Page 16 - DVAuction Online Catalogs

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Greetings to all our friends, bull customers, and cattle industry participants,
As 2012 came to an end, we tended to be pessimistic and critical of all the negative
events happening all around the world, especially of the ongoing drought. However,
when we look at our own situation we realize there are many blessings and silver
linings that we must recognize. In June, Brandon got married and we openly
welcomed Cari into our family as one of us. Brandon decided that being a professor
and teaching wasn’t what he wanted to do for a career and decided to return to his
roots and join us on the farm. Cari and he are in the process of moving into a new
home just southeast of Cairo. A stray German Shepherd found them one day while
checking heifers so I guess we have our first grand dog. Amber started graduate
school last fall and is continuing to work at KU Medical Center in K.C. Darnell has
one more year at OSU. He accepted an opportunity to intern with Koch Industries
this summer in their Fertilizer Division. I think the perspective and insight into big
business will be invaluable. One last family note, after two years of very difficult
health problems my father, Brenton, is showing signs of improvement.
On the cattle side, despite high feed prices, the cattle fed at home continue to work
at a high level from a growth standpoint and on the grid. Our home raised calves
were harvested at an average age of 396 days, with carcass weights for steers and
heifers of 841 lb. and 737 lb., respectively, and graded 79.15% Choice and 17.75%
Prime, compared to a year ago our average age at harvest was 406 days, with
carcass weights for steers and heifers of 821 lb. and 740 lb., respectively, and
graded 89% Choice and 9% Prime. We have also learned to utilize some non-
traditional feedstuffs which will ultimately improve our economic efficiency. Along
those same lines because of the drought we are able to put selection pressure on
our cow herd for feed efficiency. The cows that won’t breed under these stressed
conditions go to town; thus, improving feed efficiency of the balance of the herd.
We as a cattle industry must continue to drive cost down in all segments of the
industry if we are going to compete in the world’s protein markets.
Another bright spot for us was the sale of Block Party at last year’s bull sale. We
are now partners with Baldridge’s of Nebraska and Woodhill Angus of Wisconsin.
Block Party had a very good spring season selling semen, and right now, we are
anxiously awaiting his first calves to hit the ground. Block Party’s $B skyrocketed
recently and continues to impress onlookers. As you prepare to make this year’s
bull selection and study each of the individual animals remember, it may be the
opportune time to really focus on improving your genetics. Can you produce the
same pounds of beef from fewer cows to stretch your feed supplies? Can you
position yourself to supply replacement heifers to those ranches that had to
depopulate? Someday bred heifers will be worth significantly more than their fed
out sisters. Till the heavens let loose, we must stay positive, figure out how to make
lemonade out of lemons, and be thankful for all the blessings we do have.
Thanks,
Berry, Carla, Brandon, Cari, Amber and Darnell Bortz
CB BLOCK PARTY 156