Official Publication, North Dakota Beef Cattle Improvement
Association
October 1996 - Volume 1, Number 1
EDINBURG, ND -- The constant in the cattle industry today seems to be change--and those that read the winds of change correctly are the ones with the best chance of surviving the turbulence. The application of this principle has led to the selection of Olafson Brothers of Edinburg, ND, as the NDBCIA Commercial Producer of the Year for 1995-96.
The changes, according to Curt Olafson, one of the three brothers in the partnership, are driven by a need to be sensitive to the needs and wants of the consumer. "We have to try to breed these cattle leaner. And, we need high performance cattle because that enables producers to own cattle for fewer days."
Olafson and his brothers, Dean and Roger, are carrying on a family tradition established in 1883 when their grandparents immigrated from Iceland. They raised straight bred Angus genetics but 20 years ago began crossbreeding to increase performance and produce lean cattle.
They started with Amerifax genetics and added Gelbvieh and black Simmental. Today a purebred black Simmental herd has resulted in dramatic herd increases in performance and helped shorten their breeding season. NDBCIA verified in-herd statistics show 85 per cent of their cows calve in the first 21 days and 99 per cent in the first 42 days.
The recent three-year actual weaning weight has been right at 600 pounds at an average age of approximately 190 days. The figures represent an increase of between 150-200 pounds since beginning a crossbreeding program in 1976.
The NDBCIA and CHAPS III get credit for the success. Olafsons have their records processed in the state office to get complete analysis, as well as the comparisons with other herds. "I think the real story is the application of computers and technological tools such as the CHAPS program," Olafson said. "A lot of the credit for what we have been able to achieve is due to having the opportunity to access information and technology through the (North Dakota) Beef Cattle Improvement Association."
The Olafson cow-calf operation was expanded through finishing steers, a natural integration allowing Olafsons to fully utilize the genetic potential of the Gelbvieh and Simmental breeds. Data from the last three years shows the steers were on the rail at 11-12 months of age weighing 1,150-1,200 pounds live weight, statistics which Olafsons figure is the future of the cattle business. They market the steers through a local locker plant.
In addition to the integration of the value added finishing business, the Olafsons also have a very active, progressive and successful commercial bred heifer market.
The management for the replacement females is more conservative, a style the Olafsons just adopted in 1996. "I think we will end up with better reproductive ability, more longevity and better udders on our cows if we don't push heifers at a young age," he said, noting the concept will be closely watched to see if the theory is correct.
Olafson acknowledged the award "is a great honor for us" but readily admits the partnership is forging forward seeking and choosing new management options. He says the association with the BCIA and the CHAPS III testing program has been a very positive management decision. He continues to work closely with the association and notes "we are committed to the having CHAPS in our management portfolio."
 
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