This is the first "036" genetics in his herd. He is most pleased with this bull that was in the top 8 at Midland for the combined carcass and growth(U%IMF 4.75% ratio 117 and UREA adj 11.9 ratio 102; the bull came off of this high roughage diet, test at 1,340 lb.). Thanks Benny, we look forward to seeing how his progeny perform next year!

Our thanks to John and Kay Yoder (Indiana)...they bought one of our first bulls from the IBEP (Indiana Bull Evaluation Program-Purdue) for use in their herd of Hereford cattle. That "036" son has done a good job for the Yoders' Circle K Farms. John and Kay say the calves have been excellent and they are retaining heifers from this bull. The Yoders have a beautiful place in Brown county.

A big thanks to Mike & Mendy Small (Indiana) (and Mike's brother in Georgia) for their quantity purchases and building their program around "WTR Angus" genetics. Mike purchased two (2) bulls in 2001 (one by "036" and one by "234D"), came back and purchased 5 females in 2002 and again in 2003, another 6 females. Mike reports that calves out of the bulls gained premiums at the markets in Little York and Vincennes. Mike has a beautiful cattle operation in southern Indiana and his cattle herd is coming together nicely as he converts from Simmentals to Angus. Mike, we look forward to seeing next year's crop of calves!

Our thanks to Larry Rice and his family at Snake Creek Angus (Nebraska)...he bought one of our top performers at 2001 Midland Bull Test ("234D" x Sitz Henrietta Pride 1800, a Papa Rito Power 7868 daughter by Warlock of RES 35). This outcross cow was a Pathfinder for Bob and Jim Sitz and she's done a great job for us. Larry reports this bull was used on his registered herd in 2001 and the calves were among his top weaning contemporary group in 2002! Larry has purchased some top bulls in the industry and we appreciate his confidence in our genetics...THANKS Larry!

Thanks also to Larry Brandon of Tennessee for his purchase of another Midland Bull Test sale bull, WTR 7839-1562 IMF 251...a high marbling bull from Sitz IMF on Sitz Blackbird 1562. Larry is using this bull in his registered Angus herd.

As always, "customer satisfaction is our only measure of success." Best wishes to all our customers along with our heartfelt THANKS!

We've just shipped our bulls to Leo McDonald for the Midland Bull Test. Watch for updates on their performance here on our Web site.

Indiana Angus Field Day at Willer Timber Ridge Farm a Big Success!

The field day at Willer Timber Ridge Farm near Greencastle, IN, was a great success! More than 150 Angus breeders and friends showed up on August 23. A beautiful, sunny day complemented a solid herd of Angus cattle that were in good condition and organized for easy viewing and evaluation by those in attendance. Four pens of cattle were presented for judging along with data from Angus Information Management Software (AIMS) on the performance of the cattle and their ultrasound data. The cattle were then judged on phenotype, performance, pedigree, and ultrasound carcass by Bob and Cathy Watkins and Tom Younts. The Purdue University judging team was also present.

Willer Timber Ridge Farm now has 75 registered mother cows and uses both artificial insemination and embryo transfer to enhance the herd. Ted Willer provided the crowd with an update of their program and the progress that has been made over the past seven years. They have consistently emphasized “balanced” traits of fertility, performance, carcass, and pedigree. The animals on display, well over half the herd, averaged in the top 10-20% of the Angus breed for weaning and yearling weight, milk, scrotal, U%IMF, UREA, and U%RP. Bulls from their program have done well on test at Midland and at Indiana Beef Evaluation Program.

Chuck Brost, general manager of Anderson Circle Farms of Kentucky, gave an update on their philosophy and approach to raising Angus cattle and his perceptions on some of the changes the cattle industry is undergoing. Scott Johnson, American Angus Association, presented both an introductory class on AIMS and an advanced session at the close of activities. Both of these sessions on AIMS were well attended.

Ted Willer welcomes more than 150 Angus enthusiasts to his Timber Ridge Angus Farm for the 2003 Indiana Angus Field Day.	Scott Johnson explains the finer points of the AIMS program to Andy Sutherlin and Michael Kittle at the recent Indiana Angus Field Day.
A father and son confer during the judging competition at the 2003 Indiana Angus Field Day.	Chuck Brost, general manager of Anderson Circle Farms of Kentucky, gave some insight to his approach to the Angus Business at the 2003 Indiana Angus Field Day.