Simmental Breeders Reign Supreme - Minnesota Simmental ...

Minnesota
Simmental
Fall 2009 Issue
Simmental Breeders
Supreme Champion Heifer Overall Breeds
MN State Fair Open Show
Falks Alaina
owned by Amanda Eberspacher
News
Reign Supreme
in Minnesota!
Supreme Champion Sale Female
RCC Summer Dreams W7103
Consignor: Redalen Cattle Company
Buyer: Brown Family and Nelson Family Farms,
4- H Senior Breeding Beef
Showmanship Champion
Seth Kaehler, Olmsted County

Minnesota
Beef Expo
October 15 - 18
2
Junior Show
Results
Champion Foundation
Simmental Heifer
Shown by Garret Weber,
Lake Benton, MN
Sired by WAGR Dream-
Catcher
03/09/08
Reserve Champion Foundation
Simmental Heifer
Shown by
Seth Kaehler,
St. Charles, MN
Sired by Interstate
05/03/08
Champion Simmental
Heifer
Shown by
Kayla Nelson,
Mabel, MN
Sired by CNS Dream On
3/16/09
Reserve Champion
Simmental Heifer
Shown by Kayla Nelson
Mabel, MN
Sired by 3C Macho
01/26/08
Sale
Results
The 2009 MN Beef Expo celebrated the
event’s 10th anniversary in grand style.
A record number of commercial exhibits
along with show entries filled the Warner
Coliseum and Beef Barns.
A strong set of Simmental genetics
were offered at auction and purchased by
progressive breeders from the Midwest
region.
12 Simmental Females averaged $2113
Auctioneer: Neil Effertz, MN
Event Coordinator: Mark Goodrich, MN
Sale Management: Eberspacher Enterprises,
Inc., MN
Lot #69 Champion Simmental & Supreme
Champion Female – RCC Summer Dreams
W7103
CNS Dream On L186 x RCC Summer Love T7103 –
Open Simmental Female $8500
Consignor: Redalen Cattle Company, Fountain, MN
Buyer: Brown Family and Nelson Family Farms, Mabel,
MN
Lot #61 Reserve Champion Simmental Female –
BF Matty W3
SVF Star Power S802 x KKCC Manny 702T – Open
Percentage Simmental Female $2,600
Consignor: Boesl Farms, Brandon, MN
Buyer: Kylee Kohls, Litchfield, MN

Hilbrands Simmentals is a family run
operation that began with the purchase of
their first purebred Simmentals in 1987
and expanded to registered Simmentals
in 1990. The base farm is located in
Clara City, MN on Jim’s family farm
where he and his wife Gloria currently
reside and raised their 3 children, Matthew,
Mark and Mandy. While their herd
numbers aren’t large, with the base only
comprising around 75 head of mature
cows, they’ve had the opportunity to work
with very respectful cattle producers and
with their cooperation are able to implant
around 200 embryos each year.
The farm motto is “Predictability
Through Top Genetics” and when analyzing
their current donor line-up, you’ll
quickly realize top genetics and proven
cow families play a huge role in their
donor selection. Their current donor battery
includes the likes of SS Babys Breath,
an own daughter of Triple Crown Winner
Breath Taker and SVF-NJC Expectation
a Denver Champion herself and full
sib to the well know AI sires MoBetter
and MoTown. Their success can
also be traced back to some of the former
donors that once graced their pastures
including SVF Sheza Beauty, the dam of
Steel Force, and HF-GFI Ruby Red who
is the maternal granddam to the popular
AI Sires Remington and Winchester.
Hilbrands feel they owe a large part
of their success in getting their feet off
the ground to fellow breeder Tom Hook,
Exhibitor Name:
Are you an AJSA member?: Yes No
Parent’s Name:
Address:
Phone:
Email:
Exhibited Grand Champion Simmental: Heifer Steer
Feeder Calf Cow/Calf
County Fair:
Animal’s Name & ASA #:
Sire of Animal & ASA #
Breeder of Animal
Jacket Size: Small Medium Large X-Large
Breeders Spotlight
who took the time to help them out and
introduce them to the industry. The Hilbrand
family is also thankful for Hook’s
confidence in their program and for
allowing them to promote their genetics
on his past Bred For Balance sales.
These days you’ll see Hilbrands’
genetics consigned to quite a few different
sales including, but not limited to, the
NAILE in Louisville, The One in Denver,
The Northern Lights sale in Salem, SD,
the MN State Sale, KY Beef Expo, TN
Beef Agribition, as well as the Ohio Beef
Expo.
In addition to the huge role the cattle
operation plays in the family’s daily lives,
they also have jobs off the farm. Recently,
Jim retired from teaching, after dedicating
35 years to the MACCRAY Elementary
School District, and is known working full
time at the farm. Gloria is also a teacher
with the MACCRAY School District and
is just beginning her 28th year of teaching
the 4th grade.
Matthew, married to Adrienne, is a
graduate of South Dakota State University
with a Bachelors Degree in Animal
Science and has been employed as a Farm
Animal Attendant for the past 5 years
at the University of MN’s West Central
Research and Outreach Center (WCROC)
in Morris, MN. Adrienne also a graduate
of SDSU, where she received a Bachelors
degree in Animal Science along with a
Masters degree in Breeding & Genetics,
is also employed with the University of
MN’s WCROC where she has been working
as an Assistant Scientist with the Livestock
Research for the past 6 years. They
reside on a small farm in Holloway, MN
where they
house around
20 head of
sale and show
cattle each year
and are kept
extremely busy
with work,
cattle and
Jazlynn (5) & Jaxon (2)
raising their
two small children, Jazlynn (5) and Jaxon
(2).
Mark also attended SDSU where he
received a Bachelors degree in Animals
Science and has been working for Land O’
Lakes, Inc. of Willmar, MN for the past
6 years. He resides on the family farm in
Clara City where he is actively involved
with the daily management and operations
of the cattle herd.
Mandy and her husband Matt Hamilton,
reside in Arden Hills, MN where
Matt, a graduate of Wheaton College, IL
works in the sales department at Magnet
Street and Mandy, a graduate of Bethel
University stays busy watching over their
one year old, Henry.
Hilbrands say they have thoroughly
enjoyed the years that they’ve experienced
thus far in the Simmental industry, along
with the many friendships and partnerships
they’ve developed through the years.
They look forward with great anticipation
and aspirations to the future and to
strengthening current relationships while
continuing to build their herd and insure it
as a reliable and predictable source of Top
Genetics.
Calling All
County Fair
Winners!
The MSA awards jackets to youth that win their
county fair with Simmental genetics. If you are a
winner, submit application to:
Ryan Hecksel
18250 CO RD 20
Mayer, MN 55360
APPLICATION DEADLINE:
DECEMBER 15, 2009
APPLICATIONS POSTMARKED AFTER
DEC 15 WILL NOT BE PROCESSED
3

MN
State Fair
Heifer Show Results
4
Champion Simmental
exhibited by Theresa Claeys
Faribault County
Champion Foundation
exhibited by Garret Weber
Lincoln County
4-H
Show
Reserve Champion Simmental
exhibited by Kirk Nelson
Mower County
Reserve Champion Foundation
exhibited by Clint Harguth
Winona County
Cow/Calf Pair Show Results
Champion Cow/Calf Pair
exhibited by Leevi Leobold
Mille Lacs County
Steer Show Results
Champion Simmental Steer
exhibited by Katie Boesl
Douglas County
Reserve Champion Cow/Calf Pair
exhibited by Bobbie Johnson
Stevens County
Reserve Champion Simmental
Steer
exhibited by Matthew Putzier
Winona County
2009 MJSA Board
L-R: Amanda, Theresa, Mary,
Jennifer, Seth, Andrea, Laura
President :: Mary Virnig
Vice President :: Andrea Diehn
Secretary :: Thesesa Claeys
Treasurer :: Amanda Eberspacher
Directors: Seth Kaehler,
Jennifer Thesing, Laura Mulert
Hello Everyone!
I hope this finds everyone
safe and happy at the start of the
holiday season. Congratulations
to everyone who represented the
Simmental breed by showing over
the summer! At the MN Beef Expo,
we had many juniors exhibit and
had a great time. The executive
board made a decision to have
the Queen and Princess hand out
a slip of paper to all Simmental
exhibitors, inviting them to join the
association in an effort to have more
people join the MJSA. If you know
of anyone who would like to join
the MJSA, have them contact any
of the executive board and we will
get them going. Juniors, please start
thinking about the State Sale and
the Merchandise Auction. We would
like each family to donate an item
for the merchandise auction and
to make a pan of bars for the food
stand at the sale. More information
will come closer to the weekend.
Good luck to everyone exhibiting
at the National Western Stock Show
and I hope to see all of you at the
State Sale!
Mary Virnig, MJSA President
Have a recipe you’re
willing to share?
Email
ccchristensen@jacks.sdstate.edu

MN Open
State Fair Show
Heifer Show Results
Grand Champion Heifer
Falks Alaina
owned by Amanda Eberspacher
Bull Show Results
Grand Champion Bull
GLS/GF Frontier W21
owned by Grass-Lunning Simmental
& Golly Farms
Italian Beef Pasta
2 lbs ground beef
1 tablespoon vegetable oil
1 medium onion, chopped
1 large clove garlic, minced
1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
1 (14.5-ounce) can Italian-style stewed tomatoes, undrained, broken up
1 (13.75 to 14.50-ounce) can ready-to-serve beef broth
1/4 cup dry red wine
1/2 pound small mushrooms, halved (optional)
1 ½ cups dried noodles (rotini work)
2 tablespoons Parmesan cheese
1. Heat oil over medium heat until hot. Add onion and beef cook
over medium heat until meat is browned. Pour off drippings.
2. Meanwhile cook noodles as directed.
3. Add garlic and Italian seasoning to beef; cook and stir 2 minutes.
Add tomatoes, broth and wine; bring to a boil. Reduce heat;
cover tightly and simmer 1 1/2 hours or until beef is tender.
4. Drain noodles and add them to beef mixture.
5. Stir in mushrooms continue simmer for 20 minutes. Stir in
cheese.
Makes 6 servings
Reserve Champion Heifer
NFF Snowflake U032
owned by Stephanie Krause
Reserve Champion Bull
HSF/HS Harley W913
owned by Hecksel Simmental Farm &
Hilbrands Simmental
What’s for Dinner?
Sloppy Joe Bake
1-1/2 pounds ground beef
1 large yellow onion, chopped (1-1/2 to 2 cups)
2 cans (14-1/2 to 16 ounces each) sloppy Joe sauce
3 cups uncooked rotini
1/2 cup water
1 cup shredded Cheddar cheese
Sliced green onions (optional)
1. Heat oven to 350°F. Heat large nonstick skillet over
medium heat until hot. Add ground beef and yellow
onion; cook 8 to 10 minutes, breaking into 3/4-inch
crumbles and stirring occasionally. Pour off drippings.
Stir in sloppy Joe sauce, rotini and water.
2. Spray 13 x 9-inch glass baking dish with nonstick
cooking spray. Spoon beef mixture into dish; cover with
aluminum foil. Bake in 350°F oven 35 to 40 minutes
or until pasta is tender. Uncover; sprinkle with cheese.
Continue baking, uncovered, 5 minutes or until cheese
is melted.
3. Let stand 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with green
onions, if desired.
Makes 6 servings
FFA
Show
Results
Grand Champion
Simmental FFA Heifer
“Ruby’s Under Control”
shown by Theresa Claeys
Reserve Grand Champion
Simmental FFA Heifer
“AJE Jewels Angel
Embrace”
shown by
Amanda Eberspacher
ATTENTION:
If you have recently moved &
would like to update your
address please contact
Beth Andersland:
andersland@gmail.com
or call 507-297-5986
5

What a fall it has been! This has
certainly been one of the more challenging
harvest seasons
that I can remember
in terms of
moisture, wet
crops and a lack
of good working
days strung
together for more
than a day or two.
The other day
when it was, of
course, raining I talked to a fellow MSA
member and Simmental breeder and he
said “Well, at least we are replenishing the
subsoil moisture well for next year”. That
is the kind of positive attitude we all need
to have when we are in farming, the beef
business and life in general. There doesn’t
seem like there is a lot to be positive about
some days, but with the right attitude, we
can all find a good thing in most situations.
This fall’s cattle business is no different.
Most all of us have watched the cattle
markets and wondered if there is anything
to be positive about. With low prices in
the feedlot sector and calves remaining
high relative to those fat cattle prices, it
makes you wonder how anyone can pencil
it out. I know I am optimistic by nature,
but I really do think that 2010 is looking
up for profitability in the beef business.
I have read some articles lately too, that
agree with me. It may be tough for some
6
On the Road
With Kelly
to hang on, but I think the time to own
good cattle is right around the corner.
Speaking of good cattle… that is
exactly what I want to talk about. In my
travels around the Midwest to breeder’s
herds, sales and meetings I most commonly
get asked, “How are cattle selling
at the sales?” and “What sire groups look
good?” Well my answer the first question
is that the good cattle in any offering,
whether it is registered cattle, commercial
cattle, or show heifers, is that the good
cattle are selling as high as or even higher
than ever before.
Cattle that have good performance and
growth to them and have a pedigree and
cow family that is somewhat proven have
sold very well at all of the sales I have
been to this fall.
It is the middle-of-the-road cattle that
have taken the fall at a lot of the sales I
have been at. It is just not in the cards
these days to sell those so-so cattle for a
slight premium like we may have a few
years ago. Unfortunately those middle-cut
registered open and bred heifers are bringing
a lot closer to commercial price than
we may all like.
I will not get specific on the sire group
question and name specific sire groups. I
will however say that the sires that calve
relatively easy, get up and grow very fast
and efficiently, and won’t have major
holes in their carcass data always sell
well and bring the money they should
or higher. Select the bulls that do these
MN Youth Beef Experience Program
things and have a good balanced phenotype
with no structural flaws and you will
be rewarded.
So in closing, my advice to everyone
I see is to focus on quality. If you bring
quality to town, folks will fight over them.
Not to mention, Simmental cattle are
ringing the bell in terms of popularity and
usefulness in all avenues of the beef business.
It is exciting to see that the feedlots,
the commercial cowman, the club calf
producers and the academic community all
love Simmental as the continental breed
of choice. We have to ride this wave as
breeders and make cattle like we have and
keep making them better, because they
want Simmental and SimAngus out there.
So keep these things in mind when
getting ready to consign sales this winter
and spring like the Minnesota State Sale.
Use the old rule, “If you are selling them
because you just don’t want them in your
herd anymore, then no one will want them
in their herds either”. Instead, bring your
best cattle to the sale, the one’s you hate
to sell because of how good they are, and
you will be rewarded for that quality and
it will advance people’s opinion of your
program.
-Kelly Schmidt, ASA North Central Field
Representative
kschmidt@simmgene.com ; 406-599-2395
This year’s Minnesota Youth Beeef Experience Program Simmental Heifer was
awarded to Katherine Steffl from Sleepy Eye.The heifer was donated by Krueger Simmentals,
Hastings; on behalf of the Minnesota Simmental Association.
The Minnesota Youth Beef Experience Program (MYBEP) awards heifer calves to
seven FFA and 4-H youth. Each winner is responsible for raising, breeding and maintaining
complete records on care of the animal while providing monthly progress reports
to the original owner and the Minnesota Beef Expo.
Heifers were awarded at the 7th Annual Supreme Sale Female & Steer Selection Dinner
on Saturday, October 17th.
Pictured at left, Katherine Steffl with her Simmental heifer & Paul
Krueger, Krueger Simmentals.

MN
State Sale
Info
Friday, Feb. 26th 2010
1pm - Annual MSA Meeting
4pm - MJSA Meeting
5:30pm - Poolside Social Hour
6:30pm - Annual Banquet
Saturday, Feb 27th 2010
8am - Sale Cattle on Display
11am Parade of Sale Cattle
12pm- County Fair Jackets Awarded
1pm - 37th Annual MSA State Sale
Sale Animal
Nomination
Forms
Online NOW!!!
DUE DEC 1!
PRESIDENT:
Matt Aggen
27133 146th St
Harmony, MN 55939
507-886-4016
507-772-4522
mattaggen@hotmail.com
SECRETARY
Paul Krueger
9819 Neal Ave South
Hastings, MN 55033
651-493-3246
651-335-6544
pc_krueger@hotmail.com
VICE PRESIDENT:
Ed Schmidt
3455 190th Street
Tracy, MN 56175
507-530-2635
507-629-3513
eecattle@mvtvwireless.com
TREASURER
Beth Andersland
12758 670th Ave
Emmons, MN 56029
507-297-5986
507-402-1095
andersland@gmail.com
President’s Comments
Greetings Simmental Enthusiasts!
As I write this the weather outside seems more like I should be writng the spring
newletter!
First off I want to congratulate our Minnesota Juniors on their great sucess at
reginols and nationals. we are still in need of a volunteer for the jr. advisor, to
help guide our talented jr. members in all of their activities.
Now is the time to select your top consignments for the fun filled annual Minnesota
State Simmental Association Annual Banquet and sale held February 26
& 27. This is one the top state association sales in the country!
If you have any items for the annual banquet, merchandise auction, or semen
auction, please contact me.
Once again any youth were overall champion at their respective county fair with
a Simmental you are eligible for a jacket. The jackets will be presented at the
sale on February 27. Please contact board member Ryan Hecksel with you winning
information.
Another award given is the commercial producer of the year award. If you have
a customer, or know someone who is doing a great job utilizing “Simm” genetics
in their commercial operation, please nominate them. The award is presented
at the annual banquet.
I would also like to thank Michael Aggen , his fiance Vanessa Magnus, the Anderslands,
Salsburys, & Mulerts for all their help with the state fair meal; it was
great.
If you have any questions or concerns please do not hesitate to call.
Reserve Your State Sale Hotel Rooms Now!
Holiday Inn South, Rochester
Call - 507 288 1844 - Block Code - SIM, Deadline Feb 10th
2009 MSA Officers 2009 MSA Directors
Mark Hilbrands
11020 10th Street NE
Clara City, MN 56222
320-847-2533
hilbrandssimmentals
@hotmail.com
Johathon Henry
39533 Fishtail Road
Hinckley, MN 55037
218-384-7736
Ryan Hecksel
18250 County Road 20
Mayer, MN 55360
952-955-1580
952-201-8662
Erick Barberg
2545 Rockwood Ave SW
Cokato, MN 55321-4531
320-286-5823
651-260-1951
ebarberg@hotmail.com
Neil Zimmer
16698 County 14
Clarissa, MN 56440
218-756-2565
Matt Aggen
Scott Grass
74755 140st St
LeRoy, MN 55951
507-951-1212
scott21@alltel.blackberry.com
7

Minnesota
Simmental
Newsletter
2299 50th St
Fairmont, mn 56031
Nominations now open for commercial
Simmental producer of the year!
Submit online now
http://www.mnsimmental.com
Claeys Family Simmental Named Faribault County’s
MN Farm Family of the Year
The Roger Claeys family of Winnebago
was named Faribault County’s “2009 Farm
Family of the Year” by the University of
Minnesota this summer.
In 1981, Roger took over the family farm
operation from his parents and grandparents.
In September 1987, he married Deb. Today
he raises corn, soybeans, and hay. He also
maintains a 65-head Simmental cow/calf
herd. In addition to the farm, Roger works
full-time, seasonal at Farmer’s Cooperative
in Rake, Iowa, doing custom chemical
application from April to August. He also
does custom harvesting. While Roger is away
with other obligations, his children, Theresa,
Greg, and Thomas are responsible to tend the
herd.
The Claeys family is active in the
Minnesota Simmental Association, MN Beef
Expo, and Riverside 4-H Club. They also
attend and show cattle at the MN State Fair.
Roger and Deb’s daughter, Theresa is active
in the Blue Earth FFA and has traveled to
several National Simmental shows. She has
recently given up her title as the 2008-2009
MN Simmental Queen.
The Claeys are one of 73 farm families
from around the state, one from each
participating county, that were honored by the
University this year.
The families were recognized at the
annual Farmfest near Redwood Falls, Minn,
which was held August 6. Profiles of the 2009
honorees and information on the recognition
event can be found on the University’s farm
family website, http://mnfarmfamilies.cfans.
umn.edu.
Families receiving honors were selected
by their local county Extension committees
and have demonstrated a commitment to
enhancing and supporting agriculture and
agriculture production.
Roger Claeys family, Roger, Deb,
Theresa, Greg, & Thomas
“The
University
of
Minnesota
is proud to
recognize
these farm
families
for their
contribution to agriculture and their
communities,” said Bev Durgan, dean of
University of Minnesota Extension. “There is
no standard definition of a Minnesota family
farm. The one factor they all have in common
is that the families work together to make
their farm successful. That farm family work
ethic is the major contributor to the success
of Minnesota communities and Minnesota’s
agriculture.”