Welcome,
Enthusiasm and optimism are at an all-time high in the beef industry, as we are all aware. As we embark on a new calendar year, we are well into the third year of record prices for all classes of cattle. In addition to weekly record highs on the feeder cattle side, the salvage market for open cows and herd bulls is substantial enough that an operator can justify selling their “old bull” and turn around and invest in the next generation of genetics for little difference, if they are ok with the lower end. However, the upper end of any set of bulls tends to be the value relative to quality, and that extra investment can yield substantial returns in a market such as today’s. In some cases, that herd bull you potentially invest in this sale season can be the deciding factor in topping the market by $300 per head or being $300 behind someone else. Competition drives excellence in everything we do in a capitalistic, free trade society, so why not choose to play at a higher level than the status quo? Matt Aggen, along with his father, Dr. Lynn Aggen, and oldest son, Hunter, are dedicated beef cattlemen. They are devoted to the full-circle approach to the business, not just their personal marketing endeavors, to improve the way they live. Their belief has always been that if the customer is successful, the brand and namesake will follow the same path. The approach to breeding cattle has always started with animals, ensuring they are on a quality foundation with depth of heel and more than acceptable skeletal quality. Those cattle then have to perform and adapt to the resources and climate available, followed by fertility, then udder quality. If any of these selection pressures are out of synch, then that animal or animals won’t be part of the plan moving forward. The injection of data comes at mating time. For years, the operation concentrated on pounds and size without sacrificing the maternal foundation that took decades to close in on perfection. With changing times and the competitive advantages of the CAB brand within the industry, the pressure shifted to improving the end product in terms of quality grade. Each shift or additional selection criterion was implemented subtly with the long-game approach in mind. This philosophy is why so many sires and dams produced under the OMF umbrella experience unmatched longevity in the breed, and why the number of interested parties and sale attendees is increasing each year. Dr. Kory Bigalk and Jared Seinola were both mentored by the Aggen family and are considered family. The two gentlemen approach the data in much the same way they were influenced. Diamond K Simmentals is very passionate about the numbers and data, and as time goes on, each generation raised by the Bigalk family improves phenotypically as well. The Five Star Ranch approach is very similar, and Jared is an excellent student of phenotype, with the skill set to present his product alongside the very best of them. When all three come together to host this annual event, the energy is strong, the vibe is pumping, and the collection of stock is of the highest quality, presented in the most professional way for a set of production bulls and females in the SimGenetic business. Times like these are not to be taken for granted. In times like these, the risk/reward relationship is never greater. In times like these, the porch is not the right place to be. If you are a serious cattleman or woman, improving your profit margin needs to be on your list of must-dos. If you are an existing customer of either of these three programs, you need to attend this year’s event. If you are new to the circle and want to invest in something you can sink your teeth into to improve your operation, then punch the sale location into your phone. We welcome your attendance and interest. We also encourage customers, old and new, to schedule on-farm visits with each genetic partner in this sale. We know they will be more than happy to show you through their collection of stock in their native environment. If time does not allow, trust that you can reach out to any of the families involved or the Innovation AgMarketing team for sight-unseen purchasing guidance or any additional information. All involved with the event look forward to seeing you and building a long-term relationship with your family and operation.
Enjoy the cattle,
Graham Blagg
Jered Shipman
Tim Anderson
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