Friday Flashback - The Line One Influence

Jenkins Ranche Ad -- 1982

Our herd has always been influenced by Line 1 breeding -- this ad was done in 1982 and pictured one of our feature L1 sires at the time.   If you look WAY back in some of the pedigree of our females -- you can still find a few of these bulls.   

Almost 30 years later our breeding program is still being influenced by L1 genetics.  In the last few years we have been fortunate enough to find Line 1 genetics that fit very well into our breeding program.    These sires offered us all of the traits we were looking for at the time -- strong maternal strength -- strong carcass traits -- moderate/low birth weights -- and structural soundness.  

CJH HARLAND 408

One of those sires we used was CJH HARLAND 408.  Initailly we used Harland on our replacements heifers because of his low birth weight and high growth potential.    As we put his daughters into production we were quickly made aware of the strength of his females and to this day have used 4 of his sons in our breeding program.   The daughters of these home raised sons are passing on Harlands same maternal strength and style.




JENRAN 408 HARLAND 14U
Sired by Harland
Pictured July 11, 2011 -- 2 cycles into breeding season

The other Line 1 bull that we are really excited about is a bull that we purcahsed from Holden Herefords.  When we first saw him we were so impressed with the amount of muscle and lower quarter in the bull -- and he also provided us with that extra red pigment that we were looking for.   It is hard sometimes to find a bull who is full of hard muscle -- yet loose hided and soft flanked -- and yet those traits we both obvious in this bull.   "Jack" as we call him (I have to wonder how many of Holdens bull carry that same nickname ! LOL !) ..... has been used extensively here in the last 2 years .. this year alone he has bred almost 50 females.  We hope to have a number of his offspring represented at the World Hereford Conference in 2012.



HH ADVANCE 8248U 
 or "Jack" as we call him
Pictured at 3yrs of age after 2 cylces of breeding - July 2011



If you are interested in knowing where the Line 1 cattle came from --- and about their breeding -- I dug up a great article on the subject-- including some pics. of foundation Line 1 sires

Line 1 Hereford Cattle: More Than 75 Years of Research

 

Jen

Friday Flashback - Bonanza



Reserve Champion Straight bred Hereford Steer -- purchased from Jenkins Ranche




11 Days until Bonanza .........

This is what my younger hereford friends told me last night -- they had been busy working on scrapbooks and all kinds of things -- including their heifer that they are taking to the show.   Their excitement is contagious -- it warms my heart and renews my optimism in the Hereford breed when I hear their excitement about their cattle and the upcoming Junior show. 

In 2008 the kids and I attended Bonanza in Medicine Hat -- it was a really special few days for me -- and I believe for the kids too.   This year Bonanza - which is our National Junior Hereford Show will be held in Saskatoon, SK on July 27th - 31st. 

Of course --- after I spoke on the phone with the kids --- and remembered my earlier promise to be there to watch them show --- I made the final decision to fly to Saskatoon on the Friday of the show.   I just couldn't tell them that "Auntie Jenny" would be busy haying that week.   I am really looking forward to it -- and will be sure and keep everyone posted on what in happening at Bonanza 2011 !

Jen

Friday Flashback -- Calgary Stampede



Calgary Stampede 1988


Well --- I thought with the Calgary Stampede kicking off today - it was only fitting that I use a Stampede "flashback".

In 1988 our brand -- which is a "J" was recognized for being 100 years old.    Registered in 1888 we have continued to use the same brand all these years.   Most of our cattle now will carry the brand on the left rib - or the left hip.  When we went to the Stampede in '88  I remember feeling quite honored that we were receiving this recognition.   

Some people may wonder why we still continue to brand our cattle with the "J" -- while there are a number of reasons for this -- I believe a lot of it is that we are proud of the cattle we raise --- and we are not afraid to put our own "stamp" on them.   It is some of the best advertising we can get !

I have lot's of other good memories of attending the cattle show at the Stampede over the years --- and making a trip or two to the Nashville North tent while we were there !

I don't think we will make it up to the Stampede this year --- but I would like to wish those of you competing in the Steer Classic the best of luck ! To those of you who might just be heading up to catch the rodeo -- I too wish you luck fighting the traffic, parking and crowds !!! LOL !

Jen