Vantage on Value 2011

… but not everything has stayed the same over the last seventeen years…

… we’ve experienced the challenges of violent floods and extended droughts; markets for both output and inputs have fallen and surged, shifting the profitability picture for the industry in dramatic fashion; the mad cow has come and gone, but left permanent hoof prints trampled upon the industry; DNA technology evolved from pie-in-the-sky, to the salvation of the seedstock business, to a possibly useful technology in some situations, with much more research and development needed; RFI (residual feed intake) has become wildly popular with some producers as a potential predictor of feed efficiency, but has only generated a slightly interested ‘wait and see’ position with others; a handful of breeds joined together to produce a multi-breed EPD model, but most of them lacked the political will to follow through with actually comparing their cattle to the rest of the industry; Ranchers Renaissance emerged as a potentially industry changing model of vertical cooperation, only to be overtaken by its packer partner and reduced to just another of many grid pricing schemes; some friends and family members are no longer with us, and those of us that are ‘still at it’ are noticeably older and (debatably) wiser from the experiences.

But, in terms of what we can control here at Vista, we feel like we’ve managed to keep the best of what we began with and at the same time continue to improve our genetic base for your benefit. Below are the genetic trend charts that show our progress, in terms of EPDs, that we have made in our Braunvieh program over the years. Each chart shows the breed trend (diamonds) and our trend (balls) for the trait as predicted by EPDs. Of course, our progress has not been as dramatic as we would like to see, but there are also more traits than these that we balance against these in all of our selection equations: fertility, longevity, structure, disposition, marbling as measured by ultrasound IMF.

Whether or not we are improving as quickly as we would like in every trait, we are still, as always, focused on improving the traits that will help you improve your bottom line.

We hope that your year has been a good one, and we would be glad to help you sort through the bulls in this year’s offering to find the ones that will work best for you. And, if you don’t need a bull this year, we hope you’ll join us anyway. We’ll have our usual spread for lunch, the D’Hanis Cowboys are headed to the playoffs again and have a home game after the sale, and everyone who attends the sale can use their catalog to experience the 47th Annual Wild Game Dinner in Hondo (see back page for details).

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Help is just a phone call away …

You have access to a couple of extra resources for this year’s sale.. Neither of these

guys are strangers to the Vista program, and both have a extensive backgrounds in the

cattle business.

Ron McBee, Fayette MO, has been a collaborator and partner with Vista for many

years. His Braunvieh and hybrid seedstock operation backed by a feeder calf marketing

program is easily one of the most successful in the country. Ron has for several years

managed a commercial cowherd for Vista and now manages a Braunvieh seedstock herd

for Vista. He has made himself available to assist you in sorting through the Braunvieh

and Adaptor Hybrid bulls in the sale. He knows the bulls, he knows their pedigrees, and

he will be glad to assist you in any way you need.

Ron can be reached at (573) 228-2517

C. Jason Spence has been a mainstay of the Vista bull sale for several years as our

auctioneer. Jason has significant experience within the Red Angus breed, assisting many

Red Angus breeders and managing multiple Red Angus sales. Jason knows our bulls

well and has an exceptional knowledge of Red Angus cattle. He is an excellent resource if

you need more info on any of our Red Angus bulls.

Jason can be reached at (830) 534-8229

Their roll is to share everything they know about the bulls, and to find for you any

additional info you might need. We encourage you to seek their input on any question;

they are on board only to serve your needs.

We’re a little off the beaten path, but easy enough to find;

just eight miles north of D’Hanis, about an hour west of San Antonio.

to Uvalde & Del Rio

to Hondo & San Antonio

Sabinal D’Hanis

US HWY 90

FM 187 FM

1796

Utopia

VISTA GENETICS the brand of sensible seedstock Jeff Diles - Virgil Boll

4465 FM 1796 D’Hanis, Texas 78850 (830) 363-6250 (210) 218-8887 www.sensibleseedstock.com

Email us your questions and concerns...

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Vantage on Value 2011 GENERAL SALE INFORMATION

ACCOMMODATIONS Best Western Hondo Inn, Hondo (830) 426-4466

Whitetail Lodge, Hondo (830) 426-3031 Executive Inn, Hondo (830) 426-2535

SALE ORDER We have penned the bulls in groups of 7 to 10 head for easy viewing, and the catalog is organized similarly. We will begin the sale with Lot 101 and continue in catalog order, unless otherwise announced from the block. BIDDING ASSISTANCE If you have any questions or need assistance in bidding, please let us know. If you are unable to attend the sale, feel free to send bids to Vista or the Auctioneer. We have representatives who work for our customers to fill sight-unseen orders carefully and professionally. We can also arrange for you to bid over the phone during the sale. If you would like to be on the phone for the sale, please make arrangements ahead of time by calling Jeff Diles (210) 218-8887, C. Jason Spence (830) 534-8229, or Ron McBee (573) 228-2517. And please remember, you don’t owe anything for the bull until you’ve seen him and are satisfied that he is what you expected for your money. VOLUME DISCOUNT Bull purchases of five or more will be discounted 5% at settlement. FREE DELIVERY For those purchasing three or more bulls, Vista will deliver bulls free of charge to central locations within 300 miles. Because loads will likely be made with bulls from several different purchasers, we can only guarantee to get your bulls within 100 miles of your ranch, although much closer in most cases. Vista can arrange delivery for purchases of less than three bulls, but there will be a per head charge due at settlement. If you would like your bulls delivered, please make sure to provide us with all necessary phone numbers at the time of settlement. We will begin delivering bulls immediately after the sale, and will strive to have most bulls delivered within the week following the sale. BREEDING GUARANTEE All bulls in this sale are guaranteed breeders as described in the sale “Terms and Conditions”. The bulls in this sale have not been fertility tested. All bulls in the sale have been visually inspected for defects or injuries to their reproductive organs and were found to be sound. We guarantee all the bulls in this sale to be capable of settling cows, however, it is important to remember that any bull can become temporarily infertile for numerous reasons. We recommend that all bulls be fertility tested at least 30 days prior to each breeding season. This will not prevent bulls from becoming infertile, but can head off a real disaster by finding a potential problem before it is too late. If a Vista bull fails a Veterinarian administered fertility exam within six months of the date of sale, Vista will pay the cost of the exam and replace the bull with a bull of comparable quality,

or grant the purchaser full credit for the purchase price less salvage value of the bull toward the purchase of another bull or any other Vista product. For additional peace of mind, Vista offers a free FIRST YEAR GUARANTEE on every bull purchased for $2500 or more. If your bull is unable to breed cows (for almost any reason; complete details available sale day), you are covered. We are confident that our bulls are some of the most dependable you can find, and we are committed to your COMPLETE SATISFACTION.

BULL INFORMATION If you need more information on any of the bulls in the sale, please do not hesitate to ask. We want you to feel completely comfortable with any bull that you may bid on or purchase. The catalog includes all of the genetic comparison information that we routinely utilize in making breeding decisions in our program.

FEEDING PROGRAM All Vantage on Value bulls are developed on forage. We utilize native grasses in the Spring and Fall, and small grains pastures in the winter with limited supplementation. During the Summer months the bulls are grazed on Coastal Bermuda and limit-fed a custom protein and energy supplement to maximize forage utilization. Our grow-out program is specifically designed to prepare the bulls for making their living on grass, and to ensure they will have a long and productive life for you.

RETAINED SEMEN INTEREST We are selling full possession, full salvage value, and ½ semen interest in each bull. This means that you have full control in how the bull is maintained, but that Vista Genetics will be a 50% partner in any future semen sales. If you sell the bull to another breeder or producer, Vista Genetics’ semen interest will be retained. You may purchase 100% semen marketing rights by paying twice the final sale price at the time of purchase. In the event 100% semen marketing rights are purchased in this manner, Vista Genetics will retain the right to not more than 100 units of semen for use within herd. Realistically, we expect this semen interest to be exercised on only about 1%-2% of the bulls we sell, and we are not retaining the right to access any bull for collection without the purchaser’s permission. HEALTH Interstate health papers will be provided for all animals sold. TB testing will be performed after the sale, if required. All bulls have had proper vaccinations for Blackleg, IBR, PI3, BVD, BRSV, Lepto, and Vibrio. All bulls have been de-wormed within the last 60 days.

INSURANCE As outlined in the “Terms and Conditions”, all animals become the risk of the purchaser at the time of sale. Bulls protected by Vista’s First Year Guarantee are excepted to the extent of the coverage provided by Vista’s First Year Guarantee. For the buyer’s convenience, livestock insurance is offered at settlement time through American Livestock Insurance Co. The cost is minimal, and we encourage all buyers to take advantage of the protection.

SALE DAY PHONES: (830) 363-6250 (210) 218-8887

AUCTIONEER: C. Jason Spence (830) 534-8229

Lunch at 11:30; Sale starts at 1:00

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Vista BraunviehVista Braunvieh

Braunvieh is one of the oldest pure breeds of cattle, not a cross or a composite. Braunvieh have established a solid reputation for “branding” their offspring with outstanding fertility, global adaptability, quiet dispositions, superior udders, exceptional feedlot performance, and award winning carcasses. Although the breed originated in the mountains of Switzerland, we believe Braunvieh is destined to become one of the major breeds in the US beef industry.

The Vista Braunvieh program was originally established by the purchase of a load of “All Swiss” Braunvieh females from the US Meat Animal Research Center (MARC), Clay Center, NE. These cows were part of the genetics that proved, in the MARC research, that Braunvieh was the most productive breed, across all traits. For our goal of developing superior pasture and feedlot cattle, this was the perfect place to start. We have since added Fullblood and Purebred genetics from across the US and Canada to build one of the largest performance herds in the country.

The beef cattle market is changing; carcass traits are becoming more important to the profitability puzzle, but fertility is still the most important piece. Including Braunvieh in today’s commercial cow-calf business adds more pieces of the puzzle. The Braunvieh difference results in early maturing, fertile females, that rival all others in pounds of calf weaned per cow exposed, as well as, vigorous steers that finish quickly, producing high-yielding, high-quality carcasses. Increased conception rates, improved feedlot efficiency, higher quality grades, and better yield grades are just a few of the exciting reports we consistently receive from our loyal customers.

There is no other seedstock producer that is more committed to your success than Vista, and there is no other breed more uniquely positioned to facilitate the success of the cow-calf producer in a Value-Based marketing environment than Braunvieh.

DOB - Date of Birth; provided to assist in fair visual evaluation.

SCROTAL - Scrotal circumference is provided in centimeters; scrotal circumference is a good indicator of fertility and early maturity. Bulls were measured at yearling, and all bulls with less than 30 cm scrotal circumference were culled. The scrotal circumference provided in this catalog was taken on September 28, 2011.

FRAME – Adjusted Frame Score; Calculated from 3 hip height measurements for increased accuracy. Frame score is a convenient way of describing the skeletal size of cattle, because it changes relatively little as the animal increases in age and height.

VGR – Vista Growth Ratio; Indexing ratio to compare growth potential in the bulls as determined during grow out phase of production. The VGR is calculated from gain ratios and weight per day of age ratios. A value greater than 100 indicates better than average growth performance.

REA – Ultrasound Rib Eye Area Ratio.

R/CWT – Ultrasound Rib Eye Area per Hundred Pounds Ratio.

Considering both REA and R/CWT provides a much clearer picture of the differences in muscling between bulls. Because all of our bulls are grown out under the same conditions, it can be safely assumed that a great deal of the variation between bulls for REA and R/CWT is due to genetic differences for muscling. A ratio of greater than 100 indicates more overall muscling compared to the average of the contemporary group.

IMF – Ultrasound Intramuscular Fat Ratio; An IMF ratio of greater than 100 indicates more intramuscular fat (or marbling potential) compared to the average of the contemporary group.

Expected Progeny Differences. We place a great deal of emphasis on EPDs in our breeding programs, because they are the best estimate of the relative genetic value of beef cattle (for traits with an EPD). The breed percentile rank for each EPD is also included - the lower the number, the higher the bull ranks within the breed for that trait.

CED – Calving Ease Direct EPD; The probability that an animal’s calves will be born without assistance. A higher CED EPD indicates less calving difficulty.

CEM – Calving Ease Maternal EPD; The probability that an animal’s daughter will calve unassisted. A higher CEM EPD indicates daughters that will calve with less calving difficulty.

BW – Birth Weight EPD; A sire’s expected progeny difference (lb) for mature dam equivalent birth weight of calf. Progeny of sires with lower birth weight EPD values will generally be born with less calving difficulty.

WW – Weaning weight EPD; A sire’s expected progeny difference (lb) for 205-day, mature dam equivalent weaning weight. A sire’s weaning weight EPD is an indication of growth to weaning. It does not indicate milk production.

YW – Yearling weight EPD; A sire’s expected progeny difference (lb) for 365-day, mature dam equivalent yearling weight. The yearling weight EPD is a measure of growth from birth to one year of age.

MK – Milk EPD; The expected difference (due to milk production alone) in weaning weight of calves out of a bull’s daughters compared to calves from daughters of a bull with a zero milk EPD. A higher EPD indicates that the bull’s daughters should produce more pounds of calf due to increased milk production, but a higher EPD may also indicate a need for higher nutritional inputs to sustain the increased production.

MW – Maternal weaning EPD; The expected overall difference (lb) in weaning weight of calves out of a bull’s daughters compared to calves from daughters of a bull with a zero maternal weaning EPD. The maternal weaning EPD is a measure of both growth and milking ability.

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BRAUNVIEH BULLS You will notice that the EPD values for our Braunvieh and Adaptor Hybrid bulls are on a

different scale than in years past. The new values were calculated using a multi-breed analysis, and they are on a different, more industry relevant base. The effect is that the numbers you

see are on a scale that more closely resembles the scale of Angus EPDs. While the comparison is not exact, it is close enough to be very useful.

Why make the change? First, the increased amount of data included in the multi-breed analysis will make for a more accurate evaluation of Braunvieh and

Braunvieh hybrid cattle. Second, seedstock producers owe their commercial producer customers the best possible genetic information provided in the most straightforward manner. You need as little guesswork as possible when making selection

decisions, and you need as few surprises as possible. The cattle are not different, the numbers are just more user friendly. And, the real purpose of EPDs, making comparisons within

breed, has not changed, but the new format does provide a clearer picture of how Braunvieh genetics fit in the industry. We think you’ll find these numbers just make a lot more sense.

And, since Vista was instrumental in the implementation of Braunvieh EPDs in the 90s and Vista has also been a major supporter of Multi-Breed EPDs, it is only fitting that the Vista Bull sale is the first to offer its customers the new numbers. No one is more

committed than Vista to providing the commercial producer with the most relevant and useful selection information available.

Lot 102

We begin this year’s Braunvieh offering with two double polled, purebreds from the genetic line that has dominated our bull offering for the last several years - ‘Basic Beef’. Lot 101 is a son of ‘Foresight’ that has produced so well in the La Muneca program and co-owned by 4Z Braunvieh and Vista. Potentially homozygous polled with lots of style and substance. Lot 102 is an own son of ‘Basic Beef’. He is also smooth and double polled, but sports a little larger frame and length than is typical of the line. He shares his sire’s incredibly calm disposition and exceptional scrotal development. Interests in are owned in eight current ‘Basic Beef’ herd sires by Vista, 4Z Braunvieh - OK, Bean Cattle Co. - AL, Brink Livestock - KS, La Muneca - TX, McBee Cattle - MO Company, and Mystic Hills - VA. That’s IMPACT. Lot 103 is an exceptional Fullblood ‘Legend’ son. The Fullblood Braunvieh bull is becoming a rare find, especially the kind that can fit into the top of our offering.

VISTA 4Z FORESIGHT

Vista Basic Beef ET, just prior to the first Vista Norte sale in 2002. He had more natural

thickness than any homozygous polled Braunvieh bull than we had ever seen, or have seen since.

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BRAUNVIEH BULLS

Lot 104 is a polled EPD ‘game changer’, a rare combination of moderate birth weight and breed leading growth. Chocolate colored and exceptionally smooth, Lot 105 is typical of the balance performance bull that we strive to deliver year in and year out. Lot 106 and Lot 107 are two more ‘Basic Beef’ sons with almost identical numbers. Lot 106 is a full brother to the Lot 102 bull, and Lot 107 is a maternal grandson of the calving ease specialist, ‘Pure Chrome’. Which is better? That’s what sale day is for. Lot 108 more than qualified for this year’s ‘blonde’ bull. He is Powerfully made, has some of the best scan results in the offering, and he is double bred for calving ease. His own birth weight of 68 lb is typically only seen in the case of twins in this breed. Color him green.

Lot 104

Lot 105

Lot 106

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BRAUNVIEH BULLS

Lot 107

Lot 108

Lot 111

Lot 109 begins a run of four 3/4 blood bulls. He is a jet black version of his tiger striped full brother that we sold a couple of years ago - THICK IS AN UNDERSTATEMENT! Do not let the average ratios fool you; this ‘Basic Beef’ son is high growth, high muscle, and high marbling. Lot 110, Lot 111 and Lot 112 are each double bred for low birth weight, out of first-calf-heifers, and performed above average for growth. Lot 110 had one of the biggest rib eyes in the sale. Lot 111 is smooth polled and high marbling. Lot 112 is jet black with tiny scurs and loads of eye appeal.

Lot 112

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BRAUNVIEH BULLS Lot 113 and Lot 114 are ‘7209’ sons that excel for growth. Both bulls are long-made, thick and smooth in their appearance with lots of volume. Lot 115 combines the predictable type of ‘Basic Beef’ with the calving ease of ‘Pure Chrome’. Lot 116 is a son of a direct Swiss import, ‘Robi’ and a full sister of ‘Basic Beef’. Lot 117 is thick, deep and long, but a little bit excitable when separated from the others. We do our best to weed out the silly bulls, but all bulls can be a bit unpredictable. If you ever end up with a Vista bull with a unmanageable temperament, please let us know and we will gladly replace the bull.

Lot 114

Lot 115

Lot 118

RISS 4424‐265 STEIN

OGELA SW2481

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BRAUNVIEH BULLS

We maintain our focus on the needs of commercial production, and we cull our bulls ‘early and often’. In January, we weighed 18 more Braunvieh bulls than you see in this catalog; they made the cut at weaning, but we didn’t feel they were good enough for you. It takes a ‘better then average’ bull just to get a try at Vista, and the ones that make this sale catalog have proven they can positively contribute to the efficient production of quality beef. Yes, there still are differences in the bulls, but not everyone needs the same genetic package. Different environments, different cow herds, different management practices, and different marketing endpoints result in different genetic needs for each producer. If there is any additional information that you need to help make the best decision, just ask and we’ll do our best to deliver.

Lot 121

Lot 123

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BRAUNVIEH BULLS

Lot 124

Lot 126

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Vista is proud to be a Founder of the D’Hanis Education Foundation and to support the annual Cowboy Country Round Up held annually on the last Saturday in February. It is a full day of laid back country fun for a good cause...

FREE Wild West performances all day!

Authentic Chuck Wagon meal with all the fixin’s

Western Arts Trade Show, Team Roping,

Mutton Busting, Buckaroo Games for kids,

Baking Competition, Contests, Exhibitions, and so much more...

Continuous live music featuring:

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Vista Red AngusVista Red Angus

The goal of our Red Angus program is balanced performance, with an emphasis on calving ease.

“Trouble-free” best describes the Red Angus influenced female. She is an easy-fleshing, fertile, docile, low-maintenance, beef machine. When you also consider that Red Angus is the only breed currently making real progress in developing EPDs for reproduction, fertility, and longevity traits, it is no wonder Red Angus influenced females are gaining popularity.

We believe that beef heifers should be bred to calve, unassisted, as two-year-olds, breed back for a second calf in a limited breeding season, and raise a calf that fits today’s market. Red Angus has been a key ingredient for achieving these things in our commercial operations, and we believe there is no other breed that can contribute more in this situation.

We have bred our commercial heifers to moderate birth weight EPD Red Angus bulls for the last several years with tremendous success, and our Missouri commercial herd is almost exclusively made up of Red Angus-Sired females.

We believe that Vista Red Angus genetics can have a positive effect on the bottom line of any breeding program.

CATEGORY – Breed category code; A = 100% Red Angus pedigree with no disqualifying

characteristics (extra white or scurrs) B = 87% to 99% Red Angus pedigree with no disqualifying

characteristics (extra white or scurrs) II = Any animal not meeting A or B requirements.



FRAME – Average Frame Score; Calculated from three serial hip height measurements, frame score is a convenient way of describing the skeletal size of cattle, because it changes relatively little as the animal increases in age and height.

VGR – Vista Growth Ratio; Indexing ratio to compare growth potential in the bulls as determined during grow out phase of production. The VGR is calculated from average daily gain ratios and weight per day of age.



Considering both REA and R/CWT weight provides a much clearer picture of the differences in muscling between bulls. Because all of our bulls are grown out under the same conditions, it can be safely assumed that a great deal of the variation between bulls for REA and R/CWT is due to genetic differences for muscling. A ratio of greater than 100 (average) indicates more overall muscling compared to the average of the contemporary group.

IMF – Ultrasound Intramuscular Fat Ratio; An IMF ratio of greater than 100 (average) indicates more intramuscular fat (or marbling potential) compared to the average of the contemporary group.





MK – Milk EPD; The expected difference (due to milk production alone) in weaning weight of calves out of a bull’s daughters compared to calves from daughters of a bull with a zero maternal weaning EPD. A higher EPD indicates that the bull’s daughters should produce more pounds of calf due to increased milk production, but a higher EPD may also indicate a need for higher nutritional inputs to sustain the increased production.

STY – Stayability EPD; The expected difference in probability of daughters staying in the herd to at least the age of 6 years. Since cows are usually only culled before the age of six, the EPD is primarily a measure of sustained fertility in female offspring.

REA – Ribeye Area EPD; Describes relative genetic differences in muscling as measured by ribeye area.

MRB – Marbling EPD; Numeric value assigned to varying levels of intramuscular fat. Utilized as one of the primary factors in determining quality grade. Breed average or higher for marbling score EPD is desirable.

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RED ANGUS BULLS

Our Red Angus program has, first and foremost, been about maintaining a functional and efficient cow. After that, we have focused on the two traits that we believe make Red Angus special, calving ease and marbling. That focus has allowed us to build a reproductively efficient and low cost cow herd with performance that is above breed average for low birth weight and high marbling. We do not offer a lot of Red Angus bulls, but our bulls are as good as you will find anywhere else. Lot 201 is an excellent example of the Vista Red Angus program. If you are thinking of building a herd from a set of heifers that will produce the kind of calves that feeders and packers are demanding, a bull like Lot 201 is the right place to start. Lot 202 is another maternal expert. Moderate framed and as easy-keeping as you’ll find. He also goes back to the old D080 cow that has had such positive impact on the Vista herd. Lot 203 is a little different cut. These ‘Revelation’ sons are extremely rare and are at the very front of the Red Angus breed in terms of combining growth and carcass without giving up too much in other areas.

Lot 201

Lot 202

Lot 203

Prices for quality calves are predicted to continue to stay up for the foreseeable future. With good set of heifers, a Vista Red Angus Bull, and a little timely rain almost anyone could top the feeder calf market for years to come. Help yourself.

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RED ANGUS BULLS

Lot 204 is a scurred ‘Revelation’ son. Long, thick and deep, he looks the part and is above the curve in multiple traits. Lot 205 is a power bull. Not big framed, but plenty big on the scale. Lot 206 combines sleep-all-night calving ease, maternal efficiency, carcass and eye appeal as well as any bull we have ever produced. He is a chunk of muscle, but smooth and easy traveling. Lot 207 I have marked as “thick deep and good”. He may be as good on paper as he is in person. Lot 208 Another ‘Revelation’ son and maybe the best. In the top 20% of the breed in multiple traits with front pasture looks

Lot 205

Lot 206

Lot 208

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RED ANGUS BULLS

If high quality beef is your goal, Vista should be your seedstock supplier. Red Angus is known for producing well marbled carcasses and more consistently, in fact, than Angus. Every Vista bull on this page, essentially the bottom half of our offering, is above the Red Angus breed average for marbling. Only one bull in the sale is slightly below breed average for breed marbling. If you’re interested in Red Angus for carcass quality, you should be shopping at Vista. You decide where you need to go; we’ll do everything we know how to help you get there.

Lot 212

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When most people think of seedstock production, they think purebred. The commercial industry, however, has long been dependent upon hybrid or crossbred seedstock for replacement females. The Vista definition of seedstock also includes hybrids, because we believe in taking full advantage of hybrid vigor and breed complementarity. Composite cattle have gained considerable popularity since the early 90’s, and for good reason. Composites provide for one of the easiest breeding schemes to maintain high levels of hybrid vigor while simultaneously maintaining market fitness and environmental fitness in all offspring. Once the composite is formed it becomes essentially a straight breeding population; bulls and cows of the same breed makeup are bred to each other to produce subsequent generations, so

there is no need to maintain more than one main herd or manage complicated cross breeding schemes. However, in most cases, developing a composite population requires a substantial investment of resources.

An additional concern in composite development is true environmental fitness. Even if the right combination of breeds are used, a composite developed in one environment may not adapt well in another. We believe the best alternative is to work with each producer and his own (already well-adapted) cows to develop a custom composite population with true environmental fitness. And we believe that the way to do it is with the…

VISTA ADAPTOR HYBRIDVISTA ADAPTOR HYBRID The Vista Adaptor Hybrid is a product of combining the Vista Braunvieh and Vista Red Angus programs and top performance

Angus bloodlines into a line of hybrids that carry the best attributes of both programs. The Adaptor Hybrid is sensible seedstock, the kind that can improve the market fit of Brahman influenced commercial females without diminishing environmental fit.

Big, thick, white-nosed, brindle bulls are a given at the Vista Vantage on Value bull sale. We first introduced Adaptor hybrids in 1999 and they became a trademark of our program. New comers to the sale always raise an eyebrow the first time they see these bulls, but when they study the bulls and their performance, they always begin to see what we originally saw; these bulls fit South Texas and their calves fit the market. Every year, the interest from calf buyers gets stronger for Vista sired calves, and more and more it is the Adaptor calves that attract the most attention. And, the heifer mates to these bulls have made some of the most productive cows you could ask for; moderate framed, big barreled, extremely fertile, perfect uddered, durable females.

We now have Adaptor Hybrid bulls in any color you might want, but they are some of the greenest bulls you can find anywhere; green as in fitting the environment and green as in more cash in your pocket.



FRAME – Average Frame Score; Calculated from three serial hip height measurements, frame score is a convenient way of describing the skeletal size of cattle, because it changes relatively little as the animal increases in age and height.

VGR – Vista Growth Ratio; Indexing ratio to compare growth potential in the bulls as determined during grow out phase of production. The VGR is calculated from gain ratios and weight per day of age ratios.



Considering both REA and R/CWT weight provides a much clearer picture of the differences in muscling between bulls. Because all of our bulls are grown out under the same conditions, it can be safely assumed that a great deal of the variation between bulls for REA and R/CWT is due to genetic differences for muscling. A ratio of greater than 100 (average) indicates more overall muscling compared to the average of the contemporary group.

IMF – Ultrasound Intramuscular Fat Ratio; An IMF ratio of greater than 100 (average) indicates more intramuscular fat (or marbling potential) compared to the average of the contemporary group.





MK – Milk EPD; The expected difference (due to milk production alone) in weaning weight of calves out of a bull’s daughters compared to calves from daughters of a bull with a zero milk EPD. A higher EPD indicates that the bull’s daughters should produce more pounds of calf due to increased milk production, but a higher EPD may also indicate a need for higher nutritional inputs to sustain the increased production.

MW – Maternal weaning EPD; The expected overall difference (lb) in weaning weight of calves out of a bull’s daughters compared to calves from daughters of a bull with a zero maternal weaning EPD. The maternal weaning EPD is a measure of both growth and milking ability and is an indication of the size of calf a bull’s daughter will wean.

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ADAPTOR HYBRID BULLS

Some years we have more of the original brindle Adaptors, and some years more blacks. The color doesn’t seem to make much difference. Our Adaptor bulls are easily some of the longest lasting bulls you can find. Produced from purebred cow herds that must perform under commercial conditions, developed to stay fit and functional on pasture, and with the added bonus of hybrid vigor, Adaptor Hybrid bulls are easily one of the best options for reducing bull costs while still producing the kind of calves demanded by today’s market. We are starting this year with the black bulls, because we definitely have more of them. The EPDs on these bulls are the NEW Multi-Breed EPDs delivered to the Braunvieh Association of America by Genetic Performance Solutions of San Antonio. Take a look at the numbers on this first page of Adaptors and you will quickly see why we now offer more Hybrid bulls than purebred bulls. Length, depth, thickness, growth and low birth weight genetics. Lot 301, Lot 302, and Lot 304 are each sired by a different Angus bull, and Lot 303 is a second generation hybrid, but extremely similar in performance. Every one of them in the top 10% of the Braunvieh breed for low birth weight, and all above average for growth. Lot 302 may have the most complete set of performance that we have seen from any bull of any breed.

Lot 301

Lot 302

Lot 304

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Lot 305 is a brown F1 ‘Mr Prime’ grandson with performance that suggests his growth genetics may be a little better than his estimates. Lot 306 is every bit as thick and powerful as his picture suggests. AN, he is solid black. Lot 307 is a dark chocolate, deep bodied bull with a touch more frame. He is multi-generation hybrid. Lot 308, is a black F1 out of a ‘Basic Beef’ daughter. He is naturally thick and one of the deepest bodied bulls in the sale. Lot 309, and Lot 310 are brindle F1 Adaptors with exceptional calving ease and super dispositions.

Lot 305

Lot 306

Lot 309

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Lot 311 and Lot 312 are second generation Adaptors and begin another run of black bulls to finish out the 2011 pedigreed Adaptor hybrids. Lot 313, Lot 314, Lot 315, and Lot 316 are first generation hybrids. What’s the difference? Nothing in terms of the genetic performance they can transmit to their offspring; the F1 bulls just have a slight vigor advantage over the F2 bulls in terms of the expression of their own performance. Lot 317 through Lot 321 are all second generation, or F2, pedigreed bulls. The Multi-Breed EPD model currently used by Braunvieh makes estimation of the genetic merit of hybrid bulls considerably more useful than in the past. Lot 319 is another bull that much prefers the company of other cattle, and is better suited to a larger herd. Want to know more about what some of the bulls look like, or still not sure you have enough information on the bulls? Give us a call. We’re in the seedstock business only to help you stay in the beef business.

Lot 312

Lot 310

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Lot 315

Lot 318

Lot 319

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F2ADAPTOR HYBRID BULLS

Lot 322 begins the 2011 offering of commercial Second Generation, or F2, Vista Adaptor Hybrid bulls.

These bulls are produced by mating Adaptor Hybrid females to some of the very highest IMF ratio Adaptor Hybrid bulls that we raise that also have acceptable growth and better than average testicle development. These bulls are produced and raised in a purely commercial setting, so often, we cannot produce complete pedigrees for them. Their dams are not registered, so EPDs are also not generated for these bulls.

They are, however, culled mercilessly ...

… we started with 63 bull calves to get to the 12 head in this year’s offering. Only the very best of the best carry the Vista Brand, and the rest go to town.

If we were to only organize our catalog and sale by quality, ignoring breed makeup, these bulls would be nowhere near the end of the sale. In fact there are several that had we been able to determine their pedigrees, they would have found a home right here at Vista. Help yourself. Lot 322 and Lot 323 combine all of the right performance into solid black, smooth polled, durable packages that will last for many seasons. Lot 324 and Lot 325 do not have the extreme marbling of the first two bulls, but they can do the first things first: cover lots of cows and sire calves that will grow quickly. Lot 322

Lot 323

Lot 325

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F2 ADAPTOR HYBRID BULLS

Lot 326 is another soggy, deep and thick black bull that only comes a little bit short on ears - one of the hazards of spring calving in Kansas. Lot 327 is by far the biggest framed bull in the offering. If you want a black bull that will add some extra leg and dimension, here he is. Lot 328, Lot 329, Lot 330, Lot 331 are all brindle Adaptors. Lot 332 is a small framed, solid red Adaptor, which would fit well as a sire of easy keeping replacement females. Lot 333 is the last of our 2011 black Adaptors, and the last bull we will sell in 2011. Thanks for considering Vista!

Lot 328

Lot 330

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Terms and Conditions Except for those stated in the below terms and conditions, there are no warranties, either expressed or implied, as to merchantability or fitness for a particular purpose with respect to the cattle being sold. The warranties and guarantees set forth in these “Terms and Conditions” are in lieu of all other warranties and guarantees, either expressed or implied, and remedies provided therein shall be the sole and exclusive remedy of the purchaser or any party claiming through purchaser, for any breach of warranty or guarantee therein provided, and all other obligations or liabilities.

BIDDING Each lot will be sold to the highest bidder, with the auctioneer settling any bidding disputes. TERMS of the sale are cash or check to the clerk at the conclusion of the sale. ANNOUNCEMENTS Any verbal or written announcements made on sale day will take precedence over all previously printed information. Every effort has been made to insure the correctness of all presented information on the animals, and in most cases, taken from the respective breed association’s official records. IDENTIFICATION Seller offers each animal with a readable tattoo corresponding to its catalog designation and registration, when applicable. PURCHASER’S RISK Each animal sold will be at the purchaser’s risk as soon as sold, but it shall be the obligation of the seller to see that the animal is fed and cared for free of charge to the purchaser until loaded for shipment or until the expiration of 72 hours (72 hours after completing TB tests for animal requiring such test). Care and feeding of animals not picked up within the 72 hour period (except for those to be delivered by the seller) will be charged to the purchaser at a rate of $3.50 per day for each full day of care. BREEDING GUARANTEE 1. All animals are guaranteed to be breeders with the exception of; a) Injury or disease occurring to the animal after time of sale; b) Gross negligence or willful misconduct on the part of the purchaser; c) Animals shown competitively after being purchased from Vista Genetics. 2. Any bull which either 1) settles 1/3 or more of the healthy cows he services; 2) is the sire of 20 or more animals; or 3) settles cows by natural service and passes a fertility test made by a competent veterinarian during any 6 month trial (provided for in Paragraph 2 of the section of these sale terms and conditions entitled “Options and Privileges or Return or Adjustment”) shall be considered a breeder. Any guarantees with respect to the ability to freeze semen shall be made by separate agreement between the Purchaser and Seller.

SELLER’S SEMEN RIGHTS 1. Seller reserves the right to keep a breeding interest in any bull sold. Future semen collections of the bull must be made known to all owners and be performed at the convenience of the owner with possession rights. These collections and costs will be divided according to each owner’s interest, unless otherwise agreed upon mutually by all owners. 2. On any and all other bulls in the sale which are collected in the future, Seller reserves the right to 100 units of semen with registration rights and will pay his portion of the collection costs.

REGISTRATION TRANSFER Registration certificates for each registered bull will be transferred to purchaser at no charge.

OPTIONS AND PRIVILEDGES OF RETURN OR ADJUSTMENT 1. The following adjustments do not preclude the right of the Purchaser and Seller to mutually agree upon other terms and conditions for settlement of any dispute. All claims for adjustment or refund must be made in writing either within six (6) months from the date of sale or no later than when the animal reaches 24 months of age, whichever occurs later, with the exception of claims involving parentage or defects. 2. All returns or refunds will be paid in the form of a credit. This credit will be limited to the purchase price less the salvage value of the animal and usage fees. a. Salvage Value = Market price x catalog weight or current weight (which ever is greater). b. Usage fee is set at 25% of purchase value of the animal for each season of use. 3. In the event an animal is claimed to be a non-breeder, the animal may be returned to the seller, at Purchaser’s expense, if in good physical condition, and the return is in compliance with the health requirements of the seller’s state. The seller shall be entitled to a six (6) month trial period following the return of the animal in which to prove that the animal is a breeder. If at the end of six (6) months the seller is unable to prove the animal is a breeder, the seller shall, at the option of the Purchaser, replace the animal with another of equal value or grant the Purchaser a credit on any products marketed by Seller. Either of these options shall be deemed full satisfaction and settlement. If the Seller proves the animal to be a breeder, it shall be the obligation of the Purchaser to take delivery of the animal and pay all expenses incurred for transportation.

HEALTH PAPERS for transit within the state of Texas will be furnished for each animal sold. Health papers will also be provided for bulls traveling outside the state, but, depending on additional testing requirements, may not be available sale day. GENETIC DEFECTS Vista Genetics guarantees all animals to be free of any known genetics defects. Should a Vista bull be proven to have sired a defective animal, Vista Genetics will not only provide the buyer with credit on the bull as described previously, but will also pay the buyer for the defective calf at the current market price for a 600 lb. steer.

RIGHTS AND OBLIGATIONS These terms and conditions of sale shall constitute a contract between the Purchasers and Sellers of each animal and shall be equally binding upon both. Each sale or resale of an animal constitutes a separate transaction.

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Making memories and Making memories and running the wheels off of running the wheels off of Mom and Dad’s trucks!Mom and Dad’s trucks!

Adam’s 2011 original artwork for Beefmaster Breeders United

Vista Genetics

Vista Genetics

4465 FM 1796

4465 FM 1796

D’H

anis, Texas 78850D

’Hanis, Texas 78850

Vantage on Value 2011

Documents

Transcript of Vantage on Value 2011