March 2024 - Missouri Beef Cattleman

DEPARTMENTS

2306

573-499-9167

Andy Atzenweiler: Editor/Production/Ad Sales P.O. Box 480977 • Kansas City, Missouri 64148 816-210-7713 •

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 MCA Regional Vice Presidents

Region 1: Et han McNeill, 325 McMurry St. Par is, 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 T hummel, 12601 Hwy. 46

Sher idan, MO 64486 • 660-541-2606

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

Region 6: War ren Love, 8381 NE Hwy ZZ

Osceola, MO 64776 • 417-830-1950

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

Profitability Challenge Open House

Join us for the 2023-2024 Profitability Challenge Open House held March 28, 2024, at 1p.m. This event will be hosted at the University of Missouri South Farm Beef Research Center where the steers are being fed. This open house will help provide the participating producers and future participants an understanding of profitability challenge program and how the growsafe technology is being utilized to capture the intake data to help enhance the efficiency of the producer’s herd.

2024 MJCA Points Program Schedule

Open to any exhibitor 21 years old and younger as of January 1, 2024, who is also a member of the Missouri Junior Cattlemen’s Association, the MJCA Points Program is an exciting way for exhibitors to keep track of their success throughout the show season. The points are given based on rank in each animal’s class and how the animal performs at each MCA sanctioned show. Breed winners and the top five in both the heifer and market animal divisions will be awarded for their work throughout the show season starting January 1 to the conclusion of the Missouri State Fair, at the 2025 All Breeds Junior Show in Sedalia, Missouri. See the list of 2024 sanctioned shows online at mocattle.com

Missouri Cattlemen’s Youth Expo

This year, the 2024 Missouri Cattlemen’s Youth Expo will be held June 6-9. This event will encompass both the 41st MCA All-Breeds Junior Show and the MJCA Replacement Heifer Show and Sale. These two events together are designed to showcase what all the junior cattlemen members in Missouri have to offer. The Replacement Heifer Show and Sale will feature two divisions, pen of open heifers and bred heifers which will be in partnership with Show-Me-Select. To learn more about the full weekend, visit mocattle.com and see their respective site pages.

21st Annual Cattlemen’s Steak Fry

The Cattlemen’s Steak Fry will be held on Saturday, June 8 at the Missouri State Fairgrounds. Join us for a delicious steak dinner, raffles, live and silent auctions, and great conversation. You’ll find the details in this month’s magazine and on our website. This event is open to the public and we welcome any and all people who wish to celebrate Missouri’s beef industry with us. Funds raised will benefit the MCA Political Action Committee to help elect leaders who understand and value Missouri agriculture to guide our state’s policy now and in the future. See the MCA website for more information and registration instructions.

Owen Pratt, Nerren Pratt, Chattanooga, TN

Sydeny Becker, Cumberland, IA

Hannah Lauffenburger, El Paso, IL

Arron Molburg, Elsberry, MO

Cressa Gordley, Wright City, MO

Ava Schneider, Warrenton, MO

Brady Schneider, Warrenton, MO

Clara Keim, Hannibal, MO

Josh Ridgely, Clarence, MO

Andrew Wiskirchen, Ewing, MO

Michael Meyer, Palmyra, MO

Olivia Britt, Callao, MO

Jim Reed, Desloge, MO

Scott Lewis, Arcadia, MO

Easton Cook, Farmington, MO

Donnia Besher, Patton, MO

Deb Seabaugh, Patton, MO

Michael French, ML Farms LLC, Frohna, MO

Zach Ruehling, Frohna, MO

Ethan Broshuis, Leopold, MO

Makayla Carter, Williamsville, MO

Seth Johnston, Williamsville, MO

Tracey Mershon, Buckner, MO

Jeremy Kearney, Concordia, MO

Aaron Crossley, Independence, MO

Cheryl Hollon, H4 Land & Cattle LLC, Kearney, Mo

Christopher Liles, Liles Farm, Mayview, MO

Kathy Harris, Oak Grove, MO

Alexandra Hoke, Odessa, MO

Susan Coats, Richmond, MO

Amy Holder, Sullivan Farm, Cameron, MO

Brooklyn Binder, Binder AgVenture, Craig, MO

Matt Hess, Maryville, MO

Larry Stiens, L & C Stiens Farms Inc, Maryville, MO

Kevin Schieber, Ravenwood, MO

Donald & Mary Burkert, Savannah, MO

April Miller, Belzer Farms, Browning, MO

Sullivan Bird, Gallatin, MO

Jacob Rogers, FCS Financial, Laclede, MO

Bryan & Kaci O’Kane, Linneus, MO

Lucas & Kayla Wright, Marceline, MO

Matt Stephan, Montrose, MO

Noah Carr, Carthage, MO

Chad Henry, Henry Land & Cattle LLC, Neosho, MO

Barry & Jan Charter, Neosho, MO

Carter Huston, South West City, MO

Gary Veltrop, Veltrop Farms, Meta, MO

Blayne Millsap, Blayne Millsap Farms LLC, Otterville, MO

Levi Stallcup, Bucyrus, MO

Darwin Beltz, Beltz Ranch, Elk Creek, MO

Heather Holden, VIP Properties- Double Donkey Ranch, Houston, MO

Jan Watson, Watson Farms- VIP Properties, Houston, MO

Shawn Booker, Licking, MO

Ruth Haneline, Licking, MO

Jacob Driesel, Raymondville, MO

Robert Driesel, Dead Rock, Raymondville, MO

Casey Petty, Harvest Gypsy Farm LLC, St. James, MO

Oliver Midyett, Salem, MO

Cathy Simpson, Salem, MO

J.L. Jones, Asset & Elder Law Solutions, Aurora, MO

Ellie Samek, Bolivar, MO

Garrett Samek, Bolivar, MO

Steve Leonard, Conway, MO

David Moore, Fair Grove, MO

James Blackwelder, Cabool, MO

Lori Witt, Pierce City, MO

Eli Dunn, Taneyville, MO

Roger Clawson, West Plains, MO

Michael Lunn, West Plains, MO

Janet Crow, Crow North, West Plains, MO

James Brown, Brown Bros. Land & Cattle, Lakeside, TX

See the MCA Membership Form on page 101

President’s Perspective

with Chuck Miller

We Are Here to Work for You

Life is full of issues for each and every one of us daily, and our Missouri Cattlemen’s Association is no different. When we are wrangling in Jefferson City, advocating for Missouri Cattle producers, attending conventions and meetings, or somewhere in the state at meetings listening to and working on behalf of affiliate groups, always there are issues. Let me assure you that our staff and association’s leadership always try to listen and painstakingly work on solutions to these concerns that seem to arise. We highly value our association’s membership and take seriously our representation responsibilities.

We have affiliates all over this state dealing with concerns specific to their region, from McDonald County to Monroe County and from Maryville to Cape Girardeau. Whether it’s membership numbers, finances, drought or wastewater management, each area of our state is challenged. Oh, not to mention the continuous onslaught from animal rights groups and individuals

MCA President

that want to take away our abilities to produce safe, wholesome and nutritious beef. Again, I remind you of the past, present and ongoing commitment of our staff and the association’s leadership to meet these issues head-on. Please contact us with any concerns or issues that you feel need to be addressed.

I have been working on committee appointments for the coming year: a governance task force to take a long overdue look at our bylaws, chaired by President-Elect Jeff Reed; a financial accountability and transparency task force to evaluate the financial procedures of our association, chaired by Region 5 Vice- President Alex Haun; finally, a strategic planning group to help chart the course for MCA over the next several years, chaired by Vice-President Anita Vanderwert. In addition to leadership appointments, Jack Davis from Southeast

Missouri will serve as the At-Large Regional VicePresident this year.

As I pen this month’s article, we are zeroing in on the FFA Fantasy Feedout challenge. I have been a part of this activity from the beginning and it scratches a big itch for this retired agricultural teacher in terms of providing yet another route to educate, motivate and reward FFA members of our state. In utilizing a system similar to fantasy football, teams are able to select animals and compete against other teams to learn about the feedlot and packing sector of our industry. The continual increase in participation is outstanding and we look forward to the new partnership with the American Simmental Association to take this program to the next level.

The preparation has already begun for our Missouri Cattlemen’s Youth Expo, which will come roaring into Sedalia June 6-9. Missouri youth have two opportunities to participate in this upscale youth event. One of those opportunities being the 41st Annual All-Breeds Junior Show, which draws participants from all over our great state. The Missouri Cattlemen’s Replacement Heifer Show and Sale will also take place during the All-Breeds Junior Show. This event provides a more traditional “pen-type” show of replacement heifers along with a sale. Please visit our website or contact Manager of Membership, Courtney Collins at the MCA office with any questions. These youth events, along with other MJCA activities, Missouri’s Cattleman Foundation scholarship program, and award sponsorships throughout the year exhibit MCA’s continued commitment to advancing the next generation of Missouri cattlemen and cattlewomen.

MCA folks work hard for our members. This effort is much easier with a large, engaged and active membership. Missouri Cattlemen’s Association needs membership first and foremost. Next, we all need to be properly informed and engaged, with our heads in the ballgame. With an interested and energetic membership, MCA staff and MCA leadership have the ammunition they need to really move the needle within the beef industry in Missouri and across the nation as well. Think on this as you read the closing paragraph this month.

While reading my daily bible devotional a few days ago, I was reminded of an idea that I think all of us should ponder. The devotion referenced Jesus feeding the five thousand. We shouldn’t be worried about feeding the five thousand but be willing to provide some bread and fish. Be willing to offer what we have, knowing that by ourselves we might not be able to solve the entire problem.

Straight Talk

with Mike Deering

Doing Nothing Solves Nothing

The Missouri Cattlemen’s Association is in the process of hiring four individuals throughout the state to work directly with livestock producers in their respective region on grazing management strategies tailored to individual operations. As you know, no two operations are exactly alike. This new endeavor is a partnership with the United States Department of Agriculture’s Natural Resources Conservation Service.

Our goal is to add value to livestock producers in this state by assisting them with generating ideas to improve forage quality, drought mitigation and soil health. We will also help individual producers identify what cost-share programs through NRCS and others best align with the producer’s goals. These programs can reduce the cost of improvements and allow for greater technical expertise throughout the process.

It is our hope that we can help producers cut through any red tape or bureaucracy – real or perceived – that too often follows these cost-share programs. We will absolutely respect producer confidentiality at every turn and will focus on the big picture.

What is the big picture? It is quite simple. We want to help producers maximize profitability and enhance the long-term viability of their respective operations. When pasture ground is transitioned to new or beginning cattle producers, we want it to be in the best shape possible to reduce economic burdens on the next generation.

Unarguably, Missouri could be raising more cows in this state with a more heightened focus on forage diversity, grazing management, fertility and weed control. When discussing grazing, a fellow cattle producer and mentor once told me if you aren’t progressing, you’re going backwards. I tend to agree with that thought. Simply put, it is important for our future to keep pastures productive and alleviate any notion of plowing them up. That comment may offend some, but so be it.

Executive Vice President

If we do not repopulate the land with the next generation of cattle producers, I cannot even begin to describe the woes. I believe with every fiber of my being that grazing and forage management today can be a critical component needed when attracting the next generation back to the family farm. At the end of the day, that’s why we are embarking on this new endeavor. Today impacts tomorrow.

Watching Missouri cattle producers – including myself –liquidate cows these past two years because of the relentlessly persistent drought conditions keeps me awake at night and is reason to worry about the future. MCA can only do so much but doing nothing is simply unacceptable. In a state where we can experience both flood and drought in the same year, we need to be open to new ideas and strategies to weather the weather, so to speak.

More information about this effort will follow in the coming months once we get boots on the ground and a game plan fully developed and ready to deploy. We are behind because we had far more applicants than we expected, and we didn’t want to cut the process short in fear of missing the perfect candidate. Our goal is to do this right; not fast. Even if you are (understandably) skeptical about this partnership, I ask for your patience because our intent is sincere and truly focused on advancing this industry by overcoming obstacles often out of our control. Doing nothing usually solves nothing, so we are going to give this a shot and need your help.

Regional Range Report

by Jeff Reed, MCA President-elect

Governance Task Force

At our annual convention, 2024 MCA President Chuck Miller appointed me to chair a task force to review the governing rules of our organization. This was brought forth due to amendments to the bylaws presented at the convention. These proposed amendments created good conversation; however they needed further attention, which created the need for the task force. Our task force has begun reviewing the bylaws and the policy and procedures since both are interconnected.

As we progress through, we will be including other members and staff in our conversations. At times, we will undoubtedly need a historical or operational perspective to receive direct information to better inform our direction with our proposed ideas.

As our organization has grown and evolved with our ever-changing industry, it is important we focus on how to better enable our leaders as we move forward. The quote which our industry credits as the most expensive words used comes to mind: “We have always done it that way.” We have focused efforts on progressing our organization to better prepare for the emerging issues and increasing our leadership opportunities, through opportunities such as the FFA Fantasy Feedout and Missouri Cattlemen’s Leadership College.

We must not limit organization when recruiting leaders. We have created the MCLC program to build and educate young members of our organization. The goal of engaging this next generation is to better prepare them to be the next leaders of the organization and to progress our organization forward. However, the current requirements for our own leadership opportunities strictly limits how those young leaders may enter leadership positions or even what is considered a leadership position with our current verbiage.

The organization has now entered a period of sound financial status through the diligence of staff and our

leaders. While historically this has not always been the case, this creates new but great complications for our current structure. It has been a recurring conversation for a few years now, ensuring we are good stewards of the finances that our organization has worked hard to develop. Safeguarding those finances through sound financial advice, which best protect the organization and its members to also better enable our organization in the future created the need for the finance task force being chaired by Alex Haun.

An area which we need to regain our focus is the current structure of our councils. Should these councils remain with their current structure? The annual meeting for these councils is typically poorly attended apart from a couple. I have held several conversations on the history of these councils and their purpose; however, the conversations have typically led to them potentially not being a relevant structure to our organization as it is today. One idea which seems to be recuring, would be to reflect the structure of NCBA. Councils which focus on things such as property rights; cattle health; tax & credit; public lands; and cattle marketing may be a more accurate fit to better directly drive policy for the organization.

Each of these items will be thoroughly reviewed by the governance task force as we bring forward recommendations. This is where we need your input, below are the list of names which serve on the governance task force, and we want your opinions as we move forward on how we can better prepare our organization for the future.

The task force members are Chair Jeff Reed, Keith Stevens, Adam McGee, Robert Brundage, Scott Long, and Matt Biddle. Please reach out to these people if you have concerns or believe a specific section should be reviewed. We will work diligently to bring forth logical and essential change to our growing organization and we look forward to hearing from you.

Region 1 VP - Ethan McNeill Region 5 VP - Alex Haun

Region 2 VP - Blake McDonald

Region 3 VP - Blake Crow

Region 6 VP - Warren Love

Region 7 VP - Josh Worthington

Region 4 VP - Deb Thummel At-Large Rep. - Jack Davis

What’s Cookin’ at the

Missouri Beef House

By the MCA Beef House Committee

Beef House Committee

Your MCA Missouri State Fair Beef House, which was established in 1982 to promote Missouri’s beef cattle industry by serving premium beef to the crowds at the Missouri State Fair, is overseen by a standing committee according to MCA Policies and Procedures Article VI Committee Structures. Members of the committee shall be appointed to a three-year term. The State Fair Beef House Committee has the awesome responsibility to serve as the advisory committee and monitor the operation of the Missouri Beef House, the Missouri Beef Showcase and other State Fair activities.

In addition to specific roles required by membership, your State Fair and Beef House Committee is challenged to actively participate in the work of the committee, provide thoughtful input to committee deliberations, and focus on the best interest of the association and committee goals rather than on personal interests.

THANK YOU to each of these individuals for their hours of commitment to the MCA mission “dedicated to advancing Missouri beef industry”.

Thought for the month: “May your blessings outnumber the cows that you grow, and may troubles avoid you wherever you go!”

Your 2024 MCA State Fair and Beef House Committee is:

Pat Wood, Chair

Marvin Dieckman

John Harris

Jimmie Long

Mike Nance

Patty Wood

Courtney Collins, MCA

Chuck Miller, MCA President

Drew Busch

Ed & Judy Ehrhardt

Kathy Harris

Alex Haun

War ren Love

Mary K ay Lyle

Kenny & Susan Smarr

Deb Thummel

Merrel Breyer

Mike Carter

Suet ta Carter

Jim Fair fax

Eric Kraus

Russell & Donna Martin

Sydney Thummel, MBIC

Mike Deering, MCA Executive

CattleFax Forecasts Continued Producer Profitability with Herd Expansion on the Horizon

Source: NCBA

ORLANDO, Fla. (Feb. 2, 2024) –The popular CattleFax Outlook Seminar, held as part of the 2024 Cattle Industry Convention and NCBA Trade Show in Orlando, Florida, shared expert market and weather analysis today.

The smallest beef cow inventory in the last 50 years, coupled with historically strong demand, led to the highest average fed cattle and calf prices in 2023. As reduced cattle numbers and beef production continue over the next three years, leverage and profitability will continue to favor cattle producers.

Despite record prices, expansion will likely be delayed once again. Lingering drought, high input costs, limited labor availability, high interest rates, and market uncertainty all serve as headwinds against growing the cowherd. The current cattle cycle anticipates slower and more prolonged expansion, with heifer retention causing a supply decline with expected lows in fed slaughter by 2026. Higher cattle prices and reduced feeding costs will continue to improve margins for cow-calf producers for the next several years, a much-needed improvement to drive expansion as weather patterns allow, according to CattleFax.

After several months watching El Niño’s influence on the global weather pattern, Meteorologist Matt Makens said the El Niño event that placed moisture on the South and Southeast is fading away and La Niña is showing signs of making a rapid return.

“During the next several weeks, we will continue to see strong and wet storm systems move across the central and southern states. Increased odds for snow and cold as far south as Texas will mean possible impacts on calving and wheat,” he said. “Take this moisture now and make the most of it; look for a good start to this grazing season overall but be mindful that drought conditions will increase for the Southern Plains during summer and fall

as we see our pattern change quickly.”

As La Niña’s influence grows, increased heat and drought-related issues are expected for the Central and Southern Plains. The moisture pattern will favor the northern tier of states and the Ohio to Tennessee Valleys.

Kevin Good, vice president of market analysis at CattleFax, reported that U.S. beef cow herd declined 2% with inventories at 28.2 million head at the beginning of this year.

“Though drought conditions did improve in many regions, over a third of the cow herd was affected by drought in 2023, causing limited heifer retention and more liquidation in some regions. This will limit growth to the cow herd near-term,” Good said.

Cow and bull slaughter is forecast to be 6.5 million head in 2024, down around 800,000 head, from 2023. CattleFax predicted feeder cattle and calf supplies outside of feedyards will be 1 million head smaller than 2023 at 24.1 million head.

Commercial fed slaughter in 2024 is forecast to decline by 750,000 to 24.8 million head. Cattle on feed inventories began 2024 up about 2% at 11.9 million head. Good noted, “Though inventories may remain somewhat elevated for a few months, they are expected to decline significantly through the second half of the year.”

After about a 1.3-billion-pound decline in 2023, beef production is expected to be down another billion pounds in 2024 to total about 25.9 billion pounds. The decline in production in 2024 will lead to a 1.7-pound decline in net beef supply to 56 pounds per person.

Mike Murphy, CattleFax chief operating officer, forecasted the average 2024 fed steer price at $184/cwt., up $9/cwt. from 2023. All cattle classes are expected

to trade higher, and prices are expected to continue to trend upward. The 800-lb. steer price is expected to average $240/cwt., and the 550-lb. steer price is expected to average $290/cwt. Utility cows are expected to average $115/cwt., with bred cows at an average of $2,600/cwt.

“When thinking about what demand looks like, we need to think about what our consumer looks like with the U.S. economy being the driving factor going into 2024,” Good said. “Though inflation has moderated, consumer debt and interest rates, cheaper alternative proteins, and economic uncertainty may limit spending and impact purchasing decisions.”

2024 USDA All-Fresh Retail Beef prices are expected to average $7.90/pound and, while higher beef prices may soften consumer purchasing habits, Good predicted the consumer preference for the quality, consistency and safety of U.S. beef will continue to support relatively strong demand. “Premiums for higher quality beef should remain as consumers have shown a willingness to pay for Choice grade or better beef.”

Global protein demand has continued to rise around the world and tighter global protein supplies should broadly support prices in 2024. U.S. beef exports saw large declines in 2023, down about 13% and another 5% decline is expected in 2024, driven by smaller U.S. production and higher prices. Japan and South Korea remain the top U.S. beef export destinations.

Troy Bockelmann, CattleFax director of protein and grain analysis, said National Dec. 1 on-farm hay stocks were up 6.9% from a year-ago at 76.7 million tons with hay prices averaging $220/ton in 2023. “Another good hay crop needs to be seen in 2024, to help rebuild stocks from the lows in 2022 and return prices to a more historically normal range. The first half of 2024 will likely see prices supported at more elevated levels before dropping by roughly $30/ton following harvest.”

He noted that corn stocks-to-use are at just under 15% and should keep the market below $5.50/bu. with a yearly average price of $5.00/bu. expected. “Overall, when thinking about watch items for 2024, look at March perspectives planting report, soybean exports, and the total principal crop acres.”

On the energy front, Bockelmann said that, for 2024, not much will change. He said crude oil is expected to average around $80/barrel and noted that the geopolitical environment will be the driver of price relative to oil markets.

Randy Blach, CattleFax chief executive officer, concluded the session with an overall positive outlook, and noted that the current cattle cycle will be much slower and prolonged compared to the last as heifer retention has not yet started on a nationwide basis. He expects the peak in cattle prices is likely to occur in 2025-2026 and, in the meantime, industry profitability will continue to swing in favor of the cow-calf producer as excess feeding and packing capacity chases a declining supply of feeder cattle and calves.

Randy Blach, CattleFax chief executive officer

COUNTY NEWS

See What’s Happening in Your County

Lafayette County Cattlemen

Lafayette County Cattlemen held their January educational meeting on Tuesday, January 30 at the Mayview Community Building.

Ray Carroll Grain Growers sponsored the meeting and Manager William Soendker spoke as well as Kent Feeds Representative Dalton Ewing. Upcoming meetings will be held on February 27 and March 26 and are open to all interested cattlemen and cattlewomen.

The LCCA Board of Directors met Tuesday, February 6 at the Lafayette County Extension Office with President Darrell Neuner presiding.

Business included treasurer’s report, convention reports, trailer insurance and storage discussions and member memorials.

Plans for the annual meeting to be held March 2 were finalized and a slate of officer and board candidates was confirmed.

A donation of beef sticks was approved.

Dalton Ewing of Kent Feeds spoke to LCCA meeting attendees.

Upcoming dates for Cowboys at the Capitol are March 13 and April 24.

Marsha Corbin announced dates for the 2024 Lafayette County Cattlemen’s Association Bus trip to Colorado will be July 21-25.

Members also received the in-kind match forms to complete for the MCA NRCS grant.

Southwest Missouri Cattlemen

Sub-zero weather, followed by an extended thaw, rain, a few stuck pieces of equipment and a little questionable language, and and then it’s 65 degrees in the first two weeks of February. Many states, including Missouri, have chaotic weather patterns that can be summarized with “stick around 30 minutes, it’ll change”. Right now, our weather feels like late March with the promise of a beautiful April just around the corner; and it feels good. Although I expect old man winter to take the reins. Good times are a great opportunity to reflect and focus. I mentioned David and Goliath at our meeting, and I will discuss that more later on.

This month’s inspiration came to us from 1 Samuel 17:23-42.; Glen Cope offered the invocation, and specifically lifted up the McCann family in prayer as they work through the physical loss of Travis. Prime Cut catered a nice steak meal for almost 100 people in attendance. Cassville FFA shared updates on the ways they have incorporated the Southwest Missouri Cattlemen’s Association Agriculture Department Improvement Grant to increase the efficiency of their school farm facility, featuring a cattle rotational grazing system, and working facilities. Ruben Downing with S&H Farm Supply shared customer testimonies from Traves Merrick and Josh Worthington, and explained

how S&H offers a line up of implements and machines that are designed to provide real solutions to members just like you and me. Ed Trotter with Zoetis shared updates to their dewormer offerings, a product that is able to increase rate of gain early, and has a high level of efficacy in breaking the parasite cycle when compared to other anthelmintics (dewormers) on the open market. I’m always amazed to learn through the expertise of our speakers each month.

Ed Trotter with Zoetis.

A few notes - be sure to encourage high school seniors and college/graduate school students to apply for the Southwest Cattlemen’s Scholarship found on the website for Community Foundation of the Ozarks by March 24. Additionally, our association has three members who have been selected to attend the Missouri Cattlemen’s Leadership College: Chase Daniel, Angela Brattin, and Taylor Isakson.

Finally, let’s talk about David and Goliath. There’s an interesting phrase in verse 23; it says that Goliath was essentially ‘trash talking’ every morning and nobody did anything to address it. The morning that David arrived, the Bible says ‘David heard it’. That’s the turning point in the story that I seem to always overlook. David didn’t travel with the intention of targeting Goliath exclusively, but that would be the result of this first interaction. You know, each of us have those ‘David heard it’ moments; when we find ourselves in that position, how do we readjust and move forward? Although Goliath sneered at David due to his youth and small size, it would be David who would emerge victorious. Its easy to decide that each of us are too small and insignificant to make a difference or have any influence at all. We might feel as though in a world of swords, that we only have a few small stones… But maybe thats an illusion - gather

those stones, and let’s travel to Jefferson City this spring and visit with our legislators. Like us, they’ve faced their share of Goliaths, and the outlook for this session looks to be similar to last spring. I believe that they need to meet you, and that you stand to benefit from that opportunity. Let’s go, together.

Until we meet again, Nathan Isakson - PresidentSouthwest Missouri Cattlemen’s Association

Ruben Downing with S&H Farm Supply.

South Central Cattlemen

The South Central Cattlemen met for their annual meeting on Thursday, January 11 at the Extension Office in West Plains. Members and guests dined on ribeye steaks, potatoes, green beans, salad, and cobbler provided by Bootleggers. The meal was generously sponsored by John & Dixie Williams of Hirsch Feed and Farm Supply of West Plains and was served by Hirsch’s staff. We had approximately 100 members present.

President Dan Corman welcomed all members and guests to the meeting and our sponsor, John Williams, asked for the blessing on the meal. After we dined on our meal, Dan opened the meeting by encouraging guests to become members. Dan also encouraged the group to attend the Missouri Cattle Industry Convention and Trade Show and NCBA CattleCon. Secretary Elizabeth Picking then recapped the previous month’s meeting minutes. Elizabeth also mentioned the extension offices direct marketing beef school that was coming up on March 14 and 15. Treasurer Jenny Poor presented the financials. Janet Crow discussed with the group the Missouri Tax commissions recently held Agricultural Land Productivity Hearing for 2025-2026 and how 2024 MCA President Chuck Miller spoke on behalf of landowners at the hearing. It was made clear to the Commission that any increases would be “reckless and ill-advised”.

The meeting was then turned over to Wayne Nichols, chairman of the nominating committee. Barry Slayton read the minutes of the nominating committee with the following nominations for the 2024 officers:

President: Tyler Osborn

Vice President: Jordan Kinder

Secretary: Elizabeth Picking

Treasurer: Jenny Poor

Board of Directors (2nd term): Tom Asher & Jason Poor

Board of Directors (1st term): Jared Barr & John Plummer

The new slate of officers was approved. Dan then turned the meeting over to our guest speaker Jerry Crownover.

Jerry entertained the crowd with farm tales, jokes, and stories about growing up in agriculture.

The meeting was then turned over to incoming President Tyler Osborn and Vice-President Jordan Kinder who both handed out door prizes from Hirsch’s. Dan and Tyler both closed the meeting with a heartfelt thank you to the Williams family and Hirsch crew for their sponsorship of the meal. The next meeting of the SCCA will be on Thursday, February 22 at 6 pm at the Extension Office in West Plains. All are welcome to attend.

Jerry Crownover

Newton and McDonald County Cattlemen

January 23, 2024 the annual chili cook-off meeting of the Newton and McDonald County Cattlemen’s Association was held at the Newton County Fairgrounds at 6:30. There were 77 members in attendance. The meeting was sponsored by Crown Equipment of Monett. Meeting was started with the Pledge of Allegiance lead by Brian Hall. Ronnie Tosh offered the prayer.

There were six pots of chili that were judged by the Crowder College Students who help with setting up the meeting hall. The placing based on their opinion was third place Connie Rogers, second place Jenny Drake, and winner of the coveted apron and first place Fred Parks. We also had a people choice and that was won by Jenny Drake.

Karen Fink brought us up to date on what is happening with the Crowder Aggies. There is a group who will be going to the Cattlemens College in Florida. Another group of students will be going to packaged meat convention. She also let us know about the March 7 Speech Event that they will need judges for and that Crowder Aggie Days is set for March 21 - if any one wants to volunteer. The calf auction sponsored by the Newton and McDonald County Cattlemen’s Association to help fund activities for the Crowder Ag students is set to be held in April at the Joplin Regional Stockyards.

Brian then started the business portion of the meeting. Jerry Davis gave the treasurer’s report and thanked everyone for allowing him to be an officer.

Meeting dates were set for the year, and discussion of a possible spring field day/farm visit in April. A new office of historian was discussed. Randy Drake moved to make the create the new office with Alan Drake seconding the motion. The motion carried. Samual Townsend was appointed as the new historian. A motion was made for the association to sponsor belt buckles for the both county fairs. The motion passed unanimously. Cowboys at the Capitol for our area is set for April 24, and members were encouraged to attend.

Seven members of the association went to the Missouri Cattle Industry Convention and Trade Show were they attended policy meeting. The association had three members who could vote on the policies. And made sure that our vote is being heard. Ronnie Rogers won Top Hand by recruiting more than 50 new members. Congratulations to Ronnie.

Sammy a representative for the McDonald County Republicans discussed the need to attend the

First place winner Fred Parks. Republican Caucuses that will allow members to have a say on the Republican presidential nominee. The Caucuses will be held March 7 here in Missouri.

Chuck Banks is working with the Newton County commission on connectivity in the county. Discussed how having better connectivity could help farmers and ranchers with business.

Wesley Tucker was the guest speaker for the night. Wesley had everyone excited about the market outlook versus production cost for the coming year. Said it is a great time to be beef producer. At this time 40% of the cattle in the feed yards are heifers which is reducing the number of heifers kept for production. He said with more Cows and Heifers out of the production side there are fewer numbers of cattle being produced which should result in a market upswing. This was all good news for the producers in the audience. Wesley also discussed a new website called Feedstuff Finder. The new website is a way to help producers find feed or hay and offers a unique way to compare price and delivery cost. Wesley will also be at the Tri County Forage Conference on February 8 at 2S Angus in Seneca.

Mark Elbert from Crown Power and Equipment discussed what they have to offer at their stores. Crown Power and Equipment is based out of Columbia, Missouri, with 11 stores. The Monett Store was purchased in 2017 and features Case IH and Vermeer. He discussed being proactive in parts and purchases. Also discussed Drone Sprayers. Crown is now a Bestway Ag dealer for DJI Agriculture Drone Sprayers.

The meeting was adjourned with all members folding chairs and cleaning up the building.

Polk County Cattlemen

The 56th Annual Missouri Cattle Industry Convention and Tradeshow was held on January 19 and 20 at Margaritaville Lake Resort, Osage Beach. It was definitely a busy weekend for Polk County! To start the weekend, Polk County was honored to be chosen as the Missouri Overall Affiliate Runner -Up. Along with the recognition of being an outstanding affiliate, this award included a MiraFount water tank from Gallagher valued at $800. This award is based on several different categories; including but not limited to Beef Promotion, Beef Education, State and National Involvement, Public Relations, and County Meetings so to receive this honor is an accomplishment and a compliment! This could not have happened without the support of our members and the volunteers that work diligently to make our affiliate a success. Additionally, Friday evening, Bob Moreland, Mark Sconce, and Jackie Truitt received Top Hand Awards. Top Hand Awards were presented to Missouri Cattlemen’s Association members for recruiting a minimum of 5 new members to the MCA in 2023.

On Saturday, Polk County Beef Queen Mary Warden competed for the title of Missouri Beef Queen and though she did not win the crown, she made us proud!

Saturday evening Polk County Junior Cattlemen

Landon Chaney and Mary Grace Warden each received a $1,000 Missouri Cattlemen’s Foundation College Scholarship. To have two Polk County Junior Cattlemen place high enough to win state scholarships is outstanding! The scholarships are funded by Missouri’s Cattlemen Foundation and their supporters.

Last but certainly not least, the 2023 Missouri Cattleman of the Year award went to our very own Keith Stevens. Keith is a past Polk County Cattlemen’s Association President as well as a past Missouri Cattlemen’s Association President, and he is currently serving as a State Director representing Polk County. Keith and his wife, Beverly own and operate a cow/calf operation in Polk County and the award of Missouri Cattlemen of the Year was well deserved! Way to go Keith!

Moving on to February, on February 8, we held our monthly meeting at the Citizens Memorial Hospital Community Rooms and had approximately 80 members in attendance to enjoy a delicious meal prepared by CMH Catering. The meeting was sponsored by Patrick Buchen, owner of Buchen Farms Beef Processing and Buchen Farms Prime Beef. Patrick shared his background and passion for the beef industry and his commitment to producing the highest quality beef possible. He and his team are ready to work with you to process your beef at their processing plant in

Humansville, Mo. to your satisfaction. Check out their website at shopbuchenbeef.com then give Patrick a call at 417-754-8118 with any questions or to schedule an appointment.

Keith Stevens family.

Landon Chaney receiving his scholarship at the MCA Convention banquet.

Patrick Buchen.

St. Clair County Cattlemen

St. Clair County Cattlemen’s Association met on Tuesday, February 13 at Wheeler Livestock Auction in Osceola with 45 members and guest present. Brian and Jake with Merck presented on maximizing the profits through herd parasites. They discussed how parasites impact the immune system and pregnancy rate of your cattle. Parasites are only 5% to 10% in the animal, the rest is found in the pasture. Working to fit your parasites will help make your cattle healthier and increase your profits overall. Brian discussed the 2850 theory. Deworming your cattle should be done when the temperature is between 28 degrees and 50 degrees for optimal outcome.

Sydeny Thummel, Executive Director of Missouri Beef Industry Council discussed how our beef checkoff dollars are being used to target areas around the state like Kansas City and St. Louis as people in these areas are no longer just three or four generations removed from the farm. They are working to educate these people about where their food truly comes from and how it is raised. MBIC has partnered with Chiefs Radio Network to get ads during the Chiefs games. They have also partnered with Busch Stadium to hold a Race to the Plate during six baseball games. MBIC has KY3 Beef Bites on KY3 Television channel.

Mike Deering with Missouri Cattlemen’s Association discussed all the policies that was tackled during last year’s session at the Capitol including: MNRA vaccines, Beginning Farmer tax deductions, Interference with Transportation of Livestock, and Black Vulture. Mike thanked Merck for all they do for us as cattle producers. Merck sponsors the Missouri Cattlemen’s Leadership College, and they have an incentive for returning your Ralgro Wheels so that the county with the most turned in gets a $1,000 scholarship.

Thank you, Mike Deering, Missouri Cattlemen’s Association, Sydney Thummel, Missouri Beef Industry Council, and Brian and Jake with Merck for speaking, Merck for sponsoring and 7 Point Chophouse for cooking a delicious meal for our meeting!

The last round of three head of cattle for MoBeef for MoKids will go on Friday, March 1. Any person or business interested in donating please see Weston Shelby

or Lawanna Salmon. Monetary donations are being taken to help the Cattlemen be able to purchase cattle when no one has one ready to go at the scheduled time.

St. Clair County Cattlmen’s Association is offering two $2,000 scholarship to any eligible graduating high school seniors or second year college students. If you meet the following qualifications, we would love for you to complete the application.

St. Clair County Cattlemen’s Association Memorial Scholarship In Memory of Paul Tom Firestone, Orval Johnson, David Barger, And Larry Moore

Criteria:

1. The applicant must be a resident of St. Clair County.

2. Applicant must be a high school senior or a full-time college student and have a GPA of 2.5/4.0 or better. Applicant must have been a full-time student (high school or college) the previous year.

3. The applicant must major in an agricultural-related field.

4. Scholarships will be presented at the Annual St. Clair County Cattlemen’s Meeting. To redeem scholarship, recipients must provide St. Clair County Cattlemen’s Association with proof of college enrollment.

5. Applicant must submit, with the application, the most recent available high school or college transcript to St. Clair County Cattlemen’s Association for proof of grade point average and enrollment.

6. Applicant must demonstrate leadership potential through extracurricular activities and work experience.

7. Preference may be given to those who have a need for financial assistance but is not necessarily the determining factor. Preference will also be given to students who plan to/are attending Missouri colleges and universities.

8. Applications must be returned to St. Clair County Cattlemen’s Association, Susan Salmon, 5775 NW 651 Rd, Appleton City, MO 64724 and be postmarked by April 1 to be considered.

Email Susan Salmon at rsranch74@hotmail.com to request your application today!

St. Clair County region six Cowboys at the Capitol dates are Wednesday, Feb. 21st, Wednesday, April 3rd, and Wednesday, April 17th. If anyone would like to go contact Warren Love.

Next meeting scheduled for March 12, 2024, at 6:30 p.m. at Landmark Restaurant; Sponsor/Speaker: Prefer Livestock Products.

MBC Bull Buyers’ Guide

Welcome to our 36th Annual Bull Buyers’ Guide

This special advertising section is designed to give you easy access to breeders who have bulls for sale this spring. Most of the advertisers in this section are placed according to breed.

A big thank you to all of our advertisers who participated in this 36th Annual Bull Buyers’ Guide.

DeJong Joins American Gelbvieh Association

LINCOLN, Neb. — The American Gelbvieh Association is pleased to announce the addition of Tawnie DeJong to the AGA staff as the Member and Youth Activities Coordinator. In her role, DeJong will serve as the staff advisor to the American Gelbvieh Junior Association board of directors and members, coordinate all junior activities, help plan the AGA National Show, and assist Gelbvieh members and customers with the AGA Online Registry.

“Tawnie comes from a strong livestock background and understands the cattle industry,” said Lori Maude, President of the AGA board of directors. “We are excited to have someone with Tawnie’s experience and talent join the staff to lead our junior programs and work with our members.”

DeJong grew up on a beef cattle ranch in South Dakota where her family raised club calves with primarily Maine Anjou genetics. Growing up, she was extremely active in both 4-H and FFA with her four younger siblings. She studied animal science at South Dakota State University where she was a member of the livestock judging team.

Don’t Just Mix Your Ration Blend It… With an NDE Vertical Mixer

Following college, DeJong worked for a year as a graphic designer and sale barn consultant for an ag newspaper and two years as a recruiter for a community college in Wyoming. She returned to school for a master’s degree in animal science with a focus in viral epidemiology at Michigan State University where she served as the assistant and then the head coach of the livestock judging team.

Following graduate school, she served as the head livestock judging coach and an animal science instructor at the University of Missouri, coaching seven teams in total. DeJong also served as the 4-H Livestock Superintendent for the Missouri State Fair. She enjoys judging and officiating livestock shows and has been fortunate enough to evaluate livestock at events in 20 states.

In her free time, DeJong enjoys providing opportunities for youth to find success in the sport of livestock judging, spending time with her Welsh Corgi, Luna, and playings cards and board games with her friends and family.

“I’ve always enjoyed working with young people and families in the livestock industry and am extremely excited to continue to help develop the next generation of livestock leaders through the AGJA,” said DeJong.

DeJong began her role with the AGA on January 22 and can be reached at tawnie@gelbvieh.org or at the AGA office at 303-465-2333.

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.

Tawnie DeJong, AGA Member and Youth Activities Coordinator

Plan Now to Manage 2024 Forage Costs

Source: Derrell S. Peel, Oklahoma State University Extension Livestock Marketing Specialist

Cattle prices are expected to average higher in 2024 compared to 2023, which means that cow-calf producers are expecting increased returns and profitability. However, profit maximization implies careful cost management regardless of the revenue potential. The biggest cost component of cow-calf production is feed costs and specifically, harvested, and supplemental feeds. January may seem early to start planning grazing for the coming growing season but the ability to minimize nongrazing feed costs will depend on comprehensive grazing plans and management for the entire year.

The economic basis for cow-calf production is growing grass and using cows to harvest the grass. Feed costs are typically the largest component of annual cow costs in cow-calf operations. Total feed cost includes grazing cost, harvested forage and purchased supplemental feed. Producers can minimize annual feed costs by managing for maximum grazing; with minimal use of hay and supplemental feed to seasonally overcome lack of forage quantity and/or quality.

Planning grazing management now for the growing season and beyond can significantly influence hay needs next winter. Summer grazing management will set up the potential for stockpiling forage for fall and winter grazing. For introduced forages, strategic fertilization can be used to increase forage quantity and quality beyond the growing season. Grazing of native range can be deferred to save forage for later use. Of course,

grazing management must be planned and implemented according to the wide range of forage types as well as climate and soil conditions where cattle production occurs. In all cases, proper stocking rates are critical to achieve grazing management objectives. It is important to assess forage condition and production potential in order to develop realistic grazing management plans. The assessment should be completed now, i.e. prior to or at the beginning of the growing season.

Considering the distinction between pasture and nonpasture costs is particularly useful because it focuses on the forage, which is the primary production of cow-calf and stocker operations, and the management of that grazing resource compared to the use of harvested forages and supplemental feed to augment the quantity and quality of grazed forages. Often tradeoffs are possible in the efficient use of grazed forage compared to the use of more expensive harvested forages and purchased supplemental feeds. Forage fed as harvested hay costs 2.5 to 5 times more than grazed forage. Of course, all of this takes place against the backdrop of herd nutritional management as an important component of herd health, reproductive efficiency and overall productivity. Both feed quantity and quality are critically important in herd nutritional management.

Hay use for beef cow-calf production is predominantly round bales. Round bale technology is convenient and saves labor. Unfortunately, the convenience of round bales has also frequently encouraged production of lowquality hay and poor storage and feeding management.

Often hay production is a residual to poor pasture management where mature, rank grass that was not grazed effectively is baled, resulting in expensive, poorquality feed. Good pasture management and good hay management are two sides of the same coin. The labor saving and convenience of round bales has, in many cases, fostered poor pasture management that results in increased hay needs and production of low-quality hay.

Perhaps rounds bales are too convenient. In days of old, producers feeding small square bales were typically more aware of the quality of the hay, how much they were feeding, how much was being wasted

and, as a result, often did a better job of managing cow herd nutrition and feed cost. It takes some additional management to capture the advantages of round bales without wasting hay and incurring additional cost. For example, in Oklahoma, hay production per beef cow has more than doubled in the past 40 years. It appears that now significantly more hay is wasted and that poor pasture management has increased the number of days that cows are fed hay. Round bales very probably have contributed to this trend. Better grazing management and efficient, minimal hay use can reduce costs and add $150-$250/head or more to per cow profitability in 2024. Now is the time to start planning forage management.

Record Calf Prices and More

Source: Cow-calf Corner - Derrell S. Peel, OSU Extension Livestock Marketing Specialist

The first week of February 2024, 500-pound steers (M/L #1) in Oklahoma posted a new weekly record price of $321.34/cwt., surpassing the previous high of $312.72/cwt. in November 2014. For the first three weeks of February, the price of these 500 pounds steers has averaged $323.64/cwt. For the 800 pound (M/L #1) steers, prices in February have averaged $235.36/ cwt., still below the September 2023 record of $253.58/ cwt., which exceed the previous high in October 2014 of $241.79/cwt. The overdone feeder market correction in late 2023 took the price of 800-pound steers to a low of $216.47 in December with the feeder price rallying back some $19/cwt. thus far in 2024. Oklahoma feeder auction volume thus far in 2024 is down 14.6 percent year over year.

The pending February Cattle on Feed is expected to show lower January placements but with a February 1 feedlot total still higher than one year ago. Feedlots are quite full in many cases and are dealing with muddy conditions and lost performance due to winter weather

in December and January. The sluggish pen conditions resulted in sluggish cash fed market conditions with fed prices dropping back about a $1.00/cwt this past week to $180/cwt. As feedlots clean up pens, on-feed numbers are expected to tighten up in the coming months as the reality of limited feeder supplies becomes apparent. Estimated feeder supplies were down 4.2 percent year over year in the January Cattle report, the lowest level in data back to 1972. The key once again is the question of heifer retention. If and when heifer retention begins, feedlot inventories will drop more sharply,

Beef production is projected to decrease roughly 5 percent year over in 2024. This follows a 4.7 percent decrease in 2023 from record 2022 levels. In the first few weeks of 2024, beef production is down 4.2 percent year over year. Cattle slaughter will decrease this year with fewer steers and heifers and decreased beef cow slaughter. Thus far in 2024, steer and heifer slaughter is down 3.3 percent year over year with beef cow slaughter down 15.7 percent from last year. Steer and heifer carcass weights have dropped sharply in recent weeks as a result of earlier winter weather. Current steer carcass weights are close to year ago levels at 909 pounds, having dropped from highs of 942 pounds in late December. Although carcass weights dropped slightly on an annual basis in 2023, there is a good chance that carcass weights will increase modestly this year with cheaper cost of gain in feedlots and both cattle feeders and packers having incentives to find pounds of beef wherever they can in the face of decreasing cattle supplies.

Choice boxed beef prices the past four weeks have averaged $296.03/cwt., nearly 10 percent higher than one year ago. The January retail all-fresh beef price was $7.81/lb., up 8.5 percent year over year. Cattle and beef market supply fundamentals continue to tighten up and prices are higher for cattle and beef at all levels.

Identifying The Right Bull for Your Operation

Source: Cow-calf Corner - Mark Z. Johnson, OSU Extension Beef Cattle Breeding Specialist

The complexity and dynamics of the beef industry can create financial opportunities for cow-calf operations willing to take a business approach to their decisionmaking process. The cattle cycle, often referred to in this newsletter, is the topic of my article this week. This cycle is repeated time after time and summarized as follows:

This week I address some questions received in response to my two most recent Cow-calf Corner Articles.

What is considered a “Good Bull”?

The article outlined the following criteria to meet “Good Bull” status:

• A bull that sells with a registration paper which includes pedigree information and a complete set of genetic values (including EPDs and Bio-economic indices) to be considered in the selection process. * A bull that has passed a Breeding Soundness Exam (BSE) and selling with a breeding soundness warranty (terms will vary).

In addition, it is important to identify the right bull for your operation. Bull selection is not a “one size fits all” proposition. Whether you are buying out of a live auction or private treaty it is critical to access your own unique operation in order to determine the attributes your next bull needs to add value to the calf crop he will sire. This needs to be done before you go bull shopping. There are approximately two dozen genetic values in most beef breeds available to consider, in reality only a few can be prioritized when identifying your next herd sire. Selection pressure and your bull buying budget are both precious commodities, don’t squander either on traits that are not economic priorities in your operation.

Do You Intend to Keep Daughters to Develop as Herd Replacements?

At this point in the cattle cycle, many producers will be retaining heifers to grow their cowherd. If this pertains to you, the maternal EPDs of your next herd sire will have a long-term economic impact in your operation. The Heifer Pregnancy (HP) EPD is a selection tool to improve fertility in your cow herd. Higher values indicate higher pregnancy rates in replacement heifers during their first breeding season. The Calving Ease

Maternal (CEM) EPD is a selection tool to increase the likelihood of unassisted births of the replacement heifers your next herd bull will sire. Milk EPDs indicate the milk level in the form of pounds of calf cows will wean based on the nutrition provided. Higher Milk EPDs not only result in daughters weaning heavier calves but also in higher nutritional requirements in the cow herd so there is an optimum value depending on your production environment. Mature Weight (MW) EPDs indicate the mature size of a bull’s daughters. Optimums in mature cow weight also depend on your production environment. Dr. Paul Beck’s article in this newsletter on January 29th, 2024 is an excellent summary of the impact of mature cow size. The Sire Search feature on American Angus Association indicates considerable variation in MW EPDs among sires combining better than average genetic values for Calving Ease Direct, Weaning Weight, Yearling Weight, HP, CEM Milk and Marbling.

Will You be Using Your Next Bull on Cows or Virgin Heifers?

No one wants to pull calves. That being said, there is an extremely low incidence of dystocia in mature cows. Selection for calving ease bulls in the form of higher Calving Ease Direct (CED) and low Birth Weight (BW) EPDs is a priority when bulls will be used on heifers.

What Else Should Be Considered?

• Marketing endpoint of your calf crop should influence selection priorities when bulls are used as terminal sires.

• Your existing cowherd. Breed composition, disposition and body type, mature size, percent calf crop weaned and percent of mature weight weaned all should impact what you prioritize in bull selection.

Summary

Every operation should establish a budget for herd sire purchases. The return on this genetic investment is based on identifying the right bull (or bulls) that offer the best fit for your operation. Over time, 80 - 90% of genetic improvement is the result of sire selection. Herd bulls will either increase or restrict the profit potential of your operation.

References:

American Angus Association

Are Your Cows Too Large? Cow-Calf Corner

Newsletter January 29, 2024.

Dr. Paul Beck. Oklahoma State University Cooperative Extension.

University of Missouri Extension Provides Bull BSE Days Throughout Missouri

Source: University of Missouri Extension

The University of Missouri Extension along with local veterinarians and pharmaceutical companies work together to provide education on bull management, collect data on bulls and assist cattle producers make important management decisions to help their operation have a successful breeding season.

“It is time to begin preparing for the upcoming breeding season,” says Patrick Davis MU Extension Livestock Field Specialist.

In preparation for the upcoming breeding season Davis will discuss management strategies to make sure bulls are ready for a successful breeding season.

Whether producers get their bulls tested through one of the veterinary clinics listed or with your local veterinarian get them tested, using bulls with poor fertility or structural problems hinders their ability to breed females causing an excessive number of open females, and less calves to sell, which leads to reduced operation profit potential.

“Manage bulls to a body condition score 6 prior to the breeding season,” says Davis.

BCS is evaluated on a 1 to 9 scale with 6 being a smooth appearance of fat cover throughout. This management strategy results in bulls with adequate energy reserves to successfully breed females during the season. For more information on cattle BCS management look at MU Extension Guide G2230.

“A breeding soundness exam is a good time to implement management strategies mentioned above as well as evaluated semen quality to identify and cull poor fertility bulls,” says Davis.

During the BSE, bull BCS and foot score can be evaluated, as well as updating vaccinations, testing

Continued on page

for trichomoniasis, and providing parasite control. Also, the BSE evaluates semen motility and morphology to make sure semen quality is adequate for females to become pregnant. Davis urges cattle producers to contact their veterinarian to schedule their bull BSE 30 to 60 days prior to the breeding season.

“MU Extension partners with local veterinarians and pharmaceutical companies to provide bull management education during BSE Days in Southwest Missouri,” says Davis.

MU Extension Livestock Field Specialist will provide education in foot scoring, BCS, genomic testing, and the BSE. The partnership with pharmaceutical companies allows participating veterinarians to provide rebates on vaccinations and dewormers given to the bulls during the BSE days. If cattle producers want to schedule their bulls for one of the BSE days listed below, please contact the veterinary clinic.

March 5

Barry County Veterinary Clinic, Cassville, MO (417) 847-2677

March 13

Aurora Animal Clinic, Aurora, MO (417) 678-3112

March 14

Animal Clinic of Diamond LLC , Diamond, MO (417) 325-4136

March 22

Countryside Animal Clinic, Aurora, MO (417) 678-4011

March 26

Dake Veterinary Clinic, Miller, MO (417) 510-5105

March through May by appt.

Aldrich Veterinary Services, Fair Play, MO (417) 399-6591

“Whether bulls are tested through the BSE days or with your local veterinarian, get them tested,” says Davis.

Using bulls with poor fertility or structural problems hinders their ability to breed females causing an excessive number of open females, and less calves to sell, which leads to reduced operation profit potential. For more information related to the BSE days or bull management contact Davis at the Cedar County MU Extension Center at (417) 276-3313 or by email at davismp@missouri.edu.

Retallick-Riley talks Bovine Congestive Heart Failure at 2024 CattleCon

Source: Sarah Kocher, Angus Communications

Cattle feeders who lose livestock to Bovine Congestive Heart Failure (BCHF) know the impact of the disease firsthand. Ready to hear about the latest research on BCHF, feeders and others industry professionals attended a Cattlemen’s College session presented by Kelli Retallick-Riley, president of Angus Genetics Inc. (AGI®). The session took place February 1 at the 2024 National Cattlemen’s Beef Association’s annual convention and trade show in Orlando, Florida.

While not a veterinarian, Retallick-Riley excels in the field of quantitative genetics and is interested in finding ways to combat BCHF from a genetic perspective. She said research, so far, shows heart health (based on heart scores) is heritable, giving her and her team hope that genetic tools can be developed to reduce risk of the disease in cattle.

Retallick-Riley said she also knows there are other elements outside of genetics, like management practices and the health of other organs, to be considered.

“Because of its low incidence rate, only evaluating cattle dying from the disease is too limiting,” she said.

Recent research has focused on identifying animals more prone to BCHF. At the same time, the frequency of the disease has been increasing. She said this increase could mean either there really are more cases of BCHF occurring, the industry is getting better at diagnosing it, or a combination of the two factors. Ultimately, the direct cause or causes of BCHF are not yet understood.

Besides the obvious loss of life, what is particularly painful about BCHF is the cattle dying of it inflict a larger economic impact than those lost at earlier stages in life. According to the feedlot studies referenced by Retallick-Riley, affected cattle were dying of BCHF at an average of 110 days on feed with individual deaths taking place at points across a large swath of the feeding phase.

She shared a few other known pieces to the disease’s puzzle, including a connection to respiratory health.

“When animals were culled and treated for [acute interstitial pneumonia (AIP)], they had a higher probability or a higher rate of succumbing to bovine congestive heart failure,” she said.

Researchers have also studied cattle in the complex disease category, meaning they have been treated for at least one other disease. Retallick-Riley said of these cattle, “they also had a higher probability or a higher rate of being called a heart disease death.”

Without complete information on animals’ health, it is difficult to know if some of these were misdiagnosed and treated for AIP or complex disease without any advantage.

When looking at beef-type cattle, beef x dairy type, versus dairy-type cattle and their crosses, she said there are similar ratios for instance of disease. Across the board, she and research partners are seeing high to modest genetic correlations between heart scores and performance traits including hot carcass weight, with little to no correlation to marbling score in a study presented by Colorado State University.

Looking more at the prevalence of BCHF, from 20172019 “less than 1% of cattle placed on feed were dying

Continued on page 72

Marshall & Fenner Farms

15th Annual Performance Tested Bull & Female Sale

Friday • March 15, 2024 • 6:00 pm (CDT)

Held at Boonville Livestock Sales • Boonville, Missouri

Selling Over 60 Bulls!

Angus – Sim Angus

Two-Year Olds & 18-Month-Old Bulls

MF Whitewater 2591 –Reg. 20819123

Sire: HCC Whitewater 9010

Dam: MF Blackbird 8182

CED +17; BW -1.9; WW +86; YW +141; Milk +33; Marb +.83; REA +1.17; $M +75; $W +93; $B +160; $C +283

MF Bess 3001 –Reg. 20857322 • DOB: 01/02/2023

Sire: GSC GCCO Dew North 102C

Dam: MFSM Pride 0370H

CED +14.0; BW -0.1; WW +88.5; YW +132.1; Milk: +24.6; Marb +0.12; REA: +.98

MF Elba 2304 –Reg. 20829047 • DOB: 09/05/2022

Sire: SAV Renovation 6822

Dam: MF Elba 7010

Bred to calve September 1, 2024 to Bear Mtn Pilot 1520.

CED +4; BW +3.0; WW +54; YW +88; Milk +28; Marb +.42; REA +.21; $M +85; $W +58; $B +96; $C +210

Marshall & Fenner Farms

Sire: LAR Man In Black

Dam: Bear Mtn/Vap Bess 104 CED +6; BW +4.0; WW +107; YW +181; Milk +20; Marb +.96; REA +.95 $M +68; $W +81; $B +199; $C +326

MF Elba 5330 –Reg. 18678073 • DOB: 09/26/2015

Sire: Buford Oklahoma X239

Dam: SAV Elba 4436

Sells with a fall bull calf at side by Exclusive 1010 and bred to calve September 9, 2024 to Coleman Navigation 144.

CED -1; BW +3.7; WW +58; YW +103; Milk +26; Marb I+.06; REA I+.38

$M +53; $W +46; $B +111; $C +197

22227 Saline 127 Hwy • Malta Bend, MO 65359

Brian Marshall 660/641-4522

of this disease,” Retallick-Riley said, and the call to research the disease came about as a grassroots effort among producers.

A consistent theme since that time, as with most research efforts, is the need for quality data.

Relying on records from producers and researchers alike – heart scores, genetic testing and phenotypic data – all continue to be important for better understanding BCHF.

“Animals that are dying of congestive heart failure deaths, those are the ones that never make it to the processing plant,” Retallick-Riley said. “That also means that good data recording in the field is crucial as well.”

When looking at heart scores in particular, preliminary results of current research efforts show a 23% incidence rate of BCHF when hearts score as a 3 or 4. As a reminder, there are no 5s at the packer in the recent data collected by AGI, because those hearts have already given out under the pressure of the disease.

When studying this disease, Retallick-Riley said she tries to think of the whole animal as a system rather than just focusing on the heart.

“Heart score genetic tools could potentially help us reduce the caseload, but I doubt that it’s going to eliminate the disease entirely,” Retallick-Riley said. “Colorado State’s research has preliminary heritability estimates of about 0.28. What about the other 72%?”

She said, “If we put direct selection process on heart score alone, we could create cattle with less heart remodeling. We may also decrease the carcass weight on

these cattle based on initial reports.”

Retallick-Riley said her team at AGI® and partners on the project have thought about developing some type of multi-trait index, but more research is needed to identify the best tools for widespread use.

“One of the things that we need to continue to think about is how we’re going to use this at the end of the road, how we’re going to use this to impact production and selection decisions,” she said.

For more information on BCHF and related research efforts, visit https://bit.ly/BCHF-WorkContinues.

ADVANCING ANGUS GENETICS.

Angus Genetics, Inc. (AGI®) has been providing services to the beef industry and various beef breed organizations since 2007, assisting in the genetic evaluation of economically important traits. As a subsidiary of the American Angus Association®, AGI® looks to lead genetic change for the beef industry. AGI® develops genomic-enhanced expected progeny differences (GE-EPDs) for the Angus breed that are updated on a weekly basis. AGI® also conducts research and develops new science and technology to benefit the entire beef business.

ANGUS MEANS BUSINESS.

The American Angus Association® is the nation’s largest beef breed organization, serving more than 22,000 members across the United States, Canada and several other countries. It’s home to an extensive breed registry that grows by more than 300,000 animals each year. The Association also provides programs and services to farmers, ranchers and others who rely on Angus to produce quality genetics for the beef industry and quality beef for consumers.

Brockmere

3032

Brockmere Forever

Lady 3096 – Reg 20801151

brockmereangus@gmail.com

Are Your Cows Too Large?

Source: Cow-calf Corner - Paul Beck, OSU State Extension Beef Cattle Nutrition Specialist

From the 2012 Ag Census to the 2017 Ag Census, the number of beef farms decreased by 3.9% but cow numbers slightly increased. The consolidation was from a 5% reduction in small ranches (1 to 100 cows), but 6% increases in medium ranches with 100 to 500 cows and 1% increase in large ranches with 500 or more cows. We will get to see what impact the recent droughts had on consolidation of cattle farms with the release of the 2022 Ag Census in mid February.

There are several barriers for young or new farmers entering beef cattle operations, these include high cost of land and equipment and relatively low returns on investment. The average annual cost per breeding female increased to over $1000 dollars per cow in 2022 and have remained at that level. The recent good calf prices have resulted in positive returns over cash costs for the last few years for cow-calf producers.

These numbers should grab your attention, because I don’t believe the costs and returns can be much different across the regions where beef cows are produced. The costs of maintaining a beef cow and the unit cost of production of weaned calves have increased tremendously over the past 5 years. Variable costs such as fuel, fertilizer and herbicides have been blamed as the primary culprits; however, fixed costs such as equipment, hired labor, and land have increased as well. When cattle numbers rebound, and they always do, will these high calf prices remain stable enough to cover these high costs of production?

Additionally, cow carrying costs have increased because of a 30% increase in cow size over the last 30 years from 1,047 pounds in the mid 1970’s to 1,369 pounds in the mid 2000’s, and this trend appears to have continued. A 30% larger cow requires 22% more energy per day for maintenance and will consume 20 to 30% more forage per day, decreasing cow carrying capacity of the farm or increasing input costs associated with pasture management, supplementation, and stored forages. Smaller cows also have been shown to have greater weaning efficiency (lbs of calf weaned per lb of cow body weight).

The increased cow mature weight equates to an increase in stocking rate if cows numbers are not adjusted. As stocking rate increases we know that weaning weights and rebreeding rates decrease. This has been linked to reductions in forage allowance (lbs of forage available/ lb animal body weight) limiting diet selectivity, diet quality, dry matter intake, and forage regrowth rate. Total weaning weight/acre has been shown to increase up to a point even though individual animal is decreased; until animal performance is reduced to such an extent that weaning weight/acre begins to decrease.

In research on introduced warm season grasses in the Southeastern U.S. (Beck and others, 2016; doi:10.2527/ jas2015-0049) cow-calf pairs were separated into heavy (weighing 1,220 lb) and light (weighing 970 lbs) cow size groups and stocked on pastures 2.5, 1.7, 1.2, and 1 acres per cow unit over 4 years. These pastures were fertilized with 100 lbs of nitrogen per acre over the summer.

Heavy cows weaned calves than light cows, but the increase was only 19 lbs heavier weaning weight for every 100 pound increase in cow mature weight. Larger

Continued on page 78

cows also lost more weight and body condition than smaller cows. Weaning efficiency ratios of smaller cows were higher (0.49 lbs of calf weaned per lb of cow for small cows vs. 0.42 for large cows). As stocking rate increased, lbs of calf weaned per acre increased from 130 lbs at the lightest stocking rate to 411 at the heaviest stocking rate.

The increase in weight and condition loss with larger cows is a concern and this could lead to reduction in fertility and increases in rebreeding interval for large cows, especially those with higher stocking rates. Because hay was fed when needed and cows were supplemented to maintain appropriate body condition, rebreeding rates were not affected. But, as cow mature weight and stocking rate increased the amount of hay and annual cow costs increased as well. Increasing stocking rate reduces individual calf body weigh gain but increases total calf gain per acre.

For the larger cows, any advantage in calf weaning weight was diminished during 2 year long periods of drought while this research was conducted, but were enhanced during periods of normal rainfall. These responses to drought indicate production systems with higher stocking rates and larger cows are more impacted by climatic stressors and thus less resilient to harsh environments.

The Cooperative Extension Service from Kansas State University, Oklahoma State University, University of Missouri, and University of Arkansas are providing a joint conference in Missouri and Oklahoma titled the KOMA Beef Cattle Conference. Register online at Missouri Extension. To attend at the Poteau, Oklahoma site register by February 7th LeFlore County Extension KOMA Cattle Conference Form or email Liana Jones County Extension Ag Educator at Liana Jones.

What to Do if You’re Short on Hay

Sometimes it’s making the ‘least worst’ decision.

Source:

Eric Bailey - MU Extension

COLUMBIA, Mo. – The recent cold snap increased hay needs for beef cows and is putting the squeeze on tight hay inventory. And without a wet winter to overcome soil moisture deficits, it is possible that grass growth rate will be delayed/slowed this spring.

The University of Missouri recently launched , a website to find or list hay and other feedstuffs for sale. Feed pricing is bound to increase if farms are forced back into the market to buy more hay to make it through the winter. Let’s discuss options for farms that run short on hay this winter.

Daily cow feeding

Energy is the most limiting nutrient in beef cow diets in Missouri during the winter. Recently, I observed advertisements for grass hay online for up to $250 per ton. If you can feed commodities, it’s time to take a hard look at them as a hay replacement.

Let’s use corn as an example, as it often sets the price of other commodity feeds. Corn at $5.35 a bushel ($4.60/ bushel futures price + $0.75/bushel basis) is $191.07 per ton. Every pound of corn has 80% more energy than 50% TDN (total digestible nutrients) low-quality grass hay. Buying more calories for less money per ton is a wise financial move.

How can I safely substitute corn for hay?

Commodities need to be fed to cows daily if substituting for hay. Start with 5-6 pounds of commodities/cow/day and increase, depending on nutrient requirements. I generally recommend increasing 1 pound per cow per day when working up to greater levels of commodities in a beef cow diet. Fall-calving cows with a calf at side need up to 10 pounds of commodities per day. Corn is a great source of energy but lacks in crude protein; if you are using corn, blend four parts corn with one part dried distillers grains to balance crude protein in the supplement.

The recommendation is not to feed 10 pounds of commodities in addition to free choice hay, but rather to limit feed hay in addition to the daily supplement feeding. Do not feed less than 10 pounds of hay per cow per day, and 15 pounds is a better idea then 10 pounds.

When cow diets become severely limited in hay, the risk of digestive upsets increases when feeding rate and

feeding time vary widely day over day. Thus, we must be accurate and consistent with feed calls and feeding time. You do not want to try to keep a cow productive when she cleans up an entire day’s ration in 45 minutes. They will act hungry despite being fed a ration designed to meet or in some cases exceed nutrient requirements.

What do I do if I cannot feed cows daily?

The plan above will not work for farms that currently put out hay once or twice a week. My perception is that farms in this situation are seeking “deals” on forage and building diets around hay.

Bud Williams once said that a farm has three inventories to manage: forage, cattle and cash. Beef cow operations are not cash machines, so we are cautious not to overspend. It’s worth considering weaning fall-born calves early, though, if hay price continues to escalate. Use a value-of-gain calculation to identify what the market is willing to pay you to put additional weight on calves.

Why would we consider weaning calves early? Every 2.5 days that a calf is weaned early saves one day’s feed for a cow. By cutting nutrient requirements by 40%, we reduce the number of bales needed rather than having to go out on the market to procure more hay. This recommendation is challenging for farms with long calving seasons.

Let’s assume that calving started Aug. 15 and ended Nov. 1. There will be 150-day-old calves and 90-dayold calves weighing anywhere from 250 pounds to 375 pounds. I have no concerns weaning a 150-day-old calf, but the 90-day-old calf may be less desirable in the marketplace despite being physically capable of transitioning from a milk-based to a forage-based diet. Perhaps weaning the older calves and marketing them can make a dent in your hay needs.

Let’s examine a value of gain example. I use the Missouri Department of Agriculture’s Weekly Market Summary when doing value-of-gain calculations. In the summary published Jan. 22, 2024, a 321-pound steer calf brought $3.19 per pound, and a 431-pound steer brought $324.87 per pound.

Right off the bat, there is no price slide, and thus the market is willing to pay more than $3.19 per pound for you to put another 100 pounds on these calves. Assuming a calf gains 2 pounds per day from birth to weaning, each day that calf is on your farm, he is generating $6.38 in revenue. If you can feed your cow for less than $6.38, then you are making money. If not, then it makes financial sense to sell the calf.

How about heifers? In the Jan. 22 market summary, a 309-pound heifer brought $2.80 per pound, and a 425-pound heifer brought $2.73 per pound. The market paid you $293.25 to put 116 pound on these heifers, or $2.53 per pound. That makes your budget tighter because a heifer calf is only generating $5.06 every day she is on your farm, again assuming 2 pounds average daily gain from birth to weaning. Use pricing from the market you usually sell calves at to dial value-of-gain calculations in even further.

Regardless of the path you choose, make sure the decisions you make to get cows through the winter make financial sense. Sometimes we have to make the “least worst” decision rather than the best decision.

Originally published by Cattlemen’s News, Joplin Regional Stockyards, Inc. Distributed with permission.

Show-Me-Plus: A DNA Option for Show-Me-Select

Source: University of Missouri Extension

COLUMBIA, Mo. – University of Missouri Extension’s Show-Me-Select Replacement Heifer Program offers a DNA option for participants called Show-Me-Plus.

Jamie Courter, MU Extension state beef genetics specialist, said the program is educating producers and buyers of Show-Me Select heifers about the value of having that DNA information.

“For Show-Me-Plus, if the heifer is registered, she would likely have genomically enhanced EPDs (expected progeny differences) through a breed association, or if she’s a commercial heifer, then she’s had some sort of commercial genomic test run on her,” said Courter.

“The benefit of that is you know more about the genetics of that female over and above just what she looks like and what her body condition score is at the time of the sale,” she added. “If producers participate in Show-Me-Plus and the buyer has that genomic information available, you’re removing the risk of that purchase so the buyer knows more about how that heifer is going to perform for the rest of her life.”

Thiago Martins, MU Extension’s new state beef reproductive specialist, is working with Courter to help MU Extension livestock specialists as they engage with producers.

Callaway Livestock Center, Inc.

On I-70, 4 miles east of Kingdom City, MO on outer road 573-642-7486

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

“I will be talking to producers about how the use of reproductive biotechnologies can improve reproductive performance of heifers, making them conceive earlier, which is good,” Martins said. “If they conceive earlier, they will wean a heavier calf. The use of AI (artificial insemination) allows producers to put better genetics in the herd and have a better calf crop.”

Courter said the goal of SMS is to develop quality replacement heifers for purchase that will be successful in the buyers breeding program. She said that they are eager to help educate Missouri producers on the proper and most efficient way to develop those heifers so the animals can be successful.

Courter and Martins say they will visit farms and work with livestock specialists to get more producers to participate.

“The Show-Me-Select Replacement Heifer program is wonderful,” Courter said. “Missouri has seen quite a lot of growth since its inception.”

Regional spring sales dates have been set:

• 7 p.m. Friday, May 3. SEMO Livestock Sales, LLC, Fruitland. Contact: Darrell Aufdenberg, 573-2706755, DFAufdenberg@missouri.edu.

• 7 p.m. Friday, May 10. Farmington Regional Stockyards, LLC, Farmington. Contact: Kendra Graham, 573-756-4539, GrahamKK@missouri.edu.

• 7 p.m. Friday, May 17. Joplin Regional Stockyards, Inc., Carthage. Contact: Patrick Davis, 417-2763313, DavisMP@missouri.edu.

• 11 a.m. Saturday, May 18. Kingsville Livestock Auction, Kingsville. Contact: David Hoffman, 816380-8460, HoffmanD@missouri.edu.

• 4 p.m. Saturday, May 18. South Central Regional Stockyards, Vienna. Contact: Chrisee Brandl,573-642-0755, ChriseeBrandl@missouri.edu.

• 6 p.m. Saturday, June 1. F&T Livestock Market, Palmyra. Contact: Daniel Mallory, 573-985-3911, MalloryD@missouri.edu.

Learn more about the Show-Me-Select Replacement Heifer Program at https://mizzou.us/SMS. To enroll heifers in the program, contact the regional extension livestock coordinator who serves your area.

The deadline to register for the fall breeding season is Sept. 1.

U.S. Pork Export Value Sets Annual Record and a Strong Finish for Beef Exports

Led by a record-shattering performance in Mexico and broad-based growth in other markets, U.S. pork exports set a value record in 2023, according to year-end data released by USDA and compiled by the U.S. Meat Export Federation (USMEF). While 2023 beef exports were below the record totals posted the previous year, December exports were the largest since August and December export value increased 10% year-over-year.

2023 Pork Highlights Included Record Exports to Mexico,

Central America, DR

December pork exports climbed nearly 10% from a year ago to 268,399 metric tons (mt), the largest since May 2021 and the eighth largest on record. Export value increased 11% to $765.8 million, also the highest since May 2021 and the third highest on record. While December exports trended higher in many key markets, Mexico was once again the star performer, setting records for both volume (105,451 mt) and value ($233.8 million).

The strong December results pushed 2023 export value to a record $8.16 billion, up 6% from 2022. Export value per head slaughtered also set an annual record of nearly $64, with more than $11 per head attributed to variety

meat exports. Export volume was 2.91 million mt, up 8% year-over-year and the third largest on record.

Pork exports set annual volume and value records in Mexico, the Dominican Republic and Malaysia, as well as value records in Central America and Colombia. Exports to South Korea were the third largest on record and second highest in value, while shipments to Oceania were the largest since 2020.

“2023 saw tremendous growth in global demand for U.S. pork, and it came at a time when the U.S. industry needed it most,” said USMEF President and CEO Dan Halstrom. “The expansion of U.S. pork’s presence in Mexico has been remarkable but the great news certainly doesn’t end there. We are very encouraged by the robust demand we’ve seen throughout the Western Hemisphere and in a number of Asia-Pacific markets as well.”

Beef Exports Closed 2023 on Encouraging Note as Per-head Value Exceeded $430

December exports of U.S. beef totaled 108,497 mt, down 4% year-over-year but the largest since August.

Export value was also the highest since August and climbed 10% year-over-year to $860.8 million.

2023 beef exports totaled 1.29 million mt, down 12% from the 2022 record. While export value fell 15% to just under $10 billion, this was still the third highest annual value for beef exports.

Mexico’s demand for U.S. beef continued to strengthen in December, pushing 2023 exports to the largest volume since 2019 and export value to $1.19 billion, the second highest on record. Beef exports to Central America and the Dominican Republic were recordlarge in 2023, while shipments also trended higher to Hong Kong, Africa and Peru. While December exports to leading market South Korea remained lower than a year ago in volume, export value ($220.6 million) was the highest in 18 months. This helped push December export value per head of fed slaughter to $431.50, the highest since April. For the year, per-head export value averaged $397.04.

“There is no question that 2023 was a challenging year for U.S. beef exports, especially in our largest Asian markets where economic conditions have weighed

on foodservice demand,” Halstrom said. “Of course, we were also challenged on the supply side, with less product available for export. But nevertheless, U.S. beef achieved excellent growth in Mexico, Central America and the Caribbean, and we are encouraged by the December uptick in demand in South Korea and China. It was also great to see such strong per-head export value in December, topping $430.”

Lamb Exports Declined in 2023, but December Shipments Edged Higher

Led by growth in Mexico, the Bahamas and the Netherlands Antilles, December exports of U.S. lamb totaled 186 mt, up 13% year-over-year, while export value climbed 16% to $1.1 million. For 2023, exports declined 16% to 2,355 mt, while value fell 15% to $12.6 million. Full-year exports increased to Central America, the Netherlands Antilles and the Bahamas, but declined to Mexico and Canada.

A detailed summary of the 2023 export results for U.S. beef, pork and lamb, including market-specific highlights, is available from the USMEF website.

Travis Austin McCann

Travis Austin McCann, born on April 29, 1971, in Phoenix, Arizona, left this world far too soon on February 2, 2024 in Miller, Missouri. His sudden departure has left a void that can never be filled. Travis was a devoted husband to his beloved wife Amy and a loving father to his daughters Emily (Jonas), Abigail, Hattie and Lakin.

He is survived by his brother Jason and wife Mary Lou; sister Monica and husband Tommy; as well as a cherished Uncle Bubba to Hannah, Caleb, Rebekah, Christian and Maggie.

Travis was a man of many passions. He had an unwavering love for God which guided him throughout his life. He also had an insatiable passion for engineshe could spend hours tinkering with them or discussing their intricacies with anyone who would listen. But perhaps one of the things he loved most was bowfishing - it brought him joy like nothing else. The brotherhood of bowfisherman enriched his life with adventure and wonderful friendships.

A true patriot at heart, Travis held deep respect for his country and its values. His tender-hearted nature extended beyond humans to encompass all creatures great and small - he was known for rescuing animals in need whenever he came across them.

One thing everyone knew about Travis was that he never met a stranger. Wherever he went you’d find him in a conversation with his newest stranger-turned-friend. And once they started talking there seemed no end to the stories or wisdom that flowed from him.

In addition to being larger than life in personality –Travis also had more words than three typical males put together! Whether sharing tales of adventure or imparting sage advice – you could always count on him having something profound or entertaining up his sleeve.

The loss of Travis has sent ripples through the lives of those who knew him best but we take solace knowing that he is with his Savior deep in conversation or out exploring all the best fishing holes in heaven, waiting to show us all around.

Edgar W. Roth III

Edgar W. “Eddie” Roth

III, 49, of rural Windsor, Missouri, died Friday morning, February 2, 2024, at his home.

He was born December 14, 1974, in Town and Country, Missouri, the son of Edgar Wilmer Roth, Jr., and Carol Anita (Meyer) Roth. On August 14, 1999, he married Mary Elizabeth Henke in Troy, Missouri, and she survives of the home.

Eddie graduated from Troy Buchanan High School in Troy, Missouri. He worked for the City of Wentzville for several years and then worked laying concrete. After moving to Windsor, he continued working in concrete for Nussbaum Construction before starting his own concrete business. He raised Polled Hereford cattle alongside his father with Roth Hereford Farm. He was active in the cattle community as a board member for the Missouri Hereford Association and the Henry County Fair. He was a member and Elder at the Trinity Lutheran Church, Clinton.

In addition to his wife Mary, survivors include 2 sons, Lane Roth and Levi Roth; his mother, Carol Roth, Troy, Mo.; a sister, Jennifer Woody (Eric), Troy, Mo; a nephew, Ethan Woody; his mother-in-law, Judy Henke, Baldwin, Mo.; and several extended family, including brothers and sisters-in-law, aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, and cousins. He was preceded in death by his father, Edgar Roth Jr.; a sister, Robbyn Roth; and fatherin-law, Robert “Bob” Henke.

Funeral services were 10:00 a.m. Saturday, February 10, 2024, at the Trinity Lutheran Church, Clinton, Missouri, with Rev. William Smith officiating. The family received friends Friday evening, from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. at the Bradley & Hadley Funeral Home, Clinton, and Saturday morning from 9:00 to 10:00 a.m. at the church. Burial took place Saturday after the service at 1 p.m. on the Roth family farm. The family suggests contribution to the Missouri Junior Hereford Association in care of the funeral home.

Thank You.

This article isn’t about guns. It isn’t about who should have them and who shouldn’t. It isn’t an attempt to start a dialogue about it either. It is about people.

We are charged to write about MCA issues, priorities, and happenings. Sometimes we do. Sometimes we don’t. This month we are taking a rather large departure from legislative action, and agriculture for that matter.

We are dedicating this article to say thank you to Missouri’s law enforcement community and their families. We need to say thank you to those who run toward gun shots while others hide or run away. We want to share gratitude to their families who bear that burden too.

We regularly hear, “Back the Blue,” “Thin Blue Line,” and more statements that show support for police. We hear them so frequently that we nearly become numb to them. What do they really mean? Do we mean these words when we say them?

Cooper and I have a newfound appreciation for our law enforcement community. We thought we were supportive before. We know we are now. As witnesses to the multi-victim shooting at the Kansas City Chiefs Super Bowl Rally at Union Station, the bravery demonstrated by Kansas City Police Officers and Missouri State Troopers was incomparable.

A celebration turned tragedy. Shots fired. Chaos unfurled as a sea of people ran in multiple directions and a uniformed few ran toward it. Cooper was inside and directed to find cover. I was visiting with a trooper who directed me to run. We obliged.

We aren’t naturally hide or run people. The notion of either goes against who we are instinctively. Though, I learned a lot that day. Sometimes you don’t know what you would do until you do it. We did what we were told by those who knew best. We thank them.

It’s odd. We see events like this on television. We hear statistics of those harmed. Yet, those events happen in other places, to other people. Not now.

It’s easy to become desensitized to things like this. We see it often enough. We also see people try to politicize it for their own good. I won’t speak for Cooper, but I don’t care about your politics on the issue. I care about the people involved. These kids will never be the same. These families will never be the same. Kansas City will never be the same. I will never be the same.

What I love most about this organization and its membership is that we are people-first. We prioritize the humanity in situations. We see the person. It sets us apart and it is our standard bearer.

On a bad day in Kansas City, law enforcement responded, those in attendance responded, and people helped one another. I am thankful for all of them.

For those of you who have been in law enforcement, regardless of jurisdiction, we thank you. For those of you with family members in law enforcement, we thank you. On a day when I ran away, they ran toward. And we thank them.

Our forever gratitude,

Nancy and Cooper

SALE REPORTS

Four Starr Genetics and Friends Fleckvieh Production Sale

09.02.2023 • Eugene, MO

3 Bulls Avg. $5,917

3 Cow/Calf Pairs Avg. $2,750

18 Spring 2022 Bred Heifers Avg. $3,067

5 Fall 2021 Bred Heifers Avg. $2,840

14 Fall 2022 Open Heifers Avg. $3,443

16 Spring 2022 Open Heifers Avg. $1,925

1 Spring 2023 Open Heifer........................... Avg. $2,200

Drake Simmental Bull and Female Sale

01.26.2024 • Centerville, IA

53 Simmental and SimAngus Bulls Avg. $6,617

36 Sim and SimAngus Bred Heifers Avg. $3,574

89 Total Lots Avg. $5,386

J&N Ranch Black Hereford Sale

02.10.2024 • Leavenworth, KS

101 Black Hereford Bulls Avg. $6,321

Gilbert Cattle Co. Sale

02.17.2024 • Oldfield, MO

25 Registered Bulls Avg. $5,128

8 Open Heifers Avg. $4,762

33 Reported Sale Total Avg. $5,039

Byergo Angus Sale

02.17.2024 • Savannah, MO

106 Registered Bulls Avg. $6,625

35 Registered Females ................................... Avg. $5,175

141 Sale Total ............................................... Avg. $6,265

Galaxy Beef Sale

02.24.2024 • Macon, MO

73 Total Registered Bulls Avg. $6,184

6 Open Heifers Avg. $9,000

12 Commercial Bred Heifers (head) Avg. $2,750

6 Commercial Pairs Avg. $2,950

79 Reported Sale Total Avg. $6,398

SALE CALENDAR

March 1 Express Ranches Spring Bull Sale, Yukon, OK

March 2 Mead Farms Spring Sale, Versailles, MO

March 2 Seedstock Plus Arkansas Bull & Female Sale, Hope, AR

March 2 Gibbs Farms Sale, Ranburne, AL

March 2 Moriando Farms & MM Cattle Co. Spring Turn-Out Sale, Mt Vernon, MO

March 4 Buck Ridge Cattle Co. Sale, Seymour, MO

March 6 Bredemeier Angus Farms Annual Production Sale, Stella NE

March 9 Hi lltop Farms Gelbvieh & Balancer Bull & Female Sale, JRS, Carthage, MO

March 9 Sampson Annual Bull Sale, Kirksville, MO

March 9 Wright Charolais Bull Sale, Kearney, MO

March 9 Seedstock Plus Red Reward Bull & Female Sale, Osceola, MO

March 9 Soaring Eagle Farms Bull Sale, Springfield, MO

March 10 Flickerwood Angus Sale, Jackson MO

March 14 Henke Farms Sale, Salisbury, MO

March 15 Marshall & Fenner Farms Sale, Boonville, MO

March 15 Su nflower Genetics Production Sale, Maple Hill, KS

March 16 Valley Oaks Spring Sale, Warsaw, MO

March 16 Falling Timber Farm Sale, Marthasville, MO

March 16

Brinkley Angus Ranch Sale, Green City, MO

March 16 Er tel Gelbvieh and Balancer Sale Ki rksville, MO

March 16 Express Honor Roll Sale, Yukon, OK

March 16 Mississippi Valley Angus Sale, Cuba, MO

March 16 Bradley Cattle Bull & Bred Female Sale, Springfield, MO

March 16 Windy Hill Charolais Open House, Cedar Hill, MO

March 16 Wild Indian Acres Annual Spring Bull Sale, Carthage, MO

March 16 Nor theast Arkansas Angus Assn Spring Sale, Cord, Ark

March 17 Briarwood Angus Farms Spring Sale, Butler, MO

March 17 April Valley Farms Sale, Leavenworth, KS

March 18 Hinkle’s Prime Cut Angus Sale, Nevada, MO

March 21 Benoit Angus Performance-Tested Bu ll Sale, Esbon, KS

March 22 Ba rrett Cattle Co. and Mill Brae Ranch Sale, Maple Hill, KS

March 22 T Ba r S Spring Sale, Billings, MO

March 23 Worthington Angus Sale, Dadeville, MO

March 23 8 Story Farms 4th Annual Production Sale, Gallatin, MO

March 23 3C Cattle Co Sale, Carrollton, MO

March 23 Seedstock Plus South Missouri Bull & Female Sale, Carthage, MO

March 23 Sa ndhill Farms Hereford Production Sale, Hav iland, KS

March 24 Si lver Genetics Production Sale, Ma ryville, MO

March 25 Southwest Missouri Performance Tested Bu ll Sale, Springfield, MO

March 25 Oleen Brothers Production Sale, Dw ight, KS

March 25 Green Springs Tested Bull Sale, Nevada, MO

March 26 GenePlus Brangus Sale, Concord, AR

March 26 Ferguson Angus Annual Sale, Agra, KS

March 28 Sweiger Farms Bull Sale, Maysville, MO

March 29 Midwest Angus Coalition Bull & Female Sa le, Boonville, MO

March 30 Rogers Cattle Co. & Lile Farms Sale, St rafford, MO

March 30 3C Cattle Co. Annual Sale, Ca rrollton, MO

April 1 Brockmere Sale, New Cambria, MO

April 4 Hu nter Angus Show Heifer Sale, Fa ir Grove, MO

April 5 Meyer Cattle Co. Sale Bowling Green, MO

April 6 Four State Angus Association Sale Springfield, MO

April 6 Ga rdiner Angus Ranch Spring Production Sale, Ashland, KS

April 6 Peterson Farms Bull Sale, Mountain Grove, MO

April 6 Andras Red Angus Bull Sale, Ma nchester, IL

April 6 Double A Land & Cattle Co. Herd Dispersal Sale, Nevada, MO

April 6 Shoal Creek Annual Production Sale, Excelsior Springs, MO

April 9 Sydenstricker Genetics Influence Sale, New Cambria, MO

April 9 Schrader Auctions Ranchland Auction, Ava, MO

April 11 HeartBrand Cattle Spring Kick Off Sales Event, online

April 13 Lucas Cattle Co. Sale, Cross Ti mbers, MO

April 13

Power Performance Pedigree Sale, Mt n. Grove, MO

April 13 Fi nk Beef Genetics Sale, Randolph, KS

April 13 Ozark & Heart of America Beefmaster Breeders Sale, Springfield, MO

April 15 Jim D. Bellis Family Polled Hereford Production Sale, Aurora, MO

April 18-19 NextGen Cattle Co. Flint Hills Spring Classic Sale, Paxico, KS

April 20 New Day Genetics Sale, Salem, MO

April 20-22 JDH Wagyu Complete and Total Dispersal Online Sale Event

April 27 Heart of the Ozarks Angus Association Sale, West Plains, MO

April 27 Cow Camp Ranch Turn Out Sale, Lost Springs, KS

April 27 19th Annual Great American Pie Li mousin Sale, Lebanon, MO

April 28 Missouri Red Angus Association Sale, Springfield, MO

May 3 Seedstock Plus On-Line Female Sale

May 4-11 Missouri Beef Days, Bolivar, MO

June 6-9 Missouri Cattlemen’s Youth Expo, Sedalia, MO

Oct. 26 Lacy’s Red Angus Sale, Drexel, MO

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

FOR SALE: Kenland Red Clover Seed - Clean, Bagged and Tested. 50 lb. per bag - 2.75 per lb. Carrier Farms, Rockwood, Missouri 417-232-4302 or 417-262-3080