July 2019 - Missouri Beef Cattleman by Missouri Cattlemen's Association

CONTENTS July 2019

FEATURES 16

Weathering the Storm

Next-Generation Leaders

The Best Defense for Severe Weather on the Farm is Preparedness

Missouri Cattlemen’s Leadership College Kicks Off

MEMBER NEWS 6 32 60

Association Update County News Beef Checkoff News

Weathering the Storm

COLUMNS 8

MCA President’s Perspective Leading Proud

Straight Talk: Mike Deering

What’s Cookin’ at the Beef House

On the Edge of Common Sense: Baxter Black

Predators in the Chicken Coop

Steak Fry - Behind the Scenes

JULY 2019

Good Dawg

Junior Spotlight

Cowboy Poetry

CattleWomen’s Corner

Capitol Update

Get Connected & Involved

The Cosmic Cow

Big Impacts

Rain, Rain Go Away

The Missouri Beef Cattleman is an official publication of the Missouri Cattlemen’s Association.

MISSOURI

BEEF CATTLEMAN

OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE MISSOURI CATTLEMEN’S ASSOCIATION

Volume 48 - Issue 14 (USPS 890-240 • ISSN 0192-3056) Magazine Publishing Office 2306 Bluff Creek Drive, #100, Columbia, MO 65201 Phone: 573-499-9162 • Fax: 573-499-9167 Andy Atzenweiler: Editor/Production/Ad Sales P.O. Box 480977 • Kansas City, Missouri 64148 816-210-7713 • E-mail: mobeef@sbcglobal.net Coby Wilson: Ad Sales 573-499-9162 Ext 235

Missouri Cattlemen’s Association MCA Website: www.mocattle.com

Next-Generation Leaders

DEPARTMENTS 7

New MCA Members

Gelbvieh News

USDA Moves Some Offices to KC

Feedlot News

Mershon Cattle Co. Named BIF Commercial Producer of the Year

Advertisers Index

ON THE COVER: Photo by Coby Wilson

Missouri’s Cattlemen Foundation www.mocattlemenfoundation.org

Missouri’s CattleWomen

http://mocattle.com/missouricattlewomen.aspx

2019 MCA Officers

Bobby Simpson, President 573-729-6583 • 3556 CR 6150, Salem, MO 65560 Marvin Dieckman, President-Elect 660-596-4163 • 28998 Hwy JJ, Cole Camp, MO 65325 Patty Wood, Vice President 660-287-7701 • 16075 Wood Road, La Monte, MO 65337 Matt Hardecke, Treasurer 573-846-6614 • 19102 Skymeadows Dr., Wildwood, MO 63069 David Dick, Secretary 660-826-0031 • 23529 Anderson School Rd., Sedalia, MO 65301

2019 MCA Regional Vice Presidents

Region 1: Eric Greenley, 61998 Pleasant Valley Rd. Knox City, MO 63446 660-341-8750 Region 2: Chuck Miller, 393 Spring Garden Road Olean, MO 65064 • 573-881-3589 Region 3: Charlie Besher, RR 5, Box 2402 Patton, MO 63662 • 573-866-2846 Region 4: Deb Thummel, 12601 Hwy. 46 Sheridan, MO 64486 • 660-541-2606 Region 5: Bruce Mershon, 10015 Windsor Drive Lee’s Summit, MO 64086 • 816-525-1954 Region 6: Clay Doeden, 14555 S. Hwy A Stockton, MO 65785 • 417-808-0415 Region 7: Traves Merrick, 1956 Hwy 97 Miller, MO 65707 • 417-536-8080

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Missouri Beef Cattleman, (USPS 890-240 • ISSN 0192-3056) is published monthly (12 times a year) and is the official publication of the Missouri Cattlemen’s Association, 2306 Bluff Creek Drive, #100, Columbia, Missouri, 65201. PERIODICALS postage paid at Columbia, Missouri and additional mailing offices. Subscription price is included as a part of the minimum membership dues of $70.00 per year in Missouri Cattlemen’s Association. Postmaster: Send address changes to: Missouri Beef Cattleman, P.O. Box 480977, Kansas City, Missouri 64148

Mike Deering • Executive Vice President - Ext 230 Mike@mocattle.com Sydney Thummel • Manager of Membership - Ext 231 Sydney@mocattle.com Coby Wilson • Manager of Strategic Solutions - Ext 235 Coby@mocattle.com Candace Bergesch • MBC Editor/Production Artist Candace@mocattle.com Lisa Stockhorst, Administrative Assistant – Ext 234 Lisa@mocattle.com

JULY 2019

Eric Ayres, Tri-lakes Marine, Spokane, MO Ronnie Ballard, Brookfield, MO Clarke Barns, Brookfield, MO Aubrie Burton, Chillicothe, MO John Buttram, Buttram Beefmasters, Anderson, MO Elijah Dehan, La Monte, MO Martin Dieckman, Sibley, MO Josh Goodman, Goodman Farms, Odessa, MO Hope Greufe, Clinton, MO Cameron Hall, Beef Production Services, Fulton, MO Mark & Shelley Hall, Jehouah Jireh, Goodman, MO Jessi Hankins, Springfield, MO Payton Heman, Levasy, MO Trista Humphrey, Clinton, MO Brecken Jones, La Monte, MO Charlotte Lloyd, West Plains, MO Weston Lloyd, Windsor, MO Andy McDaniel, Chillicothe, MO Landreigh Mitchell-Harrison, Clinton, MO Wes Mobray, Windy M Angus, Salem, MO Randa Doty, MU Extension Nodaway County, Maryville, MO Kerrigan Page, Slater, MO Atley Patrick, Chilhowee, MO Kolton Phillips, Cole Camp, MO Mackenzie Porter, Harrisonville, MO Aubrey Ritchie, Boonville, MO

Weston Schlemeyer, Hallsville, MO Hannah Schlesselman, Cole Camp, MO Lisa & Driston (son) Self, Osceola, MO Carol Sensenich, Brookfield, MO Mark & Becky Smith, Lincoln, MO Sam Starks, BS Herefords LLC, Salem, MO Bryan Spencer, State Representative, Wright City, MO Lilly Stedem, Chillicothe, MO Zach Stewart, Vahrenberg Implement, Rayville, MO Matt Vaughn, Sturgeon, MO Rob & Christine Vaughn, Sturgeon, MO Aimee Vogt, Fayette, MO Chris & Lesa Weiss, Jackson, MO Richard West, Overstock Outlet, Wentzville, MO Tuker Wheeler, Marshfield, MO Abby Wolfe, Blackwater, MO John Grayden Woodcock, Macon, MO Willie Davis, Davis Farms, Appleton City, MO Mel & Brenda Foreman, Foreman Farms, Lowry City, MO Garrett & Jennifer Hawkins, Triple H Farm, Appleton City, MO Clarence & Bennie Hillsman, Schell City, MO Brenden Jones, Jones Farm, Osceola, MO Ed Micham, Micham LLC, Osceola, MO Jerry Rellihan, Osceola, MO Danni Stewart, Collins, MO Carman Woodworth, Chillicothe, MO

See the MCA Membership Form on page 75

JULY 2019 7

JULY 2019

Straight

Talk

with Mike Deering Predators in the Chicken Coop Cattle are stubborn at times and just one can create chaos within the entire herd resulting in a day of fixing fence and phone calls from angry neighbors. The woes are real, but pale in comparison to chickens. We picked up some chicks for my son a couple years ago and shortly after transitioning them from the heat lamps to their new home, something took them – no bodies and very little evidence at the scene except for some feathers. Much to my objection, my wife recently purchased 11 chickens for the boys to take care of and we are now down to four chickens. The pen is built well, but even more adjustments have been made to preserve these helpless creatures. Huge stones and a minefield of live traps surround the perimeter. They also have their own radio and motion sensor lights. My chicken dilemma is getting sillier by the minute and is eerily like the drama happening in many rural counties. Predators are in the henhouse disguised as public servants or concerned citizens. Unnecessarily, we are scrambling to keep up with sly attempts to secretly form committees to study agriculture without including anyone involved in farming. Meeting notices are posted on a bulletin board in a public health center and then those with questionable intentions cross their fingers hoping no one with opposing views will attend.

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Time and time again, they underestimate members of this association. Most recently, over 100 farmers and ranchers showed up at a Moniteau County Health Board meeting to push back on a scientifically unfounded regulation that was literally copied word-for-word from an ordinance in Howard County. The attempt to abruptly push the baseless regulation through failed because of committed farm families who are no stranger to the malevolent tactics 10 of predators.

Executive Vice President It’s completely baffling that county officials would lead people through this when the ordinance will become null and void on August 28 when Senate Bill 391 becomes law. Even the Missouri Rural Crisis Center, Sierra Club and Humane Society of Missouri have publicly stated multiple times in writing and in oral testimony that the legislation applies to existing and future county ordinances related to agriculture. That’s about the only thing we agree on, but they are exactly right. No matter how well built the chicken coop is, predators don’t give up. The same is true for SB 391. This legislation is solid and a historic victory for Missouri farm and ranch families, but that doesn’t mean we stop paying attention. The work isn’t over. Farmers and ranchers still need to be vigilant. We need officials at the county level to rely on you for accurate information. That happens by being regularly involved in your community and not just when predators cause problems. We also need to take county elections seriously. Electing people who understand and value agriculture in your community is critical and that includes your county health board. A farmer was successful in her election to the health board in Johnson County after realizing how important it was to have someone from the agricultural community at the table. Your involvement – whether you run for office or just stay engaged – can make all the difference. We need farmers looking after the “henhouse.”

What’s Cookin’ at the

Missouri Beef House By Pat & Patty Wood, MCA Beef House Managers

JULY 2019

Steak Fry - Behind the Scenes

Ever wonder who is behind the scenes of the 16th Annual MCA Steak Fry in June decorating the tables and preparing the meal? MCA Cattlemen and CattleWomen volunteers! Pat & Patty Wood plan the menu with input from the MCA staff, order food according to projected attendance, and prepare checklist for all necessary items from tableware to drinks and a lot in between. Our menu included: 10 oz KC Strip, baked potato, salad, green bean casserole, dinner roll, cheesecake, tea & lemonade. Suetta Carter, Cathy Simpson, Merrilyn Williams, Karen Wolfe, and Patty Wood decorated all the tables with collected items from Patty’s craft closet. With the increase in numbers anticipated this year, it was imperative that we have four large grills to cook our steaks which were donated by Valley Oaks Steak Company from Lone Jack. A big thanks to Benton County Cattlemen, Cooper County Cattlemen, Pettis County Cattlemen, and Mike Carter for letting us use their cookers. While most of the food is prepared at the MCA Beef House, all food and serving items must be transferred to the Agriculture Building on the Missouri State Fairgrounds where our event is held due to large attendance numbers. A huge thanks to Mike Carter and Pat Wood for bringing their gators and trailers to transport many loads back and forth between the two locations. A tremendous thanks to all our volunteers who helped either prepare food, cook, serve, clean-up, etc. From Bates County—Lonny & Marilyn Duckworth; Benton County—Crystal Chamberlin, Mark Chamberlin, Marvin & Carolyn Dieckman, Ed Goetz; Bollinger County—Charlie & Donnia Besher; Cape Girardeau County—Eileen Meier; Cole County— Ed & Judy Ehrhardt; Cooper County—Gerald Dick, Paul Gibbs, Eric Kraus, David & Karen Wolfe, Abby Wolfe; Dent County—Bobby & Cathy Simpson; Howell County—Blake & Janet Crow; Johnson County— Dwayne & Carolyn Harms; Lafayette County—Kent &

Marsha Corbin, John & Kathy Harris; Morgan County – Bailey Marriott; Pettis County—Mike & Suetta Carter, John Chamberlin, James Fairfax, Alan Ream, Alli Schwartz, Anthony & Sherry Schwartz, Ashlen Snow, Ted & Merrilyn Williams, Pat & Patty Wood; Polk County—Keith & Beverly Stevens. The success of the dinner served to 600+ people was possible because each of these volunteers work for a cause, not applause; live life to express not impress! Thanks to the generosity and sponsorship of LAG Industries, the MCA Beef House patio entrance has new Custom Metal Art Signs on display on a yearly basis. The Brackman’s of LAG Industries have partnered with the MCA Beef House to bring a unique opportunity to the highest bidder the chance to put your name or business on a 9” x 48” metal sign. We auctioned the Beef House patio entrance/southside sign at the MCA Steak Fry held in June. The proceeds will benefit the MCA’s Political Action Committee whose purpose is to be involved in the political process by supporting those elected officials who support the beef industry as well as those issues that directly impact the nature of the beef business. Our highest bidder at this year’s 2019 Steak Fry in Sedalia was John & Kathy Harris, Oak Grove, Missouri. Thank you Harris family for your support at the PAC auction! Thought for the Month…“Little Boy Blue go shut the gate, the sheep’s in the meadow, the cow’s on the plate!”

2019 Missouri Beef House County Volunteer Work Schedule August 8-18 8 Thusday 10:00 - 2:30

10:00 - 2:30

Tri County...... 15 Hickory........... 10

Warren........... 10 Vernon............ 20 California Nodaway......... 10 FFA............... 15 Cole................ 15

2:00 - 6:00

Texas................ 8 CassJackson.... 10 Morgan........... 10

Gentry............ 15 Lafayette......... 20 Clinton........... 15 South Central.... 6 St. Clair ......... 25

5:30 - 9:30

Randolph........ 10 Mid-Missouri.. 10 Eugene FFA..... 10

MSU............... 10 Benton............ 35 Tipton FFA...... 15 MJCA............. 10 Andrew............. 5 Moniteau........ 15 MCW................ 8 Jamestown CCW/MCC....... 8 FFA................. 5

12 13 14 15 Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday 10:00 - 2:30

10:00 - 2:30

9 10 11 Friday Saturday Sunday

10:00 - 2:30

2:00 - 6:00

5:30 - 9:30

16 17 Friday Saturday 10:00 - 2:30

10:00 - 2:30

2:00 - 6:00

5:30 - 9:30

18 Sunday 10:00 - 2:30

Ray................... 5 Lewis/Marion.... 8 Macon............ 12 Eldon FFA....... 30 Sullivan........... 10 Linn................ 10 Windsor FFA..... 8 Maries/Osage.... 5 FCS.................. 5

Lafayette......... 15 Carroll............ 10 Southwest Dallas............. 15 St. Charles........ 5 Cattlemen...... 15 Douglas/ Cedar............... 5 Wright............. 8 Adair................ 5

2:00 - 6:00

Bates............... 25 Audrain........... 10 Callaway/ Odessa FFA..... 10 Newton/ Montgomery.. 10 FCS.................. 5 McDonald....... 7 Appleton City FFA............... 13

Monroe............. 5 Boone............. 15 Polk................ 15 Pettis.............. 15 Ralls................. 5 Jasper............... 5 Franklin............ 8 OPENING....... 10

5:30 - 9:30

Henry............. 15 Johnson........... 15 Knox................. 5 Norborne FFA.. 10 Russellville Harrison......... 10 FCS.................. 5 FFA................. 7

5:30 - 9:30

Cooper............ 15 Howard........... 15 MU Block & Pike/Lincoln.... 10 Bridle............ 10 Saline............. 18 Columbia FFA. 15

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Please arrive 30 minutes prior to your shift for volunteer orientation. The Beef House hours of operation are 11am â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 9pm. If your county is unable to work the assigned shift, please contact the MCA office at 573-499-9162.

Missouri Cattlemen’s Steak Fry Attracts Record Crowd - Nearly $70,000 Raised, Governor Signs SB 391 The Missouri Cattlemen’s Association hosted its 16th Annual Cattlemen’s Steak Fry June 8 in the Agriculture Building located on the Missouri State Fairgrounds in Sedalia, Missouri. MCA President Bobby Simpson said roughly 600 supporters of the association attended the event, which is intended to honor past MCA presidents and raise funds for the association’s policy efforts. He said the funds are used for efforts to advance Missouri agriculture. “We had another fantastic event that truly did its part to recognize the leadership of our past presidents, while also raising funds to ensure we are effective in our legislative efforts,” said Simpson, who is a full-time cattle producer from Salem, Mo. “We were beyond honored to have Governor Mike Parson, who is a cattleman, at the event to celebrate the passage of SB 391 with a ceremonial signing of the legislation.” The Governor was joined on stage for the ceremonial signing of SB 391, which reduces regulatory uncertainty for farm and ranch families, by leaders of MCA; Missouri Pork Producers; Missouri Farm Bureau; Missouri Corn Growers Association; Missouri Soybean Association; Missouri Agribusiness Association; Senator Mike Bernskoetter; and Representative Mike Haffner. The event brought in a gross of roughly $67,000. All funds raised will benefit the association’s policy efforts.

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“MCA is one of the most successful policy organizations representing the interests of Missouri farm and ranch families in the state. We get results. In order to be

successful, you have to elect good leaders in Jefferson City and many of them were present for the annual event.”

JULY 2019

American Gelbvieh Association Relocates Headquarters Office to Lincoln, Nebraska Source: AGA The American Gelbvieh Association (AGA) is pleased to announce the relocation of its headquarters office to Lincoln, Nebraska. This relocation took place the first week in June. After careful consideration and much planning by the AGA Board of Directors in 2018, the AGA began final preparations for the move earlier this year. This new location places the office in a more centralized location in relation to the U.S. beef industry, including a bulk of the Gelbvieh and Balancer® cowherd and customer base. A more direct tie to the Midwest will also give the AGA better access to help foster and grow relationships

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JULY 2019

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317 State Rd B Phillipsburg, MO 65722

with our beef industry partners such as commercial customers, feedyards, packers, and other agriculture companies. The AGA will occupy office space on the second floor of the office building located at 1001 S 70th Street, in Lincoln, Nebraska. “A move to the Midwest greatly benefits the AGA’s future. The AGA will be closer to an increased number of our members and stakeholders, which will help to enhance customer relations,” says Megan Slater, AGA interim executive director. “In addition, Lincoln is a much more affordable city than the Denver metro area. This move not only financially benefits the Association, but also provides current employees with a lower cost of living and will help attract and retain new staff talent.” All correspondence should now be sent to the AGA’s new Lincoln address: 1001 S 70th Street, Ste 215, Lincoln, NE 68510. The AGA’s phone number, 303465-2333, will remain. The AGA will be open MondayFriday from 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Central time. An open house will be held at the new headquarters office once the AGA’s new office space is completed. Details of the open house will soon be available at Gelbvieh.org. The American Gelbvieh Association is a progressive beef cattle breed association representing 1,000 members and approximately 40,000 cows assessed annually in a performance-oriented total herd reporting system.

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Over the Fence with Loren Fischer, Fischer Cattle Co., Nevada, Missouri Source: By Tom Strahm, American Gelbvieh Association Fischer Cattle Co. is a diversified cattle and farming operation located in west central Missouri near the small community of Rich Hill. The operation is owned and operated by Loren Fischer and his family. Loren’s wife, Marcy, is a middle school teacher in nearby Nevada, Missouri. They have five children: Gus, Bella, Claire, Trey and Mackenzie. Gus is 1 year old, Bella is 5 years old, and the oldest kids are currently teenagers. Loren grew up in this area and is the fifth generation in his family to be actively involved in production agriculture. Loren’s great-great-grandfather was a barn builder in the area many years ago. Throughout the decades, there have been transitional changes, and different family operations further diversified with hogs, dairy cattle, and feeding out home-raised cattle. Loren started raising cattle and farming with his parents, Ivan and Anita, but Fischer Cattle Co. is his personal operation and business. His father has a separate farming and cattle operation, but also helps Loren on a daily basis. Loren says that his dad and uncles always selected good bulls for their commercial cowherds because they fed out their home-raised calves and sold them directly to packers. Currently, Fischer Cattle Co. runs about 500 commercial cows and replacement females. They are primarily black cows, and Loren has been purchasing Balancer® bulls for over five years now. The cowherd is split into two calving seasons with approximately 60 percent calving in the fall and 40 percent calving in the spring. Why did you choose to start purchasing Balancer® bulls? “I wanted to implement a crossbreeding program and get more growth and performance in my calves so that

BULLS & COWS

GARY MITCHELL

JULY 2019

30 Years and Growing

MITCHELL GELBVIEH 3482 W. Farm Rd 36 • WILLARD, MO • 417-838-2911

Fischer Family: (left to right) Trey, Kenzie, Gus, Marcy, Bella, Loren and Claire.

I could sell more pounds. I also wanted to keep more of my home-raised heifers as replacements. The maternal advantages of Gelbvieh and Balancer were appealing to me. I had been purchasing replacements, and the mature cows were getting too big. I wanted to moderate frame size while adding performance.” Loren buys bulls that offer a complete package including correct phenotype, moderate frame, and balanced EPDs across the board.Over the last few years, Loren has made an effort to utilize his bull battery more efficiently. This is accomplished by running both spring and fall calving cows. Loren says, “I also run more cows per bull than I used to. My pregnancy rates have actually increased, and I have fewer injured bulls.” What are some of the benefits of the Balancer replacement females? “I’ve been able to accomplish the objectives of moderating frame size while at the same time increasing the productivity of the females. I believe these Balancer females have lower maintenance requirements because I now feed less hay and forage than I used to.” Loren keeps replacements out of both the spring and fall calving herds. In addition to selecting heifers on desirable phenotype, he selects replacements out of his better-producing cows. All the potential replacement heifers are pelvic measured before he makes his final selections for replacements.

What other production enterprises are you involved in? In addition to the cows, Loren has some row crop ground and raises his feed. He primarily grows corn, plus soybeans for cash crops. He raises other forages for silage for backgrounding cattle and puts up hay for the cows. He has been utilizing more sudangrass to increase the forage production needed for the cowherd. “Over the last couple of years, I have been backgrounding more feeder cattle. I will buy groups of lighter calves, put them together, vaccinate them and get them straightened to sell as yearlings. I have also been doing some custom-backgrounding for other individuals as well.” For several years now, Fischer Cattle Co. has been custom growing and developing some Gelbvieh and Balancer bulls. Loren receives the bulls after they have been weaned. The bulls are fed a growing ration targeting a 2.5 to 2.7 pound average daily gain until they reach about 1,400 pounds. Then the bulls are a fed a maintenance ration for the remainder of the time until they go back to the owners for a sale. Most of these bulls are sold at 18-20 months of age. The bulls are kept on large pasture traps for the entire growing and maintenance periods. Loren says, “The objective is to optimize growth instead of achieving maximum performance. This program is intended for proper development with lots of exercise. The bulls aren’t too fat when they are sold and turned out to breed cows. They are in appropriate condition and are more structurally sound with good feet and legs.” How do you market your home-raised Balancer calves? “All of the steer calves are weaned, vaccinated and grown here through the backgrounding program. We have been selling the steers as short yearlings, but will consider retaining ownership depending on the economic outlook.” “After we select our replacement females we also background the rest of the heifers. For a couple of years now we have been retaining ownership and feeding the heifers in a commercial lot. We have sold different groups of these heifers on a live basis as well as on a

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Loren feels there is less risk associated with feeding his home-raised cattle than purchased feeders because the health is better, and he has an idea of their potential performance. He likes the opportunity to try and make an economically-informed decision based on the market outlook. What are some of your goals for the future? “I want to continue to increase productivity as much as is reasonably possible while still maintaining an appropriate balance in many traits. I want to decrease inputs for the cows while increasing the return to my bottom line.” “I like what we’re currently doing, and am pleased with the results we’re getting. I think we are going in the right direction with Balancer genetics. We’re involved in multiple segments of the industry and these cattle have to work in each phase of production.” This article first appeared in the February 2019 edition of The Profit Picture, published by the American Gelbvieh Association.

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For more information contact Ginger Ertel 660.234.5265 26694 Anchor Way • Greentop, MO 63546 gertel@ertelcattle.com • www.ertelcattle.com

JULY 2019

Contact: Mike Williams Higginsville, MO cell: 816-797-5450 mwauctions@ctcis.net

grid. When we sold on a grid we have earned premiums over the base price, and will consider doing more of this in the future.”

Don’t Underestimate the Value of a Crossbred Cow By Tonya Amen, Ph.D., AGA Breed Improvement Consultant

benefits of crossbreeding: breed complementarity and hybrid vigor.

Making use of the two pillars of crossbreeding, breed complementarity and heterosis (hybrid vigor), can have a huge impact of profitability for commercial users of Gelbvieh and Balancer genetics.

I believe breed complementarity is pretty straightforward, but hybrid vigor is often misunderstood and its value underestimated. Here are some key items of importance with regard to hybrid vigor: • It is most impactful for survival and reproductive traits. • Its benefit tends to be greater for breeds that are more genetically different from each other. For example, there is more expected hybrid vigor in British-Continental crosses than between crosses of only British or only Continental breeds. The largest impact of hybrid vigor is expected in Bos indicus-Bos taurus crosses. • It tends to be proportional to the degree of heterozygosity.

First, let’s consider that there are three genetic factors that affect efficiency and profitability of beef operations: 1) The characteristics of the animals produced- having marketing goals and producing a calf crop that most optimally meets those goals. 2) Hybrid vigor (both direct and maternal). 3) The characteristics of the sires and dams- there are ways it makes sense to design a breeding program. Choose females that are well suited to the environment in which they will be expected to produce and select sire breeds to complement them. Employing crossbreeding can be used to influence all three of these factors. First, let’s recall the two primary

The use of crossbred females is especially important because some of the largest impacts are on traits related to female productivity (maternal ability and reproduction). Crossbred females are expected to have a younger age at puberty, a quicker return to estrus postpartum, more longevity in the herd as well as being superior for most other measures of fertility. This is called direct hybrid vigor. In addition, calves born to crossbred dams benefit from the fact that their dam is crossbred, which gives them both added survivability and growth. This is referred to as maternal hybrid vigor and is in addition to any hybrid vigor that calf expresses directly.

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As an example, in the early ‘80s the Meat Animal Research Center (Cundiff et al., 1982) designed a system to illustrate the value of crossbreeding. First, they compared weaning rates and weights of crossbred vs straightbred calves when both were raised by straightbred dams (this would show the value of direct hybrid vigor). Then they compared weaning rates and weights of crossbred calves when they were raised by either crossbred or straightbred cows (this would show the value of having a crossbred dam, which equates to maternal hybrid vigor). Results are shown below:

Crossbred calves weaned at 3 percent higher rate, and weighed 4.6 percent more when straightbred dams raised them, and as a result, the system producing crossbred calves benefited with 8.5 percent more pounds of calf weaned per cow exposed. (Continued on page 28)

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When compared to the system using straightbred cows, the system using crossbred cows had 14.8 percent more pounds of calf weaned per cow exposed. Finally, when the straightbred system was compared to the system using crossbred dams to produce crossbred calves 23.3 percent more pounds of calf weaned per cow exposed was achieved. I should note, that the crosses were for Angus, Hereford and Shorthorn. So, even greater benefit could be expected between Gelbvieh and British crosses.

When comparing straight breeding systems using purebred females to crossbreeding systems using crossbred females: Over half of the advantage of crossbreeding systems can be attributed to the use of crossbred cows. Bottom line, thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s value in not only utilizing Gelbvieh and Balancer bulls in a crossbreeding program, but the value of retaining crossbred females should not be underestimated.

Trait

Direct Hybrid Vigor

Maternal Hybrid Vigor

Total Hybrid Vigor

Weaning %

3.0%

6.4%

9.4

Weaning Weight

4.6%

4.3%

8.9%

Lbs weaned/cow exposed

8.5%

14.8%

23.3%

Terminology: Breed Complementarity..............................................The strengths of one breed being used to complement another. Hybrid Vigor (aka heterosis)......... the higher performance of crossbred animals as compared to the purebred average. Direct Hybrid Vigor..................................... the boost in performance in the calf due to the calf itself being crossbred.

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Maternal Hybrid Vigor..................................... the improvement in calf performance because it has a crossbred dam.

JULY 2019

USDA Moving to Kansas City Area

Move Puts ERS, NIFA Closer to Customers, Expected to Save Nearly $300 Million Source: MCA Prime Cuts U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue has announced the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) will relocate the Economic Research Service (ERS) and National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA) to the Kansas City Region.The Missouri Cattlemen’s Association was quick to welcome the move. “This is common sense all the way,” said MCA Executive Vice President Mike Deering. “Secretary Perdue has said from day one that he wants USDA to be in the people business and work closely with the people the agency serves. This move is in line with that goal. We hope the final location is on the Missouri side, but it’s a good move either way.” Secretary Perdue said the Kansas City Region provides a “win-win.” “Following a rigorous site selection process, the Kansas City Region provides a win win - maximizing our mission function by putting taxpayer savings into programmatic outputs and providing affordability, easy commutes, and extraordinary living for our employees,”said Secretary Perdue. “The Kansas City Region has proven itself to be hub for all things agriculture and is a booming city in America’s heartland.”

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USDA conducted a Cost Benefit Analysis and conservative estimates show a savings of nearly $300 million nominally over a 15-year lease term on employment costs and rent or about $20 million per year, which will allow more funding for research of critical needs like rural prosperity and agricultural competitiveness, and for programs and employees to be retained in the long run, even in the face of tightening budgets. On top of that, state and local governments offered generous relocation incentives packages totaling more than $26 million. Finally, this relocation will give USDA the opportunity to attract a diverse staff with training and interest in agriculture.

“We did not undertake these relocations lightly, and we are doing it to enhance long-term sustainability and success of these agencies. The considerable taxpayer savings will allow us to be more efficient and improve our ability to retain more employees in the long run,” added Secretary Perdue.

Angus Association Names McCully CEO McCully joins the Association from Certified Angus Beef LLC. Source: by Rachel Robinson, Angus Communications The American Angus Association® announces Mark McCully as chief executive officer. McCully started his role June 10. As CEO, he will lead the Association and serve as the vice chairman for each of the Association’s entities: Angus Media, Certified Angus Beef LLC, Angus Genetics Inc., and the Angus Foundation. “This truly is a proud day for the Association and the breed,” said John Pfeiffer, Association Board of Directors president. “Mark has grown up in the cattle business and possesses unique insight into all segments of beef production, his knowledge and leadership have served CAB well, and he will help to continue to drive the demand for Angus genetics globally.” McCully brings 23 years of experience to the table, most recently serving as vice president of production for CAB. In his role, Mark drove supply chain innovation for the brand and helped develop and implement best management practices with cattlemen to increase brand acceptance rates. In addition, Mark led global production initiatives, streamlining processes for improved product quality, and served in many industry leadership positions. “I’m honored and truly thrilled to serve this incredible breed and its membership,” McCully said. “The Association has such a rich and successful heritage. That history, coupled with breeders always striving to produce the best Angus cattle in the world, and an incredibly bright and talented staff, I have nothing but optimism and excitement for our future.” McCully started at CAB in 2000 as director of packing before developing and coordinating a regional sales team, and in 2005, he transitioned to supply development and production. Prior to joining CAB, he worked for Southern States Cooperative where he managed the beef improvement program and value-added feeder cattle marketing programs for cattlemen within a 22-state region. He also served as an intercollegiate livestock judging team coach, taught livestock evaluation classes and coordinated the animal science department undergraduate internship program at Michigan State University before joining Southern States. For more information about the American Angus Association and the new CEO, please visit angus.org.

JULY 2019

COUNTY NEWS

See What’s Happening in Your County

Franklin County The Franklin County Cattlemen’s Association have been busy the past couple of months. They held a BQA certification on February 23 with 186 attending and obtaining certifications. A dinner was served with beef brisket to all. Our beef queen was helping promote membership by handing out forms to potential new members. The month of May is beef month, and we started the month off with a cook off on May 10 at Fricks Market in Union, Missouri, by serving ribeye steak sandwiches and cheeseburgers and hamburgers. Proceeds all go to our Franklin County Honor Flight to honor our men and women whom have served our country. We had a great turnout with 325 steaks and 100 burgers in 4 hours!

Callaway Livestock Center, Inc. On I-70, 4 miles east of Kingdom City, MO on outer road 573-642-7486 Every Monday: Slaughter Cattle Sale 10:00 a.m. Selling All Classes of Cattle 12:30 p.m.

1st Thursday Nite of Each Month: JULY 2019

6:00 p.m. Bred Cows and Breeding Bull Sale

David Means

John P. Harrison

573-642-9753

573-386-5150

Jack Harrison

David Bell

573-386-2138

660-327-5633

The cattlemen’s did another promotion the next day at Orscheln’s store in Washington, Missouri, with serving ribeye steak sandwiches and burgers. The Krakow 4-H members did the work of serving and will be receiving the proceeds of this promotion. On May 28, our cattlemen’s association assisted our local firefighters and EMS personnel with their countywide intruder training by serving burgers to 175 personnel at their lunch break. This was held at the Union High School campus in Union, Missouri.

St. Clair County St. Clair County Cattlemen attended the Appleton City Fair and Parade on Friday, June 7. The cattlemen served ribeye steak sandwiches and entered a float in the parade. “A Salute to Volunteers” was the theme for the parade. The cattlemen salute volunteers as volunteers are what make programs like the cattlemen’s organization and the Mo Beef for Mo Kids programs successful. The float placed second in the parade. Thanks to all who came out to support the cattlemen! St. Clair County Cattlemen held their Mo Beef for Mo Kids kick-off meeting at Lakeland R-III School District on Tuesday, June 11. OPAA was the sponsor for our meeting, and we appreciate all they do for the Mo Beef for Mo Kids Program. OPAA served a delicious meal. Mark Russell spoke on behalf of MBIC and getting the Mo Beef for Mo Kids program going. This program started in 2012 and has increased beef in school lunches by 59%. Without the program, 1 out of 10 school lunches has beef served at it. He also spoke on the Chuck knows Beef app you can get to help you cook beef. Joe and Travis of Powell Meat Company spoke on their part of the program and how they make sure the Mo Beef for Mo Kids is a success. Kay, Regional Director for OPAA, spoke on behalf of OPAA. She discussed how this program allows them to offer more beef and quality beef. She discussed some of the menu items they can add by having the beef to serve to the students. Larry Burch spoke on how the donators side worked. He said that his family was the first to donate in Bates County, and the teachers and students have thanked them for donating and helping make their lunches better. He gave a rundown on what his heifer weighed and how much meat they were able to get to use for the school. St. Clair County Cattlemen presented Wheeler Livestock Auction with a proud sponsor banner. The

Your One-Stop for Braunvieh Influence and Black Hybrid Commercial Females

Our next meeting scheduled for July 9, 2019 at 7 p.m. at Valley Center Church. The sponsors are Mike Ferguson, CHR. Hansen and BOVAMINE Defend Probiotics and Mike Richner, Missouri Livestock Supplements.

Ron McBee

221 State Hwy H Fayette, MO 65248

(573) 228-2517 mcbcattle@aol.com

McBeeCattleCompany.com Annual Fall Bull & Female Sale, October 26, 2019

JULY 2019

Call us to see some of the best calf raisers in the business. Grouping and Marketing Customers’ Calves Since 1992!

cattlemen also presented Osceola, Appleton City, Roscoe and Lakeland with Mo Beef for Mo Kids Banners. St. Clair County Cattlemen would like to thank all the cattlemen who plan to donate to this program that are working to make it a success in our county!

Hickory County When the Hickory County Cattlemen’s Association was formed in 2017, the primary vision shared by founding members was to not only promote beef farming in Hickory County, but also to look further into the future. It’s no secret that one of the biggest threats facing family farms these days are the rapidly shrinking numbers of young farmers stepping into the world of agriculture. Agreeing that there was a great opportunity for the newly formed Hickory County Cattlemen’s Association to make a deep impact in the county, the founding officers put their heads together, and rolled up their sleeves. After many officer meetings and planning sessions, founding members Kevin Piper and Ernie Brauch came up with a groundbreaking idea to not only give Hickory County youth an agricultural experience of a lifetime, but also to get youth involved in the Hickory County Cattlemen’s Association as junior members. The Cornerstone Heifer program was the finished product. Both Kevin Piper, Weaubleau, Missouri producer, and Ernie Brauch, operation manager of Lucas Cattle Co., stepped up to the plate and each donated a heifer calf for the program. The idea was simple; create an opportunity for any youth in the county aspiring to get involved in the beef industry, regardless if they were from a farm family or not. A committee was formed to create a merit-based system for a winner to be selected that would encourage association membership, cultivating leadership in the youth’s school and community, and commitment to increasing their knowledge in the beef industry. Something that was very important to the HCCA was to not discourage young people in the county who might not have been brought up in a farming family but were ambitious to get involved in the beef industry.

JULY 2019

After introducing this program in a monthly meeting, and then to all four schools in Hickory County, interest in the program was very high. Not only was there increased junior membership, but many parents who might not normally have found the Hickory County Cattlemen’s Association began attending meetings and have taken up membership as well.

After the Cornerstone committee made up of volunteer members processed all 12 applications, two winners were picked. Bobbi Long from Hermitage, and Baylee Huntzinger from Cross Timbers were the winning applicants. Both winner’s heifers were AI administered by Ernie Brauch and the Lucas Ranch. The Hickory County Cattlemen’s Association have been blown away by the participation and excitement this program has

brought to our group. The youth’s ability to not only enrich our association, but also to become active and participating members in the association will strengthen our group for years to come and strengthen the beef culture in our community as well. Due to the success of last year’s program, Hickory County Cattlemen’s Association already has two family farms donating heifers to the second year of the program. Pitts Angus Farms, Hermitage, Missouri and Austin and Leah Rains Family Farms, Quincy, Missouri, will be donating heifers to two winners’ in 2019. We are extremely honored to not only cultivate youth participation in the beef industry of Hickory County, but also to have such a dedicated membership that sees the importance of investing in our local youth’s future. Without our youth, there is no tomorrow in the beef industry. We’d like to give all who were responsible for the success of the program a big pat on the back. It takes a village! Respectfully submitted, Chase Crawford, reporter.

JULY 2019

Vernon County The Vernon County Cattlemen are excited to show off their new grill. The grill was built by Show-Me Country Metals of Walker, Missouri. It was used recently at Nevada’s annual Bushwhacker Days Celebration to grill lots of hamburgers and ribeye sandwiches that were sold that day. We also offered barbecued beef sandwiches. The day was a huge success. Thank you to all members that helped with the event. Pictured here are Blake Robertson, Tommy Wait and Denver Westerhold.

Pictured are Jason Ast, Sam Morgan, Tommy Wait and Blake Robertson.

Bushwhacker Days Celebration.

The new cooker at the Bushwhacker Days celebration.

JULY 2019

Bushwhacker Days Celebration.

Hwy 42 West • Vienna Missouri 65582 45 Miles South of Jefferson City Selling All classes of Cattle Wednesday • 10:00 a.m. Featuring ‘Star-Vac Program’ Cattle Weekly DVAuction Service for convenient online viewing & bidding For More Information Call… David Patton Office Ross Patton Bill Patton 573-308-6655 573-422-3305 573-308-6657 573-308-6658 Visit our website: www.scrsvienna.com or E-mail us: scrsvienna@gmail.com “Make South Central your Livestock Market”

Bushwhacker Days Celebration.

Missouri Angus Breeders The #1 State For Angus!

Performance Tested Bulls October 21 Fall Sale

The Pipkin Family

9770 W. State Hwy 266 • Springfield, MO 65802 j_pipkin@sbcglobal.net • clearwaterangus.com Jim (cell) 417-827-0623 • Joann (cell) 417-827-2756 WD & Bonita Bulls • Replacement Females for Sale

Steve Miller and Family 21146 400th Street Graham, MO 64455 (660) 582-1334 E-mail: bigmilr@grm.net

Kenny & Janyce Hinkle 14103 E. Summers Rd. • Nevada, MO 64773 Ph/Fax: 417-944-2219 • Cell: 417-448-4127 E-mail: hpca@centurytel.net

WEIKER

GERLOFF FARMS Connealy Power Surge

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AHIR Bulls Semen Available Females

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Fred Weiker • Julia Weiker Fred: 660-248-3765

3154 Hwy A Bland, MO 65014 573-437-3751/2507 Charlie Cell: 573-680-9117 Kim Cell: 573-291-1091 khuebler@fidnet.com www.gerloffcattle.com

Dedicated to the Livestock Industry Since 1906

1339 Hwy 124, • Fayette, MO 65248 “Where the Extraordinary are Availible”

Oct. 19 • 66th Anniversary Sale

For All Your Angus Needs!

22227 Saline 127 Hwy • Malta Bend, Mo 65359 Brian Marshall • (660) 641-4522 www.marshallandfennerfarms.com

Since 1942

October 26 Fall Production Sale

November 23 • Production Sale

CIRCLE A RANCH

41 Hwy K Iberia, MO 65486 1-800-CIRCLE-A

21658 Quarry Lane • Barnett, MO 65011 Office: 573-302-7011 • Fax: 573-348-8325 E-mail: meadangus@yahoo.com Website: www.meadfarms.com

Dave Gust, Sr. Dave Gust, Jr. Nick Hammett, Commercial Mktg. Mike Lembke • Kevin Lennon

Alan Mead, Owner 573-216-0210

Oct. 19 • Fall Bull & Heifer Sale

For your ANGUS Cattle Needs Contact:

JJ Skyline Angus

MISSOURI ANGUS ASSOCIATION 734-260-8635

E-mail: Julie@missouriangus.org

missouriangus.org

334 Seth St. - Lincoln, MO 65338 www.RichardsonRanch.net adrrmd@mail.missouri.edu

Registered Angus Bulls & Females Available

Pete 660-281-0353

Ashlyn 660-281-1720

John A Jones • 573-680-5151

21320 Hwy 179 • Jamestown, MO 65046 Lifetime Member of the American Angus Association Since 1957

JULY 2019

Julie Conover, Gen. Manager 634 S.W. 1201 Rd • Holden, MO 64040

AHIR and ultrasound information available on all bulls. Herd sires are selected based on a combination of traits and not on any single trait.

Cass/Jackson County

Bates County

Rusty Douthitt, a chapter member, was the sponsor, through American Family Insurance, for the May meeting of the Cass/Jackson County Cattlemen’s Association. Rusty introduced Bill Moore, a fellow agent, who spoke on farm safety management. Bill spoke on how and when the company began and the major causes of losses on the farm as related to farm safety. Rusty followed this presentation with his on the seven major benefits of carrying life insurance for both, and or either, the owners, their families, and their employees.

Our June meeting was held at El Charro’s Mexican Restaurant with Clark O’Bannon serving as the sponsor. Clark is with Insure My Forage and PRF Specialist Insurance. He gave a very interesting presentation on the products available through the company, which focus on drought protection, animal mortality and infertility. The group had a lot of great questions and was intrigued by programs in the pipeline that can help with risk management on feeder cattle.

Randy Steckly, chapter president, followed these presentations with the business meeting, by having Bruce Mershon, our regional vice president, give the up-to-date happenings at the state level. This included the passage of Senate Bill 391, the Cattlemen’s Steak Fry on June 8, 2019, at the Missouri State Fairgrounds in Sedalia, Missouri. Bruce also spoke and asked for volunteers for the Hospital Hill Run on June 1, 2019, being sponsored by MBIC. Another topic from Bruce was the MCA Profitability Challenge studying feed efficiency on donated beef (Top 100) starting in November 2019. These cattle are to be 2019 spring calves in the weight range of 650-800 lbs. See the flyer in this magazine for more information on this program. Other business was the organization of a scholarship committee for next year consisting of Dr. David Hertzog, Rusty Douthitt, and Bob Flint. Tracey Mershon has some forms for this that we can use for guidelines. There were 39 members and guests that enjoyed a potluck meal prior to the presentation. Mershon Cattle Company supplied the hamburgers for the meal.

Marketing Cattle Weekly for Cattlemen

“Across Missouri”

President Ivan Fischer started the meeting off with financial reports. The group held a fundraiser at the Adrian citywide garage sale in early June and had a lot of success. We raised over $1,100 to help with operating expenses and charitable donations throughout the year. We donate a lot of time and product by cooking for multiple events throughout the year. And, we sponsor several community programs, 4-H events and scholarships as well. As summer comes in full swing, we are preparing to cook at the county fair during the opening bash night and for the steer show. If you’re in the area on July 9 or 11, stop by the fairgrounds for a burger or steak dinner. We’d love to have you! Our scholarship committee selected two individuals this year. They will be notified shortly and receive their check at the county fair. Stay tuned to the Bates County Cattleman’s Facebook page for more information. Thanks to the hard work of Dave Warfield, the Mo Beef for Mo Kids program has exploded in Bates County. We have plans to implement the program in Rich Hill this fall, which will make a total of three schools in the county. Thanks so much to the individuals that have donated thus far. We still need a cow for the Butler school district in August, so please contact Dave if you’re interested in donating a cow or helping with a purchase. Our next monthly meeting will be August 13.

JULY 2019

Jim and Scott Cape…

“Sales each TUESDAY” “Sales each FRIDAY” O:660-882-7413 O:573-324-2295 www.movalleylivestock.com www.emcclivestock.com Justin Angell Mike VanMaanen Jon Angell 573-819-8000 573-881-0402 573-682-4656

57 Years Trusted Service to Missouri Cattlemen “Your Source for Quality Trailers”

www.jimsmotors.com 1-800-897-9840

Lafayette County The Lafayette County Cattlemen’s Association has selected their 2019 Scholarship Recipients. Cole Oelrichs, son of Bill & Paula Oelrichs, Higginsville, MO, is the recipient of the Bob Sanders Memorial Scholarship in the amount of $1,250. Cole is a 2019 graduate of Lafayette County C-1 High School. Cole plans to attend Northwest Missouri State University and major in agronomy. The association scholarships in the amount of $1,250 were awarded to the following: Caleb Bergman, son of Jody & Tiffany Bergman, Alma, MO, is a 2019 graduate of Santa Fe R-X High School. Caleb plans to attend Missouri Valley College and major in agriculture education.

Conner Bergman, son of Jody & Tiffany Bergman, Alma, MO, is a 2019 graduate of Santa Fe R-X High School. Conner plans to attend Missouri Valley College and major in parks, recreation and sports management.

Hunter Todd, son of Doug & Bobby Todd, Centerview, MO, is a 2019 graduate of Odessa High School. Hunter plans to attend the University of Wyoming and major in agribusiness management.

Drake Wood, son of Ryan & Cindy Wood, Lee’s Summit, MO, is a 2019 graduate of Blue Springs South High School. Drake plans to attend Simpson College and major in political science.

The Lafayette County Cattlemen’s Association Scholarship is available to high school students who are junior cattlemen’s members or whose parents are members of the Missouri Cattlemen’s Association. The 2020 scholarship applications will be available at your local school counselor or the Lafayette County Extension office on March 1, 2020, and will be due April 1, 2020. To find out more information about this organization and our scholarship efforts, we invite you to attend our 4th Annual Scholarship Dinner and Auction to be held on July 11, 2019, at the Concordia Community Center. Social hour will start at 6 p.m. with a steak dinner at 7 p.m. and auction to follow. Cost is $25 and we ask you RSVP by contacting the Extension office at 660-5843658. For more information about the Lafayette County Cattlemen’s Association please contact us via email at lafcocattlemens@gmail.com.

JULY 2019

Editorial Note:

Please send County News items via email to: mobeef@sbcglobal.net Andy Atzenweiler Deadline for the 2019 August State Fair issue is July 15.

Hope Webb, daughter of Richard & Judy Webb, Lexington, MO, is a 2019 graduate of Lexington High School. Hope plans to attend Central Methodist University and major in nursing.

Benton County Benton County Cattlemen had two events to celebrate May as Beef Month. The first took place May 22, 2019, at Cole Camp Fresh Market in Cole Camp. We were handing out recipes and beef sticks while entering customers in a drawing for $50 certificate. The certificate was good for purchasing beef products at Cole Camp Fresh Market. Congratulations to Sara Kyle of Cole Camp who was the winner of the drawing. The second event was held May 29, 2019, at G & W Foods in Warsaw. We were promoting beef and asking customers to enter a drawing for $50 certificate. Even though we are cattlemen, several were reluctant to enter because we might sell their names and phone numbers. Such a shame this is the environment we live in. Congratulations to Gloria Jackson who was the lucky winner.

Mary Ann Oelrichs, Marvin Dieckman, and Rita Marks (co-owner of Cole Camp Fresh Market with her husband Bill).

WINDSOR LIVESTOCK AUCTION JULY 2019

â&#x20AC;&#x153;FAMILY OWNED AND OPERATED SINCE 1983â&#x20AC;?

Sales Every Wednesday @ Noon Jake Drenon 660-441-7716

Blake Drenon Rodney Drenon 660-351-4887 660-890-4898

Keith Pierson, Sam Crawford, Bill Hinkle and Alice Hinkle.

Polk County Since this is such a busy time of year, the Polk County Cattlemen’s Association did not hold a June meeting. However, many members gathered at the Polk County Fair on June 15 for the annual steak dinner served by the Polk County Cattlemen’s. This has been a tradition for the Cattlemen’s Association for many years, and always draws a large crowd to the fair. This year, we served 375 people. We would like to thank all of the members that worked at this event to make sure it was successful. The next meeting for the Polk County Cattlemen’s Association will be on July 11, at 7 p.m. It will be held at the Rockin R Auction Barn. This will be a special meeting, as it is our law enforcement appreciation meeting. We will be inviting local law enforcement officials to attend, so that we can show our appreciation for what they do for our community. We also have a cooking coming up. We will be cooking at SBU, for Bolivar’s Fourth of July fireworks display. We hope that everyone enjoys their summer, and we hope to see a lot of our members on July 11!

JULY 2019 41

Agricultural Business Council Honors Two Agribusiness Leaders Source: The Agricultural Business Council of Kansas City May 17, 2019, KANSAS CITY, MO: The Agricultural Business Council of Kansas City honored two of the region’s leading agricultural figures on May 16 at a luncheon in the Chamber Board Room in Kansas City’s historic Union Station. The honorees – Lee Borck, chairman of Innovative Livestock Services (ILS) and Beef Marketing Group Cooperative (BMG) and farm broadcasting legend Gene Millard of Millard Family Farms – received the Jay B. Dillingham Award for Agricultural Leadership and Excellence, the Council’s highest recognition. Both men have each left their marks on the ag industry over careers extending nearly 50 years. Council Chairman Robert Thompson, a partner and co-leader of Bryan Cave Leighton Paisner LLP’s Food & Agribusiness Industry Group, described this year’s Dillingham Awards recipients as strong examples of what being an advocate for agriculture can accomplish. “These individuals have had a positive and lasting effect on our community.” Lee Borck was introduced as “an industry icon” by Dee Likes, himself a Dillingham Award honoree in 2015. In his remarks as he accepted the award, Borck said real success in any business endeavor involves doing the right things and ensuring benefits from accomplishments touch everyone in the community. He also stressed that American agriculture has to better tout its accomplishments to the world and will need to adjust its messaging to reflect that it is no longer a commodity industry but a branded one that deserves equitable pricing for the value it creates.

“Agriculture is a value-added business,” he pointed out, “nothing comes off the fields without a farmer having added value to it.” Opening the program, John Dillingham, son of Jay B. Dillingham, told Council members that the Kansas City region, situated as it is on the Missouri River, flowing into and from the Mississippi and Kaw Rivers, and connected to coastal ports via rail and highway has an opportunity to become the Silicon Valley of agriculture. About The Honorees: • Lee Borck- Chairman of Innovative Livestock Services, Inc., and Chairman of the Beef Marketing Group Cooperative. Combined, these two groups

Gene Millard offered a similar assessment of agriculture saying most consumers have a gross underestimation of the value crop growers and livestock producers provide.

SUBLETTE FEEDERS LLC JULY 2019

P.O. Box 917 Sublette, Kansas 67877

Jeremy Simon, Manager

Office: 620-668-5501 • Fax: 620-668-5577 Mobile: 660-271-4499 • Home: 620-335-5042 Email: sublettefeeders@yahoo.com

Left to right are: Dee Likes, Lee Borck, and Robert Thompson. (Continued on page 44)

JULY 2019

representing cattle feedlots in Kansas and Nebraska, have grown into one of the nation’s largest feeding organizations. As a standalone organization, ILS represents banking, farming, ethanol production and trucking interests. The BMG, under the guidance and leadership of Borck and other central Kansas cattle producers, is a cooperative of cattle producers and farms focused on working together to do what is right to remain sustainable. Borck is also chairman of American State Bank of Great Bend, Kansas and is the past President of Cattle-Fax, which is the nation’s leading cattle and data analysis company. Borck has served the industry as president of the Kansas Livestock Association, and has also served as a board member of the Cattlemen’s Beef Board and the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association Board. He served as the Chairman of the Kansas 4-H Foundation and was Vice Chairman and a board member for the Kansas Bioscience Authority. He was Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Kansas State University Foundation. Borck has received numerous industry awards. • Gene Millard- Millard Family Farms. Millard retired in 2003 after a nearly 40-year career in Radio and Farm broadcasting. He joined KFEQ radio in St. Joseph in 1964 as a farm broadcaster and in 1976 he was named the station’s general manager. In 1999 he became vice president of Eagle Radio Inc. which included stations KFEQ, KSJQ, KKJO, KSFT and the Ag Info Center. In retirement he continues to host a one-hour live show each Saturday on a 15 station, 5 state network including KFEQ. In addition to operating his family farm with his son, Brian, Millard currently serves as Chairman of the board of Golden Triangle Energy LLC and a board member of Citizens Bank and Trust in Kansas City. He has served as President of the Missouri Broadcasters Association, a board member of the National Association of Broadcasters, Chairman of the Board of the St. Joseph Chamber of Commerce, President of the Missouri Kansas Chapter of the National Agri Marketing Association and served as Director of Marketing and Interim Executive of the National Association of Farm Broadcasting. In 2009 he served as President of the Missouri Renewable Fuels Association as well as Board Chairman of United Cooperative of

Left to right are: Tom Brand, Gene Millard, and Robert Thompson.

Plattsburg and Osborn, MO. He has been honored by numerous organizations and in 2010 was inducted into the National Association of Farm Broadcasting Hall of Fame.

United States Cattle on Feed Up 2 Percent Source: USDA Cattle and calves on feed for the slaughter market in the United States for feedlots with capacity of 1,000 or more head totaled 11.7 million head on June 1, 2019. The inventory was 2 percent above June 1, 2018. This is the highest June 1 inventory since the series began in 1996. Placements in feedlots during May totaled 2.06 million head, 3 percent below 2018. Net placements were 1.99 million head. During May, placements of cattle and calves weighing less than 600 pounds were 370,000 head, 600-699 pounds were 305,000 head, 700-799 pounds were 500,000 head, 800-899 pounds were 539,000 head, 900-999 pounds were 235,000 head, and 1,000 pounds and greater were 115,000 head.

JULY 2019

Marketings of fed cattle during May totaled 2.07 million head, 1 percent above 2018.

Custom Cattle Feeding • 12,000 Head Capacity Family owned & operated since 1917

Steve Sellers 620-257-2611

Kevin Dwyer 620-680-0404

Released June 21, 2019, by the National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS), Agricultural Statistics Board, United States Department of Agriculture (USDA).

JULY 2019

Kansas Cattlewoman to Senate Climate Change Hearing: “Beef Cattle Industry Has Great Story to Tell” On Climate Direct Emissions From Beef Cattle Only 2% of Total U.S. Greenhouse Gas Emissions, Lyons-Blythe Testifies Source: NCBA WASHINGTON (May 21, 2019) – Testifying on behalf of the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association, Kansas cattle producer Debbie Lyons-Blythe delivered a clear message at a U.S. Senate Agriculture Committee hearing on climate change this morning. “The U.S. cattle industry is proud of its history as stewards of our nation’s natural resources,” LyonsBlythe testified at the Committee’s hearing on Climate Change and the Agricultural Sector. “The industry takes very seriously its obligation to protect the environment while providing the nation with a safe and affordable beef supply. Cattle producers are America’s original conservationists, and we work hard every day to ensure that we can pass our operations on to the next

generation.” Lyons-Blythe, who helps run Blythe Family Farms in the Flint Hills of Kansas, also pushed back against claims that beef cattle production in the United States is responsible for a disproportionate or even significant percentage of greenhouse gas emissions. “The beef cattle industry has a great story to tell in the climate conversation and the facts support that,” Lyons-Blythe testified. “According to the Environmental Protection Agency, direct emissions from beef cattle represent two percent of all greenhouse gas emissions in the country. A recent study published by the U.S. Department of Agriculture found that emissions from cattle ‘were not a significant contributor to long-term global warming.” Lyons-Blythe also highlighted her work as a board member with the U.S. Roundtable for Sustainable Beef, which recently released its landmark U.S. Beef Industry Sustainability Framework and encourages operations all along the beef value chain to measure key environmental metrics like water resources, air and greenhouse gas emissions, and land resources. “The Roundtable is an example of ranchers leading the way on conservation,” Lyons-Blythe said. “Cattle ranchers took the initiative to identify their unique footprint in beef sustainability, demonstrating their positive contributions to landscapes, wildlife populations, rural communities, our nation’s economy, and a global food supply. But we also reflected on opportunities where we can improve. It demonstrates our commitment to doing right by the land, responsibly raising animals, caring for the people who raise beef, and making money to support our families and the next generation of beef producers.”

Brookover Cattle Co. of Scott City, LLC Ranger Feeders Location

JULY 2019

620-397-5600 Shelby G. Jones, Mgr.

fax: 620-397-2451 email: shelby@st-tel.net 144 S. Ogallalah Rd. • Dighton, KS 67839

April Beef and Pork Exports Below 2018 Levels; Lamb Still Trending Higher Source: USMEF April exports of U.S. beef and pork were lower than a year ago while U.S. lamb exports continued their upward trend, according to data released by USDA and compiled by the U.S. Meat Export Federation (USMEF). Beef exports totaled 105,241 metric tons (mt) in April, down 5% year-over-year, though export value was down only slightly at $674.2 million. For January through April, exports were 4% below last year’s record pace in volume (412,547 mt) and 1% lower in value ($2.58 billion). On a per-head basis, beef export value per head of fed slaughter averaged $305.61 (down 7% from April 2018). The January-April average was $308.34 per head, down 3% from a year ago. April exports accounted for 12.5% of total U.S. beef production and 10.2% for muscle cuts only, down from 14.1% and 11.3%, respectively, a year ago. For January through April, these ratios were 12.7% and 10.2% (down from 13.4% and 10.8%).

Pork exports totaled 216,757 mt in April, down 6% from a year ago, valued at $535.2 million (down 8%). JanuaryApril exports were also 6% below last year’s pace in volume (817,025 mt) and were down 12% in value to just over $2 billion. Pork export value averaged $50.58 per head slaughtered in April, down 13% from a year ago but the highest in 10 months. For January through April, export value averaged $47.25 per head, down 15% from the same period last year. April exports accounted for 26.6% of total U.S. pork production and 23.3% for muscle cuts only – down from 29.9% and 25.8%, respectively, in April 2018. January-April exports accounted for 24.9% of total pork production (down from 27.4%) and 21.8% for muscle cuts (down from 23.7%). Beef demand strong in Korea and Taiwan; Japan edges lower South Korea remains the export growth leader for U.S. beef, with April volume up 18% to 22,584 mt. April value surged 22% to $164.3 million, surpassing Japan as the month’s leading value market. January-April exports to Korea were 11% ahead of last year’s record pace in (Continued on page 48)

JULY 2019 47

volume (78,757 mt) and climbed 15% higher in value ($578.5 million). U.S. share of Korea’s total beef imports climbed to 47.5%, up a full percentage point from last year. U.S. share of Korea’s chilled beef imports reached 60%.

last year’s pace in volume (3,068 mt) and 50% higher in value ($25 million). The Caribbean was up 16% in volume (9,826 mt) and 18% in value ($65.2 million) with exports also trending higher for Jamaica and the Bahamas.

Taiwan is also coming off a record year for U.S. beef exports and posted a strong April at 5,118 mt (up 15% from a year ago) valued at $47.9 million (up 14%). Through April, exports to Taiwan totaled 18,605 mt (up 6%) valued at $165.6 million (down 2%).

Exports to Hong Kong slipped 36% from a year ago in volume (27,825 mt) and were 29% lower in value ($236.6 million). Despite a 25% retaliatory duty, U.S. beef exports to China increased 5% to 2,417 mt, but value was down 15% to $18.2 million as most of the tariff cost was borne by U.S. suppliers. China’s beef imports already eclipsed $2 billion through the first four months of this year, up 54% from last year’s record pace, but the U.S. holds less than 1% of China’s booming beef import market.

In Japan, where all of U.S. beef’s major competitors have gained tariff relief in 2019, April exports were down 6% from a year ago in both volume (24,149 mt) and value ($156.8 million). Export volume through April was steady with last year’s pace at 98,296 mt while value increased 2% to $637.2 million. U.S. market share in Japan is still more than 41%, but this is down from nearly 45% in the first four months of 2017. For chilled beef, U.S. share has slipped two percentage points to 47.4%. In April, Japan’s imports from Mexico more than tripled year-over-year and imports also increased from Canada (up 52%), New Zealand (up 41%) and Australia (up 9%) as competitors of U.S. beef benefited from lower tariff rates. “U.S. beef is holding its own in Japan, but the April numbers are telling,” cautioned USMEF President and CEO Dan Halstrom. “With the April 1 rate cut, Australian, Canadian, New Zealand and Mexican beef are now subject to a 26.6% duty while the rate for U.S. beef remains at 38.5%. It is absolutely essential that the U.S. secures an agreement that will level this playing field. U.S. beef’s exceptional growth in Korea is a great example of what’s possible when tariffs are less of an obstacle.” Other January-April highlights for U.S. beef include: Beef exports to Mexico continue to post strong results, especially for muscle cuts. Combined beef/beef variety meat exports through April were 2% below last year’s pace at 76,870 mt, but value increased 9% to $372.4 million. For muscle cuts only, exports to Mexico climbed 8% from a year ago in volume (47,379 mt) and 11% in value ($293.3 million).

JULY 2019

Strong growth in the Philippines fueled a 20% increase in beef exports to the ASEAN region as volume reached 17,770 mt, valued at $86.9 million (up 6%). Export volume also trended higher to Indonesia and Vietnam.

An exceptional performance in the Dominican Republic is fueling a strong year for U.S. beef in the Caribbean. Exports to the Dominican Republic soared 56% above

Exports to Canada were down 15% in volume to 31,070 mt and 14% in value to just under $200 million. Demand has been impacted by larger Canadian beef production in 2019, but elimination of the 10% retaliatory duty on prepared beef products from the U.S. will help exports in this important category rebound. Latin America, Oceania, Taiwan bolster pork exports On May 20, the 20% retaliatory duty on most U.S. pork entering Mexico was removed, as the U.S., Mexico and Canada reached an agreement on steel and aluminum tariffs. This was obviously too late to boost April pork exports to Mexico, which sank 30% from a year ago in volume (54,971 mt) and 29% in value to $94.5 million. For January through April, exports to Mexico were down 18% in volume (232,391 mt) and 29% in value ($356.5 million). “Lifting of Mexico’s retaliatory duties was the most welcome news the U.S. pork industry has received in a long time,” Halstrom said. “Now let’s hope the duty-free access U.S. pork has enjoyed in Mexico since late May isn’t short-lived.” U.S. pork faces a significant disadvantage in China, where retaliatory duties remain in effect and competitors are positioning to fill China’s looming African swine fever-driven pork shortfall. January-April exports to China/Hong Kong were 16% below last year’s pace in volume (128,200 mt) and down 32% in value ($242 million). Leading value market Japan has not imposed any new tariffs on U.S. pork but its main competitors (European, Canadian and Mexican pork) have gained tariff relief in 2019. January-April exports of U.S. pork to Japan were down 7% from a year ago in volume (123,166 mt)

and fell 9% in value ($493.3 million), as U.S. share of Japan’s total imports fell from 36% last year to 32%. The sharpest decline was in Japan’s imports of U.S. ground seasoned pork, which were down nearly $40 million. January-April highlights for U.S. pork include: A strong performance in mainstay market Colombia and excellent growth in Chile and Peru drove exports to South America 44% above last year’s record pace in volume (57,005 mt) and 42% higher in value ($136.9 million). In Colombia, where USMEF has helped bolster demand for U.S. pork through promotional campaigns, educational seminars and enhanced efforts to overcome technical barriers, exports climbed 25% from a year ago to 37,283 mt valued at $79.6 million (up 17%). Last year, even with domestic production on the rise, the Colombian market took more than $215 million in U.S. pork, more than double the value exported in 2016. Exports to Central America are also coming off a record year in 2018 and climbed 11% in volume (29,321 mt) and 8% in value ($68.3 million), led by growth in Guatemala, Panama and Costa Rica.

April exports to Australia were the largest of 2019, pushing January-April volume to 37,979 mt (up 37% from last year’s record pace) valued at $98.6 million (up 21%). Exports to New Zealand are also performing extremely well in 2019, climbing 53% in volume (3,390 mt) and 36% in value ($10.1 million). Oceania is a strong region for U.S. hams used for further processing, which is especially important at a time when ham exports to Mexico and China were being pressured by tariffs. Despite facing ractopamine-related restrictions in Taiwan, exports increased 80% in volume (8,819 mt) and 55% in value ($19.3 million). Exports to Taiwan slumped in 2016 but have been rebounding over the past 2½ years. Momentum continues to grow for U.S. lamb Strong variety meat demand in Mexico and muscle cut growth in the Caribbean, the Middle East and Panama have fueled an upward trend in U.S. lamb exports. April exports totaled 1,227 mt, up 26% from a year ago, while value was up 15% to $2.2 million. For January-April, exports were up 56% year-over-year in volume (5,400 mt) and up 26% in value ($9.1 million). Muscle cut exports were up 17% in volume to 828 mt and climbed 19% in value to $5.4 million.

JULY 2019 49

JULY 2019

On the Edge of

Common Sense with Baxter Black Good Dawg Every genuine or would be cowboy’s pride and joy is his ‘good dawg!’ One of the highlights at a Stock Show is the stock dog trials. Now, allowin’ for the fact that all my exposure to stock dogs in the past had been on workin’ cow outfits, I wasn’t prepared to see a dog that actually obeyed his master’s commands! It was quite a shock.

JULY 2019

Accordin’ to the rules there were six classes of competition; three with cattle and three with sheep. They were divided into Advanced, Open and Started.

In the Advanced category the trainer could not cross a certain point in the arena. Using primarily voice commands, he instructed his dog to drive cattle through a series of gates, chutes and other obstacles. These dogs were a pleasure to watch. They were quick and quiet and like a good cutting horse, anticipated the critter’s moves. One of the best dogs was blind!

In the second category, the Open, they were a little less polished. The trainer was allowed to stay closer to the dog and used more hand signals and a louder voice. These dogs had moments of brilliance but, like any sophomore, occasionally they get a little too exuberant or stopped to check out the crowd. The Starter category was a three-ring circus! Wally’s dog Ruby, looked like a cub bear on his first date! His hand signals reminded me of a shipwrecked sailor who’d just spotted the rescue plane. He used a lot of the same voice commands I’ve heard you ranchers use on your own dogs. Ruby had the attention span of a Bartlett pear. Matter of fact four minutes into her trial run she decided Wally could handle it by himself and left!

All the dogs entered were Border Collie, Australian Shepherd or Kelpie. I asked why I didn’t see any Blue Heelers. I was told it was difficult to put a “good MBCSept2014c.qxp_Layout 1 9/24/14 9:59 AM Page 62 finish” on a Blue Heeler. I thought that was a kind way to put it. I’ve heard some of you ranchers putting “finishing touches” on your Blue Heelers with training aids like shovel handles, fly swatter and boot toes. I remember once Donnie arrived with his dog when Ed was gatherin’ his cows. Ed said, “Donnie, havin’ you and ol’ Badger help is like havin’ two good men not show up!”

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

Sale Every Saturday 12:00 Noon • Selling 1200 to 1700 head Farm Fresh Cattle weekly • Special Stock Cow and Bull Sale 3rd Tuesday night of each month at 6:30 p.m. • Pre-Vac Feeder Calf Sales 2nd Saturday of every month in conjunction with Regular Sale (Pfizer Pre-Vac, BLM Pre-Vac, Bayer Program, Mo Quality Assurance. LMA-Vac and MFA Health Track) JULY 2019

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JULY 2019

Your

BEEF CHECKOFF NEWS Sharing Your Burger

Written by Ashlynn Lingle, MBIC Intern

JULY 2019

A Burger and A Story We all know that a basic burger can be fantastic on its own, but do basic burgers leave a lasting impression on your mind? A burger that includes mouthwatering meat, tasteful toppings, succulent sauces, and a well-paired side dish leaves your stomach happy. This burger is what many crave, and this burger is similar to how we want people to feel learning about agriculture. When telling our ag stories, we want to create this lavish burger. Our consumers are hungry for more information on how their food is produced and transparency is desired. According to NCBA, consumers have searched for facts on beef production over 120,000 times as of March 2018. Teaching our young producers to advocate for agriculture by sharing their ag story should be seen as a necessary part to keep agriculture relevant and accurate. It is only a matter of time until the current farming generation of Baby Boomers will no longer shoulder the responsibility of promoting agriculture and the beef industry. The younger generations must begin stepping up. Many youth organizations provide passionate agriculturalists the opportunity to develop leadership and communication skills which later aids in the task of sharing about agriculture.

A Passion Shared with Generations “I believe in the future of agriculture with a faith born not of words but of deeds...” As a freshman in FFA, I remember spending hours reciting these infamous words. I practiced each line until I could spout off all five paragraphs – perfectly! Articulating my passion for agriculture through those simple sentences gave me a sense of pride. This passion for agriculture can be shared by many of us, whether we wear a blue jacket, or not. As the Missouri Beef Industry Council intern, I have the opportunity to present to over 1,200 agriculture-loving FFA members attending Camp Rising Sun! In the short 45 minutes I interact with these youth, the focus revolves around one main idea – sharing their “burger” or agriculture story. We must provide the upcoming generations with the tools to communicate their passion successfully to a public largely removed from the farm. Today, the average American is three generations removed from agriculture production. Only 2% of the population works with agriculture and of this group, 20% are millennial farmers. These millennials will become the individuals that we must believe in to share their “ag story” for the benefit of the agriculture industry.

Believing in the Beef Industry The Missouri beef industry is held in good hands by the farmers and ranchers who have put years of effort into increasing the demand for beef. In the coming years, the industry will be shifted into new hands who have the same passion for raising beef. As stated in the FFA Creed. “…achievements won by the present and past, generations of agriculturists; in the promise of better days through better ways…”. Agriculture stands as strong now, as it did decades prior. Beef producers continue to improve the demand for beef and envision a strong, viable beef industry for the state. Educating youth on the importance of advocating for beef and raising safe, sustainable beef will be a step in accomplishing the goals of our industry. Without a doubt, I believe in the future of agriculture, but talking about the industry does not seem easy as compared to earlier years.

Burgers, Passion, and Advocacy How will you share your “burger” in the coming weeks? With county fair season rolling in, many of us will have the opportunity to speak in favor of agriculture. Remembering to speak with “E.A.S.E” and keep an open mind will help reduce the anxiety associated with public speaking about our agriculture stories. Next month, we will dig into how the evolution of Beef Quality Assurance has benefited the beef industry in more ways than the obvious.

JULY 2019

Being an Advocate is “E.A.S.E” Y! Today’s culture challenges beef and agriculture production in ways producers have not had to face. This cultural challenge intimidates some producers from talking about how and why they raise beef. At FFA Camp this summer we want to build young agriculturalists’ confidence in telling their positive experiences with beef. An easy way to start the conversation about beef is with “E.A.S.E.” Engage with the consumer! People want to know about their food. Look for the opportunity in daily activities to talk to those around you about raising beef. It could be a simple conversation at the meat counter or at the doctor’s office. Acknowledge the questions associated with beef production. Few individuals understand what happens in the agriculture industry – listen openly to their curiosity. Share your experiences – people want to know! While we think feeding the cattle every morning may be unimportant, others see this daily task as something exciting to learn about. Talk about all parts of your beef operation. Earn trust. Consumers need to feel they have a reliable information source to turn to when questions

arise about beef production. By earning consumer trust, we build relationships that enable free-flowing conversations about raising cattle for consumption.

JULY 2019

Mershon Cattle Named BIF Commercial Producer of the Year The Beef Improvement Federation (BIF) presented Bruce and Tracey Mershon of Mershon Cattle LLC the BIF Commercial Producer of the Year Award June 18 during the group’s annual meeting and symposium in Brookings, S.D. This national award is presented annually to a producer to recognize their dedication to improving the beef industry at the commercial level. Mershon Cattle LLC is a diversified crop and livestock operation headquartered on a Century Farm in Buckner, Mo. The Mershon family has deep roots in Missouri agriculture. In 1865, Bruce’s great-greatgrandfather, Eli Mershon, settled in the Fort Osage area of Jackson County and purchased 160 acres shortly thereafter. The family has farmed there ever since. Bruce and Tracey Mershon have owned cattle since 1993 and launched Mershon Cattle LLC in 2012. They purchased Sunny Acres Farm in Appleton City, Mo., in 2013 to expand the operation. The Mershon cow herd consists of 1,600 Angus-based, crossbred cows, which are bred to Hereford, Simmental and Charolais sires. This complementary breeding program allows the operation to produce efficient, high-performing offspring, and is paired with a sustainable grass management program to maximize environmental stewardship. Bruce and Tracey have built their award-winning cattle operation while working full time as a commodity trader and marketing communications professional, respectively. A key to their success is gathering complete phenotypic records on each calf crop from birth to harvest. In conjunction with utilizing cutting-edge reproductive technologies, this phenotypic data is used to implement strategic improvements in building accuracy for their cow herd. In 2017, the American Hereford Association (AHA) invited Mershon Cattle to become a test herd in the National Reference Sire Program (NRSP). Bruce and Tracey were already using Hereford semen and collecting the complete phenotypic data required for the NRSP, making this program an ideal fit for Mershon Cattle. Through participation in the NRSP, replacement females and fed steers will be ran through an individual feed intake system to establish a baseline for feed efficiency.

organizations and other national agricultural groups. Through leadership and involvement, the Mershons endeavor to improve their operation, their land, their community and the beef industry every day. Mershon Cattle LLC was nominated by the AHA. Beef producers, academia and industry representatives attended the organization’s 51st annual convention. BIF’s mission is to help improve the industry by promoting greater acceptance of beef cattle performance evaluation. For more information about this year’s symposium, including additional award winners and coverage of the meeting and tours, visit BIFconference.com. For more information about BIF, visit Beefimprovement.org.

Kingsville Livestock Auction Kingsville, Missouri Hwy. 58 • 45 Miles SE of Kansas City, MO

There will be no Special Cow/Bull Sale in July Cattle Sale Every Tuesday 10:00 a.m. For information call Rick or Jeremy Anstine

816-597-3331 or 816-732-6070

Visit our Website at: www.anstineauctions.com or E-mail us at: kingsville@earthlink.net

JULY 2019

The Mershons are passionate about growing their community and bettering the beef industry. Bruce and Tracey hold leadership roles within multiple livestock

The Beef Improvement Federation (BIF) presented Bruce and Tracey Mershon of Mershon Cattle LLC the BIF Commercial Producer of the Year Award June 18 during the group’s annual meeting and symposium in Brookings, S.D. This national award is presented annually to a producer to recognize their dedication to improving the beef industry at the commercial level.

JULY 2019

Governor Mike Parson Promotes Cattle Industry with the Missouri Beef Promotion Tour Source: Office of Governor Parson ( JEFFERSON CITY, MO) – Today, (May 28, 2019) on behalf of Missouri cattlemen and cattlewomen, Governor Mike Parson proclaimed May as Beef Month in Missouri. Governor Parson presented the proclamation as part of his Missouri Beef Promotion Tour, starting at Kingsville Livestock Auction and ending at Hy-Vee in Lee’s Summit, meeting with farmers and consumers along the way. Governor Parson was joined by Director of Agriculture Chris Chinn and leadership from the Missouri Cattlemen’s Association and Missouri Beef Industry Council. “As a cattleman myself, it’s an honor to stand alongside my fellow farmers and ranchers to promote beef as the wholesome protein we all love,” Governor Mike Parson said. “Missouri Beef producers have a long history of caring for their cattle and the environment by protecting land, air, and water resources on their farms and ranches.” Missouri farmers and ranchers are a driving force in the state’s economy, as the state maintains more than 4 million head of cattle and calves on more than 50,000 farms that encompass nearly 10 million acres of farmland. This economic contribution produced nearly $2 billion in sales in 2017 and supported more than 40,000 jobs.

“Missouri is known around the United States for the high quality cows we maintain and calves we raise,” Director of Agriculture of Chris Chinn said. “Cattle and calves consistently rank No. 2 for total sales in Missouri agriculture, showing how important it is to agriculture’s overall output. We’re proud to join Governor Parson in showcasing key parts of the beef production process from the field all the way to the plate.” Missouri’s beef industry is indicative of the commitment of Missouri’s farmers and ranchers to good stewardship, providing the world with a safe, wholesome, and abundant food supply. As part of the Missouri Beef Promotion Tour, Governor Parson visited Barker Farms, which is a family-owned cattle farm in Lone Jack. David and Danny Barker own and operate the cow-calf operation, caring for approximately 300 head of cattle. “We’ve have four generations on our family farm,” David Barker of Lone Jack said. “My brother and I came back to the farm for the lifestyle – everything involved in farming and our rural community – we love. It is great to have a Governor that understands agriculture. It’s great for rural communities. It’s great for Missouri. He grew up with it; he lives it today, and he understands it.” Livestock markets, where farmers and ranchers often sell their livestock, are central to the cattle business. To showcase this critical link in the beef industry, Governor Parson selected Kingsville Livestock Auction as a stop on the tour. Livestock markets connect farmers and ranchers to buyers in and out of the state, which shows how interconnected the beef industry is. “We are honored to have Kingsville Livestock Auction as part of the Governor’s Beef Promotion Tour,” cattleman and owner Jeremy Anstine said. “It’s a pretty unique opportunity to have the Governor in our livestock auction as a cattleman himself.”

JULY 2019

Beef is recognized as one of the most nutrient dense foods, with ten essential nutrients and more than half of the required daily value of protein coming from one three ounce serving. Governor Parson finished the tour with the Missouri Beef Industry Council’s (MBIC) grilling event at Hy-Vee in Lee’s Summit, cooking and serving beef samples to Missourians who were shopping. MBIC is a farmer-led, nonprofit organization responsible for administering programs of promotion, education, research, and consumer and industry information.

JULY 2019

SALE REPORTS Seedstock Plus North Missouri Bull Sale 2.23.19 – Kingsville, Missouri 73 Balancer Bulls.......................................... Avg. $4,001 17 Gelbvieh Bulls.......................................... Avg. $3,488 90 Overall Bulls............................................. Avg. $3,904 Seedstock Plus Red Reward Bull & Heifer Sale 3.9.19 – Osceola, Missouri 39 Balancer Bulls.......................................... Avg. $2,842 16 Gelbvieh Bulls.......................................... Avg. $3,481 55 Overall Bulls............................................. Avg. $3,028 16 Registered Open Heifer........................... Avg. $1,680 46 Commercial Open Heifers....................... Avg. $1,120 Seedstock Plus South Missouri Bull Sale 3.23.19 – Carthage, Missouri 59 Balancer Bulls.......................................... Avg. $3,948 23 Gelbvieh Bulls.......................................... Avg. $3,944 82 Overall Bulls............................................. Avg. $3,946 18 Reg. Open Hfrs........................................ Avg. $1,286 68 Comm. Hfrs............................................. Avg. $1,038

McBee Cattle Company (continued) 6 Braunvieh Purebred spring bred heifers.... Avg. $2,050 16 McBeef Builder Hybrid spring bred heifers.................................... Avg. $1,848 11 BU Influ halfblood spring bred heifers ... Avg. $1,755 33 Total bred heifers..................................... Avg. $1,854 NE Missouri Show-Me-Select Replacement Heifers Sale 6.1.19 – Palmyra, Missouri 87 head of bred heifers.................................. Avg. $1,857

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McBee Cattle Company, Spring SELECTION DAY 2019 4.20.19 – Fayette, Missouri 12 Braunvieh Purebred bulls......................... Avg. $4,677 18 McBeef Builder Hybrid bulls................... Avg. $3,909 30 Total bulls................................................. Avg. $4,216

JULY 2019

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SALE CALENDAR

JULY 2019

Aug. 16 Express Ranches Big Event, Yukon, OK Aug. 31 Four Starr Simmentals 2nd Annual Production Sale, Eugene, MO Sept. 2 Autumn in the Ozarks Charolais Sale Strafford, MO Sept. 14 Wild Indian Acres & Friends Female Sale, DeSoto, MO Sept. 28 2S Angus Land & Cattle Sale, Seneca, MO Sept. 29 Terry Little Production Sale, Monticello, MO

Sept. 30 Gardiner Angus Ranch Fall Bull Sale, Ashland, KS Oct. 5 Jacâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Ranch Sale, Bentonville, AR Oct. 7 Express Ranches Fall Bull & Commercial Female Sale, Yukon, OK Oct. 7 Gleonda/Garton Legacy of Performance Sale, Miller, MO Oct. 11 Smith Valley Angus Sale, Salem, MO Oct. 12 Byergo Angus Sale, Savannah, MO Oct. 12 East Central Angus Association Sale, Cuba, MO Oct. 12 Oct. 12 Oct. 12 Oct. 15 Oct. 19 Oct. 19 Oct. 19 Oct. 19 Oct. 19 Oct. 19

THM Land and Cattle Co. Sale, Vienna, MO Valley Oaks Prime Choice Fall Sale, Lone Jack, MO J&N Ranch Fall Black Hereford Sale, Leavenworth, KS Superior Beef Genetics Sale, Lamar, MO Seedstock Plus Fall Bull Sale, Carthage, MO Byergo Beef Genetics Private Treaty Bull Sale, Dearborn, MO Circle A Angus Ranch Fall Bull & Heifer Sale, Iberia, MO Gerloff Farms Bull Fest, Bland, MO Heart of the Ozarks Angus Association, West Plains, MO Aschermann Charolais Bulls Sale, Carthage, MO

MBC Classified The MBC Classified column appears monthly. Classified advertising is only 50¢ a word. Send your check with your ad to Missouri Beef Cattleman, 2306 Bluff Creek Drive, #100, Columbia, Mo 65201. Deadline 10th 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 COVERED MINERAL BUNKS: CCA treated wood bunks work well with salt or other mineral mix. Built is six sizes 6’ - 16’, at Sentinel Industries. Ashland, MO. Phone: 573-657-2164.

JULY 2019

Oct. 19 Square B Ranch Open House, Warsaw, MO Oct. 19 Weiker Angus 66th Anniversary Sale, Fayette, MO Oct. 20 Frank/Hazelrigg Cattle Co., Fulton, MO Oct. 25 Spur Ranch Fall Performance Sale, Vinita OK Oct. 21 Hinkle’s Prime Cut Angus Sale, Nevada, MO Oct. 25 10 Grand Charolais Sale at the American Royal, Kansas City, MO Oct. 26 Mead Farms Production Sale, Versailles, MO Oct. 26 McBee Cattle Co. Annual Fall Bull & Female Sale, Fayette, MO Oct 27 Lacy’s Red Angus Bull and Female Sale, Drexel, MO Oct. 27 Baker Angus Farms, Butler, MO Oct. 28 Southwest MO Performance Tested Bull Sale, Springfield, MO Nov. 2 Worthington Angus Sale, Dadeville, MO Nov. 2 Seedstock Plus Red Reward Fall Edition Bull & Female Sale,Osceola, MO Nov. 9 23rd Annual Show-Me Plus Gelbvieh & Balancer® Sale, Springfield, MO Nov. 18 Green Springs Late Spring Bull Test, Nevada, MO Nov. 23 Sydenstricker Genetics Sale, Mexico, MO Nov. 23 Seedstock Plus Two Sales One Day Complete Dispersal of Brandywine Farms and the Showcase Sale XIV, Kingsville, MO Nov. 30 Butch’s Angus Sale, Jackson, MO Dec. 7 Wright Charolais 9th Annual Female Sale, Kearney, MO

Advertiser Index American Gelbvieh Association............................ 23 BQA...................................................................... 72 Brookover Cattle Co. Scott City........................... 46 Buffalo Livestock Market...................................... 57 Callaway Livestock Center Inc............................. 32 Central Missouri Sales Co.................................... 82 Circle A Angus Ranch.......................................... 37 Classified............................................................... 73 Clearwater Farm................................................... 37 Eastern Missouri Commission Company............. 38 Ertel Cattle Company Gelbvieh........................... 25 FCS of Missouri...................................................... 3 Finney County Feedyard, LLC............................. 49 Four Starr Simmental Sale................................... 31 Galaxy Beef LLC.................................................. 37 GDI....................................................................... 20 Gerloff Farms........................................................ 37 Gleonda Farms Angus - Traves Merrick............... 37 GrassWorks - Weed Wiper ................................... 57 Green’s Welding & Sales......................................... 7 Hart Farm Gelbvieh............................................. 26 Heart of America Gelbvieh Assn.......................... 27 Hinkle’s Prime Cut Angus.................................... 37 HRC Feed Yards................................................... 45 HydraBed.............................................................. 46 Innovative Livestock Services............................... 84 Irsik & Doll............................................................. 2 Jim’s Motors.......................................................... 38 JJ Skyline Angus................................................... 37 Joplin Regional Stockyards................................... 29 Kingsville Livestock Auction................................ 63

CENTRAL MISSOURI SALES CO. 3503 S. Limit • Sedalia, MO

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JULY 2019

Sale Every Monday at 11:00 a.m.

660-826-8286

Jay Fowler Cary Brodersen E.H. Fowler 660-473-1562 660-473-6373 660-473-1048

Kinsley Feeders, LLC........................................... 43 Livestock Nutrition Center.................................... 11 Marshall & Fenner Farms..................................... 37 MCA Beef House Schedule................................... 13 MCA Dury Plaza Hotel - Columbia..................... 68 MCA Golf Tournament................................... 69-70 MCA Membership Form...................................... 75 MCA Presidents Council...................................... 73 MCA Show-Me-Select Sale Credit....................... 74 McBee Cattle Co................................................... 33 MCF Scholarship Ad............................................ 41 McPherson Concrete Products.............................. 81 Mead Cattle Co..................................................... 21 Mead Farms.......................................................... 37 Merck Ad.............................................................. 55 Missouri Angus Association.................................. 37 Missouri Angus Breeders...................................... 37 Missouri Beef Industry Council............................ 15 Missouri State Fair Foundation Legacy Wall....... 30 Missouri Valley Commission Company............... 38 Mitchell Gelbvieh.................................................. 24 MJCA Tour........................................................... 65 MLS Tubs............................................................. 18 Naught-Naught Agency......................................... 56 NRCS Cattlemen Field Days...........................58-59 Profitability Challenge......................................71-72 ProServe................................................................ 79 Richardson Ranch................................................ 37 Seedstock Plus Sales.............................................. 83 Sellers Feedlot....................................................... 44 Soapweed Gelbvieh............................................... 22 South Central Regional Stockyards...................... 36 Square B Ranch/Quality Beef.............................. 37 Sublette Feeders LLC............................................ 42 Summit Livestock Facilities................................... 35 Sydenstricker Genetics.......................................... 37 Tiffany Cattle Company, Inc................................ 47 Valley Oaks Angus................................................ 37 Weiker Angus Ranch............................................ 37 Westway Feed.......................................................... 9 Wheeler Auctions & Real Estate........................... 25 Wheeler Livestock Market.................................... 39 Mike Williams....................................................... 25 Windsor Livestock Auction................................... 40 Zeitlow Distributing.............................................. 79