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High-Quality Forage Based Bull Test
LAKOTA RANCH Remington, VA

 

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…

Bull Test Update Uploaded March 2009

BullTest

Dr. Williams final scan data (junior bulls)

Feb. Gain Data (page 2 is junior bulls)

LAKOTA BULL TEST SALE DECEMBER 6th 2008

December 6th Sale Catalog CLICK HERE

On December 6th the fall born 2006 and spring born 2007 consignments to the only totally forage performance Bull test will be sold at Lakota Ranch just out side Remington, VA (directions click here) This is the first group of totally forage tested bulls to be sold and we are very proud of them. Our select group of consignors have sent us a variety of breeds and genetics which we have measured, scanned, weighed, and evaluated. We now offer them for sale to you!!!! With the price of fuel, feed, and fertilizer you cannot afford to breed animals that are not forage efficient and require outside inputs.

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We started with 61 bulls in our senior group and 25 in our junior group. We took these bulls through the drought of 2007 and they never received any supplement whatsoever. Gains suffered and the weaker bulls sorted themselves out as they do in drought conditions. We are left now with 46 of the original 86 bulls to sell. That is almost half the bulls which did not complete the test. Why, because all bulls must finish in the top 70% for gain, and carcass quality. LBT certified bulls are fertility tested, ultra sounded, and DNA tested on top of the rigorous test they must endure. The 46 that made it are ready to settle 40+ cows on fescue and maintain body condition, the 40 that did not, well those bulls won’t work in a grass environment. They may have made it just fine with 10 lbs of corn a day. But unless you can afford to lose money and feed your herd all year round, you need a bull that will go home and maintain his condition while settling as many females as possible for you on grass and hay. That is what we are offering December 6th.

For final analysis of the senior bulls click here.

For final analysis of the junior bulls click here.

This is a true test with 40 of 86 bulls not passing the certification process.

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Grass raised bulls will have higher live semen counts and perform longer for you because they are not on hot rations. Grass bulls are quiet because we move them daily, work them often, and contain them with single-strand polywire. We eliminate any bull with temperament issues or genetic defects from the start. We have experts from around the country evaluate our soils, grasses, management, performance data, carcass data, and most importantly, the BULLS.

LBT bulls are evaluated using modern science and common sense.

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Try a grass raised bull once and you wont need another bull for 2-5 years longer than your last conventional bull!

October 24th field day

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On October 24th 140 people from 7 states attended the second annual LBT field day. Keynote speakers Dr. Allen Williams of TallGrass beef co, and Kit Pharo of Pharo Cattle co highlighted the day. We started with a walk through the bulls and an explanation of the philosophy and management of the LBT by Jeremy Engh.

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After the walk through………………. Kit Pharo talked about:

  1. Benefits of Grass Raised Bulls vs. Grain raised bulls.
  2. Benefits and Differences in genetically designed bulls for grass production.....
  3. Benefits of Grass farming/low input/efficient animals.
  4. Market outlook for these types of cattle from a seedstock producer's prospective.

 

Dr. Williams discussed:

  1. Benefits of grass based genetics in a grass fed branded beef program.
  2. Benefits of low input/efficient cattle in a grass fed scenario.
  3. Market outlook for grass fed beef.
  4. Perspective on how the beef industry has changed over the past couple of years and how consumer perspective has changed

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Many thanks go out to both these experts not only for their time and energy but for their evaluation of the bulls and support. The LBT would not be possible without the help of the LBT Test committee

And the endorsement and support of the VFGC:endorsed

 

 

 

 

WE WILL SEE YOU DEC. 6th

 

 

  • Update
  • Articles
  • Forms
  • Rules & Regulations
  • Test Committee
  • Consignors
  • Archive Reports

For current Lakota Bull Test report:  Juniors CLICK HERE - Seniors CLICK HERE

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.  


Rules & Regulations

2008-2009

Lakota Bull Test Lakota Farm

Click Here for The Rules & Regulations in Microsoft Word format.

 

The Lakota Bull Test operates a forage bull test station at Lakota Farm 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-

  1. 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.
  2. 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).

  1. Actual Birth Weight, Adjusted Birth Weight & Ratio—Include on entry form, needed for adjusted yearling weight calculation.
  2. 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.
  3. 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-

  1. Certificate of Veterinary Inspection- Valid certificate of veterinary inspection must accompany bulls at delivery.  Certificates may be obtained from a veterinarian. 
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. Anaplasmosis-All bulls must be tested negative for Anaplasmosis prior to delivery, and must be accompanied by documentation of negative test at delivery.
  5. Reproductive Soundness-Bulls will be evaluated for reproductive soundness at delivery, including scrotal measurement and examination.  Unsound bulls will be sent home.
  6. 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.  

Minimum frame score shall be 3.0 for all breeds as measured off-test (frame scores will not be yearling age-adjusted)
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 32 cm for bulls less than 15 months of age, and 33 cm for bulls 15 to 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-Within breed sale order will be determined by Sale Index described in section IX.10. 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 sale manager’s responsibility
immediately following the sale.  The consignor is responsible to furnish the endorsed registration certificate to the sale manager prior to the sale.  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.

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. Yardage-Yardage is $0.15/head/day. (Included in $1.50 per day fee)
  4. 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.
  5. 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.
  6. 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.
  7. Sale Preparation Fee-Charged at $30 per bull eligible to sell.  Includes cleaning and preparation for the sale.
  8. 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).
  9. 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.
  10. 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.
  11. 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 10 to 14day adjustment period before official test begins.  Weights will be taken at the beginning of test, and roughly every 60 days 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.  If on-test weight is less than delivery weight, then delivery weight will be used as the on-test weight.  Adjusted yearling weights will be calculated based on Beef Improvement Federation guidelines.  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 feed.  Hip heights will be taken at each weigh date as feasible.  For bulls that have not been genotyped prior to arrival at the test station, LBT will genotype bulls for carcass merit (at consignor’s expense).
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 off-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 BCIA.
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.  All bulls that die unexpectedly will have a necropsy done.
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 540-272-7629, email enghs@aol.com)

 

 

Scott P. Greiner, Extension Animal Scientist, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg ,Va.

Carl Stafford, Extension Agent, Agriculture and Natural Resources, Animal Science

Allan R. Williams, Ph.D., PAS, Tallgrass Beef Co.

Charlie Thornton, certified nutrient mngmt 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, Lakota Ranch, Test station manager, producer, consignor

Jeremy Engh, Lakota , Remington, VA

David Caldwell - Tommy Clark, Mystic Hill, Culpeper, VA

Jim Wylie, Lazy Lane Farms Inc., Upperville, VA

Dr. Monira Riffat, Manor Farm, Washington, VA

Charlie – Martha Trantham, Lenoir Devons, Canton, N.C.

A.W. Garner, Plainfield Farm, Newburg, MD

Terry Slusher, Slusher Valley Farms, Floyd, VA

Pete Henderson, Edgewood Farms, Williamsburg, VA

Dr. H.Q. Tucker, Poke Berry Fields Farm, Orange, VA

Sam Daniel, Fox Run Farms, Oxford, N.C.

Jacob Owens, Brookview Farm, Winchester KY

Paul Spas, Ashville NY

Eddie Shelton, Diamond D Angus

David Schoumacher, Thistle Hill Farm, Hume VA

Doug Linton, Quartermor Farm, Remmington VA

 

  • 09/01/08
  • 07/14/08

9-1-08 (fall06)

9-1-08 (spring2007)

9-1-08 (07fallgroup)

Here at Lakota we are preparing for a lot of Lakota Devon business and the upcoming LBT sale. We are happy to announce the hiring of Kenny Brubaker as our auctioneer and sale manager for the Lakota Bull test sale December 6th. We will go into more detail about the sale next month, right now lets talk about the field day Oct 24th. From 8am until noon Lakota Ranch will have another Lakota Bull Test field day, this one featuring Dr. Allen Williams of Tallgrass beef company and Mr. KLit Pharo of Pharo cattle company. While most of our field days at lakota have focused on grass farming and Devon genetics, this one will focus on the forage raised bulls on test, the benefits of buying a bull out of this system, and the state of the grass fed beef industry. There are no two men with more insight and experience in forage raising bulls than the two we are bringing you. Don't miss it........ After the field day make your way to the best western and listen to Kit deliver Pharos Philosophies from 3-6 followed by a banquet dinner consisting of grass fed Devon beef and organic veggies. For more info go to www.americandevon.com or contact Jacob Owens at 859-509-4236.

How about the bulls on test..... The bulls had to endure a long, hot, dry spell beginning July 24th and ending the 23rd of August with the leftovers of hurricane Faye. Surprisingly gains remained high. The average gain was just under two lbs. a day with the younger two groups out gaining the older boys (see reports). I think the Senior bulls are ready to leave Lakota and go to work.... .Please feel free to set up a time to inspect the bulls by calling Jeremy Engh at 540-718-1139. Know that I am in Australia the 7th through the 21st of September.....Upon my return I would be happy to walk through the bulls with you and discuss things. I like nothing better than two walk through this quiet group of grass raised bulls so I will gladly take any exscuse I can get.............


 

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