Class of 2010

We have reached the half way point of calving and everything has gone really good so far.  We are very excited about some of the matings that we have and thought we would share a few pictures with you.  Calving time is always the most exciting time of the year.  The great weather this year has also helped.

Cool Venture x Respect 10F - (Dam's Sire)

Power Drive x Lil Signature 2N

 E.T. calf

Joker x Lil Signature 2N

Natural calf 

Sire: MRL Talladega 15S

 680S x Lil Signature 2N - ET

Most of our IPU Revolution calves are are due starting this weekend.  We will keep you posted on how they look. 

Great Bulls

 Just got home from the Canadian Bull Congress.For those who do not know, the congress is set up like a trade show for cattle.There are pens of 3 bulls,single bull classes and pens of heifers.This year there was a great set of bulls of all breeds.Each and every exhibitor can be proud of the quality that was there.The Simmental bulls were outstanding and the Angus,Red and Black, did not make it easy.

 The interesting theme that kept coming out of conversations with exhibitors and spectators was the interest from prospective buyers and the number of people that attended compared to the fall shows.Here are a few  observations.

 1. Camrose does a great job of hosting the Congress
 2.In the Simmental breed there were several exhibitors that had great sets of bulls that do not chose to exhibit bulls in the fall for one reason or the other.
 3.Several breeders brought out differant bulls than they showed last fall.

 It almost seemed like the type of cattle at the Congress were the type that fit the demand of commercial cattlemen and they were there to make decissions on their bull buying this spring.Maybe there is somthing to be taken from this that can help our fall shows attendance !

Good Day Mate

Today Rob and I booked our tickets for a trip that we have been talking about for a long time.  We are attending the World Simmental Congress in Melbourne, Australia, September 18 - 23.  I was very fortunate to live in Australia for 6 months many years ago.  I always said that I would return in a few years,.....well a few years has turned into 27!  We have kept in touch will many of the people that I stayed with and met on my first visit.  As well over the years we have had many Australians visit us.  Following the World Simmental Congress in Calgary in 2006, with the assistance of our good mate John Brogan, we sold 40 embryos to two Australian Simmental Breeders.  Some of those embryos have been born on the cattle station that I worked on.  We are counting the days until our trip.  If you are interested in attending the World Congress checkout the schedule at http://www.worldsimmentalcongress2010.com/

Comfort For the Cow Boss or the Cow

We purchased our home about 13 years ago.  In that time we have been able to make a few improvements such as flooring, paint, siding and patio and a bit of development in the basement.  The next project on my list, is our tiny bathroom.  Now I don't invison the size changing much but an update would be nice.  But although most of the supplies have been purchased I think that the project has been put on hold for the comfort of the COWS.  Our first purchase for the farm in 2010 was not a new bathroom but a new shed for the cows.  I guess I will sleep easier at night knowing that they are warm and comfortable in their new shed.  We are fortunate to have a great livestock manufacturer in our area.  Check out http://www.dartar.ca/  I'll just keep dreaming about that new shower.

How Much Does It Cost to Raise A Calf?

Tonight I participated in the Canadian Beef Breeds Council, Purebred Producer Cost of Production training.  This unique COP workbook is tailored specifically to purebred beef cattle producers. It is an interactive tool providing key cost-analysis and benchmarking functions. It can help you manage your production costs, make the most of available farm and family resources and ensure the long-term profitability of your purebred operation. The information tracked and evaluated through this tool allows you to make informed decisions, evaluate the return on investment and profitability of each aspect of your purebred cattle programs, and plan for the future. Canada is the only country to have devloped this FREE tool for their Purebred Producers.  We all think we know what it costs to raise these purebred cattle, but this will really show us what part of our operation is working well.  I would encourage you to sign up for the next interductory online - interactive session. Learn how and why to use these new business tools.

Session A       7:30 to 9:00 p.m.

This introductory session will introduce you to the tools, how they work and the benefits they offer your purebred operation. (choose one date)

Winter 2010: Jan 19th, 27th, and Feb 2nd

http://resources.canadianbeefbreeds.com/

Revolution - Video

We are excited to feature our newest herdsire IPU Revolution 172U that we own with Beechinor Simmentals. Limited semen packages are available. Click here for pedigree information.

Welcome from the Young's

Welcome and Happy New Year 2010.  2010 has started off on the right foot.  Mother Nature has given us above normal temperatures to start the new year and our calving season.  We thought that we would start a new venture this year by writting this blog.  It's amazing how each year our energy levels increase with the anticipation of the new calf crop.  We have 8 calves born to date and each one is exciting in their genetic potential.  Throughout 2010 we will share with you the highs and lows that we will probably experience being in the Agriculture sector.  But  ask us if we would change our lifestyle choice for something more stable, and the answer would defenitaly be NO.  We hope that you will follow us through the year and learn a bit more about High Country Cattle Services, the Young Family and the Simmental business. Thanks for dropping by, and we'll chat again soon.  Rob & Deanne