Question 1

What makes your breeding program unique?

Accepted Answer

Our Hereford cattle all descend from a closed line of breeding (Line 1) that trace back to genetics used in a line-breeding research project from the early 1930s conducted at the USDA Research Station in Miles City, MT. Our family has continued this closed line of breeding for over 80 years now and there’s no denying the balance, predictability and consistency it’s brought to our herd. Our Line 1 genetics offer a unique degree of heterosis that both registered and commercial breeders alike are seeing the benefits from.

Question 2

What is the CL 1 Advantage?

Accepted Answer

Rooted in performance, focused on maternal. We’ve stacked generation after generation of performance testing on top of selection for maternal traits. Couple that with a committed approach to linebreeding, which has elevated the uniformity and predictability in our herd while also guaranteeing a high degree of transfer to offspring. Whether you’re breeding to Herefords or implementing cross breeding, our Line 1 program ensures a unique opportunity to maximize heterosis.

Question 3

How long have you been utilizing data collection and performance testing?

Accepted Answer

The Line 1 project in Miles City focused on establishing methods of measuring performance in beef cattle and attempting to prove that  traits such as weaning and yearling growth were inheritable and could be improved through genetic selection. Most people might not realize it, but the results of that project laid the framework for performance testing and the genetic evaluations for all breeds today. Patriarch, Jack Cooper, bought into this concept, purchased his first L1 registered females from the station in 1947 and started performance testing long before it was accepted by most cattlemen or Breed Associations. Jack Cooper was a charter member of the Montana Beef Performance Association and a charter member of the American Hereford Association Total Performance Records. Our ranch has been utilizing data collection and performance testing for over 70 years and was one of the first ranches in the Nation to do so.

Question 4

What does it mean to be a platinum TPR breeder?

Accepted Answer

The platinum whole herd total performance records (TPR) is the highest level of achievement when it comes to complete calf crop reporting. Breeders must meet ALL the requirements of a gold TPR breeder status (listed below) plus genotype 85% of their calves with a submitted weaning weight. Only 1% of Hereford breeders registered with AHA meet the qualifications for platinum TPR status and Cooper Hereford Ranch is one of them.
Complete reporting of calving ease and reproductive status for each dam on inventory.
Complete reporting of birth weights, weaning weights and yearling weights for each live calf recorded in the calf crop.
Complete reporting of weaning weights for each live calf recorded in calf crop.
Complete report of scrotal measurement for each bull calf in the calf crop with a recorded yearling weight.
Ultrasound data reported on 25% or more of the calf crop.

Question 5

What type of vaccinations are administered to calves?

Accepted Answer

Birth – Alpha CD, Vit EAD
Branding – Vista Once SQ, Vision 8/Somnus, Bovilis Coronavirus
Summer – Ocuguard, M. Bovoculi, Ultrasaber, Fly Tag
Pre Weaning – Vista Once SQ, Vision 8/Somnus, Ultrasaber
Weaning – Bovilis Cornavirus, Presponse HM, Saber
Post Weaning – 
    Heifers: BANGS, MPG Guard, Reprostar L5HB, Wart, CleanUp
    Bulls: MPG Guard, Wart, Safeguard, CleanUp, BSE, VL5 HB
Pre Breeding – Heifers: Express FP5, Reprostar, VL5 HB, CleanUp

Question 6

Do calves receive creep feed?

Accepted Answer

No. pairs are turned out to pasture in mid May and primarily graze irrigated grass/legume pastures until they are weaned in late August. Groups are supplemented with loose mineral and salt.

Question 7

How are the yearling bulls developed in the feedlot?

Accepted Answer

Bull calves are weaned the day after Labor Day, placed in a drylot and fed twice daily a  mixture of chopped hay, corn silage, whole corn and a mineral based protein supplement. Most of the bulls exceed our target gain of 3.5 lbs./day, which we feel is adequate to ensure they have enough flesh to maintain condition as a yearling without sacrificing structural integrity.

Question 8

What type of testing is completed on sale bulls?

Accepted Answer

All sale animals have been tested and are free of any known genetic defects. Additionally, all bulls and heifers have been ear notched and are negative for PI and BVD. Montana is once again Class Free with regard to brucellosis - all sale animals have been bled and tested negative.

Question 9

Do all sale animals have GE-EPDs?

Accepted Answer

Yes. All animals listed in the catalog have GE-EPDs. The American Hereford Association released its first GE-EPD panel in 2012. That year we were one of the first herds in the U.S. to test our entire cow herd and that year’s calf crop for evaluation. We have continued to submit DNA on each subsequent calf crop since inception in 2012.

Question 10

Is a breeding soundness exam (BSE) performed on all sale bulls?

Accepted Answer

Yes, all bulls selling through the auction have passed a BSE completed in January by Dr. Will Oliver, DVM. Scrotal and pelvic measurements are obtained by Dr. Oliver as well.

Question 11

Are CHR bulls PAP tested?

Accepted Answer

Our bulls are not PAP tested but many have sold to ranchers running at high elevation and have performed well and have also passed testing once on site.

Question 12

Do I have to attend the sale in person in order to bid?

Accepted Answer

No. We love a packed sale barn, and always invite and encourage attendance so you can see the cattle firsthand. But understand that for many of you, March is a difficult month to step away from your operation. So online bidding is available through LiveAuctions.TV and Northern Livestock Video Auction. Those who have unreliable wi-fi can contact one of our sale day representatives in advance, or take advantage of Northern Livestock’s phone bank for assistance during the auction.

Question 13

Does CHR offer free delivery?

Accepted Answer

Yes. We offer free delivery for the first 1,000 miles on purchases totaling $5,000 or more. Deliveries are to central points.

Question 14

Do I need to purchase insurance on my sale day purchases?

Accepted Answer

No, but insurance providers are listed in our catalog for those interested. All animals sold become the property of the purchaser as soon as sold. Any death or injury thereafter falls upon the purchaser.

Frequently asked questions