Minnesota Simmental Association

Minnesota simmental
spring 2011 Issue
News
Congratulations to our 2011
Simmental Queen, Bailey Pankonin!
2011 Traveling Bell Award recipients;
Matt & Jessica Aggen, presented by 2010 winner
Adrienne Hilbrands of Hilbrands Simmental
Congratulations Minnesota
Simmental enthusiasts!
Dusty Volz Memorial Scholarship recipients;
Jennifer Thesing & Cliff Kaehler
(Seth Kaehler accpeting award for Cliff )
Outstanding Senior Member Award
recipients; Bruce & Beth Andersland

The Minnesota Simmental Association celebrated another success weekend on February 25th and 26th, 2011 as they held their annual
meeting, large state banquet and 38th Annual Simmental Sale in Rochester, MN. Despite the blowing snow prevailing in the area, a large
crowd was on hand sale day to select cattle from 27 of the top Simmental breeders in Minnesota. The weekend events also including the
crowning of the new Queen Bailey Pankonin of Lamberton, MN, honoring Outstanding Seniors, Bruce and Beth Andersland of Emmons,
MN, Traveling Bell honors went to Matt and Jessica Aggen and family of Harmony, MN, Commercial Producer Award went to JB Farms of
Appleton, MN and many Juniors were honors with jackets for County Fair achievements.
Auctioneer: Col. Al Conover (IA) | Sale Management: Eberspacher Enterprises, Inc. (MN)
Marketing Reps: Val Eberspacher (MN), Matt Aggen of MN Simmental Assoc., Tom Rooney of Lee Agri-Media Livestock Group,
Mike Sorenson of Livestock Plus and Kelly Schmidt of the American Simmental Assoc.
Lot #1 Pick of the Herd - $9,500
A Flush from any Female in the Grass-Lunning Herd
Consignor: Grass Lunning Simmentals
Buyer: AJE Cattle Company of Marshall, MN and Chase Cattle
Company of Chatfield, MN
Lot #2 Pick of the Herd - $5,200
Choice of the Brant Farms Bred Heifers
Consignor: Brant Farms
Buyer: K-LER Cattle Company of St. Charles, MN
Lot #26 GBL/K-LER Firenze 16X - $4,500
K-LER Make It Rain x G616 (SimAngus) –
Sold Open
Breeder: K-LER Cattle Company
Buyer: TMJ Show Cattle of Lancaster, WI
Lot #51 WF Grand Slam 14X - $3,500
SS Ebonys Grandmaster x Lady Sarge Pref
Angel S6014
Breeder: Wilmes Farms
Buyer: Stan Bergan of LeRoy, MN
Lot #30 RCC Puppy Love X0079 - $3,200
RCC Heavyweight U8006 x RCC Black Star
T7076 – Sold Open
Breeder: Redalen Cattle Company
Buyer: Pigtail Acres of Peterson, MN
Lot #10 Volz’s Dream Sister W12 - $4,300
CNS Dream On L186 x JS Sister 3N – Bred to
SS Ebonys Grandmaster
Breeder: Volz Farms
Buyer: K-LER Cattle Company of St. Charles,
MN
Lot #21 Miss Sarge Diva X0004 - $3,100
Plainview Lutton E102 x Lady Sarge In Dew
Time T7268 – Sold Open
Breeder: Sargeant Farms
Buyer: Durheim Family of
Sandstone, MN
Lot #15 RCC Mark Me Sweet W4094T -
$4,000
RCC Trademark S6045 x RCC Sinfully Sweet
– Bred to Ellingson Legacy M229
Breeder: Redalen Cattle Company
Buyer: Josh Brown of Peterson, MN
Lot #8&8A Embryos by BDV Sabrina
6S13 - $3,000
3 Frozen Embryo Package by GCF Mr.
Amigo & 3 Frozen Embryo Package by
STF Dominance T171
Breeder: Sargeant Farms
Buyer: Stan Askeland of St. James, MN
2
Lot #7&7A Embryos By Cherrys Legacy
P023 - $3,750
3 Frozen Embryo Package by Kappes
Trailblazer & 3 Frozen Embryo Package by
DJ Salution
Breeder: AJE Cattle Company
Buyer: Hudak Cattle Company of
Minneapolis, MN
Sale Averages:
2 Special Pick of the Herd Lots averaged $7,350
8 Bred Simmental Females averaged $2,994
31 Open Simmental Females averaged $2,070
3 Simmental Yearling Bulls averaged $2,733
7 Frozen Embryo Lots averaged $2,314
51 Total Simmental Lots averaged $2,500
Lot #12 RCFS Wiggles 41E-9W - $3,000
Mytty In Focus x RCS Elisha – Bred to HTP
SVF In Dew Time
Breeder: Roger Claeys Simmental
Buyer: Carlisle Farms of Sparta, WI
Lot #17 OMF Dixie W99 - $3,000
Hooks Pharoah 16P x OMF Dixie S51 –
Bred to S A V Bismarck
Buyer: Kaelberer Ranch of New Salem,
ND

2011 MJSA State Merchandise Auction
Donated By: Merchandise: Purchased By:
Bill Krause Simmental Pillow Dave Durheim
Eberspacher Enterprises Guys Basket Pankonin Family
AJE Cattle Co. "The Charcoal Connoisseur" Roger Claeys
Franke Family Farm Picture Bruce Andersland
Franke Family Farm Picture Brass Family
Ralph & Mena Kaehler Tony Oliva Baseball Bob Franke
Bruce & Beth Andersland Lighted Cow and Calf Bakeberg Family
Bruce & Beth Andersland Framed Print Harold Williams
Redalen Cattle Co. Assorted Cheese Basket Mena Kaehler
Brass Family Digital Frame Livestock Plus/Mike Sorenson
Claeys Family Tailgaters Basket Gabe Chase
Claeys Family Summer Fun Basket Kory Bigalk
Marla Thissen Tablerunner basket Lori Franke
Jay Harguth Simmental Sign Hillbrands Simmental
Dr. Kory Bigalk Donor Flush and Embryo Transfer Ed Kaehler
Nate & Carrie Horman Wine Bottle Holder Pankonin Family
Jim & Stacy Mueller Cooler w/ Goodies Jay Harguth
Thesing Family Baking Basket Mark Dietz
Mike Lynch/Hubbard Feeds Lick Tub and Cap Andersland Simmentals
Allen Family Necklace and GC Julie Hudak
Hook/Virnig Families Show/Grooming Basket Tri E Simmentals
Eberspacher Enterprises CJ Brown Print Grass Lunning Simmentals
Mulert Southside Simmentals Wine/Cheese Basket Mena Kaehler
Bill Krause/Agri News 1 Agri News Subscription Paul Krueger
a note from the
junior president
Greetings Simmental Enthusiasts! The Junior
meeting during State Sale went very well.
Members reminisced about last years shows,
and were encouraged to create new memories
by attending AJSA Regionals and Nationals this
summer. Junior members are reminded to apply
for Merit Awards through the AJSA. Also, the
Minnesota Junior Spring Classic is right around
the corner. I look forward to seeing our junior
members at shows this summer. Good luck to
everyone!
Your President,
Andrea Diehn
President :: Andrea Diehn
Vice President :: Theresa Claeys
Secretary :: Bailey Pankonin
Tresurer :: Mackenzie Brass
Board Members :: Sam Virning,
Clint Harguth & Brandi Raatz
2010
Jacket
Winners
Youth exhibiting
Champion Simmental
Genetics at their
County Fairs!
Ethan Anderson – Pope County – Heifer and Feeder Calf
Laura Mulert – Steele County – Cow/Calf
Dylan Lunning – Mower County – Feeder Calf
Clint Harguth – Winona County – Heifer and Cow/Calf
Collin Grass – Mower County – Heifer
Lucus Grass – Mower County – Steer
Heather Jager-Durheim – Pine County – Feeder Calf
Michael Durheim – Pine County – Heifer
Dylan Celander – Martin County – Heifer
Hunter Aggen – Fillmore County – Cow/Calf
Kirsten Pike – Isanti County – Cow/Calf
Jennifer Johnson – Chisago County – Cow/Calf
Paul Elmstrand – Isanti County – Steer
Hilary Hawkins – Dakota County – Cow/Calf
Brandi Raatz – Pipestone County – Heifer
Megan Boesl – Douglas County – Heifer
Katie Boesl – Douglas County – Steer
Seth Kaehler – Olmsted County – Heifer
Kjersten Pearson – Meeker County – Heifer
Andrea Diehn – Sibley County – Heifer
Sarah Virnig – Mille Lacs County – Heifer
Zac Virnig – Mille Lacs County – Cow/Calf
Cassandra Hook – Redwood County - Heifer
3

JB Farms Selected as MSA
Commercial Producer of the Year
The Minnesota Simmental Association announced the 2011
MSA Commercial Producer of the Year Award going to JB
Farms of Correll, MN owned and operated by Justin & Dr. Rachel
Bakeberg along with daughter Carolynn. This award was
presented at the annual banquet in Rochester, MN. The
mission statement that the award carries is to honor an
outstanding commercial producer who has utilized the
Simmental breed for powerful heterosis.
Val & Lori Eberspacher (left) pictured with Rachel & Justin Bakeberg
JB Farms consist of 175 black commercial cross cows with emphasize on low birth weights, high weaning weights and strong
maternal traits. The Bakeberg’s have been using Simmental bulls in the operation for over 15 years and that F1 cross allows
them to sell calves in late fall at the Hub City Livestock Auction in Aberdeen, SD. This firm consistently tops the market with
feeder steers and heifers that have ideal phenotype and the ability to gain built in.
Calving ease is especially important in any herd, Justin smiles and comments, “it is really important when you are the one
married to the vet!” Dr. Rachel operates her own Vet Practice in Appleton, MN. The couple says they will continue utilizing
Sim-genetics and wish to send a thank you to the MN Simmental Association for this prestigious award.
Breeders Spotlight
Kory Bigalk
4
Kory and wife Kareen,
with twins James & Lila
Kory’s parents, Earl and Arlene Bigalk, started Diamond K Farms in 1975, named after
their seven children whose names all start with the letter K. They purchased their first
Simmentals in 1977. The Simmental herd grew to about 50 purebred cows before
Earl and Arlene passed away in 1987. The farm and most of the cattle were sold in
1988.
A few of the better cows were sent to Dr. Lynn Aggens which allowed Kory to remain
involved with 4-H and Simmental cattle throughout his youth which included
serving as the MJSA President and also serving a term on the National Junior
Simmental Association’s Board of Directors.
Along with the Aggen crew, Kory did a great deal of showing from the county fair to
national classics which were highlighted by Kory and Matt’s heifer “Snickers” being
named Reserve Overall Female at their first AJSA National Classic in 1989 in Des
Moines, IA.
Kory has owned Simmental cattle with the Aggen family ever since and more recently has bought some cows with Bob Grass
of Grass-Lunning Simmentals. Between the two herds, Kory owns about 20 mostly purebred cows. Kory is able to graze
most of the cows at his place for the summer but they are sent back to Aggens’ and Grass’ for the winter. The cattle are
marketed through Grass’ Bulls Eye Bonanza sale, the MN State Simmental Sale and sold privately.
Kory’s youthful influences, experiences and desire to work in the cattle industry led him to the University of Minnesota in
1991 where he did his undergraduate studies and attended veterinary school. After graduating from veterinary school in
1998, he worked as a large animal veterinarian for 12 years before purchasing Future Genetics from Dr. Clair Sauer in March of
2010. Dr. Sauer’s business was combined with his current embryo transfer clientele to begin Diamond K Genetics, PLC.
Diamond K Genetics is a full service embryo transfer business that Kory operates out of his home in Zumbrota, MN. In
addition to traditional embryo transfer services, Kory also provides reproductive ultrasound services, in vitro fertilization
services and is in the process of building a donor housing facility in Leroy, MN in partnership with Grass-Lunning Simmentals.
Kory married Kareen Kurth on New Year’s Eve in 2007 and they welcomed twins, James and Lila, into the world on October 5,
2010. Kareen was very involved in 4-H although not with livestock(this was new to Kory because he didn’t know 4-H was
anything besides showing livestock). They are excited to continue the tradition of raising a family heavily involved in 4-H,
Simmental Cattle and animal agriculture. (However, there is some disagreement on whether the kids will be forced to
participate in Share the Fun).

NEW INCENTIVE PROGRAM FOR JUNIORS SPONSORED
BY THE MINNESOTA SIMMENTAL ASSOCIATION
At the February annual meeting, the MSA decided to
sponsor a new incentive program for juniors. When a junior
purchases a female at the annual MN State Simmental Sale,
the junior has the option to bring the female back as a bred
female to resell at the next year’s auction, or if the junior
purchased a bred female, the junior may bring back her
resulting off-spring to sell at the next year’s auction. When
the junior brings back the animal to sell, they will only be
charged ½ of the usual sale expenses. This is a one-time
option available to all juniors. Animals must be purchased
and resold during consecutive years to take advantage of
the program. Consider the opportunities as you study your
2012 MN State Sale catalog!!!
Upcoming Events for 2011:
:: April 16-17: MN Jr. Spring Classic - Austin, MN
:: May 5: Entry deadlines for Regionals
:: June 1: Deadline for submitting Merit Award
Applications (Must qualify for Bronze before you
can receive Silver or Gold)
:: June 10-11: MN Jr. Livestock Show – Rochester, MN
:: June 12: U of M Block & Bridle Show – Rochester,
MN
:: June 15-18: Eastern Regionals – Morehead, KY
:: June 15-18: Western Regionals – Tremonton, UT
:: June 20: Online registration opens for MN State
Fair FFA and Open shows
:: June 20-24: North Central Regionals – Wausau, WI
:: July 3-8: National Classic – Sedalia, MO
:: August 25-September 5: MN State Fair
:: October 20-23: MN Beef Expo
Would you like to highlight your program this summer
We are looking for someone interested in hosting the 2011 Field Day!
On the Road with Kelly
Spring is finally here!! It is a beautiful spring day today and the snow has just about all melted. We have all been anxiously
awaiting this kind of weather. This winter certainly took its toll on cattleman all over the Midwest. Record snowfalls and long cold
spells made it especially long this year. The good thing that made this winter and early spring a lot more bearable has been the
fantastic cattle prices. Record cattle prices across the board have certainly made producers everywhere talk. I can’t tell you how
many different stories I have heard this spring from various cattlemen about their cull cow, slaughter bull, fat cattle or feeders that
reached prices they had never seen before. It has been a lot of fun for everyone.
I wrote a Viewpoint article for the Register coming out about the same time this newsletter should arrive to most of you. I
encourage all of you to check out that article. In it, I talk about the huge demand we have had for Simmental genetics this year. I
also explain how the demand isn’t necessarily from one or two parts of the cattle business, but really every facet of the beef
business wants Simmental genetics to advance their programs and reach their goals. It is truly an exciting time to be in the
Simmental breed. There is no doubt that our breed is achieving some great things in terms of adding value to the overall beef
cattle business. But I want to highlight the point I made in the article about keeping the cattle good. We have to keep making
cattle that are high quality, functional and problem free. We can certainly enjoy the success we are having, but we have to
remember what got us there and what the cattle industry wants. We shouldn’t take this great demand for granted. We need cattle
that calve easy, grow fast and efficiently and have excellent carcass traits. Making cattle that do those things well, as well as
having good physical features and acceptable disposition, will keep our Simmental cattle in high demand for many years to come!
Finally, I want to congratulate the Minnesota Simmental Association for having another great Simmental weekend in Rochester for
the MSA Meeting, Banquet and State Sale. It was a great weekend for Simmental enthusiasts to get together and catch up on
things and talk cattle. While the sale was down on numbers a bit this year, it was still a very nice sale. I can assure you that the
MSA State Sale has a terrific reputation of being one of the top State Association sales in the country. People from other states are
always aware of the offering every year in Rochester. I encourage everyone to bring out their best for next year’s sale. Good ones
are always easy to sell.
I hope to see many of you soon as I am out and about traveling the countryside. If you have any questions about the Association
or if I can help in any way, please let me know. Have a great Spring!
-Kelly Schmidt, ASA Field Representative
406-599-2395, kschmidt@simmgene.com
5

2011 MN Beef Expo Simmental Heifer Donated by:
Hilbrands Simmentals, AJE Cattle Company and Boehland cattle COmpany
Hilbrands Simmentals is a family run operation that purchased their first purebred Simmentals in 1987. They run approximately 75
head of a mature cows and with the help of good cooperative herds try to implant around 150 to 200 embryos each year. Their
donor cows are the base of their program and are hand picked selectively from highly proven cow families based on the attributes
that will produce outstanding seedstock backing up their motto "Predictability Through Top Genetics."
AJE Cattle Co. was established in 2000 with the purchase of the first purebred Simmental show heifer from C-Mor Beef Farms. Since
then, the program has grown with the help of great partners, embryo transfer and 10 donor cows. The focus of the operation is to
produce quality seedstock, backed by proven cow families, to help junior members establish Simmental programs of their own.
Having just completed the American Junior Simmental Program, Amanda Eberspacher has first hand experience of what great
results a Simmental female can have for a young member.
Mel Boehland Cattle Co. is owned by Mel and Pat Boehland of White Bear Lake, MN. A non-cattle owner but cattleman by heart, Mel’s
passion for the cattle industry would often lead him to the MN Beef Expo each year. During one of those visits, he met Val and Lori
Eberspacher resulting in a friendship that led to the fulfillment of Mel's dream of owning cattle. In 2002, he partnered with
Eberspachers to purchase his first Purebred Simmental, JF First Glance. Since then, he's expanded the herd to several donors owned
in partnership with Eberspachers and Hilbrands along with a small set of AI cows. Though their herd may be small the standards are
set high and quality is excellent!
In 2010, Hilbrands Simmentals, AJE Cattle Co, Hecksel Simmental Farm, Mel Boehland Cattle Co and guest consigners established the
Jewels of the Northland Simmental Sale held at the Hilbrands Sale Facility in Clara City, MN. Taking place the first Saturday in
December, the sale offers approximately 100 lots of Simmental Genetics, including show heifers, breds, bulls and embryos. Hilbrands
Simmental and AJE Cattle Co also exhibited and marketed through the National Western Sale, Denver, CO, North American Select
Simmental Sale, Louisville, KY, and the MN State Simmental Sale, Rochester, MN. While a majority of the bulls are marketed privately
off of the farm you may also see them consigned to one of the previous mentioned sales along with the Black Hills Stock Show, Rapid
City, SD.
Hilbrands Simmentals, AJE Cattle Co and Mel Boehland Cattle Co are proud to be the sponsor of this years MBE Simmental Donation
female. We look forward to working with the recipient and wish them the best of luck with their new project!
Highlights from the MN Simmental Assoc.
Annual Meeting, Banquet & State Sale
6

President’s Comments
Dear Fellow Simmental Breeders,
Though it may not feel like spring yet (hopefully the warm weather has decided to arrive prior to this newsletter)
many of you are probably winding down, smack in the middle of, or just beginning your 2011 calving season. If
you don’t already have a vaccination and worming program in place for your herd, now is a good time to discuss
this with your veterinarian. Getting those calves off to a good healthy start by assuring they’re up and nursing
colostrum soon after birth is just the beginning; and by working closely with a local veterinarian you can be
confident that your health program is tailored specifically to your area. As we transition into the breeding
season, don’t forget to keep in mind the MN State Simmental Sale in February and how beneficial it is to our
State Association to having a good solid set of cattle represented there each year. Not only does our sale
embody what MN has to offer as a whole but it is also an opportunity for you the breeder to highlight what your
program has to offer, advertise it nationally through the catalog and potentially use it to create new customers
and opportunities. I thank all of you who have regularly consigned cattle over the years and look forward to
seeing you again next year and challenge those of you who haven’t consigned lately (or at all) to think about
joining us in 2012!
Your MSA President,
Adrienne Hilbrands
President:
Adrienne Hilbrands
365 170th Ave. NW
Hollaway, MN 56249
320-394-2118
hilbraam@morris.umn.edu
Vice President:
Matt Aggen
27133 146th St.
Harmony, MN 55939
507-772-4522 (H)
701-866-3544 (C)
mattaggen@hotmail.com
2011 MSA Officers 2011 MSA Directors
Secretary:
Paul Krueger
9819 Neal Ave. S
Hasting, MN 55033
651-335-6544
pc_krueger@hotmail.com
Treasurer:
Beth Andersland
12758 670th Ave.
Emmons, MN 56029
507-297-5986 (H)
507-402-1095 (c)
andersland@gmail.com
Amy Brass, Jr. Advisor
4340 30th Ave SE | Rochester, MN 55904
flatiron@myclearwave.net
Ed Schmidt
3455 190th St.
Tracy, MN 56175
507-629-3513 (H)
507-530-2635 (C)
eecattle@imail.mvtvwireless.com
Erick Barberg
2545 Rockwood Ave. SW
Cokato, MN 55321
651-260-1951
ebarberg@hotmail.com
Jason Anderson
245 4th St. E
Harmony, MN 55939
507-421-2494
ande3543@umn.edu
Ed Kaehler
203 Cty. Rd. 7 SE
Eyota, MN 55934
ejkaehler@hotmail.com
Bill Krause
12431 Cty Rd 3 NW
Pine Island, MN 55963
507-356-2179
bkrause@agrinews.com
Scott Franke
38572 Co. Rd. 187
Sauk Centre, MN 56378
507-259-7690
frank422@umn.edu
7

Minnesota
Simmental News
1175 Vance Ave.
Beaman, IA 50609
Robyn Amthauer Designs | www.robynamthauerdesigns.com
Join the excitement!
Minnesota
Simmental
Association
www.mnsimmental.com
Adrienne Hilbrands- MSA President
320-394-2118
hilbraam@morris.umn.edu
Kelly Schmidt - North Central
ASA Representative
406-599-2395
kschmidt@simmgene.com
Beth Andersland - MSA Treasurer
507-297-5986
andersland@gmail.com