August 2015 Line Rider

August 2015

Allied Industry Issue

_­ Post-Fire Recovery – Working Together: Allied Industry and ICA – Friend or Foe: The Impacts of Cattle Disposition

ICA Line Rider, August 2015

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ICA Line Rider, August 2015

August 2015 Allied Industry Issue

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F E AT U R E S 11 Working Together: Allied Industry and ICA

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The allied industry helps contribute to the success of ICA and its members.

Post-Fire Recovery

Guest writer, Steve Stuebner, checks in with agencies and rancher Charles Lyons on the what’s happening on the ground since the Pony and Elk Complex Wildfires of 2013.

20 Friend or Foe: The Impacts of Cattle Disposition

UI Beef Extension Specialist, J. Benton Glaze, summarizes studies of disposition in cattle and how they affect performance and profitability.

ABOUT THIS ISSUE

MONTHLY COLUMNS

Our August issue features the silent partner of ICA—allied industry.

Check out regular features on important policy and legislative topics from our staff, as well as an encouraging article about post-fire recovery and a production piece on how cattle disposition affects the cow herd.

President’s Perspective............................................................................2 NewsMakers........................................................................................ 3, 9 Executive Message...................................................................................4 Natural Resources....................................................................................6 Feeder Focus............................................................................................8 Allied Industry...................................................................................... 10 Idaho Beef Checkoff News.................................................................. 16 Breeder & Service Guide................................................................22-23 “My Husband’s Hands” photo by Jodie Mink, Cambridge.

“Like” us on Facebook www.facebook.com/IdahoCattleAssociation ICA Line Rider, August 2015

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PRESIDENT’S PERSPECTIVE 4

ICA Board of Directors President Carl Lufkin............................... (Leadore) 208-768-2480

We Will Prevail

President-Elect Laurie Lickley..........................(Jerome) 208-420-7974

by Carl Lufkin, ICA President

Immediate Past President Jared Brackett......................... (Rogerson) 208-731-0776

Vice President Jerald Raymond.........................(Menan) 208-317-8777

Cattlewomen Council Chair Robin Lufkin............................ (Leadore) 208-768-2480

W

hat a strange turn of events we have had here in 2015. With the unusually warm, dry winter and early spring we have had throughout the state, I think many of us were considering liquidation or alternative sources of feed to maintain our herds. Then came May and rain. Lots of rain. The near perfect weather conditions through July has left us with what some consider their best year ever. That, coupled with strong cattle prices, gives we in this industry an awful lot to be thankful for.

That being said, we also have many challenges facing us. For example, beef from regions of Argentina and Brazil with a known history of Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) has recently been allowed by the World Trade Organization (WTO) to make its way to the United States. USDA’s Animal Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) announced it was amending regulations to allow fresh beef into the United States from two South American countries. Argentina is expected to begin exporting fresh beef into the United States beginning Sept.1 of this year—in less than a month.

To me this is an outrage. The absolute ignorance and arrogance of this Administration is unparalleled. In the past, some in our industry gave all they had to eradicate this devastating disease. And because of their efforts, the U.S. cattle herds have been protected from FMD since 1929. I wonder how those wiped out by this disease would feel about our Administration allowing meat back into our country from infected countries. Consumers are increasingly vigilant about how their beef is raised-what it is fed, how it is handled from pasture to plate. I wonder if knowing about this issue would leave consumers feeling warm and fuzzy about their food supply. I think not. Not to mention the beef coming from these countries resembles more of an old shoe than the melt-in-your-mouth tender beef we raise here in Idaho.

The next issue that has me foaming at the mouth is sage grouse. The Obama Administration’s latest move on sage grouse is nothing more than a land grab. It has nothing to do with preservation of the bird. U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service once identified Gov. Otter’s plan as the preferred alternative. Now they are changing the rules. This Administration has repeatedly recognized that well-managed livestock grazing is beneficial to sage grouse. How many of you have seen a sage grouse lek on a salt lick? I have. I see more birds on mesic meadows grazed like a putting green than any place I go. Yet the U.S. Forest Service and Bureau of Land Management want to require 4-7 inch stubble heights in these areas. The only way to achieve these benchmarks is to eliminate grazing completely.

We in the ranching community are the original conservationists of our natural resources. We are the true preservationists of the species with which we share our grazing lands. We are the ones who will make sure habitat will not be devastated by fire, as we have proven repeatedly in the past. We in agriculture will manage for all species, for all resources, and for the environment, and we will prevail. We have proven our commitment, innovation, preservation, and ingenuity over and over and over again, and we will continue to maintain our devotion to responsible practices in raising our cattle. We will continue to raise healthy animals on healthy ground, and produce a healthy and nutritious product that also tastes delicious. There are those who will try to run us out of this industry and shut down our operations through regulation, legislation, and litigation, but if we stick together and work together, we will prevail. I

Cow-Calf Council Chair Scott Kesl...................................(Tendoy) 208-940-0098 Feeder Council Chair Aron Bennett.................... (Grand View) 208-850-2363 Purebred Council Chair Tucker Shaw............................ (Caldwell) 208-445-1678 Treasurer Matt Duckett........................... (Caldwell) 208-230-5650 District 1 Brad Higgins......................(Cottonwood) 208-507-0989 Linda Rider.................... (Coeur d’Alene) 208-667-3373 District 2 Ramona Ridley....................... (Caldwell) 208-455-4868 Ron Ford..............................(Cambridge) 208-550-0666 District 3 Kurt Mason.............................(Kimberly) 208-731-2691 Dawn Anderson...................... (Gooding) 208-280-1505 District 4 Scott Rigby............................... (Rexburg) 208-356-6808 Jay Smith...................................(Carmen) 208-940-1020 District 5 Ken Eliason............................ (Holbrook) 208-698-3341 Tim Willie................................... (Malad) 208-766-3327 Allied Industry Representative Kelton Spain.................. (New Plymouth) 208-859-8798 CattleWomen Board Representative Megan Satterwhite................. (Rogerson) 208-420-6795 Directors at Large Marshall Jensen.............................(Boise) 208-243-0727 Marty Gill................................... (Parma) 208-890-3805

Committee Leaders

CALF–Chair: Jerald Raymond; Vice Chair: Norm Wallis; Board: Marty Gill, Ken Eliason, Ramona Ridley, Linda Rider, Dawn Anderson, Scott Rigby CATTLE PAC–Chair: Laurie Lickley; Board: Brad Higgins, Kurt Mason, Matt Duckett, Scott Rigby, Tim Willie MEMBERSHIP–Chair: Jerald Raymond; Committee: Brad Higgins, Marty Gill, Scott Rigby, Ramona Ridley, Megan Satterwhite, Dawn Anderson, Tim Willie, Marshall Jensen FEDERAL & STATE LANDS–Chair: Darcy Helmick Committee: Kurt Mason, Ken Eliason, Matt Duckett, Linda Rider, Jay Smith PRIVATE LANDS & ENVIRONMENT–Chair: Norm Wallis; Committee: Brad Higgins, Kurt Mason, Ron Ford, Jay Smith, Tim Willie WILDLIFE–Chair: Richard Savage; Committee: Aron Bennett, Marty Gill, Megan Satterwhite, Linda Rider, Tucker Shaw, Dawn Anderson, Jay Smith, Tim Willie RESOLUTIONS–Chair: Carl Lufkin; Vice Chair: Laurie Lickley MARKETING–Chair: John Nalivka CATTLE HEALTH & WELL-BEING–Chair: Scott Holt Outreach & Education Subcommittee: John Hall

ICA Line Rider, August 2015

News Makers Zoetis Announces Idaho Save the Range Initiative

Zoetis, an animal health company, has announced the Idaho Save the Range Initiative, an effort to protect Idaho’s grazing range by bolstering the Cattle Association Legal Fund (CALF) through contributions based on product sales. From Aug. 1, 2015, through Nov. 10, 2016, Zoetis will contribute monetarily to CALF for each documented dose of Zoetis vaccines, implants and EAZI-BreedTM CIDR® used by Idaho cattle producers. Likewise, Zoetis will make a contribution to CALF when Idaho cattle producers utilize Dectomax, Valbazen, Lutalyse, Factrel and anti-microbials. Each donation will be made to the CALF in the name of the producer.

Contributions to CALF will be qualified after a copy of receipts of product are submitted to the Idaho Cattle Association (ICA) office via mail at P.O. Box 15397, Boise, Idaho 83715 or electronically to dawn@idahocattle.org. ICA will tabulate total doses used and submit the tabulation and a copy of the receipts to Zoetis for corroboration.

“As a U.S.-based company, focused only on animal health, we appreciate the challenges Idaho cattle producers face every day,” says Thomas Brooks, Senior Territory Business Manager Cattle/Equine.

“The ‘Save the Range’ initiative is an opportunity for ICA members and Zoetis to work together on issues vital to their business.”

“ICA is proud of the industry the organization represents.

Cattle production is the backbone of Idaho’s economy, and cattle producers share a legacy of environmental stewardship, natural resource conservation, and sustainability while producing a nutritious protein,” adds Wyatt Prescott, ICA Executive Vice President. “We are thrilled and humbled by the generosity of Zoetis Animal Health, and their commitment to preserving this industry and way of life for many years to come.” I

Bull and Female Sale Monday, March 14th, 2016

at Spring Cove Ranch, Bliss, Idaho

Selling 160 Angus bulls & 75 Angus heifers 50 Hereford bulls & 20 Hereford Heifers 10 Red Angus bulls & Heifers Selling Sons and Daughters sired by these breeding leading sires :

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Idaho Beef Council announces new leadership team

Idaho Beef Producers Morgan Evans, Downey, Lou Murgoitio, Boise, and Judy Hinman, Emmett, were named to leadership positions at the June 18-19 Idaho Beef Council (IBC) meeting held in Boise.

Evans, Murgoitio and Hinman are volunteer leaders and will hold these positions for fiscal year 2016. Their responsibilities include setting IBC’s priorities and providing direction for the spending of Idaho Checkoff dollars in order to maintain and build consumer demand for beef through support of integrated state, national and international programs.

Evans, elected Chairman of the IBC, is a producer from Downey, Idaho and represents the cow-calf industry. Murgoitio, elected Vice-Chairman, is a dairy producer from Boise, and represents the dairy industry. Hinman, elected Secretary/Treasurer, is a cow-calf rancher from Emmett, and represents the Idaho Cattle Association (ICA) Cattlewomen and the cow-calf industry.

The IBC board also welcomed incoming board member Jeff Johnson, a feeder from Parma. Johnson replaces Cevin Jones, a feeder from Eden who completed his allowable two terms.

The IBC Board of Directors is an eight-member board with representatives from the cow-calf industry, dairy industry, feeder industry and Idaho’s auction markets. These representatives are peer nominated and Governor appointed and serve three-year terms. I ICA Line Rider, August 2015

C Gohr 9158 About Time 1101 Basin Payweight 1682

CED+15 BEPD-2.2 WEPD+73 YEPD+121 MEPD+26 CW+68 Marb+.87 Rib+.62 SC+1.27 $W+91.54 $F+89.19 $B+185.75

CED+0.3 BW+2.0 WW+51 YW+79 M+27 Milk & Growth +53 SC+.7 RIB+.59 MARB+.05 CHB+$25

For Sale Catalogs call: 208-352-4332 Spring Cove Ranch

Art and Stacy Butler 269 Spring Cove Rd Bliss, Idaho 83314 208-352-4332 www.springcoveranch.com info@springcoveranch.com

JBB/AL Herefords

James & Dawn Anderson 208-280-1505 Bev Bryan 208-934-5378 1998 S 1500 E Gooding, Idaho 83330 jbbalherefords@hotmail.com

Angus since 1919

5

EXECUTIVE MESSAGE

The Lion, the Unicorn and For Want of a Nail

by Wyatt Prescott Executive Vice President

P

erhaps my favorite time of day is bedtime. Every night I try to spend time reading a story to Augustus before we put him down, and my favorite are the old-school Mother Goose nursery rhymes. There is a part of me that wonders what effect these stories even have on a one-year-old, as nobody is certain what he understands in them; he even has a satire book in his library titled, Go the F to Sleep. Nevertheless, I take advantage of the time to make certain I get my last fix of the boy for the day.

Sometimes I’m bewildered to find a meaning in these literary classics, like The Lion and the Unicorn.

The lion and the unicorn fighting for the crown The lion beat the unicorn all around the town.

Some gave them white bread, and some gave them brown; Some gave them plum cake and drummed them out of town.

What in the world does this have to do with fighting for the crown? It makes me wonder why we have told some of these nonsensical tales for hundreds of years.

They may make us scratch our heads, but nursery rhymes were used anciently as a way to spread political propaganda, like old-school political cartoons. The Lion and the Unicorn, for example, dates back to the turn of the 15th century, when Queen Elizabeth I named the son of Mary Queen of Scots as her heir, and England and Scotland were unified by the coronation of James I. This required a new royal crest— the combining of England’s two lions and Scotland’s two unicorns. The compromise resulted in the British coat of arms with one lion and one unicorn; the lion wearing the crown.

But what is this nonsense with the white bread, brown bread and plum cake?

It’s kind of like the fed cattle board when trying to place feeder cattle this past year.

We all knew there should be an element of logic, but it was as if logic didn’t exist or profitability didn’t matter. It also makes me think about the BLM/USFS Sage grouse management plan that takes grazing—which is only a secondary threat when done improperly—and treats it like a primary threat in a management plan.

Maybe all of our problems are a result of the lack of a rational approach. Maybe an irrational offering is the solution we’re missing, though I don’t think brown bread is going to help get any feeder steers bought under $180/cwt. But maybe if I offer plum cake at my next meeting with Department of the Interior, they will take grazing out of the sage grouse focal area management.

Then again, I am reminded of yet another one of Gus’s nursery rhymes, For Want of a Nail,

For want of a nail the shoe was lost.

For want of a shoe the horse was lost.

For want of a horse the rider was lost.

For want of a rider the battle was lost.

For want of a battle the kingdom was lost.

And all for the want of a horseshoe nail.

This rhyme is more than 200 years older than the first, and has been used as motivation in battle since 1390 to remind those involved that actions produce consequences. The poem was written to justify King Edward III’s command for

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August 2015

Allied Industry Issue

The Line Rider is the official magazine of the Idaho Cattle Association. It is published 11 times/year, in January, February, March, April/May, June, July, August, September, October, November and December.

ICA Office

2120 Airport Way, P.O. Box 15397 Boise, ID 83715 Phone: 208-343-1615 info@idahocattle.org www.idahocattle.org www.facebook.com/IdahoCattleAssociation www.twitter.com/IdahoCattle www.instagram.com/idcattle Executive Vice President Wyatt Prescott, wyatt@idahocattle.org Communications Director & Feeder Coordinator Britany Hurst, britany@idahocattle.org Membership and Production Manager Dawn Schooley, dawn@idahocattle.org Administrative Assistant Michelle Johnson, michelle@idahocattle.org Policy Director Karen Williams, karen@idahocattle.org 208-866-6438 Publisher/Editor Maggie Malson, maggiejomalson@mac.com 3100 Elmore Road Parma, ID 83660 208-739-2265 • 208-674-1283 fax Advertising Sales JoAnn Behrends 208-989-5022 joannbehrends@gmail.com Jan Ford 800-693-8048 jford17879@aol.com Member Advertising Rates 4-color: Back cover $785; IFC: $775; IBC: $759; 4-color: 1 page $455; 2/3 page $399; 1/2 page $309; 1/3 page $235; 1/4 page $175; 1/8 page $129; Insert $525 B/W: 1 page $355; 2/3 page $299; 1/2 page $235; 1/3 page $185; 1/4 page $125; 1/8 page $79; Breeders’ or Service Guide $720Color $567-BW (9 issues) Rates apply to ICA members only. Nonmembers and national rates available upon request. Ad deadline is first of the month preceding publication.

ICA Line Rider, August 2015

obligatory archery practice on Sundays and holidays. King Edward III was convinced that this mandate would ensure the continued safety of the realm.

Benjamin Franklin included this poem, or a version of it, in his Poor Richard’s Almanac when the colonists were fending off the British, and during World War II, this verse was framed and hung on the wall of the Anglo-American Supply Headquarters in London, England as a reminder again that vigilance is the price we pay for prosperity.

Isn’t that the truth? Without your confidence, diligence and vigilance, $3.00 calves would not be possible.

And without the commitment of cattle producers to ICA during the past 100 years, God only knows how many shoes, battles and kingdoms would have been lost in this industry. I

ICA Line Rider, August 2015

For all your needs this Fall, come see us!

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7

NATURAL RESOURCES

Introducing the Idaho Public Lands Council

by Karen Williams, Natural Resources Policy Director

I

f you graze cattle on public lands, you are all too well aware of the numerous challenges that correlate with having the government as a landlord. Along with the constraints on common sense that come from overlapping laws, regulations and policies, grazing permittees face a tenuous existence at the whim of the perspectives of the current political party. Not only that, permittees also bear the brunt of malicious attacks by extremist groups.

By its nature, cattle ranching is already a risky venture. However, when you add the layers of uncertainty that come with grazing permits, you have a livelihood that could be obliterated with the stroke of a pen. In Idaho, where more than 66 percent of the total land is owned by the state or federal government, the use of public lands for livestock grazing is vital to the viability of the majority of our ranchers and our industry.

Consequently, the tracking and influencing of public lands policy is an essential and indispensible component of continued livestock grazing on those lands.

What is the Idaho Public Land Users Fund?

This is where the Public Lands Council comes in. For years, ICA has maintained a separate fund called the Idaho Public Land Users. Money for the fund is collected through voluntary per AUM contributions from the federal and state lands permittees throughout Idaho. Once a year, we send a statement and newsletter to those permittees. The funds collected are used specifically for the purpose of actively dealing with public lands issues and promoting and defending public lands grazing. A portion of those funds are kept in state to enable ICA to focus efforts and staff resources on those grazing and natural resource issues that directly affect Idaho ranchers. The majority of the funds we raise are sent to the national Public Lands Council (PLC).

What is the Public Lands Council?

Based in Washington, D.C., the mission of PLC is to “maintain a stable business environment for ranchers with public lands grazing permits, who are the caretakers of the range, the economic drivers of rural western communities, and providers of food and fiber for the nation.” Originating in 1968, PLC is a conglomeration of western state cattle and sheep associations, along with the

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National Cattlemen’s Beef Association, American Sheep Industry, and Association of National Grasslands. PLC upholds our voice on Capitol Hill. PLC is the only organization in D.C. whose sole purpose is to defend and promote grazing on federal lands. PLC maintains a daily and strong presence inside the halls of Congress and federal agencies, representing the interests of public lands permittees. In addition to working on national issues, PLC also assists states in their local efforts where possible. For example, PLC has assisted ICA in some of our legal battles to defend public lands grazing within the state, including our big Owyhee 68 Fight to Preserve the West.

Idahoans have a particularly strong voice within PLC right now as one of our own, Brenda Richards from Murphy and former ICA Federal Lands Chairman, is currently serving as president of the organization.

Idaho has four delegates to PLC, three of whom are appointed by ICA and one is appointed by the Idaho Woolgrower’s Association. ICA’s current delegates are Darcy Helmick of Grand View who serves as ICA’s representative on the PLC Board of Directors, Charles Lyons of Mountain Home, and Jared Brackett of Three Creek.

Changes Ahead The cost of business is going up, and as a result PLC is considering a significant dues increase for the affiliate state organizations. In anticipation of this increase, our PLC delegates met this summer to consider the proposal. At this meeting, several changes and updates were proposed for the Idaho Public Land Users Fund. First, in an effort to decrease confusion and create better cohesion with our national organization, the name of the Idaho Public Land Users will change to the Idaho Public Lands Council or IPLC, including a new logo and a new look to our billings and newsletters. Second, our dues request will increase by 2 cents/AUM, a change from 8 to 10 cents/AUM or a $10 minimum—whichever is greater. Third, to the extent that current data can be obtained from the agencies, we will undertake an effort to update our database of public lands grazing permittees in the state. Fourth, we will consider the feasibility of combining our database and billing process with the Idaho Woolgrowers.

ICA Line Rider, August 2015

What Do These Changes Mean for You? If you have a permit to graze livestock on federal or state land within Idaho, be on the lookout in the coming month for an updated bill from the newly-named Idaho Public Lands Council. Please be patient with this process and notify us if the information on your bill is incorrect. Our database is only as good as the information we receive from the agencies and from you. As always, let us know if you have any questions—whether about the billing or about the work we do. We encourage you to take time to read the newsletter. It is full of information about the important work we are doing to protect your ability to graze your livestock on public lands and also provides useful updates for issues that may impact you.

Though at times it seems like an uphill battle, the protection of public lands grazing is worth the fight. You can rest assured that that is exactly what the Idaho Public Lands Council and the national Public Lands Council are working together to do. I

110 years of of supporting supporting the the cattle cattle industry. industry.

YOUR SOURCE ICA Line Rider, August 2015

9

FEEDER FOCUS

Is RCRA the Next Big Threat?

by Britany Hurst, Feeder Coordinator

A

federal district court ruling recently broke precedent, finding The broad interpretation of the precedent-setting decision puts the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA) waste cattle feeding operations especially at risk for retaliation from the law can be applied to industrial air pollution deposited on land. anti-agriculture environmental lobby. Judge Marbley effectively gave You read that right, air pollution deposited on land. While this only the green light and a pat on the back to anyone looking for a law to pertains to industrial air pollution at this point, we know that it is justify their anti-agriculture agenda. He advised courts to proceed only a matter of time before activist groups will try to incorporate on a “case-by-case basis, keeping in mind as the guiding principal this decision into their arsenal against animal agriculture. that ‘RCRA is a remedial statute that is to be interpreted broadly’” The case, The Little Hocking Water Association v. DuPont, when dealing with RCRA suits. brought chemical giant DuPont against the water association after I have always been a glass-half-full kind of person, but after emissions of perflouroocatnoic acid (C8) contaminated the soil and sitting in various meetings discussing a myriad of environmental groundwater of a rural water system. Judge Algenon Marbley of the issues, I am afraid I am becoming a bit jaded. Even the most absurd U.S. District Court for scenarios cannot be ruled out; the Southern District of nothing is off the table when it The common sense approach our Ohio’s Eastern Division comes to what might be a target in grandfathers and great-grandfathers practiced the future. determined that the natural deposition of C8 has decayed during the past century, but our Attorney Seth Jaffe echoed this qualifies as disposal of sentiment in a blog post on Law industry is still viable, and with dedication solid waste under RCRA’s & the Environment after the and hard work the viability will continue imminent and substantial DuPont ruling came down. “How endangerment provision. many different statutes and causes through the next hundred years.

According to the plaintiff, of action do we need to provide?

— Britany Hurst DuPont’s C8 emissions Don’t like Superfund? Try RCRA. adulterated 45 acres of Doesn’t work? How about the land in wellfield.

Clean Air Act? Statutory remedies RCRA’s endangerment aren’t sufficient? Let’s resuscitate provision allows for prosecution of violations for waste disposal that public and private nuisance doctrines. Of course, one can always— poses an imminent threat to human health or the environment. like Judge Marbly here—fall back on the canon that remedial With this ruling, there is precedence for the endangerment statues are to be construed broadly.” provision to be applied to air emissions deposited on land. While This is an accurate depiction of our sad reality. The goodthis argument is certainly not new to the courtroom, it is a fight neighbor mindset that once prevailed has been choked out little by that has been shut down in every legal appearance until now. little as each generation is raised further from the farm or feedlot.

Even in our own Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals a similar suit, As a result, every word and punctuation mark in published and Center for Community Action, et al., v. BNSF Railway, et al., was practical documents is deliberated over and chosen with painstaking rejected last August when a legal bid attempted to regulate diesel precision. The common sense approach our grandfathers and greatparticulate matter from locomotives. The Court ruled that rail grandfathers practiced has decayed during the past century, but emissions did not qualify as disposal of solid waste, and therefore our industry is still viable, and with dedication and hard work the not subject to RCRA. In fact, the decision by the Ninth Circuit viability will continue through the next hundred years. I maintained the definition of federal law provides “sufficient contextual clues” to rule that emissions fall outside the scope of RCRA. Judge Marbley distinguished DuPont from the BNSF Railway case by claiming RCRA governs only “land disposal” but the federal Clean Air Act governs all air pollutants. His decision even calls out the Ninth Circuit’s “narrow reading of RCRA’s text and legislative history.” Marbley’s decision opens the gate for more frequent and more aggressive litigation over land deposition of emissions in the future. And not to be Johnny Raincloud, but I do not think any of us can believe agriculture is safe from coming suits.

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ICA Line Rider, August 2015

News Makers Valley Wide Cooperative and Valley Co-ops, Inc. members approve merger

After months of meetings and preparation, Valley Wide Cooperative and Valley Co-ops, Inc., have agreed to merge.

The two businesses received overwhelming support through the voting process from both sets of board members and the membership of the cooperatives. Dave Holtom, CEO of Valley Wide Cooperative said, “We are encouraged by the support both memberships have conveyed and will now concentrate on meeting the expectations of our patrons and will communicate our progress as we move along.”

Board members from each cooperative echoed the same philosophy on the importance of future growth and stability of the company. Valley Wide Cooperative Board Chairman, Bill McManus believes that this merger is essential to the longterm strength and survivability of the cooperative. “It’s vital for us to grow and maintain market relevance in this highly competitive environment for the benefit of our members and our employees”, said Bill.

Carl Pendleton, Chairman of the Board for Valley Coops feels that combining both coops will bring great value to the members of both cooperatives. “Combining these two companies will produce a stronger, farmerowned cooperative that will be positioned to not only compete, but thrive well into the future”.

Both Valley Wide Cooperative and Valley Co-op, Inc., have divisions in Retail, Energy (propane and bulk fuel) and Agronomy.

Each company is firmly rooted in Idaho (both were started in the 1930s), have deep commitments to customer service, and employ only the best in their fields. Both cooperatives are like minded when it comes to being involved and giving back to their communities. In the past two years, the cooperatives have teamed up together to provide donations and food during the 7 cares food drive. Together the Coops donated more than $30,000 and 10 tons of food to the program, which helps feed families throughout the state. Both organizations are a perfect example of what a cooperative can mean to a community and the patrons of the cooperative system. The merger between Valley Wide Cooperative and Valley Co-op, Inc. will take affect Sept. 1, 2015.

ICA Line Rider, August 2015

Valley Co-Op is a locally owned cooperative proudly serving area agricultural producers, commercial businesses and families in Southern Idaho. Following founding traditions of honesty and caring for others, Valley Co-Op is motivated by service.

Valley Coops serves patrons in the Magic Valley from nine locations with a team of 200 employees.  Valley Wide Cooperative, also a locally owned cooperative, has experienced growth

and success through several mergers over the past 15 years. They pride themselves in the level of service they offer, the facilities they have built and the quality of employees that make up the Valley Wide team. Valley Wide serves its patrons from Western Wyoming to Eastern Oregon through 34 locations and the efforts of more than 350 employees.

For more information, visit valleywidecoop.com or valleyco-ops.com. I

11

ALLIED INDUSTRY

Allied Industry and the Great Idaho Cattle Association

by Kelton Spain, Allied Industry Chair

S

everal years ago, the Idaho Cattle Association (ICA), partnered Celebration can be largely attributed to the professional members with a number of Allied Industry representatives to create a of both the ICA and the Allied Industry—all who worked hand-inposition on the ICA Board of Directors for an Allied Industry hand to create a memorable celebration.

Chairman. Our state is unique in this partnership; very few other During my time as Chairman of the Allied Industry state cattle associations have created such a position. The larger Representatives, I have worked with several Board members who group of Allied Industry members of ICA elects the Allied Industry have welcomed feedback on the tradeshow and have not hesitated to Chairman. The chairman is expected to attend quarterly meetings ask me questions on topics specific to the Allied Industry. The ICA held by the ICA Board in different locations throughout the state, Board of Directors has been proactive in trying to meet the needs of and the Allied Industry Chairman is a voting member on the ICA the Allied Industry members, and have been progressive in making board. Because of the recognition of the added value of the Allied the tradeshow a better experience for everyone involved.

Industry Chairman on the ICA board, it is vital that the Chairman I am sure I will have mixed emotions when November rolls stay engaged and current on the issues of the day in the state’s cattle around. On one hand, I will likely be sad to see my term on the industry.

Board of Directors come to an end. On the other hand, I am The Allied Industry confident I will leave knowing Chairman serves a twoI have given my best to the The ICA Board of Directors has been proactive year term on the Board Allied Industry members in trying to meet the needs of the Allied Industry and the ICA Board. I have of Directors. Every other year, a new chairmanmembers, and have been progressive in making thoroughly enjoyed my elect is voted on, allowing time on the Board and have the tradeshow a better experience for everyone an opportunity for the grown in my knowledge and involved. current chairman to professional collaborations mentor the in-coming with the ICA. With the ever ­ — Kelton Spain chairman. The chairmanchannging issues that face the elect can step in for the cattle business and way of life, current chairman, should it is critical producers and there be a need. Every business owners invest in our year at the ICA annual meeting, time is set aside for the Allied Idaho cattle industry. Becoming a member of the Allied Industry Industry members and elected Chairman to discuss current issues, or ICA is one way to help. I know that my commitment runs deep, the upcoming tradeshow, hosting of a hospitality suite, and any and I plan to be an active member of ICA for as long as I am able. other concerns or ideas raised by the members.

The ICA is a terrific organization with many amazing members! I The majority of the Allied Industry members are employed and if elected, should seek permission from his/her employer to fulfill this role. Typically, the meetings are a two-day time commitment, which includes travel. Many employers are pleased to have one of their employees participate as a leader in the cattle industry and on the ICA Board of Directors, and grant permission willingly.

In November of 2013, I was elected to the ICA Board of Directors as Chairman of the Allied Industry Committee. I have found the position to be quite rewarding and have strived to embody the goals and objectives of the Idaho cattle industry. Jesse Brown, chair-elect, will step into the role of Chairman beginning November 2015. Both Jesse and I have been heavily involved in the 100 Year Celebration of the ICA. Jesse volunteered to help organize the 100th celebration and has committed many hours to the success of the “Big Event,” particularly the centennial cattle drive, along with many other Allied Industry representatives. These Allied Industry folks are always ready to lend a hand when needed, and this year has been no exception. The success of the 100 Year

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ICA Line Rider, August 2015

Working Together: Allied Industry and ICA compiled by Britany Hurst

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he Allied Industry segment is the silent membership of the Idaho Cattle Association. This body of members provides the support necessary to facilitate ICA’s outside programs, such as convention and other events, the annual grass futurity contest, and the publications. The Allied Industry members are representatives from the companies that offer support to your operation, too. From animal health to ranch and feedlot equipment, these businesses keep your business running on a daily basis. A complete listing of current Allied Industry members is available each fall in the ICA Resource Guide. A few members share how they work together with ICA to better our industry.

MICRO Technologies, and MWI Company, is the leading provider of advanced, comprehensive and integrated animal management systems and solutions for livestock producers that encompass the whole production cycle. Since 1971, MICRO has established an unparalleled track record of delivering meaningful technology solutions based upon a business philosophy centered around three key principles; innovation, value creation, and service. The value of this standard is evidenced by MICRO’s long-standing customer relationships. MICRO continues to provide cutting edge business solutions to livestock industry communities.

MICRO prides itself on knowledgable consultants who are eager to help maximize profits and help producers reach production goals. Tom Olsen, Jr. is one such MICRO representative. Tom grew up on a ranch, and brought more than 20 years of experience working in the cattle industry to MICRO when he joined the company nearly a decade ago. “Partnering with the ICA [as an Allied ICA Line Rider, August 2015

Industry member] is a valuable relationship that allows MICRO to continue to support our customers,” Tom said. MICRO provides dedicated customer service and innovative solutions to the beef industry, which are all value-adding technologies. MICRO Technologies is the only solutions which continues to create cutting edge solutions with the customer interest and revenue in mind.

Powell Scales NW has opened up shop in Idaho. Being the largest truck and livestock dealer in the northwest, they are excited to announce two new locations in Idaho—an office in Nampa, Idaho and the recent purchase of Sanstrom Scales Company in Twin Falls allows them to better serve their customers. Scales NW has plans for more offices in Idaho in the near future.

Powell Scales NW, a leader in the industry for more than 50 years, offers competitive pricing, quality installation and professional service from start to finish. Having offices centrally located throughout the northwest allows Scales NW to competitively serve their customers while maintaining the highest standards of quality control and customer service. Scales NW also offers foundation construction, scale installation and equipment calibration.

Their knowledgeable service technicians offer preventative maintenance as well as emergency repair on all makes and models of weighing equipment.

You can call them for sales, service or your short term rental needs at (800)451-0187.

For more information, you can view their website at www.ScalesNW.com. Powell Scales NW – The Weigh of Excellence.

Merck Animal Health is committed to the science of healthier animals. Merck is a research-driven company with a strong pipeline of innovative veterinary products. Our cattle and equine vaccine lines are the lowest stress offering on the market and our antibiotics are the proven choice of cattle producers around the world. Merck Animal Health’s performance technologies enable cattle growers to produce more quality beef with fewer of Earth’s natural resources and we are committed to ensuring a safe, wholesome, and affordable food supply. In addition, our outstanding Livestock Technical Services team works with producers and their veterinarians to develop solutions that ensure success in raising quality beef. At Merck Animal Health, our customers’ livelihood is our responsibility and our first priority.

Gene Klaft, Senior Territory Manager, and Courtney Nielson, National Accounts Manager, have been with Merck Animal Health a combined 33 years. “Being an ICA Allied Industry member is important to us because it enables us to support the ICA and its members who are our customers,” said Gene. “We feel it is necessary to give back to the industry and to stay connected to those who we consider the most important part of our business.” Gene and Courtney have exemplified their commitment to the industry and, more specifically, to cattle producers, through their involvement in ICA events and their continued support of ICA programs and endeavors. I

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Post-Fire Recovery

By Steve Stuebner

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he Pony and Elk complex wildfires near Mountain Home in 2013 had a big impact on the landscape, wildlife, cabin owners, ranchers and recreationists of southern Idaho. Touched off by lightning in 100-degree heat, the fires consumed 280,000 acres of rangelands and forests in a matter of days, racing from Black’s Creek to Featherville. The blazes also charred 38 homes and 43 outbuildings near Pine and Fall Creek.

Fire perimeter areas of the Pony and Elk complex fires.

Immediately after the blazes were contained, federal authorities closed access to fishing and camping along the popular South Fork of the Boise River, shut down 150 miles of ATV trails in the Danksins, and more than 20 ranchers with summer range on BLM and Forest Service lands had to remove their cattle from the burn zone for at least two years to allow the land to heal.

In the fall, federal agencies took quick action to stabilize the soil and restore plant communities, a proactive step to jumpstart nature’s own recovery. Federal officials explained the highest priorities in crafting an emergency-response strategy.

“Right after the fire, it’s human life and safety, just like fire suppression,” says Cindy Fritz, natural resources specialist for the Bureau of Land Management. “Second is soil stabilization. Are hillsides intact? Will they

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remain intact? If we have an event out here, are we going to have soil loss? The third is threatened and endangered species. Up here, it was the sage grouse habitat.”

“We were looking at the moderate to high soil burn severity in the upper parts of the watershed, what we call flood-source areas,” adds Terry Hardy, Forest Burned Area Emergency Response (BAER) Coordinator for the Boise National Forest. “We can’t really treat all of the area, so we have to focus on areas where we have values at risk.”

Those areas included campgrounds, roads and culverts, and the upper watershed in the Boise National Forest.

Even though the fire burned hot, the actual soil burn severity was low to moderate on BLM lands, and high to moderate on Forest Service lands. The loss of shrub cover on BLM lands was significant; 44,000 acres of priority sage grouse habitat burned in the fires.

Before the rehab work could begin, BLM and Boise National Forest officials crafted a rehabilitation plan. They did so via a group of experts, called the Burned Area Emergency Response team, or “BAER” team for short.

Above, BLM John Deere tractors pull drillseeding implements in “triples” to cover as much as 100 acres in one day.

The fire-rehab plans called for aerial seeding and drill-seeding to stabilize the soil and restore plant communities, hand-

BLM Aerial Seeding drop seed mixes onto the fire zone to jump start nature’s recovery.

planting of sagebrush and bitterbrush for sage grouse habitat and winter big game range, tree planting and more.

After submitting the BAER plans to agency budget officials in Washington D.C., the BLM received authorization to spend $1.9 million on fire rehab, and the Boise National Forest was authorized to spend $4.5 million.

Full funding was critical to get a quick start on the rehab work, but several wrinkles occurred: More than 3 inches of rain fell in one night in September, causing a number of creek blowouts and washing tons of debris into the South Fork of the Boise River, a blue-ribbon trout fishery.

Congress reached a budget impasse in October, shutting down for 16 days.

That caused a delay in rehab projects and furloughed federal employees.

“We were delayed with the furlough in just about every aspect of the project,” Hardy said.

The creek washouts changed several rapids in the South Fork of the Boise River, getting the immediate attention of anglers and rafters who use it frequently. Trout-fishing groups rallied 100 volunteers to plant trees and shrubs along the South Fork to help

ICA Line Rider, August 2015

Rancher Charles Lyons checks out the range plants and robust willow growth in the Dixie Creek area in the summer of 2014, one year after the Elk and Pony complex fires burned 280,000 acres of BLM and Forest Service land.

with recovery efforts.

Once the government furlough ended, Forest Service and BLM emergency response teams marshalled their crews and got to work in the short window of time that remained before winter. BLM drill-seeding crews went to work in the hills north of Mountain Home in late November, planting about 3,500 acres.

“We did this all in-house,” Fritz says.

“We will pull, we call them triples—they’re 14-feet wide, so you can hook them up in a triple, to get a 45-foot wide swath. And you can hit 100 acres a day with one of those.”

The BLM dropped an aerial seed mix on 32,800 acres of the Pony complex fire zone, or 80 percent of the burn area. The seed mix included native grasses, alfalfa and sagebrush.

The Forest Service seeded about 2,000 acres in the headwaters of the mountains affected by the Elk complex fire. They used a fast-growing wheat seed called triticali. And then they covered the seeding areas with straw mulch via helicopter.

“Triticali. It’s a sterile wheat mix, so it’s non-persistent,” Hardy explains. “It will grow, it dies off, it produces organics, provides stability and soil moisture.”

The Forest Service also seeded about 700 acres of sage grouse habitat in the Elk Complex fire zone with a mix of triticali, wheatgrass, squirrel tail and sagebrush. As for hand-planting efforts, several hundred Idaho Fish and Game volunteers have planted thousands of sagebrush and bitterbrush seedlings in several locations in the Pony and Elk fire zones. Plus, 800 forbs were planted

near a sage grouse lek.

One year later, the Forest Service and BLM rehab efforts are showing positive results. Cindy Fritz checks on a drill-seeding next to the Cow Creek Road. “As you can see, we had a really good year,” she says. “We had favorable moisture, we had favorable temperatures, we’ve got really good soil here, so where we could drill seed, we had a really good take ... but this is not reflective of what happens every year.”

Fritz also saw sagebrush seedlings coming up from the fire zone. “This is from our aerial seeding. That’s what we want to come back.

This is for sage grouse. On a favorable year, aerial seeding is a good way to get sagebrush in the ground. Yeah, really like this site.”

Chad Gibson, a professional range scientist, checked on vegetation regrowth near a sage grouse lek on BLM land. Plants in this location were drill seeded and aerial seeded. “The bluebunch is coming really thick,” Gibson says. “You can see the growth in lots of places. There are a lot of sagebrush seedlings coming, and over here, there’s quite a variety of forbs, the burnet came in really well, alfalfa is coming good, there’s a pretty good component of everything you’d want on a site.”

“It should look excellent next spring. This grass that has this kind of a start at this time of year is going to be pretty robust come spring.”

Forest Service officials are pleased with seeding results as well. “I’m confident in the seeding,” Hardy says. “I think they were pretty good from what I saw. You want a thin

cover, about 70 percent cover. Don’t want a continuous matt. That can be detrimental to the seeds in the soil.”

In the Dixie Creek area near Anderson Ranch Road, Forest Service range technician Monte Miller checked on vegetation growth a year after the fires. “Out here in this meadow, or grassland type, things are recovering quite nicely,” Miller says. “In the black areas, where the hydrophobic soils exist, definitely have the concerns there because of the lack of ground cover. We do have some plants coming in from the seeding. We’ll see with the moisture this fall if they become established.”

One year and a half after the fires, BLM and Forest Service have been slowly opening

Connie Tharp of the Natural Resources Conservation Service talks about how many seeds from the first year of growth following the fires were lying on the ground, and the hoof action of livestock, elk and deer are helpful in “planting” those seeds into the ground below the soil crust.

access to the burn zones as resources allow.

Campers, anglers and floaters can access the South Fork of the Boise River again. It’s still uncertain as to whether the Forest Service will open the popular Danskin OHV trails on Forest Service land this year.

As for livestock grazing, the BLM will continue its closure for two growing seasons through early 2016. The Forest Service expects to do the same. Twelve grazing Fire continued to page 14...

ICA Line Rider, August 2015

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Bitterbrush and sagebrush plants resprouted a year after the fires on their own, plus aerially seeded sagebrush plants also were seen sprouting in a number of locations in the fire zone. This is good news for wildlife.

Rancher Charles Lyons checks out a bitterbrush that wasn’t killed by the fire, surrounded by knee-high grasses in the summer of 2014. He worries that if BLM lands aren’t grazed in 2015, that the area will be prone to another wildfire. Agency officials plan to rest the range for two full growing seasons, meaning that grazing won’t commence until 2016 at the earliest.

...Fire continued from page 13 allotments were affected by the fires on Forest Service land.

“We’d like to get grazing back here as soon as we can, but not at the detriment of the resource,” Miller explains. “What I can tell you is that it will be on a case by case basis. In some areas, it might be two years, or it might be more.”

Recreationsts can always go find another place to play, but for the 20 ranchers affected by the fires, the two-year closure is a big hardship. Public lands grazing permits are an integral part of a ranching operation.

Ranchers normally rely on the federal range for summer grazing. With the closures,

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they’ve had to scramble to find alternative grazing lands and cut their herds.

Because of the favorable wet weather and robust plant recovery in the last year, some ranchers would like the agencies to consider opening lands for livestock grazing when the plants are ready on a site-specific basis.

Range scientist Chad Gibson inspected some BLM lands in the burn zone last summer at the request of rancher Charles Lyons to get an independent opinion. “What they’re talking about is whether it should be grazed again. And the evidence would indicate that it’s ready to graze now,” Gibson says. “You’ve got a huge amount of cover.

You’ve got bulbus wheatgrass up here as well as poa, and if you want to keep that, it needs to be grazed to reduce the competition.”

If the slopes aren’t grazed, Gibson says, then the cheatgrass that grew in thick after the fire could completely take over the site.

Connie Tharp of the Natural Resources Conservation Service also checked on range conditions with Lyons. “When we’re evaluating a stand to determine if the plants are established, we’ll look at the density, the composition, the diversity and then we’ll do a simple pull test,” Tharp explains. “With that pull test, we’ll check to see if the plants are rooted down and established. What I’m

ICA Line Rider, August 2015

seeing, in plant composition, is that the plants are well established and rooted down. This range is ready.”

Lyons has been grazing his private lands while he waits for BLM and Forest Service lands to reopen for grazing.

“I was interested to see how the impact comes back versus the federal range where they’ve taken us off the last two years,” Lyons says. “I think I’m going to outperform what they’re doing by coming in here and creating impact. And utilizing what forage is here. The hoof action is going to increase the number of seedlings I get in these bare areas that did burn hot.”

What Lyons means is that by grazing the land, the cows will help push seeds into the ground. Wildlife do that, too. Connie Tharp explains. “As the cattle or the elk or the deer— any of those—as they walk across the ground, as they move, you’ll see the seed incorporated into the soil,” she says. “So when you get the right moisture on it, when the conditions are conducive, those seeds are going to germinate and become grass plants like the response we’re seeing. Yes, that will help with the recovery.”

Lyons also worries that if knee-high grasses aren’t grazed, the BLM lands will be prone to burn again. “I think for us not to utilize this in the spring, like we should have, or even next spring, start harvesting this forage, we’re going to have a real problem.”

Life on the Range will continue to track this story as it unfolds in the future. I

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IDAHO BEEF CHECKOFF NEWS

Idaho Beef Council Kicks Off a New Year

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uly kicks off a new fiscal year for the Idaho Beef Council, which means we kick off a new year of activities, including more than 100 programs designed to reach consumers, drive beef sales and growth, and build long-term demand for Idaho’s producers. We also said goodbye to IBC feeder board member Cevin Jones who termed

out and welcomed Jeff Johnson as his replacement. Below is a quick look at the make-up of the IBC Board of Directors, IBC National representation, IBC staff, and the FY2016 budget. If you have any questions, please contact our office at (208) 376-6004.

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•  

 •  •    •  •  •   •    

 •   •  •  •  •  

        

18

        

            •    

   •

   •

•

   

          •

                     

ICA Line Rider, August 2015

EVERY

DID YOU

KNOW

DOLLA INVESTERD RETURNS

Fun

ded

by the

Beef Che cko

ff.

our checkoff activities increased beef demand by 2.1 billion pounds per year?

“When I think about the national beef checkoff’s impact, the $11.20 return for every dollar invested is a tremendous feat. Our marketing efforts funded by the beef checkoff have resulted in higher prices for beef producers and importers and sales of more beef in the U.S. and foreign markets. I’m really proud of our checkoff’s achievements.”

While you and Dawn are managing your operations, your checkoff helps build demand for beef and impact your bottom line.

Da wn Ca ldwe ll Cow-calf producer

MyBeefCheckoff.com

ICA Line Rider, August 2015

19 Funded by the Beef Checkoff.



14,000 Acres - 10,500 deeded acres + BLM & State. 450-500 cow-calf plus 1000 hd summer yearling operation, quality improvements including homes, feedlot, equestrian facilities, trout ponds, live stream. Cash flow.



1,440 Acres - Private ranch in unique location with nice home & improvements. Some irrigated pasture from creek flowing through the property, with grazing permits to run about 100 head of cow calf for the summer. Must see to appreciate!



652 Acres - Good hay and grain farm & recreational property irrigated with pivots and wheel lines. Spacious home, plus 2nd ranch home and a large shop/garage. Scenic Valley Location!



530 Acres - Productive hay farm, pivot irrigated, plus grazing for 100 head. Beautiful 2500 sq.ft. home, tranquil setting with river and mountain views. A Pride of Ownership Property!



492 Acres - Alfalfa hay and barley farm. Four pivots, seven wheel lines, large home, 7 stall horse barn, misc. outbuildings, senior water rights. Moore, Idaho



471 Acres - 341 irrigated acres, 2 pivots, wheel line, large home, shop TFCC water rights. Castleford, Idaho.



Dairy - 1358 animal unit dairy, double 14 barn,120 +/- acres We specialize in tax deferred exchanges!

YOUR SOURCE FOR 2W LIVESTOCK EQUIPMENT

20

ICA Line Rider, August 2015

Sick of livestock damaging your trough valves?

Contact AgVet Associates about the durable, high flow, armless XtraFlo Trough Valve

NZ MADE

Distributed by:

Mobile: +1 559/280-3631 Email: flewis@agvetassociates.com Website: www.agvetassociates.com For more information on our products, visit www.apexvalves.co.nz

Buy the Best!

MICRO, a long-time ICA supporter is proud to serve as Your Connection to Profit providing innovative management solutions since 1971. MICRO is increasing value throughout the supply chain with its integrated health, feed, animal and information management systems. MICRO offers the most comprehensive systems and service in the industry.

Please contact your local representative,

Tom Olsen at (208) 890-3365.

This is a critical time of year for your cows: Calving, Rebreeding and Maintaining Body Condition all take a toll on her system.

Lack of essential nutrients can set her back and take the profit out of your operation.

Nutra-Lix Supplements provide important nutrients to assure healthy calves & a higher percentage of breedup!

www.NutraLix.com

ICA Line Rider, August 2015

21

Friend

Foe

OR

Disposition of cattle impacts the productivity and profitability in beef herds.

by J. Benton Glaze, Jr., Ph.D. Extension Beef Cattle Specialist – Animal and Veterinary Science Department – University of Idaho

D

isposition (temperament) has been defined as the usual attitude or mood of an animal or the tendency of an animal to act in a particular way. The Beef Improvement Federation defines disposition as a measure of the relative docility, wildness, or aggression of an animal toward unfamiliar situations, human handlers, or management interventions. According to BIF, disposition of beef cattle can be measured using chute scores, pen scores, and chute exit velocities.

Chute scores and pen scores are subjective evaluations of disposition and are recorded as animals are held and approached in certain settings (chute or pen). Chute exit velocities are objective evaluations of disposition. Exit velocities are recordings of the amount time it takes for an animal to cover a set distance after exiting the chute. Most research has been directed toward the disposition of cattle in relation to herdmates, maternal care, and handling. Disposition has always been an important issue to the beef industry with

regard to animal and handler safety. In recent years, work has been done to examine what effect an animal’s disposition has on animal performance, beef quality, reproduction, and economic returns.

In 2006, Iowa State University researchers reported results from a study that was conducted to determine the effect of beef calves’ disposition on feedlot performance, carcass quality grade, and economic return. The study included information on approximately 13,000 beef calves that were consigned to the Iowa Tri-County Steer Carcass Futurity from 2002 to 2004. Cattle in the study were assigned chute scores based on a 6-point disposition scoring system ranging from one (docile animals) to six (very aggressive animals). Researchers refined the evaluation of disposition by condensing the 6-point scoring system into three general classifications (scores 1 and 2 = docile; scores 3 and 4 = restless; scores 5 and 6 = aggressive).

Results of the study indicate that beef cattle performance (feedlot average daily gain), cattle health (morbidity) and carcass quality (measured by USDA quality grade) were significantly affected by the disposition of the animal.

Cattle exhibiting higher (aggressive) disposition scores had lower average daily gains than the cattle that exhibited lower (docile) disposition scores. Docile, restless, and aggressive cattle had feedlot average daily gains (pounds/day) of 3.17, 3.11, and 2.91, respectively.

Table 1. Disposition scoring system for beef cattle (BIF, 2002).

Score

Title

1

Docile

Mild disposition. Gentle and easily handled. Stands and moves slowly during processing. Undisturbed, settled, somewhat dull. Does not pull on headgate when in chute. Exits chute calmly.

2

Restless

Quieter than average, but may be stubborn during processing. May try to back out of chute or pull back on headgate. Some flicking of tail. Exits chute promptly.

3

Nervous

Typical temperament is manageable, but nervous and impatient. A moderate amount of struggling, movement, and tail flicking. Repeated pushing and pulling on headgate. Exits chute briskly.

Flighty (Wild)

Jumpy and out of control, quivers and struggles violently. May bellow and froth at the mouth. Continuous tail flicking. Defecates and urinates during processing.

Frantically runs fence line and may jump when penned individually. Exhibits long flight distance and exits chute wildly.

5

Aggressive

May be similar to Score 4, but with added aggressive behavior, fearfulness, extreme agitation, and continuous movement which may include jumping and bellowing while in chute. Exits chute frantically and may exhibit attack behavior when handled alone.

6

Very Aggressive

4

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Description

Extremely aggressive temperament. Thrashes about or attacks wildly when confined in small, tight places. Pronounced attack behavior.

ICA Line Rider, August 2015

Morbidity, or rate of sickness, was higher in docile calves (19.2 percent) versus restless and aggressive calves (16.82 percent and 16.18 percent, respectively).

Cattle with more favorable dispositions had more favorable quality grades. Only 58.25 percent of cattle with aggressive behavior graded Prime or Choice versus 74.14 percent of cattle with docile behavior. In addition, when the costs associated with feedlot performance, cattle health and carcass quality were accounted for, docile calves returned $62.19 per head more than aggressive calves, and restless calves returned $49.06 per head more than aggressive calves.

In 2010, Oregon State University researchers conducted a study to determine the effects of disposition on reproductive performance of beef cows. The study included information on crossbred beef cows whose disposition was measured with chute scores and chute exit velocities.

These measures were combined into a final disposition index (1 = calm; 5 = excitable).

The evaluation of disposition was further refined by condensing the disposition indexes into two categories (disposition index ≤ 3 = adequate disposition; disposition index > 3 = excitable disposition). Pregnancy rates for cows with excitable dispositions tended to be reduced when compared with cow that exhibited adequate dispositions.

In 2008, Mississippi State University researchers reported results from a study that was conducted to determine the effects of disposition on cattle performance, cattle health, and carcass value. The study included information on cattle that were a part of the Mississippi Farm to Feedlot program.

Cattle disposition was evaluated in chutes and pens using a 5-point scale (1 = docile; 5 = aggressive). In addition, exit velocities (speed at which animal leaves the chute) were recorded electronically. As is the case with other studies, results of this study indicate that cattle with a more aggressive disposition had decreased average daily gains, decreased final body weights, increased treatment costs, and increased number of days treated Net profit was also significantly affected by disposition. Cattle with pen scores of 1, ICA Line Rider, August 2015

2, 3, 4 and 5 (1 = docile; 5 = aggressive) had net profits per head of $121.89, $100.98, $107.18, $83.75, and $80.81, respectively.

A number of studies have shown that disposition is heritable (passed from parent to offspring) and will respond to selection.

To aid producers, several breed associations evaluate disposition and report the results in their sire summaries. Incorporating disposition as a criterion in culling and selection programs can potentially lead to herds that produce calm, unexcitable cattle. Improvements in disposition lead to improved productivity and profitability for beef cattle enterprises. I

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BREEDER & SERVICE GUIDE

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ICA Line Rider, August 2015

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Burgess Angus Ranch 2015 Bull Sale December 11th

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ICA Line Rider, August 2015

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S

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D E D I C AT I O N E N E R GY FOCUS ENTHUSIASM

LEADERSHIP

DONORS

New ! e t a D e Sal

GENETIC EDGE FEMALE SALE

December 12, 2015

HERD SIRES

RITA 0242 OF RITA 7O68 5M2 Sire: Rito Revenue 5M2 of 2536 Pre Dam: Rita 7O68 of Rita 5FH8 Obj BW +2.7; WW +57; YW +99; MILK +36; CW +43; MARB +1.20 RE +1.41; $W +57.69; $B +128.70

HVR 528R ISABEL 1278 Sire: Dr J Analyst M250 Dam: C-Bar 2215 Isabel 528R BW +.1; WW +54; YW +100; MILK +26; CW +28; MARB +1.22 RE +1.05; $W +47.11; $B +115.03

Riverbend Ranch Herd Sire Additions WOODSIDE RITO 4P26 OF 0242 A son of the Riverbend Ranch donor, Rita 0242 by Prophet.

44 BIG EASY 3311 A Confidence 0100 son produced by a maternal sister to New Day 454.

SITZ GAME DAY 275Z A full brother to the breed’s Number 2 REA proven sire, Top Game 561X.

MALEK TEN X 404 A full brother to the Accelerated Genetics roster member, MAR Double XL 320.

Selling

• 225 REGISTERED ANGUS FEMALES • 700 COMMERCIAL RIVERBEND RANCH BRED HEIFERS • 300 COMMERCIAL RIVERBEND RANCH HEIFER CALVES

2880 N 55 W • Idaho Falls, Idaho 83402 • 208-528-6635 www.riverbendranch.us Steve Harrison, General Manager • 208-681-9815 Dale Meek, Purebred Operations Manager • 208-681-9840

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With all the NEW at Riverbend Ranch we still have the SAME:

VISION, PURPOSE, Industry Leading CUSTOMER SERVICE and GUARANTEES! 28

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