Bernie And Robyn Johnson Named 2021 NALF Commercial Producer of the Year
Heartland Limousin Association Executive Secretary Dean Summerbell stands with Bernie and Robyn Johnson of Assaria, KS, the 2021 NALF Commercial Producers of the Year, as well as with Nancy and Randy Corns of Altoona, KS.
Bernie and Robyn Johnson are commercial cattle producers located in the center of Kansas near Assaria. There they run between 150-180 cows. Johnson runs a commercial operation that has used Limousin genetics for more than 25 years on both black and red Angus cows. Most of the bulls they acquire for their operation have come from Super C Limousin. Their bulls are 18 months or older and he runs approximately one bull for every 16 cows. They utilize natural breeding services as it has worked well for them over the years. The bulls are chosen based on their calving-ease, performance and docility. They have their bulls checked yearly by a vet for breeding soundness and if they pass, they go through a vaccine program.
Johnson keeps his cows in three groups and carefully watches calving, calf growth and vigor; he records all the data. Bulls are put with the cows around May 15. Johnson says his cows are culled using the three O’s: open, old, and ornery. They begin spring calving around the end of February and continue through April. Cow/calf pairs are allotted 6.5 acres of native grass that includes buffalo, bluestem, brome and western wheat. In the winter months, cows are supplements with BMR forage sorghum silage and ground alfalfa.
They begin weaning those calves in the first few weeks of October and will continue to feed them for 45 days before they are sold. Calves receive a ration of modified wet distiller’s grain, cracked corn with mineral package mixed in, ground wheat straw and BMR forage sorghum silage. Johnson carries a KDHE feedlot permit for feeding all of his pens of calves.
Johnson has sold to numerous sources including feed yards, local sale barns, 4-H exhibitors and Limousin breeders; however, he primarily sells at weaned/vaccinated sales where buyers are given weaning dates and vaccination program information. He has established a reputation for good, green calves. The buyers of his calves are often repeat customers and give him feedback on how they performed to better help him make decisions in his operation. One of the highest priorities for their operation is to get calves that can perform, and they do that by using Limousin genetics that supply both muscle and growth to the calves. Their second priority is pregnancy and Johnson is able to maintain a 97% pregnancy average. Johnson also values economic measures and budgets the cost of growing and purchasing feed along with the cost of replacement cattle. He says, “I probably feed a little too much, but I was told to take care of the cows and they will take care of you.”
Over the years, Johnson has made some significant changes to his facilities to better suit his operation. They placed rubber mats in all the alleyways and chutes. This has reduced injury to the livestock greatly as there is no slipping. The calving room was also matted for animal safety. Cat walks were also installed around the facility to keep them from being in with the cattle. The technologies for the facility have also improved over the years with upgrading to a total mixed ration feed truck, hydraulic working chute with scales and the utilization of a nutritionist.
Not only does Johnson stay busy with his operation, he also serves his community. He is a past member of the Kansas Livestock Association, has served on the local water board, was a member of the church council and a past member of the fair board.
The goal for Johnson is to continue to raise beef cattle as long as he can; this is a business that he loves, and he enjoys the people and the livestock.