LAR

Monday kicked off when I was picked up by Dan Moser, the president of Angus Genetic Incorporated, a subsidiary of the American Angus Association. Dan and I made our way to Ellsworth, Kansas to the Green Garden Angus bull sale. Along the way, Dan and I discussed genetics, breed differences and where the seedstock business in the US is heading. It’s safe to say I had to concentrate very hard to take in everything Dan was saying! On arriving at Green Garden, we wandered through the 80 plus bulls and met with a few of Dan’s acquaintance’s, some of which I had previously met. We then met with the family behind Green Garden and I really enjoyed learning a little bit about their operation, as well as those smaller details such as cataloging bulls for sale. We enjoyed a little bite of morning tea (all home baked) and spent some time taking with a few of Dan’s friends. Lunch followed soon after, which was put on by the local womens’ association - a delicious Angus burger. The auctioneer for the day, a long time friend of Dan’s, spent a bit of time chatting to us and made sure to write my name down - I now know thats not a good sign! As we settled into the sale, I was of course introduced to the crowd and made to step out in front of the crowd. Although the attention isn’t something I get excited about, I am somewhat used to it now. The sale started with a special ‘Pick Six’ offering, where the winning bidder of each of the six bids had the opportunity to take their pick of 86 heifers, as well as the opportunity to take the remaining six lots offered to the winning price. A cool concept which everyone seemed to enjoy. Towards the end of the sale, Dan and I took our leave to make our way back to Manhattan.

Green Garden Angus Sale Bulls

Beef Systems class on Tuesday had Dr Odde back to speak with the class about costs of cow calf producers. He highlighted some interesting figures and taught us how to distinguish between deceiving numbers. Following class, I was back at the Purebred Unit for more LAR preparation. As this was show week, all spare time was being spent at the unit to work with the heifers, with clipping being touched up and showmanship skills being bushed up on. 

On Thursday, we had Mark Diedrich and his son speak with the class. The Diedrich’s are cow calf producers near Manhattan with an extremely diversified program. The Diedrich’s spoke to us about how they dry lot cows and manage their calving systems through pasture rotations and tree areas on their property. They also capitalise on hybrid vigour through AI’ing cows to and alternate breed to promote growth, before feeding out their calves to slaughter. We discussed dealing with the extensive mud issues of the mid west during winter and how different flooring they are experimenting with has helped to combat some of these issues. the Diedrich’s are proud to have a successful, multi generational business that is not made of the best equipment, but is operated with skill, positivity and innovation.

Weber Arena on Show Day Prior to the Beef Showmanship Competition

Friday was a busy day preparing for the LAR the following day. It started with class in the morning, before unloading the heifers from the Purebred Unit into Weber arena where they were to spend the next day. We set about feeding, watering and bedding down the pens for the heifers, before we kicked into gear. We washed and blowed the heifers, cleaned up clipping and led the heifers through the arena for them to get their first look at the show ring, as well as let them walk on wood chips for the first time. After working at this for a few hours, more than ten of us headed to a local steakhouse for a quick dinner and drink. After dinner it was back to Weber arena where we finished up the night at 9pm and went to bed - ready for a 5am start! Bright and early Saturday morning we arrived at Weber arena where we washed and dried our heifers in the dark. At about 7am the dairy heifers began arriving, and with 30 or so extra heifers it got quite busy! We spent the morning preparing, chatting and calming nerves, and as it was also Open House for K-State, there was plenty going on. A little while later, the sheep, horses and goats arrived and it was show time. We brought our heifers out and put the final touches on and after putting on our LAR shirts, we were ready to go. As I had shown before, I was in one of two advanced showmanship classes. My heifer was absolutely outstanding during our time in the ring and after a little chat with the judge, managed to be placed third in my heat! Although I didn’t progress further, I was extremely happy with that and had the best time. After the show had concluded and we’d packed up, we decided to hit Aggieville to celebrate and I was glad we had a good group of people to do it with! One of my favourite Saturday’s yet!

My heifer and I on show day