June 2024 - Missouri Beef Cattleman

DEPARTMENTS

BEEF

(USPS

Magazine Publishing Office 2306 Bluff Creek Drive, #100, Columbia, MO 65201 Phone: 573-499-9162 • Fax: 573-499-9167

Andy Atzenweiler: Editor/Production/Ad Sales P.O. Box 480977 • Kansas City, Missouri 64148 816-210-7713 • E-mail: mobeef@sbcglobal.net

Missouri Cattlemen’s Association

MCA Website: www.mocattle.com

Mike Deering, Executive Vice President - Ext 230 Mike@mocattle.com

Courtney Collins, Manager of Membership– Ext 231 Courtney@mocattle.com

Aly Francis, Manager of Strategic Solutions – Ext 235 Aly@mocattle.com

Lisa Stockhorst, Administrative Assistant – Ext 234 Lisa@mocattle.com

Missouri’s Cattlemen Foundation www.mocattlemenfoundation.org

Missouri’s CattleWomen http://mocattle.com/missouricattlewomen.aspx

2024 MCA Officers

Chuck Miller, President

573-881-3589 • 393 Spring Garden Road, Olean, MO 65064

Jeff Reed, President-Elect 903-279-8360 • P.O. Box 35, Williamsville, MO 63967

Anita Vanderwert, Vice President 573-808-3000 • 4902 Conchero Ct., Columbia, MO 65203

Marvin Dieckman, Treasurer 660-596-4163 • 28998 Hwy JJ, Cole Camp, MO 65325

Charlie Besher, Secretary 573-866-2846 • RR 5, Box 2402, Patton, MO 63662

2024 MC A Regional Vice Presidents

Region 1: Ethan McNeill, 325 McMurry St. Paris, MO 65275 636-544-9943

Region 2: Blake McDonald, 250 Clonts Rd. Sullivan, MO 63080 • 573-205-7914

Region 3: Blake Crow, 1910 W. Broadway St., West Plains, MO 65775 • 417-293-9525

Region 4: Deb Thummel, 12601 Hwy. 46 Sheridan, MO 64486 • 660-541-2606

Region 5: Alex Haun, 1031 SW 600 Rd Holden, MO 64040 • 816-345-0005

Region 6: Warren Love, 8381 NE Hwy ZZ Osceola, MO 64776 • 417-830-1950

Region 7: Josh Worthington, 401 N. Dade 231 Dadeville, MO 65635 • 417-844-2601

Missouri Cattlemen’s Youth Expo

As you are busy preparing your cattle to make their way to the showring, we have a few important things to mention about this special weekend. We will be hosting the MJCA Junior Board interviews, MJCA Exhibitor, and Annual Membership Meeting throughout the day on Friday, June 7. Early registration for the 41st Annual MCA All-Breeds Junior Show closed on May 17, but late entries are still being accepted and can be submitted up until cattle check-in closes at the show. You can register online at mocattle.com. Entries for the 14th Annual MJCA Photo Contest will be accepted during cattle checkin from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. The full weekend schedule can be found on the MCYE webpage at mocattle. com or by seeing the spread starting on PAGE 25-26!

21st Annual Cattlemen’s Steak Fry

The 21st Annual Cattlemen’s Steak Fry will be held on Saturday, June 8, in the Agriculture Building on the Missouri State Fairgrounds. This event is open to the public, as we welcome any and all people wishing to support Missouri’s beef cattle industry to join us. Funds raised will benefit the MCA Political Action Committee to help elect politicians who understand and value ag. Tickets will be available for purchase at the door for $50. More details can be found on the flyer on PAGE 23.

Show-Me-Select Heifer Replacement Program

Missouri Cattlemen’s Association is excited to partner with Show-Me Select once again this year for our new member promotion. All new members to Missouri Cattlemen’s Association will be entered in a drawing for a $2,000 Show-Me-Select Replacement Heifer sale credit. To be considered a new member and qualify for this drawing, you must not have been a member within the past 12 months. To learn more about this opportunity, see PAGE 64.

Member Benefits

With your MCA, MJCA and NCBA membership producers receive multiple discounts, benefits and educational opportunities. Each membership receives our weekly Prime Cuts newsletter and monthly magazine the Missouri Beef Cattle. New this year for MCA and MJCA members, Fringe Western Wear is offering 10% off total purchase in store and Jiffy Lube is offering a 15% discount to all locations across the United States, download the welcome letter online to show at your nearest Jiffy Lube. Visit mocattle. com for a full list of all member benefits or see PAGE 66.

Tony & Betsy Berry, River Farms Cattle Co, Bolivar, MO

Jacob Neill, Bolivar, MO

David Noblitt, Bolivar, MO

Bailey Aufdenberg, Burfordville, MO

Austin Schabbing, Cape Girardeau, MO

Sheila Rustemeyer, R&K Farms, Centertown, MO

Randy Cain, Centertown, MO

Emma Chamberlin, Cole Camp, MO

Andrea Stark, AH Farms, Drexel, MO

Olivia Johnson, Halfway, MO

Madelyn, Doerhoff, Henley, MO

Michelle Lehmann, Lehmann Cattle Company, L athrop, MO

Brooke Butler, Timber Ridge Farms LLC, Mayview, MO

Charley Deering, Montgomery City, MO

Clara Randle, Osage Beach, MO

Estelle Randle, Osage Beach, MO

Norah Randle, Osage Beach, MO

Jase Cook, Patton, MO

Joshua Adamson, Peculiar, MO

Amelai Uthlaut, Rhineland, MO

Lyla Eversole, Rocheport, MO

Samuel Schroeder, Russelville, MO

Audrey Brumm, St. Joseph, MO

Brooke Brumm, St. Joseph, MO

Caroline Brumm, St. Joseph, MO

Lenora Brumm, St. Joseph, MO

Cassidy & Gina Luebbering, St. Thomas, MO

Jude Luebbering, St. Thomas, MO

Allie Johnson, Stover, MO

Arabella Lenz, Stover, MO

Chad Abbott, Tuscumbia, MO

Aurora Hilkerbaumer, Union, MO

Stan Taber, Diamond T Farms LLC, Wasola, MO

Stacy & Stephanie Hensley, West Plains, MO

Sheena Grisham, Leslie Rogers, West Plains, MO

Matt Roberts, West Plains, MO

See the MCA Membership Form on page 69

President’s Perspective

with Chuck Miller

Things are Good - Right Now

By the time you are reading this article, most of our members will be waist deep in baling, hauling and storing all across the great state of Missouri. Many will acknowledge changes in the past few years with this summer ritual, mostly due to ongoing dry weather patterns. Among those are changes to production, price, transportation and availability. Perhaps this year, there will some return to normalcy in this process.

Late last month, we had an awesome Missouri Cattlemen’s Leadership College trip through Oklahoma and Texas. Tour stops included the Ratcliff Ranch; 4 Kings Ranch; Whiskey Creek Beef; The Noble Ranch; Doug Satree Angus; RA Brown Ranch; Wheeler Land & Livestock; Quartermaster Creek Angus; and Griswold’s Cattle. MCA Manager of Membership Courtney Collins did an outstanding job organizing the trip. This is the second year I’ve been privileged to accompany another outstanding group of young cattlemen and cattlewomen on this quick trip to the Southwest. The future is extremely bright in the eyes and minds of these young cattle folks, and it is a true pleasure to witness.

We hope to see many of our Missouri Junior Cattlemen’s and MCA members in attendance at the annual Missouri Cattlemen’s Youth Expo, June 6-9. We foresee another record crowd of families attending and cattle exhibited.

We also expect to have a wildly successful PAC Steak Fry and Auction on June 8 with social hour beginning at 5 p.m. and dinner at 6 p.m. The Beef House Committee will be preparing and serving another delicious beef meal again this year for everyone in attendance. The Cattlemen’s Steak Fry raises funds for the upcoming election campaigns and strengthening those political

MCA President

relationships with our representatives and senators who understand and value agriculture, which are so important to the future success of our industry.

Now, on to the lesson. A few years ago, along with several other seedstock producers, I sat down and penned the following thoughts. Obviously, there are many parallels to our association and its work in advancing the cattle industry. My wish is there is something here each of you can relate to, especially with the last commandment.

“The Eleven Commandments of a Seedstock Producer”

• Integrity, can others believe in you?

• Endurance, obviously in it for the long run.

• Humility, no matter what, admit when you are wrong

• Vision, to see not only the future clearly, but the present and past too.

• Involvement, in organizations/groups that keep you stimulated and current

• Connection, with all facets of the industry, especially customers

• Stick-to-itiveness, staying with an idea(s) through maturity.

• Adaptation, realizing the need to change and/or refocus

• Reflection, for the opportunity to analyze and learn.

• Understanding, what is truly involved and important

• Belief in GOD!

Until next month, stay safe and eat beef!

Straight Talk

with Mike Deering

Silly Season

Silly season is in full gear as the 2024 primary election is less than two months away. You are likely inundated with political ads and campaign rhetoric sitting there trying to separate fact from fiction. I am in the thick of this and I even get blown away by some of the silly nonsense politicians try to force-feed voters who desperately just want the truth.

You have politicians like Bill Eigel who refuse to let facts get in the way of a good story. He is going around the state accusing fellow republicans of wasteful spending and alleges millions of dollars were budgeted to build a synthetic meat lab. This is not only false, but also mind-blowing as literally no one knows what the hell he’s talking about. Again, grandstanding and creating confusion is the kind of game he prefers. Bill isn’t alone, but he’s certainly the loudest. His fake meat fairytale is nothing compared to his accusations relating to foreign ownership of farmland.

He is repeating Trudy Busch Valentine’s attacks against Eric Schmitt by claiming his opponent voted in 2013 to give up our farm ground to the Chinese, surrender our sovereignty and pledge allegiance to President Xi Jinping. Okay, this is a bit of a stretch, but not over the top if you listen to this rhetoric or pay attention to the propaganda pushed out on social media. The fact is foreign ownership of farmland in Missouri was illegal prior to the 2013 legislation – as his ads accurately state – but what he doesn’t tell you is that foreigners were still buying farmland. In fact, when the legislation was being debated, the Missouri Department of Agriculture initially estimated that around three quarters of a percent of Missouri farm ground was foreign owned.

How is that possible considering it was illegal? Well,

Executive Vice President

there was little-to- no enforcement of the law and no rock-solid way of tracking the ownership of the land. The attempt was to fix a broken law and cap the amount of foreign-owned farmland to one percent and put in place a program for the Missouri Department of Agriculture to approve and track purchases. Sounds like good government, doesn’t it? We have to have legislators who will identify problems and fix them. The legislation was passed by an overwhelming bipartisan majority.

No one wants adversaries of our country to own land in our state. That’s why Governor Mike Parson, Lieutenant Governor Mike Kehoe and others led an executive order to prevent that from happening. Bill leaves out that minor little fact in all of his attacks regarding this topic that coincidentally polls really well. This is politics – nothing more. This is silly season.

Agricultural organizations typically endorse candidates based on their record and history of support for farm and ranch families. We don’t dive into any other issues. When groups like us endorse, we know that we have members who will vote for the other candidate because, as a voter, you need to look at all the issues, not just agriculture. Vote for who you want. Vote for the candidate who best lines up with your belief system. But please be leery of claims regarding our industry coming from politicians who are truly clueless about agriculture and haven’t lifted a finger to advance this industry.

Regional Range Report

by Blake McDonald, MCA Region 2 Vice President

Here for the Same Reasons

I am Blake McDonald, the newly elected Missouri Cattlemen’s Association Region 2 Vice-President. My wife and I have a small herd of Angus and SimAngus cows, operate a farm-to-table beef business in Sullivan, and I work for Sydenstricker Genetics in Mexico.

As I’m writing this article on a rainy May evening, I can’t help but have a positive outlook on the beef business. Here in region two, we’ve been getting caught up on rainfall, the grass has taken off, and nearly every cattleman or woman I’ve come in contact with this spring has mentioned the record-high prices for all classes of cattle are commanding.

By the time this article finds you, summer will be in full swing. I know it is a busy time of year, but if your schedule allows, I encourage you to venture to the Missouri State Fairgrounds in Sedalia for the Missouri Cattlemen’s Youth Expo on June 6-9, and the Cattlemen’s Steak Fry on Saturday, June 8, in the Agriculture Building. The youth expo includes the 41st Annual All-Breeds Junior Show and the 14th Annual MJCA Photo Contest. Swing by and show some support for the youth that MCA contributes so much to. The Cattlemen’s Steak Fry will be open to the public and provides an excellent opportunity to network with fellow producers as well as many of our state’s legislators. The funds raised will go to MCA’s Political Action Committee to help elect leaders that MCA believes will benefit us as producers.

I went to my first executive committee meeting earlier this spring, and as the new kid on the block, I did a lot of observing. Much like our membership, and Missouri’s cattle industry, those in attendance were a diverse group. Wardrobe accessories varied from spurs to seed corn caps and the average age was probably 50 years old. On some issues, there were unanimous votes and some fairly heated debates by others. By nature, cowboys and cowgirls are independent people. We can be stubborn and set in our ways. My biggest takeaway from the first few months as an regional vice-president has been that even though not everyone agrees on everything, every member is there for the same reason.

We are much stronger united than divided. MCA members have the same objective of ensuring that the beef cattle industry in Missouri is viable now and into the future. Though current times are good, we must remain diligent in the promotion of our industry. As a member you know this, but if the opportunity arises this summer to interact with someone who may not understand what MCA does for its producers then I ask that you take part in educating them, inviting them to look us up, or better yet, bring them along to a county affiliate or state association function.

I hope this summer provides fat cows and heavy hay, and that you can make time for a little rest, relaxation, and recreation.

Region 1 VP - Ethan McNeill

Region 2 VP - Blake McDonald

Region 3 VP - Blake Crow

Region 4 VP - Deb Thummel

Region 5 VP - Alex Haun

Region 6 VP - Warren Love

Region 7 VP - Josh Worthington

At-Large Rep. - Jack Davis

Missouri Beef House What’s Cookin’ at the

By the MCA Beef House Committee

Tips for Volunteers

The tentative 2024 Missouri Cattlemen’s Beef House Volunteer Schedule is now in print on the next page and we need each affiliate group to take notice of date, times, and number of volunteers requested. The 2024 Missouri State Fair held in Sedalia is August 8-18 and your Missouri Beef House hours of operation are from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. for the 11-day fair. The annual success of the Missouri Beef House would not be possible without the gracious volunteers that serve during shifts.

For those wondering what it’s like to volunteer for your Beef House, here are a few guidelines:

• Arrive 30 minutes prior to your county shift for volunteer orientation

• Gather with your group on the patio of the Beef House/behind the Missouri CattleWomen’s Showcase

• Each volunteer given an apron, MCA hat or visor, and guidance of your responsibilities

• Shift is four hours in length

• Minimum of 15 up to 30 stations available for volunteer positions

• Direction and support of your position throughout your entire shift

• Opportunity to be a positive face for MCA and promote the beef industry to our customers

• Free meal at the end of your shift to say a big thank you for your time and dedication

Selling All classes of Cattle Wednesday • 10:00 a.m.

Featuring ‘Star-Vac Program’ Cattle Weekly DVAuction Service for convenient online viewing & bidding Hwy 42 West • Vienna Missouri 65582 45 Miles South of Jefferson City

For More Information Call…

David Patton Office Ross Patton Bill Patton

573-308-6655 573-422-3305 573-308-6657 573-308-6658

Visit our website: www.scrsvienna.com or E-mail us: scrsvienna@gmail.com

“Make South Central your Livestock Market”

We encourage each of you to call your county affiliate President or event coordinator to volunteer with your group at your Beef House “Where People Know Beef Best”! It is important that each county president or your group representative call our MCA Manager of Membership Courtney Collins at 573-999-2499 now to confirm that you have marked your calendars and county volunteers have been contacted.

Thought for the Month…”Volunteers do not necessarily have the time; they have the heart.”

2024 Missouri Beef House County Volunteer (tentative) Work Schedule

August 8-18

Please

Your BEEF CHECKOFF NEWS

A Month Full of Beef

The Missouri Beef Industry Council spent May celebrating our favorite topic, beef. The eventful agenda started with hosting beef farmers and ranchers at Busch Stadium in St. Louis for a Ford Plaza takeover. The next day, we were honored to attend the Missouri Beef Days Boots & Bling banquet as Governor Mike Parson officially proclaimed May as Beef Month in Missouri. The following weeks included visits with students across the state, a cook-off contest, and an enhanced Beef Quality Assurance event.

Between all our “formal” events, MBIC is proud to have supported numerous local promotion and education activities across the state through our grant programs. Whether it was on your farm, in a classroom, on a field trip, or somewhere else, we could not have done it without you. A huge thank you to everyone who made May a successful Beef Month!

A Proclamation in Polk County Hosted in Bolivar, Missouri, Beef Days is an event everyone should have on their bucket list. The third annual, weeklong celebration kicked off on May 4 at the Boots & Bling banquet, where Governor Mike Parson proclaimed May as Beef Month in celebration beef farms and ranch families throughout the state.

“As a third-generation cattleman, I know the effort and dedication it takes to raise quality beef products.” Parson said, “Our state’s beef producers work hard to ensure nutritious beef makes it from the farm to consumer tables worldwide.”

Gearing up for Grilling Season

It’s time to remove the grill covers and dust off your barbecue sauce bottle; it’s grilling season! Packed with high quality protein, versatile, and of course, tasty, beef is a must-have on your summer menu. Whether you’re looking for juicy steaks, tender beef kabobs, or mouthwatering burgers, grilling beef offers a wide variety of options to please everyone’s palate.

Messages like those included above are shared with Missouri consumers every day by your staff here at the council. Your dedicated MBIC team has been hard at work, spreading the word about the best beef options across Missouri in anticipation of the grilling season. Just recently, Sydney Thummel and Allison Troesser had the privilege of engaging with seven classes of high school students in the St. Louis area, sharing valuable insights about the nutritional value of beef, safe meat handling, and the versatility of beef in any meal.

Masters of Beef Advocacy

Are you passionate about advocating for the beef industry? If so, we have an excellent program for you! The Masters of Beef Advocacy course was designed by producers for producers interested in being a strong voice for the beef community. The free, self-guided, online lessons walk advocates through the beef lifecycle while addressing environmental sustainability, beef nutrition, animal welfare, and beef safety. Join the 20,000 beef community members in answering the tough questions about raising cattle and producing beef.

About the Beef Checkoff

The Beef Checkoff Program is administered by the Cattlemen’s Beef Board, with oversight provided by the U.S. Department of Agriculture. The Beef Checkoff Program was established as part of the 1985 Farm Bill and assesses $1 per head on the sale of live domestic and imported cattle, in addition to a comparable assessment on imported beef and beef products. States may retain up to 50 cents of the dollar and forward the other 50 cents per head to the Cattlemen’s Beef Promotion and Research Board, which administers the national checkoff program.

Missouri Beef Industry Council is responsible for overseeing the 50 cents per head that is retained by the state. The council has a board of 13 producers from across the state that review funding requests, select projects to receive funding, and ensure that those approved for funding use them for their intended purpose: beef promotion, education and research. The board makes these decisions by following the vision, mission, and priorities of the council.

OUR VISION

A strong and viable beef industry in Missouri.

OUR MISSION

Dr ive the demand for beef.

OUR PRIORITY

Promote and strengthen beef’s value proposition. Protect and grow consumer trust in beef and beef production.

Protect and enhance the business climate for beef.

Dr ive growth in beef exports.

March Pork Exports Steady with Year-AgoBeef Export Value Highest in Nine Months

March exports of U.S. pork were steady with last year’s volume and edged higher in value, according to data released by USDA and compiled by the U.S. Meat Export Federation. Beef exports were below last March’s large volume, but export value was the highest since June 2023.

Korea shines in March as pork exports close excellent first quarter

Pork exports totaled 260,430 metric tons in March, up 0.1% from a year ago, valued at $740.8 million – up 2% year-over-year and the seventh highest on record. March shipments to South Korea were among the largest on record, while exports also increased substantially to Central America, Colombia, Oceania, Vietnam and Malaysia. Pork export value per head slaughtered averaged $70.85, the highest in nearly three years and the fifth highest on record.

“Another strong month on the pork side, and one that illustrates the importance of export market diversification,” noted USMEF President and CEO Dan Halstrom. “Shipments to Mexico cooled a bit, reflecting the earlier timing for Easter, and yet the global total remained very robust through increases to Korea, Colombia, Central America and Australia. When export value exceeds $70 per head slaughtered, that’s welcome news for pork producers and the entire supply chain.”

Through the first quarter, pork exports increased 6% to 762,784 metric tons, while export value climbed 7% to $2.11 billion. Although shipments to leading market Mexico trended lower in March, first-quarter exports to Mexico were still ahead of last year’s record pace.

March bright spots for U.S. beef include Caribbean, Middle East, Mexico

March beef exports totaled 108,218 metric tons, down 10% from the large volume posted a year ago but still the highest of 2024. Export value was $889.9 million, down slightly from a year ago (-0.3%) but the highest in

nine months. March export value equated to $454.62 per head of fed slaughter, the highest since mid-2022. March highlights included the third largest volume on record to the Caribbean, including an all-time high to the Dominican Republic, and shipments to the Middle East strengthened significantly. While March volumes to South Korea and Mexico were below last year, export value still trended higher.

“Beef demand in the Caribbean was outstanding in March, and we continued to see a strong rebound in the Middle East as well as some positive signs in Korea and Japan, where the food service recovery is making progress,” Halstrom said. “It’s a challenging situation in terms of supply availability, but the value U.S. beef commands internationally is very encouraging as evidenced by March export value climbing to more than $450 per head.”

January-March beef exports totaled 311,865 metric tons, down 4% from the first quarter of 2023, but export value increased 6% to $2.48 billion. Markets achieving first quarter value growth included South Korea, Mexico, Hong Kong, the Middle East, the Caribbean, Central America, Colombia, Philippines and Singapore.

First quarter lamb exports lower in volume, but value trends higher

March exports of U.S. lamb were 35% below last year at 246 metric tons, while export value fell 5% to $1.5 million. But March shipments to the Caribbean, Mexico and Canada all trended significantly higher than a year ago. First quarter lamb exports fell 5% in volume to 819 metric tons, but value increased 19% to $4.7 million. Value growth was led by the Caribbean, Mexico and Canada, but exports also trended higher to Taiwan and the ASEAN.

A detailed summary of the first quarter export results for U.S. beef, pork and lamb, including market-specific highlights, is available from the USMEF website.

COUNTY NEWS

See What’s Happening in Your County

South Central Cattlemen

The South Central Cattlemen met for their monthly meeting on Thursday, April 18, at Mega Motorsports in West Plains. Members and guests dined on open faced roast beef sandwiches with mashed potatoes, gravy, green beans, and a green salad provided by Ozark Cafe. The meal was generously sponsored by Russ Gant and Mega Motorsports of West Plains. We had approximately 40 members and guests present.

President Tyler Osborn opened the meeting with a little house cleaning. Treasurer, Jenny Poor, presented the financials to the group. She also updated the group on upcoming Missouri CattleWomen’s events. Russ Gant spoke about his upcoming bull and heifer sale at 5G Ranch on April 20. Stan Smith spoke about the upcoming Heart of the Ozarks Angus sale on April 27.

Dakota Crow of Monarch Drone demonstrated how his software and drone can be used for plot spraying. Since the outside conditions were favorable, Dakota was able to give the group a live demonstration of the drone spraying brush outside of the building.

Shane Wilson of Winfield United, an agriculture chemical distributor, discussed with the group on which chemicals to use and when. Shane opened the conversation up to a Q&A that was very informative.

Luke Stokes and Chris Hunsucker of Mega Motorsports then discussed new or returning rebates on their sports equipment. They also discussed available financing.

The next meeting of the South Central Cattlemen’s will be on Thursday, May 16, at the Extension office in West Plains. Agronomist Sarah Kenyon will be discussing soil health and weed control. All are welcome to join us.

Dakota Crow demonstrating the drone.

Dakota Crow

Andrew Buchanan Cattlemen

The Andrew Buchanan Cattlemen’s held it’s annual Roundup Fundraiser on March 9, at the Sycamore Tree Venue in Savannah, MO. We were thankful for all supporters of the evening. Lynn Anderson Vice President gave a prayer and blessing prior to the meal. There were approximately 250 members and guests present. Jake Kennedy President later introduced Deb Thummel, who spoke on membership. Mike Deering spoke on MCA involvement on politics and its importance to the industry. Matt Fischer then announced the scholarship winners for this year. Ella Jordan from Savannah and student at K State, McClane Johnson from Savannah, student at MU. High School seniors Ella Fischer from Savannah, Payton Rodgers from Savannah, and Lenora Brum from Mid-Buchanan. Charlie Smith, an FFA student from Fairfax shared her speech on “Education and Advocacy” to the group. The auctions then took place and made for a fun evening. Thank you to all who made the evening possible

Dallas County Cattlemen

Members of the Dallas County Cattlemen’s Association have been busy recently with a number of activities.

We attended the Buffalo FFA Chapter end of the year banquet on April 26. We awarded two outstanding members beef proficiency awards. Congratulations to Paige Henderson on winning the beef entrepreneurship award and to Hunter Howe on being selected as the beef placement winner.

May found us helping the chapter at their annual Farm Day and petting zoo. Held at the Buffalo High School campus and inside the spacious agriculture shop and ag classrooms, nearly 650 students from pre-school through fourth grades enjoyed learning all about different species of animals and agriculture. DCCA had a display of beef by-products and told students all about the great care we give our animals as well as touting that beef is safe and nutritious to eat.

In observance of May is Beef Month we set up a display at Cash Saver grocery in Buffalo. Customers are signing up throughout the month to win gift cards to purchase beef at the store. We very much thank Missouri Beef Industry Council for awarding us a grant to make this possible. We also plan to fire up our grill in the parking lot some nice day and give away samples of beef as well as recipes and other promotional items.

In addition, beef recipes have appeared in the Buffalo Reflex newspaper weekly as well as feature articles about beef.

A number of our junior members will be exhibiting cattle at the 41st Annual All-Breeds Junior Show June 6-9. We look forward to attending the steak fry on June 8 in the Agricultural Builidng. Our county fair will take place later in June, so our grill will be busy cooking our famous ribeyes.

Lafayette County Cattlemen

Lafayette County Cattlemen wrapped up their Educational series meetings with Dr. Scott Brown of the University of Missouri as he wrapped up his career with MU Extension.

An interactive session of questions and answers regarding the beef industry, markets and the future of beef in Missouri was the perfect ending to the Educational series.

DCCA president James Henderson, Paige Henderson, and Lynette Miller.

DCCA member Greg Whipple talking to students.

Dr. Scott Brown of the University of Missouri addressing the group.

Missouri Angus Breeders

641-4522

573-302-7011

Fax: 573-348-8325

meadangus@yahoo.com

www.meadfarms.com

Polk County Cattlemen

The third annual Missouri Beef Days was May 4-11 in Bolivar. There were so many fun events and activities it is hard to list them all. On April 27, we spent the day wrangling and tagging cows. Not your typical cattle but the plywood cut out variety that decorate the sponsor businesses leading up to and during Beef Days week. Most of the herd gathers on the Bolivar Courthouse lawn to graze until pick up time. The sponsors got into the spirit this year and personalized their cows by dressing them up or adding a few embellishments. They were also lot of fun to spot throughout town. All joking aside this is a big job, but we were happy to help head ‘em up and move ‘em out! We know when they make their appearance the fun is on its way.

On May 3, the Polk County CattleWomen handed out samples of tri-tip, all beef hot dogs, and seasoned taco meat at Woods Supermarket. They gave away delicious recipes featuring beef and literature for Missouri Beef Days events. The following day Polk County Cattlemen’s Association President, Ed Vest, and Polk County Cattlewomen Queen Committee Chairman, Leona Benson, competed in the cornhole tournament. Even though they didn’t place they had a fun time and vowed to practice to make a comeback next year. Not only was the tournament taking place, but there was a whole street fair going on. For $10 you could taste samples from 15 different cooking teams. All the proceeds went to the CMH Foundation cancer fund. The cooking competition was fierce. Mark Stanek, Jason Stanek, and Steve Brockhoff represented the Polk County Cattlemen’s Association. Though they did not win a fun time was had by all.

The evening of May 4 was the premiere event of Boots & Bling. The Diamond S Arena was transformed with sparkling lights, beautiful flower arrangements in authentic boot vases, and people wearing their western best. The Missouri Beef Days auction raised $55,000 for their charitable fund through the Community Foundation of the Ozarks to provide scholarship and grant opportunities for Missouri students. The Polk County Cattlemen’s Association receives a percentage to use towards the scholarships given to students interested in agricultural related studies. During the banquet, the Polk County Cattlemen of the Year was awarded to Sam Hawk. The 2024 Pioneer award was given to Donald Roberts who is a Past-President of the Polk County Cattlemen’s Association. The late B. J Neill was also awarded the Pioneer Award and a Past-President of our county association as well. There was also a great meal that was enjoyed by CMH Catering. The night was full of other moments and special memories made by all. We can’t have Missouri Beef Days without firing up

our grills. We cooked up over 3,300 burgers that were graciously donated by Hertzog Meat Company. These were shared with the students and staff at Bolivar’s Primary School, Intermediate, Middle, High School, and Southwest Baptist University. There was even a visit from POCO and fun facts and nutritional information about the importance of beef in our diet.

There were two nights of rodeo, parades, celebrity cook offs, beef and wine pairings, an art show, and countless other fun that was had. Thanks to all our volunteers that always make this a special time.

St. Clair County Cattlemen

May is Beef Month and is one of the most important months to our industry. To get the word out about beef, St. Clair County Cattlemen set up on Saturday, May 4 at Buzz’s Market, Carney’s Supermarket, and Food Fair of Appleton City to get individuals to sign up to win one of the following prizes at each store: two $125 value beef bundles, two beef logo lawn chairs, and one grill set.

Buzz’s Market winners were: $125 beef bundle to Lorene Cumley; $125 beef bundle to Brandon Wilson; beef logo lawn chair to Bobbie Braden; beef logo lawn chair to Kelly Kraft; and grill set to Tom Gamble.

Carney’s Supermarket winners were: $125 beef bundle to Jody Phillips; $125 beef bundle to Ruth Campbell; beef logo lawn chair to Rick Shepherd; beef logo lawn chair to Rella Vaughn; and grill set to Patty Wood.

Food Fair of Appleton City winners were: $125 beef bundle to Jamie Bokern; $125 beef bundle to Clem Henry; beef logo lawn chair to Bailey Cox; beef logo lawn chair to Katie Hooper; and grill set to Gail Green. Congratulations to all our winners!

St. Clair County Cattlemen will hold their next monthly meeting on July 9 at the Valley Center Church with Miller Seed as the sponsor and speaker.

Buffalo Livestock Market

1 mile west on Hwy 32 • Buffalo, MO 65622 Barn: 417-345-8122

Sale Every Saturday 12:00 Noon

• Selling 1200 to 1700 head Farm Fresh Cattle weekly

• Special Stock Cow and Bull Sale 3rd Tuesday night of each month at 6:30 p.m.

• Pre-Vac Feeder Calf Sales 2nd Saturday of every month in conjunction with Regular Sale (Pfizer Pre-Vac, BLM BPre-Vac, Bayer Program, Mo Quality Assurance. LMA-Vac and MFA Health Track)

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Southwest Missouri Cattlemen

“Be sure you know the condition of your flocks, give careful attention to your herds; for riches do not endure forever, and a crown is not secure for all generations”

Proverbs 27:23-24.

A fitting verse for our final meeting until the fall! A cattleman can appreciate the daily diligence this verse speaks of; no matter what a person’s vocation, consistent focus is key. I’ve heard Donnell Brown mention before, “Agriculture has never moved as fast as it does today, and it will never be this slow again”. Tonight the ShowMe-Select heifer sale, they appeared to unofficially average over $3,000.00/hd, with several lots exceeding $4,000.00 - W.O.W. To top it off, rainfall has been plentiful this spring! Recently, my sister graduated from MU’s school of Veterinary Medicine. At her graduation, one of the speakers mentioned a Louis Pasteur quote (the French scientist that created pasteurization, thereby revolutionizing the food industry) “chance favors the prepared mind”. When you add up all of the pieces above, I believe there are exciting times ahead for us in the cattle industry (I’m no authority on the subject, by the way)! Careful attention pays off, and allows each of us to keep up with the continued progression of agriculture in various ways.

Late last month, our association was able to honor the late, great, Jim McCann. Many individuals from all segments of the agriculture community, from across the state and US, joined us to share unique stories and memories of our dear friend. No matter who spoke, his love for youth, his passion for furthering the cattle industry, and his habit of deciding you were automatically close friends once he met you, was consistently mentioned by all! In good humor, Mike Deering shared “I don’t believe any of these stories about Jim working on the farm, because I was always on the road with him during his Presidency and don’t see how that was possible. On top of that, I learned how to fake laugh, due to all of the horrible jokes I was subject to during those long drives!” Speaking of Mike, recently, I viewed the video that MCA created to honor him for receiving the Pioneer award in 2022. Its neat to hear his deep, yet warm, gravelly voice share his story and passions. On Youtube, to view a video from MDA, search: Farm for Life - Jim McCann. His pioneer video can be found at: https://youtube.com/ watch?v=J1gy8WezCJQ (It’s an unlisted video on Youtube, so you can’t just google search the name of it, you have to type that website address).

As a result of the love offering from Jim’s Celebration of Life, an account has been created to fund travel/ attendance to the 2025 NCBA Cattle Industry

Convention & Trade Show for 2 of our local members or a member and spouse! More information will come throughout this article and our September Business Meeting. The winners will be selected through a nomination process - this summer, be thinking of who you might nominate to attend!

Please remember, we’re looking for a friend to step in and assist with the Secretary role for our association; if you’re interested/willing, I’d love the opportunity to visit with you!

We’ve all got a lot going on, I’ll close with this reminder: “...the most important thing I ever did in my life, was, my kids still want to come home. That’s important; that’s what’s really important. That is my legacy.” - Jim McCann (Pioneer Award Video)

All the best,

Nathan Isakson President - Southwest Missouri Cattlemen’s Association

Red Angus Cattle Produce Angus Beef

Source: Tom Brink, RAAA Chief Executive Officer

Angus-labeled beef is important to the U.S. beef industry. Many consumers are familiar with the name Angus and tend to associate that name with high-quality beef. The United States Department of Agriculture identifies more than 50 beef brands that include the name “Angus” on their website listing specific certified meat programs over which they have voluntary regulatory jurisdiction (https://www.ams.usda.gov/ grades-standards/certified-beef-programs).

Many, though not all, of these brands are relatively small in terms of tonnage sold. When combined, however, they add up to a sizable portion of total wholesale and retail beef sales, perhaps approaching 20% to 25%. Angus brands also tend to sell at higher prices than graded commodity beef. As a rule, Angus beef represents premium quality beef that sells at a premium price.

What exactly is Angus beef? Common sense mixed with a little scientific knowledge about beef breeds suggests it is beef derived from cattle that are 50% or more Angus, regardless of whether they are red or black. In other words, Angus beef comes from cattle that are genetically Angus. Hide color is (or should be) irrelevant to the determination of what qualifies as Angus beef. As one cattle feeder from Kansas quipped, “No one cares about the color of the hide when they are eating a steak.”

Furthermore, everyone knows that Angus genetics come in more than one hide color. Some Angus cattle are black, and some are red. The same is true of Simmental, Gelbvieh, Limousin, Salers, Wagyu and other cattle breeds. Most Holsteins are black and white, but some are red and white. Wikipedia correctly states that, “Holsteins have distinctive markings, usually black and white or red and white in color.” When we think of Holsteins, we most often picture a black-and-white cow, but that color combination does not encompass all that the Holstein breed represents. No knowledgeable cattle

Breeds are defined by the fact that the cattle contained in that breed share large amounts of the same DNA and have pedigrees tracing back to common ancestors. Color, as an individual trait, is not proof positive of one breed or another. Superficial evaluation fails as a foolproof method of breed identification.

The DNA is what counts and, when a consumer eats an Angus steak, it makes sense that the beef they are eating should have originated from an animal with predominantly Angus genetics. Otherwise, the consumer has been misled by the Angus label on the package he or she purchased.

This brings us to a simple question: What kind of beef do Red Angus cattle produce?

Genetically and scientifically, the answer is: Red Angus cattle produce Angus beef.

That statement bears repeating: Red Angus cattle produce Angus beef. Therefore, labeling beef from Red Angus cattle – like those verified through RAAA’s Feeder Calf Certification Program – as Angus beef should be a given.

Unfortunately, that is not the case in today’s U.S. beef business, and it has not been for decades. Black-hided animals, whether they contain Angus genetics of not, enter Angus branded beef programs with no questions asked. On the other hand, Red Angus cattle, though they produce Angus beef, are not included in a majority of Angus brands.

We all understand that there are some things in life and business that simply do not make sense, do not pass the smell test and need to be changed. As a Red Angus cattle producer, you are producing Angus beef. Be assured that RAAA is wholly committed to making sure the entire industry understands that fact and makes appropriate adjustments.

Angus brands tend to sell at higher prices than graded commodity beef and, as a rule, Angus beef represents premium quality that sells at a premium price. person would say otherwise.

Dale Kunkel walking through a group of his bulls and feeder steers.

Red Choice Raises the Bar for Red Angus Females

Source: Katie Martin, RAAA Director of Communications

In an ongoing endeavor to advance the quality and value of Red Angus bred heifers, the Red Angus Association of America continues to champion its innovative Red Choice heifer development program. The Red Choice initiative draws inspiration from the success of the University of Missouri’s Show-Me-Select program, integrating meticulous vaccination, breeding and management protocols to create top-tier Red Angus females, renowned for their superiority in the beef industry.

The success of the Show-Me-Select program in Missouri and its monumental effect on the cattle business in that state triggered the decision to launch the Red Choice program. Collaborating closely with experts from the University of Missouri, RAAA staff developed specific criteria to aid producers in developing high-caliber

replacement females. Heifers registered with RAAA or enrolled in RAAA’s Feeder Calf Certification Program are eligible for enrollment in Red Choice.

Jordan Thomas, Ph.D., assistant professor and state beef reproduction specialist at the University of Missouri, emphasized the program’s overarching objective. “The Red Choice program is not just a marketing program, it’s a concerted effort to enhance the quality of Red Angus females for future generations. The primary goal of the program is to take better-managed females and increase their retention in the herd of origin, where their extra value will be measured over time. Females sold with the Red Choice designation will provide buyers with confidence that she has been managed to the highest quality standards possible.”

Recognizing the pivotal role of replacement heifer development in cow herd profitability, the Red Choice program aims to identify heifers with exceptional

reproductive potential prior to the breeding season. This strategic approach is anticipated to enhance reproductive efficiency, ultimately bolstering cow herd productivity and profitability. By augmenting existing quality genetics with strict management practices, Red Choice produces high-information females that command increased value in the marketplace.

A distinctive feature of the Red Choice program is the incorporation of pelvic measurement and tract scoring. Sorting large groups of heifers based on their stage of puberty, as measured by tract score, can play a significant role in the success of early breeding. By sorting these heifers early, management decisions can be expedited, optimizing breeding success while curbing costs.

Dale Kunkel, of Kunkel Farms in Neosho, Missouri, had been enrolling his females in the Show-MeSelect program, and transitioned to the Red Choice program when it became available. He attests to the transformative impact of the Red Choice program on his operation.

“We develop our own replacement heifers, and because of the Red Choice program, our cattle operation has seen improvements over the past few years that you would not believe,” shared Kunkel. “We have better

conception, the right kind of phenotype and have eliminated small pelvis animals. We love the program and think it’s a great way to build value for Red Angus cattle.”

According to Josh Taylor, RAAA commercial marketing specialist, the Red Choice program is poised to revolutionize the commercial Red Angus herd landscape. “The bottom 25% of the commercial Red Angus herd in the United States is where the Red Choice program is going to have the biggest impact,” noted Taylor. “The program has the ability to take that bottom 25% of the bell curve and shift it forward, compounding the quality of Red Angus commercial herds nationwide.”

The Red Choice heifer development program represents a strategic endeavor by the RAAA to enhance the profitability and quality of Red Angus bred heifers. By integrating best-management practices, breeding protocols and meticulous sire-selection criteria, the program offers ranchers an opportunity to maximize profitability in every environment.

For additional information on the Red Choice Program, interested parties are encouraged to contact a member of the Red Angus commercial marketing team or visit redangus.org.

Inaugural Red Angus Youth Expo Approaching

DENVER — The inaugural Red Angus Youth Expo will be the highlight of the summer for many Junior Red Angus members. Hosted by the Red Angus Association of America, the event is scheduled for June 9-14, at the Grady County Fairgrounds in Chickasha, Oklahoma. This event will provide opportunities for youth and their families to engage in educational events, competitions and the national youth heifer, steer and bull shows. The theme of the event is “Reds on Route 66.”

The six-day event will include four educational workshops designed to help participants understand what it takes to be profitable in the beef industry. Fun

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activities provided for entertainment and participant engagement include Little Buck-A-Roo activities, hospitality socials and a family fun night. The final evening of the event will feature an awards ceremony and dinner to highlight the achievements of JRA members.

A variety of contests will be held during the event, focused on developing career, leadership and stockman skills among the participants. Contests include photography, ad design, professional development, operational sales, livestock judging and skill-a-thon. A sweepstakes award will be presented with points given for participation in each of the six contests, and additional points awarded for a top five placing in each contest. Additional team-based competitions include team fitting and state herdsmanship.

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The cattle show not only includes the regular female, steer and bull shows, but incorporates additional divisions inclusive of the larger beef industry. The phenotype-genotype show will require judges to evaluate each animal’s genetic profile along with their phenotype, and will provide juniors an opportunity to learn about the role of EPDs and selection indexes in

Continued on page 48

Ken & Brenda Keesaman

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Kody Keesaman 816-724-1432

Kolten Keesaman 816-808-2846

3803 SW Rogers Rd. • Osborn, MO 64474

Ken@kkfarmsredangus.com www.kkfarmsredangus.com

seedstock selection. The inaugural Premium Red Baldy and American Red female shows will champion the commercial cattle industry and provide education about RAAA’s value-added programs.

A non-terminal carcass contest will be held using ultrasound technology. This contest is designed to reflect fed cattle marketing grids used in the industry, while rewarding animals reaching industry ideals for carcass weight, quality grade and yield grade. Steers enrolled in

the carcass contest are also eligible to show in either the purebred steer show or the percentage steer show. The Red Angus Stakeholders Foundation, designed to support activities improving the Red Angus breed, was one of the first sponsors of the Expo. RASF President Steve Andras said, “The youth of any organization is what keeps it growing and prosperous. We never want to take our youth for granted. Therefore, we must support and encourage our youngest Red Angus enthusiasts. Most of all, we want them to know that they are valued and have our full support!”

The Red Angus Youth Expo is still accepting sponsorships and will provide corporate partners and breeders exceptional brand promotion. Information detailing the benefits of each sponsorship level can be found in the sponsorship packet on the RAYE website.

Important RAYE deadlines are quickly approaching, including the entry and ownership deadlines on May 1. All information regarding the Red Angus Youth Expo, including the 2024 RAYE premium book, can be found at redangusyouthexpo. com. Questions can be directed to Taylor Dorsey, RAAA junior program coordinator, at youthexpo@redangus. org.

Lori Ann Broderick

Lori Ann Broderick was born December 19, 1973, in Independence, Missouri. She passed from this world into the loving hands of Jesus on April 26, 2024, in Kansas City, Missouri. Taken from us too early, Lori was 50 years old.

Lori graduated from Truman High school and embarked on a career in banking and the mortgage industry. Most of that time was spent serving her friends and community at Platte Valley Bank. After a corporate bank merger, Lori took her talents to Veterans United where she enhanced the lives of veterans as she helped them become homeowners. Most recently, Lori took over as office manager for Show-Me Realty owned by longtime friend Dirk Talley.

Lori was married to Paul Broderick and mother to Remington and Wyatt Stone. She was devoted daughter to Rosanna Baker and sister to Rhonda Maydwell. She’s the best aunt and great aunt to Christian and Liz Hough, Katie Hough, and her grand-nieces Georgia and Olivia. Not sure how Old Navy will survive without her keeping those girls in cute outfits! She was a friend to so, so many.

Lori is survived by her husband Paul Broderick, mother Rosanna Baker, her children Remington Stone (Taylor Wiley), and Wyatt Stone.; Sister Rhonda Maydwell (Brian); nephews Christian Hough (Elizabeth) and Tyler Broderick. niece Katherine Hough. Grand-nieces Georgia and Olivia Hough; Lori married into an amazing family—Mother-in-Law Loretta Broderick; brothers-in-law Chris Broderick (Christine), Harold Broderick; and sister-in-law Teresa Allen. Aunts Sharon Harrison (Bob), Sheryl Salter (David). Cousins Micheal Getz (Devin Glover), Jennifer Balsbaugh (Tom) of whom she was especially close; And, of course, Scout her chihuahua.

Lori is proceeded in death by her cherished father Robert Baker; grandparents Fred and Jan Getz and Marion and Veronica Baker; and father-in-law Tom Broderick.

To list all of the family and friends Lori loved deeply and well—there isn’t enough paper and ink. Your relationship with Lori meant the world to her.

Lori’s faith in Jesus was strong; and one of heroes of the faith was Mister Fred Rogers. It is said that to speak with Mister Rogers was to be the only other person in his universe and of his highest regard and importance. That is Lori’s gifting as well—to love with all her heart. Her favorite Mister Roger-ism is “143.” 143 means I love you. I (1) love (4) you (3). 143. Lori loved others fiercely. She will meet any need, be there for you in a second, and protect her cubs at all cost. Don’t let her sweet, sweet spirit fool you—she is fierce.

In lieu of flowers the family suggests memorial gifts to the Wounded Warriors Project.

Every Monday: Slaughter Cattle 12:00 p.m. Selling All Classes of Cattle 12:30 p.m. 1st Thursday Nite of Each Month: 6:00 p.m. Bred Cows and Breeding Bull Sale

Jack Harrison 573-999-7197 (owner)

John P Harrison ............... 573-220-1482

Claude Niemeyer 573-470-1017

Roger Temmen 573-680-4538

Justin Oberling .................. 217-440-7724

Glenn Stegman 573-619-8495

Rodney Grover Flower III

Rodney Grover Flower III, 62, of Windsor, Missouri, died Monday, April 29, 2024, at his home near Windsor.

He was born April 8, 1962, in Clarksville, Arkansas, the son of Rodney Grover “R.G.” or “Red” Flower II and Reecie Lee (Wallace) Flower. On May 26, 2018, he married Subashini “Sam” Sundram in Sedalia, Missouri, and she survives of the home.

Rodney graduated from Lincoln High School in 1980. He worked for Farmers Coop in Windsor before moving to Oklahoma to work in the oil fields. Coming back to Missouri, he worked for Midwest Crane & Rigging in Kansas City for 20 years. Rodney acquired his farm at the age of 19 and raised many cattle over the years on his land. He enjoyed turkey and deer hunting alongside taking care of his cattle and farm animals. He was a member of the Missouri Cattleman’s Association, Local 101, Kansas City, Missouri, and the Masonic Shawnee Lodge No. 653 in Warsaw.

Survivors include his wife Sam, two daughters Amanda Jarvis (Robert), Independence, Mo., and Rachael Roberts (Anthony), New Madrid, Mo.; six grandchildren, Annice Davis (Cody), Liam Jarvis, Seth Jarvis, Jadyn Jarvis, Ayrasun Roberts, Ayden Roberts, and Asher Roberts; three great-grandsons, Jackson, Truman, and Harrison Davis; a brother, Grady Flower (Linda), Windsor, Mo.; two sisters, Patty Harris (Brandt), Tonkawa, Oklahoma, and Betty Briggs, Garden City, Mo.; and several nieces and nephews including nephew Troy Lowrance, Kansas City, Mo. He was preceded in death by his parents; a daughter, Megan Nicole Flower; two sisters, Donna Flakus and Rodna Taylor; a niece Jennie Howard; and a brother-inlaw, Govind Sundram.

Funeral services were held, Saturday, May 4, 2024, at the Hadley Funeral Home, Windsor, with Rev. Tyler Poppen officiating. Burial was in the Laurel Oak Cemetery, Windsor. The family suggests contributions to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital in care of the funeral home.

Bertz Selected as New Executive Director

Source: American Gelbvieh Association

LINCOLN, Neb. – The American Gelbvieh Association Board of Directors unanimously voted to hire Harold Bertz of Mayview, Missouri, as the Association’s next Executive Director.

Bertz recently served as the chief operating officer of the American Royal in Kansas City, Missouri. He previously worked for the Red Angus Association of America for nearly 10 years focusing on growing the acceptance of Red Angus cattle with commercial cow/ calf producers and feedyards.

“Harold brings with him great leadership, marketing expertise and understanding of the cattle industry, along with a clear vision of where Gelbvieh and Balancer® cattle fit the industry,” said Lori Maude, President of the AGA Board of Directors. “We are excited to have Harold leading the association and setting a solid path forward for the breed in a quickly changing beef industry.”

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“I am honored and excited to serve this great breed and its members,” said Harold Bertz, American Gelbvieh Association Executive Director. “The Association has a rich history, innovative members constantly striving to improve Gelbvieh and Balancer cattle, and a talented, vibrant staff. With these key elements, I have unlimited enthusiasm and optimism for our future.”

The Bertz family farm near Mayview has been in the family for seven generations, He and his wife, Melisa, are also involved with her family’s farm near Parker, Kansas. They have two grown children that are active in the beef industry.

Bertz began his new role with the American Gelbvieh Association on May 6, 2024. He can be reached at haroldb@gelbvieh.org or at the AGA office at 303-4652333.

The American Gelbvieh Association is a progressive beef cattle breed association representing 1,100 members and approximately 40,000 cows assessed annually in a performance-oriented total herd reporting system.

Harold Bertz, AGA Executive Director

ASA Executive VP Dr. Wade Shafer Announces Retirement

BOZEMAN, MT — The American Simmental Association Board of Trustees Chairman, Chris Ivie, reports that the Executive Vice President, Dr. Wade Shafer, announced his retirement at the conclusion of the April board meeting, effective June 30, 2025.

Dr. Shafer’s leadership and vision have been key to positioning the American Simmental Association and International Genetic Solutions at the forefront of the beef industry. His unwavering commitment to sound and credible science as the linchpin for commercial success is widely known. This mindset permeates the Simmental business, its breeders, and its staff, and is widely credited for the Simmental resurgence in recent decades. Dr. Shafer’s stewardship of this approach, along with his humility and constant openness to collaborations with other like-minded individuals and organizations, has directly benefited the business at large and personally impacted the lives and futures of innumerable farm and ranch families.

Dr. Shafer often states that “data is our lifeblood”. His institution of policies and approaches have helped establish the largest data pool and the only largescale, multi-breed genetic evaluation in the global beef business — International Genetic Solutions. A collaborative IGS is crucial to sound science, but even more, is vital to allowing independent beef producers access to the genetic tools needed to ensure success for them and their families. The team that Dr. Shafer has assembled embraces his call to make sound, thoughtful

business decisions while using that business to aid the industry at every turn. This commitment well into the future will be Dr. Shafer’s Simmental legacy.

The Executive Committee serves as the search and hiring committee for the Executive Vice President position. Watch for additional details at www.simmental. org.

Founded in 1968, the American Simmental Association is headquartered in Bozeman, MT. ASA is committed to leveraging technology, education, and collaboration to accelerate genetic profitability for the beef industry. In keeping with its commitment, ASA, along with its partners, formed International Genetic Solutions — the world’s largest genetic evaluation of beef cattle. Learn more at www.simmental.org.

SimAngus Bred Heifers & Bulls For Sale

AICA Names Brett Spader as Executive Vice President

Source: American International Charolais Association

Kansas City, Missouri – The American International Charolais Association announced recently that the Association’s Board of Directors has appointed Brett Spader as Executive Vice President, effective May 12. Most recently Spader served as Co-Founder and CEO of Livestock Launch, a digital and data agency serving the beef and ag industry.

With over 20 years of experience in association management, technology, marketing, and business development, Spader brings a wealth of experience and a dynamic leadership style to the AICA.

“The board believes Brett is the ideal Executive Vice President to lead AICA’s next chapter of growth and success.” said Michael Sturgess, Chairman of AICA’s Board. “We have been impressed with his strong track record of innovation, execution, and developing teams and strategies that drive results.”

Marked by a commitment to effective communication, strategic planning, and fostering high-performance teams, his extensive background includes leading innovative ventures, driving significant business growth, and developing cutting-edge technologies tailored to the agricultural industry. As the founder and CEO of Livestock Launch, Spader successfully created a digital marketing business uniquely focused on the beef industry, showcasing his entrepreneurial vision and adeptness at integrating technology and communication strategies.

Spader’s diverse experience also includes serving as Executive Director of the National Center for Beef Excellence, where he launched a non-profit business tailored to providing software and on-demand staffing resources to 6 breed associations. Further experience as President of Angus Media, Director of Operations at DVAuction, and positions with the Kansas Livestock Association generated experience in implementing new technologies and strategies for growth, marketing and member engagement.

Brett Spader, AICA Executive Vice President.

His commitment to data-driven decision-making, industry trend analysis, and adaptive problem-solving aligns perfectly with the AICA’s goals of advancing the Charolais breed and supporting its members.

“I am honored to join AICA in this leadership role, and am grateful for the opportunity to work with staff and membership to continue to advance the Charolais breed.” said Spader. “In my previous experience with the Organization, I developed a deep appreciation for what makes AICA so special. Charolais’s success has always been anchored in creating genetics that serve all phases of the beef industry. I believe this organization and the breed it serves have tremendous opportunities as we move into the future of the beef production industry.”

About the American-International Charolais Association: The American-International Charolais Association is committed to advancing Charolais cattle through genetic improvement, research, education, and marketing. With a dedication to excellence and innovation, the AICA works to support breeders and promote the value of Charolais genetics in the beef industry.

Meet Your MCA Summer Intern

Missouri Cattlemen’s Association member Carly Henderson of Wellsville, Missouri, will be serving as the communications intern for the duration of the summer. Henderson grew up on a cow/calf operation consisting of Limousin and Lim flex cattle.

She began exhibiting cattle around the age of 6. Just a few short years later, she joined her local 4-H club which sparked her interest in expanding her involvement with the livestock industry through showing pigs all across the state. You can often find Henderson at local, state or national livestock shows in the swine or cattle barns. Henderson enjoys meeting new people and forming new connections with producers at all livestock shows she attends.

Henderson currently attends Iowa State University where she just completed her freshman year. She is studying agricultural communications and animal science. Outside of class, Henderson is involved in a variety of campus organizations including ISU Block and Bridle, Collegiate Cattlemen’s, and Agricultural Communicators of Tomorrow.

Henderson is involved with numerous livestock organizations including the North American Limousin Junior Association, Missouri Limousin Breeders Junior Association, Team Purebred, the Missouri Youth Show Pig circuit and many more.

“I am ecstatic to spend the summer working with the Missouri Cattlemen’s Association and the opportunities it will provide me,” said Henderson. “I am confident my experiences and upbringing in the cattle industry paired with the skills I have obtained from the various professional organizations as well as those picked up from being involved in the livestock industry will allow me to serve Missouri cattle producers and its youth well.”

Welcome to the team, Carly!

Carly Henderson

A Challenging Year

The 2024 Missouri legislative session ended May 17, 2024, at 6:00pm. To describe this session as challenging would be a gross understatement. Nearly all capitol regulars approached this session with low expectations given the personality politics at play. It didn’t take long before the “Freedom Caucus” diminished all remaining expectations.

Each day became a sad state of legislative limbo with Senators trying to undercut the already low bar of expectations and potential deliverables. The environment was nearly impossible to navigate. Cooper isn’t limber enough for a game of limbo and I have neither the patience nor interest for such folly.

Legislative procedures and processes exist for a reason. They exist for government to function and for elected officials to represent the constituencies who elect them. Serving as an obstacle to basic legislative functioning is no real feat but seemed to be the purpose for select Senators – a purpose they achieved this year. Nearly each week precipitated a Senate filibuster on basic

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procedural or bill motions that derailed almost all priorities and proposals, resulting in an unusually low number of bills passed.

In sharp contrast, the House worked diligently throughout session, but its work product remained unrewarded due to Senate Republican infighting. It’s truly sad to think about the effort so many Representatives and associations put into their legislative agendas only to be highjacked by a few for political posturing and personal gain.

Despite the trials and tribulations that plagued session, Senator Lincoln Hough delivered a sound state budget that was good for the agricultural community. He and his colleagues invested in large animal veterinary student loans, a meat lab at Mizzou, black vulture mitigation, flood resiliency improvements, agricultural extension, and the Ag Leaders of Tomorrow program.

Passing a state budget is a constitutional duty of our elected officials. People often speculate about legislators missing the constitutionally set deadline, but never

actually believe it will happen. This year was different as meeting the budgetary obligation was a real concern. Thankfully Senator Hough was serving during this difficult time and was well equipped to meet this challenge.

We feel badly for those outgoing elected officials who either are term limited or elected not to run for reelection. There is no question this session is not how they saw the end of their legislative careers, but the reality of it must certainly make it easier to depart. For the Senators who did not get to share their farewell speeches after years of time and emotional investment in the capitol halls, we are sorry. We appreciate your dedication and service to this state.

If we can share anything from the past five months, it is to remind each of you that elections have consequences. You know it but this year the association felt it. Fixes to eminent domain and the beginning farmer program flailed mostly due to legislative nonsense and not real policy obstacles that we can work to overcome.

We have a chance to reset in 2025 and elect people who are willing to have real conversations about real issues. It is imperative that we all educate ourselves on candidates running for election/reelection. We need to get it right in August and November. MCA is counting on it. Missouri is counting on it.

We can do it!

Nancy and Cooper

Express Ranches Grass Time

SALE REPORTS

Cow

Heart of the Ozarks Angus Ass’n Sale 04.27.2024 •

Byergo Angus

05.18.2024

Gardiner Angus Ranch

June 1

SALE CALENDAR

Show-Me-Select Replacement Heifer Sale, Palmyra MO

June 6 P rime Time Livestock Sale @ JRS, Carthage, MO

June 6-9 M issouri Cattlemen’s Youth Expo, S edalia, MO

June 12 Special Cow and Bull Sale @ JRS, Carthage, MO

June 20 Value-Added Sale @ JRS, Carthage, MO

June 24

Yearling Special Sale @ JRS, Carthage, MO

July 2 T he Big Bang Sale @ KS Crossing Casino, Pittsburg, KS

July 8

Yearling Special Sale @ JRS, Carthage, MO

Sept. 20-21 South Poll 16th Annual Field Day, W indy Acres Farm, Appomattox, VA

Oct. 19 G erloff Angus Bull Fest, Bland, MO

Oct. 26 L acy’s Red Angus and MC Livestock A nnual Production Sale, Drexel, MO

Nov. 1-2 G enePlus Brangus and Ultrablack Bull a nd Female Sale at Chimney Rock, Concord, AR

AICA Launches CharolaisBeef.com

Source: American-International Charolais Association

KANSAS CITY, Missouri - The AmericanInternational Charolais Association is thrilled to unveil the new CharolaisBeef website, dedicated to informing consumers about the excellence of Charolais influenced beef.

The website provides comprehensive education on the breed, including information on its unique characteristics and benefits. It also features a directory of where consumers can find Charolais beef. Additionally, visitors can learn about Charolais producers’ strong commitment to being stewards of the land. This initiative marks the initial phase of the AICA’s strategy to drive consumer awareness and demand for Charolais genetics within retail and restaurant sectors.

“We’re excited to educate beef consumers, restaurants, and retailers about Charolais beef and what it brings to the table”, stated Stacey Rincker, Director of Charolais Beef Promotion. “This website is just the first step in introducing Charolais beef to the consumer market”.

The AICA also launched social media channels on Facebook and Instagram, designed to speak directly to consumers about Charolais beef and reflects the association’s commitment to further solidify the market presence of Charolais genetics.

“The Charolais breed brings a compelling story to consumers; one of stewardship and high-quality beef that we know today’s beef consumers demand”, said David Bisek, Director of Charolais Beef Marketing.

About the American-International Charolais Association: The American-International Charolais Association is committed to advancing Charolais cattle through genetic improvement, research, education, and marketing. With a dedication to excellence and innovation, the AICA works to support breeders and promote the value of Charolais genetics in the beef industry.

For further information, contact Stacey Rincker at srincker@charolaisusa.com and David Bisek at dbisek@ charolaisusa.com.

To learn more about Charolais Beef, please visit charolaisbeef.com, facebook.com/charolaisbeef, or instagram.com/charolaisbeef.

MBC Classified

The MBC Classified column appears monthly. Classified advertising is only 50¢ per word. Send your check with your ad to Missouri Beef Cattleman, P.O. Box 480977, Kansas City, MO 64148. Deadline 15th of month before an issue.

“REESE” DISC MOWERS, CADDY V-RAKES, “REESE” TUBE-LINE BALE WRAPPER, AITCHISON DRILLS, SELF-UNLOADING HAY TRAILERS, HEAVY DUTY BALE AND MINERAL FEEDERS, FEED BUNKS, BALE SPIKES, CONTINUOUS FENCING, COMPLETE CORRAL SYSTEMS, INSTALLATION AVAILABLE: Tigerco Distributing Co. 660-645-2212, 800-432-4020 or www.tigercoinc.com.

BLACK SIMMENTAL BULLS SINCE 1993: Calving Ease, Attractive, Athletic, Sound Footed and Docile. We Deliver. Mike Williams, Higginsville, 816-797-5450

SYCAMORE CREEK SIMANGUS BULLS & BRED HEIFERS FOR SALE. Great EPDs. Wayne and Anita Vanderwert -15 minutes from Columbia. 573-808-3000 or 303-506-3508

Scott Cape, Owner of Jim’s Motors in Cuba, Missouri. All I

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