July 2023 California Cattleman

CALIFORNIA REPRESENTATIVES

Jake Parnell 916-662-1298

George Gookin .................. 209-482-1648

Rex Whittle.......................... 209-996-6994

Mark Fischer ....................... 209-768-6522

Kris Gudel ............................. 916-208-7258

Steve Bianchi 707-484-3903

Jason Dailey 916-439-7761

Brett Friend ........................... 510-685-4870

Tod Radelfinger .................. 775-901-3332

Bowdy Griffen ....................530-906-5713 WEDNESDAY WEEKLY SCHEDULE

SALE EVERY WEDNESDAY Happy Independence Day! NO SALE JULY 5

Top consigments from throughout California and Nevada will be showcased during these upcoming special sales ...

CLM SUMMER SPECIAL FEEDER SALES

Wednesday JULY 19

Wednesday AUGUST 9

CLM

Saturday JULY 29 11 a.m.

AUCTION MARKET

12495 E. STOCKTON BLVD., GALT, CA Office 209-745-1515

Fax ............................................... 209-745-1582

Website/Market Report ... www.clmgalt.com

VOL. 106, ISSUE 6

CALIFORNIA CATTLEMEN’S ASSOCIATION

3841 North Freeway Blvd., Suite 130 Sacramento, CA 95834

PRESIDENT

Steve Arnold, Santa Margarita

FIRST VICE PRESIDENT

Rick Roberti, Loyalton

SECOND VICE PRESIDENTS

Sheila Bowen, Glennville

Frank Imhof, Pleasanton

Mike McCluskey, Red Bluff

TREASURER

Beverly Bigger, Ventura

EXECUTIVE VICE PRESIDENT

Billy Gatlin

VICE PRESIDENT OF GOVERNMENT AFFAIRS

Kirk Wilbur

DIRECTOR OF FINANCE & EVENTS

Lisa Brendlen

DIRECTOR OF COMMUNICATIONS

Katie Roberti

ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR OF COMMUNICATIONS

Maureen LaGrande

OFFICE ADMINISTRATOR

Katherine Dickinson

PUBLICATION SERVICES

OFFICE & CIRCULATION

CCA Office: (916) 444-0845

Fax: (916) 444-2194

MANAGING MAGAZINE EDITOR

Stevie Ipsen | (208) 996-4922 stevie.ipsen@gmail.com

ADVERTISING SALES/FIELD SERVICES

Matt Macfarlane | (916) 803-3113 m3cattlemarketing@gmail.com

BILLING SERVICES

Lisa Brendlen lisa@calcattlemen.org

SERVING CALIFORNIA BEEF PRODUCERS SINCE 1917

Bolded names and businesses in editorial represent only current members of the California Cattlmen’s Association or California CattleWomen, Inc. For questions about membership status, contact the CCA office at (916) 444-0845. The California Cattleman (Publication #8-3600) is published monthly except May/June is combined by the California Cattlemen’s Association, for $20/year, or as part of the annual membership dues. All material and photos within may not be reproduced without consent of publisher.

Periodical postage paid at Lubbock, Texas, 79402. Publication # 8-3600

National Advertising Group: The Cattle Connection/The Powell Group, 4162-B Carmichael Ct, Montgomery, AL 36106 (334) 271-6100.

POSTMASTER: Send address changes to: California Cattleman, 3841 North Freeway Blvd., Suite 130 Sacramento, CA 95834

JULY 2023

WWW.CALCATTLEMEN.ORG

UPCOMING EVENTS

Fall River-Big Valley Cattleman

Calf Scramble and “Sweet 16” Team

Branding

Sept. 2-3

Plumas-Sierra Cattlemen’s Association Fall Dinner

Calpine

Sept. 9

107th CCA and CCW Convention

Sparks, Nev.

Nov. 29 to Dec. 1

Against Foothill Abortion.

Costing the industry more than $10 million annually, Foothill Abortion — formally known as Epizootic Bovine Abortion, or EBA — has robbed profits from ranchers for almost 100 years as the leading cause of calf loss in affected areas of the Western United States.

Until now.

After years in development and testing, the new Foothill Abortion Vaccine is available from Hygieia Biological Laboratories. The Foothill Abortion Vaccine has been shown to protect more than 95% of animals from the disease when administered as directed. Administration is safe, simple and proven to give your heifers a strong start for greater productivity.

Contact

Jenna Chandler

CONTENTS

ASSOCIATION PERSPECTIVES

8 10 14 32

CATTLEMEN’S COLUMN Rain came not a moment too soon for industry

BUNKHOUSE CCA scholarship applications now available

DUES DOLLARS AT WORK

Midyear legislative update on CCA-monitored bills

HERD HEALTH CHECK Tips for mitigating stress in your cowherd

COUNCIL COMMUNICATOR Beef Council focuses on K-12 nutrition and education

SPECIAL FEATURES

18 34

FIRE OUTLOOK

What to expect for fire season in 2023

EVENTS RECAPS

24

18

FEEDER MEETING

California and Arizona feeders learn from industry’s brightest minds

28 56

ESTATE PLANNING

Steps to putting a plan in place for your family

SUSTAINABLE MANAGEMENT Workshop helps ranchers navigate the way

40

44 42

LEGISLATIVE BREAKFAST CCA brings back longtime lobbying tradition

OPEN THE GATE Butte County ranchers host ranch tour

50

RESULTS ARE IN 2022 Beef Quality Audit Report

BRIGHT FUTURES Celebrating the Class of 2023

54 READER SERVICES 62

RANCH FAMILY ROUNDUP

Obituaries and new arrivals

A WESTERN AFFAIR Rangeland Trust celebrates fruits of their labor 52 24

BUYERS’ GUIDE ADVERTISING INDEX

ON THE COVER

Every ranch family wants to be prepared for the future. In this issue, we focus on several topics that help cattle producers navigate steps for estate planning as well as think about what could be on the horizon in the short term as fire season approaches. This cover shot reminds that planning ahead is paramount for those who hope to follow in the footsteps of their family.

CATTLEMEN’S COLUMN IN THE

NICK OF TIME RAIN TO THE RESCUE FOR CALIFORNIA BEEF INDUSTRY

by CCA President Steve Arnold

Let me again say thank you to all the CCA members that have allowed me this position. It has been an interesting and educational six months. When I was asked in December about major goals for CCA my response was to try and be sure our members re-engaged after all the COVID mess my immediate predecessors went through. I followed by saying that usually opportunities come along and present themselves.

When Debbie and I left Reno following the annual CCA Convention, my immediate future involved mostly allocating my dwindling haystack and sticking to my plan. I had committed, in the absence of grass, to buying enough hay to hold our base cow herd together. We had been feeding for several months already and this was an all in gamble. I know I wasn’t the only one on this track!

Then, 30 days later I had all licensed vehicles parked across the little creek that never runs wondering if I even owned a pair of rubber boots anymore. We had a little over 10 inches of rain that day in Pozo. From the rain years of 2006 through 2015, we hadn’t had double digit rainfall (other than the anomaly year of 2011) for the whole of any of those years. That day I started to allow myself to think my gamble might pay off!

You are probably, at this point, wondering why I am telling you this. Number one is that I have not done a column since January, but number two is the incredible stories, photos and videos that I have been privileged to see and hear in my travels as president.

It has been a year that required checking every route option to see if it was even open. We have used many alternate routes which usually add time but many involve country I’ve never seen or hadn’t seen in some time. As the spring progressed the grass year unfolded in a crop that was extraordinary for most of the state. Even the more desert country is looking very inviting. Many times I have wondered how they even run a cow out there but this year I can actually see grass!

One of the disappointing things though is the massive conversion of the grassland of the Sierra foothills to trees. There are still ranches where one can see the waving sea of green grass with yearlings belly deep. I will never get tired of that.

I must be getting old and sentimental. While we were in Tulare county we were able to watch multiple helicopters and other safety personnel, using the farm show grounds as a staging area, come and go in some form of a rescue mission involving the return of Tulare lake. I saw some unbelievable video (courtesy of John Hammon, Exeter) involving a bull rescue. The helicopter pilot nudged a half a dozen bulls, big bulls, into raging canal water using the landing struts of the helicopter. Each bull, one at a time, swam to safety to be hauled to higher ground. Tulare and surrounding counties are still dealing with their problems but that video, the skill of that pilot and the commitment of ranchers like Marty Williamson and John Hammon, says a lot about our industry.

The mountain counties have some unique issues as well. I’ve seen photos of cabins associated with forest leases where all you see is the tip of the roof line under 18 to 20 feet high snow. Some of the lessees I visited with may not get to their lease if the snow doesn’t melt!

I know this article doesn’t address some of the really important issues and situations facing us in Sacramento and elsewhere. It didn’t address the unique snow issues that Humboldt County dealt with. It didn’t address the myriad of weather related events in other counties. It didn’t review the new CCA accommodations and that the new office is working out well. Another time.

We had 55.40 inches of rain in Pozo this year. I dug through my files for historical rainfall records and much to my surprise I found them. I immediately went to 1969, I thought that may have been an even wetter year than this, 50.42 inches at the Salinas River dam. Not exact same location, five miles west as the crow flies, close enough. Memorable year? Just in time? Probably much could be added here but in the interest of space I will close by saying, YES!

Dal Porto Livestock • 20 1st calf Angus heifers

John Ginochio • 20 1st calf Angus heifers

Lawrence Ginochio • 15 1st calf Angus heifers

Billy Grissom • 75 1st calf Angus and black/white face

heifers

Art Anderson • 75 1st calf Angus and black/white face

heifers

Gilliland Livestock • 150 Angus and SimAngus 1st-3rd calf heifers and cows

Ronnie Seever • 30 1st calf Angus heifers

Duane Martin Livestock • 80 Angus and black/white face 1st calf heifers

Prewitt Ranch • 40 Angus and black/white face 1st calf heifers

RM Livestock • 30 Angus and Angus cross 1st calf heifers

Haydn Myer Ranch • 20 2nd & 3rd calf cows

J and T Ranch • 80 Angus and black/white face 5-7 year old cows

Pennington Ranch • 75 2nd and 3rd calf Angus and black/white face cows

Females are foothill & anaplaz exposed or vaccinated. Watch for bull information at sale time. The quality is outstanding!

UPCOMING MIDSUMMER FEEDER SPECIALS

CCA AND AFFILIATES PROUD TO INVEST IN BEEF INDUSTRY LEADERS OF THE FUTURE

by CCA Director of Communications Katie Roberti

The generosity and support that comes from the agricultural community is something special. You see it in the donations that producers make to local food banks. The way farmers and ranchers support their communities year-round. How they support other communities after natural disasters—ranchers are always in line to give to their ranching peers (even ones they have never met) who are facing loss. The level of generosity in agriculture is unique and one of the many reasons I love being part of our industry personally and professionally.

If you are doubtful of this or need a reminder, go to any junior livestock auction or fundraiser this summer, and you will quickly see the type of support I’m talking about on full display. I am also willing to bet if you attend any rural high school’s FFA or senior scholarship banquet at the end of each school year, the number of scholarships given out by agricultural groups and organizations—local farm bureaus and cattlemen’s associations, roping clubs, memorial scholarships from ranch and farm families and more— will stand out.

In the last two years, CCA has awarded over $122,000 in scholarships to students studying agriculture. The hundreds of thousands of dollars in scholarships over the decades the program has existed is only possible because of the financial donations and time given to the scholarship process from producers, allied industry leaders and supporters across the state.

I’m thankful for all the people who made the scholarships possible when I was a student—the families who started memorial scholarship funds, anyone who purchased a Livestock Memorial Research Fund raffle ticket, the allied industry members who served on the scholarship committee and all the investments producers made to support students like me. It made a difference in my life, and thanks to this continued support, students can apply for CCA scholarships

again this year. Applications for the 2023 scholarships went live on July 1 at calcattlemen.org/ scholarships. Any current undergraduate, master, school of law or veterinary student attending or enrolled in a junior college, four-year college, university or law school who graduated from a California high school or is an out-of-state student attending a California college can apply now. While the deadline to submit applications for the 2023 CCA scholarships is not until Oct. 1, I recommend jumping on it early, as many application requirements take time to gather and organize. (Visit the CCA website for the complete list of eligibility requirements).

I know applying for scholarships can be a timely process. Additionally, it can be easy to start doubting if you are a strong enough candidate and eventually talk yourself out of taking the leap to submit an application. However, if you are a student reading this who is on the fence, don’t let those doubts stop you. If you’re not a student reading this but have a child, sibling, grandchild, neighbor or friend you know studying agriculture, please encourage them to apply. Money aside, the experience I gained from the process was well worth the time I put in when I applied for the CCA scholarship for the first time as a sophomore in college. Growing up in Sierra Valley, I was blessed with the support of scholarships from local ag organizations. However, going through CCA’s scholarship process was a new experience for me and one with a few lessons I still remember.

...CONTINUED ON PAGE 12

...CONTINUED FROM PAGE 10

After applying, I was excited to get an email saying I was selected for an interview. I immediately made plans to be at my scheduled, in-person interview the day before CCA’s 2013 annual convention at the Nugget Resort in Sparks, Nev. I remember walking into the room nervous when I arrived for the interview. Sitting at the interview table when I entered was a mixed panel of producers and industry leaders that I either did not know or had only briefly met. I knew they were all important to the organization though and my interview performance would stay with me. I was highly intimidated.

While the interview probably went just fine, I left the room unconfident about my performance and remember immediately calling my dad to tell him I blew it when the panel asked me something along the lines of, “What do you consider the biggest challenge or obstacle that faces the cattle industry today?”

I can’t remember how I answered the question. It may have been something about too many regulations. What I did not say or mention in the interview was anything about drought. At the time of the interview, California was in

its second year of what would turn out to be a five-year drought. Ranchers were concerned and conversations about culling herds were likely top of mind for most.

I’m sure my dad reassured me by telling me my answer was probably acceptable, and I did receive a scholarship that year, but it was a lesson for me. That interview experience pushed me to prepare more for future scholarship and internship interviews. All this to say, you never know what you may gain by just applying. Who knows, without that interview, I may have missed out on working at CCA or getting to work now with many of the people who interviewed me that day.

If you have any questions about the process or eligibility requirements for this year’s scholarships, Maureen LaGrande, my coworker and CCA’s Associate Director of Communications, is only a phone call away. Please call her to learn more and encourage any agriculture students studying at a California college or any who graduated high school in California and are studing agriculture out of state to apply by Oct. 1 at calcattlemen.org/scholarship.

YOUR DUES DOLLARS AT WORK

A MID-YEAR TEMPERATURE CHECK ON CCA’S LEGISLATIVE PRIORITIES

by CCA Vice President of Government Affairs Kirk Wilbur

June 2 was the “house of origin” deadline in the California Legislature, the date by which bills needed to pass off the floor of the chamber in which they were introduced to advance in the first year of the 2023-24 Legislative Session (some bills which didn’t meet that deadline will become “two-year bills,” viable so long as they pass off the floor before the end of January in the second year of Session). With one half of the legislative process behind us, this month is a good time to check in on the status of CCA’s 2023 legislative priorities.

The Legislature will begin its summer recess on July 14, which is also the deadline by which policy committees must complete their consideration of legislation. Given that timeline, the statuses of the bills detailed below are likely to have changed since press time, so what follows should simply be read as a reflection of the first half of the legislative year. (Also note that this update does not include every bill that CCA has taken a position on this year but does detail CCA’s highest-priority legislative targets.)

After reconvening on August 14, legislators will have one month to consider legislation in appropriations committees and on the Assembly and Senate floors, after which Governor Gavin Newsom will have until October 14 to sign or veto legislation. Look for a final recap of 2023 legislation in the November edition of California Cattleman.

CCA-OPPOSED

AB 99 (Connolly) – State roads and highways: integrated pest management

Current Status: Will be heard in Senate Transportation Committee June 27.

Vote History: Passed the Assembly 55-16.

This bill would require the California Department of Transportation to adopt a statewide policy to use “integrated pest management” limiting roadside pesticide application in any county in which the Board

of Supervisors has voted to limit or discontinue roadside application of pesticides. Such a policy could be detrimental to pest management on farms and ranches adjacent to CalTrans-managed roadsides.

CCA-SUPPORTED

AB 408 (Wilson) – The Climate-Resilient Farms, Sustainable Healthy Food Access and Farmworker Protection Bond Act of 2024

Current Status: Awaiting referral in Senate Rules Committee.

Vote History: Passed the Assembly 67-9.

This $3.365 billion bond bill includes several allocations that seek to promote livestock grazing in recognition of its ecological benefits, including $35 million to CalFire for equipment and infrastructure to support prescribed grazing, $60 million to CDFA to promote carbon sequestration through methods including prescribed grazing and $40 million for community food production in urban and suburban areas which can include “livestock grazing in open space.”

CCA-OPPOSED

AB 460 (Bauer-Kahan) – State Water Resources Control Board: interim relief

Current Status: Will be heard in Senate Natural Resources & Water Committee June 27.

Vote History: Passed the Assembly 43-20.

Though it has been messaged as a bill to disincentivize violations of curtailment orders by increasing fines for illegal diversions, AB 460 is much more sweeping in its scope. The bill would allow virtually any person to petition the State Water Resources Control Board for an interim relief order against a water rightsholder for alleged violations of virtually any water right or water quality statute, and would allow the Board to impose draconian fines with minimal due

process protections. The bill could be weaponized by environmental groups to target grazing based on alleged water quality impacts and could even lead to challenges against stockpond diversions in drought years.

CCA-OPPOSED

AB 554 (Gabriel) – SPCAs: enforcement of laws

Current Status: Ordered to the Assembly inactive file.

Vote History: Passed Assembly Judiciary Committee 11-0; passed Assembly Banking & Finance 9-0.

Under current law, societies for the prevention of cruelty to animals may assist the state in prosecuting alleged violations of “any law relating to or affecting animals” in criminal courts. AB 554 would have allowed SPCAs to independently file such suits in civil courts, without the oversite of unbiased district attorneys. Because California law allows any 20 citizens to incorporate as an SPCA, the bill would have been easily weaponized by radical animal rights groups opposed to animal agriculture, enabling those groups to harass ranchers and harm them reputationally and financially. A concerted opposition effort led by CCA resulted in Assemblyman Gabriel shelving the bill in late May. It may still be taken up in 2024 as a two-year bill, and CCA stands ready to redouble our opposition if it is.

CCA-SUPPORTED

AB 606 (Mathis) – CESA accidental take: farms or ranches

Current Status: Will be heard in Senate Natural Resources & Water Committee June 22.

Vote History: Passed the Assembly 79-0.

This bill extends an existing provision of law which provides that a farmer or rancher is not liable for take of a species listed as threatened or endangered under the California Endangered Species Act if the take was accidental and occurred in the course of “routine and ongoing agricultural activities.”

CCA-SUPPORTED

AB 720 (Addis) – California Rangeland, Grazing Land, and Grassland Protection Program

Current Status: Will be heard in Senate Natural Resources & Water Committee June 22.

Vote History: Passed the Assembly 76-0.

While not titled the “California Conservation Ranching Incentive Program,” this bill is substantially similar to two prior CCA-supported bills that bore that name: 2021’s SB 322 and 2022’s SB 977, both authored by Sen. Laird. AB 720 would amend the California Rangeland, Grazing Land, and Grassland Protection Program to establish grants intended to support landowners’ efforts to enhance, restore and preserve California’s private rangelands.

NEUTRAL

AB 1197 (Hart) – Local food producers: grant limits

Current Status: Will be heard in Senate Natural Resources & Water Committee June 22.

Vote History: Passed the Assembly 66-2.

AB 1197 would make grants under the Agricultural Protection Planning Grant Program available for the purpose of maintaining and stewarding “Local food producers.” Unfortunately as originally introduced the bill limited its definition of a local food producer to an individual who farms or ranches on no more than 500 acres across all properties, rendering almost all ranchers ineligible for such grants. CCA was the sole organization to raise concerns about the provision, taking an oppose-unless-amended position on the bill. AB 1197 was subsequently amended to expand eligibility to individuals who graze livestock on rangelands and who have annual meat sales of under $2 million, allowing CCA to remove opposition to the bill.

CCA-SUPPORTED

AB 1237 (Petrie-Norris) – California Public Interest Veterinary Debt Relief Program

Current Status: Held in the Assembly Appropriations Committee.

Vote History: Passed Assembly Higher Education Committee 12-0.

AB 1237 sought to alleviate the shortage of licensed veterinarians in rural areas and areas identified by USDA’s National Institute of Food and Agriculture as suffering a “veterinary services shortage situation” by providing up to $150,000 in student debt relief to veterinarians who practice full time in such a community for at least five years. Several regions of the state are identified by USDA as having a “veterinary services shortage situation” relative to “private practice food animal medicine” or “rural area food animal medicine,” so the bill stood to incentivize veterinary practice benefitting cattlemen confronted with a shortage of large animal practice veterinarians.

CCA-OPPOSED

AB 1337 (Wicks) – State Water Resources Control Board: water shortage enforcement

Current Status: Will be heard in Senate Natural Resources & Water Committee June 27.

Vote History: Passed the Assembly 45-20.

AB 1337 would provide the State Water Resources Control Board statutory authority to curtail all water rights, even in water years in which no drought emergency has been declared (under current law, statutory authority only exists to curtail post-1914 appropriative water rights, and pre-1914 and riparian rights may only be curtailed during declared drought emergencies). CCA and a broad coalition of water agencies and agricultural groups have opposed the bill because it gives the SWRCB

...CONTINUED FROM PAGE 15

unfettered authority to curtail water rights even when no scarcity exists, hindering ranchers’ and other water rightsholders’ ability to forecast water availability and plan for the use of water under their rights.

CCA-OPPOSED

AB 1563 (Bennett) – Groundwater extraction permit verification

Current Status: Referred to Senate committees on Natural Resources & Water and Governance & Finance.

Vote History: Passed the Assembly 45-20.

A similar effort to CCA-opposed AB 2201 (Bennett), which CCA successfully opposed last year, AB 1563 would require a well permitting agency to post a well permit application on its website for at least 30 days prior to approval and would condition permit approval upon written verification from a Groundwater Sustainability Agency that the well would be consistent with groundwater management plans and is unlikely to interfere with nearby wells. The bill would impose significant (and unnecessary) costs, delays and legal challenges for ranchers seeking well permits.

CCA-OPPOSED

SB 253 (Wiener) – Climate Corporate Data Accountability Act

Current Status: Awaiting referral from Assembly Rules Committee.

Vote History: Passed the Senate 24-9.

This bill would require any corporation with annual revenues of more than $1 billion that does business in California to annually report all greenhouse gas emissions attributable to the company. Of particular concern to CCA, the bill would require such companies to report their “scope 3” emissions – that is, all emissions related to the corporation’s supply chain. Were SB 253 to become law, it could thus result in onerous reporting requirements being passed down to ranchers whose products are in the supply chain of major corporations.

CCA-SUPPORTED

SB 361 (Dodd) – Water resources: stream gages

Current Status: Held in the Senate Appropriations Committee.

Vote History: Passed Senate Natural Resources & Water Committee 10-0.

SB 361 sought to require the Department of Water Resources and State Water Resources Control Board to reactivate, upgrade or install stream gages in watersheds throughout the state. Expanding the state’s stream gage network would have benefitted cattle producers by improving the accuracy of drought monitoring

tools that impact federal agricultural assistance programs and state curtailment orders, among other regulatory decisions.

CCA-OPPOSED

SB 389 (Allen) – State Water Resources Control Board: determination of right

Current Status: Awaiting referral from Assembly Rules Committee.

Vote History: Passed the Senate 23-11.

The third of three problematic bills proposing seismic shifts to California’s water rights system (see AB 460 and AB 1337, above), SB 389 would allow the State Water Board to investigate any pre-1914 claim of right and to revoke that water right if it believes the claim or right is not authorized. Most troublingly, the bill would place the burden of proof on the rightsholder, not the Board, to produce evidence proving the basis of right for one’s water right – despite the fact that state law did not require recording or reporting of water diverted under a pre-1914 water right until 2009.

NEUTRAL

SB 485 (Becker) – Methane emissions: livestock feed additives

Current Status: Awaiting referral from Assembly Rules Committee.

Vote History: Passed the Senate 38-0.

CCA initially opposed SB 485, which as introduced required the California Air Resources Board to create targets for the adoption of methane-emissions-reducing feed additives in feed provided to all livestock animals. In the Senate Agriculture Committee, CCA succeeded in limiting the program to dairies, allowing the Association to remove its opposition. Working with Western United Dairies, CCA also succeeded in removing bill language allowing CARB to set adoption targets for dairies (lest those targets later morph into legislative or regulatory mandates).

CCA-SUPPORTED

SB 780 (Alvarado-Gil) – Feed additives or ingredients: safety.

Current Status: Referred to the Assembly Agriculture Committee.

Vote History: Passed the Senate 37-0.

In recent years, the California Air Resources Board has become increasingly active in regulating livestock methane emissions, with recent legislative proposals seeking to involve the agency in the business of promoting certain livestock feed additives (see SB 485, above). SB 780 would clarify that the California Department of Food and Agriculture has primary oversight of any additive fed to livestock, including those which make environmental claims.

Each time a pro-livestock, pro-business candidate is elected in Sacramento it is a win for the ranching community.

Fire Outlook

Q&A with CCA Fire Subcommittee Chair Anthony Stornetta

by Director of Communications Katie Roberti

QWhat did the State’s fire resiliency efforts consist of over winter and as of lately?

ABehind the scenes there was a lot of project paperwork that was submitted. A lot of CEQA that was being conducted and a lot of projects that were starting to get off of the ground. Funding for a majority of these projects and the vegetation management and wildfire resiliency grants all took effect in 2021.

For last year and the year before there were more black acres and prescribed fire projects completed than in the past few years. However, I still do not think we are where we need to be. We have a long way to go. As for the 2022 Prescribed Fire Strategic plan, we are supposed to have 400,000 acres burned by 2025.

I am optimistic that there are many government and non-governmental agencies working towards this goal. If cattlemen are interested in burning reach out to your local prescribed burn associations or CalFIRE units for more information and to get projects on the books.

QWhat do you expect for this year as far as resiliency projects?

AThere is a lot of project prep and mandatory paperwork being completed and reviewed through the state and local agencies. There were a lot of projects that came to fruition last year, with just as many or more planned for this year

and next. It was reported recently by CalFIRE staff that a lot of grant funding was pushed out. It was pushed out through prescribed burn associations (PBAs), range improvement associations (RIAs), CalFIRE ranger units, and contract counties to get these special projects off the ground. In 2021 the Governor approved a wildfire resiliency package of $1.5 billion. In May of 2022 another $98 million was approved for forest health projects. There was $250 million in requests for the 2022-23 wildfire prevention grants, where there is only $115 million available. People are actually requesting the funding and it’s getting out there for projects.

In speaking with a CalFIRE executive, it was relayed to us that the Governor just approved another $15 million to be distributed spring of 2023, so the projects are on the books.

QAs far as what’s coming up as we head into summer do you have an outlook for what this year’s wildfire season is going to look like? How much will the extremely wet winter make a difference in how this wildfire season is going to look?

ANo surprise to anyone, but the state received a lot of rainfall, most of us saw 150 to 200 percent of normal rainfall and snowfall. That does have

a huge impact on fire season. As you’ve seen everywhere and driving along the highways no matter where you travel, there are large stands of grass crops. They are heavy, they are continuous and, in some places, they are five to six feet tall, which is good for all of us producers. We are all blessed to finally get some much-needed moisture, but what we are forecasting for this year is the transition to high fire season is going to take place a little later, sometime in late June for most areas and even into July for others.

With the large grass crops, I foresee a lot of fire starts and there being a lot of initial attack fires. When fires build and transition into the heavier fuel beds, such as the medium and heavy brush we are not going to see that explosive fire behavior like we have seen in the recent past. With all of the moisture still in the heavier fuels, unless cured later in the year, we may see a slowdown of the fires moving from the grass into the brush due to high fuel moistures. As we transition into summer and have multiple, hot days with low relative humidity, these fuels along with the right slope will come into alignment and burn more significantly.

Across the state, every geographical area will see its own challenges, but I’m guessing that true fire season will probably be from mid-July to October sometime. There continues to be random shots of precipitation, so it’s a big guess right now, fuel moistures are still much higher right now in June than compared to the past five years.

QWhat should ranchers and land managers be ready for on their properties specifically this year?

AThis year if a fire starts on your ranch you will need to have good situational awareness for spot fires. Unlike the recent past, with little to no feed on the ground, spot fires were not a big concern. This year with the large grass crops, this presents with very receptive fuels to sustain spot fires. If your ranch has old decadent fuel beds, with little to no fire history there are still a lot of concerns for fire moving through quickly, same holds true for areas that have not seen any forest management and beetle kill prone areas. This is mostly along your permit areas, private ranch lands see management actions and this is not usually a concern for privately owned properties.

Q: What else will influence how large wildfires may get this fire season?

AFor this fire season, there are many factors influencing the ability to keep fires small in size; high fuel moistures, many pond and reservoirs are full and provide abundant opportunities for helicopters to grab water and have quick turnaround times. Additionally, quick aircraft turnaround times will assist with keeping the

fires small or in check until ground firefighting resources arrive on scene. Also, along these lines, there has been a lot of funding from the state to bring on extra dozers, hand crews and aircraft.

QHow are the livestock pass programs progressing in counties across the state?

AThe latest count I have is 33 of the 58 counties either have a livestock pass in place or are coming online. There are two different programs readily available. Some counties are following AB 1103 and just making it a livestock pass. But I’m seeing more and more local stakeholders adopting an “ag pass” which brings in irrigated crops and also livestock.

There is another bill making its way through the legislature and at CCA’s legislative breakfast I was able to speak with Assemblymember Dahle about AB 1141 which would be an “Ag Pass” bill, much like AB 1103 “Livestock Pass.” This bill will not directly impact the Livestock Pass programs, but any amendments to the bill could have the impact of affecting our existing programs. Kirk Wilbur Vice President of Government Affairs is keeping a close eye on this and those discussions moving forward.

QAre you hearing good things as far as the pass is working and groups collaborating better by having the pass?

AI’m hearing a lot of positive feedback, especially with the in-person training because you usually have law enforcement, fire, the ag commissioner’s office and the ag pass holders all in the same room. This provides the opportunity to run table top exercises, and to develop relationships and trust prior to any emergency incident occurring. This is one of the advantages of having in-person training sessions.

All of the curriculum for the Livestock Pass was adopted in February of this year. We were teaching courses under a BETA program prior to this adoption but now it is officially adopted. There’s been a lot of support from Tracy Schohr in the north and Matthew Shapero in the south, so UC Cooperative extension has been playing a key role in program delivery. I want to recognize all stakeholders from the ag commissioner’s office, cooperative extension, CalFIRE, CCA, local law enforcement associations and the fire safe councils that have helped make this a successful program.

QLet’s switch over to the burn boss program. How are those classes going? What does that entail from you?

...CONTINUED ON PAGE 20

AFrom the burn boss program, there’s a lot going on. We have a class scheduled from Nov. 6-10 in San Luis Obispo. If anyone is interested in that class, please reach out to me and I will send you all the information. There was also a refresher class May 30 in San Jose.

If I had to give you a progress report for the burn boss class, we need to have more instructors, there’s only a handful of us that can do it. We need to get people trained and instructor qualified so that as they take the course, they can come back and be an instructor. That’s our main goal right now, is to get more instructors and get the class put on in more locations.

Under the burn boss, we’ve been working diligently on Senate Bill 926, which is the prescribed fire claims fund. I’m not going to take any credit for this. Lenya Quinn-Davidson on CCA’s Fire Subcommittee has been the driving force to seeing this legislation through. The claims fund pilot program is hopeful to launch here very shortly. There is a lot of work and effort that went into it. On June 6 the legislation was reviewed by CalFIRE executives and approved. It is now enroute to the Governor’s office for review and approval. Again, Lenya deserves a lot of credit for this. This legislation will help PBAs, RIAs and private practitioners with obtaining liability insurance for assisting landowners with burning.

QNow that the Prescribed Fire Claim Fund is done, does that open some doors for more prescribed fires? What’s the timeline with that?

ASB 926 is called the prescribed fire claims fund pilot project. It has $20 million dollars and if you conduct prescribed fire practices you can get up to $2 million dollars liability coverage. There is some

scope to it and prerequisites—you have to be a certified burn boss, turn in a smoke management plan, obtain a burn permit if required and a burn plan. This legislation authorizes claims covering certain losses arising from prescribed fires and cultural burning until January 1, 2028. This claims fund is intended to both encourage greater types of beneficial fire use and demonstrate that prescribed and cultural burning is low risk, to entice private insurers back into the market.

Editor’s Note: Watch for an update on the continued progress of Prescribed Burn Associations to be in the August issue of the California Cattleman.

APPLICATIONS FOR THE 2023 CCA SCHOLARSHIPS ARE BEING ACCEPTED NOW THROUGH OCTOBER 1, 2023. APPLY TODAY!

In 2022, CCA awarded over $59,000 in scholarships to students studying agriculture.

Livestock Memorial Research Fund Scholarship

Tom Grimmius Memorial Scholarship

Terry Bengard Memorial Scholarship

The Al Burtis Memorial Scholarship • Hank Stone Memorial California Beef Cattle Improvement Association Scholarship

Learn more about the 2023 requirements for applying & download the CCA Scholarship application at calcattlemen.org/scholarship.

APPLY BY OCT. 1 ST

FULL OF FINDINGS

2023 CCA FEEDER MEETING OFFERS MARKET OUTLOOKS, RESEARCH UPDATES AND MORE

by Director of Communications Katie Roberit

Each spring, CCA’s Feeder Meeting brings hundreds together for the annual educational event organized and put on by CCA’s Feeder Council. Cattle feeders from the Imperial Valley, Central Valley, Arizona and beyond recently participated in the 2023 event May 24-26 at the Marriott Marquis San Diego Marina. In addition to cattle feeders, each year, the meeting also attracts a growing number of animal health professionals, trade companies and other allied industry members looking to connect with feeders and stay current on news, issues and trends related to the feeding sector of the cattle industry. The 2023 event was the same, as registration numbers surpassed the previous year’s attendance and the event continues to grow.

With Feeder Meeting taking place in downtown San Diego for many years now, the Wednesday night welcome party has grown into a gathering many look forward to attending in the city. Attendees spend the evening networking and socializing before a full program of speakers and updates to follow the next day. This year’s Welcome Party was held outdoors at Puesto at the Headquarters, a Mexican restaurant in San Diego’s Seaport Village. Sponsored by Boehringer Ingelheim, the group enjoyed unique ribeye, filet mignon and short rib quesabirria tacos on homemade tortillas along with other appetizers and beverages while connecting with attendees.

The next day, CCA Feeder Council Chair Joe Dan Cameron, Brawley, called the meeting to order at 8 am, and a full day of presentations got underway. To kick off the program, three speakers provided industry outlooks.

“Those first three speakers were really good,” Cameron said.

CattleFax Market Analyst Patrick Linnell started by giving an outlook on the cattle and beef market. Rabo AgriFiance Vice President

Analyst Andrick Payen Diaz Vega then presented “The Mighty (Volatile) US Crop: A Grains & Oilseed Outlook.” Finally, Spencer Prosser, the co-owner of MP Agrilytics, gave a global cattle and beef outlook.

Later in the afternoon, Gregg Doud, Aimpoint Research’s Vice President of Global Situation Awareness and Chief Economist, delivered a global outlook, sharing insights on agricultural trade and exports. Dodd’s presentation was sponsored by the California Cattle Council.

After hearing the presented outlooks, Cameron expects to have a good year as a cattle feeder. Although interest rates make it difficult for feeders right now, he says the roughage situation in the southwest and the San Joaquin Valley is anticipated to improve. Additionally, a decrease in corn prices over the next year is favorable for feeders.

Cameron says it’s clear when looking at what’s going to happen with cow herd numbers over the next couple of years and the cattle cycle, numbers are down, and supplies are not there. As a feedyard manager in Brawley, he sees this daily.

“We don’t get offered the cattle we used to get offered,” Cameron said. “The amount of Holstein calves in California is changing. A lot of those cattle are being bred with Angus now, and those cattle are eligible to be fed in Nebraska, Kansas, Texas, where in prior years, those Holstein cattle were kind of just kept down here in the Desert Southwest. Our numbers are going to get shorter.”

The topic of breeding beef cattle with dairy cattle has been popular at CCA Feeder Meetings in recent years as the trend continues to evolve in the industry. The 2023 meeting program once again included multiple speakers on the subject.

Brad Johnson, Ph.D., Gordon W. Davis Regent’s Chair in Meat and Muscle Biology at Texas

Tech University, presented “Understanding the Mechanisms and Impacts of Growth Modifiers –A Focus on Beef x Dairy.” Additionally, Certified Angus Beef’s Senior Executive Vice President of Marketing Tracey Erickson spoke on branded beef marketing and Beef x Dairy. (To hear about this presentation, tune into the recent episode of Sorting Pen: The California Cattleman Podcast, which features Erickson as a guest.)

Beyond industry outlooks and trends, the remainder of the program agenda focused on broader industry updates and research findings. Registered Dietitian Kori Dover showed the California Beef Council’s current outreach efforts on promoting the nutritional value of beef. Elanco’s Chief Animal Welfare Officer, Michelle Calvo-Lorenzo, DVM, later explained how Elanco monitors livestock and animal welfare discussions on social media. She also shared ways to address current issues and tips for preventing and being prepared for threats from animal activists.

One of the presentations that stood out to Cameron featured research results on an animal confinement study funded by the California Cattle Council and presented by Directions Research’s Andy Hogan.

Hogan shared, “The primary objective of this research was to determine the perceptions held by Californians regarding confinement practices implemented on dairy farms, feedlots, and ranches. The project was funded to inform the California Cattle Council on those perceptions and how they shape consumer behavior.”

From a cattle feeder’s perspective, Cameron says it is common to think consumers won’t like the industry’s practices due to a lack of understanding. However, that is not what this research study reflected after 1,000 Californians were surveyed online and multiple focus groups were conducted virtually and in person.

“I don’t think we are that far off from where we need to be when it comes to consumers understanding cattle feeding,” Cameron said.

...CONTINUED ON PAGE 26

Kemin’s Trecia Thompson, Landon Canterbury, Darryl Clark and Sara Trojan at the Welcome Party.

Zoetis’ Robert Myers and Dr. Chase Reid with their coworker Natalie Koopmann and CattleFax’s Patrick Linnell at the Welcome Party.

Cattle feeder Rob Foster enjoys the reception with Global Animal Products’ team.

...CONTINUED FROM PAGE 25

“We just need to do more education and more outreach to these people, and I think that they can understand.”

The day’s final presentation was a research update from Rob Atwill, DVM, the director of the Western Institute for Food Safety and Security at UC Davis. At Feeder Meeting a few years ago, CCA’s Feeder Council decided it was time to conduct a study on e. Coli concerning leafy greens and cattle nearby. Although there was a chance the results could bring bad news for cattle feeders, members of the Feeder Council agreed it needed to be studied anyways to create actual data. While this issue comes up in conversations throughout California where cattle are near leafy green fields, the research was funded to look specifically at airborne bacteria levels of feedlots in the Imperial Valley.

Atwill’s presentation at the 2023 Feeder Meeting, “Low Levels of Airborne Bacteria in Proximity to Imperial Valley Feeders,” showed the results of this research.

“With Atwill’s help and this study that was funded through Cattle Council, we were able to actually get some peer-reviewed data to show that what these salad companies are saying [about] all this e. Coli…it’s not coming off feedyards through fugitive dust.”

From a cattle feeder’s perspective, Cameron says it feels like companies are just looking for someone to point the blame at when it comes to this issue.

“Somehow, it always gets blamed on cattle, even if there aren’t cattle around,” Cameron said. “It’s one of those things we are going to have to continue doing work on, but the study that was done by Atwill and his people at the Western Center for Food Safety at UC Davis really helps us as an industry when we’re getting this blame for something that we didn’t do. We can [share] our peer-reviewed data, and [they] don’t have any peerreviewed data.”

With the research results now available, cattle feeders and Atwill met with a group of produce growers in the Imperial Valley to review the findings the day before Feeder Meeting.

“They were happy with the results,” Cameron shared. “Now it is on them to push the salad companies and the packers and shippers because

those are the guys setting the precedent on what needs to happen. Like we told them, the beef industry spent billions of dollars after e.Coli issues with Jack in the Box in the 90s to figure out a kill step.”

Following the full day of updates and an evening of socializing over a steak dinner sponsored by Laird Manufacturing, the Feeder Council Business Meeting occurred on Friday morning. Ideas for the 2024 meeting were discussed after standard business items, such as financials, were reviewed. While next year’s event location is still to be determined, it will likely be back in San Diego or nearby and will take place May 22-24. Stay tuned to calcattlemen.org/events for details to be published in the coming months.

To hear the entire conversation with Council Chair Joe Dan Cameron on the event and other issues impacting cattle feeders, including cuts to water allocations in the Imperial Valley from the Colorado River and an update on rail delays, listen to Season 3, Episode 11 of Sorting Pen: The California Cattleman Podcast.

Merck Animal Health’s James English, Mesquite Cattle Feeders’ Joe Dan Cameron, El Toro Land & Cattle’s Blake Plourd, Merck Animal Health’s Bret Davis and Mesquite Cattle Feeders’ Paul Cameron catch up following Thursday’s program.

Spencer Prosser, co-owner of MP Agrilytics

Directions Research’s Andy Hogan.

Texas Tech’s Brad Johnson, Ph.D.

California Beef Council’s Kori Dover

Certified Angus Beef’s Tracey Erickson

Aimpoint Research’s Gregg Doud

Rob Atwill, DVM, presenting “Low Levels of Airborne Bacteria in Proximity to Imperial Valley Feeders.”

CCA President Steve Arnold and his wife Debbie

WHAT’S YOUR PLAN?

BUILDING THE FUTURE BY PLANNING AHEAD

by Tracy Schohr, University of California Cooperative Extension,

A LEGACY is the summation of a lifetime of achievement and how that lifetime will be remembered. The Ag Legacy Symposium on Feb. 25, held at the Chico State Farm brought together ranchers, farmers and agri-business owners to prepare the next generation of managers and owners. The event featured sessions on legal aspects, financial topics, political factors, family dynamics, and provided real life scenarios for participants to consider incorporating into their succession plan. This feature is the second of three on Ag Legacy, highlighting the legal elements of estate planning that were discussed at the event. Vast open spaces, cattle laying chewing their cud, chirping birds, grass blowing in the wind, a babbling brook and calves frolicking are the joys of ranching – far from a lawyer’s office with looming invoices for services rendered! The fear of the lawyer themselves, the fear of the cost or fear of the time commitment all needs to be weighed against the reality - Are you willing to jeopardize the legacy of your family business??? That is your business, just know the consequences. Creating your Ag Legacy requires a team of trusted advisors! A lawyer, like a pitcher on a baseball team, is a necessary part of your team roster!

Understanding Your Needs

When taking the first step to find a lawyer ask neighbors, friends, and fellow ranchers. Take time to do your homework! Just like selecting a new herd bull, find a lawyer that matches your operation needs, personality, and is understanding of your goals for your Ag Legacy. Just like your herd bulls, sometimes you need to cull lawyers too!

“Find an advisor you can trust and confide in to help you identify and prioritize your goals and the best mechanisms to meet them,” stated symposium speaker and estate planning attorney Mindi Reid. “Recognize this is a process. You can get your feet wet before jumping in.”

Reid is a Partner in the law firm Hyatt McIntire & Associates. Her practice focuses on estate planning, trust administration, and probate. She is a sixth-generation member of a pioneer farming family in Yuba County, who has experienced the trials and tribulations of business succession in her own family. Reid has also watched and helped plan to prevent the heartbreak endured by families in the region who have struggled with lack of estate planning that dismantled once thriving family farming and ranching businesses.

...CONTINUED FROM PAGE 28

The process of working with a lawyer will come with expenses, frustration, and hard questions. Sitting down to have the difficult conversation can bring up past squabbles, differences in values and opinions, driving a wedge between generations that have different experiences that have shaped their personal values.

“There is a human dynamic that we don’t have control of. Certain people pop off and can change relationships, or opposite and do nice things and strengthen bonds,” stated symposium presenter John Hewlett, Extension Ranch/ Farm Management Specialist at the University of Wyoming when discussing emotions that may rise when your attorney presents you with difficult decisions. “There is no right or wrong, it is dynamic, and the answer today might not be the same tomorrow.”

Hewlett went on to discuss the importance of sharing the stories that have shaped you and the struggles that have defined your commitment to ranching. At the same time, look out for the next generation by having the difficult conversations with your attorney, accountant, and family about the future.

In the first article of this series on producer perspectives, Tim Koopmann, Sunol, discussed his family being a victim of the estate tax not once, but twice. After Tim’s grandfather passed away in a tragic accident with no will, he watched his father get sick with worry and stress. The Koopmann’s were forced to fire sale hundreds of acres at below market prices to meet tax obligations to save the main ranch. The question of what could have been the family legacy and ranching operation without the lack of estate planning lives on generations later.

Don’t let your legacy be defined by the estate, but rather the stories they share about you long after you are gone.

Reid, who has grown up in production agriculture shared her philosophy, “The drive for me is keeping the land in production agriculture for the next generation, my children, Penny and Price. I want my kids to grow up like I did in rural America instilled with similar values and life skills. It may be a tempting option to try to do it yourself, but any pitfalls of your estate plan will be nightmares for your heirs.”

Building Your Plan

Your estate plan is more than just your trust or will. An estate plan is a complete set of tools that will control what happens to you and your assets when you are no longer

able to make decisions.

During the symposium Reid discussed the overarching need to have an estate plan for protection, control and savings.

• Protection: Protect what matters most by planning for the future.

• Control: By practicing proactive planning, you will gain full control over the disposition of your assets.

• Savings: Minimize or eliminate taxes. Avoid probate costs and hassles.

“We don’t have a crystal ball, but we know there will be an end,” shared Reid. “In the event of your death or disability, your estate plan will direct business and personal matters. It will say who you want to raise your young children or who you prefer to continue your business.”

Working with an attorney to design a plan will make the implementation of your wishes easier. There are a variety of tools ranchers can utilize to meet their desired objectives. When it comes to estate planning there is not a one size fits all option. The tools you will need depend on your goals, the size and scope of your estate and may include items such as: Trust, Will, Durable Power of Attorney, Advanced Health Care Directive, etc.

“It is important that you don’t get set on what tool you want to use, but rather what tool is best, based on your goals!”

shared Reid.

Based on your goals, your attorney will provide an overview of the tools that will

Tracy Schohr, UC Cooperative Extension, Jeff Tranel, Colorado State University Extension, Kasey DeAtley, Ph.D., Chico State, & John Hewlett, Wyoming Extension

Mindi Reid, Attorney at Hyatt McIntire and Associates, speaking about estate planning.

work best. Secondly, your attorney will craft the documents working with you to refine specific elements, so that your final wishes will be carried out as you envision upon your passing. Once your attorney writes up the plan, go through it, ask questions, make clarifications, and have conversations with your attorney. The ag legacy planning process will be hard, but what will be harder is for your children and grandchildren to watch the government decide the script for your legacy.

“It is crucial to recognize that when you sign the legal documents, you are not done,” stated Reid. “There will be follow-up tasks to solidify your plan, and review and maintenance of your plan is recommended to ensure it remains cohesive with your family and ranching operation.”

It is important to recognize that you may need to do more than just sign your trust or will documents. Follow up tasks such as changes to real property deeds, DMV vehicle registration, bank accounts etc. may need to be updated or the mission to avoid taxes and probate could be jeopardized.

Taxes and Probate

Creating an effective estate plan will meet your needs today with tax planning strategies reflective of your current situation and set the foundation for your future with flexibility to evolve as your operation changes.

When it comes to fear-based action, you need to look no further than PROBATE. If you choose not to act, your estate, assets and legacy will be defined by the courts. Under current California law, an estate with assets in a deceased individual’s name that exceed $184,500 gross “fair market value” is subject to probate administration. Estate planning tools as simple as retitling assets and making proper beneficiary designations can completely avoid probate.

Probate creates heartache for your family, puts your family business in the public eye, and there are high financial implications. The State of California has a set fee schedule for supervising estates that have failed to plan. For a small ranch, in addition to other filing fees and costs, the fees paid to an attorney and executor could easily reach $48,425 paid to each, as outlined in the case example. Additionally, for those of you who may be in allied industries or just own a home reading this article, probate can also impact your family with the average home values over $184,500!

“Compared to the alternative probate process, a thorough estate plan saves time and money,” stressed Reid to symposium attendees. “Moreso, it

will keep your personal business personal, and not open to the public.”

To ensure a successful transition to the next generation you must navigate a litany of tax codes beyond probate, including: income taxes, estate taxes and property taxes. Your estate plan documents can minimize or avoid taxes with proper planning. In article one of the series, we shared about the importance of using a team of trusted advisors – accountant and lawyer - to write your Ag Legacy Plan. In the third article of this series, we will further discuss the topic of Ag Legacy and tax implications from the perspective of an accountant.

Today Decides Tomorrow

The symposium brought together multiple generations from farms and ranches across Northern California to learn, share and connect. It was a day to start building and refining Ag Legacy Plans, diving into the legal aspects, and to hear stories of success and tribulations.

“The estate planning process can make or break a family ranch,” shared event co-host and moderator Kasey DeAtley, Ph.D., rancher and professor at California State University, Chico. “If you have a lawyer on your team, that is committed, easy to talk to and understanding - I am confident, will give you ease today and assurance that your heirs and legacy will continue to thrive after your passing.”

Future Ag Legacy events are being planned for later this year and in 2024. If you are interested in learning more about these events, visit: https://surveys.ucanr.edu/survey. cfm?surveynumber=40630.

The event was hosted by Dr. Kasey DeAtley and Eric Houk, Ph.D., California State University, Chico and Tracy Schohr, University of California Cooperative Extension, with support from Chico State Young Cattlemen’s Association. Sponsorships for the event were from the California Beef Cattle Improvement Association, Butte County Cattlemen’s Association and USDANIFA Grant.

Mindi Reid, Partner at the law firm of Hyatt McIntire & Associates can be reached at 530-674-9761 or HMA-Office@hm1law.com. The information shared in this article are from personal accounts and is provided for informational purposes only and should not be construed as legal or tax advice on any subject matter. You should not act upon any such information without first seeking qualified professional counsel on your specific matter.

HERD HEALTH CHECK

TEN WAYS TO REDUCE STRESS ON YOUR BEEF CATTLE

OPERATION

from Boehringer Ingelheim Vetmedica

Quality colostrum and vaccination can get animals off to a great start, but even in a vaccinated animal, stress can compromise their immune system and make them susceptible to respiratory disease.

“We need to be considerate of all the different stress factors that can set an animal up for the onset of disease,” said Joe Gillespie, DVM, Boehringer Ingelheim. “How we manage livestock during their growth phase is really important. We must be diligent and proactive on all fronts in order to protect calves.”

Implementing the following management practices can help mitigate stress and prevent disease in your herd:

1. Screen incoming calves for bovine viral diarrhea virus (BVDV), and remove persistently infected calves from the herd.

2. Shield cattle from harsh weather conditions, and give them plenty of bunk space.

3. Avoid overcrowding, as it causes stress and promotes the spread of disease.

4. Bed cattle frequently. Bedding provides added warmth, improved comfort and a barrier between cattle and the ground below, which can contain pathogens.

5. Maintain proper ventilation to keep cattle from inhaling dust and harmful BRD-causing pathogens.

6. Ensure cattle have access to water and a properly balanced diet. This is necessary for healthy immune function and proper growth.

7. Clean water sources, feed bunks or other heavy-use areas regularly.

8. Minimize the commingling of animals from different sources. If unavoidable, use a preconditioning program.

9. Practice low-stress handling to ensure the moving process goes smoothly for both producers and the cattle. Low-stress handling techniques include presenting a calm disposition, avoiding loud noises, reducing the use of cattle prods and removing visual distractions.

Work with a veterinarian to implement a deworming protocol for parasite protection. Clinical or subclinical parasitism decreases the animal’s ability to fight disease, and may negatively affect response to vaccination by competing with the immune system for protein and energy.

Even with the best management practices in place, some stressful events such as shipping are unavoidable. “When producers know that animals are about to experience a stressful event, metaphylaxis is an option to explore,” noted Gillespie. Administering metaphylaxis, or a group antibiotic treatment, for at-risk animals can help reduce morbidity and mortality on beef operations.

“Talk with a veterinarian about finding an antibiotic for metaphylaxis that works best for your specific class of cattle,” emphasized Dr. Gillespie. “Typically, several factors should be evaluated, such as spectrum of activity, speed of action, and postmetaphylactic interval, or the length of time the antibiotic is at effective levels in the bloodstream before another dose is required. Because a number of different bacteria can be involved with respiratory disease, it’s also important to choose a broad-spectrum antibiotic that reaches the lungs quickly.

“BRD is the costliest cause of sickness and death in the beef industry and implementing a holistic approach to battling the disease could help to provide the protection producers are looking for,” concluded. Gillespie. “With the right management strategies, producers can put their cattle on track for lifelong productivity and wellbeing.”

Old Stage Angus Eddie Veenendaal (559) 259-5631

Veenendaal Angus

3rd

Annual Myron Schotanus (559) 804-4997

SUSTAINING FOR THE FUTURE

by

Director

In a livestock operation it is important to have a plan in place to best utilize the grazing potential and capability of a ranch. Participants of the Sustainable Ranch Management Planning Workshop, “Grazing to Improve your Land, Your Life and Your Bottom Line” held at the Marriott in Santa Clarita, April 21-22, learned proper grazing management practices and how to work towards implementing these practices into their own operation.

Held for the first time, the workshop served as a pilot program brought to life and spearheaded by the California Cattlemen’s Foundation and Los Angeles County rancher and chair-elect of the US Roundtable for Sustainable Beef, Mike Williams, Acton. Sponsorship from the California Cattle Council, Cargill, McDonalds and Merck made the weekend possible. The sponsors objective of providing funds for the workshop was to teach ranchers how to sustainably run their operations, and that they in turn would take away that knowledge to apply to their ranch. “A profitable ranch is a more sustainable ranch,” said Williams.

Workshop leader, David Pratt, CEO Emeritus, of Ranch Management Consultants, Inc. spent the two-day workshop educating, discussing and providing interactive scenarios to help the those in attendance visualize how implementing a grazing plan into their operation could further their success. Pratt shared how strategic planning

and forward-thinking could lead participants to “Ranching for less loss, to ranching for breaking even to ranching for profit.”

Participating in the two-day event were 16 ranchers from central to southern California. The workshop covered topics including economics, finance, how to increase profit, problems in agriculture, grassman versus cattleman, overgrazing, overstocking, strategic grazing, property development, drought and annual plans. No ranch operates the same as one next, enabling participants to learn how fellow attendees run their operations, widening their scope of

CCA Associate

of Communications Maureen LaGrande

Sustainable Ranch Management Workshop Attendees and workshop leader Dave Pratt.

ranching in California and implementing these aspects to their sustainable ranching plans. The emphasis of taking care of the land is crucial to a profitable operation. “If the land is sick, how much does it work?” Pratt said.

What helped to make the workshop effective was how Pratt continuously prompted the group with questions, scenarios and examples for which they discussed with one another to create a solution to Pratt’s prompt. For example, Pratt asked the group, what they thought the meaning of “sustainability” was when taught in schools? Answers included global warming, hands on work and husbandry. These answers helped Pratt to articulate that when it comes to creating a sustainable ranch management plan, “no one size fits all.”

Pratt read to the group a sample grazing management plan that a past workshop attendee had sent him. The plan explained that based on the current cattle market and the price that a rancher could get per head of cattle, that the rancher felt it would be best to sell his livestock. In turn, the rancher could rent his grazing land for four months and calculated the cost per cow per month he could charge and receive for rent, all while sustainably practicing and implementing grazing strategies.

“Knowing how to RAISE livestock isn’t the same as knowing how to RUN a business that raises livestock,” Pratt said.

Pratt then asked the group based on this letter, if they thought the plan was a good one. Participant response was, based on money calculations, that yes it was a good plan. Pratt then asked, since the market is always changing when should said rancher sell his cows? Cody Eastman, Lancaster responded,

...CONTINUED ON PAGE 36

CCA Executive Vice President Billy Gatlin and Mike Williams at dinner, after concluding the first day of the workshop.

Suzannah Underwood, Laird Pidduck and Carson Bell at dinner.

Cody Eastman, Kayla Eastman, and Marcie Sakadjian working to put together a grazing management plan.

Mark Farr and Jack Lavers.

...CONTINUED FROM PAGE 35

“Now.” Dave nodded in agreement saying yes that now would be the best time to sell the cattle, giving the rancher a profit and enabling him to let his ground replenish before renting it out.

To wrap up the conversation and scenario provided, Pratt made note that with the money the rancher received, you don’t just want it sitting there, the best thing to do is reinvest, put away, pay taxes and make good decisions. When thinking about a ranch as a whole, it was recommended that ranchers should make a list of “what works” but also a list of “what doesn’t work.”

When talking about profit, attendees were asked:“In your definition, what is profit?” While everyone had similar yet different definitions, some key points when thinking about profit for an operation were to:

1. Be honest with your numbers (including rent, feed costs, water, ect.);

2. Include things you’re not inclined to;

3. And even if you own the land, you still rent it

The surplus of information provided to participants will allow them to assess what they learned and determine how they want to incorporate this knowledge into their ranch. A recommendation of making a list of “what works” and “what doesn’t work” for each individual ranch could help to identify where their efforts first need to go.

Aside from time in the workshop, participants went to dinner on Friday night to visit amongst one another. Laughter, smiles and great food was spread throughout the table.

As the workshop ended Saturday afternoon, participants had been provided all the key fundamentals to work towards creating a morse sustainable ranching operation.

“It’s eye opening, seeing how to create more pastures allowing more time to feed and how simple it is to use once done,” said Janet Pena a farm employee from Pierce College.

With no expectation for those in attendance to get home and completely flip their operation, Pratt encouraged the group to go home look at their operation and begin to think of ways in which they could improve and work towards a more sustainable ranch.

While each rancher runs their operation a certain way, opportunities to learn something new to take back to the ranch is also important. “I think others should come to this; you have to be curious,” said participant and rancher Jack Lavers Glennville.

SHOULD YOU ORDER THE ANAPLASMOSIS VACCINE?

Anaplasmosis is an infectious parasitic disease in cattle, spread primarily by ticks and blood sucking insects like mosquitoes. The killed anaplasmosis vaccine protects cows and bulls of any age from infection and requires a booster given 4 to 6 weeks after the initial vaccination. Find out below if you should order the vaccine!

Do you own cattle?

You don’t need it, but should still support the California Cattlemen’s Association

Do they graze in areas where Anaplasmosis is a problem?

Do you want to prevent the effects of the disease including severe anemia, weakness, fever lack of appetite, depression, constipation, decreased milk production, jaundice, abortion and possibly death?

You don’t need to

375 fall bred females available

95 head of bar kj purebred angus fall bred heifers

• 35 head bred A.I. to Grimmius Cattle Company sires GAR Freedom and Woodhill Authentic due to calve 8/31/23

• 60 head exposed to EXAR Homestead 1282B, EXAR Growth Fund 9876B, Bar KJ Shafter 1191 and RAR Revolution 1317 that are due to calve 9/23/23 – 11/25/23

• Foothill exposed and vaccined, Bangs vaccinated, Anaplas (2x)

• All females are registered and can have papers transferred at no cost. Females are sired by:

200+ head of rancheria land & livestock fall bred heifers

• 123 head due to calve 9/25/23 for 30 days

• 80 head due to calve 10/28/23 for 45 days

• These native heifers are all born/raised at Rancheria with 3 rounds of vaccinations including Bangs, Foothill, Anaplas, and Anthrax.

• Bred to registered Angus calving-ease bulls including sons of VAR Power Play 7018, GAR Ashland, Bar R Jet Black 5063, and more. They have EPDs that average:

80+ head of rancheria land & livestock fall bred cows

• Two loads that start Calving 10/25/23 for 60 days

• Bred to high-performance registered Angus bulls from Vintage, EZ Angus, Rooney, and 44 Farms. They have

that average:

IMPACTED BY WILDFIRES

Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack and Interior Secretary Deb Haaland issued a joint memo June 14 to federal agency leaders with wildfire responsibilities outlining their vision and goals for managing wildland fires.

The memo’s release follows a briefing that President Biden held with cabinet officials and agency leaders on the nation’s preparedness for wildfires and hurricane season, and comes on the heels of wildfires in Canada that have caused dangerous levels of air pollution.

In addition to fire suppression investments from President Biden’s Investing in America agenda, the memo highlights strategic priorities to reduce wildfire risk, restore ecosystems, engage in post-fire recovery, and make communities more resilient to fire.

The memo also references the National Cohesive Wildland Fire Management Strategy as a guide to working with partners to restore and maintain resilient landscapes and help communities become fire adapted. The strategy reinforces the need for cross-boundary collaboration to meet today’s wildland fire management challenges, including climate change; workforce capacity; health and wellbeing; community resilience; and diversity, equity, inclusion and environmental justice.

“Wildland firefighters perform physically demanding, rigorous and dangerous work that is essential to protect people and communities,” said Vilsack. “We need to better support our firefighters and that’s why President Biden has proposed long-term reforms that will provide permanent pay increases, better housing, better mental

and physical health resources and better work-life balance.”

USDA and the Interior Department aim to have more than 17,000 wildland firefighters on board by the end of this year to help support communities increasingly impacted by wildfires. Air resources, heavy equipment and other support personnel also are ready to respond as wildfire activity increases. The President’s fiscal year 2024 budget and accompanying legislative proposal would enable the departments to provide the country’s federal wildland fire workforce with improved and well-deserved benefits.

As of the most recent pay period, more than 14,000 Forest Service and 5,000 Interior Department wildland firefighters have received a total of more than $381 million in temporary pay supplements provided by President Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. Firefighters face a pay cliff if Congress doesn’t implement a permanent pay increase soon as the remainder of these funds will run out around Sept. 30. Without congressional action, in fiscal year 2024, firefighters’ base salaries will return to their previous levels, in some cases only $15 per hour.

Last year, nearly 69,000 wildfires burned more than 7.5 million acres across the United States with many acres burning at high severity. Like many recent fire years, the reported number of wildfires nationwide was higher than the ten-year average, up by more than 10,000 fires from 2021. These fires have overwhelming impacts on the American people — many were displaced, homes were destroyed, and lives were lost.

feed efficiency in my mind. Not only does it make

producer more money, but it is more sustainable.

Jeff Clark

Beef Quality Audit Shows Efficiency Improvements

Since 1991, the Beef Checkoff-funded National Beef Quality Audit (NBQA) has delivered a set of guideposts and measurements for cattle producers and other stakeholders to help determine quality conformance of the U.S. beef supply. Results from the 2022 NBQA indicate that the beef cattle industry is producing a high-quality product that consumers want more efficiently and the industry’s primary focus across the supply chain remains food safety.

“The NBQA is an important tool for the industry to identify where improvements are being made and where there are opportunities to capture more value,” said Josh White, senior executive director of producer education and sustainability at NCBA. “The good news is, overall, the beef industry is providing a quality product to consumers that they enjoy.”

Early NBQAs focused on the physical attributes of beef such as marbling, external fat, carcass weight and carcass blemishes. These cattle industry concerns have evolved to include food safety, sustainability, animal wellbeing and the growing disconnect between producers and consumers. As a result, over the past 30 years, NBQA researchers have made significant changes to the research, leading to an increasingly meaningful set of results.

Based on individual interviews with stakeholders from across the cattle industry as well as in-plant research, key learnings for fed cattle from the 2022 NBQA include:

• Market segments no longer consider food safety as a purchasing criterion, but an expectation.

• When comparing 2016 and 2022 NBQAs, the largest improvement was overall increased efficiency across the beef supply chain.

• Market sectors indicated that their

companies strive to increase their sustainability, and work with the entire beef supply chain to do so.

• The entire industry felt the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, nonetheless, beef proved to be a choice of consumers, and the industry persevered to provide products.

• Due to pandemic pressures, more cattle over 30 months of age were harvested.

• The beef industry’s image improved within fed cattle market sectors.

• Foreign materials continue to present a problem, but the industry is making strides to decrease incidence.

• There was an increase in usage of electronic identification (EID).

• There was an increase in the frequency of Prime and Choice quality grades, while Select decreased drastically.

• While the industry is improving the quality of beef being produced, that quality is being accompanied by an increase in carcass weight and fat thickness, as well as large increases in percentages of Yield Grade 4 and 5 carcasses.

The NBQA, conducted approximately every five years, provides an understanding of what quality means to the various industry sectors, and the value of those quality attributes. This research helps the industry make modifications necessary to increase the value of its products. The efforts of the findings from the 2022 NBQA serve to improve quality, minimize economic loss, and aid in advancements in producer education for the U.S. beef industry.

For more information about the 2022 National Beef Quality Audit, visit www.bqa.org.

from the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association

MAKING CONNECTIONS

CCA events connect California ranchers and policy professionals in Sacramento

by CCA Associate Director of Communications Maureen LaGrande

In May, CCA hosted two events aimed at connecting professionals in and around California’s capitol with CCA members and staff. The first of the two events was CCA’s Steak and Eggs Breakfast, back after a three-year hiatus. The week wrapped up with CCA hosting a legislative staff appreciation luncheon serving burgers.

To kick off the week, conversation, cowboy boots and cowboy hats filled the Sutter Club in Sacramento on Tuesday, May 15 at the 42nd California Cattlemen’s Association and California Cattlemen’s Foundation’s Steak and Eggs Breakfast. The breakfast, which started back in 1978, was created as a way for the Association to educate legislators on ranching in California, connect members to those who represent their district and communicate how their support can aid in the betterment of the industry.

Due to the pandemic, 2019 was the last time the event had been held. The announcement of the breakfast’s return brought about excitement from legislators, regulators, staffers and CCA members leading to an enthusiastic and informative morning for all parties. As legislative and regulatory attendees checked in and made their way up the stairs to the dining room, ranchers greeted them and they were able to pick out their very own cowboy hat to fully partake in the western way of life.

A warm welcome from CCA President, Steve Arnold signaled the start of the breakfast. As attendees made the way to their seats, an invocation was given by Presley Phillips who participated in the event with others from Fresno Livestock Commission. CCA members and legislative staff sat among one another discussing insights into the life

of a rancher while eating a breakfast spread of steak, eggs, fruit and potatoes.

This year’s event featured two guest speakers: Secretary of the California Department of Agriculture Karen Ross and California State Treasurer Fiona Ma. Both shared with the group their understanding of California ranching, and the value it brings to the state and all Californians.

Once finished with breakfast, CCA members reconvened and were prepped by CCA’s Vice President of Government Affairs Kirk Wilbur and CCA contract lobbyist Jason Bryant on how to make the most of the scheduled meetings with elected officials in their respective districts that they would participate in that afternoon. At these meetings members had the opportunity to share with legislators the importance of ranching in California and the obstacles they face as ranchers on a dayto-day basis. The meetings allow legislators to learn more about the ranching industry, ask questions on how specific bills would affect ranchers and communicate with ranchers on how they can each help each other out.

In addition to bringing up local issues or concerns, in these meetings members specifically spoke about the impacts of four CCA-opposed bills making their way through California’s Legislature at the time. CCA prepared members with a factsheet to take to their meetings on a trio of water rights and water rights enforcement bills, AB 460 (BauerKahan), AB 1337 (Wicks) and SB 389 (Allen). These were priority bills CCA’s government affairs team encouraged attendees to flag in meetings with their representatives.

Another factsheet members shared with officials

was one opposing AB 554 (Gabriel). Current law allows Societies for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCAs) to assist prosecutors in prosecuting alleged violations of animal welfare laws in criminal court. AB 554 would have given SPCAs new civil standing to file these claims in civil courts and was ripe for abuse by radical animal rights groups. CCA member’s lobbying efforts paid off for on Friday, May 17, just a few days after the lobbying took place, it was announced that AB 554 is now a two-year bill, meaning that the legislation will not advance this year. CCA will continue to be ready to fight the proposal if taken up again next year.

Following the success of the week’s earlier festivities and to celebrate May being National Beef Month, CCA hosted a legislative staff appreciation day on Friday, May 19 at Empress Tavern, a restaurant just blocks away from California’s Capitol.

As the lunch hour began, the sound of laughter could be heard as legislative staffers made their way down the stairs into the dimly lit Empress Tavern to the smiling faces of CCA staff members to welcome them to an appreciation lunch. Close to 146 staffers ranging from young and seasoned staffers to new interns from both Republican and Democratic

offices attended the luncheon. The hard work staffers put in to assist the Association with scheduling needs, questions and meetings is critical. Attendees were served, gourmet cheeseburgers, fries and beverages, while getting to kick back and relax with one another. As the kitchen cook line moved synchronously as burgers sizzled on the grill, buns were dressed with toppings and potatoes were fried, the underground, open floor plan of the restaurant allowed staffers to mingle with other offices from their building, CCA staff members and the Association’s contract lobbyist, Jason Bryant.

Not everyone is aware of or understands the importance of the beef industry in California. By hosting events giving staffers the opportunity to speak with CCA staff and ranchers, they are able to better understand what the Association is working towards on behalf of California’s ranching families and producers.

Thank you to the CCA members, legislators, regulators and staffers for making the 42nd CCA Steak and Eggs Breakfast and Legislative Staff Appreciation Day a success.

Seth Doulton and CCA First Vice President Rick Roberti visiting before the breakfast begins.

Staffers at the breakfast, wearing their new cowboy hats.

CCA members Brent Kirk and Mitchell Kirk.

CCA’s Billy Gatlin and CCA Contract Lobbyist Jason Bryant visiting with Assemblymember Laurie Davies and staffers.

CCA members listen in as CCA’s Vice President of Government Affairs, provides an overview of what to expect at the swing space.

Rick Roberti, Steve Arnold and Richard Ross at the Capital.

CCA member Laura Talbot with Assemblymember Tina McKinnor and State Treasurer Fiona Ma.

Senator Hurtado and Kern County rancher Eric Hafenfeld catch up.

OPEN THE GATE

SHOWING WHO RANCHERS ARE AND WHAT THEY DO

The California Cattle Council graciously funded a rangeland education tour in Butte County, coordinated by UC Cooperative Extension and the Butte County Cattlemen. A bus load of County Staff, Board of Supervisors and state officials that directly impact cattle ranching joined a tour of the Foster Ranch and the Daley Ranch to experience “behind the gate” on family ranches.

Cattlemen love the land and work tirelessly caring for livestock, and instilling a love of agriculture in the next generation. We share with our children our heritage, family legacy and traditions. We talk about how grandpa used to do things and how we constantly learn from that experience and try to do better every year.

It is critical that we pass this knowledge to the next generation. But the untold stories of ranchers to the larger world are lost opportunities. The opportunity to gain friends, and allies at the grocery store, ballot box, and with policy makers and regulators. We must tell the story more broadly, rooted both in important traditions and in science.

Sharing the Science

Our knowledge – rooted in science – has made us better stewards of the land we so deeply care for. Thanks to extensive investments in research, we have peer-reviewed facts to share that demonstrate the sustainability and resilience of agriculture.

Leslie Roche, Ph.D., an associate professor of cooperative extension at UC Davis, synthesized the ecological value of California’s working rangelands for tour attendees:

• Targeted livestock grazing can reduce invasive weeds and increase cover of more desirable species.

• Reintroducing conservation grazing (30+ years of exclusion) around vernal pools can enhance native plant diversity.

• Conservation of ranch land conserves biodiversity and habitat connectivity for wildlife.

• Oak woodlands alone store 675 MMT, and sequester 3 MMT of carbon per year. Managed grazing can improve soil health and enhance soil organic carbon sequestration.

• Grazing has great potential to mitigate wildfire intensity and frequency.

• Livestock grazing and provisioning of clean water can be compatible goals.

• Livestock distribution practices can improve riparian and wetland health. The sustainability and ecological importance of 34 million acres of California grazed rangelands managed by ranchers can’t be overshared.

Opening the Daley Ranch Gates

Most of us are so busy, that the last thing we need is to spend days getting ready and then

by Dave Daley cattle rancher and professor emeritus at California State University, Chico and Tracy Schohr livestock and natural resources advisor in Plumas, Sierra and Butte Counties for University of California Cooperative Extension

hosting a tour for those from “outside our world.” But it is becoming increasingly evident that when we aren’t willing to do so, others gladly do it for us, and not always with our best interests at heart. Social media has quickly upended thoughtful conversations to “gotcha moments.” Some of you have effectively mastered the ability to communicate in that space. But most of us shake our heads at some of the inane posts, and particularly the meanspirited nature of attacks on each other. And, to be fair, that negative, insulting approach can be found both from the “I hate agriculture” crowd and from some of our producers. It doesn’t help.

Tours are expensive, difficult to coordinate and take a concerted effort to plan messaging and have meaningful exchanges. After the 2019 fire destroyed our cattle range, our cattle, and our family legacy, the commitment to telling that story has become increasingly important. We have hosted several members of the Governor’s staff and cabinet, as well as other state and federal officials, to tell the “fire story” and what unchecked fuel loads have done to destroy California’s range, forest and communities.

To share the importance of grazing to promote healthy ecosystems, protecting and enhancing biodiversity, groundwater recharge, reducing fuel loads, maintaining viewscapes, contributing to rural economies, and yes, growing high quality protein. Yeah it takes a lot of work, but at the end of the day when guests deboarded the bus, the value of the tour is those connections with people who directly influence our lives. Those connections serve in good stead as challenges continually arise. The other gratifying thing you will find, is most of them love what you do—they just don’t understand it!

SOMETHING FOR EVERYONE

Bulls: Age advantage spring long yearlings, fall yearlings

Females: Open fall yearlings, bred heifers, pairs

Our ranch has always been family owned and operated, with a focus on raising low input, efcient females who do their job of producing sound, high performing, multi-trait bulls with the commercial cattleman in mind.

Our bulls and females are stacked with generations of performance that will provide more dollar value for less dollar input.

info@mcpheeredangus.com

www.mcpheeredangus.com

Tour Attendees at the Foster Ranch near Oroville.

HOLD YOUR HORSES LIVESTOCK EVACUATION ASSISTANCE

Following the 2013 Morgan Territory Fire a woman and her daughter realized just how vital livestock evacuation response can be. Hold Your Horses (HYH) founder Chantel Tieman and her daughter Naydeene Koster spent three days and nights alongside their family answering calls to help evacuate horses while the fire raged down Mount Diablo towards neighboring ranches. While waiting for the closed fire lines to reopen after a rogue hauler had blown through and almost hit several fire fighters, frantic calls were piling up and they knew there had to be a better way to help these animals, and from there HYH was born.

With only a handful of livestock evacuation teams in existence, Chantel and Naydeene set out to build a trained and organized team. Now, 10 years later, HYH is comprised of retired horse trainers, instructors, an equine hospital manager, retired firefighters and police officers, medical personnel, livestock owners, business owners, heavy haulers and more, and has received training from Cal Fire, PG&E and other agencies to ensure their safety and the animals safety during these dangerous rescues.

The Office of Emergency Services is one

of the many agencies that deploy HYH’s strike team throughout Central and Northern California counties. Members are certified and trained to go behind fire lines, but they also spend much of the year aiding in calls from animal services, police agencies, fire departments and more, concerning rescues of abused, tortured and neglected or injured animals. Following disasters, HYH provides feed and medical services to animals and owners in need.

During the Paradise-Camp Fire, HYH members devoted seven months to not only working behind the fire lines transporting animals to safety, but also hauling feed, supplies, drinking water and food to Magalia, a small town HYH adopted and provided aid to. This group doesn’t stop at just evacuations. Their team will continue to aid until they are no longer needed.

Following the SCU Fires evacuations in the Livermore area, HYH found multiple ranchers that were going to sell their cattle due to losing grazing fields or barns. HYH provided stacks of hay and trailers full of grain, so these heartbreaking decisions did not have to be made.

Since the birth of HYH, their strike team has been to almost every major fire in Northern

from Hold Your Horses

California either evacuating, feeding those left behind closed lines or providing post disaster relief feed and supplies.

While everyone hopes a wildfire will never happen on their ranch or property, most ranchers believe it is a matter of when, not if a fire will take place. Even if you have a “Shelter in Place” plan or feel prepared, never think your plan is fool proof! Fire is no one’s friend, she follows no rules and does as she wants. It may be your ranch she decides to take vengeance on. What if you’re not home when she decides to strike? Who will evacuate your animals? Do you know where the county shelter site will be? Heavy rains this year means more growth, hot summers mean more dry fields to burn! Contact HYH for help building an evacuation plan or Shelter in Place Plan for your ranch or facility. Follow our Facebook page for tips, fire and disaster updates, rescues and more. Visit www.holdyourhorsesevac.com to learn more about how you can help us save one more and make a difference. You can also contact our hotline directly for assistance.

WORK

COUNCIL COMMUNICATOR

CALIFORNIA BEEF COUNCIL TARGETS K-12 SCHOOL NUTRITION WITH STRATEGIC ENGAGEMENTS

by California Beef Council Director of Producer Education Mackenzie Neves

One of the priorities that the California Beef Council’s (CBC) nutrition program has taken on is that of promoting beef as a valuable component of K-12 school nutrition. Recognizing the significant impact of school meals on children’s health and well-being, the CBC has strategically positioned itself to advocate for the inclusion of beef in school menus. Through partnerships, sponsorships, and educational forums, the CBC aims to highlight the nutritional benefits and versatility of beef within childhood nutrition programs across California.

CBC staff was on-hand at one of the first nutrition conferences of the year, the 2023 FCP (Food and Culinary Professionals) Culinary Workshop held in the Napa Valley on March 23-25. This workshop is a highly anticipated event for food and culinary professionals affiliated with the esteemed Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. With the primary goal of augmenting the culinary expertise of Academy members nationwide, this three-day workshop attracted participants from various corners of the country. The CBC stepped forward as a key sponsor, lending support to multiple beef-focused workshop sessions, providing a speaker for a keynote session, and creating and hosting an engaging pre-event workshop.

The pre-event workshop, hosted by the CBC and cosponsored with the Nebraska Beef Council (NBC), Kansas Beef Council (KBC), and National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA), attracted 53 out of the 106 FCP registrants. Attendees included representatives from esteemed institutions such as Stanford School of Medicine and Colorado State University, as well as influential stakeholders like Aramark and Bon Appѐtite. The highlight of the pre-event workshop was a blind taste conducted by renowned sensory expert Dr. Hoby Welder. Four dishes, featuring cleverly incorporated, affordable and versatile cuts of beef with a plant-forward twist, showcased how beef’s flavor profile can complement the consumption of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains while providing 10 essential nutrients.

The CBC capitalized on this multi-state and national partnership, effectively utilizing Beef

Checkoff dollars to host a premiere event that reached key audiences in the food, culinary, and dietetic sectors. This is a great example of how the state and national Beef Checkoff partnership expands the reach, and maximizes the effectiveness of checkoff funding.

Continuing their commitment to promoting sound nutrition, the CBC was also the major sponsor of the California Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics (CANDAC) Annual Conference, held in Long Beach, CA. This year’s conference saw an alliance between CANDAC, the Association of Nutrition and Foodservice Professionals (ANFP), and the Association of Correctional Food Service Affiliates (ACFSA), bringing together nearly 600 attendees. As a top sponsor, the CBC facilitated two educational sessions that offered valuable insights to participants.

One of the sessions, titled “Leadership and Purpose with Communication,” featured registered dietician nutritionist Hawley Poinsett of Let’s Love Food Again. Poinsett’s expertise shed light on effective ways to communicate nutrition information, inspiring and empowering individuals to make lasting dietary changes. In a collaborative effort, the CBC and the Dairy Council of California co-sponsored the keynote session titled “Bringing Farms to Schools: Exploring California’s Farm to School Programs.” The panel discussion highlighted the significance of locally sourced, fresh, and nutritious food in school meals. Panelists included Chef Juan Zamorano from San Diego Unified School District, Tyler Ribeiro, a California dairy farmer, and Miguel Villarreal from the National Farm to School Network. Moderating the discussion was registered dietitian nutritionist Shannan Young from the Dairy Council of California. The collective expertise shared by these industry experts shed light on the innovative efforts to improve student health and well-being through increased access to healthy foods.

In addition to educational sessions and sponsorship of conferences, the CBC actively engaged with credentialed healthcare and food professionals in California through expo booth spaces and networking events with students and universities. This collaborative approach

fosters ongoing dialogue and builds partnerships to further advance nutrition education and awareness.

Further solidifying their commitment to industry engagement, the CBC’s registered dietitian, Kori Dover, participated as a speaker at the American Commodity Distribution Association (ACDA) 2023 annual conference. A non-profit organization dedicated to enhancing the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) commodity distribution system and supporting charitable causes related to hunger and disaster relief, the ACDA conference provided an ideal platform for the over 950 attending professionals to exchange ideas.

By strategically aligning themselves with like-minded organizations, the CBC harnessed the power of their partnerships to extend their influence and amplify their impact in the food, culinary, and dietetic sectors. With their active engagement with healthcare and food professionals, as well as their participation in industry conferences, the CBC continues to spearhead efforts to advance beef nutrition education and awareness, ultimately striving to improve the health and well-being of individuals across the nation.

California Rangeland Trust Celebrates the Fruits of Its Labor at A Western Affair 2023

by Alyssa

The California Rangeland Trust recently commemorated 25 years of conserving working lands and keeping ranchers ranching at A Western Affair 2023. While celebrating the fruits of its labor, the weekend was spent honoring the achievements of the past, celebrating the bounty of agricultural goods and services provided by the land, enjoying good company and pasture-to-plate flavors, and looking ahead to all that is possible for the future.

The festivities kicked off with a special preparty on Friday, May 19 at the California Agriculture Museum in Woodland. While walking through the museum’s impressive collection of antique tractors and farm and ranch artifacts, approximately 80 guests were treated to a culinary experience like no other. Stations of food and beverage pairings were set up throughout the museum, offering guests “bites” of delicious food prepared by acclaimed regional chefs and “tastes” of superb wine and whiskey from several Yolo County wineries and the Nevada-based distillery, Frey Ranch. Participating chefs included: Juan Barajas of Savory Café (Woodland), Steven Gordon of Lucy’s Café (Esparto), Bobbin and Patrick Mulvaney of Mulvaney’s B&L (Sacramento) and Elena Winks of Franquette (West Sacramento). Participating wineries included: Beryessa Gap Vineyards (Winters), Grindstone Winery & Vineyards (Esparto), Great Bear Vineyards (Davis), and Haarmeyer Wine Cellars (West Sacramento).

After enjoying this extraordinary “taste-of-theland” experience, guests made their way outside to the museum’s courtyard to hear from special guests, Danny Johnson of Taylor’s Market in Sacramento, and A Western Affair hosts, Scott and Karen Stone of Yolo Land and Cattle Co. The Stones talked about their family’s decision to conserve their ranch back in 2005 and what the easement has meant for them. Reflecting on their journey, Karen admitted that the family has had some tough times in the cattle business – in recent years they have been impacted by two wildfires and a prolonged drought.

“These times make you contemplate some very

difficult decision. If we did not have the easement, the offer to develop a little here and sell a little there may have been a palatable conversation for our family. But we never had to have that conversation,” said Karen proudly. She then added, “Our family is forever grateful to the California Rangeland Trust; the decision we made to conserve the ranch in perpetuity for us and our future generations is one that we will never regret.”

Following Scott and Karen’s passionate testimony, Rangeland Trust CEO, Michael Delbar presented the Stones with a custom oil painting showcasing Yolo Land and Cattle’s iconic red barn – the same location where A Western Affair 2023 would take place the following day. As the pre-party concluded with live music from Chad Bushnell, guests knew it was only just the beginning of what would be a truly spectacular weekend for all.

On the evening of Saturday, May 20, guests made their way through the ranch’s beautiful rolling hills and lush grasslands toward the stunning red barn with the ranch brand emblazoned on the front. Upon arrival, guests entered a world of western wonder as they were immediately greeted by mouthwatering aromas coming from the displays of beef steamship rounds roasting over the open-fire grill.

Cocktail hour was spent mingling with friends over glasses of wine supplied by Wilson Vineyards and Matchbook Wine Company and bidding on an array of western specialty items that lined the inside walls of the barn. “Bolo,” the Stone’s handsome pinto miniature horse also added to the excitement by delivering cold beer and countless smiles to guests throughout the evening.

After cocktails, guests made their way behind the barn and gathered around the dinner tables. Event co-hosts, Bruce and Robyn Rominger and Morris Noble, Jr., welcomed guests and thanked the Stones for hosting such a wonderful weekend. Tim Koopmann also helped kick things off by leading the invocation. Afterwards, Andy Mills, Rangeland Trust Chairman, took the stage to thank the group

Rolen for the California Rangeland Trust

of generous sponsors, which included: Visit Yolo, Farm Credit, Raley’s, Van Vleck Ranch, Cook CPA Group, and Wells Fargo Advisors. Meanwhile, a gourmet family-style dinner featuring beef steamship round, prepared by Ravin Patel of the Hyatt Centrix, was served alongside an array of delicious vegetables prepared by Juan Barajas of Savory Café.

Following dinner, and as a variety of scrumptious desserts were served by Zest Fresh Pastry, the names of the conservation award winners arrived in style. Two envelopes attached to small parachutes fell from the sky after being dropped by drones operated by the company Zipline. The envelopes revealed Dr. Jaymee Marty as the recipient of the 2023 Conservation Impact Award and Steve Sinton as the recipient of the 2023 Conservationist of the Year award. Marty was recognized for her work in helping to change perceptions around grazing vernal pool ecosystems. Sinton was recognized for his leadership as founding chairman and helping to get the Rangeland Trust off the ground 25 years ago, his many contributions to furthering conservation efforts over the years, and his personal commitment to conservation made evident through his family’s decision to conserve their San Luis Obispo County ranch in 2017.

Sinton remarked, “While I am honored to follow in the footsteps of many past recipients of this award, I want to acknowledge that conservation is the effort of many not just one. The work that the Rangeland Trust and their landowner partners are doing is making a huge difference for our industry and the state.”

After honoring the group of conservation award winners, Rangeland Trust Director Clayton Koopmann recited a few of his original cowboy poems. Filled with passion and dash of humor, Clayton perfectly summed up the ranching community’s grit, innovation and commitment to care for the land and livestock despite daily struggles and challenges. Hanging onto every word, a strong sense of pride and gratitude for towards California’s ranching stewards overwhelmed the crowd. Following this special moment, Bruce Rominger returned to the stage and led the crowd in a toast to the land and the people who steward it as a way of celebrating the 84 ranching families that have voluntarily chosen to conserve 377,000 acres of pristine rangeland through the Trust.

As the program concluded, Col.Travis Moniz introduced an exciting lineup of one-of-a-kind experiences. Energy ran high as guests raised their paddles, and their outpouring of generosity and support helped raise more than $360,000 to further rangeland conservation efforts in California. Afterwards, guests ended the evening dancing to live music by Buck Ford under the stars.

“We are humbled by the amount of support that we received at A Western Affair this year,” said Delbar. “This event brought together friends and supporters from throughout California to celebrate 25 years of rangeland conservation and help us raise significant funds to conserve more of California working lands that are so critical to our state’s social, cultural and economic well-being. Together, we are working to keep ranchers ranching and secure a brighter future for all.”

The Friday evening kickoff party featured a “taste-ofthe-land” experience with food and beverage pairings from acclaimed regional chefs and local wineries.

Chairman Andy Mills presents the Conservationist of the Year award to Steve Sinton.

Scott, Karen, Carson, Angela, and Casey Stone accept a custom oil painting as a token of appreciation for hosting A Western Affair.

The future is upon us

Each year, CCA recognizes graduates from agriculture programs at each of California’s major university agriculture programs. The following students were nominated and selected by their university professors for their standout performances during their undergraduate career.

Not only has each of these 2023 graduates excelled in the classroom, they have also went above and beyond by seeking involvement in their school’s

extracurricular opportunities. Most importantly, each of these students has plans to continue on to a career still directly related to the beef industry.

CCA members should be pleased to see the future of our industry being so dedicated to their cause and to the agricultural way of life. CCA extends congratulations to the class of 2023 for the perseverance they have shown in working to obtain an education!

Leon, Guanajuato, Mexico ANIMAL SCIENCE

Working with a software development company to develop an app for rural farmers and ranchers.

AGRICULTURE EDUCATION

Pursue a career as a high school agricultural instructor

AGRICULTURE BUSINESS

Pursing a career in the agriculture industry.

San Benito AG SYSTEMS MANAGMENT

Plans to return home to work in agriculture.

ANIMAL SCIENCE

Pursuing a master’s degree in Reproductive Physiology.

Fall River Mills ANIMAL SCIENCE

Plans to move home and work on the family ranch and promote his own horse program.

Telluride, Colo.

ANIMAL SCIENCE

Plans to keep working in the assisted reproductive field with both cattle and horses.

San Diego

ANIMAL SCIENCE

Will be working as a researcher for a biotechnology company.

Santa Maria

ANIMAL SCIENCE

Will be continuing my education at Cal Poly, to pursue a master’s in agriculture with a focus in animal science.

San Luis Obispo AGRICULTURE BUSINESS

Will be returning to Cal Poly in the fall to obtain a master’s degree in agricultural education.

ANA GRIMALDO

PAMELA HOFER Dinuba

ADAM JIMENEZ Clarksburg

DALLIN KING

ALLYSON MCCARTY Corcoran

ROBEE KNOCH

JASON DUBOWSKY

JORDAN WILLIAMS

MAYA BOLLAPRAGADA

STELLA BOLLER

20 23 class of congratulations

SCIENCE & EDUCATION

Interning at Alderspring Ranch in Idaho this summer, before entering Chico State’s Single Subject Credential Program.

SCIENCE

Hopes to work for the CDFA as an inspector.

ANIMAL SCIENCE

Will be pursuing a master’s in Agricultural Integrated Resource Management while working for UC Cooperative Extension.

SCIENCE & EDUCATION

Will begin student teaching in the spring of 2024.

Orland

SUSTAINABLE AG AND FOOD SYSTEMS

Will be pursuing a career in the meat industry.

Ontario

ANIMAL SCIENCE

Has been selected for an internship at Beef Northwest Feeders.

ANIMAL SCIENCE

Plan to pursue a career working hands-on with livestock.

ANIMAL SCIENCE

Will be taking a gap year to gain experience in cattle nutrition before applying for a master’s degree.

MORGAN CLARK Ukiah AG

LINZIE GOODSELL Dixon ANIMAL

MADDIE PITTO Dixon

KATIE COE McArthur AG

GRAZIA MACHADO

MANUEL NOVOA

COURTNEY SNELL Tehachapi

JUAN HERNANDEZGONZALEZ Durham

IN MEMORY

JERRY HEMSTED

CCA PRESIDENT 1999-2000

N. Jerry Hemsted

Tehama County cattle rancher and former president of the California Cattlemen’s Association passed away on June 4. Jerry is survived by his wife Joan, three children, sister, grandchildren and many friends in the ranching community.

Born in 1942, Jerry was a lifelong student of the beef industry and worked in his family’s livestock transportation business from an early age. Hemsted not only learned the location of ranches all over California, but also how they were managed and what kind of gains could be expected, many of which he would eventually manage himself.

Hemsted Livestock Transportation was always active in the community, hauling fair animals free of charge for ten of the local county fairs for decades. During this time, he was president of the California Truckers Association’s Livestock Carriers conference from 1965-68. He hung up trucking in 1980, solely running cattle from then on. Jerry loved cattle ranching and was dedicated to serving the industry on local, state and national levels.

From 1985-1986, Jerry was Tehama County Cattlemens Association president. In 1989, he was honored as TCCA Man of the Year.

It was in 1986 when CCA President Jim Timmons asked Jerry to be CCA Membership Chair. He went on to be the National Cattlemen’s

Association Top Hand Recruiter winning the prized recruitement saddle.

A few years later, he served as CCA 2nd Vice President for three years, followed by 1st Vice President and eventually CCA President from 1999-2000. He was chairman of the national transportation committee for the National Cattlemen’s Association, and served on the first board of directors for National Cattlemen’s Beef Association. He also served as membership chairman of the policy committee for NCBA.

Jerry’s leadership with CCA and NCBA were at pivotal times for the beef industry and for these respective organizations. During that time monumental changes like the implementation of the Beef Checkoff Program and the evolution of the National Cattlemen’s Association to the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association occured.

Jerry was a wealth of knowledge and if CCA staff ever needed background information on an issue, he was a go-to resource, even for those in the office today.

In addition to his service to the ranching community, Jerry was a cowman through and through and for many years was the manager for Bengard Ranches cattle operations across the west.

In 2016, Jerry was named California’s Livestock Man of the Year at the Cow Palace by the California State Chamber of Commerce and the Grand National Rodeo Horse and Stock Show.

Jerry’s sincere dedication to the cattle industry did not go unnoticed and he will be dearly missed.

A service was held at the Elks Lodge in Red Bluff on Saturday, June 17. Jerry’s family asks that in In lieu of flowers, please donation to the Livestock Memorial Research Fund or any charity of your choice.

SAM IMBROGNO

Saverio (Sam) John Imbrogno was called home to heaven on Tuesday, May 16, at the age of 82 surrounded by his loving family.

Sam was born in Fresno, Aug. 17, 1940, to loving parents Saverio and Angelina (Bruno) Imbrogno.

He is survived by his wife Ruby Imbrogno; his children Katherine Imbrogno-Perry, Karla Imbrogno, Michael (Kendall) Imbrogno, Karan Sue Baxter and Norman Blair Showalter, Jr., brother Nick Imbrogno and sisters Marie Massafra, Teresa (Raymond) Piccolo, Diane (Greg) Hansen and brother-in-law George Christin. He was a very proud Papa of 11 grandchildren, 26 greatgrandchildren, five great-great grandchildren, and one on the way. Godchild Suzann Counter and numerous loving nieces, nephews and their children.

He is preceded in death by his parents Saverio and Angelina (Bruno) Imbrogno, Uncle Mike Bruno, sister HazelAnn Christin, daughter Jayne Showalter, grand-daughter Hope Jean and greatgrand daughters Sadie and Macie.

He was the patriarch of a blended family and held the roles of husband, father, and papa.

His work ethic began at an early age working alongside his parents who maintained a small number of dairy cows. His first career was as a Plumber, and he became a Journeyman Plumber. He then began his lifetime career in the cattle industry, first hauling cattle, cattle buyer, owner of Newman Livestock Market Inc. and then returning to his passion as cattle buyer. He was well known and respected in the industry. He was a true gentleman and a cowboy. Even though he battled cancer for four years he maintained a strong work ethic. He worked up until the day before he passed away. He will be forever missed and always in our hearts.

WEDDING BELLS

Meghan Lambert and William David, Jr., were married June 24 at Creekside Ranch in Sonoma. The bride is the daughter of Steve Lambert of Oroville and Cindy Benjamin of Reno, Nev. The groom is the son of William David, Sr., of Sonoma, and Angie David of San Francisco.

Meghan and Billy have made their first home in Sonoma where Meghan is a kindergarten teacher and the groom is employed by Sonoma County Regional Parks.

HDPE for Ranch Water Systems

LAMBERT & DAVID

(805) 310-3353 Tom

(541) 990-5479

1,569± timbered acres with direct access to public land on 3 sides, several year-round springs and Pine Creek flowing through. Was $3,947,000. Now $2,650,000

Swenson Butte Ranch - Idaho - NEW 160± acres surrounded by public land. 100± acres irrigated and producing organic beef. 2 wells, power, 2 dry-cabins, & well/bath house with mtn views. NE of Sun Valley. $1,499,000

345-3163

O ffering sons of breed-changing sires

WITH CHART-TOPPING MATERN AL AND CARCASS TRAITS

including sons of...