Archive for February, 2009
Posted on February 27, 2009 - by Russell
Breed Guidelines - Sheath and Navel
In this issue of Breed Guidelines we will be taking a look at the Sheath on bulls and the Navel on bulls and cows. The sheath of a Longhorn bull should have a small orifice and a retracted prepuce. The navel should be flat and small in size. You do not want to see a long pendulous sheath with a non-retractable prepuce. This could indicate the influence of another breed of cattle. You want to avoid excessive navel flap on both males and females. A small amount of navel skin is okay but you do not want to have hanging skin running from the navel to the brisket and dewlap and/or toward the udder and testicles.

Example of a good tight skinned sheath and navel on a Longhorn bull. This animal could even have a little more navel and still be a good example.

This is example of excessive navel with extra skin running back toward the udder.

Example of excessive sheath and navel with extra skin running back toward the testicles.

Another example of excessive sheath and navel with extra skin running back toward the testicles.

Another example of a good tight skinned sheath and navel on a Longhorn bull.
Posted on February 24, 2009 - by Russell
Select Breeders Sale Averages $2,226.27
Twelve of the industry’s leading breeders joined together to host the “Select Breeders Sale”. This is the first year that they have hosted this sale. The sale was held in Fort Worth, Texas at the Will Rogers West Arena on Saturday February 21, 2009. The catalog featured 130 lots consigned by Mosser Longhorns, El Coyote Ranch, Diamond E Longhorns, Taylor Cattle Co., Cloud 9 Longhorns, The Struhoff Ranch, Marquess Arrow Ranch, Stockton Ranches, Bolen Longhorns, End of Trail Ranch, Panther Creek Ranch and Clear Creek Pecan Plantation. Things were kicked-off at noon with a luncheon followed by the sale at 1 pm. There was a good solid crowd of prospective buyers gathered around the arena as auctioneer and sale manager, Joel Lemley got the sale underway. The sale was also broadcast live on the internet for those who were unable to attend the sale to bid in person.

Above top to bottom: High-Selling Lot and Second High-Selling Lot
Bidding was spirited throughout the day and when the dust settled it was Lot 74, Tiara that would be the High-Selling Lot bringing a final bid of $26,500. She is a 77 ½” horn 1997 beauty that was consigned by Bruce Easterly’s Diamond E Longhorns and purchased by Mike & Kim MacLeod. (Tiara was also the dam of the High-Selling Lot at the Primer Heifer Sale back in January 2009) The second High-Selling Lot was Lot 38, Phenomenal Love 019, a 70 plus inch horn Phenomenon daughter consigned by El Coyote Ranch. When the gavel dropped on this lot the final bid was $15,000 and her new owner was Steve Jordan. The prices held steady throughout the sale with several lots bringing over $5,000 and this resulted in a strong average of $2,226.27 on the 118 lots that sold. For complete prices go to Sale and Show category on this website.
Posted on February 24, 2009 - by Russell
Artificial Insemination and What It Can Do For You
by Michael Myers, M.S.
Myers Reproductive Services
1999
The most significant advance in cattle breeding technology has been the development of freezing procedures for semen which has led to the development of Artificial Insemination (AI) industry. The main purpose for pursuing AI in the cattle industry is to propagate superior genes within a designated cow herd or herds at a reasonable cost. Through the use of AI, one bull has the potential to inseminate several thousand females per year. Having just any bull in your breeding herd can damage the quality of your cattle for generations. Inferior and usually inexpensive bulls can lower your cost per pregnancy though cost you dearly in the long-haul in poor performance. However, when semen from a highly selected bull is used, great genetics gains can be achieved in just a few generations.
The advantages of AI in cattle are numerous: (1) Propagation of outstanding genetic traits from superior sires. (2) Increase the overall performance of the whole cattle breed through the breeding of superior sires. (3) Elimination of having bulls on your place. As you know bulls are famous for creating havoc to your pens and fences as well as creating problems with other neighboring herds and neighbors as well. (4) AI allows for the use of frozen semen after a bull is incapacitated or dead. (5) Reduce or completely inhibit the spread of venereal diseases. Bulls that are collected at an approved collection facility have gone through extensive testing for disease. Antibiotics are also added to the semen during processing to aid in the prevention of any bacterial contamination that may take place during the collection process. (6) When using estrous synchronizing schemes, AI has the ability to produce a “short or optimal” calving season whenever you desire.
Semen is collected from highly selected bulls usually at a designated sire collection center and frozen and stored in liquid nitrogen tanks for later use. Frozen semen can also be stored in liquid nitrogen indefinitely. Semen can be collected from properly fed and managed bulls as early as 12 months of age.
The success of any AI program depends on several factors: 1) quality of frozen semen, 2) fertility of the cow, 3) good quality restraining equipment (working pens and squeeze chute), 4) competency of the AI technician and last but not least, 5) accurate heat detection! Accurate heat detection is the most vital part of any successful breeding program – learn to enjoy the long hours with little sleep.
Set goals for your herd when deciding which bull or bulls you deem appropriate. Evaluate your herd and try to select for traits that help complement your stronger traits or better yet, select on traits that help to improve in areas that you feel may be lacking. It may be advisable to have someone who is knowledgeable about your breed and unbiased to come to your place and try to help you make decisions on what bull or bulls that you may need to use on your cows. It is ill-advised to select sires based solely on one selected trait. When you select for improvement in only one trait, you help to strength that one trait, however all other traits tend to diminish in quality.
Beginning an AI program can be challenging. Make the decision on whether you want to AI your cows or have someone else do it for you. There are several “3 to 4 day” AI training schools that you can attend in your local area. These schools are very informative and serve as a good place to meet people who can help you out later on down the road. Once you have decided which bull or bulls you would like to use, call the owner or sire service center where the bull is collected and place an order to have it shipped to you or to the person you have selected to use as your AI Technician. You must have a liquid nitrogen tank of proper size that is filled to the proper level and that has an adequate capacity for the amount of semen you desire prior to ordering. Next, decide which season you would like to have your calves born. Develop a plan as to the type of program you would like to use based on natural vs. estrus synchronized heats.
Put the pencil to it and I think you will find in the long-run that you can improve your herd’s genetics in many ways by implementing an AI program that can benefit you and your breed as well.
Posted on February 23, 2009 - by Russell
Select Breeders Sale - Prices
Lot Name Price Buyer Name Buyer #
|
1 |
Reddie Leigh |
$800.00 |
Mark Evers |
160 |
|
2 |
ECR Cita’s Hot Stuff 344 |
$1,600.00 |
Bill & Suzanne Tokildsen |
213 |
|
3 |
Easterly’s Rock Star |
$7,300.00 |
Crumpton/Cunningham |
122 |
|
4 |
Texana Tinfoil |
$750.00 |
William Ford |
144 |
|
5 |
C9 Peach Candy |
$2,100.00 |
Bill & Suzanne Tokildsen |
213 |
|
6 |
SR Taboo Way 766 |
$1,300.00 |
Darrell Jack |
216 |
|
7 |
Sunhaven Foxfire |
$1,900.00 |
Mark Evers |
160 |
|
8 |
Super Lark |
$1,700.00 |
Steve Jordan |
191 |
|
9 |
Gypsy Dancer BCB |
$3,300.00 |
Crumpton/Cunningham |
122 |
|
10 |
BH Riverbend |
$2,250.00 |
William Ford |
144 |
|
11 |
J.R. Priscilla |
$750.00 |
Jimmie Ruth Hawkins |
199 |
|
12 |
ZD Petite Rock |
$1,000.00 |
Donnie & Marilyn Taylor |
145 |
|
13 |
Suzie Leigh |
$1,500.00 |
Scott Simmons |
149 |
|
14 |
ECR Tommy’s Kelli |
$2,900.00 |
Marion & Tracy Woolie |
5017 |
|
15 |
Vision |
$4,200.00 |
Sandra Nordhausen |
237 |
|
16 |
Texana Southern Bell |
$800.00 |
Ralph & Mary Martinez |
188 |
|
17 |
C9 Abundance |
$2,750.00 |
Rick Friedrich |
215 |
|
18 |
SR Frisky Jeans 629 |
$1,300.00 |
Darrell Jack |
216 |
|
19 |
Sapphire ST |
$1,300.00 |
Andy & Stacy Martinez |
228 |
|
20 |
Virtual Adrenaline |
$900.00 |
Bill Blair |
159 |
|
21 |
585 Yellow Jacket |
$3,900.00 |
Craig Perez |
138 |
|
22 |
Zigfield’s Folly |
$1,000.00 |
Mark Evers |
160 |
|
23 |
Kalista 6/19 |
P.O. |
P.O. |
1 |
|
24 |
ZD Rocking Ginger |
$1,700.00 |
Dale Hunt |
218 |
|
25 |
Dawn Leigh 132 |
$800.00 |
Neil Dickinson |
211 |
|
26 |
ECR Julio’s Eclaire 213 |
$2,300.00 |
Bill & Suzanne Tokildsen |
213 |
|
27 |
Miss Yisel RG 98 |
$2,800.00 |
Ed Shehee |
225 |
|
28 |
Texana Tax Shelter |
$750.00 |
Ralph & Mary Martinez |
188 |
|
29 |
C9 Super Rouge |
scratch |
scratch |
0 |
|
30 |
SR Sterling’s Mango 229 |
P.O. |
P.O. |
1 |
|
31 |
FL Geovia |
$2,700.00 |
Dale Hunt |
218 |
|
32 |
Overt Lady Zee |
scratch |
scratch |
0 |
|
33 |
HHH Little Bit |
$1,500.00 |
John Oliver |
179 |
|
34 |
EOT Super Paleskiny |
$1,000.00 |
Darrell Jack |
216 |
|
35 |
BH Neatly Done |
$2,600.00 |
Rex Mosser |
101 |
|
36 |
RC Flamenco Dancer |
$900.00 |
Ethan Flowers |
224 |
|
37 |
Sissie Leigh |
$850.00 |
William Ford |
144 |
|
38 |
Phenomenal Love 019 |
$15,000.00 |
Steve Jordan |
191 |
|
39 |
Wiregrass Patent Donna |
$1,100.00 |
David & Brason Wars |
168 |
|
40 |
Texana Gleam |
$800.00 |
William Ford |
144 |
|
41 |
7-11 Win Dance |
scratch |
scratch |
0 |
|
42 |
SR Sterling’s Delite 490 |
$1,550.00 |
Paul Valle |
194 |
|
43 |
M Arrow Memories |
$1,300.00 |
Chris & Lisa Parker |
203 |
|
44 |
High Hopes |
$3,200.00 |
Mike & Kim MacLeod |
196 |
|
45 |
Dylan’s Dona |
$1,000.00 |
Donnie & Marilyn Taylor |
145 |
|
46 |
BH Topnotch |
$2,600.00 |
Lawrence Stice |
5010 |
|
47 |
Brews Poker Alice |
$1,000.00 |
? |
2 |
|
48 |
Texana Tarantula |
scratch |
scratch |
0 |
|
49 |
BH Gauchogirl |
$800.00 |
Lonnie & Kit Goolsby |
221 |
|
50 |
Phenomenal Fashion 114 |
$8,000.00 |
Marion & Tracy Woolie |
5017 |
|
51 |
MS Bow & Arrow 70/9 |
$900.00 |
Ralph & Mary Martinez |
188 |
|
52 |
Texana Tax Exempt |
$500.00 |
Dale Hunt |
218 |
|
53 |
Hunt’s Respected April |
$4,500.00 |
Lawrence Stice |
5010 |
|
54 |
SR Sterling’s Pretty Britches 200 |
$1,700.00 |
Chris & Lisa Parker |
203 |
|
55 |
M Arrow Spectacular |
$1,200.00 |
Donnie & Marilyn Taylor |
145 |
|
56 |
Spiciest Zee |
$1,000.00 |
Maurice & Ann Ladnier |
208 |
|
57 |
Tippy Toes BCB |
$4,000.00 |
Sandra Nordhausen |
237 |
|
58 |
EOT Outback Darling 647 |
$4,400.00 |
Bill & Judy Meridith |
230 |
|
59 |
NB Deigo’s Tango |
$1,000.00 |
William Ford |
144 |
|
60 |
Diamond W Pay Cash |
$900.00 |
William Ford |
144 |
|
61 |
Heidi Leigh |
$1,400.00 |
Robert Weir |
183 |
|
62 |
Lil’ Nichole 160 |
$6,100.00 |
Bill & Suzanne Tokildsen |
213 |
|
63 |
Bayou Ruth |
$1,100.00 |
Randy & Jamie Briscoe |
146 |
|
64 |
Texana Famous Gal |
$1,600.00 |
Ray & Becky Peterson |
154 |
|
65 |
SR Memory’s Reflection 172 |
$1,500.00 |
Mark Evers |
160 |
|
66 |
M Arrow Chasity |
$1,600.00 |
Paul & Mari-Kathryn Braswell |
123 |
|
67 |
Texsens Lobster |
$1,000.00 |
Lyman Sisson |
5014 |
|
68 |
Knight Glo |
$2,300.00 |
Rex Mosser |
101 |
|
69 |
Coach’s Droopy |
$2,900.00 |
Rick Friedrich |
215 |
|
70 |
FCF Fields Of Barley |
$2,500.00 |
David Overdorf |
233 |
|
71 |
ZD Texana Tularock |
$900.00 |
Bill Blair |
159 |
|
72 |
Taboo 6/5 |
$900.00 |
Tom Billinsley |
171 |
|
73 |
Tari’s Angelina 101 |
P.O. |
P.O. |
1 |
|
74 |
Tiara |
$26,500.00 |
Mike & Kim MacLeod |
196 |
|
75 |
Texana Tadpole |
$750.00 |
Robert Weir |
183 |
|
76 |
SCL Ace Of Hearts |
$5,700.00 |
Brian Brett |
210 |
|
77 |
SR Cookies Crumb 021 |
$1,600.00 |
John Payne |
232 |
|
78 |
Flame BL 974 |
$1,400.00 |
Andy & Stacy Martinez |
228 |
|
79 |
Firefly |
$900.00 |
Chris & Lisa Parker |
203 |
|
80 |
Dylans Bonita |
$850.00 |
Lonnie & Kit Goolsby |
221 |
|
81 |
EOT Magnolia Blossom |
$1,700.00 |
Mark Evers |
160 |
|
82 |
Cypsy Chex PC 113 |
$1,100.00 |
Bill & Suzanne Tokildsen |
213 |
|
83 |
Country Fancy |
$1,000.00 |
Ronnie Jones |
152 |
|
84 |
C3 Sadie |
$1,400.00 |
Lyman Sisson |
5014 |
|
85 |
ECR Sure Thing 245 |
$4,500.00 |
Marion & Tracy Woolie |
5017 |
|
86 |
HC One Fancy Cowgirl |
$1,100.00 |
Gutherie Creek Longhorns |
229 |
|
87 |
Lindy 11 |
$800.00 |
Bowdoin-Bowdoin Partnership |
130 |
|
88 |
Hunt’s Miss Emperor Rodeo |
$2,750.00 |
Sky J Farms |
201 |
|
89 |
SR Majestic Princess 745 |
$900.00 |
Rick Friedrich |
215 |
|
90 |
Stocktons Possum Eyes |
$2,000.00 |
Gwen Damato |
178 |
|
91 |
Overly Anna |
$800.00 |
Kevin Kash |
206 |
|
92 |
Riverforks Smoke Out |
$1,400.00 |
Donnie & Marilyn Taylor |
145 |
|
93 |
EOT Brown Beauty 626 |
$2,000.00 |
Lawrence Stice |
5010 |
|
94 |
MK Get Ready Set Go |
$700.00 |
Mike McClanahan |
161 |
|
95 |
ZD Delta Star Queen |
P.O. |
P.O. |
1 |
|
96 |
Georgia Leigh |
$400.00 |
Mike Taylor |
134 |
|
97 |
ECR New Design |
$3,500.00 |
Panther Creek Ranch |
113 |
|
98 |
Masterful Sunbeam |
$800.00 |
John Payne |
232 |
|
99 |
Tejas Taylor |
$500.00 |
Joe Flanagan |
151 |
|
100 |
C9 Amazing Grace |
$5,000.00 |
Ron & Barbara Marquess |
107 |
|
101 |
SR Dream Stream 637 |
P.O. |
P.O. |
1 |
|
102 |
LWR Tiffany |
$1,700.00 |
Gwen Damato |
178 |
|
103 |
Lazy Reflection |
$1,100.00 |
Brent & Cindy Bolen |
111 |
|
104 |
Sara Bess BCB |
$6,500.00 |
Tom Billinsley |
171 |
|
105 |
EOT Super Sarah |
$1,600.00 |
Lynn Struthoff |
106 |
|
106 |
LLL Sharon |
P.O. |
P.O. |
1 |
|
107 |
Pay Cashs Victoria |
$1,300.00 |
Joe Flanagan |
151 |
|
108 |
Watson 226 |
$700.00 |
Jerry Lawley |
192 |
|
109 |
ECR Heiress Stamp 315 |
$2,500.00 |
Ray & Becky Peterson |
154 |
|
110 |
Delta Orchid |
$800.00 |
Ronnie Jones |
152 |
|
111 |
Texana Tomahawk |
$600.00 |
Joe Flanagan |
151 |
|
112 |
Stars Bright Flare |
$2,600.00 |
Brian Brett |
210 |
|
113 |
SR Hollywood’s Dolly 619 |
P.O. |
P.O. |
1 |
|
114 |
Carrie Lu BCB |
$1,700.00 |
Gwen Damato |
178 |
|
115 |
Palmetta Check |
$1,200.00 |
Bolen Longhorns |
111 |
|
116 |
Unlawful BCB |
$1,600.00 |
David & Brason Wars |
168 |
|
117 |
EOT Kanstar’s Tigress |
$2,500.00 |
Neil Dickinson |
211 |
|
118 |
PC Sweet Stuff |
$2,700.00 |
Davis Green |
176 |
|
119 |
JL Ellie Bar |
$1,000.00 |
Michael & Tracy Hobbs |
217 |
|
120 |
Enterprising Anna |
$2,100.00 |
Joe & Lorinda Valentine |
113 |
|
121 |
Lil Pebbles |
$4,000.00 |
Bill & Suzanne Tokildsen |
213 |
|
122 |
Texana Even Steven |
$1,600.00 |
Neil Dickinson |
211 |
|
123 |
C9 Rouge Brush |
$800.00 |
Alexandra Dees |
5008 |
|
124 |
scratch |
scratch |
scratch |
0 |
|
125 |
M Arrow Feisty Vicki |
$1,000.00 |
Glenn Phipps |
126 |
|
126 |
Whelming Liner |
$1,200.00 |
Lynn Struthoff |
106 |
|
127 |
Coopers Red Lamb |
$3,500.00 |
Taylor Cattle Company |
0 |
|
128 |
Brazous Redchex |
P.O. |
P.O. |
1 |
|
129 |
Showboat’s Favorite |
$2,600.00 |
Lawrence Stice |
5010 |
|
130 |
026-HCC Quanah |
$2,300.00 |
Alexandra Dees |
5008 |
Total of 118 lots sold for $262,700.00 an posted an average of $ 2,226.27
Posted on February 23, 2009 - by Russell
TLBAA Fills Vacant Director Positions
A special TLBAA Board of Directors meeting was held on Saturday February 21, 2009 in order to fill vacant seats on the board. The board had several vacancies that it needed to fill. There were a number of TLBAA members that stepped forward and offered to serve the association by being pointed to fill the vacated sets on the board. The board asked each of these members to make a brief presentation about themselves and what they could bring to the board. After listening to the candidates’ presentations the board members voted by ballets for the members that they wanted to serve out the vacated terms. Those present to vote on new board members were: Maurice Ladnier, Lana Hightower, Kaso Kety, Charlie Buenger, Doc Hyder, Robert Richey, Steven Zunker, Scott Simmons, Gene Juranka, Donnie Taylor, Gary Cole, Randy Briscoe and Glen Lewis. Those not in attendance for the vote were: Deb Lesyk, Carl Brantley, Richard Spooner and Justin Hansen.
Your new TLBAA Board Members are as follows…
Division A, Region 2…Donald Grata from Sandston, VA.
Division B, At-Large Director…Darlene Aldridge, D.V.M. from Somerville,TX.
Division B, Region 8 Director…Kerry Mounce from Anna, TX
Division B, Region 11 Director…Theo Kocian from League City, TX
Division C, At-Large Director…Steven Quary from Prague, OK
Division C, Region 13…Michael Sitzman from Merrill, IA
Division C, Region 14…Jim Rombeck from Home, KS
Posted on February 19, 2009 - by Russell
A Message From TLBAA Chairman, Maurice Ladnier
In the most recent E-Trails TLBAA Chairman, Maurice Ladnier released this statement.
“We have some disturbing news. Mr. Ben Gravett, of Virginia, has filed a petition with the 153rd Judicial District of Tarrant County Texas: Gravett vs. TLBAA. Mr. Gravett claims that the TLBAA is insolvent or in the imminent danger of insolvency; however he has provided on proof what so ever! We will be preparing to furnish the courts with financials and documents to prove our solvency. Oh, by the way, his attorney Mr. Wiseman, is the same attorney that represented the TLBAA in the King/Spindor case.”
Editors Note: I have spoken with my regional director and he assured me that the TLBAA is solvent. I will be staying in touch with him and other directors about this matter.
Posted on February 19, 2009 - by Russell
She’s a 10 – A survey of Longhorn Breeders
The selection of a brood cow is very important when building a quality herd for seed stock production. I would like to know what makes her a “10” in your herd. If you would like to share your brood cow selection criteria with our readers then please take a moment to complete the survey. If you would like you can post brief comments below in the comments field or better yet send your completed survey answers, along with a photo of your idea brood cow to russellh@longhornroundup.com. Please include your name, ranch name and email address. You may also include your website address. I will be posting the survey results and photos on the website in about two weeks.
1) What type of conformation do you look for in a brood cow? Does conformation affect the birth canal and calving ease?
2) What is the most important trait you look for, horn, conformation, or functional efficiency? Would you over look a genetic defect if the cow had record setting horn?
3) How important is frame size when selecting a brood cow, and why?
4) What is the ideal age for a heifer to have her first calf?
5) Are there any advantages in waiting to breed a heifer?
6) What is the ideal weight range for a newborn calf?
7) Do you think the sire or the dam affects the birth weight more?
8 ) How important is milk production? How do you determine whether a brood cow’s milk production is sufficient?
9) When you select a young heifer for your herd, how important is udder development?
10) What do you look for in the udder of a mature brood cow?
11) In your opinion, are udder defects a result of improper management, genetic imperfection or in some cases a combination of both?
12) How many years should a good brood cow produce? Do you think modern day breeding practices are improving or harming the longevity trait?
13) What do you believe is the ideal number of days between calving and rebreeding?
14) What are your standards for culling? What characteristics in a brood cow are justifications for immediate culling? How does disposition affect a brood cow?
15) How important is femininity to you when you select a heifer for a brood cow? Why is it important, and how is it expressed?
16) How important is horn size in selecting a heifer for a brood cow? Do you like for a heifer to show a lot of growth early, or are you satisfied with a cow which gets her horn growth gradually over the years?
17) What other factors do you consider when selecting a brood cow, and which is most important to you?
Posted on February 19, 2009 - by Russell
Breed Guidelines - Ears
In this edition of the Breed Guidelines we are going to study the ears of a Longhorn. We will be looking at size, shape and position of the ears. The ears should be medium to small in size and they should be round in shape. The ears should also be positioned fairly close to the horns or horn base. It is considered objectionable if the ears are long with a slight droop. Extremely large and droopy ears are considered an undesirable trait in a Longhorn. Photos left to right. Photo 1) Example of small ears, rounded on the ends and set close to the horns. Photo 2) Example of medium size ears, rounded on the ends but could be set a little closer to the horns. Photo 3)Example of a ear that is a little larger than it should be, it rounds on ends and doesn’t droop. Photo 4) Example of ears that are somewhat larger than they should be, not set very close to the horns and they are pointing forward, these are not very desirable. Photo 5) Example of small ears, rounded on the ends and set close to the horns. Photo 6)Example of medium size ears, rounded on the ends but could be set a little closer to the horns. If you look closely at all these photos you will notice that there is hair hanging over the opening of the ears. This hair serves an important purpose, it keeps insects from being able to get inside the ears.





Posted on February 18, 2009 - by Russell
Photo Contest

By E. Rosenberger
The Longhorn Round-Up News and Views will be hosting a spring photo contest. Dust off your cameras and hit the pastures. The contest is open to all photos of Longhorn cattle. First place will receive $100 and will be featured on our website. Second place will receive $50 and will be featured on our website. All others will be displayed in our Photo Galliery. Entry is free to all TLBAA and ITLA members. All photo must be submitted by emailing them to russellh@longhornroundup.com at a medium resolution. You must include your name and contact information along with a brief description of the photo. Deadline for submissions is June 1, 2009. Winner will be announced the following week.
Posted on February 13, 2009 - by Gail Kocian
Butler Breeders Annual Meeting

Host Brent & Cindy Bolen
The annual Butler Breeders meeting was hosted this year by Brent, Cindy, Jace and Ellie Bolen in Lufkin, Texas. Approximately 75 guests were in attendance at the Saturday, January 31st event which brings together a ‘family’ of breeders who have a common interest in Butler Texas Longhorns.
Fortunately, the weather was very pleasant for this time of year and so guests enjoyed visiting outdoors for a few hours before lunch. Brent Bolen welcomed everyone to their ranch and invited us to take the hayride ranch tour after lunch to view some of their Longhorns. Guests were served a delicious Italian ‘feast’ catered by the Cross Timbers Cowboy Church. The lasagna had to be some of the best in East Texas and the desserts were scrumptious.
After lunch the meeting was called to order by Kaso Kety. He thanked Brent and Cindy for hosting the annual meeting and acknowledged the other TLBAA directors in attendance; Gene Juranka, Donnie Taylor and Steven Zunker. Mr. Kety said that they had entertained the idea of not having a sale this year because of the economic situation, but after talking with fellow breeders they decided that the economy shouldn’t dictate whether or not to have it. The Butler Breeders camaraderie, the commitment of their breeders to consign top quality cattle and the ever-increasing interest in the Butler Texas Longhorn has made their sales a success, so they hope to have another great sale this year.
The consignment fees were then discussed. They’ve held them at $300 per consignment for 11 years without charging a sales commission. More money is kept in the consignors’ pockets for their hard work by not charging commissions, but the cost of putting on a sale has gone up. The floor was opened for questions and comments about the possibility of raising the consignment fee to $350. Audience members wanted to know if this amount was going to be high enough. Mr. Kety remarked that they don’t intend to make money off of each other; they only want to make enough to put on a good sale each year. After a few more minutes of discussion it was agreed that the consignment fee would be raised to $350 with thoughts that the donated auction items would offset any additional costs of the sale.
Up next on the agenda was a discussion about who would be this year’s auctioneer. With the passing away of Col. Eddie Wood who had served as the Butler Breeders Invitational Sale auctioneer since their first sale in 1998, another auctioneer would have to be hired. Everyone was in agreement that Joel Lemley should be the next auctioneer. Since the meeting, Michael McLeod has spoken to Mr. Lemley and he has agreed to be the auctioneer for their upcoming sale.
A few more matters pertaining to their August sale and the Herd Book on the Butler Breeders site were briefly discussed before the meeting was adjourned.
Then everyone headed out to the ATV’s or found a seat on the hayride to enjoy a wonderful ranch tour of the Bolen’s scenic ranch. Guests had a great time viewing pastures of spectacular Longhorns including such famous Butler cows as MF Dynamite, R3 Evening Star, Little Ace Missy Mc and Delta Della.

Heading out to the pastures
All the guests had a great time visiting with other Butler breeders and Longhorn enthusiasts and thanked Brent and Cindy for their great hospitality. Besides this year’s meeting, the Bolens also hosted a pizza party the night before at their fabulous new home.
Make plans to attend the next Butler Breeders Invitational Sale scheduled for August 28th and 29th in Lockhart, Texas. For more information on this unique family of Texas Longhorns and to contact breeders about adding Butler genetics to your program, visit the Web site at www.butlertexaslonghorns.com.
Submitted by Gail Kocian www.krazyklonghorns.com




