News...

[August 2010]

It is a proud time for Professional Livestock.  As a breeder of livestock, it is always an honor to see your prefix on genetics that are impacting the breed.  The most anticipated sale catalog of the year has come out, The Quest XI.  It is an honor to have cattle bred to bulls with the ProStock prefix.  I am extremely confident you will be please with the results.  ProStock Red Rock, Hickory, and Hugo have seen considerable use over the last two years and I am excited to see how their offspring mature.

The decision has been made, though very difficult. Double Bar D Flashy 172R will be available to purchase at the NAILE Select sale Nov 15, 2010. Flashy is no stranger to outstanding production and has already generated over $200,000 in progeny and embryo sales.  Her daughters have averaged nearly $20,000 at public auction and her sons are making a significant impact on Fleckvieh cattle all over the world.  Flashy flushes well and is bred on first AI service to MFI Whistler for a Jan 1, 2011 calf.  She has never been flushed to or bred to Whistler before and this is a mating I may regret not having in my hands at the end of the day.  She is young and will prove to her new owner to be the most valuable investment ever made.  With the deep influence on our herd, through daughters and sons and offspring from them, I felt it be the most opportune time to offer Flashy to have a new home.  Flashy’s dam Flash, is now amongst our donor program and is unquestionably the most powerful Polled Fleckvieh cow on the planet.  This strong cow family is directly responsible for the production level Flashy 172R has achieved.  Flashy 172R is truly the most unique Fleckvieh cow alive today, as being homozygous polled, dark red, super attractive, and non-diluted.  If you wish to make some really cool black cattle, she can do that as well.  The possibilities are endless.  She will be missed walking the pastures in Texas.  She is the pride and joy of ProStock and will be for her new owner as well. 
 
The Spring calves are just about ready to wean and man have they come on.  This is the most consistant set of calves produced thus far and I am impressed with the maturity pattern of the calves.  Hugo has done an excellent job on both bulls and females. Though not as impressive as babies, the bull calves really cranked it on.  The heifer calves are feminine and show tremendous potential.  Our calf crop was plagued by a high percentage of bulls this year, but the heifer calves are all out of our top cows, mostly past donor females.  Marketing any of the heifers will be challenging emotionally, as they represent the years of planning of the ProStock program.

Fall calving is about to begin and I am anxiously awaiting a few calves from the Research and Development program.  We reached back into the semen tank and pulled out some Dovea Horst and Star Palm for some polled females.  Will they be polled, yet to see, but the cow families under them are very unique and powerful.  It gives me the shivers thinking of the possibilities.  Now that I have shared my intimate breeding secrets, I will probably be doomed; but what the hell, it is still interesting.  This is supposed to be fun, right???

We are planning for the upcoming Fullblood show in Louisville, KY again this fall.  The show and now the Sale will be an outstanding opportunity to display and show the world of Simmental, Fullbloods are still going strong. 

Since my delinquency in writing this newsletter, let’s back up to January.  Jordan Adair made a commitment to serving our armed forces and joined the Marines.  He has completed basic training and began his schooling for his career.  It is with great pride that Jordan is part of our program and he will serve the United States with pride.

I will avoid topics of the weather, religion, sports and politics.  Never safe to go there, and basically I don’t know anything about it anyway…..  Fleckvieh are my sport, my politics, sometimes my religion, and the weather controls it all.

See ya’ll in September at the Quest. 
Brian

[May 2010]

Time seems to be passing by in a hurry these days and finding the time to write seems even more difficult to find. Realizing it has been awhile since my last update. I will try to move forward on topics of precedence. The fall sales went very well, with the ever popular and exciting Quest marking its 10th anniversary in 2009. Bar 5 never hesitates to bring the best before the buyers and in conjunction with the fall Bar 5 sale the Fleckvieh Forum group also marketed an excellent group of cattle. I look forward to both of the events this fall again.

Summer has been dragging behind here a little. Much to my physical comfort temperatures haven’t been blistering, but the grass isn’t quite popping like it should with the cool nights. Galt is appreciating the moderate weather before he returns to stud to continue semen collection. He will surely enjoy his stay there with the fans and misters. Galt has maintained condition exceptionally well, and services cows with ease. Not a day passes that he doesn’t impress me with his drafthorse foot size and ease of motion.

The BHR Designer’s Classic has just completed and again a tribute to the worldwide acceptance of Fleckvieh genetics. The night prior to the sale, we [FSFF] held a benefit auction for the support of the NAILE and FSFF. This event was well attended, and supported, raising $10,800 for the cause. A good time was had by all. Thank you to the great support of the contributors of the items and buyers!

Some very positive motions have been made with the FSFF. Keep your eyes peeled for upcoming notices and advancement in the promotion and marketing of Fleckvieh.

[December 2009]

“Where the sidewalk ends the road begins.”

Fullblood Fleckvieh cattle are ready for the super freeway! Fullblood Simmental have been pushed back into the pastures and out of the showring over the last few years. Finally, an opportunity to exhibit our fullblood cattle, competing strictly verses fullbloods has become a reality! The NAILE in Louisville, KY staged the first Fullblood Simmental show in the history of the breed and it was a huge success. It is about time, since Simmental have been on the continent for 40 years. ProStock and many other breeders took to the road to step back into the showring. It was exciting to see the teamwork of all of the breeders whom made the trek.

Mona Lisa - NAILE 2009 Grand Champion Fullblood Simmental Female

In October 2008, I visited Troy and Melanie Cerny of Barrhead, Alberta. We strolled into the heifer pen and a super furry, very spotted, dark red heifer jumped out at me. Yes, I did say spots. I was searching for females to breed to Hugo to color test him and this was a perfect candidate. I nicknamed her that day Mona Lisa, because she was so painted up. Troy added that to her registered name and Mona made the journey to Texas in December 2009. At the time we didn’t know about this show, or really wasn’t interested in showing cattle again. But when Larry Maxey made the valiant effort to establish the NAILE “Pinnacle” show, I knew we needed to do whatever it took to support the program. Mona was the “bad sheep” of the pasture during the summer. She was just short enough to wiggle into the creep feeder. How, I am not sure, because she is a wide body. Therefore, she was a bit more portly than many of the other heifers. Being a bit of a rebel at times as well, I decided to show a spotted Fleckvieh heifer and we pulled her out of the main pasture and brought her home to see if she could be halter broke. It only took a couple of days and her weakness for a pan of feed, that made Mona the easiest heifer ever halterbroke. Little did I know that that spotted super hairy gut bucket would develop into one of the most impressive bred females that I have had the pleasure of owning. Mona glided with ease into the showring, 8 months bred to Hugo, and was selected by Judge Jim Williams, as the Grand Champion female of the FIRST Fullblood Simmental show in North America. This was an honor for sure, but took the efforts of many. Thanks to Drew Williams, Chessie Garrett, Jordan Adair, Troy and Melanie Cerny, Kevin Smith, Randy Caldwell, and the great fitters whom crossed the lines to help with expert finesse. This truly was a team effort! Mona’s show career is over, ever so brief, but her productive life here at ProStock is just beginning. Keep an eye out for her and offspring in the future. I anxiously await the Hugo baby in a couple of weeks.

This Spring, my mind was in a frazzle while driving down the road. (Over the last the last 20 months, we have traveled over 250,000 miles, so that’s a lot of time to frazzle.) If we [US Fleckvieh breeders] are to sustain our breed we have to establish a market for Fleckvieh bulls. The ProStock Fleckvieh Bull Alliance came together and on our way home from Bar 5’s Spring sale, I started my pursuit of the top Fleck bulls in the US to feed and develop as a group. We stopped by Dr. Billy Moores in Huntsville, AL. This gentleman of all gentlemen took the time to open his doors and participate in the Alliance program. Out in the pasture, not yet weaned, was a powerhouse polled Fleckvieh bull calf. An ET son of Double Bar D Makem Polled and out of an outstanding deep bodied, soggy, and moderate Romulus daughter of the legendary Rain Valley Victoria, jumped out at me. He was a super stout boned, square hipped, high performance bull prospect. My thoughts were “This is the best Makem Polled son ever born.” I have seen a fair number of them and I still hold that philosophy to be true. Dr. Moore wasn’t going to participate in the show this year with cattle, but I asked him if we could take MF Polled Power on his behalf to represent the Alliance program. He agreed. Thanks for the go ahead. This gentle powerhouse was the highest WDA bull on test, getting’ it done. Power also got it done in the showring and was named the Grand Champion Bull at the “Pinnacle”. Congrats to Dr. Moore and thanks to the crew who prepared him for this event. He is for sale, and semen should be available shortly.

Also winning her Division, ProStock Flashpoint was exhibited. A Feb 13, 2009, Flashpoint is direct daughter of the legendary Double Bar D Flashy 172R and by Gibby’s Ultimate. Watch for her and her homo polled maternal sister by Pompeii next fall. Flashpoint may be the most unique homozygous polled 100% Fleckvieh female to stomp the ground.

I had taken only a few pictures during the week, and one very important to me was the group picture of Bar 5, Phillips Farm and ProStock crew that worked diligently all week. Unfortunately, that picture will not be available, as my camera was jacked the last day. This team really put out the effort and I commend them on a job extremely well done.

The whole week was a learning experience for all of the exhibitors, especially me. Note to self: take your vitamins before the show, and get plenty of sleep. Sleep is a precious commodity. The barn is a cyclone of germs, and I think all of us came home with a sickness. Hopefully, it’s not H1N1. Considered a shot of LA-200, but advise to stay away from the Micotil.

Professional Livestock didn’t participate in the NAILE with the goal of simply winning, but rather with a goal of supporting Fullblood Fleckvieh cattle in this new venue. It was an honor to exhibit the Champions, but more of an honor to mingle with fellow breeders, friends, and bystanders, over the week as part of this monumental event. The sidewalk has ended and the road has begun. See you in Louisville, Kentucky next November! It will not be forgotten.

[November 2009]

I know it has been awhile, too long in fact, since I have sat down and written a newsletter article for your enjoyment. I can use the excuse that I have been busy, but we all are. This fall has been exciting for ProStock and the Fleckvieh breed. Despite the downward slide of our economy, pedigree cattle prices have sustained excellent levels in many of the sales.

The legendary Dollar’s Diamond D Quest sale in September was a huge success and congratulations to the many consignors and buyers. This was the 10th Anniversary of the sale and was one for the records books. ProStock Red Rock sold 50% semen interest to 10 breeders for a total of $20,000, Bar 5 consigned a top herdsire prospect, Bar 5 Essential, that sold to Indian Creek Cattle Co for $20,000. Prospect Hills offered pick of three outstand polled direct daughters of Solway Adonis, they commanded $30,000 to Starwest Farms of Chilliwack, BC. Dollar’s offered two 50% interest lots, bringing $26,500 for a homo polled heifer sired by Bar 5 Evolution and sold to Bar 5, and a superstar Ultimate daughter sold to Prospect Hills for $17,750. Indian Creek brought a pair of Crackerjack females that sold for $17,000 and $12,000. Congratulations to Rocking V for bringing an outstanding Mr Evan 14P daughter, whom commanded $15,000 at the fall of the hammer to Little Creek Farms. The sale held strong and breeders should be proud of the cattle and people involved in this great event.

Bar 5 held another strong and consistent sale the following weekend. The highlight was a right to flush lot of the leading lady, dam of Evolution and Harrach, selling to Pinero Machado for $18,000. The cattle were excellent and as always hospitality was second to none.

The second annual Transcon’s National Trust sale, held this year in Olds, Alberta, drew interest from Fullblood and purebred breeders. The lead off lot was consigned by Well’s Crossing, a direct daughter of Josie and rattled the crowd until bidding halted at $66,000, selling to Prospect Hills Simmentals.

Good luck to all in the future sales and hope to see you at your event.

Happy Trails,
Brian

[August 2009]

Over the last week, I had the opportunity to once again visit some of the elite breeders of Fleckvieh cattle in North America.  My trek included the delivery of 3 exceptional young bulls for Semex Beef Alliance to Guelph, Ontario, Canada.  We will miss the little Grey Brahman calf that resided with us for a few weeks until his papers were complete. He was quite the character. We called him “Squishy”

While is Ontario, we met with Andreas and Matt Bushbeck, at Bar 5 for a cowherd tour.  It was exciting to see the direction of their breeding program! An excellent set of cows and herdsires; Gong, Evolution, Pfedelity, amoung others.  I genuinely appreciate the gracious Bar 5 hospitality with a place to stay for the evening to rest and recover from the 1650 mile non-stop trip from Texas.  With the South African genetics still ultimately in its infancy, proving these cattle under the environment of North America has a great learning experience and Bar 5 has put its money where its mouth is.  Some outstanding cattle have surfaced from their diligent work.

On the way down through Ontario, I always make it a point to stop at Dora Lee Genetics; Ross and Betty Small.  They are some of the most grassroots breeders and enthusiasts of the Fleckvieh world.  Ross’s knowledge and experience are very valuable to any young breeder and he is always willing and ready to talk Fleckvieh.  I have been there before, but never when the grass is green.  The calves were excellent and I look forward to an elite offering of females for sale at the Bar 5 sale this fall.  Bob Rasch of Freedom Run Farms of Michigan completed our day. 

We drove through the night and glad we did, as it is a helluva long way across Chicago even without traffic to interfere. Our next stop was one of notability.  My tired mind could hardly absorb the plethora of information that Jerry Brink provided.   It is rare to find a livestock person who is truly a “breeder”.  One whom possesses the talent, patience, and direction, the Brinks have is even more rare.  The Brinks are multi-generation farmers in northeast Iowa.  Jerry is a master planner and breeder with a strict breeding objective.  His accumulation of outstanding cow families, then combining them back into a strict breeding program has yielded the most consistent herd of Fleckvieh cows on the planet.  The Brink breeding model is exemplified through the breeding of oldline linebred Hampshire hogs that stand the test of time and are outstanding as well.  As some of you already know, I was involved in the hog business on the show pig level, but understood the importance of performance and productivity in the commercial sector.  Jerry led us over to a boar destined to the Indiana State Fair and walked out the widest based, heaviest boned, performance powerhouse, I have ever laid eyes on.   We enjoyed a wonderful homecooked meal of ham, potatoes, sweet corn on the cob, and fresh bread.  I nearly foundered at the table.  This feast was one I will not forget and definitely appreciated the change from McDonalds and deli food I graze on while on the road.

After our completion of the tour of Brink Genetics, we ventured to the farm of Bob and Bud Finch of Ames, IA.  Never a dull moment with Bud!  It was nearing dark and Bud took us for a tour.  Again, a multi-generation farm, as Bob’s son Heath has returned to the agricultural enterprise. The Finch’s opened the doors to the bull calves and I selected two Exodus bulls to enter our Fleckvieh Bull Alliance program.  I am very excited about the future of these two herdsire prospects. Once again, back on the road to cover some pavement that night at 11 pm.  No rest for the weary.

The seedstock business is exciting, not only for the genetics, but for the people we have the opportunity to interact with.  Great people! The cattle are an avenue of connection globally.  It is an honor for me to call many of you friends and I appreciate every moment that is spent visiting about the future of our breed.  Much can be learned from these friendships and I hope to continue to surround myself with successful people.  As always, Happy Trails!

[ July 2009 ]

This newsletter portion of our website is hardly designated as a political or personal view of the world, but, it is a representation of the program and underlying motivation of the Professional Livestock Team.  Rome wasn’t built in a day, and a breeding program is an endless pursuit of the excellence and standards set forth to achieve the perfection of animal breeding.   Our industry and more importantly, our society, has lost the vision of achievement. Not as an individual, rather as a whole…..a team.  Each breed and individual animal brings traits or “talents” to the mixing pot.  Academics and science have taken a stronger position, not only in cattle breeding, but in much of our everyday lives.  The usage of DNA to determine pertinent traits is a major accomplishment of science and when used as a tool, especially in the discovery and elimination of genetic defects that plague the breeding schemes of the industry, proves to be invaluable. 

Pride, Honor, Dedication and Integrity. These four words are a basis for all.  Athletes dream of the championship.  Sometimes this achievement is a mere disappointment in the final seconds of the game, just as it was for me in the 1994 State HS Football Championships.  Stepping forth onto the turf in the King Dome of Seattle, Washington as an 18 year old as a massive underdog, proved to be one of the most influential and memorable events of my life.  A good friend of mine always tells me, “that life is a simple accumulation of experiences;” some good, some bad.  I was hardly an all state player.  Playing at Offensive Guard, weighing 172 pounds [been awhile since I saw that weight], may have been a physical disadvantage, as my opponent across the line was 295 pounds.  But the big guys just fall harder! Royal High School, when playing that game, had the longest winning streak in the state for the last two seasons.  Never before had we been in a Championship football game.  A group of spry farm boys were hardly a match for bigger, faster, and stronger opposition.  Through the motivation, coaching, and dedication of one of the greatest coaches of the game, they were hardly a match for us.  Technique and training and the drive for pride and honor for ourselves and families and community surpassed our physical undersize.  We were ahead by 20 points at halftime and were on our way to the first football championship of our school’s history.  As I stated, disappointment is reality. We lost that game with short time on the clock and our valiant effort to regain the lead in the last 35 seconds was crushed when the ball was intercepted in the endzone as the time ran out.  This football season and my senior year was one of the biggest challenges of my young life.  Both of my grandfathers passed that season.  They were and still are my heroes. But their moving on, gave me strength to continue, even when I wanted to quit.  My team [coaches and peers] stood behind me, my mind was weak and body suffering. Again, I wasn’t a superstar but was part of the TEAM.  Tears of failure fell from my eyes in the locker room after that game. After considerable time, I walked out into the darkness of the Seattle night and rain with my sunglasses on to meet my family and friends.  A person and friend from the other team asked me if I wanted the scouting report from the semi-final game the week before. “Why?” I asked in a snide tone.  “Because it says, #71…Leader.” I was number 71.  Those words made a major impact to me and will never be forgotten.  Despite not wearing the championship ring on my finger, I will cherish the words of a total outsider and am honored that they noticed traits about me that I didn’t.  Since our loss in the King Dome in 1994, Royal High School has become the most successful football school in the state and won numerous championships.  They have a program and more importantly are a TEAM.

This short personal story is pertinent to our industry.  Striving to be the best is never enough. Doing such with Pride, Honor, Dedication and Integrity, still drives the bus. Times may be hard and times may be good.  We have our ups and downs everyday.  However, learning from each experience will progress us to the next level.  Time is not running out. The clock is ticking. Step back and focus on goals.  The Fleckvieh business has had its trends.  Let’s be visual and let the scouting team notice the traits and talents of our breed.  Believing in our product, working together, admitting our weaknesses, and creating a positive image, will secure the next level in the pursuit of the championship.  Coach Neilsen had coached 22 seasons before making it past the first round in the playoffs. There were years of failure and disappointment.  He had a goal and accomplished it. 

[ June/July 2009 ]

It’s been awhile since I have taken the opportunity to update my friends of Professional Livestock.  Thank you for checking back with the website and reading the rambling of a crazed Fleckvieh breeder. 

Several exciting developments have happened in the last few months.  The development of the Fleckvieh Bull Alliance has had great reception and I am extremely pleased with the bulls that have entered the program.  This is definitely a source of herdbulls.  Check it out more in detail on the link from our homepage.

We just completed preg checking and I am very pleased with the results from all breeding segments.  ET conception went very well and I have to thank Dr Owens for his careful hand and great experience and knowledge.  Flashy entered ET again this year and is doing well.  Look for a chance to purchase some very uniquely bred embryos from her this fall at the Quest. 

ProStock Hickory 7053T has taken a new residence at Porter’s Lake Ranch of Waverly, NY.  Thanks to Ralph and Shawn for their purchase of the walking rights.  ProStock will continue to be the sole marketer of semen from Hickory.

Hats off to Larry Maxey for the immense effort put in to develop of the Fullblood Simmental show to be held in Louisville, KY in Nov.  This is a monumental event and should be internationally attended by Simmental breeders worldwide.  What an opportunity to display the nuts and bolts of our breeding programs. This is the first time only fullbloods will complete with only fullbloods. 

You thought I would dismiss the weather….hardly.  It’s Hot and DRY… it’s Texas!  Once again thank goodness for air conditioning. 

Please keep checking back to the website for updated pictures and information on the cattle and Alliance bulls. 

Happy Trails
Brian

Listen; listen well, for this message is a strong message. Most sincere thanks for the unbelievable support at the Houston Sale March 3, 2009, by the many that admired, evaluated, and bid on ProStock Red Rock!  I was honored as a new consignor to start the sale and offer the top selling lot.  When the hammer fell, Kent Dollar of Dollars Diamond D of Russellville, AR, won the bid on Red Rock for $14,500.  Red Rock is a stout polled 100% Fleckvieh bull that is destined to make an impact on the future of our great breed.  Thanks again Kent for your support of the ProStock program and vision to continue the pursuit of breeding superior breeding cattle for all segments of the beef industry.  Keep a close eye on Dollar’s program for the influence of Red Rock and the opportunity to utilize his genetics. The entire sale held strong with an average of over $4100.  Congratulations to all of the consignors and buyers.  We were able to select two open females to join the ProStock program; a Makem Polled x Hamlet from Little Creek Farms that was selected to replace her dam in our herd as she never had a heifer for us, and a power Goldrush daughter from Jim Ethridge.   

The Fall 2007 and Spring 2008 calf crop exceeded my wildest dreams and the new babies are showing tremendous potential.  The first Pompeii calves are now hitting the ground and meeting our expectations.  I am anxiously awaiting Flashy’s calf by Pompeii later this month. 

Buzzard Hollow has graciously invited ProStock to participate in his annual sale.  A flush from DFM Trudy 708T will be on offer.  She is doing a super job with her polled bull calf.  Her udder is perfect and has four darkly pigmented teats.  She will be on display at BHR for the Sale and ET work can be performed there.  She is an outcross pedigree horned female in our program. Trudy has lived up to Darrell Maronda’s expectations as a valuable breeding piece.  Thanks Darrell for the opportunity to own this great female.

The first issue of the ProStock Fleckvieh Sire Directory has been printed and is available.  Please feel free to contact me for a copy or check it out in the herdsire section of the website for an online version.

Well it is time to get back on the road hauling cattle for many of the nations top seedstock producers.  With the addition of our new trailer, we hope to better serve our customers have additional space on the load for comfort.  Jordan Adair has joined the ProStock team and moved to Texas!  He is Robert’s younger brother and is very excited to be in Texas.  While Robert and I are traveling the road non-stop, Jordan will be taking care of the day to day activities here.  The herd has grown over the last 12 months and needs a bit more attending to.

Happy Trails,
Brian

[ February 2009 ]

Spring calves are starting to bounce around the fields and I am looking forward to breeding season.  The line-up of new sires and using the proven sires like Reserve really gets my blood pumping.   Check out ProStock Red Rock 8004U on the For Sale page and find him on display and for sale in Houston March 3rd.

The Bull supply for 2009-2010 will not be short as we have had quite a few bulls born and only a few heifers.  The moon must have been in an odd cycle....Calves, by Sargent, Reserve, Makem Polled, and anxiously awaiting the first Pompeii offspring.

ProStock livestock transportation is starting up hot and heavy.  With the addition of a new bigger trailer, we are extremely excited for a busy spring.  If we can help you in moving your breeding stock give us a call.  We see nearly every corner of the country and parts of Canada as well.  The wheels don't have too much time to cool off. 

Cheers, Brian 

[ January 2009 ]

Happy New Year!!!

As 2008 draws closer to ending, I wanted to take time to reflect on the last few months and share highlights.  Leading off the sale season with the rock solid offering at the “Quest” at Dollar’s Diamond D in Arkansas, indicated that quality still rules the roost.  Gibbons Flash, an Everest x Flashy 172R daughter, who is homozygous polled, rang the bell for $33,000 to Dollar’s Diamond D.  Flashy embryos by Porters Reserve high lighted Friday night selling to Little Creek Farms for $1350 each. 

October started off with Bar 5’s sale in Ontario.  I was in attendance for my first trip to Ontario and ended up spending about 2 weeks moving cattle to the States and having the opportunity to visit several farms.  The line-up of cattle at Bar 5 was as expected…excellent.  Thanks for the sleeping Quarters while I waited out the USDA Vet.  Also big thanks to Bob and Anne-Marie Rasch for the great hospitality.  They have built quite a program, I was impressed. 

Not stopping the motor on the pickup, I ventured the 2200 miles to Red Dear, Alberta for the first “National Trust” sale.  I had my eye on Virginia’s consignment for a year and was bound to bring her home.  The well went dry and Double Bar D purchased her for $11,250.  She will make an impact in their program as well.  Other highlights, included the $30,000 Exodus daughter consigned by Gist Simmentals and Well’s Crossing polled Maestro heifer at $25,000 both to Prospect Hills.  While up, I visited Spruceburn Simmentals, Diamond T, Elliots, JNR Farms, Gist Simmentals, Double Bar D, and Cherry Creek Farms.

November took me back to Ontario to the Fleckvieh Forum Sale.  Dora Lee offered an exciting pair of Polled Eclipse daughters and sold choice for $5900 to Gibbons Farms.  The snow was already covering the ground and I was missing the warm weather of Texas. 

The Dodge started up again for another trek to Alberta.  I had scheduled to pickup several animals already purchased, ended up buying a couple more and turning the “quick” trip into a marathon.  We stopped by Darrell and Joyce Maronda’s and found a very powerful bred heifer. After some thought and negotiating DFM Trudy 708T “the one NOT for sale” came toTexas.  The newest ProStock Donor, Diamond T Dorthy, is a huge footed, long bodied, powerful, mahogany red, star headed female that will have a big part to play.  Once again,  the breeders of Canada were open armed and welcoming.  But can you please turn up the heat a little!!!  Global Warming…I don’t think so!!!  It was -25F when we departed the last time from Saskatchewan and a day later in Texas it was 75F.  100 degree change in a couple of days.  The cattle actually took the trip well.

Congratulations to:

• Brock Ranch for the high selling female at Fleck Fest for $7400.
• JNR Farms for the high selling bull of the week-end for $19,000.  JNR Gravity.  Semen will be available on him in February through ProStock Fleckvieh Sires.

*** Virginia’s Poll Unanimous 3U, is in Texas!*** Check him out on the Herdsires page.  My catalog notes say one thing…”good bastard.”  Semen will be available soon.

The Magnolia Classic was a great success and congratulations to Dr. Davis, family and crew for a first class event.  Calving is just starting and I will be sticking closer to home to monitor that process.

Thanks to all the great people I have encountered in 2008 and the great support from Fleckvieh breeders throughout the world.  It is an honor to breed Fleckvieh!!!

Cheers, Brian 

[ November 2008 ]

ProStock Hugo and ProStock Hickory have been collecting very well and semen is already going out the door.  SEMEX Beef, purchased world semen rights on Hugo.  ProStock kept the US semen rights and Walking rights.  Hickory semen has already been sold into Canada and Sweden as well as the US.  Thank you for the many interested parties of these bulls.  Congratulations to Indian Creek Cattle Co, Greg Kemp, on two very successful flushes to Hugo. 

[ July 2008 ]

What a year so far.  ProStock has been busy.  Since mid-February, the wheels have been transporting cattle all over North America, traveling over 100,000 miles and getting the unique opportunity to visit some of the beef industries top breeders of various breeds. Thanks to Robert Parker for his driving skills. In the meantime, calving, breeding and marketing Fleckvieh is always in progression.  However, with the small calf crop on the ground, I couldn’t be more excited.  Hugo and Hickory, the first Flashy calves for ProStock, are already at stud preparing for collection and international availability.  Both bulls are homozygous polled and non-diluted.  Check them out!  Breeding went well with a successful AI program and the addition of new herdsire, Pompeii.  Pompeii was purchased private treaty from Jason Bruketa in Calgary, Alberta and made the move to Texas with great success. 

Several new donors have been added this spring.  Helga is an outstanding double bred Helga 9th female who is super pigmented, great uddered, big footed, and provides new genetics for ProStock.  ProStock Icy Hot is a dark red, star-headed, direct King Arthur daughter derived from two great cow families of Marne and Towers Gina, with Siegfried, Hafke, Hackenberg all up close, and she is smokin good.  Polled ET calves from these two in February 2009 are expected.  Little Creek Lana and DDD Morilla were also added as the first Broadway daughters. The pursuit of breeding pieces is never ending.  Icy Hot and Helga’s pictures will be up likely in early winter.

Reserve sired an excellent set of heavily pigmented moderate framed calves this spring.  His first calf to sell topped the Double Bar D Sale at $20,250 and was out of Flashy 172R.  A Whistler son out of Mara topped the Fullblood division of the Double Bar D Sale at $13,000, and a Dream On son out of our black Eisenherz daughter topped the black Purebred division of Double Bar D.  I am very proud of these genetics and look for success from their new owners.    Double Bar D also kept a smooth polled son of Exodus out of Woodring’s Faithful 113H as a new herdsire, ProStock Edison.  Thanks to the Dimler family for their involvement in ProStock genetics. And a special thanks to the many Canadian breeders that have incorporated ProStock genetics.

The demand for superior Fleckvieh genetics is ever increasing.  Interest from breeders with black cattle is enormous.  Determining the non-dilutors is critical, and every animal at ProStock is DNA tested for this gene. Crossbreeding [heterosis] is the most economical method of increased return on investment. As production expenses continue to rise, recognizing the best genetics and individuals has become even more essential. 

The weather has turned hot and dry in NE Texas, but abundant grass and efficient cows are clicking right along.  I wouldn’t mind a shot of rain though.  I am looking forward to the fall US sales and will be heading back to our great neighbors of the north [Canada] for more Fleckvieh sales this winter.  If I can help you out in any way, please call or email.