bulls not making the sale must be paid to the test station at the time these bulls are removed. For consignors which have no bulls in the sale (or for bulls which are removed during the test), complete test expenses must be paid to the test station at the time bulls are removed.
Consignment Fee & Insurance-Total of $45.00 per head paid at the time of consignment, this fee will be included in the $200.00 deposit.
$32.00 of the consignment fee will go to LBT for handling consignments, providing correspondence, computing and distributing records, and other services. If a breeder fails to deliver a consigned bull, the total consignment fee will be forfeited. If a bull is turned back prior to or at deliver, the total consignment fee will be refunded.
Forage Supplement Costs-Pro-rated by body weight and weight gain while on test. Pre-payment of a portion of the projected feed cost is required when bulls are delivered (deposit will be credited toward total costs at completion of the test). Fee pre-payment collected by station in lieu of interest on any and all test charges.
Actual Veterinary & Medical Cost-Charged on a per head basis for group preventative vaccinations/treatments, veterinary services, medicine costs for treating individual bulls, diagnostic tests, and any other health related costs for bulls while at the test station.
Other Test Costs-Other test costs, including but not limited to ultrasound data collection and coat color genotyping will be charged on a per head basis at cost.
Post-Test Costs-Feed, yardage, and other applicable costs will be charged on sale bulls between off test date and sale date. Feed, yardage, and other applicable costs accrued after the off-test date for bulls not qualifying for the sale will be charged until removal.
Sale Preparation Fee-Charged at $30 per bull eligible to sell.
Other Sale Costs-Other expenses associated with selling the bulls will be charged on a per head basis, including but not limited to hauling charges to the sale facility (if necessary).
Sale Expenses-All sale costs including advertising, catalog (printing and postage), auctioneer and ring help, sale facility, sale management fee, etc. will be charged as a percentage of sale price on each bull. The sales will be managed by LBT for a management fee of 3.0% of the sale gross. Bulls not sold for failure to bring floor price will be charged sale costs at the floor price.
Registration Transfer-The sale manager will make the transfer to the new owner at the consignor’s expense. The sale manager reserves the right to withhold sale settlement from consignor until endorsed registration certificates are furnished to sale manager.
General Information-Consignors of bulls not eligible to sell are responsible for all costs except sale costs. In the event a bull dies or is removed during the test, the owner is responsible for all costs until death or removal.
GENERAL RULES & PROCEDURES
1. Pedigree, Performance, EPDs, and Genotype Information—It is the consignors’ obligation to get complete information to the LBT Office in a timely fashion. All pertinent information (BW/ratio, WW/ratio, sire, EPDs, coat color genotype) will be included on interim reports, which are made available to the public on the internet and to potential buyers. It is the responsibility of the consignor to submit performance data collected while on test (yearling weights, scrotal measures, hip heights) to their breed association for inclusion in EPD calculation.
2. Data Collection-Bulls will be given a 30day adjustment period before official test begins. Weights will be taken at the beginning of test, and roughly every 60 days(max0 as applicable to each test (bulls may be weighed at additional times for management purposes). Average weights taken on two consecutive days will be used for on and off-test weights when feasible. Ultrasound data will be collected by a certified technician, and data will be processed as per protocol of each respective breed. Ultrasound will be performed at an appropriate time during the test to optimize the number of bulls falling within appropriate age constraints as well as having an optimum number of days on grass. Hip heights will be taken at each weigh date as feasible.
3. Reports-Consignors will receive reports following each weigh date from LBT. These reports will also be made available on the internet and to potential buyers and other interested parties. It is the responsibility of the consignor to furnish appropriate information to LBT for inclusion in these reports.
4. Removal of Bulls-Consignors must notify the LBT office by the on-test weigh day if any bulls are to be retained for home use and not sold, or if a semen interest is to be retained. All bulls must remain the entire test period unless removal for health or other reasons is authorized by the test station management and Virginia.
5. Notification of Consignors-LBT will notify the consignor and LBT committee immediately in case of severe sickness or malperformance of any bull. A diagnostic statement from the veterinarian will be provided when warranted.
6. Rules Infractions-The test and sale committee may act at their discretion and may make (or have necessary investigations made on their behalf) to insure the integrity of the program. The committee may act to eliminate bulls from the test or sale which have genetic defects, or which in their opinion have been misrepresented or which may be a discredit to the test or sale. Neither the respective test station management, LBT committee, nor the test and sale committee shall assume any liability. The consignor agrees to the stipulations of these rules and regulations upon consigning bulls.
SPECIAL RULES AND POLICIES—CUSTOM TEST BULLS
Custom test bulls are subject to the same rules, regulations, and procedures (consignor eligibility, dates, requirements for entry, costs, and general rules) previously described in sections I. through XII. with the following exceptions and additional policies:
1. Number of Bulls-Total number of custom test bulls that may be fed in
conjunction with any sale test group will be based on availability of pen space at the station. There is no minimum or maximum number of custom test bulls that may be entered per consignor. Preference for pen space will be given to sale eligible bulls, and to those consignors wishing to feed contemporaries to their bulls in the sale test groups.
2. Requirements for Entry-Requirements for breed, age, and
health/management are the same as described in section VII.
3. Test Groups and Reports-Bulls will be ratioed for growth traits within
consignor breed group for custom test bulls (custom test bulls will not be ratioed with regular test bulls). Separate reports will be generated for custom test bulls.
4. Test Procedures-Bulls will be developed and handled in the same fashion as sale test groups. All weigh dates and test procedures (including off-test breeding soundness exam) will correspond with sale test groups.
5. Costs-All test costs (less pre-paid feed costs-see below) must be paid at the
test station when bulls are removed at the completion of the test.
6. Consignment Fee & Insurance-Total of $45.00 per head paid at the time
of consignment.
a. Any and all test costs incurred from the time of arrival until death shall be the financial responsibility of the consignor. LBT’s total responsibility for bull indemnity payments shall be limited to total receipts in the bull indemnity fund for the test year. Inthe event total claims exceed the total premiums collected during a test year, the fund will be divided among claimants on a pro-rated basis.
b. $32.00 of the consignment fee will go to LBT for handling consignments, providing correspondence, computing and distributing records, and other services. If a breeder fails to deliver a consigned bull, the total consignment fee will be forfeited. If a bull is turned back prior to or at delivery, the total consignment fee will be refunded.
7. Forage feed-stuffs Costs-Pro-rated by body weight and weight gain while on test. Pre-payment of a portion of the projected feed cost is required when bulls are delivered (deposit will be credited toward total costs at completion of the test). Feed pre-payment collected by station in lieu of interest on any and all test charges.
8. Yardage-Yardage is $0.15/head/day.
9. Actual Veterinary & Medical Cost-Charged on a per head basis for group
preventative vaccinations/treatments, veterinary services, medicine costs for treating individual bulls, diagnostic test, and any other health related costs for bulls at the test station.
10. Other Test Costs-Other test costs, including but not limited to ultrasound
data collection will be charged on a per head basis at cost.
11. Post-Test Costs-Feed, yardage, and other applicable costs accrued after the off-test date will be charged until removal.
12. General Information-In the event a bull dies or is removed during the test, the owner is responsible for all costs until death or removal.
13. Removal of Bulls-All bulls must remain the entire test period unless removal for health or other reasons is authorized by the test station management and LBT test committee.
14. General Rules-All general rules outlined in section of XII. apply to custom test bulls.
LIABILITY
Each bull is the property of the consignor until sold. The owner assumes full risk and liability for animals during the consignment period and sale. LBT committee assumes no responsibility whatsoever for loss of animal, personal injury, or property damage.
CONTACTS
Scott P. Greiner, Department of Animal
& Poultry Sciences, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, Virginia 24061 (phone 540-231-9163, fax 540-231-3713, email sgreiner_vt.edu or eeaton_vt.edu).
Lakota Ranch, Jeremy Engh, (phone 540-718-1139, email enghs_aol.com)
The Lakota Bull Test Committee
Scott P. Greiner, Extension Animal Scientist, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg ,Va.
Allen R. Williams, Ph.D., PAS, Tallgrass Beef Co.
Charlie Thornton, certified nutrient mngmt planner, USDA Agriculture and Natural Resources, Animal Science
Tommy Clark, Mystic Hill Farm, producer, consignor.
Lakota Bull Test Consignors
Jeremy Engh, Lakota Ranch , Remington, VA
David Caldwell & Tommy Clark, Mystic Hill, Culpeper, VA
Jim Wylie, Lazy Lane Farms Inc., Upperville, VA
Charlie & Martha Trantham, Lenoir Devons, Canton, N.C.
Tom underwood, underwood Farms, Culpeper, Va
A.W. Garner, Plainfield Farm, Newburg, MD
Jacob Owens, Brookview Farm, Winchester KY
Paul Spas, Ashville NY
Eddie Shelton, Diamond D Angus
Kevin Jennings, Kinloch Farms
lbt_2009_final_analysis_2009
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2009
2008
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Jeremy Engh
9272 Big Horn Road
Remington, Va. 22734
Home: 540-937-4264
Cell: 540-718-1139
Email: enghs_aol.com
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