The

Lowline Ledger Winter 2004 • Official Publication of the American Lowline Registry • Volume 4, Issue 4

It has been an incredible year so far for our Lowline breed of cattle. We have had several shows and sales this year. Kansas City was the new show that we have been invited to and for our first time there we had over 40 head of cattle on display. The numbers indicate that this has been the biggest year yet since the breed has been in the U.S. I feel that the Denver show and sale helped start the year off right and now is the time for us to do that again for the next year. We have exciting plans for Denver this year including an additional $5,000.00 in premiums!! That is more than double what it has been in the past. We also have a speaker lined up from MMI genetics to speak at our banquet. This will help us all understand what goes into the DNA process.

ALR Board of Directors President Eric Craig W197 Hwy 50 Burlington, WI 53105 262-206-3802

So make sure to get away to the Denver show and sale even if you are not exhibiting cattle, this is the year to see what all the excitement is about. We have new positions on the board that are opening and we are pleased with the interest in filling those positions. Thank you Dori for all the hard work that you have done for our breed. You have put your full heart into this breed and that has shown time and time again. We understand your decision and support you in your endeavors. Thanks again Dori. We all know that we are working together to promote and help our breed succeed so please remember that nothing happens over night with exception to getting older. We are currently wrapping up the changes to our bylaws so that they will be up to date. Thank you to those who sent us their input. So keep on giving us you input and thoughts and we as a board will do our best to look into anything that is mentioned. I cannot help but be excited to see what the next year will bring and am looking forward to seeing everyone out in Denver!! Eric Craig, President American Lowline Registry

From: ALR 1912 Clay Street N. Kansas City, MO 64116

Bryan Thomsen 373 L Road Palmyra, NE 68418 402-416-0487 [email protected]

[email protected]

Vice President John Floyd 3104 Palmer Place Lebanon, TN 37090 615-449-9731 home 615-449-9063 fax [email protected]

Secretary/Treasurer Dori Steckley 3814 E. Howell Road, Webberville, MI 48892 Phone: 517-521-3674

John Reed 30217 110th Ave. Brooten, MN 56316 320-346-2750 email: [email protected] ALR Office 1912 Clay Street N. Kansas City, MO 64116 816-221-0641

[email protected]

American Lowline Registry 816-221-0641 www.usa-lowline.org 1

The Lowline Ledger • Winter 2004

FIRST CLASS MAIL

Hotel Headquarters Once again we are using the Embassy Suites Hotel at 4444 N Havana St., Denver, Colorado for our functions. A block of rooms has been reserved for American Lowline members, their guest, and new comers. The Embassy Suites (on Havana) has given us the very best of service these past few years and we appreciate it. Hot, made to order breakfasts are free in the morning. Free happy hour for two hours every evening is also included. The Embassy Suites has free scheduled transportation to the stockyards and will run you to a local restaurant time permitting. A block of rooms has been specially priced for us. To get your reservation made call them at 303-375-0400.

2005 National Western Stock Show Schedule Monday, January 10, 2005 5 p.m. Registration 6 p.m. American Lowline Banquet Embassy Suites Hotel (Havanna St) Tuesday, January 11, 2005 1:00 p.m. Annual Lowline Sale Livestock Center Auction Arena

If you have any questions call John Floyd at 615-449-9731. 6:00 p.m.

American Lowline Registry Annual Banquet Monday, January 10, 2005 5:00 p.m. Registration 6:00 p.m. Banquet Speaker: Tom Holm, Representative from MMI Genomics, Inc. Please use the registration form below for tickets to the Banquet. All checks should be made out to the A.L.R. and sent to: John Floyd Attn: Annual Banquet 3104 Palmer Place Rd. Lebanon, TN 37090

ALR Annual Meeting Breeders Reception to follow Embassy Suites Hotel

Wednesday, January 12, 2005 9:00

National Lowline Show Pepsi Arena (down in the yards) BE A PART OF THE EXCITEMENT AND PROMOTE YOUR OPERATION!

The Breeders reception, right after the Annual Meeting, is all about you. Take this time to promote your livestock to those who attend our Annual Lowline Meeting. There’s only one chance a year to meet our group. Don’t let it pass by. To be a sponsor of the Breeders Reception contact John Floyd at 615-449-9731 or 615-473-4286.

Deadline is January 3, 2005 American Lowline Registry Annual Banquet Monday, January 10, 2005 Embassy Suites Hotel 444 N Havens Street Denver, Colorado Number attending: ________ x $30.00 = $ ____________ Name(s): _______________________________________ Name(s): _______________________________________ Address: _______________________________________ City, State, Zip: _________________________________ Phone: _________________________________________ Sign up early. Make checks out to A.L.R.

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The Lowline Ledger • Winter 2004

5th Annual National Lowline Sale Jan 11, 2005, 1 p.m. National Western Stock Show, Livestock Center Auction Arena Denver, CO Selling 60 Lots: 8 fullblood bulls 4 Percentage bulls 14 fullblood females 4 purebred females 30 percentage females For information or catalog contact: John Reed,auctioneer 320/346-2750 or email: [email protected]

America’s Largest Herd Over 100 fullbloods on the ranch, many directly imported from Australia * Fullblood and percentage Lowlines for sale at all times * Herd starter packages * Semen available on 25 fullblood bulls * Visitors always welcome

Effertz EZ Ranch Neil and Jan Effertz Family 17350 Hwy 1804 N - Bismarck, ND 58503

[email protected]

701-223-5202 www.loala.com

TWIN OAKS CATTLE COMPANY American Lowline Cattle Breeding Stock, Bull Services, Embryos

John Floyd 3104 Palmer Place Phone: 615-449-9731 Lebanon, TN 37090 Fax: 615-449-9063 email: [email protected]

Tequila sired the Grand Champion Bull, Female, % Bull, Get of Sire and 5 of the Best 6 Head at the 2004 NWSS.

Order your semen today. $25/unit Cert$100/$40

Bar J Ranch 30217 110th Ave Brooten, MN 56316

Phone 320-346-2750 Email: [email protected] www.barjranch.com

Eat Lowline Beef and Taste Why More People Enjoy Our Steaks. We have locker beef and individual USDA inspected cuts available either grass-fed or corn-fed. All naturally grown (drug and additive free). Also, half-blood and 3/4 blood open Lowline heifers for sale. Sired by Nitro. For prices contact:

Dwaine or Susan Umberger Rosebud Beef Ranch 29297 346th Ave. • Herrick, SD 57538 605-775-2477 • [email protected]

Grand or Reserve Champion Lowlines at three of the last four National Shows. Fairwyn Farms Eric Craig W197 Hwy 50 Burlington, WI 53105 262-206-3802 [email protected]

East Iowa Lowline Cattle Company 334 290th Street West Branch, Iowa 52358

319-643-7126 • [email protected] Prime American Lowline Cattle at Their Best Fullblood, Purebred and Percentage Cattle For Sale Bred for Conformation and Performance Select Your Next Champion Now!

www.eastiowalowlinecattlecompany.com The Lowline Ledger • Winter 2004

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From Dori Steckley... After careful consideration, I have decided not to seek a second term on the Board of the ALR. It has been my extreme pleasure and honor to serve the membership and hope I have contributed to the growth and inprovement of the American Lowline Registry. I am convinced that new "blood" and new ideas are crucial to our group as we grow and evolve. I am not one to look for a "lifetime" position! Some of the issues we have grappled with and worked on include lowering the costs to register and dna test the fullblood Lowlines: changing the registration form to an easier-to-read and understand format; making a change to the required tattoos for our calves to simplify the process for all members; allocating funds from the Registry to advertising in appropriate publications; and, currently, revisiting the existing By-Laws to be sure they reflect where the Registry is headed. Some items that still can be improved upon include better and more timely response from ALR to membership inquiries; re-design of the website to include ALR forms, rules of the Registry, frequent and timely updates, and working toward a database of Lowlines and their pedigrees on the site. In short, a site that invites frequent visits from current and potential members. Thanks to all for your support over the past three years. There will be a full slate of candidates this year for my seat so, please, research each carefully and vote. If you cannot be in Denver for the "in person" vote, remember, absentee balloting is allowed and you can use the ballot on the back cover of this Lowline Ledger. Dori Steckley www.genesislivestock.com

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The Lowline Ledger • Winter 2004

Candidates For ALR Board of Directors Dennis Boldt - Lakeville, Minnesota I would like to offer to be nominated to the American Lowline Board of Directors in January 2005. With my past six plus years of working and learning about the Lowline breed my knowledge and experience is why I wish to be seated on the board. We started our Lowline percentage herd in 1998 with bred cows, then a full blood bull and then also adding a package of embryos. We currently own or partnership over 40 head of mostly full blood Lowlines. The hobby to have some smaller cattle around instead of just feeder steers in 1998 had turned into exactly what we all claim these Lowline cattle are - a good small business. They are: • Versatile: for breeding and the beef market • Exciting: for quality and history they bring to us • Challenging: for where they fit in today’s and tomorrow s market • Quality: the most pure Angus in the world • Profitable: dollars per animal lbs.- in sales, cost savings in feed and keep So when someone asked, what good are these animals?, I get excited and ask what they want in these cattle because Lowlines fit almost all possible needs from beef to breeding. My history: born in Paynesville, MN on a dairy farm, raised with three brothers and a sister, where my dad was voted outstanding young farmer of the year (early 60’s) for milking a large herd of 70 some cows. My family: wife, Denise, of almost 30 years, two daughters that are both in college, and my son in-law that is currently serving in Iraq, with the US Marines. I have been self-employed over 25 years, operating eight stores with 40 plus employees, perhaps the reason for the cattle and only two stores now. LLB is my herd breeder letters, standing for Lakeville Lowline Breeders and/or Lakeville Lowline Beef. I have attended and exhibited all six years at our great Denver National Stock Show and Iowa State Fair. Also at the local county fairs with local breeders. The

American Royal Show was a new show this year in Kansas City, Missouri, where over 40 head were shown. It was great. I will continue to promote our breed and support the Lowline Directors and would like to thank all past and current board members for the excellent job they have done to help make the Lowline breed what it is today. We have all worked hard to bring this breed together and show others what we have.

George Jenkins North Platte, Nebraska I was born and raised in a small rural town in Nebraska. My father and his father raised and maintained a herd of registered Hereford cattle. Later, my father also ran a 200-cow calf commercial herd. I attended grade school in Hershey, NE and attended high school in Gothenburg, Nebraska. Upon graduating in 1975, I moved to Minden, Nebraska, where I was foreman for a farm/ranch operation, farming 1,900 acres of irrigated corn, and operating a 3,500 head commercial feedlot. In 1978 I married my wife Tammy. We have four children: a daughter, Malinda, who is married and has given us two beautiful granddaughters, a son, Logan, who attends the University of Lincoln, a son, George III, (Mac) who attends and plays football for Chadron State College, and a son, Tanner, who is still at home and attends Hershey Public Schools. I have raised and shown Quarter Horses and Appaloosa’s for the last 30 years, and have owned and shown several world and national champions. I started my own construction business in 1985, which I still own and operate today. In the late 80’s and early 90’s we maintained a pork operation, producing seed stock for commercial producers. I served on the Lincoln County Chapter of the Nebraska Pork Producer’s Council from 1991 to 1994. We also run a small herd of commercial cows, supplying calves to local ranchers in the spring. In January of this year, I started looking for a more economical way to raise more beef per acre, which led to my involvement with the American Lowline Breed. I

Candidates For ALR Board of Directors purchased my first cattle in March 2004, and currently run a herd of 42 head, consisting of 1/2 bloods, 3/4 bloods, purebreds, and full blood cattle. The plans for the future include expanding to a 75 head cow herd to produce seed stock, and bulls to the commercial producers. I am promoting the American Lowline thru my own website, www.diamondjranch.net Since July, I have helped six new members get involved with the Lowline breed, which has led to cattle being shipped to five different states. I had a display of cattle at the Lincoln County Fair this past fall, and will have a display at the Spring Farm and Ranch Expo, held in North Platte, this February. We will also be holding our second annual Jr Lowline show in North Platte, in June, 2005. I am very excited to be part of the American Lowline Breed.

John Reed - Brooten, Minnesota I am seeking another term on the board of directors of the American Lowline Registry. It has been rewarding to see this breed grow from a handful of interested individuals in 1997 to over 400 members in the past seven years. As a board we have organized the registry, developed a web page and newsletter, promoted several shows including our showcase, the National Show and Sale at the National Western. This was started with only a few hundred head in our breed, a feat which no other breed can claim. We have tried to make the registry more user friendly by simplifying our registration applications, providing DNA cards at no cost and negotiating a reduction in DNA costs. As a member of this small breed with five members on the national board, I believe it is very important to have experienced cattlemen represented on the board. I have been involved with the Angus breed for 30 years, and served on our state board for 24 years. As an auctioneer, I have worked with several other breeds and have observed what has worked for them as well as what has been detrimental to their growth and prosperity. This experience is very important in making decisions regarding the future direction of the registry and the breed. I am committed to making the Lowline breed a player in the commercial cattle

industry. There are a variety of niche markets that fit this breed so well. Grass fed, organic and natural beef are all viable markets. Lowlines for calving ease and efficiency in the cow herd. Lowline composites can improve cutability, quality grade and retail yeild. We have a great story to tell and we can breed cattle within this breed to achieve these goals. I hope to continue to lead this breed to the future and ask for your vote for the board of directors.

Shari Schroeder - Missouri With encouragement from Dori Steckley, since she is not running for reelection to the American Lowline Registry Board of Directors, I have decided to run for this open seat. I spent many wonderful hours while growing up, working and observing cattle on my Grandfather’s Flint Hills Kansas farm. My husband, Don Brown, and I have raised livestock for over 20 years. In the 1980’s I was fortunate to work as a Registered Medical Technologist at the Kansas State University School of Veterinary Medicine. The work done at this regional diagnostic, teaching and research facility allowed me to observe not only a variety of unique cases in livestock medicine but also the development and refinement of new procedures and outcomes of various research trials. This experience gave me a greater appreciation and awareness of both the economics and the science of livestock management. Following completion of a Master’s Degree in Electrical and Computer Engineering in 1992, I began working as a manager in Information Technology and we moved to the Kansas City area. Listening and understanding the needs of my customers and staff, communicating clear and concise directions and making informed decisions are undoubtedly the most important aspects of my job. I would like the opportunity to put these communication and technical skills to work for you. My close proximity to the American Lowline Registry will provide me an opportunity for more frequent face to face interaction with the office. Don and I are so impressed with the Lowline breed and the benefits they offer to us as small-scale, grass fed, beef pro-

ducers we are replacing our commercial Angus herd with fullblood Lowlines. Because of the potential we see for the Lowline breed we are actively promoting through shows, exhibitions, and personal contacts. According to Gene Raymond, instructor with the Graham School for Cattlemen, there are approximately 76 beef breeds of cattle in the United States today and the biggest problem faced by the commercial cattle industry is an inconsistent end product. We have a magnificent opportunity with the Lowline breed; these animals have been genetically selected from the best for traits that are highly desired by industry. But we must promote and grow this breed to survive and compete. A strong Registry can help us in many ways and we can improve upon what we have today. I strongly believe in using information to make strategic decisions. I would like to see a greater use of technology by our Registry to gain efficiencies in communication with the membership, streamline the registration process and provide greater access to information for both members and potential members. These changes would help each of us to do more to promote the Lowline breed. I would appreciate your support.

The International Letter Code for 2005 is:

R

Winter 2004 • The Lowline Ledger

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Breeders Reception Tuesday, January 11 Following our Annual meeting will be your chance to get to know other Lowline Breeders. This is a once a year opportunity for you the Lowline Breeder to promote your product in front of a very focused crowd. We are looking for more members to be a part of this year’s event. The cost if $50.00 per member. Make checks out to A.L.R. and send them to John Floyd, Attn: Breeders Reception, 3104 Palmer Place Rd., Lebanon, TN 37090

A.L.R. Board Positions There are two positions for board member for the Registry up for reelection or open. If you are not able to make the Annual meeting Tuesday January 11, 2005 at 6:00 p.m. use the absentee ballot form in this issue of the Lowline Ledger. Only one copy per membership number.

National Sale January 11, 2005 We’ve seen record sales for Lowline cattle sold in the United States this year. Prices for Full bloods and Percentage cattle continue to climb. Membership is growing faster then ever and we expect this Sale to be a GREAT success. Please attend the Annual Lowline Sale at the Livestock Center Auction Arena, 1:00 p.m. NWSS grounds, Denver, Colorado.

Neil Effertz at the 2004 American Royal Lowline Show - Kansas City, Missouri.

Official Notice The American Lowline Registry Annual Membership Meeting will be held on Tuesday, January 11, 2005 at 6:00 p.m. at the Embassy Suties Hotel, 444 N Havens Street, Denver, Colorado. All ALR members are encouraged to attend. Breeders Reception to follow.

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The Lowline Ledger • Winter 2004

Dennis Bolt at the 2004 American Royal Lowline Show - Kansas City, Missouri. Photos by Jim Spawn

2004 American Royal Lowline Show Results Class 01 1st-GNS STARS ‘N STRIPES 5P 2nd- EZ MISS SHOWSTRIPPER 715P

DORI STECKLEY EFFERTZ EZ RANCH

Class 02 1st - EBC MARGARITA 2nd - EZ MISS UTAH 320P 3rd - EZ MISS KENO 319P

KENT McCUNE EFFERTZ EZ RANCH EFFERTZ EZ RANCH

Class 03 1st - GNS PRETTY 1P 2nd - BCR ANNABELL PB02 3rd - BAR J WYNONNA L1 - P23 4th - EZ MISS PRIDE 307P 5th - EZ MISS SHOWGIRL 702P 6th - WAR LADD

DORI STECKLEY BRYAN THOMSON JOHN REED EFFERTZ EZ RANCH EFFERTZ EZ RANCH DENNIS BOLDT

Class 04 1st - EZ TWO BIT 364N

EFFERTZ EZ RANCH

Class 05 1st - EZ MISS KING 151N

EFFERTZ EZ RANCH

Class 06 1st - EZ MAGGIE 33P 2nd - SHARIDON’S APRIL

EFFERTZ EZ RANCH SHARIDON FARMS

Class 07 1st - BAR JE NELL OK9 - 4P1 2nd - EZ PERFECTION 2P

BAR J RANCH EFFERTZ EZ RANCH

Class 08 1st - BAR J NADINE 9J32-3N57 2nd - BAR J NADINE L14-3N58 3rd - FLR DIXIE

BAR J RANCH BAR J RANCH JAY MYERS

Class 09 1st - EZ LADY LUCK 51N 2nd - BAR J NADINE L14-3N38 3rd - ANN LADD 4th - BCR DIANA NF01

EFFERTZ EZ RANCH BAR J RANCH DENNIS BOLDT BRYAN THOMSON

Class 10 1st - BAR J NELLIE 7G1-3N5 2nd - EZ NICOLE 24N 3rd - EZ LOUISE 17N

BAR J RANCH EFFERTZ EZ RANCH EFFERTZ EZ RANCH

Class 11 1st - EZ SHERRY 14L 2nd - JP 48L 3rd - BAR J TARA 8H6 2M29 Class 12 1st - FLORENCE 2nd - KEIMOI SOUTHERN CROSS Class 13 1st - GNS REATTA 6P Class 14 1st - LLB LADD 03A 2nd - BAR J DON JULIO 3N36

EFFERTZ EZ RANCH DENNIS BOLDT SHARIDON FARMS

BRYAN THOMSON SHARIDON FARMS

DORI STECKLEY

DENNIS BOLDT JOHN REED

Class 15 1st - JER-LINDY JOSE N01 2nd - KAITLYN’S NICOLAS

BAR J RANCH SHARIDON FARMS

Class 16 1st - JGH DYNAMO M1

HOBBS LOWLINES

Class 17 1st - EZ LEXUS 18L 2nd - FLR HOGAN

EFFERTZ EZ RANCH JAY MYERS

Class 18 - Get of Sire 1st - BAR J RANCH, BROOTEN MN 2nd - BAR J RANCH, BROOTEN MN 3rd - DENNIS BOLDT, LAKEVILLE MN Class 19 - Breeders Best Six Head 1st - EFFERTZ EZ RANCH, BISMARCK ND 2nd - EFFERTZ EZ RANCH, BISMARCK ND 3rd - BAR J RANCH, BROOTEN MN Percentage Calf Champion EBC MARGARITA Percentage Calf Res. Champion GNS PRETTY 1P Percentage Junior Champion EZ MISS KING 151N Percentage Res. Junior Champion EZ TWO BIT 364N Fullblood Calf Champion BAR J NADINE 9J32-3N57 Fullblood Res. Calf Champion BAR JE NELL OK9 - 4P1 Fullblood Junior Champion EZ LADY LUCK 51N Fullblood Res. Junior Champion BAR J NADINE L14-3N38 Champion Cow/Calf EZ SHERRY 14L Res. Champion Cow/Calf FLORENCE Bull Calf Champion GNS REATTA 6P Bull Junior Champion JER-LINDY JOSE N01 Bull Junior Res. Champion LLB LADD 03A Bull Senior Champion EZ LEXUS 18L Bull Res. Senior Champion JGH DYNAMO M1 Grand Champion Female EZ LADY LUCK 51N Res. Grand Champion Female BAR J NADINE 9J32-3N57 Grand Champion Bull EZ LEXUS 18L Res. Grand Champion Bull JGH DYNAMO M1

KENT McCUNE DORI STECKLEY

EFFERTZ EZ RANCH EFFERTZ EZ RANCH

BAR J RANCH BAR J RANCH

EFFERTZ EZ RANCH BAR J RANCH

EFFERTZ EZ RANCH BRYAN THOMSON

DORI STECKLEY

BAR J RANCH DENNIS BOLDT

EFFERTZ EZ RANCH HOBBS LOWLINES

EFFERTZ EZ RANCH BAR J RANCH

EFFERTZ EZ RANCH HOBBS LOWLINES

Winter 2004 • The Lowline Ledger

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American Lowline Registry Absentee Ballot There are two (2) positions on the ALR Board of Directors to vote for.

INSTRUCTIONS • Please fill out this ballot completely and sign at the bottom. • Mail ballot to: American Lowline Registry (ALR) 1912 Clay Street N. Kansas City, MO 64116 • Be sure to mark “Ballot” on the lower left hand corner of your envelope. • Must be postmarked no later than January 5, 2005. • You must be a current ALR member to vote. • Vote for two candidates only. *You can also vote in person at the ALR Annual Membership Meeting in Denver.

 Dennis Boldt  George Jenkins  John Reed  Shari Schroeder Member’s Signature: ________________________________________________________ Member’s Name: ___________________________________________________________ ALR Member Number: ___________________ Date: ______________________________