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September 13, 2008 brought excitement and a great opportunity
for 4 Canadian Fullblood Simmental breeders. When the auctioneer’s
hammer dropped at the Future’s One Sale in Meaford,
Ontario a $40,000.00 homozygous polled, full Fleckvieh,
fullblood bull, named Gibby’s TNT, became their exclusive
property. This bull’s moderate birth weight, ample
growth performance and sound, well muscled structure made
for competitive Canadian and American bidding. The guarantee
of all his offspring being polled heightened the demand.
Anchor D Ranch, Leahy Stock Farm, Prospect Hill Simmentals
and Stone Simmentals were the fortunate purchasers. Although
they represent different regions of Canada each breeder
appreciates the genetics and marketing opportunities this
homozygous polled bull brings.
The rolling ranch land of
Rimbey in central Alberta is the home of the Skeels family
of Anchor D Ranch. Dan, Karen, Mackenzie and Garren Skeels
represent the 3rd and 4th generations to actively ranch
this spread. Family involvement is crucial to the success
of this operation. Dan is an accomplished auctioneer, having
won the World Livestock Auctioneer Championship in 2004.
The purebred Simmental operation began in 1981, when Dan,
at the age of 10 first purchased fullblood Simmentals.
Traditionally, they have focused on German and Austrian
Fleckvieh bloodlines and have recently added South African
genetics. The current herd is predominantly full Fleckvieh
fullbloods with 235 cows calving in 2009. Anchor D Ranch
will host its 10th annual bull sale in February and its
annual Pasture Treasures female sale in August. They offer
a selection of semen and embryos qualified for international
sales. The addition of the TNT bull offers a wider genetic
selection and the polled convenience trait.
Bernard and
Lise Leahy and family of Leahy Stock Farm operate a purebred
beef operation near Peterborough, North East of Toronto,
Ontario. Irish settlers started clearing the rolling drumlin
hills of this community in 1825. Long, white pine logs
cut from this farm were used in British sailing ships.
The topography is rolling, moderately stony with sandy
loam soil. Cattle and perennial forages are therefore an
ideal fit. Purebred breeding stock, commercial crossbred
females and direct beef sales contribute to this operation.
Raising both Simmentals and Shorthorns provides the chance
to compare and blend the benefits of these complimentary
breeds. A small land base necessitates the need for purchased
feed. The traits of efficient fleshing ability, moderate
frame size and abundant muscling makes the Fleckvieh fullblood
a practical fit. Local commercial producers more frequently
prefer both polled pedigreed bulls and polled crossbred
females. The Leahy’s look forward to the fertility
and polled growth performance of TNT’s offspring.
Located on 700 acres near London, Ontario, Prospect Hill
Simmentals has a prominent and dedicated name in the Canadian
Simmental industry. Andrew Schuller, his wife Lisa, son
Owen, mother Ann and brother Peter have continued with
the pedigreed Simmental operation started by Andrew’s
father Norbert. Norbert Schuller was drawn to the Simmental
breed because of its traits of milk production, ample muscling
and overall maternal strength. Andrew realizes these traits
can be continued in a polled package with the TNT bull.
The Prospect Hill herd numbers 60 registered females with
plans to continue to increase with the acquisition of elite
full Fleckvieh females. They use three walking herd sires
as cleanup after AI and embryo work has been completed.
Only selective animals are marketed in prestigious sales
with the purpose of enhancing the buyers’ breeding
programs. The Schullers are optimistic about the future
of the Simmental breed and are committed for the long term.
A 3500 acre pasture and grain farm near Pigeon Lake, Alberta
is home for Stone Simmentals. Blaine and Susann Stone and
Blair and Cheryl Stone and their families have operated
this breeding program for 13 years. Their herd consists
of 80 full Fleckvieh fullblood cows and 230 commercial
beef cows. The Stones place a strong selection emphasis
on maternal traits, calving ease and high performance.
Great dispositions are also a must as family involvement
is a key ingredient. The herd is headed up by sires Anchor
D Narcissus and Anchor D Hiawatha. Their newest addition,
Gibby’s TNT, will enhance their breeding priorities
and add an important polled trait. March will see them
marketing a selection of quality breeding bulls at the
annual Bull Rush Simmental sale at Rimbey. Embryos are
also available. Sales are vital but the Stone families
take pride in optimum customer service to ensure their
bulls are meeting customer needs. With strong genetics
and customer service, Stone Simmentals prides itself on
being a source of “ Rock Hard” genetics.
Following
his time at stud, Gibby’s TNT will be a walking herd
sire for a select group of Anchor D Ranch and Stone Simmental
females.
We wish to thank the Staff of the British Simmental
Cattle Society for their professional service and the opportunity
to introduce ourselves to the readers of the “Annual
Review”. |
