Greeting fellow MJSA juniors, As your treasurer, I would like to extend a big thank you for all your help at the state sale weekend and those that have paid their dues. It was a good time to get together with everyone and talk “cattle” like we usually do. There was a great turn out at our annual sale. As juniors, we have to be proud of a great association that you are part of. Everyone is willing to have a helping hand with anything that we do.

Now, since I’m back at school (South Dakota State University), I’m just going to be enjoying the loads of homework. I have to say that I made a right choice heading out to Brookings for school. I’m enjoying my freshmen year of college and trying to get involved with many organizations as I can.

If you haven’t paid your dues, please do that as soon as possible. You can send them at my home address. They are still $5.

TREASURER Sara Thissen

Junior News • October 2005

Pizza Party and fellowship preceded the meeting... The October 20th meeting of the MJSA was called to order by Vice President Mary Virnig and acting Secretary was Eric Thesing. Participates of the past 2005 Regional AJSA and National Classics shared their experiences. Discussion was also held about the 2006 Regional in Kansas and National in Wisconsin. Next meeting will be at the Minnesota State Sale and the Juniors voted to host the root beer floats again after the banquet. Items for the fund raising auction should be directed to Marla Thissen - this supports the Juniors travel to Regionals and Nationals. If you know of anyone that has won their county fair with a Simmental - contact Larry Mulert for your winning jacket to be presented at the State Sale. Bronze Merit Awards forms are available from the Junior advisors - call today if you are in need of a form.
Respectively submitted,
Eric Thesing, MJSA Board Member

Taking Another Look At Fenceline Weaning

Animal scientists and ranchers continue to suggest that “fenceline weaning” should be considered as an alternative to traditional weaning practices. California researchers reported in 2002 that calves weaned with only a fence separating them from their dams gained 23 pounds more than calves weaned totally separate from their mothers. There was no report of any differences in sickness, but the researchers say calves that eat more during the first days after weaning stay healthier. A follow-up study demonstrated similar advantages of fenceline contact when calves were weaned under dry lot conditions and their dams had access to pasture.

“Here in Michigan, our Beef Team has been promoting fenceline weaning for quite some time,” says Michigan State University (MSU) Extension educator Norman Suverly, Harrisville. “Several cow-calf producers in my neck of the woods implement it and have great success.” Suverly says some producers were skeptical at first, but once they tried fenceline weaning they said they’d never do the “abrupt”method again.

He adds that good, strong electric fencing is a key. “And if your climate promotes good pasture in fall, that’s a big help as well. Ron Torell, Extension livestock specialist, Elko, NV, says he’s personally never attempted fenceline weaning because he’s never been in a situation where he had fences good enough to try it. “But, it makes good sense to me,” Torell says. He adds that ranchers who have tried fenceline weaning say it definitely cuts down on stress related sickness and shrink.

For a how-to worksheet for implementing fenceline weaning on your farm or ranch, “Fenceline weaning: a marketing tool for your calves” go to www.emdc.msue.msu.edu and search by bulletin number E2929.

WANTED! Items for the Junior Fund Raiser at the MSA Banquet Auction!

you are wishing to donate items for the MJSA Fund Raiser...please contact Marla Thissen 320-693-7382 or Amanda Eberspacher (507) 532-6694. The funds raised through this auction help the Junior  members attend Regional and National Classic events. The auction is always a fun time and a great way to help the MSA youth!

Minnesota State Fair 4-H Show Results

Champion Simmental
Cow/Calf Pair
Shown by Cliff & Seth Kaehler

Reserve Supreme Female
Shown by Kayla Nelson

Reserve Champion Simmental
Cow/Calf Pair
Shown by Dan Donnelly

4-H Reserve Simmental Female
Shown by Cliff Kaehler

Champion Simmental Steer
Shown by Erin Schultz

Reserve Simmental Steer
Shown by Brian Stoffel