Rain was the predominant topic of conversation in May through July because we had so much. Then, in August, it is the topic of conversation because we didn’t have much. What about the hay? Will we get any, how much, and when? Ever wonder where the old adage “make hay while the sun shines” came from? Last year, no hay, this year, wet hay, and now some pretty good hay. Always a change.

With change comes a different way of doing business on farms and ranches. This year we need to pay particular attention to how we feed our cattle.

Prices for fertilizer to grow grass and produce feed are higher than they have been in many years. We need to pay more attention to management in the future in order to maximize the benefits.

Good management means producing the best quality grass, feed and cattle we can. Good management practices will cost you less in the long run.

To maximize the benefits, we need to produce high quality grasses. In order to keep and raise high quality grass we must keep the grass short. Tall grass is not as good and nutritious as short grass. It is over-matured. Don’t store grass on the stem. This decreases the quality of the hay and grass. Utilize by grazing, putting up hay, or silage, but do not leave standing in the field. Periods of lush growth is time to put up hay or silage and preserve the quality.

With the fertilizer prices as high as they were this past year, having a soil test taken would be of benefit and only apply the recommended fertilizer nutrients necessary to produce quality grasses in larger quantities.

The challenge is to maintain production with the least cost. We are not talking about the least amount of dollars, but rather the least cost per pound of gain — efficiency. Make input count Use feed as a supplement and feed only as much as necessary to maintain the growth and development of your cattle.

In some cases, when necessary, we may need to adjust the number of head to match the forage being produced. This is the basis for any good cattle operation
-By Meg Shelton

New State Director

Texas has a new state director. Ron Northcutt has been selected to fill the directorship behind Bill Stone, who resigned in October, 2007 to once again become President of A*L*O*T.

Ron will assume his duties beginning 1 February 2008 and you can come out and meet him at the Bull Sale 23 February 2008.

Ron Northcutt, with his wife Lynda, own and operate R & L Farms, a 50+ cow operation of registered Black Angus in northern Fannin County, Texas, near Ivanhoe. Their focus is, and has been, to raise top performance Angus bulls for commercial cattlemen throughout Texas, Oklahoma, Arkansas and Louisiana area.

Ron is a graduate of the University of Oklahoma with a degree in Advertising and Public Relations and served several years as editor and advertising manager for three Quarter Horse racing publications following graduation, and, later as a purchasing manager for the JCPenney Company.

Ron, being the third generation owner and operator of the family farm, has been involved in the cattle business most of his life. Ron, who is also a licensed auctioneer long with Lynda, own and operate Northcutt Auction Services, which specializes in antique and estate auctions.

The Northcutts are members of the American, Texas and A*L*O*T Angus Associations, are founding members of the Red River Angus Association , and Ron is a former Director of RRAA. Ron and Lynda have three children and delight in their seven grandchildren.

A*L*O*T Angus Association and Texas welcome the Northcutts and look forward to a long and productive association. WELCOME!

Auctioneer: Lakin Oakley, DeKalb, TX

• Gross Sales: $ 153,100
• 76 Lots Averaged: $ 2,014

• Spring Pairs: $ 32,750
  Averaged: $ 2,519
  Top Selling Spring Pair:
  Lot 56 Roseneath Miss Voyage 317, Reg. # 14488185, and her heifer calf, Log 56A, Roseneath Miss Voyage 709, Reg. # 15786641, sired by Boyd On Target (Reg #13828202) was consigned by Roseneath Plantation, Gloster, LA and purchased by Baker Hill Ranch, Wickes, AR, $3500.00.

• Fall Pairs: $ 24,050
  Averaged: $ 2,405
  Top Selling Fall Pair:
  Lot 45 G A R Grid Maker 1993, Reg #14574094, and her bull calf born 10/13/07, sired by G A R Predestined (Red # 13395344) was consigned by Rafter Four Angus Ranch, Clayton, OK and purchased by Womack Farms, Golden, TX for $3500.

• Bred Cows: $ 35,850
  Averaged: $ 1,992
  Top Selling Bred Cow:
  Lot 44 G A R 9296 Precision 2523, Reg # 14504675, Safe in Calf to AI Sire G A R Predestined (Reg # 13395344) was consigned by Rafter Four Angus Ranch, Clayton, OK and purchased by Womack Farms, Golden, TX for $3,500.

• Bred Heifers: $ 38,200
  Averaged: $ 2,011
  Top Selling Bred Heifer:
  Lot 36 P A R Lady Dorothy S846, Red #153899749, Safe in Calf to AI Sire G A R Solutions (Reg # 15389749, Safe in Calf to AI Sire G A R Solution (Reg # 14222615) was consigned by Pyssen Angus Ranch, Austin, TX and purchased by Roden Angus Farm, Grandview, TX for $3,000.

• Open Heifers: $22,250
  Averaged: 1,391
  Top Selling Open Heifer:
  Lot 51 Rafter Four Predestined 046, Reg # 15700357, AI sired by G A R Predestined (Reg # 13395344) was consigned by Rafter Four Angus Ranch, Clayton, OK and purchased by Oak Valley Ranch, Mike Phinney, Stephenville, TX for $2,000.

Fall Bull Sale, November 24, 2007

Auctioneer: Lakin Oakley, DeKalb, TX.

• Gross Sales: $103,800
• 53 Bulls averaged $1,958.

• Top Selling Bulls, Age 17-30 months: Lot 1, DLB New Design 208 619, Reg. #15281731, sired by Bon View New Design 208 (Reg. # 13044574), consigned by Billingsley Angus Farm, Keithville, LA, purchased by Chosin Few Ranch, Lillian, TX (Ranch Location: Soper, OK) for $3500. Lot 57, SF Neutron 552, Reg. # 15249303, sired by S A Neutron 377 (Reg. # 12760345) consigned by Shelton Farm, New Boston, TX, purchased by Jimmy Howell, New Boston for $2900. Lot 58, SF Stockman Elixir 553, Reg # 15249304, sired by SF Ranchers Elixir 140 (Reg # 14040052), consigned by Shelton Farm, New Boston, TX, purchased by Gary Cox Farms, Lewisville, AR for $2900.

  Top Selling Bulls Age > 30 months: Lot 3, BRR Russ Executive 0402, Reg # 14869054, sired by SVF Siebring’s Forever Russ (Reg # 13163485), consigned by BRR Angus Farm, Red Rock, OK, purchased by McBar Ranch, Kaufman, TX for $3200.

  Lot 50, Roseneath Right Time 505, Reg # 15081016, sired by Leachman Right Time (Reg # 11750711), consigned by Roseneath Plantation, Gloster, LA purchased by Henry & Jan Richardson, Gloster, LA for $3100.

• All bulls consigned to the Winter Bull Sale must have been born after February 23, 2004 and before December 23, 2006.

• All cattle delivered to sale site must be accompanied by a health certificate signed by a veterinarian. In addition to information required for interstate shipment, the papers should include the results of the Breeding Soundness Exam.

• Bulls must have passed a Breeding Soundness Exam not more than 30 days prior to sale day.

• Bulls must have a negative Brucellosis test within 30 days of the sale, or if your herd is certified Brucellosis free, include your certification number along with the last date tested on the health certificate.

• All Cattle over 12 months of age must have Individual Production EPDs (BW, WW, YW, Milk, YW). Sire and dam EPDs will not be used in the catalog.

• Begin conditioning your bulls now. Well conditioned cattle sell better than poor cattle. Bulls that do not score at least 15 on the LSU scale will not go through the sale ring.

• Reminder about cattle consigned to the Winter sales: Delivery of Bulls will be accepted at the sale facility beginning at 12:00 p.m. on the Friday before the sale. Bulls will be weighed at the sale facility beginning at 12:00 noon on the Friday before each sale

• Noteworthy News? We would like to encourage our members from each state to submit articles or events which are promoting Angus in your respective states. We would like to include this information in each edition of the ALOT Angus Association Newsletter. Please send to Meg Shelton at mshel2263@aol.com or mail to 909 Hwy 82 West, New Boston, TX 75570.

• 2008 Membership Dues: Be sure to check your mailing address on this newsletter for your expiration date (ex. EXP 1/1/08).

• Have you met our advertisers? Why not place an ad for your cattle with us? You’ll be glad you did! We have the nicest advertisers anywhere and we’ve heard they have the best cattle to sell….the fastest growing breed in the world….ANGUS.

• Reminder about cattle consigned to A*L*O*T sales:
  Delivery of Females will be accepted at the sale facility beginning at noon on the Friday before the sale. Bulls will be weighed at the sale facility beginning at noon on the Friday before each sale.

• Noteworthy News?
  We would like to encourage our members from each state to submit articles or events which are promoting Angus in your respective states. We would like to include this information in each edition of the ALOT Angus Association Newsletter. Please send to Meg Shelton at mshel2263@aol.com or mail to 909 Hwy 82 West, New Boston, TX 75570

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