Gateway Simmental - Introducing the Lucky Cross Progam

Mission

Sale Results
Updated 2/12/05

Darlene Butcher and Sons
2190 Joyland Road, Lower Spring Creek, Lewistown, MT 59457
Office 406-538-8551 • Tom 406-538-2923 • Jim 406-538-9695
Fax 406-538-2305 • Email: butcher@3riversdbs.net

Gateway Breeding Value Bull Sale 2008 - SALE CATALOG NOW ONLINE!

A C a s e F o r L u c k y C r o s s H y b r i d s

If 300 bushel an acre corn is possible, why is the cattle industry struggling to improve feed and reproductive efficiency, along with achieving an average of 70% Choice and 70% Yield Grade 1 and 2 carcasses? (The 70/70 is a goal set by many in the industry as being optimum.) One reason is because the corn industry is convinced that hybrid corn is more drought tolerant, makes more yield and costs less per bushel to produce than does purebred corn. Corn is a commodity, so is corn fed beef. Overhead is high whether you raise 100 bushel corn or 300 bushel corn. The same is true in the beef industry, however, most of it’s producers have not been convinced to join the “hybrid is more efficient and profitable” bandwagon yet. Convenience, calving problems, discounts and increased maintenance requirements are some of the reasons producers have been skeptical.

Heterosis is the most documented freebee in the cattle industry, however, a large number of the producers in this country are skeptical whether the risk is worth the reward to modify their breed type. With the realization in the past couple years that everything grown on or that comes out of the ground is becoming more scarce and valuable by the day, it is evident that we need to do what we can to best utilize our resources. America’s competitive advantage in the world marketplace is producing highly palatable corn-fed beef. Therefore, producing this product will continue to be the focus on the American beef industry.

University animal scientists maintain the British- continental cross as being proven to be the ideal genetic blend in the feedlot and the packing house. On the maternal side, they have proven there is a 35% improvement in pounds weaned per cow exposed through fertility and more longevity in your bulls and females. If not enough progress is being made in achieving industry goals for grade AND yield, many producers are not taking advantage of the genetics that are available.

Until the discovery and application of the Multiple Breed Evaluation system developed by the American Simmental Association and Cornell University, it was hard to document the value of Hybrid genetics. Today, Hybrid genetics can be evaluated as if they were purebred. These genetics may look similar to purebreds, but under the hide they have been proven to increase value in both the maternal and terminal aspects of the industry. Furthermore, hybrid genetics can benefit your program by contributing a significant amount of maternal heterosis (pounds weaned per cow exposed, longevity, etc.) in your cowherd, maintaining or improving the quality grade of the carcasses, and reducing the percentage of Yield Grade 4 carcasses.

With all this said, this is why we developed the Lucky Cross™ line of Hybrids. We are convinced that by blending the best available genetics and using ACROSS breed EPDs, a better feeder calf can be produced, a more efficient cow can be produced, and a better bull can be sold. The breed barrier can make it hard to progress in improving value. With all things coming out of and off the ground becoming more valuable, it is paramount for us beef producers to make the best use of the resources needed to produce quality American beef.

Gateway's Lucky Cross^®

The Lucky Cross® brand is a name derived to recognize Simmental cross genetics selected with a specific kind in mind.

The Gateway Lucky Cross® is a Simmental based composite or Angus hybrid designed to offer a stable, predictable, intermediate breeding choice combining British and Continental bloodlines. We are utilizing our purebred and percentage cow herd, our proven herd sires, and the best Angus sires available. Lucky Cross® seedstock are between 3/8 and 3/4 Simmental with registered parents on both sides of the pedigree.

Whichever direction you're going...
They Cross

Proven Simmental-Based Seedstock

Lucky Cross® is also a brand name for our customers to market their Gateway Simmental or Lucky Cross® influenced feeder cattle or females under. Our goal is to produce, identify and market a superior line of genetics that will utilize heterosis to improve efficiency. We want to optimize growth and maternal traits while improving carcass traits, especially retail yield. Lucky Cross’® will also accommodate those wanting to limit or stabilize continental influence.

Gateway Cattle are selected for. . .

Calving Ease, moderate mature size and carcass value
Optimum growth and milk competitive with other breeds from and across breed standpoint
Non-measured longevity and convenience traits, such as breeding soundness, clean sheaths, correct udders, sound structure and fleshing ability