CC C
arolina attle onnection DECEMBER 2020 •
Vol. 34, Issue No. 12
Spotlight on
RED ANGUS
Performance Extra Calf is a very palatable blended feed designed for the producer who wants more texture in their feed product. Cattle start on Extra Calf quicker than with a straight pellet. This product consists of whole cottonseed, soybean meal, and the 16% Performance Extra Pellets.
Performance Finishing Feed is designed for producers finishing our cattle on their farm. This is a blended feed of half cracked corn and half 13% Feeder Blend.
Performance Feeder Blend is a pelleted combination of corn, dry corn gluten, soy hulls, calcium carbonate, and wheat midds with a trace mineral vitamin pack. Performance Feeder Blend is designed as a maintenance ration for all stages of cattle production. Available Medicated - Bovatec or Rumensin
Performance 16% Ultra Gain is a high level carbohydrate and fat feed packed with 4-Plex Trace Minerals and Selenium Yeast. It is formulated to boost feed efficiency and daily gains without compromising feed intake. This ration will not only provide calves with the ultimate start, but also works well in growing beef or dairy heifers. It’s 16% natural protein from Soybean Meal and higher fat level will support all your cattle feed needs.
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ONNECTION A Message from the CEO — Fifty Years of Shaping Public Policy, by Colin Woodall ……..….... page 43 Alltech Tips ……..….……..….……..….……..….……..….……..….……..….……..….……..….……..….……..…. page 40 Amazing Grazing — Consider Frost Seeding Legumes into Tall Fescue Pastures, by Johnny Rogers ……..….……..….……..….……..….……..….……..….……..….……..….……..….……..…. page 14 American Angus Association News ...….…...….…...….…...….…...….…...….…...….…...….…...….…... page 20 American Gelbvieh Association News ...….…...….…...….…...….…...….…...….…...….…...….…...…. page 30 American Hereford Association News ...….…...….…...….…...….…...….…...….…...….…...….…...…. page 37 Ashley’s Beef Corner — The Holidays Are Here, by Ashley W. Herring ...….…...….…...….…...…. page 12 Beef Checkoff News ...….…...….…...….…...….…...….…...….…...….…...….…...….…...….…...….…...….... page 57 Beef Cuts and Recommended Cooking Methods ...….…...….…...….…...….…...….…...….…...….….. page 56 BioZyme Incorporated News ...….…...….…...….…...….…...….…...….…...….…...….…...….…...….…... page 60 BluePrint Media Launches Podcast, Updated Website ...….…...….…...….…...….…...….…...….….. page 30 Boehringer Ingelheim News ...….…...….…...….…...….…...….…...….…...….…...….…...….…...….…...... page 52 Carolina Cooking — Pistachio Crusted Beef Rib Roast with Holiday Wine Sauce ...….…...…. page 12 Carolina Video and Load Lot Monthly Summary ...….…...….…...….…...….…...….…...….…...….….. page 62 Cattlenomic$ — Back to the Futures, Part II, by Bernt Nelson .….……...….……...….……...….…….. page 15 Certified Hereford Beef News .….……...….……...….……...….……...….……...….……...….……...….…… page 36 Clemson University 2021 Bull Test 56 Day Report and Update, by Steven E. Meadows, Ph.D. .….……...….……...….……...….……...….……...….……...….……...….….. page 38 Director’s Report — Uncertainty, by Bryan K. Blinson .….……...….……...….……...….……...….……... page 3 E.B.’s View from the Cow Pasture — Young Minds Can Remember More Than We Think They Can, by E.B. Harris .….…............ page 15 EPD, ESP, or “He Said/She Said,” by Eddie Martin .….……...….……...….……...….……...….……...….… page 27 From the Desk of the SCCA First Vice President, by Roscoe Kyle .….……...….……...….……...….… page 49 FSC Ranch 4th Extra Effort Sale Results .….……...….……...….……...….……...….……...….……...….…… page 45 High Ridge Farms Genetic Opportunity Sale Results .….……...….……...….……...….……...….…….. page 45 International Brangus Breeders Association News .….……...….……...….……...….……...….……... page 52 Methane — A black eye for the cattle industry? Or not? .….……...….……...….……...….……...….… page 28 Mitchem Receives Jack & Donna Vanier Family Scholarship .….……...….……...….……...….……... page 37 N.C. Cattlemen’s Foundation News — 2021-2022 Scholarship Applications .….……...….…….... page 53 N.C. Forage & Grassland Council News — 2021 Mid-Winter Virtual Conference Lineup ..….……...….……...….……...….……….……...…. page 50 — Nominate a Worthy Farmer for the 2021 N.C. Environmental Stewardship Award …..... page 50 N.C. Weekly Livestock Report …..….……..….……..….……..….……..….……..….……..….……..….…….. page 37 National Cattlemen’s Beef Association News …..….……..….……..….……..….……..….……..….……. page 58 National Cattlemen’s Beef Association President’s Report — NCBA Regional Triggers Subgroup Report, by Marty Smith …..….……..….……..….……......... page 38 National Institute for Animal Agriculture News …..….……..….……..….……..….……..….……..….… page 60 New NCCA Members for 2020 …..….……..….……..….……..….……..….……..….……..….……..….…….. page 62 North American Limousin Foundation News …..….……..….……..….……..….……..….……..….…….. page 46 North Carolina Cattle Receipts, Trends, and Prices …..….……..….……..….……..….……..….…….. page 53 On the Edge of Common Sense — The Straggler, by Baxter Black …..….……..….……..….……..…... page 17 Premier Select Sires News …..….……..….……..….……..….……..….……..….……..….……..….……..….... page 28 Public Lands Council News …..….……..….……..….……..….……..….……..….……..….……..….……..….… page 49 S.C. Beef Council News, by Roy Copelan …..….……..….……..….……..….……..….……..….……..….…… page 58 S.C. Charolais News, by Georgeanne Webb ……..….……..….……..….……..….……..….……..….……..… page 34 South Carolina Cattle Receipts, Trends, and Prices ……..….……..….……..….……..….……..….…….. page 46 The Simmental Trail, by Jennie Rucker ……..….……..….……..….……..….……..….……..….……..….…… page 44 Valley Vet News ……..….……..….……..….……..….……..….……..….……..….……..….……..….……..….… page 47 Vytelle Adds Genetic Analytics to Its Portfolio ……..….……..….……..….……..….……..….……..….… page 54 Yon Family Farms Fall Sale Results ……..….……..….……..….……..….……..….……..….……..….……..… page 20 You Decide!, by Dr. Mike Walden ……..….……..….……..….……..….……..….……..….……..….……..….... page 16 Zoetis News ……..….……..….……..….……..….……..….……..….……..….……..….……..….……..….……..…. page 54
RED ANGUS Country Boy Farm Features Quality and Quantity ….. page 5
Dry Fork Creek Farm — Growing Their “Piece of the Pie” ….. page 4 Essential Business — But Not ‘Business as Usual’, by Tracey Koester ….. page 10
Heifer Fertility Research Lays Groundwork for DNA Genetic Test, by Heather Smith Thomas ….. page 6 Hot Summer Days Prove ’No Sweat’ for Red Hided Cattle, by Nolan Woodruff & Jeananne Mosher ….. page 8
Premium Red Baldy’s Realize Growing Demand ….. page 8 The Database Race, by Jared Wareham ….. page 9
N.C. Cattlemen’s Association
The Carolina Cattle Connection
Vice Presidents KARL GILLESPIE 860 Corbin Road • Franklin, NC 28734
Vol. 34, No. 12 DECEMBER 2020
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The Carolina Cattle Connection
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NCBA Federation Division Director RALPH BLALOCK, JR. Beef Board Director - ROBERT CRABB Secretary/Treasurer - EVERETT JOHNSON Directors At Large MATT POORE • NEIL BOWMAN • TODD SEE
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S.C. Cattlemen’s Association Executive Director TRAVIS MITCHELL Phone: 803-609-2828 Email: twmitch@clemson.edu S.C. Beef Council ROY COPELAN Phone: 803-917-1119 Email: scbeef@scda.sc.gov Website: www.sccattle.org Executive Committee President - Roscoe Kyle 1st Vice President - Timmy Benton 2nd Vice President - Joe Oswald IV Secretary - Carol Hendrix Treasurer - Eric Seymour Past President - Thomas Legare William Brigman, Latta • Joe Oswald, IV, Allendale Roscoe Kyle, Inman • Terry Kirkland, Batesburg Eddie Evans, Easley • Cecil Eaddy, Manning
Thomas Legare, Johns Island • Richard Sox, Lexington Carol Hendrix, Westminister • Clay Alexander, Starr
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Manager, N.C.
STAFF
BRYAN BLINSON
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Material in The Carolina Cattle Connection is not to be reproduced in total or in part without the written permission of the Editor. All submissions becom property of The Carolina Cattle Connection, but we make every effort to return items such as photographs and artwork as requested. The Carolina Cattle Connection, the official publication of the N.C. Cattlemen’s Association and the S.C. Cattlemen’s Association is published monthly by the N.C. Cattlemen’s Association. A complementary subscription is included with membership to each state’s association. Nonmember subscriptions are $30 per year.
All address changes for NCCA members to: The Carolina Cattle Connection 2228 N. Main Street Fuquay-Varina, NC 27526 All address changes for SCCA members to: The Carolina Cattle Connection P.O. Box 207 Saluda, SC 29138
Our
breed Spotlight special sections are excellent forums to r e ac h p r o d u c e r s a n d cattle industry insiders in the Carolinas and throughout the S outheast . A dvertisers also receive a special discount for placing their message in the Spotlight. The Carolina Cattle Connection
q DECEMBER 2020
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The Carolina Cattle Connection q DECEMBER 2020
Director’s Report By BRYAN K. BLINSON Executive Director, NCCA
Uncertainty As we approach the Christmas season, I know we will all look back on 2020 in amazement. None of us have ever dealt with a year like we have had this year and hope we never have to again. We have all been faced with obstacles, rules, disruptions, cancellations, and much more. Some among our cattle family have had to deal with the virus directly, either yourselves, family members, or loved ones. But without question, everyone has been affected, and some of the effects of 2020 will go on well into the future. I hope that some of the things we have had to change or learn to deal with the virus can be positive going forward. At the same time, I hope we will use the distancing practices sparingly and get back to face to face relationships sooner rather than later. Thanksgiving celebrations were different for many families, but hopefully, only the gatherings were altered and not the actual act of giving THANKS.. We have so much to be thankful for, and the hardships of this pandemic should have only heightened our awareness of these blessings. We have amazing medical professionals who have been able to help us through. We have technology that previous generations could not imagine that allowed us to keep in touch virtually. While talking on the phone or seeing someone on a screen is a far cry from the real thing, at least we can keep in touch. I am very thankful to you and all of our farm families for making sure
that we have been well fed during this unprecedented time. Agriculture and those of us who are passionate about it are the most resilient and, arguably, the most important part of our economy and society. It goes so much further than raising animals or planting crops and harvesting them. Agriculture is a science, but the reality is that agriculture is really a collection of families who have a single purpose, and that is to serve others whether they are down the road or around the world. Those of us who care for the animals, the land, the water, and the future know what the service of agriculture is and are thankful to be a small part of it. Many in our society, however, do not and take the abundance of food and the choices they provide for granted. You and your fellow farmers and all of those involved in raising food and getting it into the mouths of everyone should be thanked, celebrated, and frankly proud of doing an unbelievable job in an unbelievable time. Among our membership, we have such an abundance of talent, expertise, stories, and passion that can help to explain what we do to those who do not understand. I appreciate the willingness to make a statement, film a video, or just be an advocate when we call on you. Along with a pandemic, we also had an election. More people voted than ever before. The outcome of this election, like all others, will certainly bring about change whether we agree with the
changes or not. It is up to all of us to make sure that the change is positive. There will be people with new ideas and objectives that can be good or bad for agriculture. It will be even more important for those of us in ag to be involved, be informed, and be together. We are but a small segment of the population of our state and our nation but THE segment that keeps everyone fed and clothed. We can be thankful that in North Carolina, we work together as an agricultural community. Our commodity associations and farm organizations may not always agree on every single topic or idea, but we listen to one another and work together to find the path and message that we consider to be the best for all of us. As a member of the N.C. Cattlemen’s Association, you are part of that team. With the changes that we will certainly face going forward, it is more important than ever that we have the strongest team possible. I encourage each of you to visit with others who have cattle and make sure that they, too, are part of the team. As a member, you have the ability to stay informed through this magazine and other information that we provide to the membership. The stronger our
membership and the connections that each of you brings in your community, your county, and in the state, the more positive impact we can have on the decisions that are made that will affect us now and into the future. I am very appreciative of those of you who gathered all of the information you could and stepped up and spoke out during the recent election. Regardless of the candidate or party, your voice is critical to the decisions the elected officials make. While the coming year will certainly be filled with uncertainty for all of the population, farm families have faced uncertainty for many generations and will help lead us all through. With all of the uncertainty we will face in 2021, I am certain about one thing. I am proud to be a part of your team. Thank you for all you do! *Remember, an N.C. Cattlemen’s Association membership makes a great gift. If you would like to provide the gift of membership and the information provided by The Carolina Cattle Connection, we will include a gift acknowledgment in the membership packet. Merry Christmas
Our advertisers are “Champions” too. For expert A.I., superior genetics, the best in purebreds and outstanding farm supplies, check the Classifieds in this issue! The Carolina Cattle Connection
q DECEMBER 2020
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e Special
Spotlight on
RED ANGUS
Section f
Dry Fork Creek Farms — Growing Their “Piece of the Pie” If you are familiar with much of the leadership concepts promoted in recent years, then you will understand the idea of an “abundance mentality.” “Abundant thinking is an attitude and mindset that focuses on what we do have. It allows us to see possibility rather than limits and can shift our perspective. It can help us lead more resilient and creative lives and help us function at our highest levels of productivity and collaboration.”
Brad and Farrah Hargett, Partners in Dry Fork Creek Farms.
In simple terms, think of it as a pie…a scarcity mentality believes there are only so many pieces of a pie, so I’m gonna make sure I get mine. A mentality of abundance focuses on making the pie bigger; the bigger the pie, the more slices to go around.
Brad and Farrah Hargett, owners of Dry Fork Creek Farms, approach each day with an attitude that they are going to grow the pie, and they make every effort to add a slice for their cow herd, their customers, and their community. It would be shortsighted to focus on the DFC cattle operation before describing the owners. Sweethearts since kindergarten, Brad and Farrah have been lifelong soul mates. Married in 2000, their love of agriculture, a love for each other, and a true love for their community and the cattle industry define their operation. At the same time the Hargetts were investing in a cow herd, they were investing in their industry. Both Brad and Farrah are active in Farm Bureau as Brad is a former President of Union County Farm Bureau and currently serves as Executive Secretary. He also serves as the current President of Union County’s Agricultural Advisory Board. Farrah has been active in and is a past president of the state’s Young Farmers and Ranchers organization. She was selected to participate in the N.C. State College of Agriculture and Life Sciences Leadership Program and has served as the President of the Union County Cattlemen’s Association.
An example of the females produced by Dry Fork Creek Farms.
The operation has existed since 1995, and after experimenting with several breeds of cattle, the Hargetts developed an appreciation for Santa Gertrudis. They liked the maternal superiority of the Gert cattle, along with their foraging ability and heat tolerance. As is customary, they sought an opportunity to participate in breed activities and strongly support the Santa Gertrudis Breeders of the Carolinas sale held annually in Chester, South Carolina. They recognize the benefits Santa Gertrudis offer the commercial industry in the Southeast and have focused on developing heifers to fit the Star Five Program. Today, the Hargetts manage around 75 brood cows. In addition to the cow herd, they produce 170 acres of hay
annually. Farrah manages the farm full time, while Brad is a project manager with J.B. Preslar of Monroe. As county association president, Farrah sought out additional opportunities for local producers to add value to their cattle. She was instrumental in developing the Union County “March Madness” Replacement Female Sale held each spring in Chester, South Carolina. They are big supporters of the Beef Quality Assurance Program and market a portion of their cattle through these sales. In addition to their live cattle sales, the Hargetts have developed a strong direct beef sales program. They emphasize “natural finishing” with no added hormones or antibiotics and demand has been strong. Recently, the Hargetts had an opportunity to add some Red Angus genetics to their program. Red Angus were similar to Santa Gertrudis in their maternal superiority, improved disposition, and were easy fleshing with excellent carcasses, which was a plus for their commercial heifer and freezer beef sales. Farrah has recognized the benefits offered through superior genetics and trained in A.I. in order to improve their genetic base.
One of the “American Red” females offered by DFC.
Angus • Hereford • Red Angus • SimAngus • Simmental • AND MORE!
MARCH 13, 2021 Chester Livestock Exchange (2531 Lancaster Hwy. • Chester, SC)
Preview starts at 9:00 a.m. • Sale starts at 12:00 noon * Lunch provided before the sale Facebook @marchmadnesscattlesale Auctioneer - Darren Carter 864-980-5695 PAGE 4
Sale Information Bob - 704-614-0826 • Zach - 336-736-6340 • Farrah - 704-242-0270
The Carolina Cattle Connection q DECEMBER 2020
Interest in Red Angus could not have come at a more opportune time with the release of the “American Red” program. A partnership with Santa Gertrudis Breeders International and the Red Angus Association of America, American Red capitalizes on the strong maternal traits of both breeds while offering heat tolerant cattle that can grow and grade with the best of the industry. The Hargetts believe in agriculture, the cattle industry, their community, and their part in “growing the pie.”
e Special
Spotlight on
RED ANGUS
Section f
Country Boy Farms Features Quality and Quantity When in search of the “Industry’s Most Favored Female,” one needs to look no further than Country Boy Farms of Edgefield, South Carolina. The cow herd developed and managed by David Miller and son J.D. are a living example of why Red Angus females have achieved this title.
use. The Millers use A.I. and embryo transfer extensively, but quality does not suffer with the clean up bulls as they are impressive.
The sale bulls at Country Boy Farms are ready and looking for work.
One of the home raised sires produced by the Millers.
David looks over the Country Boy operation. He is both proud and passionate about his Red Angus program.
Everything David does with his operation “begins with the end in mind,” and a walk through the group of two-yearold bulls currently for sale is evidence. Growthy, moderate framed, easy fleshing bulls with excellent dispositions and feet and leg soundness are the norm. The Millers market bulls by private treaty throughout the Southeast and through consignment sales like the Ocala Bull Sale in Florida.
The culmination of a tour at Country Boy comes with a ride through the cow herd. Pastures are filled with slick haired, moderate, fertile mama cows in their working clothes. These cattle are selected to be sound. Good udders and feet are plentiful throughout, and reproductive soundness is apparent with the uniformity of the calf crop.
It has been said that “like kind begats like kind,” and the trend continues with a glimpse of several of the herd bulls in
The Millers produce quality hay on approximately 400 acres and market hay along with cattle. David’s interest in his commercial bull buyers doesn’t end with the sale of a bull. Facilities exist to put load cattle together, and the farm works with his customers to ensure top prices for their calves. The Millers take advantage of no-tilled annuals to improve forage quality.
Hay production is an integral part of the Country Boy operation.
A typical two-year-old for sale at Country Boy Farms.
A typical brood cow at the Miller operation.
The Millers are constantly working to grow their operation and their cow herd. According to David, this has been difficult recently as the demand for Red Angus females is a constant temptation to sell cows and heifers and take advantage of the growing popularity of Red Angus in the Southeast.
With several rented acres, David pays close attention to improving fertility and forage quality through the use of overseeded annuals. A quality mineral supplementation program is also key to the consistent level of production observed. With over 300 brood cows, winter feed is also a necessary element.
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The Miller cow herd at work.
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The Carolina Cattle Connection
q DECEMBER 2020
PAGE 5
e Special
Spotlight on
RED ANGUS
Section f
Heifer Fertility Research Lays Groundwork for DNA Genetic Test By HEATHER SMITH THOMAS Fertility in cattle is the largest driver of profitability in the beef industry – no calf, no income. It’s expensive to develop heifers as replacement females. A fertile heifer settles early in the breeding season and continues to raise a calf every year for a long life of productivity that is profitable. A non-profitable heifer does not breed, breeds late, or comes in open after her first calf. Her spot in the herd must then be replaced by another heifer that takes two years to develop. Producers utilize multiple ways to select heifers, but determining future fertility has been elusive. Dr. Jared Decker, associate professor at the University of Missouri, is starting a research project to look at the genetics of fertility and heifer puberty with a grant from USDA National Institute of Food and Agriculture. He is currently recruiting 2,500 Red Angus and 2,500 Hereford heifers for his research, and producers who participate will get free genomic enhanced EPDs for their females. Fertility Indicator Traits - The beef industry needs informative indicator traits for heifer fertility prediction, similar to calving ease and carcass traits. “Currently, we don’t have any predictions of heifer puberty, and with the heifer pregnancy predictions that we do have, we don’t give any credit to the heifers that calve early in the breeding season,” Decker said. “We have indicator traits like birthweight for calving ease and ultrasound data for carcass traits,” continued Decker. “Perhaps we can use reproductive tract scores, pelvic measurements, and fetal age from ultrasound pregnancy diagnosis as indicator traits to more accurately predict heifer pregnancy. Reproductive tract scores and pelvic measurements can also be used to predict the onset of puberty.” Settling a heifer early allows her more time to recover after calving, with more chance to rebreed. Jordan Thomas, University of Missouri state beef reproduction specialist, is also involved with this research. He said heifers that become pregnant in the first 21 days will stay in the herd over a year longer, on average, and wean more pounds of calf
PAGE 6
during their productive life span. “This is partly because she weans that additional calf and because she breeds early each year. Her calf is older and heavier at weaning,” explained Thomas.
One to two months before breeding, a veterinarian will examine each heifer, collect pelvic measurement, and assign a reproductive tract score based on her puberty status.
“With this research, we’re trying to develop precise ways of identifying heifers based on their genetic merits for reproductive traits. If I want heifers pregnant as early as possible in their first breeding, they must reach puberty before the start of that breeding season. I could use protocols to help them, but even those protocols function best when most of the group has already attained puberty. We also need heifers with the fertility potential to conceive with as few of services as possible, so they become pregnant as early as possible,” he said. Current methods of trying to make genetic progress in reproductive performance are limited. “The heifer pregnancy EPD is calculated as a yes or no: did she become pregnant after she was exposed? That’s better than nothing, but not as good as we think we can do. We’re now collecting pre-breeding and pregnancy information on a large group of heifers to retrospectively determine which heifers are reaching puberty at younger ages, and which are conceiving early in the breeding season. We are also collecting a DNA sample and will look at the genomic associations with those two pieces of the puzzle,” said Thomas. “The phenotypes we’re talking about in terms of fertility are not only valuable for genetic prediction but also
The Carolina Cattle Connection q DECEMBER 2020
help us manage a group of heifers for best economic benefit,” Decker explained. “The puberty status of a group of heifers is important to know. “Some may be ready to go into an AI protocol. Others may not be quite ready to breed, so we could kick them out to pasture, give them more time to develop, and turn a bull out with them. Some may be too far behind with less chance of reaching puberty and breeding in time, so we can sell them as feeder heifers,” he said. Those would not make good replacements – coming up open or bred late – and can be sold while still young enough to get top dollar as feeder heifers. Having information on heifers could be helpful in selecting the best replacements and as a powerful management tool. Project Goals - The goal of this research is to identify the genes and DNA markers regulating puberty and fertility in beef heifers and to create DNA tests. The project has four objectives. First, estimate the amount of variation in measured traits influenced by different genetic effects. “We will also measure the amount of variation due to genetics shared between traits, which is genetic correlation,” said Decker. Second, identify DNA markers that influence puberty and fertility, utilizing extensive analyses of data from individual breeds. Third, combine all information across breeds, traits, and data sets to identify gene networks, genes, and variants that influence puberty and fertility. Fourth, using knowledge learned in
objectives 2 and 3, this study will contrast single trait versus multiple trait DNA predictions for puberty and fertility. The researchers expect this project will help them better understand which genes control differences in puberty and fertility and be able to create DNA tests and EPDs to help beef producers select more fertile heifers, increasing sustainability in the cow/calf industry.
Ninety days after the start of the breeding season, a veterinarian will pregnancy ultrasound and measure fetal age to determine when the heifer was bred.
“The first part of the study, 30-60 days prior to the start of the breeding season, is a pre-breeding exam,” said Decker. “We collect pelvic measurements and give each heifer a reproductive tract score based on the puberty status of the heifer. The veterinarian or technician
e Special palpates the reproductive tract, measures the size of the ovaries, determines whether there is a CL on the ovary, and checks the tone of the reproductive tract. Each heifer is given a score from 1 (very far from puberty) to 5 (already cycling). “Then, 90 days after the start of breeding season, a veterinarian will pregnancy ultrasound and measure fetal age. We’ll know whether or not the heifer was bred and the age of the fetus, which tells us when the heifer was bred. We can give extra credit to heifers that bred early in the season. Then, we’ll get the DNA test information to look at the genetics of these traits and work to create a genetic and genomic prediction of puberty and fertility traits,” he explained. The study will take four years. “Our goal is to collect all the phenotypic data in the first two, though the collection process may stretch into the third year. We want to get as many heifers as
Spotlight on
RED ANGUS
possible enrolled as quickly as possible so we can get data collected and start crunching numbers to come up with new tools for cattle producers.” Precision Agriculture - It’s not as simple as turning the bull in and selecting heifers that get pregnant in a short breeding season, which is a good way to sort a group of heifers for fertility. “There is some cost in having the veterinarian come twice – for the pre-breeding exam and the ultrasound pregnancy checks – but we feel this information will help us more accurately determine and describe the puberty and fertility genetics of our herd and help us do a better job of managing a group of heifers,” Decker explained. It will more than pay for itself in the long run; producers won’t have to keep extra heifers and expend money developing them, then sell those that fall out of production their first year or
Section f
two and start over with new heifers. It works for some producers to keep a large group, develop and breed them, and then let nature sort them, but that method requires extra resources to retain more heifers. This DNA tool could fine tune the process. “Precision agriculture is the future – we are trying to put more data into the process early to avoid headaches,” said Decker. “It won’t fit for everyone, but some producers will take advantage of new technology and genetic tools.” They are still actively recruiting for the project. Any producer can sign up a small or large group. “For a small group close to the university, Jordan Thomas’ reproductive biology group will collect the data. If it’s a small group that’s far away, they’ll need a trained veterinarian in their area to collect the data. If it’s a large group (80 or more heifers), we can send Jordan Thomas’ group to help
collect the research data for free,” said Decker. To Participate - Information has already been collected on Angus and SimAngus breeds, but the project is still actively seeking Red Angus and Hereford producers to collaborate. For heifers in a fall breeding program (breeding in November), the pre-breeding exam needs to be completed by mid-October. For heifers developing in the spring of 2021, there is plenty of time to get them enrolled. Participants will be accepted into the program for the next two years until 5,000 heifers are enrolled. For more information or to inquire about enrolling heifers, contact Jared Decker at 573-819-0837 (cell), 573-8822504 (office), or DeckerJE@missouri. edu, or Jordan Thomas at 573-2899592 (cell), 573-882-1804 (office), or ThomasJor@missouri.edu.
Contact these RAAC members to learn more about Red Angus genetics and how they can fit into your herd. HARDROCK BEEF CATTLE Ronnie & Donna Holman 4613 Hickory Nut Ridge Road • Granite Falls, NC 828-302-8659 ronnie@hardrockbeefcattle.com JK RED ANGUS Jeff Banfield & Madison Adams 331 Tee Jay Farm Road • Aberdeen, NC 910-281-3821 jkredangus@gmail.com LANGDON RED ANGUS & SIMMENTAL John & Eileen Langdon 7728 Raleigh Road • Benson, NC 919-796-5010 johnlangdon5@gmail.com ROGERS CATTLE COMPANY Johnny & Sharon Rogers 945 Woodsdale Road • Roxboro, NC 336-504-7268 rccbeef@gmail.com PRESNELL RED ANGUS Jonathan & Jacob Presnell 368 Whitaker Road • Shelby, NC 704-473-2627 (Jonathan) • 704-616-8775 (Jacob) BULL HILL RANCH Jim & Alvina Meeks • Raymond Prescott, Manager 1986 Trinity Church Road • Gray Court, SC 864-682-3900 • 864-682-2828 bullhill2@mindspring.com
Jerry Simpson, President - 704-302-2940 • simpson_jerry@msn.com
The Carolina Cattle Connection
COUNTRY BOY FARMS David Miller 316 Key Road • Edgefield, SC 706-840-3709
q DECEMBER 2020
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Section f
Hot Summer Days are Proving ‘No Sweat’ for Red Hided Cattle By NOLAN WOODRUFF & JEANANNE MOSHER Red Angus Association of America Cattlemen and cattlewomen using Red Angus genetics have long applauded the benefits of the breed – outstanding females, heifers out selling their steers mates, superior carcass quality, and
overall docility. The improved heat tolerance of red hided cattle compared to black hided cattle in the scorching days of summer is also a notable advantage regardless of climate and region.
Premium Red Baldy’s Realize Growing Demand Premium Red Baldy is a tagging program designed to take advantage of hybrid vigor by maximizing the best traits of both Red Angus and Hereford and providing commercial producers with premium replacement females. The program will help producers access genetically verified females that have the best combination of longevity, A typical Premium Baldy; moderate, easy fertility, and adaptability to fleshing, good udder and feet. incorporate into producers’ herds. As the nation’s cow herd expands to meet beef demand, Premium Red Baldy females will rise to the challenges of producing more beef sustainably and profitably, without sacrificing quality. The Premium Red Baldy program has the ideal balance of maternal and carcass traits, which will yield cattle poised to increase the profitability of the commercial producer. Premium Red Baldy uses genetics supported by the only two beef breed associations backed by whole herd reporting. Both Country Boy Farms and Fowken Farms of South Carolina have seen an increase in interest in Red Baldies with the introduction of the program. As purebred Red Angus and Hereford breeders, the two operations took advantage of their friendship and used bulls of the opposite breed as cleanup. The resulting females are well suited to the Southeast, and the maternal strengths of both breeds and combined with their red color makes them a superior British cross female. The Millers have been well pleased with the temperament and longevity of the Red Baldies and use them heavily as recipients in their embryo program. Fowken continues to see strong demand for the heifers going to commercial operations throughout the area.
Red Baldies thrive on newly acquired pastures undergoing rehab.
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The Carolina Cattle Connection q DECEMBER 2020
Producers with mixed herds have noted that red cattle graze more consistently throughout the day as opposed to dark hided cattle that graze during the cooler mornings and evenings, spending time in the shade or pond during the peak temps of the day. Visual observations carry a lot of weight, but the Red Angus Association of America wanted metrics and scientific research to confirm the difference in temperature and other affects between red and black hides to back up the cowboy logic. To quantify the red hide advantage, the RAAA implemented a project to measure the exact difference in hide temperature during the heat of summer. Staff began the multi-year project in the summer of 2019 and currently have one year’s worth of data collected. The results are proving the hypothesis correct that red hides are indeed cooler than black hides. The first step of this project was to stretch a red hide and a black hide on identical boards to observe and record the difference in temperature solely based on color. RAAA staff then shipped these hides around the country to be laid out in the sun, collecting temperature measurements at various intervals during the day. After comparative temperatures were collected at six locations, the data showed an average 10.5ºF difference in
the two hides, with the red hide being consistently cooler. For areas with high temperature summers, Red Angus cattle perform phenomenally well, and this data shows one reason why. In the heat of the day, red hided cattle are cooler and more comfortable, therefore more likely to stand out in the sun and continue grazing. Feedlots have also indicated that hide color plays a role during the finishing stage. A previous study performed by RAAA looked at feed intake depending on temperature during the summer of 2017 in Nebraska. Red and black cattle with similar genetics were fed in adjacent pens during the hot weather months. The pen of Red Angus cattle consumed 8,250 pounds more feed during daytime hours compared to the black cattle. With the added energy required to keep cattle cool in the summer, feedlots see benefits to feeding Red Angus. The second phase of the project – set for the summer of 2020 – will entail recording external surface temperature readings on live cattle to compare and confirm the relationship of the hide-onboard temperatures to live cattle. The final step of the hide temperature project will be to collect internal temperatures on red and black hided females. These measurements will offer further insight into heat tolerance in red hided cattle and how it might affect conception rates on hot summer days.
e
Spotlight on
RED ANGUS
f
The Database Race By JARED WAREHAM Quietly, a frenzied dash has begun revealing itself in our industry. It will rival the intensity of the closing scenes of Talladega Nights as Ricky Bobby and Jean Girard sprinted earnestly toward the finish line as Pat Benatar belted out, “We Belong.” A truly epic finish. Whoever slaps their hand across that checkered line first will be well positioned to drive innovation in virgin spaces along the beef value chain. We all understand the practical applications and financial benefits that can be derived from highly accurate databases and fine tuned interpretive analytics. Precision food and feedstuff production systems are shining examples of how technology can help producers become better business operators. Big data has greatly benefited producers as they navigate business decision making, like weather impacts, government, and resource use. It has helped keep tractors and equipment running straight and efficiently so farmers can profitably supply global grain markets. Opportunities for further integration of data driven tools also exist in all segments of beef production. Just ask the feedlot manager trying to cost effectively grow NHTC (non-hormone treated cattle). Tools to reliably predict growth performance and reduce the probability of losses have a significant place when buying and feeding cattle without the benefits of implants. Comprehensive integration of such tools may still have hurdles to overcome. However, make no mistake, we are inching in that direction more each year due to a multitude of data accumulation and analytical efforts. Traditionally, the beef industry has been too fragmented and siloed to support across the board integration of ranch-toconsumer data flow. Further complicating the matter is the lack of robust, high accuracy public datasets with universally accepted, predictive metric capabilities. The best data resources that do exist are designed mostly for seedstock and commercial ranch utilization (like IGS, for example). These designs are not flawed, but they’re more of an “initial wave,” or
first generation of precision-productionimproving metrics. Continued evolvement of these more limited tools will be key to widespread cooperation between the segments. Therefore, the race is on to assemble and validate data tools that can deliver precision information and logistics management up and down each segment of the beef value chain. We should assume that, to some degree, there are very powerful data sets that already exist. However, these databases represent a shift away from what has been typical for our industry. They are privately held resources that constantly assimilate data in droves that will help drive business performance through precision metrics. Furthermore, they operate free from the usual complications characteristic of public databases. Overall, data quality and limitations to size and scope are sometimes challenged by narrowed visions and politics, which have created performance ceilings in most public data sets. They lack complete integrative capabilities to the entire industry as a result. Moving forward, we will be able to place most databases in two buckets as the race unfolds. Those that have limited opportunities to improve or retool and, as a result, fear an oncoming wave of irrelevance. And secondly, those that truly “get” the industry and drive segment-tosegment cooperation by creating highly useful business metrics that create more value for all involved. Not only will the right kind of data help mitigate risk and empower enterprise management, it represents a proverbial gold mine to its gatekeepers. Environments or systems that can facilitate supply chain profitability, like transparent and accurate price discovery at the speed of commerce, will find plenty of opportunities to scale and profit. Those that can create opportunities to cultivate large fields of data and erect precision instruments connecting the ranch to the consumer with all necessary interfacing capabilities could have one of the most powerful operating alignment systems our industry has ever seen.
The Carolina Cattle Connection
q DECEMBER 2020
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Section f
Essential Business – But Not ‘Business as Usual’ By TRACEY KOESTER ARA Editorial Coordinator Early in 2020, when the world was turned upside down and commerce for many industries came to a screeching halt due to COVID-19, agriculture was deemed essential business. Continuing normal day to day transactions, however, didn’t necessarily mean business as usual. The pandemic hit smack dab in the middle of bull sale season – an important time for cattle producers to procure bulls for the upcoming breeding season. Most bull buyers prefer to attend sales in person to visually appraise the animals they spend thousands of dollars to purchase. This year, however, crowd size restrictions, social distancing, and travel bans altered how cattlemen and women selected their next seedstock genetics. Both buyers and sellers relied heavily on communication technology and remote bidding options. Experience Paid Off - Heather Soukup, DVAuction general manager, based in Norfolk, Neb., was working seedstock sales in Oregon and Washington when COVID-19 hit the West Coast. “The pandemic turned out to be bigger than we originally thought,” she said, “but over the years our role in marketing seedstock has grown and we’ve learned to make adjustments on a weekly, daily, and hourly basis to adapt to situations such as blizzards and floods.” With more than 20 years of experience, DVAuction’s platform was already well established and set up to handle most situations. Its online, live bidding format enables bull buyers to attend the sale via the internet, place proxy bids or bid in real time on the lots they’ve researched prior to sale day. DVAuction’s mobile app is an additional buying avenue for bidders. “We know how important our producers’ sales are, so we already had measures in place to make their day as successful as possible,” explained Soukup. “We made sure we had the capacity and capability to handle more online activity, we added servers, and implemented other measures to accommodate on-ranch sales where internet service wasn’t as stable.”
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Their website activity nearly doubled with 2.9 million page views between February 15 and March 15 as compared to the same time frame in 2019. “Some sales had over 1,400 buyers online and we’ve hosted up to 40 sales in one day. We just kept our feet firmly planted on the ground and our head on straight to get through it,” she said. Soukup praised the DVAuction team. “We are really proud of our staff. All the field reps continued to attend sales and our customer service staff covered more office hours and Saturdays than normal. Their loyalty and passion for our industry really shined during this time. We encouraged them to be careful when traveling, to social distance and sanitize. They were very resourceful and showed up to get the job done.”
DVAuction rep Justin Dikoff handles incoming online bids at a production sale.
Do Your Homework - MacKenzie Oswald and James Howell of JH & MO Farms, a commercial Red Angus cow/calf operation near Urich, Mo., researched seedstock operations and specific cattle before bidding on DVAuction for the first time this year. “There aren’t a lot of Red Angus operations in our area and attending the sale wasn’t feasible because of the distance and our fulltime jobs,” said Oswald. “Bidding online is a convenient tool and a nice option. We even bid from our phone and used the ‘Swipe to Bid’ feature.” Oswald emphasized the importance of doing homework before the sale. “We spent a lot of time looking at online catalogs and videos. We knew what we were looking for and then when we found cattle that met our criteria, we contacted
The Carolina Cattle Connection q DECEMBER 2020
the owners and visited with them. It also gave us a feel for the people, and we were comfortable moving forward to purchase from them.” Viewing videos of individual stock is important to Oswald. “If we can’t see the video, we aren’t as likely to pursue that animal,” she said. “We learn a fair amount about the animals except maybe what their feet look like. It takes a lot of time to review all the videos, but it was worth it to get the animals we wanted. We have found that questionable purchases in the past were usually last minute decisions.” Critical Role - Feeder cattle marketing in local auction barns and over online sales was also disrupted due to COVID-19. “When we started reading and hearing words like ‘pandemic, quarantine, and lock down,’ we knew how we conducted business was going to change and that our role in agriculture – and the markets – would be critical,” said Joe Lichtie, vice president of Superior Livestock Auction, headquartered in Fort Worth, Texas. “Our buyers rely on our reps to help them purchase cattle during Superior sales, but with social distancing and health safety guidelines, we couldn’t bring reps in to sit shoulder to shoulder
at our phone banks,” he said. “We had to figure out how to sell load lots of cattle without our reps coming in. Many of our reps are 60 plus years old and we didn’t want them subjected to travel conditions that could further expose them to the virus.” With the office building closed down, Superior editing and customer service staff worked at home as much as possible. The phones rang constantly but were transferred to staff members’ personal cell phones. When a call came in, whoever could answer the call, took it. On sale day, the staff came in through the back door, cleaned and wiped down all the phones, and rearranged the phone bank from 24 phones to one per table, distanced six feet apart. Superior Livestock manned the phones with their office crew, spouses, seedstock sale reps, and some local talent that normally work car auctions. “We aren’t really a one man band because we have the phone business,” said Lichtie, “and we have a really good crew in our office that stepped up to the challenges.” Superior also offers click-to-bid and phone bidding for seedstock production sales. Lichtie estimates they doubled the number of registered buyers per sale. “Some buyers request we call them when
Regular copy deadline is DECEMBER 5 for the JANUARY issue Spotlight material is due DECEMBER 1 for the JANUARY issue
e Special a certain lot comes up, and other guys just sit on the phone and wait for their bulls. “Our reps are still traveling to production sales to service our customers,” he said. “Most of our reps were raised on a ranch and if there’s a job to be done, they are going to do it. They don’t know any other way.” Setting up for Success - Lichtie
Darrin Eck checks a set of heifers and a bull – all cattle he purchased online.
Spotlight on
RED ANGUS
believes the reputation of breeders was extremely important this year. “I had seedstock producers call me before their sale and ask, ‘What are we going to do?’ We encouraged buyers to look at the bulls beforehand and watch the videos. Other sales became online only. In either case, the relationship seedstock producers had established over the years instilled trust and confidence with their buyers and they had successful sales at the end of the day.” Darrin Eck of Kingman, Kan., has established a strong relationship with his seedstock suppliers and has purchased Red Angus bulls and heifers online in previous years. “I was planning to fly to the sale this year but when COVID-19 hit, it was a no-brainer to stay home and buy online,” said Eck, who has used both DVAuction and Superior’s click-to-bid. “I feel very comfortable buying cattle over the internet because these breeders know
Section f
me, and they have a good guarantee. They wouldn’t be in the business if they didn’t stand behind their cattle.” Eck, like Oswald, reviews the catalog and videos, then calls the owner to learn more about his favorites. Because of their relationship, his seedstock providers understand his goals. “If I’ve selected a bull that won’t fit my operation, they will let me know, and then point me towards a bull they think is a better choice. I appreciate their honesty.” “If someone I know is attending the sale, I will have them take a look at the bulls I’m interested in and report back to me, but the owners have always been very honest with me and have always sent me quality. I’ve never been disappointed in the six or seven years I’ve been buying from them.” Lichtie echoed that advice. “Have faith in your reputation seedstock supplier because this is their business and they
want you to be successful with the animals you purchase.” Soukup recommended online buyers register and log in early for a sale. “We played our bidding tutorial before the sale to familiarize new online bidders with our process. We also encouraged them to reach out to the rep if they had questions.” Soukup said, “We know how important bull sale season is and we are all trying to be the best we can be in these unknown and unexpected times. We are here for the industry, and we are a good insurance plan in case of a weather related or unforeseen crisis.” “It’s important there’s no glitch in the food chain during this pandemic and that is why all agriculture is essential,” concluded Lichtie. “We are part of the process. We need to turn out bulls to continue livestock production and then sell feeder calves to be harvested for food. We are essential.”
JANUARY 16, 2021
The Carolina Cattle Connection
q DECEMBER 2020
PAGE 11
Ashley’s Beef Corner
Carolina Cooking
T
Pistachio Crusted Beef Rib Roast with Holiday Wine Sauce
The Holidays Are Here
Total Cooking Time - 3 hours, 30 minutes
By ASHLEY W. HERRING Director of Consumer Information N.C. Cattlemen’s Beef Council
1 beef ribeye roast bone-in (2-4 ribs), small end, chine (back) bone removed (6-8 pounds) Seasoning ½ cup unsalted shelled pistachios, finely chopped ¼ cup coarsely crushed coriander seeds 2 tablespoons finely chopped fresh thyme 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil 1 teaspoon coarse grind black pepper
After a topsy turvy year with lots of unknowns, 2020 is wrapping up, and we are all trying to put some normalcy into place. The familiarity of holiday meals is a comfort to us, and beef is the centerpiece we are all looking for. Beef is bringing back the Holiday Drool Log with an exciting update. Let’s discuss what the holiday campaign looks like and how it will be used.
There is a press release from the Beef Checkoff, which shares our big news in this issue. It announces the proud return of Beef. It’s What’s for Dinner. to broadcast television! For the first time in seventeen years, beef will be back on tv and on the Hallmark Channel’s Countdown to Christmas movies. The Hallmark Channel was chosen because of its popularity this time of year and the good nature of its programming. Plotlines are heartwarming, and everything always has a happy ending. This opportunity will be supplemented with engagement through their movie checklist app, which helps viewers know when new movies premiere and supports lists of those viewed and planned to be viewed. Beef. It’s What’s for Dinner. will work to create a series of stories about beef recipes within the app. Users can swipe up to visit www.BeefItsWhatsForDinner. com. Recipes will link to local retailers to create grocery lists for users to purchase ingredients online. Half of the work in shopping and preparation is neatly completed for consumers! The drool log still makes people
PAGE 12
drool. The two hour version is a great background for the smaller get togethers this year, and the shorter clips used on television and online are great reminders of how beef owns the holiday season. Considerations that led to this television return are that COVID-19 has shut down movie theaters and blockbuster releases, meaning there is more at-home movie watching. Also, all tv watching has had an increase throughout this year.
Delving into the demographics, the Hallmark channel is the highest rated and most watched cable network for women aged 18-49 and 25-54. December is the highest rated month for the channel. So, we know the audiences are there, and we are delivering our message front and center! The ads will run through December 31. Hallmark will let us know exact air times about a week before, so be sure to follow our social media posts to see up to date information. We are wishing you a very Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!
The Carolina Cattle Connection q DECEMBER 2020
Holiday Wine Sauce 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil 4 ounces cremini or button mushrooms, sliced ¼ cup finely chopped shallots 1 cup beef broth, divided 1 cup cabernet sauvignon 1 tablespoon cornstarch ⅛ teaspoon black pepper 1 teaspoon fresh thyme Salt Heat oven to 350°F. Combine seasoning ingredients; press evenly onto all surfaces of beef roast. Cook’s Tip: To coarsely crush coriander seeds, place seeds in a food safe plastic bag; seal well. Crush seeds with a rolling pin, using a back and forth rolling motion. Place roast, fat side up, in a shallow roasting pan. Insert an ovenproof meat thermometer so the tip is centered in the thickest part of beef, not resting in fat or touching bone. Do not add water or cover. Roast in 350°F oven 2¼ to 2½ hours for medium-rare; 2½ to 3 hours for medium doneness. Remove roast when meat thermometer registers 135°F for medium rare; 145°F for medium. Transfer roast to carving board; tent loosely with aluminum foil. Let stand 15-20 minutes. (Temperature will continue to rise about 10°-15°F to reach 145°F for medium rare; 160°F for medium.) Meanwhile, prepare Holiday Wine Sauce. Heat olive oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium heat until hot. Add mushrooms and shallots; cook and stir 6-9 minutes or until mushrooms are tender and browned. Remove from skillet; keep warm. Add ¾ cup broth and
wine to skillet; cook and stir over medium heat 12-16 minutes or until reduced to 1 cup. Combine remaining ¼ cup broth and cornstarch in a small bowl. Whisk cornstarch mixture and pepper into wine mixture; bring to a boil. Cook 1 minute or until sauce thickens, stirring occasionally. Remove from heat; add thyme and mushroom mixture. Season with salt, as desired. Carve roast into slices; season with salt, as desired. Serve with Holiday Wine Sauce. Makes 10 servings.
Pistachio Crusted Beef Rib Roast with Holiday Wine Sauce
The Carolina Cattle Connection
q DECEMBER 2020
PAGE 13
By JOHNNY R. ROGERS Amazing Grazing Program Coordinator
Consider Frost Seeding Legumes into Tall Fescue Pastures Profitable cattle production means meeting cattle nutritional requirements as economically as possible. Grazing systems that offer cattle high quality forage will yield improved reproduction and gains. A practice that will improve cattle performance and offers a great return on investment is establishing legumes in tall fescue pastures. This proven practice is often overlooked when considering pasture improvements. However, it can deliver tremendous value for many years with proper implementation. Legumes bring several advantages to forage systems, and it starts with improved forage
Grass-legume pastures improve cattle performance, soil health, and lowers production costs. (Source: www.hayandforage.com)
quality. In general, we would expect grasslegume pastures to have higher nutritive value compared to grass only pastures. Cattle grazing those pastures would exhibit higher dry matter intake, better gains, improved reproductive rates, and milk yield. Numerous research trials have demonstrated these results, especially when legumes are added to endophyte infected tall fescue pastures. The boost in forage quality helps mitigate the negative effects of fescue toxicosis. Nitrogen fixation is another major legume advantage. Rhizobium bacteria colonize legume roots and create a symbiotic relationship where the bacteria produces plant available nitrogen for the legume. Unfortunately, there is not a direct pathway between grasses and legumes or the bacterial colonies. Grasses will receive a delayed benefit from this nitrogen infusion into the soil. As mentioned previously, legumes are higher quality, which includes having a higher protein (nitrogen) content. As cattle consume them, most of the dietary nitrogen is excreted by cattle in the form of urine and feces. Soil microbes
breakdown this material, and nitrogenous compounds become available to pasture plants. It is worth noting that good grazing management gives better manure distribution; thus, more valuable nutrients stay on the pasture to grow more forage in the future. Furthermore, more nitrogen is released when the Rhizobium bacteria colonies die and become part of the soil food web. Research has shown that grass-legume pastures will have similar production to grass only pastures fertilized with 150 units N. Depending on the cost of commercial nitrogen sources, the N supplied by legumes could be worth $75/ acre. Patience is needed since it will take some time before the nitrogen is available to all pasture plants. Again, good grazing skills are needed to maintain and capture the advantages of a grass-legume pastures.
Red clover adds diversity to tall fescue pastures and may help alleviate some challenges associated with fescue toxicosis (Source - www.feedipedia.org).
Frost seeding is a proven technique for establishing clover into tall fescue pastures. When selecting fields for frost seeding, choose fields that have good fertility (pH > 6.0) and low levels of broadleaf weeds. Also, if you have used pasture herbicides with residual activity (i.e., GrazonNext HL, Chaparral, DuraCor, etc.), follow the manufactures recommend waiting period before
“If you have cattle, pastureland, or raise hay like I do, you need to call Donna Byrum. In 10 minutes on the hood of my pickup, she signed by up for a program that I had no idea about. The next time she came by the farm, she brought me a check! ~ E.B. Harris
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For all your crop insurance needs! PAGE 14
The Carolina Cattle Connection q DECEMBER 2020
establishing legumes. A soil bio-assay can be completed to verify the suitability of the site. Stockpiled tall fescue pastures that were used for winter grazing are often good candidates because those pastures are usually grazed closed with limited residue. Clover can be broadcast using light equipment (ATV/ UTV) to minimize soil disturbance. The subsequent soil freeze/thaw action incorporates the seeding into the soil to allow for germination. There is some year-to-year variation in ideal seeding times, but mid-February is a good target for most years. My preference for seeding is Ladino white clover (1-3 pounds/acre) and red clover (6-12 pounds/acre). This combination provides a good balance of both species. Red Clover will not have the persistence of white clover, but I still like having it in the mix. It adds diversity to grazing systems, and recent research has shown that it may contain compounds that alleviate some of the vascular constriction associated with fescue toxicosis. Ladino clover is a great fit for grazing systems, and with good grazing management, it can persist for many years. Pastures that were frost seeded should not be fertilized with nitrogen during the year of establishment. The supplemental nitrogen will allow the grass to become too competitive, and it will crowd out clover seedlings. In addition, use adaptive grazing management to keep grasses from becoming too tall (<8 inches) during the spring will give the clover time to become established.
An ATV mounted spreader makes frost seeding easy with minimal soil disturbance (Source - www.foothillsforage.com).
Beef cattle production is a mature commodity based industry, and success largely comes from being a low cost producer of a high quality product. From a business perspective, clovers add value to both sides of the ledger. They decrease production cost with nitrogen fixation and enhance forage quality, which leads to better cattle health and performance. Frost seeding clover onto closely grazed pastures provides an easy and effective method to add clover to fescue pastures. Now is a great time to start developing your February 2021 frost seeding plan. Contact your Extension Livestock Agent or Amazing Grazing for more information. Merry Christmas and good grazing!
futures price from the cash price. Basis is complex as it involves the movements of both the futures market and the local cash market. It can be thought as to how the three principles discussed — time, geography, and physiology — impact the futures price and explain the difference between cattle futures prices and local cash prices. These three principles create
By BERNT NELSON Clemson University
Back to the Futures, Part II The relationship between futures and South Carolina cattle markets. In the previous article, the cattle futures markets were addressed as a tool for Carolina cattle producers. Back to the Futures, Part I illustrated how getting “Back to The Futures” can be a tool that Carolina cattle producers can use in their marketing tool kit. To understand how futures markets can be helpful, it is important to know what they are and how they relate to the auction system that dominates the South Carolina cattle market. Back to the Futures, Part I primarily addressed the structure and function of cattle futures markets. In the second edition, Back to the Futures, Part II will create a road map to help navigate the differences between the South Carolina cash cattle market and the futures markets. This article will use three principles: time, geography, and physiology to guide the Carolina cattleman to understanding how the futures markets are different from the cash prices they receive at the local sale barn. This is important when making decisions such as deciding to sell now or hold inventory to the next month. Three principles that separate futures markets from the South Carolina cash market: • Time - The first difference between the South Carolina cash cattle/market and the futures market is time. A Jan 21 feeder cattle futures contract is an agreement to buy or sell 50,000 lbs of feeder cattle in the future month of January 2021. Technically, if a buyer owns one of these buy or sell positions, he or she would be required to either produce 50,000 lbs of actual feeder cattle to sell or buy 50,000 of actual feeder cattle at the expiration of the January 2021 feeder cattle contract. In modern times this does not happen because of the high liquidity in the futures market. Liquidity, discussed in Back to The Futures, Part I is the ease with which these contracts can be turned into cash, is the reason that the physical cattle are never actually in question. It is an electronic representation of 50,000 lbs of the actual cattle.
When a producer takes their animals to the local sale barn, it is far different from what occurs in the futures market. The sale is on a set date, and the buyer shows up with the physical livestock with no ability to guarantee the price that will be received. Farmers and ranchers are generally thought of as price takers. This means that when a farmer or rancher goes to sell a product, they are at the mercy of the market with very few tools to control the outcome. Liquidity, discussed in Back to the Futures Part I, is more limited because there are fewer buyers and sellers competing at the local auction than in the electronic futures market. • Geography - The second difference between the South Carolina cash cattle market and the cattle futures market is going to be described as geographical. As we learned in Back to the Futures, Part I, a feeder cattle contract represents 50,000 lbs of 700-849 lb cattle, and a live cattle futures contract represents 40,000 lbs of 1,100-1,200 lb cattle. Geographical means that if a trader was asked what his or her view of the cattle in a futures contract is, it would not likely to be load lots of South Carolina cattle. It is more likely to be loads of cattle from the stockyards in Texas or from one of the major markets in the Midwest. • Physiology - The last difference between the South Carolina cash market and is the physical difference in the cattle represented by futures contracts and the cattle that move through the local auction system. Feeder cattle and live cattle futures contracts represent medium #1 and large #1 steers. This does not include any animals identified as “fancy, thin, fleshy, gaunt, or full.” It is not a true representation of the combination of animals that one might see at the local sale barn. Other animals not included in futures contracts are cull cows, heifers, and steers under 700 pounds. • Basis - Basis is defined as the difference between today’s local cash price and today’s futures price of the contract closest to today’s date. This price is calculated by subtracting the
a map that gives some direction in a place where there are no roads. They are the link to get “Back to the Futures” from our local sale barn. The next article, Back to the Futures, Part III, will discuss the concept of Basis and dive just a little deeper into why farmers and cattlemen fall into the category of “price taker” rather than “price maker.”
E.B.'s View from the Cow Pasture By E.B. HARRIS
Young Minds Can Remember More Than We Think They Can We did our final preg checking and weaning of calves on the cattle that were basically the spring calvers herd recently. These cattle were located in the pasture at Shane, Morgan, Gemma, and Wesley’s house. Gemma is 2½ years old, and maybe it’s because it’s been a long time since I have been around what I call “little tyke,” but I declare they are more intelligent than the children of years back. I guess this is because they are exposed to more. We went over there and gathered the few that were around their house. In the herd were one bull, four cows, five heifers to bred for the first time, and one weaning heifer. After we finished working
this group, we kept out one cow, the bred heifers, and the one weaning calf. That left only three cows to take back and turn in the pasture close to their house. Gemma goes out just about every afternoon to give them a “treat.” When she went out with Shane later this same afternoon to take them a treat, she turned to Shane and asked, “Where are the rest of the cows?” She did not have a count on the cows, but she knew a good part of the herd was missing. All I can say is the younger generation is coming on, and they are keeping up with what this generation is doing. It also goes back to the old saying - “Don’t say or do anything that you don’t want repeated.”
Good memories for the cattle, good memories for the kids.
The Carolina Cattle Connection
q DECEMBER 2020
PAGE 15
You Decide! By DR. MIKE WALDEN
Department of Agricultural & Resource Economics N.C. State University You Decide: Can We Agree On Some Tax Concepts? Taxes are almost always a big part of political elections. Questions about who pays taxes, whether taxes are too high or too low, and the tax system complexities are usually parts of debates and campaign ads. Most ads are not educational, in that the purpose is to not teach about tax concepts and how they work. Instead, the ads are designed to promote a candidate’s position with the goal of gaining voters’ support. I understand that, but here I do want to take the educational route and provide some information and context to tax concepts. Hopefully, I’ll be able to provide background that better enables you to decide if you favor or oppose various tax proposals. I’ll use concepts from the federal income tax and Social Security tax since these are the largest taxes paid by most people. Federal Income Tax Rate - The tax rate of the federal income tax is the percent of taxable income (defined below) paid in taxes. For example, if your taxable income is $10,000 and the tax rate is 25
percent, you pay $2,500 in taxes. However, there is not one tax rate; there are seven. Each rate applies to a specific range of your taxable income. For example, the lowest 10 percent rate is paid on taxable income from $0 to $19,750 for a married couple, while the highest rate of 37 percent is paid on taxable income above $622,050 (there are slightly different rates for single person taxpayers). Every taxpayer, regardless of her or his taxable income, has their income sliced into the seven ranges with the corresponding tax rate applied. Many tax proposals focus on the highest tax rate (today 37 percent). People who want the richest taxpayers to pay more argue to increase the rate. Opponents worry raising the highest rate could backfire by reducing the motivation of rich taxpayers to earn, spend, and hire workers. Taxable Income - Federal taxable income is your income – mostly from working and investing – minus the deductions you are allowed to take. And what are these deductions? They are expenditures made by a taxpayer that Congress and the President – who jointly approve the tax code – want to encourage.
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The Carolina Cattle Connection q DECEMBER 2020
A good example is interest paid on a home loan, as well as many others related to education, saving for retirement, and health care. For taxpayers who don’t have any of these favored expenditures, there is the “standard deduction.” Taxpayers only use the deductions they are entitled to (called “itemization”) if their sum is greater than the standard deduction. Business owners have an entirely separate set of deductions related to their costs, investments, profits, and losses. There’s been a long standing debate about the fairness of some business deductions that can result in modest taxes paid by high income owners. One way for a candidate to support a particular type of spending is to propose a tax deduction for it or to expand an existing deduction. Sometimes a candidate will want to limit a deduction to taxpayers making under a specified level of income so as to focus the benefit on those earners. Tax Credits - Tax credits are the “gold standard” for reducing a tax bill. Like tax deductions, tax credits are based on spending favored by the tax code. Unlike tax deductions, tax credits reduce taxes dollar for dollar with the favored spending. This can mean a tax reduction 3-10 times more than for a comparable tax deduction. There are a variety of tax credits related to child care, renewable energy, health care, education, and others. If a politician really, really, really wants to support a particular kind of spending, a tax credit for that spending will be proposed. Social Security Income Limit - Social Security is the federal program that pays a retirement pension for most workers. The program is funded by taxing the earnings of workers, with both the worker and employer paying a tax rate of 6.2 percent, for a total tax rate of 12.4 percent. Sounds simple enough, right? Not really. There is controversy over the fact there’s an income limit to which the 12.4 percent tax rate is applied. This year that limit is $137,700. What this means is that after a worker’s income reaches $137,700, the worker is done paying Social Security taxes. Is this fair? Actually, there is a logic to the limit. Workers with higher earnings while working receive higher Social Security pensions when retired. But after a certain level of earnings is reached, pension payments don’t increase. The two limits are the same - $137,700 this year. Workers don’t pay additional Social Security taxes on earnings above $137,700 because their pension benefits don’t change when earnings rise above $137,700. Still, with Social Security facing a
funding crisis in another decade, there are advocates who want those earning over $137,700 to pay more Social Security taxes without seeing their benefits increased. Opponents see this moving Social Security to more of a welfare system and perhaps losing public support. There are many more tax concepts – these were just some top ones. Hopefully, my commentary will help you decide where you stand on each one. You Decide: Why Can’t Economists Agree? There’s an old joke that says if ten economists are lined up and asked their forecasts for next year, there will be ten different answers. Indeed, I’ve been in programs with other economists presenting forecasts, and the joke isn’t far from reality. Get ready for another round of “which economic forecast do you believe,” because, with a new presidential term about to begin, analysis of economic proposals will hit the media fast and furious. And, a sure bet is, forecasts of the impacts of the proposals will be all over the board. Some of these varying forecasts will be politically based. That’s to be expected. But there will also be serious analyses of policy proposals from well trained and respected economists that don’t agree. This leads to a logical question: if the economists all received similar training, how can their forecasts be different? One answer is that economists aren’t necessarily trained in the same way. Although there is a core of economic knowledge, all students receive, at advanced levels of economics, there are nuances of differences. For example, some programs put more emphasis on the ability of government programs to change economic outcomes. While other programs don’t discount the power of government in the economy, they put greater focus on the importance of private decision makers. In fact, the actions and reactions of private players in the economy can be an important reason why predictions of the impacts of government programs can vary among economists. Here’s an example. Let’s say you read about a proposal for the federal government to increase taxes on high income taxpayers by $1 billion. The revenues would then be used to fund job training for workers whose jobs were displaced by the pandemic, with the ultimate goal of re-employing those workers. This is certainly a laudatory and important goal. But then let’s say you read about two conflicting studies of the proposal. One says it will be a great success, with the increase in jobs and incomes far exceeding the costs of the program. But the
other study says the program’s success will be much less, with total net new jobs and incomes in the economy falling short of the program’s cost. How could the results be so different? One reason could be the second study took account of “secondary effects” of the job training program, while the first didn’t. The secondary effects look at economic reactions and impacts from those who fund the program. Here’s what I mean. If high income people are tapped to pay for the $1 billion job training program, one view might be they won’t miss the money. Hence, there will be no reaction from those taxpayers. That may be, but one reaction to consider is what these rich taxpayers would have done with the $1 billion if the government hadn’t taxed it away. It’s
likely they would have done a combination of two things – spent some and invested some. Either way, spending and/or investing would have created jobs and incomes. These jobs and incomes would therefore need to be subtracted from those estimated from the job training program to derive a “net” gain in jobs and incomes. Of course, the jobs and incomes created from the rich spending the $1 billion would not necessarily be the same jobs going to the unemployed workers participating in the job training program. This would be an important factor to consider. Yet the significant point is, the “net” creation of jobs and incomes from the job training program would certainly be less once the alternative spending of the $1 billion was considered. Another reaction to consider is how
Baxter Black
On the edge of common sense The Straggler
Ol’ Wayne was real particular about his steers. He figgered if he spent his hard earned pennies tryin’ to get a few extra pounds, he dang sure wasn’t gonna sweat it off ‘em durin’ the gather. Nobody’s horse had broke a trot all day as they trailed the bunch to the corral. One Brahmer cross turned back. “Jes’ let ‘im go, boys…Don’t want to rile the others.” Durin’ the next week, Wayne scattered a little hay each day for the lone holdout. By Saturday, he had him up to the little knoll above the corral. Saturday, Wayne had Billy come out ahorseback with a plan to finally capture the wary brute. Wayne baited the steer with a little hay and coaxed him toward the pickup. Everyone was as still as a courthouse on Sunday afternoon. The steer edged within range of Billy’s rope. “Okay,” whispered Wayne. At the sound of the command, Wayne’s good cow dog shot between his legs and made a dash for the steer! Billy’s loop caught the air! The steer wheeled and lit out across the pasture! Billy managed to turn the steer. The dog slid to a stop. He tried to stare the steer down… but he blinked! The steer bellowed at the
dog! The dog turned tail and made for the pickup with the steer in hot pursuit! Meanwhile, back at the pickup, Wayne stood waving a flake of hay and cursing the dog. The dog sailed by Wayne, leaped, and cleared the tailgate by four feet and a tail! The steer showed no sign of slowing. Wayne realized his predicament and ran toward the pickup! At 71, he couldn’t leap as high as the dog. He jerked on the tailgate futilely, then dropped and rolled under the pickup. The steer hit the pickup in high gear with a bone jarring “WHANG!” The pickup, conveniently in neutral, rolled off the knoll toward the corral. The dog peered over the tailgate, obviously relieved as he left the scene of the impending accident. Wayne lay flat on his back in a two section pasture, looking up the nostrils of the foaming steer. Havoc now hung in the balance. Now, I can’t swear this last part is true, but it could have happened this way. As the pickup bounced down the hill toward the corral, the steer spied the dog, jumped over Wayne, and raced after it. Dog, truck, and steer went right into the corral, and Billy slammed the gate on the tale.
the behavior of taxpayers now facing a higher tax rate might change and how their reaction might impact the economy. Research shows that taxpayers are sensitive to tax rates. Lower tax rates motivate people to earn more income – because they keep more of it – while higher tax rates cause people to reduce their pursuit of additional income – in this case, because they keep less of it. As a result, if a government program is financed by higher tax rates, the potential loss of economic activity from those higher rates should be considered. Good economic studies take this reaction into account. Such studies are termed “dynamic studies,” as compared to “static studies,” which ignore the reaction. One problem is there is no settled or widely agreed upon number that accounts for the reaction. One way to handle this issue is to conduct several analyses using different values. In the economics business, this is called “sensitivity analysis.” The conclusion is, economic studies can reach different results depending on what the studies consider. Studies that incorporate “reactions” of those footing the bill for programs can produce contrasting results from those not including the reactions.
So, as with most things, we have to peel back the cover on studies to see what is really going on with the calculations. Only then can we decide what each study is telling us. You Decide: Are There Answers to Our Worrying Questions? Even though, like many, I have been working at home for the past eight months, I am still able to interact with people. Thanks to modern technology, my presentations to groups have continued. As a result, the questions about our future economy pour in, either during meetings or from emails afterward. Unfortunately, I detect much fear and worry in the questions about our economic future. I always try to be honest in my answers, but sometimes just looking at the questions from a different viewpoint helps folks. So here I’ll present my responses to four of the questions I’ve recently been asked. I’ll let you decide if my answers allay your fears or not. Either way, hopefully, my responses will provide you with useful information and a sound perspective for looking at our uncertain future. Will the Economy Ever Be the Same? The short answer is “no.” Most
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The Carolina Cattle Connection q DECEMBER 2020
You Decide! continued from page 17 experts think the COVID-19 pandemic has permanently changed our economy in several ways. One way is replacing in-person interaction with remote interaction. We’ve seen remote working, remote education, and remote medicine all expand during the pandemic. While each has pluses and minuses, the prediction is remote interaction will stay with us at much higher levels than prior to the pandemic. We’ll also see permanent changes in services that still require personal interactions. Where possible, these interactions will be minimized. Hotel check-ins will be done using a machine, and much of hotel cleaning will be accomplished with robots. Indeed, they’ll be a production boom for robots after the pandemic, as they replace people in many personal contacts. My first job at McDonald’s running the fryer will probably soon be done by a robot. Is there a Big Economic Crash Ahead? Many of those contacting me worry about the loss of jobs, and the big jump in the national debt will soon send the economy into a tailspin. They’re concerned the recession we’ve had this year will turn into a deep depression in coming years. Let me take the job part first. Total jobs in the state today are still seven percent under their level at the beginning of the year. Yet this is much better than the 17 percent job deficit in April. Thus, we’ve made progress. I expect the progress will continue, but there will be two problems. The pace of adding jobs will be slow. To wipe out the remaining seven percent job deficit will likely take a year or longer. Second, the jobs coming back won’t all be the same as the jobs lost. We’ll need considerable time and money devoted to worker retraining. The faster we can accomplish this retraining, the better off we’ll be. The federal government has added $3 trillion to the national debt during the pandemic. Fortunately, with interest rates at historic lows, making the payments on the debt shouldn’t be an issue. However, this doesn’t mean the borrowing won’t have costs. Money paid on the national debt is money that could have been used in some other way. The potential benefits of those alternative uses are a cost. Some economic research suggests more borrowing today results in slower economic growth in the future. Still, a major economic “crash” is unlikely. When Will the Economy Be Back to Close to Normal? Economists have had a surprising amount of agreement on this question. At the start of the pandemic,
there was consensus the resulting economic recession would be deep but short, and the recovery would initially be strong but afterward much slower. Indeed, this forecast appears to be on track. In the second quarter (April, May, June), the economy contracted nine percent (33 percent on an annualized basis). Then in the third quarter (July, August, September), the economy bounced back by seven percent (31 percent on an annualized basis). But advance indicators, such as job gains, strongly suggest the fourth quarter growth rate will be much slower at one percent, and this slower rate will continue throughout 2021. These numbers indicate the economy won’t return to its pre-pandemic size until late 2021 or early 2022. Will North Carolina’s Economy Be Better or Worse After the Pandemic? North Carolina’s economic recovery from the pandemic will follow the nation’s. Crucial for both will be two virus related factors: our ability to contain and address the virus’ winter surge and the approval and distribution of vaccines. Setbacks to either, such as renewed business closures or problems with getting an effective vaccine to people, will delay the economic recovery in the country and North Carolina. In the post pandemic economy, I expect North Carolina’s growth to continue to exceed national economic growth. I think our vibrant, yet less dense, metropolitan areas will be attractive to households and businesses in the urban Northeast – as well as Southeastern cities like Atlanta - who are worried about future viruses and their fast spread in crowded areas. With our state’s still important textile industry and our significant pharmaceutical sector, I see new business opportunities related to the rebuilding of the domestic medical supplies sector (gowns, masks, pharmaceutical treatments). Also, if companies nationwide reconfigure their supply chains to reduce international dependence, there could be new possibilities for North Carolina’s broad manufacturing sector. I recently told a group that 2020 will be remembered as a turning point in our history in many ways – socially, culturally, and economically. When we are well past this year, each of us will have to decide where the turning points led us. About the author. Mike Walden is a William Neal Reynolds Distinguished Professor and Extension Economist in the Department of Agricultural and Resource Economics at N.C. State University who teaches and writes on personal finance, economic outlook, and public policy.
North Carolina Angus Association ANGUS MEANS BUSINESS Backed by the world’s largest and most reliable genetic evaluation program. Registered Angus genetics deliver better calving ease, more growth, and superior marbling. 4K FARMS/TARHEEL ANGUS Richard D. Kirkman, DVM Siler City 919-742-5500 info@tarheelangus.com 455 GORE FAMILY ANGUS Mark & Lori Gore Tabor City 702-401-8005 455goreangus@gmail.com www.455farms.com BACK CREEK Joe & Robin Hampton Mt. Ulla 704-880-2488 (Joe); 704-880-3572 (Robin) robinbackcreek@att.net Facebook: Back Creek Angus BB ORGANIC FARM NC, LLC Bob & Elissa Miller Louisburg 919-414-7753 BILTMORE ESTATE Kyle Mayberry - Manager Asheville 828-768-1956 livestock@biltmore.com www.biltmorelivestock.com BRIDGES BEEF CATTLE Eddie, Cindy, John, & Crystal Bridges Shelby 704-692-2978 bridgesbeefcattle@gmail.com BRITT FAMILY FARMS James Britt Calypso 919-738-6331 jrb4070@hotmail.com C-CROSS CATTLE COMPANY Duane Strider Asheboro 336-964-6277 ccrosscattle@yahoo.com www.ccrosscattle.com FOUR S FARMS Kim & Connie and Jason & Robin Starnes Luther Lyerly - Manager Salisbury 704-640-5875 kim-4sfarms@carolina.rr.com G&G FAMILY FARMS Darren & Paul Gore Tabor City 843-458-2970 goreangus1@gmail.com goreangusfarm.com GENTRY HOMEPLACE ANGUS Howard & Donna Gentry King 336-413-6698 whgentry@windstream.net H&H FARMS Buddy & Jennifer Hamrick - Owners Bly Hamrick - Manager Boiling Springs 704-472-1912 jennham@bellsouth.net HILL ANGUS FARM Dr. Gary M. Hill Hendersonville 229-848-3695 gmhill@uga.edu JACK KNOB FARMS Karl, Janet, & Logan Gillespie Franklin 828-371-2220 karl@jackknobfarms.com www.jackknobfarms.com
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KNOLL CREST FARM The Bennett Family Red House,VA 434-376-3567 knollcrest@knollcrestfarm.com www.knollcrestfarm.com LANE ANGUS Roger & Bundy Lane Gates 252-357-1279 ritalane@embarqmail.com PANTHER CREEK FARMS John C. Smith, Jr. Pink Hill 252-526-1929 JohnSmith3982@embarqmail.com S&J Farms Steven & Julie Lung Nathan Lung - Manager Carthage 910-947-3414 sandjfarms2013@gmail.com SMITH CREEK ANGUS FARM Marty & Lynne Rooker Norlina 252-213-1553 mrooker@mrookerlaw.com SPRINGFIELD ANGUS Phil Goodson Louisburg 919-880-9062 philgoodson2@gmail.com www.springfieldangus.com TRIPLE LLL ANGUS Greg Little Monroe 704-219-1294 greg.little@ATImetals.com UWHARRIE RIDGE FARMS Mark Wilburn Asheboro 336-953-0521 uwharrieridgefarms@gmail.com VANDEMARK ANGUS Keaton & Janie Vandemark Spring Hope 252-885-0210 keaton@vandemarkfarms.com WINDY HILL FARMS, LLC Michael A. Moss Will Moss - Manager Ramseur 336-549-0070 michaelmoss@rtmc.net WINSLOW GENETICS Ben & Kathleen Winslow Halifax 252-578-5487 winslowgen@gmail.com WOOD ANGUS FARM, LLC Russell Wood Willow Spring 919-275-4397 rwood4400@gmail.com www.woodangus.com
Sharon Rogers
N.C. Angus Association Executive Secretary
336-583-9630 Email: ncaa.sec@gmail.com Website: www.ncangus.org
q DECEMBER 2020
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ANGUS NEWS 2021 Angus Internship Applications are Open Now. Four hands-on internship opportunities are available to college students. In agriculture, learning by doing has proven to be the best form of experience. Applications are now open for college age students to apply for the American Angus Association, Angus Journal, and Angus Genetics Inc. (AGI) 2021 summer internships. These ten week internship programs provide a unique, hands on experience that will both challenge and instill confidence both professionally and personally. “It was truly incredible to be involved in such purposeful work, serving breeders each day in ways that we could make their experiences better,” said Peyton Schmitt, 2020 communications intern. “Team Angus made me feel like I was a true member of the team.” Not only are these internships valuable in helping students build specific skill sets, but they are an opportunity to extend their professional network. Interns at Angus are assigned responsibilities and guided by experts in their career field to help instill confidence and ensure success. The four internships being offered are: Angus Journal - This writing intensive opportunity offers the chance to join a multi-media effort, which includes the Angus Journal print publication and the AJ Daily electronic newsletter, as well as the Angus Journal’s website and social media presence. The internship can be tailored to the intern’s strengths, but many duties can be anticipated, including traveling to industry events. Experience in news and feature writing, editing, and photography are strongly suggested. Communications - From print stories to video scripts, photography, graphic design, and more, the communications intern will truly gain valuable agricultural communications experience. Applicants should have strong writing and design skills and have completed coursework in news and feature writing, editing, and design. Experience in photography, video, and social media would be helpful. Events and Education - The intern will assist in planning and executing youth events hosted by the National Junior Angus Association (NJAA), including preparations, correspondence, and coordination for junior shows and events. Applicants should be a self starter, detail oriented, and outgoing
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with the ability to work well with others. Livestock and event planning experience is a plus but not required. Travel to the 2021 National Junior Angus Show (NJAS), Leaders Engaged in Angus Development (LEAD) Conference, and other events is expected. AGI - Students pursuing their master’s degree or Ph.D. in animal breeding and genetics should apply for the AGI summer internship. The intern will have the opportunity to work with one of the world’s largest beef genomic databases. The internship will be focused on research that involves data analysis, so candidates should have experience in analyzing animal breeding data sets and genomic data. Angus Beef Bulletin - Angus Media is finalizing an internship structure with the Angus Beef Bulletin that will likely include a part time schedule on a quarterly basis. Look for details to come. Students interested in applying should send a resumé, cover letter, and references to careers@angus.org by February 1, 2021. Visit www.angus.org careers for internship descriptions and requirements. American Angus Association Moves Forward in 2020. Challenges, success define fiscal year for the Association and its entities. The American Angus Association posted a strong fiscal year 2020. It was the sixth consecutive year with more than 300,000 registrations, and there were 142,651 total transfers. Regular and junior membership totaled 25,000, and Montana topped the list with the highest number of registered head at 34,113 for the fiscal year that closed September 30. “Without question, this year was loaded with uncertainty and change,” says Mark McCully, American Angus Association CEO. “There was no playbook or history lesson to reference, and many days, we all felt like we were working on the airplane while flying it. But through the challenges, I want to thank both our members and our team at the Association. I am thankful for the strength of the Angus family that proved even a year like 2020 could not slow us down.” Despite the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, production sales and averages held strong – $4,884 for bulls and $3,970 for females. Association regional managers helped members navigate the daily changes associated with holding
The Carolina Cattle Connection q DECEMBER 2020
in-person sales and events, and that set the tone for in-office staff to support the membership. Angus Genetics Inc. - Joel Cowley began as the president of Angus Genetics Inc. (AGI) this spring, and the team rolled out new expected progeny differences (EPDs) and indexes. The hair shedding and pulmonary arterial pressure (PAP) EPDs were released this year, along with a combined value index ($C). That genetic tool characterizes profitability differences across the entire supply chain. Giving dairymen a tool to better match Angus genetics in their calf programs, two new Angus-on-Dairy value indexes were released: Angus-on-Holstein ($H) and Angus-on-Jersey ($J). The AGI team processed 165,745 genomic profile tests – a 3.69 percent increase from 2019 – and recorded a 22.6 percent increase in the total number of genotyped animals in the database when compared to 2019. Commercial Programs - In early 2020, the AngusLink℠ suite of USDA Process
Verified Programs (PVP) was combined with the Genetic Merit Scorecard, offering members many ways to add value. Enrollments increased by 70.3 percent, up 37,199 head to settle at 90,104 total. Cattle enrolled in some part of the PVP programs brought home a $9.93/ hundredweight (cwt.) premium on average. Calves sired by registered Angus bulls captured an additional $6.73/ cwt. compared to their non-Angus sired contemporaries. AngusLink’s partnership with EarthClaims LLC allowed another opportunity to add value, allowing cattlemen the ability to enroll in Global Animal Partnership (GAP) and seek additional premiums on the auction block. Certified Angus Beef LLC - For the fifth consecutive year, Certified Angus Beef brand sales topped more than one billion pounds across 52 countries. The final tally hit 1.175 billion pounds, down just 6 percent from the previous year.
Continued on page 22
Yon Family Farms Fall Sale Results A sunny, warm day was the setting for the Yon Family Farms Fall Sale on October 31. The sale offering included both bulls and females, mainly registered Angus, with a select offering of SimAngus and Ultrablacks. The sale was broadcasted live online using the services of DVAuctions. This enabled both bidders at the sale and those unable to attend the opportunity to view the auction and bid. A standing room only crowd was on hand throughout the day as the 298 head came through the ring. A delicious beef stew lunch was served by neighbors and
friends, and many former employees and friends were on hand to help make the auction run smoothly. Auctioneers were Eddie Burks and Darren Carter. Bulls sold into 14 states. Most bulls sold to commercial cattlemen throughout the Southeast, with a few going to registered breeders and A.I. studs. The Yon Family Farms Spring Sale will be held on February 20 in Ridge Spring, S.C., where approximately 225 long yearling bulls and 100 females will be offered. Visit the website at www.yonfamilyfarms.com for more information soon to come.
SALE RESULTS • 101 coming two-year-old Angus bulls averaged $7,473 • 23 coming two-year-old SimAngus bulls averaged $4,978 • 3 coming two-year-old Ultrablack bulls averaged $6,000 • 1 coming two-year-old SimAngus HT bull sold for $9750 • 80 yearling Angus bulls averaged $5,150 • 2 yearling SimAngus bulls averaged $3,250 • 1 yearling SimAngus HT bull averaged $4,500 • 3 yearling Ultrablack bulls averaged $4,000 • 19 Angus cow/calf pairs with September baby calves averaged $5,513 • 18 Angus bred heifers averaged $4,376 • 4 Angus split pairs (w/weaned Heifer calves) averaged $6125 • 4 featured Angus open heifers averaged $12,250 • 20 Angus bred cows averaged $3,135 • 7 SimAngus cow/calf pairs with September baby calves averaged $4,214 • 1 SimAngus split pairs (w/weaned heifer calves) sold for $5,400 • 3 SimAngus bred heifers averaged $3,367 • 4 SimAngus bred cows averaged $2,550 • 1 Ultrablack cow/calf pair with September baby calf sold for $4,250 • 1 Ultrablack bred cow sold for $3,000
Scenes from the 2020 Yon Family Farms Fall Sale
The Carolina Cattle Connection
q DECEMBER 2020
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Angus News continued from page 20 “The credit goes to the producers who keep a consistent supply of qualifying Angus cattle,” says John Stika, Certified Angus Beef LLC president. For the first time ever, 35.9 percent of Angus influenced cattle qualified for the brand’s ten quality specifications. Additionally, CAB’s Targeting the Brand™ logo utilization grew by 76 percent this year, helping commercial cattlemen identify genetics more likely to produce CAB qualifiers. Partners showed creativity and resiliency, but at the spring peak of the pandemic in April and May, foodservice and international sales were down 72 percent and 64 percent, respectively. Retail business was up almost 44 percent. Putting all 12 months together, retail had a record year, increasing by 12 percent, while foodservice and international sales were down roughly 22 percent. CAB is set to support licensees as consumers still look to beef, just in new ways, Stika said. The brand launched its new consumer brand loyalty program, Steakholder Rewards™, this year as a way to build relationships. Angus Foundation - With the guidance of Thomas Marten, the newly
hired executive director of the Angus Foundation, the three components of the Angus Foundation — youth, education, and research — continued their upward momentum. Angus juniors received 133 academic scholarships and LEAD conference awards, totaling $312,750. More than 1,000 new National Junior Angus Association members joined the Angus family in 2020. Research funding reached $126,000 in the form of grants designed to advance science to answer questions that impact both registered and commercial breeders. Angus Media - “More than ever, the Angus Media team, including regional managers in the field and staff in the office, were an indispensable partner for Angus breeders,” says Brett Spader, Angus Media president. Despite pandemic related uncertainties, regional managers attended 760 sales this year, and the Angus Journal reached more than 40 million page views, and the Angus Beef Bulletin reached 52 million page views. Angus Media saved members $450,000 due to negotiated printing rates
SAVE THE DATE! BLACK CREST ANGUS FARM 23rd Annual Production Sale
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Black Crest Angus Farm
1320 Old Manning Rd. • Sumter, SC 29150 Email us at williammcleod@ftc-i.net W.R. “Billy” McLeod, Owner • 803-491-6798 Jon Ripstein, Cattle Manager • 803-983-1202
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The Carolina Cattle Connection q DECEMBER 2020
and a new per page pricing structure. In the digital space, online sale books reached 34.5 million views, with advertisers amassing 4.5 million digital ad impressions. The team also created or coordinated 309 websites during the fiscal year. Angus University - In an effort to advance and tailor the Association’s educational resources for members and cattlemen alike, Angus University debuted. Seven webinars, with 5,029 participants, covered everything from “Focus on fertility,” to “Facts About Foot Scoring.” Post event surveys indicate more than 99 percent of participants found them to be helpful. To see the 2020 Annual Report with more information about the past year, visit www.angus.org/annualreport. First Ever Joint Partnership with Angus Australia. Angus Australia and the American Angus Association partner on foot score phenotypes. The American Angus Association introduces the first ever partnership with Angus Australia and the Canadian Angus Association to combine foot score phenotypes from all three databases. Following promising results from research conducted by AGI, the first updated foot score EPDs including phenotypes from all three databases were published on November 27. “Using all three of these databases will be valuable to breeders as we can better characterize both foot angle and claw set in our weekly genetic evaluations,” says Kelli Retallick, director of genetic and genomic programs for AGI. “This will undoubtedly increase the accuracy of these predictions, which in turn will allow Angus breeders to make more solid decisions about foot confirmation.” Over the past several years, AGI has had the opportunity to work on several research initiatives with the goal of improving the weekly genetic evaluation for users of Angus genetics. To improve this evaluation, increasing the quantity and the quality of the data is important while considering the connectedness of that data across different contemporary groups. The joint evaluation adds over 62,000 Australian foot score phenotypes to the more than 48,000 American and Canadian records currently held in the American Angus Association database. “The reason we can combine these two databases is because the scoring systems between the two associations are very similar,” says Retallick. “Actually, the foot score system we use here in the States was modeled after the Australian system, which has been used to capture phenotypes from certified scorers as far
back as 2002.” Before these databases could be combined, it was also important to determine the connectedness of the two datasets. In doing so, AGI found that 20 percent of the progeny that had a foot score phenotype collected in Australia were sired by an American Angus Association registered bull and that another 33 percent had an American Angus Association grandsire in their pedigree. Another benefit of incorporating the Australian dataset is that it contains progeny phenotypes on older American sires, among which are 35 American Angus Association sires born between 1988 and 2014 that have a minimum of 25 Australian progeny with foot scores. Though these 35 sires have no foot score records whatsoever in the American database, they have 3,114 records in the Australian data set. “This adds a lot of value to our weekly genetic evaluation in North America as we now have progeny phenotypes on bulls that we didn’t have the opportunity to capture since we just started collecting foot scores in 2015,” says Retallick. While these phenotypes bring value to the American Angus Association database, adding a large amount of data may result in changes to claw set and foot angle EPDs for individual animals. Though the correlations for claw set and foot angle between the existing and combined evaluations are quite high at .88 and .87, respectively, some reranking of animals will occur, particularly for those that have no records in the American database and a substantial number of progeny records in Australia. However, due to the quality of the data being introduced, these changes should be viewed as improvements to the predictions for these traits. Looking at current sires that are registered in the American Angus Association herd book, the largest claw set and foot angle EPD changers are approximately +/- 0.25. Because foot score EPDs are components of the maternal weaned calf ($M) value, changes may be also be seen in this index. The largest changers for $M index are around $18, and this $18 change will also be reflected in the combined value ($C) index. Learn more about this partnership and how it will positively impact the American Angus Association database at www.angus.org. You can also watch Retallick discuss this partnership on the American Angus Association YouTube channel, Angus TV. Focusing on Longevity with AHIR. The American Angus Association
announces updates to the Angus Herd Improvement RecordsSM program. Jerry Cassady, director of member services, and Chris Stallo, chief operating officer of the American Angus Association, presented the Focusing on Longevity panel on November 8 at the 137th Angus Annual Meeting in Kansas City, Missouri. The Focusing on Longevity discussion shared how commercial cattlemen are turning to seedstock producers for maternal traits that have been difficult to characterize. Cassady and Stallo believe that with the implementation of an inventory reporting option through the Angus Herd Improvement Records (AHIR) program, the Angus breed not only will collect more data but will also collect more useful data to better serve all sectors of the industry. Inventory reporting is the new, simplified option within AHIR, which focuses on capturing hard to reach traits while keeping current inventory on your cow herd. A major advantage of inventory reporting is that it gives full credit to the high performers in a herd. The information gathered with inventory reporting, from disposal and reason codes while accounting for each calf born, is especially informative for the Association and the Angus breed’s end goal – the focus on longevity. Inventory reporting is located on the member’s AAA Login homepage with a simplified, step-by-step guide to walk you through updating your cow herd. Enrollees are required to report calf information or a disposal code or reason code for the cow. Additionally, there are two enrollment periods with inventory reporting, and the price is $2 per female over 12 months of age. Little changes occur for the MaternalPlus program. For members already enrolled in MaternalPlus, they essentially are enrolled in inventory reporting. Enrollment dates for inventory reporting, and MaternalPlus is available twice a year. The most effective time to enroll your herd is after your current calf crop is weaned and before your next calf crop has started calving. Therefore, if your herd is mainly a spring calving herd, you are best to enroll your herd from November to January. If you are primarily a fall calving herd, it is best to enroll your herd from May to July. Learn more about AHIR and inventory reporting by going to Angus.org or AAA Login to access the simplified, easy wizard that will walk you through the enrollment process. Angus Foundation Raises $20,050 at 137 th Angus Annual Meeting. Proceeds from eight lots support the future of the Angus Foundation and its
initiatives. The Angus family is dedicated to supporting the future of the Angus breed. On November 8, during the 137th Angus Annual Meeting awards dinner in Kansas City, Mo., the Angus Foundation raised $20,050 to support the unrestricted Angus Fund and the Angus Foundation’s mission of youth, education, and research. “We are grateful for both the donors and buyers who invested in the live auction at the 137th Annual Meeting,” said Thomas Marten, Angus Foundation executive director. “This year has been anything but easy, and the fact that the Angus Family has continued to show up is a true testament to their commitment to the future of the breed.” During the live auction, a unique offering of lots was donated from an array of businesses and individuals. The lots available were the 20 millionth registration number, an Angus custom engraved Henry 45-70 rifle, a branded cowhide with choice of the Angus logo or specific ranch name, a custom hat from Greeley Hat Works, and four items autographed by the Green Bay Packers Super Bowl champion, Angus producer, and Angus Annual meeting keynote speaker, Jordy Nelson. The lot items were auctioned off by Eddie Burks, apart from the Angus or ranch branded cowhide, which was sold by National Junior Angus Board Director Josh Jasper. For more information on the Angus Foundation, visit www. AngusFoundation.org or contact Thomas Marten at tmarten@angus.org. About the Angus Foundation. Established as a 501(c)(3) organization in 1980, the Angus Foundation remains focused on its mission to support Angus education, youth, and research. The organization has distributed more than $3.5 million in youth scholarships since 1998 and has also invested more than $1.3 million in beef cattle research throughout the past decade. For more information, contact the Angus Foundation at 816-383-5100 or visit www.angusfoundation.org. Angus Mean Business. The American Angus Association ® is the nation’s largest beef breed organization, serving more than 25,000 members across the United States, Canada, and several other countries. It is home to an extensive breed registry that grows by nearly 300,000 animals each year. The Association also provides programs and services to farmers, ranchers, and others who rely on Angus to produce quality genetics for the beef industry and quality beef for consumers. For more information about Angus cattle and the American Angus Association, visit www.angus.org.
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EPD, ESP or, “He Said/She Said” By EDDIE MARTIN Anderson, S.C. We all make cattle farming decisions. We make them based on something, and hopefully, it is not a quick decision based on indigestion from your own cooking. The burning in the esophagus might not be a long term yearning for the best of your farm or business. But we all base decisions on some premise. What I want in a choice is the clear and least cumbersome path to profit. You have to pick your way to that profit. Maybe you want to ask somebody based on their fame or fortune, public status, stage name, or label. Folks like labels. For example: You cannot be John Smith and be a rap music icon. You need to be “Lil JS,” “Folded Dolla’,” “Pocket Chang-a,” “Big Bubba,” or something unique. If I need to be somebody else, I’d like to be known as “The Lazy Farmer.” Since I am sort of average and a stick in the mud, I don’t need a “Lil” or a “Big” or an abbreviation. As Charlie Pride sang, I’m just me! But I do want to avoid unnecessary effort. To assume this moniker, I still have to work some, but I give myself off a few days and most nights from farm work! However, I can honestly tell you that I do not want to do more than is needed because of a faulty premise or poor advice. We’ve all heard the old joke about the daughter asking the mother why she sawed off the end off the leg roast before cooking. “Grandma did it,” but it turned out that Grandma did it because she only had one pan in the good ol’ days, and it was too short. So why do we do farm things like we do? Let’s explore that for a bit. Several months ago, I discussed the KY-31 forage base we use and how it is a blessing. To recap and recycle a slogan, “That was Easy.” Then we come to livestock selection; what works? That is not as swift to zero in on. But as I mentioned, the emphasis that Dr. Jan Bonsma placed on the hide and the hair qualities of animals that are adapted to their environment is the basic building block. It helps you more than you know to eliminate chores. What can a slick haired, greasy coated, thick, pliable hided animal do for you or “tell you” about itself? Answer: Many things. An adapted animal will shed winter hair early. It might be a different month in Canada than in Aiken or Walhalla, S.C., but they will shed sooner than the rest of the contemporary cattle in that given environment. An animal that sheds
without retaining excess hair or fuzz is my goal. A loose and pliable hide can be noted merely looking by the number of folds in the neck region. Now, this is not talking about the touched up photos of sale catalogs to make us drool and go limp in the wallet where the cows have been clipped, oiled, and Photoshopped – a cow or bull with a natural sheen is more resistant to external parasites. And being most adapted and exhibiting great health status: these animals will function better, breed back better, and gain better with less help from me. That’s not the whole of it, but it gives you an idea of what a lazy guy does in his selection of livestock. With this all said, the American Angus Association is working on a hair score, which has some problems for me because they are not differentiating between fescue based cattle or the animals which will never see a blade of fescue. That will be the problem of an EPD versus fescue pasture observations, which some would say is ESP, a gut read, or pure foolishness. Whatever is the most profitable and the most correct – I’m in on it. Parasite resistance is a big one. We do not do range wars around here with cattlemen versus the sheep guys, thank goodness. So we have both a herd and a flock on the farm. What is the old definition (joke) of a sheep for most folks? Answer: A sheep is an animal born looking for a chance to die. What issues allow most sheep to achieve the end of the
definition? On the farm, Dr. D.G. Pugh said it ranks out as #1 worms and #2 dogs (and coyotes). I think that a lot of folks fear owning sheep because they have had wormy goats in the past, tried non-adapted show lambs, or have read the definition of the average sheep and do not want to start a mass graveyard on their property. Being lazy has helped me greatly. We have St. Croix hair sheep, which are known to be parasite (worm) resistant, and we have selected for zero wormed sheep. If a sheep needs to be wormed as a lamb, the lamb, his sibling(s), and his parents get a ride to the sale barn. We are in our second decade of “no-worm” sheep, and I am happy to report that I am still able to be a lazy farmer. And to further tell my methods of selection pressure: our breeding rams are on the same KY-31 fescue pasture, day in and day out, 365 days a year and with zero wormings. So, if selection for worm resistant cattle works for sheep – how about cows? WAIT A MINUTE, BUDDY – THAT’S SACRED GROUND! YOU HAVE TO buy cattle wormer and worm the herd or you cannot get a free cap. And “they said” that you will make more money. What I have done for a long time: no dewormer used after three years old. Pour on wormer is used infrequently on calves in the summer to control flies and worms, and weaned, retained calves are wormed. Otherwise, if you look wormy, do poorly, and are over three years old – you and your “youngens” get to ride to the sale
The Carolina Cattle Connection
barn with the sheep family. Guess what that does to prevent wormer resistance and dung beetle health – a LOT. EPDs, ESP, “He said/she said,” or the lazy (thinking) farmer? The choice is yours. Just make sure the choice you make pays the bills for both you and the buyers of your livestock. A quick note: thank you to the friends who said they read the first article and asked me to write something else. I guess they had insomnia, and I cured it. I’m here to help!
Y’all have stumbled on the best place to advertise expert A.I., superior genetics, the best in purebreds and outstanding farm supplies. Check the Classifieds in this issue!
q DECEMBER 2020
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Methane – A black eye for the cattle industry? Or not? Methane is often cited for why beef is a major contributor to global warming. However, a new (and more accurate) assessment of the effect of methane shows that when the short atmospheric life of methane is accounted for, the U.S. cattle industry may NOT be contributing much at all to global warming. Why is that important? If you read the anti-beef reports related to climate change, the argument against beef is focused on the high amount of methane produced by cattle through the ruminant digestive process. Methane is viewed as a powerful greenhouse gas that has 25-35 times the warming impact of CO2, but when that impact naturally goes away because methane is broken down in the atmosphere, the picture of beef’s impact on global warming is significantly changed. Armed with this new methodology, the U.S. cattle industry may be able to show it makes minimal contributions to global warming, and in the future, may even suggest cattle production is helping to “cool” the effects of other industries, such as transportation and electricity generation. A recent report written by Dr. Jason Sawyer at King Ranch ® Institute for Ranch Management and commissioned by NCBA to apply the new calculation (called Global Warming Potential Star, or GWP*) to the U.S. cattle herd shows promising evidence that our industry’s improvements over the last few decades have us hovering around zero warming equivalents from methane contributions. GWP* accounts for methane’s meager 10-12 year lifespan in the atmosphere instead of accounting for methane emissions accumulating indefinitely over time. CO2 emitted by burning fossil fuels can take 1,000 years to break down in the atmosphere. This discrepancy is finally being addressed through GWP*. In fact,
using the new calculation, U.S. cattle move from contributing 2 percent of U.S. Greenhouse Gas Emissions to being responsible for only 0.4 percent. GWP* was first reported by the Climate Dynamics research team at the University of Oxford in 2018 and has been gaining acceptance in the scientific community as a more accurate accounting for methane’s effects on warming. In its previous reports, the International Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) acknowledged the shortcomings of current methods of reporting methane impacts and may recommend a change to GWP* in their next report, which sets the standard for global emissions reporting. Many reports have relied on the old calculation, resulting in some organizations publishing articles advocating for plant based diets. These results may change, however, when GWP* is adopted more broadly. By identifying better science, NCBA is better positioned to push back on organizations that are not accurately portraying the U.S. cattle industry. It also allows us to build the case that the cattle industry may actually be offsetting the warming effect of other industries. With these insights, cattle producers may be able to find ways to lead the reduction of the atmospheric burden of CO2 and be a part of the solution by helping reduce the intensity of climate change. Instead of vilifying the industry, those truly interested in comprehensive and sensible approaches to mitigation should become the cattle industry’s strongest supporters. Is the U.S. cattle industry climate neutral or even climate positive? When you look at the soil and grasslands maintained by the cattle industry, it is certainly a strong possibility. If the industry continues its tradition of reducing emissions per unit of beef delivered to consumers (through nutrition,
technologies, and genetics) while also continuing to be stewards of the land by continuously improving grazing lands to stimulate plant and root growth (pulling down more CO2 from the atmosphere), then climate positive beef is very possible. It’s time the industry stops
NEWS
Premier Select Sires Scholarship Opportunities Total $20,000 in 2021. Premier Select Sires will award up to $20,000 to students within the Premier territory through the 2021 Premier Future Ag Leaders Scholarship Program. Two exemplary students will receive $2,500 scholarships through either the Johnny Daniel Memorial Scholarship or the Wayne Dudley Scholarship. Several other students will receive scholarships of $750-$1,000 in value. Scholarship application forms are available under the “News” tab of www.premierselectsires.com, by calling 570-836-3168, or by emailing office@premierselect.com. Completed scholarship applications are due January 31, 2021. Eligible students include high school seniors through college seniors presently enrolled or planning to enroll in an undergraduate agriculture related major. The student or his/her parent or guardian must reside in the Premier membership area and must be an active Premier customer in good standing. Previous scholarship winners remain eligible during subsequent award years; however, a student can only receive a $2,500 scholarship once in his/her school career. The Premier Future Ag Leaders Scholarship Program provides
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ducking the issue of greenhouse gas emissions and takes the bull by the horns. If the world wants to address global warming (along with many other related issues like catastrophic wildfires), cattle are not only a part of the equation but are the best solution.
financial support to eligible college undergraduates in agricultural majors. The program provides additional return to the cooperative’s member-owners by supporting the next generation of young people desiring to study and work in the agriculture industry. The Premier Select Sires, Inc. board of directors has made a commitment to providing money to support this scholarship program on an ongoing annual basis. About Premier Select Sires. Premier Select Sires is a farmer owned cooperative that serves beef and dairy producers in its 23 state member area. Dedicated to providing its members with all they need to achieve success, Premier provides: • Industry leading genetics from the Select Sires, Accelerated Genetics, and GenerVations brands • Effective herd health and management products, as well as artificial insemination supplies • Reliable services and programs backed by years of success • Knowledgeable industry experts who are easily accessed for consultation, advice, and on-farm assistance Together with its five sister cooperatives across the United States, Premier owns and controls Select Sires Inc., the world’s most recognized name in bovine genetics.
You shouldn’t have to have a gun held to your head to take advantage of the expert A.I., superior genetics, the best in purebreds and outstanding farm supplies featured in the Classifieds in this issue!
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GELBVIEH NEWS
American Gelbvieh Foundation to Release 50 Year History Book. The first 50 years of Gelbvieh in the United States and the American Gelbvieh Association’s (AGA) first 50 years of providing services to members are captured in a 200 page breed history book: “Gelbvieh in the U.S.: The Breed. The Association. The People.” The book conveys the passion and dedication of the breed’s pioneer breeders to establish a breed during the influx of “the exotics” in the early 1970s and follows the breed, association, and breeders from 1971 through 2020. Underwritten by the American Gelbvieh Foundation (AGF), the full color breed history book is packed with facts, photos, and personal stories and comments that highlight the breed’s rich history, including unexpected challenges, bold decisions, and cyclical cattle markets. It encapsulates the good, the bad, and the ugly and provides insights into the processes and events of the past and interconnects them.
“This book was a labor of love and the result of material gleaned from written documents as well as interviews and photographs provided by past and current AGA members, staff members ,and executive directors,” states Al Knapp, president of the AGF. “The book’s author, Teres Lambert, spent a year on the project and turned every stone she could find. Her work paid off, as the book is a fascinating read and the Foundation is extremely pleased with the end result.” The book is set to be released December 4 at the 2020 AGA Annual Meeting in Lincoln, Nebraska. Individuals wishing to obtain a book should contact the AGA at info@gelbvieh.org or call the AGA office at 303-465-2333. Receive the 50 year history book with a suggested donation to the AGF of $35, plus the cost of shipping and handling. A special thank you goes out to all the past and present AGA member sponsors who purchased breeder pages that will be featured in the history book.
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The Carolina Cattle Connection q DECEMBER 2020
The AGF would also like to thank the corporate sponsors for their contributions to preserving the Gelbvieh breed’s history in the United States. About the American Gelbvieh Foundation. AGF is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit corporation that helps support member education, youth development, and
research for the American Gelbvieh Association. About the American Gelbvieh Association. AGA 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.
BE A WINNER!
Join your local cattlemen’s association AND your state or regional breed association. BluePrint Media Launches Podcast, Updated Website Trailblazing in Agriculture to highlight industry innovators. BluePrint Media is excited to announce the launch of its latest venture, a podcast titled Trailblazing in Agriculture. Through its monthly episodes, the Trailblazing in Agriculture podcast will dive into specific segments of the agriculture industry to tell the unique stories of people who have made significant contributions to the diverse segments of agriculture. The podcast launched in October with a series featuring trailblazing women in agriculture. The podcast is hosted by BluePrint’s Media Division Manager Jessie ToppBecker. “The goal of the Trailblazing in Agriculture podcast is to tell the stories of people in agriculture – the pioneers, innovators and trailblazers,” Topp-Becker says. “The agriculture industry is filled with generations of people who have blazed a trail, and their stories deserve to be told.” The first episode, Lessons from a Cattle Feeding Industry Veteran, features an interview with Betty Jo Gigot, the editor and publisher of CALF News magazine. Gigot shares how she got her start in the cattle feeding industry and how that ultimately led to her involvement with CALF News magazine. New episodes will be available each month and are available on the BluePrint Media website at www.blueprintma. com or wherever listeners subscribe to podcasts. “Our team looks forward to telling the stories of individuals who often go unrecognized for their contributions to
our industry,” says Lisa Bard, BluePrint Media executive principle. The podcast launched at the same time BluePrint unveiled its updated website at www.blueprintma.com, promoting the company’s various services and providing a variety of resources for visitors. The new website has a clean, modern design, is mobile friendly, and was designed to offer a user friendly experience. “It was important that our website reflect not only who and what we are and the services we provide, but also our culture, our commitment to our clients, and our commitment to quality content,” Bard says. BluePrint’s website will be updated on a regular basis with new resources, including informational blog posts and case studies. Visitors can also find samples of work BluePrint has done on behalf of agriculture and non-profit clients, as well as listen to the company’s podcast, Trailblazing in Agriculture. “Our business has exciting goals to pursue, and the Trailblazing in Agriculture podcast and updated website are just two of the vehicles that will help us achieve our goals,” Bard says. About BluePrint Media. BluePrint Media is a leader in outsourced publishing, inbound, outbound, and content marketing, and support services for businesses, non-profit membership associations, and individuals who champion agriculture, sustainability, conservation, preservation, and outdoor recreation. For more information, visit www.blueprintma.com. To connect with us on social media, visit www.facebook. com/BluePrintma.
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WWW.CCROSSCATTLE.COM The Carolina Cattle Connection
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S.C. Charolais News By GEORGEANNE WEBB S.C. Charolais Association
During the sale in Knoxville on Halloween, we made plans for April 10, 2021, for a BIG BULL sale here in South Carolina. We are going to ask for consignments from all the surrounding states to try to get 60-80 bulls. I have folks in Tennessee, Virginia, and Kentucky contacting members for consignments. I will be calling all the folks in North Carolina, South Carolina, and Georgia, so be prepared for my call and start holding back bulls so we can load the barn. I have several folks in Florida who are excited about coming up here for a load of bulls and not having to travel so far to get what they need. Start your list and be prepared to sell some bulls. There is no need to haul them to the sale barn when you can make good money and find a market for your bulls. There are no big bull sales along the east coast, so we decided to start one to entice buyers on this side of the country. Never know until you try, and we decided we are going to try. Of course, I will have to find a vet to work the sale, and as you know from last month’s article, that will not be easy, but I will find one if I have to fly him in from another state. The Southern Connection sale in Knoxville was a huge success. If you missed it, you missed a great time
and a great sale. We had a fun dinner the night before and met a lot of new friends from Missouri and Mississippi. The sale was great, and the turnout was great with people buying cattle. I don’t think anyone, buyers or consignors, was disappointed. I am in the middle of having my kitchen gutted and new cabinets, countertops, and new appliances installed. Needless to say, I am close to losing my mind. You may want to tune in to Hoarders on cable TV because it is possible I will be on there. You have to remain on the paths in order to walk through my house. I am washing dishes in the bathroom sink, and I had to stand in the bathtub to make tea since my tea pitchers are too tall for the bathroom sink. I got hot water to steep the bags from the coffee maker and went from there. My refrigerator is in the den, so we are running all over the house just to get things done. In another week or two, I figure I will be admitted to the mental hospital with a complete breakdown. I’ve been spending a lot of time in the pasture talking to the cattle as that is the only peaceful place around here. Cattle therapy…maybe we should advertise that to make money during these difficult times.
ALL Regular Copy for the
JANUARY ISSUE by DECEMBER 5! ALL Spotlight Material for the JANUARY ISSUE By DECEMBER 1!
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CERTIFIED HEREFORD BEEF NEWS Certified Hereford Beef Celebrates 25 Years. Together, Hereford producers, brand partners, and loyal customers celebrated 25 years of the Certified Hereford Beef (CHB) brand in 2020. Among the world’s great beef brands, Certified Hereford Beef is found in the nation’s best restaurants and retailers. The brand’s commitment to rich heritage and uncompromising dedication to the Hereford breed has allowed its product to meet and exceed consumer expectations. “The Certified Hereford Beef team is proud to celebrate a brand that continues to evolve and accommodate the demands of consumers worldwide,” says CHB President and CEO Amari Seiferman. “Our commitment at Certified Hereford Beef is to thoughtfully and strategically build a brand that will continue to grow for future generations to add value to Hereford genetics.” In 1995, the American Hereford
Association created the Certified Hereford Beef program to carry forward the time honored tradition of tender, juicy, and delicious beef. As Hereford earned a reputation as an ideal breed to produce the perfect steak, CHB brought that quality into the homes of American families. With consumers adopting high standards for quality in a competitive marketplace, the Certified Hereford Beef brand works strategically to meet their demand and push the beef industry to new heights. Paying close attention to the consumer, the brand has updated and improved its specifications — notably moving to a premium program focused on cattle that achieve upper ⅔ USDA (United States Department of Agriculture) Choice or higher. “The creation of the Premium line has allowed CHB to compete with top brands in the industry,” Seiferman says.
“It is important to be a trusted source for a quality product, not only to promote the brand, but also to help our customers grow their business.” With seven million head harvested and a total of 900 million pounds sold, the brand continues to provide a growing opportunity for rural America and a safe and wholesome product for families everywhere. Cattle ranchers recognized long ago that great beef comes from great cattle. Together, we celebrate 25 years of the brand committed to quality and the cattlemen and women who supply it.
About Certified Hereford Beef ®. CHB is a premium branded beef program owned by the American Hereford Association (AHA). Certified Hereford Beef is a USDA registered, certified, and graded program. Animals must meet strict live and carcass specifications. The Certified Hereford Beef brand is recognized for consistent size and uniformity, delivering a high quality beef product that provides an exceptional eating experience. For more information about Certified Hereford Beef, visit www. CertifiedHerefordBeef.com.
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Hereford Prime Foundation Gifts $116,00 for Research. The Hereford Research Foundation (HRF) is pleased to announce the Hereford Prime Foundation, a subsidiary of the Kansas Hereford Association, has gifted $116,000 in support of future research projects at the American Hereford Association (AHA). The donation was made on behalf of the late Allan Shumaker, from Wetmore, Kan., who founded the Hereford Prime Foundation with funds from the dispersal of his cow herd. An advocate for tracking performance in beef cattle, Shumaker was a leader in collecting DNA samples to document the performance of Hereford cattle in feedlots. His efforts have aided research efforts to enhance and trace the predictability of growth traits, efficiency, and carcass merit. Shumaker funneled his passion for Herefords into a breeding herd with an emphasis on traits to raise cattle for range country and the commercial beef industry. When the Kansas Hereford Association began to manage the National Hereford Feedout in 2005, Shumaker was fully vested in the program, usually sending his entire calf crop, except for replacement heifers. He kept extensive records on those cattle and diligently compared ultrasound data collected at the ranch with the actual carcass data and ultrasound data garnished from the feedout program. This data guided many of the breeding decisions at Shumaker Herefords, resulting in uniformity in feed efficiency, performance, and carcass traits. When DNA became a primary component of
News
data collection, Allan stepped to the forefront to develop a system for gathering and storing DNA samples for future research. “The Hereford Research Foundation is extremely grateful for Shumaker’s foresight to utilize DNA to enhance the marketability of Herefords,” says Shane Bedwell, chief operating officer and director of breed improvement for the AHA. “His generosity and leadership have allowed us to make great strides in documenting and proving Hereford genetics across the industry.” The Hereford Research Foundation was established in 2009 as a division of the Hereford Youth Foundation of America, a 501(c) 3 not-for-profit organization, to support breed improvement projects outside the scope of the American Hereford Association budget. About the American Hereford Association. AHA, with headquarters in Kansas City, Mo., is one of the largest U.S. beef breed associations. The not-for-profit organization along with its subsidiaries — Certified Hereford Beef (CHB) LLC, Hereford Publications Inc. (HPI), and the American Beef Records Association (ABRA) — provides programs and services for its members and their customers while promoting the Hereford breed and supporting education, youth, and research. For more information, visit www. Hereford.org.
Mitchem Receives Jack & Donna Vanier Family Scholarship Regan Mitchem of Vale, N.C., was awarded a $10,000 Vanier Family Scholarship on October 22 during the American Hereford Association’s (AHA) virtual awards ceremony during the AHA Annual Meeting and Conference. These scholarships represented ten of the 24 awarded through the Hereford Youth Foundation of America (HYFA) this fall, totaling more than $150,000. Regan Mitchem is the daughter of Wayne and Crystal M i t c h e m . T h e 1 9 - y e a rold freshman at N.C. State University is majoring in animal science with plans to attend veterinary school. Regan was a 2019 NJHA Junior Golden Bull recipient and in 2018 earned first place in the intermediate illustrated speech contest at the JNHE. She is also a member of the 2019 North Carolina State 4-H Livestock Judging Team. In the last five years, the Vanier Family of CK Ranch in Brookville, Kan., has committed more than one half a million dollars to HYFA and helping Hereford youth pursue higher education and reach their full potential. About the Hereford Youth Foundation of America. HYFA was established in 1986 and is a not-for-profit 501(c)(3) corporation dedicated exclusively to scholarship and educational support of youth in the business of raising Hereford cattle. The Foundation is governed by a board of directors who are heavily involved in the Hereford industry and who have a vested interest in educating youth, developing leadership, and encouraging young people to return to production agriculture. For more information about HYFA, visit www. HerefordYouthFoundation.org.
N.C. Weekly Auctions Report
Feeder Cattle - Medium and Large 1-2 (Week ending NOVEMBER 6, 2020) Kind Avg. Wt. $/lb Steers 300-400 $120.00 - 170.00 400-500 $119.00 - 147.50 500-600 $113.00 - 136.00 600-700 $100.00 - 125.00 700-800 $100.00 - 120.00 800-900 $95.00 - 116.00 Heifers
300-400 400-500 500-600 600-700 700-800 800-900
$110.00 - 134.00 $100.00 - 136.00 $94.00 - 120.00 $82.00 - 115.00 $80.00 - 95.00 $80.00 - 87.00
Slaughter Cows: (over 850 lbs) Breakers (70-80% lean) $50.00 - 65.00 Boners (80-85% lean) $28.00 - 66.00 High Dressing (70-85% lean) $60.00 - 75.00 Source: N.C. Dept. of Agriculture and Consumer Services - USDA Market News, Raleigh, N.C. • 919-707-3156
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NCBA
President’s Report By MARTY SMITH
National Cattlemen’s Beef Association
NCBA Regional Triggers Subgroup Report Dear Fellow Cattle Producer, Price discovery has long been a top priority for the cattle industry and the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA). The availability of current and accurate market information has a substantial impact on our ability to make informed marketing decisions as cattle producers. It is no secret that in recent years adequate price information has been in decline in the fed cattle marketplace. This is largely due to the decrease in negotiated trade across the cattle feeding regions. While Alternative Marketing Arrangements (AMAs), such as formulas, grids, and forward contracts, have been very beneficial to cattle producers, studies have shown that sufficient levels of negotiated trade must occur in each cattle feeding region to achieve robust price discovery. In addition to the issue of price discovery, two major “black swan” events have rocked the cattle markets in a short period of time. The fire at Tyson Foods, Inc. Finney County plant in Holcomb, Kan., applied historic downward pressure on cattle prices and accentuated an already volatile market. These events led NCBA leadership to appoint a Live Cattle Marketing Working Group of NCBA members to evaluate the effects of the Tyson fire and make policy recommendations based upon their discoveries. At the same time, NCBA also requested that the Packers and Stockyards Division at the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) conduct an investigation to ensure that all market participants acted fairly and equitably in the aftermath of the fire. We certainly could not have known then that the volatility we witnessed in the aftermath of the fire would pale in comparison to the market impacts from the COVID-19 pandemic. In response, I directed the Working Group to expand their scope to include the unprecedented marketing environment forced upon us by the coronavirus, and NCBA made the same request to USDA’s Packers and Stockyards Division. At the same time, we made a direct request to President
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Trump to look into potential anticompetitive behavior in the marketplace. Within hours of making this request, he directed the Department of Justice’s Antitrust Division to open such an investigation, which remains ongoing. The Working Group reported its findings to the Live Cattle Marketing Committee at the 2020 NCBA Summer Business Meeting, which included recommendations for policy on price discovery. During that meeting, which lasted over six hours, delegates from every one of NCBA’s state and breed affiliates debated the path NCBA should take in addressing price discovery moving forward. Impassioned arguments were made on all sides of the issue, but following the discussion, the industry came together to unanimously adopt a Fed Cattle Price Discovery policy. This policy directed NCBA to appoint a subgroup to construct a voluntary framework, which includes triggers based on regional levels of negotiated trade, to increase frequent, transparent, and measured negotiated trade to regionally sufficient levels to achieve robust price discovery determined by NCBA funded and directed research in all major cattle feeding regions and established a deadline of October 1 to complete this work. In the event that the voluntary framework does not result in robust price discovery, NCBA is directed to pursue a legislative or regulatory solution determined by the membership to achieve robust price discovery in all cattle regions. Shortly after the Summer Business Meeting, I appointed seven producer leaders with diverse viewpoints to the Regional Triggers Subgroup. I am pleased to report that, after months of bi-weekly meetings, the subgroup has delivered its framework to the Live Cattle Marketing Working Group and the NCBA officer team. I am proud of the work these individuals have put into this document and commend them for working together to find common ground among disparate views. Called “A Voluntary Framework to Achieve Price Discovery in the Fed Cattle
The Carolina Cattle Connection q DECEMBER 2020
Market,” this approach lays out a plan to increase negotiated trade and incentivize each of the major packers’ participation in such negotiated trade. The framework explains in detail what we are calling the “75% Plan,” which is designed to provide negotiated trade and packer participation benchmarks for the industry to strive toward. In essence, the subgroup will evaluate the weekly negotiated trade information for each of the USDA Agricultural Marketing Service’s cattle feeding reporting regions on a quarterly basis in arrears. Eventually, the subgroup will include in its evaluation an analysis of packer participation data, but this information is not yet published under Livestock Mandatory Reporting. To avoid tripping triggers, in any given quarter, each region will have to: • Achieve no less than 75 percent of the weekly negotiated trade volume that current academic literature indicates is necessary for “robust” price discovery in that specific region, • Achieve this negotiated trade threshold no less than 75 percent of the reporting weeks in a quarter, • Achieve no less than 75 percent of the weekly packer participation requirements assigned to each specific region (to be determined in short order), • And achieve this packer participation
threshold no less than 75 percent If triggers are tripped in any two out of four rolling quarters, the Subgroup will recommend that NCBA pursue a legislative or regulatory solution to compel robust price discovery. The subgroup will take into account black swans on a case by case basis, which are outlined in the force majeure section of the document, and may allow for flexibility within the 75% Plan if events disrupt the normal flow of cattle in a quarter. Periodic adjustments may need to be made to the framework if academic literature is updated, technological advances are made, or other conditions of supply and demand have changed. The subgroup will make these adjustments on an as-needed basis. While certainly not a silver bullet solution, I truly believe that this approach provides the industry a goal to strive towards and, perhaps more importantly, a path forward if progress is not demonstrated toward that goal. If you have additional questions or concerns about the framework, your state affiliate executive has additional resources. You can also always reach out to our NCBA staff in Washington, D.C., by calling 202-347-0228. I am confident that the cattle industry will meet this challenge as it always does - head-on and at full steam. Together, we can ensure price transparency and robust price discovery in our markets.
Clemson University 2021 Bull Test 56 Day Report and Update By STEVEN E. MEADOWS, Ph.D. Clemson University The bulls at the Clemson Bull Test were weighed on October 13 for the 56 day weight. Overall, the bulls posted an outstanding average of 4.09 lbs/day (ADG) across the board for both senior and junior bulls. The senior bulls saw Lot 21 from Panther Creek Farms in Pink Hill, N.C., post the high senior division ADG of 6.29 and the second highest weight per day of age (WDA) of 3.85 pounds. Following close behind was Lot 45 from Broadway Cattle Company of Monroe, N.C., hitting a 6.21 ADG and high WDA at 3.95 pounds. Lot 40, from Shuffler Farm in Union Grove, N.C., was very close, ranking for third overall ADG ringing the bell at 5.96 pounds. The junior bulls’ performance was very strong as well. Edisto Pines of Leesville, S.C., saw their Lot 78 bull gain 4.95 lbs/day to garner the top ADG for all junior bulls. Shuffler Farm’s Lot 64 recorded the second highest ADG at 4.77. AK/NDS of Six Mile,
S.C., was certainly in the hunt as their Lot 72 bull posted a 4.71 ADG to rank third overall for the junior division. In the weight per day of age (WDA) category, AK/NDS’s Lot 71 bull posted a WDA overall of 4.27 as the highest WDA among junior bulls. Edisto Pines captured the second highest ranking at 3.83 WDA on their Lot 77 bull. Followed close behind was another consignment of AK/NDS hitting a 3.77 WDA to rank third overall. The next weigh day was November 10. This year’s offering includes Angus, Braunvieh Composites, Charolais, Gelbvieh, Hereford, Sim x Angus, and Simmental. There are very good bulls in each breed division, and you can view the overall 56 day weigh report on the Clemson Extension Bull Test website at www.clemson.edu/extension/bulltest/ clemson/final-56-day-report-2021-test.pdf. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me at smdws@clemson.edu.
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Shortening the calving interval. For many fall calving herds, we are in the midst of the calving season. Some may be wrapping up, while others may just be beginning these potentially sleepless nights. While this is an important time to monitor cows and make sure calves get the ample colostrum they need to remain healthy, now is also the time to be thinking about future calving seasons. A key component to productivity and, ultimately, profitability in a cow/ calf operation is for each cow to wean one calf per year. The calving interval is the time between the birth of one calf and the subsequent birth of the next calf from the same cow. Shortening this interval through improved management can be advantageous in many ways and can lead to growing the profit potential within your cow herd. 1. Body condition - We talk about this one quite often, and there is good reason for that. We demand a lot out of our cows, and if they don’t have the nutrition they need, they won’t perform to
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TIPS
their potential. The condition of the cow herd should be monitored year round. Nutrient requirements hit an all time high during lactation. Typically, cows should be going into calving at a body condition score (BCS) of 5-6. Putting on condition during lactation can be very costly and inefficient; however, it may be necessary to get cows bred back in a timely fashion. Setting the cow up during the second trimester, especially after her previous calf has been weaned, may be the best time (from an efficiency standpoint) to get condition put back on thinner cows. To maintain a 12 month calving interval, we have 365 days. From there, we need to take away 283 days (the average days of gestation), leaving us with 82 days from the time she calves to when she needs to conceive again and even less if we are working to move her up in the calving season. Research has shown that the condition cows are in will negatively or positively affect the postpartum interval. The shorter the
The Carolina Cattle Connection q DECEMBER 2020
postpartum interval a cow has, the better the chance she has to conceive earlier in the breeding season. 2. Mineral status - The mineral status of a herd and reproductive efficiency typically go hand-in-hand. If mineral deficiencies occur over time, conception rates, days postpartum, and the calving interval will be compromised. Phosphorus and vitamin E, in particular, will help assist in repairing the reproductive tract after calving and prepare cows to come into heat and breed back sooner. Several CRYSTALYX ® programs can be recommended both pre- and postcalving, such as the Blueprint® and BreedUp® product lines, which provide Bioplex® organic trace minerals. We recommend providing these supplements 45 days prior to calving and through the breeding period and 60 days prior to breeding replacement heifers. This is also a great option for herds utilizing estrus synchronization, A.I., and for donor or recipient cows in an embryo transfer program. Many of these also have an optional formula available with Bio-Mos® 2. 3. Additional management decisions - If maintaining a 12 month calving interval is challenging to achieve in your
operation, think about what can be done differently to help attain this interval in order to maximize production. For some herds, moving the calving season may be the best option, allowing you to utilize the forages that may be available at more optimal times. The time in which calves are weaned may also be something to consider, which can help to shorten the calving interval. Early weaning may allow extra time for the cow herd to put on the condition if needed to conceive earlier in the breeding period next year. Also, evaluate your mineral program. Does the cow herd have access to minerals year round? Are they consuming it like they should be? The CRYSTALYX Blueprint line of mineral supplements is not only palatable but also more bioavailable and readily absorbed. Also, don’t forget about providing a high quality mineral program to your bulls two to three months prior to turn out. Bulls that are reproductively sound will settle heifers and cows earlier in the breeding season, giving you an opportunity to tighten your calving window and benefit from a shorter calving interval. The time to think about the breeding period and next year’s calves starts now.
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The Carolina Cattle Connection q DECEMBER 2020
A Message from the CEO By COLIN WOODALL
National Cattlemen’s Beef Association
Fifty Years of Shaping Public Policy The great 1898 gathering of cattle producers in Denver that established our association declared that one of their objectives would be “to protect cattlemen from the government in Washington.” That objective hasn’t changed much throughout our history, but it wasn’t until the American National Cattlemen’s Association convention in 1970 that the decision was made to open an office in our nation’s capital. C.W. “Bill” McMillan, ANCA’s Executive Vice President at the time, moved from Denver to Washington and rented office space in the National Press Club building two blocks from the White House. In June of 1970, Bill established the full time cattlemen’s presence that continues today. Bill is 94 years old and still lives in the D.C. metro area. He tells great stories of being in those smoky back rooms in the U.S. Capitol, helping Senators and Representatives understand the impact of their decisions on America’s cattle producers. He shared with me that he never wore a coat or carried a briefcase when he went to the Hill because it made
him look like he belonged and allowed him to get into many places most others couldn’t. It even got the U.S. Capitol Police to stop traffic for him so he could cross the street! After Bill left the National Cattlemen’s Association to join the Reagan Administration, Burton Eller took the reins of the Washington office. Tom Cook followed Burton, and after the 1996 merger creating NCBA, Chandler Keys got the call to lead our public policy efforts. Jay Truitt took over in 2005, followed by Burton’s second stint at the helm. I had the privilege of leading the D.C. office for a decade, and now Ethan Lane is demonstrating his leadership abilities. Each head of the Washington office brought their own unique personality, approach, and methods, but all of them continued to enhance the reputation of our association. While the smoky back rooms don’t exist like they used to, NCBA is still the trusted voice of our industry among policymakers and regulators. We use a lot of the same strategies Bill used. In
fact, the “old fashioned” way of lobbying remains the tried and true method. Looking people in the eye, being in the right place, shaking hands, and letting lawmakers know you are watching, has been critical to NCBA’s track record of success. You can’t be an effective voice unless you are on the Hill or at the Federal agencies every day. That is what we do. We are known as the lobbyists who shoot straight, follow through, and support our friends and allies. We’re also known as fierce opponents who pull out all the stops to protect our members. We don’t hesitate to call out Members of Congress who take action against our industry, and many have learned that lesson the hard way. There is no such thing as a 40 hour work week in Washington, D.C. Early mornings, late nights, weekends, and holidays are the norm. If Congress is still debating an issue at 1:00 a.m., NCBA’s D.C. staff are in the office and on the Hill. When a Farm Bill Conference Committee is taking place, we have staff in the room and outside the doors to answer questions. I remember the 2008 Farm Bill Conference Committee when I got
up, went to the front of the room, and just stood there during a vote on one of our priority issues so each Senator and Congressman could see me as they voted. We won that vote. Working Christmas 2003 on BSE, New Year’s Eve and Day 2012 to help avert the fiscal cliff and take care of our tax relief priorities, or making the decision to not close our office during the COVID-19 crisis, makes us a dependable resource to policymakers. As you read this, NCBA is still one of the few ag trade association offices that is even open in D.C. We were the ONLY ones that never closed. Richard Nixon was President when our office opened, and NCBA has been in front of every U.S. President since. From Farm Bills, trade agreements, appropriations bills, tax bills, and more, NCBA will continue to be the trusted leader and definitive voice of cattle producers in Washington. We are the role model for how an effective public policy office works. NCBA’s Center for Public Policy is effectively positioned to lead for the next 50 years, and much like the objective in 1898, we will work to keep Washington out of your business.
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q DECEMBER 2020
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with a large crowd attending the sale. Fred welcomed everyone to the sale, and Marty Ropp of Allied Genetic Resources talked about the program at the ranch. Fred’s wife Ginny led the crowd in singing God Bless America. The ringmen were Bryan Blinson and Mark Rogers, with Dustin
THE SIMMENTAL TRAIL
By JENNIE RUCKER Executive Secretary N.C. Simmental Association N.C. State “Unfair” Junior Heifer Show. Neil Bowman and his great NCDA crew came together and were able to let the North Carolina livestock junior exhibitors in our state participate in a junior livestock show on the state fairgrounds about the same time as the normal state fair would have been held. The judge for the event was Blake Bloomberg.
Everything on this ranch shows how much they appreciate SimAngus cattle.
Jennie Rucker was happy to see Gary Burns, ASA SimSpecialist, and also another Clemson grad!
In the purebred Simmental show, Allyson Helms of Norwood exhibited the grand champion Simmental heifer and the Got To Be N.C. champion with HRF Rosine G12, sired by Rockin H Mr Elway E07. Allyson also exhibited the reserve champion Simmental heifer with Maplecrest D Erica 947G, sired by W/C Relentless 32C.
American Simmental Association 1 Genetics Way • Bozeman, MT 59718 406-587-4531 • www.simmental.org
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The Carolina Cattle Connection q DECEMBER 2020
Looking at the Fred Smith Company Ranch bulls.
In the percentage Simmental show, Shelby Candler of Weaverville exhibited the grand champion Percentage Simmental heifer with M.F. Gossip. Gossip is a daughter of T.J. Main Event 503B. Hagan Jones of Shelby exhibited the reserve champion Percentage Simmental heifer with Classy Princess H157. sired by W/C Loaded Up 1119Y. This heifer was also the Got To Be N.C. champion. Congratulations to all these exhibitors! There will be pictures of these champions in the next issue of The Carolina Cattle Connection. Extra Effort Sale at the Fred Smith Company Ranch. The 4th Annual Extra Effort Sale was held at the Fred Smith Company Ranch on October 17 at the Fred & Eudell Smith Cattle Center in Clayton, North Carolina. The day was beautiful,
Fred Smith welcomes everyone to his 4th Annual Extra Effort Sale.
Rogers being the auctioneer for this sale. Bidding started off well with the very first bull to sell going for $6,500 to Bulls of the Big Sky. This was a Gibbs Mountaineer son, but the top selling lot was Lot 46, an I.R. Capitalist son. This bull sold for $7,000 to Johnny Massey of Burlington, North Carolina. Several bulls sold for large amounts, including a Koch Big Timber son
N.C. Simmental Association - Like us on Facebook!
1341 US Hwy 21 • Hamptonville, NC 27020 336-468-1679 • www.ncsimmental.com • NCSA@yadtel.net
Ginny Smith leads everyone in singing God Bless America.
that brought $5,400 and sold to Tommy Sanders. A red bull sired by W.S. All Aboard B80 sold for $6,500, and the Lot
Mark Rogers asks for a bid.
49 red bull also sired by W.S. All Aboard B80 sold for $6,100 to Reid Smith. Reid Smith also purchased the top selling female in the sale, a red purebred Red Angus. She sold for $4,900. Another top selling female was a daughter of Gibbs Mountaineer that sold for $3,500. Overall, this sale started out strong and stayed strong throughout the entire sale. The Fred Smith Company Ranch put on a very welcoming event with good cattle, good food, and great people. Looking forward to next year!
Sale Averages • 39 aged bulls averaged $3,877 • 12 yearling bulls averaged $4,425 • 19 bred heifers averaged $2,639 • 15 registered open heifers averaged $1,630 • 85 lots averaged $3,281 • 19 commercial heifers averaged $1,279 High Selling Lots • Lot 46 - FSCR Capitalist G154, sired by IR Capitalist E041 - sold to Johnny Massey of Burlington, N.C., for $7,000 • Lot 1 - FSCR Mountaineer G051, sired by Gibbs 3133A Mountaineer - sold to K.J. Fauth of Lavina, Mont., for $6,500 • Lot 52 - FSCR All Aboard G143, sired by WS All Aboard B80 - sold to
It was a beautiful, Halloween day for the High Ridge Farms Genetic Opportunity Sale at the farm in Albemarle, North Carolina. COVID-19 practices were followed and in place to hold a record breaking crowd. The offering consisted of several performance oriented donors, proven cows and pairs, open heifers and herd sire prospects from the Angus, Simmental, and SimAngus breeds. Thank you to all the friends, bidders, and buyers from 13 states. Cattle sold from Virginia all the way to California. Thank you from Bruce Cuddy and the entire High Ridge Farms crew! Sale Averages • 22 Angus femalesaveraged $3,934 • 9 Angus bulls averaged $2,856 • 14 Simmental females averaged $2,979 • 16 SimAngus bulls averaged $2,206 • 61 total lots averaged $3,300
Marty Ropp of Allied Genetic Resources discusses the program at Fred Smith Company Ranch.
FSC Ranch 4th Extra Effort Sale Results The FSC Ranch 4th Extra Effort Sale began with a Friday evening dinner and an educational talk by Marty Ropp on RightMate. Everyone enjoyed a Saturday luncheon before auctioneer Dustin Rogers led the sale. Simple Auction Site facilitated online bidding while marketing representatives Rocky Forseth, Marty Ropp, Corey Wilkins, and Clint Berry of Allied Genetics provided support. The FSC Ranch sold cattle to nine different states.
High Ridge Farms Genetic Opportunity Sale Results
Haze Carmichael of Hemingway, S.C., for $6,500 • Lot 49 - FSCR All Aboard G144, sired by WS All Aboard B80 - sold to Reid Smith of Clayton, N.C., for $6,100 • Lot 16 - FSCR Big Timber G013, sired by Koch Big Timber 685D - sold to Tommy Sanders of Hamilton, Miss., for $5,400 • Lot 3 - FSCR Mountaineer G018, sired by GIBBS 3133A Mountaineer sold to Zack McCullen of Clinton, N.C., for $5,250 • Lot 53 - FSCR United G160, sired by FSCR B062 United, - sold to H & H Cattle Co. of Clayton, N.C., for $5,250 • Lot 27 - FSCR Diplomat F208, sired by TJ Diplomat 294D - sold to Prestage of S.C. of Bethune, S.C., for $5,200 • Lot 8 - FSCR Mountaineer G036, sired by Gibbs 3133A Mountaineer - sold to Prestage of S.C. of Bethune, S.C., for $5,000 • Lot 15 - FSCR Mountaineer G035, sired by Gibbs 3133A Mountaineer - sold to Dennis Brown of Stevensburg, Va., for $5,000 Buyers from nine states - Alabama, Montana, West Virginia, North Carolina, Virginia, Missouri, South Carolina, Mississippi, and Florida
High Selling Lots • Lot 1 - Angus open heifer HRF In The Mood 932 - Byergo Black Magic 3348 x BC Madame Pride 404 - sold to Flatland Farm in Court Gaine, Decatur, Ill., for $14,000 • Lot 1A - Angus open heifer HRF Morning Kiss 930 - PA Valor 201 x BC Madame Pride 404 - sold to 4 Sons Farms in Cynthiana, Ken., for $8,000 • Lot 8 - Angus donor pair SAV Emblynette 2190 - SAV Brand Name 9115 x SAV Emblynette 7361 - with heifer calf at side by Chestnut Redemption 38 sold to ZWT Ranch in Crossville, Tenn., for $5,500 • Lot 14 - Angus donor pair SAV Abigale 2062 - SAV 707 Rito 9969 x SAV Abigale 6482 - with heifer calf at side by Chestnut Redemption 38 - sold to ZWT Ranch in Crossville, Tenn., for $4,500 • Lot 35 - Simmental bred female CTF Kate F47 - Hook’s Broadway 11B x JM U Betcha/P34 - bred to Rubys Outer Limits 935G - sold to David Carpenter of Owensville, Ken., for $4,50 • Lot 47 - Angus bull HRF Ascend 918 - EWA Ascend 7306 x SAV Enchantress 3015 - sold to Justin Eggers Farm of Vilas, N.C., for $4,000 • Lot 52 - Simmental bull HRF Firing Line G7 - SWSN Deliverance x HRF Bessie Heiress C90 - sold to Culp Land & Cattle in New London, N.C., for $4,000 • Lot 54 - Simmental bull HRF Witchita G11 - Ruby SWC Battle Cry 431B x BC Madame Pride 408 - sold to Culp Land & Cattle in New London, N.C., for $4,000 • Lot 16 - Angus pair HRF Abigale 708 - RB Absolute Advantage x SAV Abigale 2355H - with heifer calf at side by Jindra Encore - sold to Gonsalves Ranch in Modesto, Calif., for $3,700 • Lot 45 - Angus bull - HRF Magic 917 - Byergo Black Magic 3348 x SAV Emblynette 4202 - sold to Paulette Helms of Polkton, N.C., for $3,600 • Lot 11 - Angus donor pair SAV Abigale 2670 - SAV 707 Rito 9969 x SAV Abigale 904 - with heifer calf at side by Double Bar D Annuity 635F - sold to ZWT Ranch in Crossville, Tenn., for $3,500 • Lot 22 - Angus pair SAV Emblynette 3509 - SAV Resource 1441 x SAV Emblynette 9044 - with heifer calf at side by Jindra Encore- sold to ZWT Ranch in Crossville, Tenn., for $3,500 • Lot 42 - Angus bull HRF Magical 906 - Byergo Black Magic 3348 x HRF Emblynette 544 - sold to Brandon Morgan of Stanffield, N.C., for $3,500 • Lot 55 - Simmental bull HRF Far Right G13 - SWSN Deliverance x HRF Blackcap C4 - sold to Triple S Farms in Oakboro, N.C., for $3,500 Marketing Representatives - Val Eberspacher, Shane Ryan, Mark Murphy, Reese Tuckwiller, Doug Parke, Smith Reasor, Zach Moffit, and Mariah Miller Auctioneer - Col. Cody Lowderman Sale Management - Eberspacher Enterprises Inc.
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Purchase Banquet Tickets Today! The Annual Membership Banquet & Genetics on Ice Benefit Auction will be held on January 4 at 6:00 p.m. at the Embassy Suites by Hilton Will Rogers World Airport in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. The tickets will be $47.50 per attendee and must be purchased by December 28. Please email alison@nalf. org, tammy@nalf.org, or stephanie@nalf. org to purchase banquet tickets at the time of order. IGS Carcass EPD Updates. As with any trait under selection, breed effects will change over time. As a result, US-MARC updates their breed effects annually, and the IGS Multi-breed Genetic Evaluation is in the process of updating these breed effects for the carcass evaluation (planned to incorporate these updates in EPDs published after 11/8/20). The implementation of these updated breed effects will cause some changes in carcass EPD. The adjustments
are set to an Angus base and are applied depending on the breed percent of the animal. When comparing the rank of bulls with a high percentage of a breed, there will be a shift in the EPD value, but the bulls will still have the same rank among other bulls with the same breed percentage. However, reranking will occur when comparing one breed to another as well as different percentage composites. An ongoing challenge of estimating carcass EPD is the lack of carcass phenotypes. This lack of phenotypes creates a real challenge for the genetic evaluation to appropriately account for breed differences. With traits that have limited records and breed comparisons within contemporary groups, using field data (i.e., IGS data) can lead to unreliable estimation of breed effects. In those cases, breed effects from scientific literature are often used. The advantage of using breed effects from literature is that the
effects are derived from “clean” data and often from herds with breeding systems designed specifically to obtain these breed effects. In the case of carcass trait breed differences, the IGS Multi-breed Genetic Evaluation uses the breed effects derived from US-MARC. In addition to updating the USMARC breed effects, an adjustment to the carcass weight and rib eye evaluation is being tested to allow the inclusion of carcass records previously excluded. This change will result in an increase of 65,000 carcass weight and rib eye records. The inclusion of these records will cause the EPD for relatives of animals whose records are now included in the evaluation to change. The IGS genetic evaluation team is in the process of testing the inclusion of these records, but
at this time, a publish date is unknown. For new Limousin and Lim-Flex percentile ranks, visit www.nalf.org/wpcontent/uploads/2020/11/NALF-CarcassChanges-for-eblast.pdf. About the North American Limousin Foundation. The North American Limousin Foundation, headquartered in Englewood, Colo., provides programs and services, including the documentation of more than 25,000 head of cattle annually, for approximately 4,000 members and their commercial customers. The Limousin breed and Lim-Flex® hybrid offer industry leading growth and efficiency, while being an ideal complement to British breeds. For more information about NALF, please visit www.nalf.org.
S.C. Cattle Receipts, Trends, and Prices for the Month of OCTOBER 2020 Cattle Receipts: 9,553
•
Previous Month: 12,473
Feeder supply - 33% steers • 39% heifers • 28% bulls SLAUGHTER CLASSES
Avg. Wt. Price Cows - % Lean Breaker 1,501 $53.21 Boner 1,209 $52.65 Lean 917 $49.81
Bulls - Yield Grade 1-2
1,690
$81.66
FEEDER CLASSES
FEEDER STEERS (Medium and Large 1-2) Wt. Range Avg. Wt. CWT Avg. Price 400-450 422 $140.71 $593.80 450-500 469 $143.42 $672.64 500-550 523 $131.33 $686.86 550-600 579 $129.97 $752.53 600-650 619 $122.39 $757.59 650-700 663 $120.03 $795.80
FEEDER BULLS (Medium and Large 1-2) Wt. Range Avg. Wt. CWT Avg. Price 400-450 420 $138.64 $582.29 450-500 465 $134.15 $623.80 500-550 518 $127.76 $661.80 550-600 565 $123.06 $695.29 600-650 624 $122.00 $761.28 650-700 680 $120.14 $816.95
FEEDER HEIFERS (Medium and Large 1-2) Wt. Range Avg. Wt. CWT Avg. Price 400-450 423 $123.44 $522.15 450-500 467 $120.16 $561.15 500-550 527 $118.49 $624.44 550-600 567 $116.23 $659.02 600-650 614 $113.34 $695.91 650-700 661 $114.33 $755.72
Source: N.C. Dept. of Agriculture - USDA Market News Service, Raleigh, N.C. - 919-707-3156
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The Carolina Cattle Connection q DECEMBER 2020
Not-to-miss Tips: Caring for Barn Cats. Veterinarian shares tips for looking after our most resourceful felines. Barn cats are kings and queens at horse farms and ranches, keeping away varmints like moles, mice, and consequentially, even snakes. But even the most independent outdoor cats can benefit from added protection and routine care. For advice on caring for barn cats, we turned to Oklahoma State University’s Assistant Clinical Professor with the College of Veterinary Medicine, Dr. Sarah Peakheart. Purrr-use these top tips for thriving barn cats: 1. Construct a perch or loft area so barn cats have a safe space from potential predators. “Offer them a few choices,” encourages Dr. Peakheart. “Cats love high perches or small holes they can dive into, if needed.” 2. Spay and neuter to prevent litters,
NEWS
as well as to deter them from roaming away, fighting with others, and overall from channeling their inner ‘Tomcat.’ 3. Have an updated identification tag on their collar, and if possible, have them microchipped, which is an easy option available at veterinary clinics during their spay or neuter procedure. This way, should they be lost or picked up by the city animal welfare, there is a better chance of being reunited with them. 4. Store feed in enclosed bins or feed rooms to deter food indulging predators, such as raccoons and others that can harm even the toughest barn cats. Dr. Peakheart warns that “Other wildlife can spread diseases, like rabies, intestinal parasites, and fleas and ticks. Opossums can carry so many fleas, they are like walking flea salt shakers.” 5. Place common chemical based items like horse fly spray and antifreeze
safely out of sight. Some substances, even when ingested in small amounts, can cause seizures (or worse) in cats. Cats do not even have to ingest some of the fly sprays or other chemicals to be affected, just being around them while they are in use or still wet can cause damage. While they may not purposely ingest some things, they will groom it off their fur – like antifreeze, in which even the smallest amounts can cause acute kidney failure in cats. 6. Offer any outdoor cats (or dogs) a safe, warm place to sleep. A heated or insulated cat house is perfect for keeping outdoor cats in winter months cozy. Also, ensure they have plenty of food and fresh water. Consider a heated water bowl to help prevent frozen water during wintertime. 7. Make plenty of noise before starting up your vehicles or farm equipment, especially during the wintertime when outdoor cats look for places to stay warm, like under the hood of your vehicle. Dr. Peakheart warns others to, “Make sure you bang on the hood before starting the car to give them a chance to get out.”
The Carolina Cattle Connection
8. Prioritize preventive care for healthy barn cats, including cat vaccines, parasites, flea and tick control, and heartworm prevention. Talk with your veterinarian about any additional health considerations for your barn cat. Visit veterinarian founded www. ValleyVet.com to learn more and find trusted solutions to support your cat’s well being. About Valley Vet Supply. Valley Vet Supply was founded in 1985 by veterinarians to provide customers with the very best animal health solutions. Building on over half a century of experience in veterinary medicine, Valley Vet Supply serves equine, pet, and livestock owners with more than 23,000 products and medications hand selected by Valley Vet Supply, founding veterinarians, and their professional staff. With an in-house pharmacy that is licensed in all 50 states, and verified through the National Association of Boards of Pharmacy (NABP), Valley Vet Supply is the dedicated source for all things horse, livestock, and pet. For more information, please visit www.ValleyVet. com.
q DECEMBER 2020
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VIDEO AUCTION EVERY MONTH Tuesdays at 10:00 a.m.
January 7 • February 4 • March 3 • April 7 • May 5 • June 2 • July 7 August 4 • September 1 • October 6 • November 3 • December 1
SOUTHEAST LIVESTOCK EXCHANGE
John Queen: 828-421-3466 • Evans Hooks: 770-316-9611 Canton, NC • 828-646-0270 • SELEXvideo@gmail.com • www.selex-video.com PAGE 48
The Carolina Cattle Connection q DECEMBER 2020
PUBLIC LANDS COUNCIL NEWS NCBA & PLC Secure NEPA I m p ro v e m e n t s F o r L i v e s t o c k Producers. The National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA) Executive Director of Natural Resources and the Public Lands Council (PLC) Executive Director Kaitlynn Glover recently released the following statement on the U.S. Forest Service’s (USFS) final rule to update the agency’s National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) regulations: “This announcement represents decades of work by livestock producers who have told the Forest Service and other federal agencies for years that NEPA regulations need serious improvement. This rule formalizes changes that will allow USFS to be better partners to ranchers and stakeholders who depend on healthy forests and grasslands. These are common sense changes that add clarity by streamlining NEPA processes and ensuring that agencies are not spending time on unnecessary duplicative NEPA reviews. Thank you to the U.S. Department of Agriculture and USFS for following through with this process.” The final rule contains a series of new categorical exclusions (CEs) and a Determination of NEPA Adequacy. CEs are a NEPA process completed when a determination is made that the proposed action will not have a significant impact. The proposed rule released by the USFS in June 2019 was broader than the contents of the final rule. NCBA and PLC will continue to work with USFS officials and NEPA experts across the administration to finalize other components of the 2019 proposed rule, as directed by the updated NEPA regulations finalized by the White House Council on Environmental Quality in July 2020.
NOTICE
Letters to the editor are welcome and we appreciate your input. HOWEVER, letters that are not signed will not be considered for publication.
Regular copy deadline is
DECEMBER 5 for the JANUARY issue.
Background Changes to NEPA under this rule include: • Six new CEs, including activities related to recreation special uses, administrative sites, recreation sites, restoration and resilience projects, and certain road management projects; • Consolidating two CEs into one related to existing special uses; • Expanding two CEs related to special use authorizations on up to 20 acres of National Forest System lands and decommissioning of authorized and unauthorized roads and trails on National Forest System lands; and a • Determination of NEPA Adequacy process by which a previous environmental analysis may be used for a subsequently proposed action if the prior NEPA adequately assesses the impacts of the proposed action and reasonable alternatives. The changes in the final rule were finalized November 19. More information is available on the USFS website at www.fs.fed. us/emc/nepa/nepa_procedures/index.shtml. About the Public Lands Council. PLC represents 22,000 cattle and sheep producers who operate with federal grazing permits in the West. The PLC advocates for these western ranchers who preserve our nation’s natural resources while providing vital food and fiber to the nation and the world. Learn more at www.publiclandscouncil.org.
Is there a problem? From the Desk of the SCCA First Vice President By ROSCOE KYLE First off, I would like to say God Bless America. In these trying times, the whole nation needs his guidance. This has been a very unusual year, to say the least, with winter storms, wildfires, hurricane season, and COVID-19, with a type of election that had everyone scratching their head. Please remember this was written before the final results are known to all. As for the cattle industry, it has been a real rollercoaster ride this year. When we think things are smoothing out, something else appears to put a monkey wrench in the wheel. I am asked all the time about the price of cattle, and I really don’t have an answer. The demand is still there; the supply is there; and the buyers are still going to the sale barns! At the present time, the SCCA, along with Clemson University, is conducting a study on getting more livestock processing sights in the state. If you have not received your survey, please contact your local extension livestock agent for one. Hopefully, this will help the livestock producers in the state get
their product processed for the public. It appears that the demand for farm-to-plate is really catching on in our state, which is a good sign for the producers who have that market. As we approach the Christmas season, please remember the real reason we celebrate it. I hope everyone had a joyful Thanksgiving and stayed in good health. Remember that a friend is a therapist you have a drink with. I hope I still have a few after this year is over. I would personally like to extend my deepest sympathy for all of the members who have lost a loved one or close friend these past few months for whatever reason. As I was reading an article in one of the cattle publications I receive, I realized the people in this world who do not share our feelings for livestock think that “the outdoors” is being on the patio having a glass of wine. I hope everyone has a Merry Christmas and a safe New Year. As always, I am respectfully yours.
Benton’s Hay Farm * Custom Bermudagrass Sprigging * Tifton 85 and Coastal Bermuda FGFGFGF
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* Hay Sales * Large & Small Bales
Timmy Benton Walterboro, S.C.
843-908-3222 - Cell • tormbenton@lowcountry.com
The Carolina Cattle Connection
q DECEMBER 2020
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N.C. Forage & Grassland Council News
Nominate a Worthy Farmer for the 2021 N.C. Environmental Stewardship Award Description and application procedures: Beef producers use their management skills to convert natural resources into a healthy food product.To be successful in the long run, it is in our best interest to be good stewards of the land we manage. There has been an increased awareness about human impact on the environment, and the beef industry has initiatives at all levels to improve environmental stewardship. This award is just one more effort to improve environmental awareness of beef producers and to educate the general public about environmental efforts of the beef industry. There are many examples of environmental stewardship among North Carolina cattlemen. The N.C. Cattlemen’s Association, the N.C. Forage and Grassland Council, and Merck Animal Health have teamed up to recognize innovative environmental stewards in North Carolina’s beef industry with an Environmental Stewardship Award. The award is meant to recognize innovative cattlemen and to provide positive examples and ideas for conservation practices that can be easily implemented by North Carolina beef producers. Winners of the award will be added to a pool of candidates who will be considered for nomination for the national environmental stewardship award presented by the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association. Eligibility requirements: Applicants must raise beef cattle and must be a member of the N.C. Cattlemen’s Association. A producer may not nominate themselves, but may be nominated by
Don’t get caught napping!
Deadline is 5th of month prior to issue!
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any organization or individual, which may include an extension agent, industry personnel, conservation agent, a county cattlemen’s association, or another individual producer. Generally, a producer will be involved in preparing their application. Past winners can’t resubmit, but resubmission of past nominees is encouraged. Evaluation/Criteria: A committee composed of representatives from the N.C. Cattlemen’s Association, N.C. State University, conservation agencies, and the allied industries will review the application packages. The following criteria will be used to score the applications: 1. Environmental stewardship practices implemented (60%) 2. Local, regional, and national leadership activities that promote environmental stewardship to other producers and improve the public image of the beef industry (40%) Nomination instructions: Applications must be typed and the length should be 12 pages or less. Applications can be submitted by mail or electronically via email. Color photographs of practices implemented are requested as part of the maximum 12 pages, with captions that describe the practice. Practices that might be featured include: alternative watering points, stream buffers, feeding facilities, or any other practices that improve the environment.
Nomination package format: SECTION 1 Description of the operation - Name of producer - Address - Phone number and email address - Map of North Carolina showing the location of the farm(s) - What is the nature of the business? Describe the cattle enterprise (cow/ calf, stocker, combination) and other diversified business activities. - History of the operation (length of ownership, changes in the operation over time, acreage, herd numbers, etc.). - Brief description of natural resources on the farm (types of forages, terrain, and water resources). - List organizations that the farm has interacted with in environmental efforts.
The Carolina Cattle Connection q DECEMBER 2020
SECTION 2 Stewardship practices and achievements. Describe the resource management goals and accomplishments in terms of stewardship and conservation. Describe specific, innovative practices that involve energy conservation, wildlife habitat enhancement, manure management, improvements in air quality, improvements in drinking water delivery, and other practices designed to protect surface waters. SECTION 3 Describe how the producer practices environmental stewardship as a part of their management program. How
has a stewardship philosophy impacted management strategies, implementation of land improvements, and other activities that improve the public perception of cattle farming in North Carolina? Include any leadership activities of the producer that have improved the adoption of a stewardship philosophy among other producers. Also include any involvement the producer has had in environmental research and any other activities the producer has been involved in that promote a positive public image. Convert the document to pdf format, and submit your nomination by email to Matt_ Poore@ncsu.edu. The nomination packet should be submitted by January 10, 2021.
2021 Mid-Winter Virtual Conference Lineup As we are creeping up on 2021, we are excited to inform you that the 2021 MidWinter Conference held by the N.C. Forage and Grassland Council will go on. Even though we would love to see each and every one of you, our main priority is to keep everyone safe. Therefore, the conference will be held virtually. With that being said, we are trying something new in hopes of fitting everyone’s schedule. From January 26 - February 16, we will hold different sessions each week on Tuesday evenings from 6:30-8:30 p.m. Each session will be free of charge and open to everyone! Sessions will go as followed: • January 26 - All About That Waste! This session will include producers in eastern North Carolina discussing subjects including bermudagrass, annuals, and crop residue utilization, as well as hog and poultry waste utilization and its effects on soil and forages and, ultimately, livestock. Local extension agents Andy Burlingham and Eve Honeycutt will present this information. Dr. Tom Van Dyke, N.C. State Extension Beef Veterinarian, will also be discussing mineral supplementation and nitrate issues in forages and hay. • February 2 - Creating Your Own Opportunities! This session will focus on utilizing and optimizing forages that you have, navigating tenant landowner relationships for leased lands, and multi-species grazing (sheep and cattle). Greg Judy, owner of Green Pastures Farm in Missouri, and Greg Brann, owner of Big Spring Farm in Tennessee and Kentucky, will be the speakers. • February 9 - “FINALLY - Soil Health! This session will highlight soil health and fertility with a focus on fescue fertilization, winter stockpiling, and maintaining control of grassy weeds in new and existing fescue pastures. Dr. Allen Franzluebbers, USDA-Agricultural Research Service, and Dr. Neil Rhodes, University of Tennessee Extension Specialist Weed Management, will be the speakers. • February 16 - Producer Panel. The final session will be a panel discussion that consists of local producers from across the state. These producers will have the opportunity to describe and showcase their farm and how they utilize different forages throughout the year. Johnny Rogers, Amazing Grazing Program Coordinator, will moderate the panel. We will be sending out registration information in the near future, so be on the lookout! If you have any questions regarding this event, please contact our president, Chad Woods, at chadewoods@yahoo.com. Membership renewals are due in January. To make sure you are not missing any information, be sure to follow us on Facebook and Instagram.
The Carolina Cattle Connection
q DECEMBER 2020
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Diagnostics May Be the Missing Piece to Your BRD Management Puzzle. Struggling with respiratory disease in your herd? Consider the benefits of laboratory diagnostics. A recent study showed that for every two animals treated for bovine respiratory disease (BRD), the clinical outcome of only one animal changed.1 As an industry focused on improving cattle health and reducing disease, it’s our job to look for ways to increase that number. The complex nature of BRD makes establishing a universal “gold standard” for diagnosis and treatment problematic for cattle producers and veterinarians alike. The good news is that incorporating diagnostics into your disease management strategy can help optimize BRD prevention and treatment protocols for your herd.
NEWS
“Producers often ask questions about why certain groups of calves succumb to BRD, while other groups do very well. Or, they’ll wonder why they started having issues with BRD when their management and vaccination strategies have stayed the same,” said Dan Cummings, DVM, Boehringer Ingelheim. “There’s always new variables that will affect disease risk.” Understanding the disease triangle Because there is no single cause or cure for BRD, Dr. Cummings recommends taking a step back and looking at the management of this disease complex as a triad with three key points of influence — the animal, the environment, and the pathogens present. 1. The calf – What’s going on in the calf? Why are they susceptible to BRD? Are you testing for and removing persistently infected calves?
2021 Spotlight Issues Schedule Most of the breed associations in North and South Carolina have stepped forward and renewed their contracts for Spotlight sections in The Carolina Cattle Connection for 2021. If your breed is not featured as a Spotlight section and you would like to inquire on any open months please feel free to contact me. Below is the tentative schedule for the upcoming year.
2021 Reserved Spotlight Issues
JANUARY FEBRUARY MARCH APRIL MAY JUNE JULY AUGUST SEPTEMBER OCTOBER NOVEMBER DECEMBER
CHAROLAIS FORAGES ANGUS ----------------------------BRAHMAN HEREFORD GELBVIEH SIMMENTAL SANTA GERTRUDIS ----------------------------SHORTHORN RED ANGUS
Contact The Carolina Cattle Connection 2228 N. Main Street Fuquay-Varina, NC 27526 Phone - 919-552-9111 for the contact person for each Spotlight Issue. PAGE 52
The Carolina Cattle Connection q DECEMBER 2020
2. The environment – Has anything changed? Are there new stressors such as weather or commingling? Are you providing adequate nutrition and housing? Is the pathogen load overwhelming? 3. The pathogen – Are we able to properly immunize against the viral pathogens present? Is your treatment against bacterial pathogens effective? “A common misconception is that antimicrobials are able to treat any and all pathogens, but this is not the case. Antibiotic treatments will only target the bacterial components of BRD, so we have to consider the viral components and prevention options as well,” said Dr. Cummings.
It’s important to talk through the points of this triangle with your local veterinarian. He or she can help you evaluate your current management practices and identify any areas that could
International Brangus Breeders Association News A Note From Our Controller. The IBBA has recently partnered with a new company to process credit card payments, and the new company allows you to make a payment online for your invoices. Beginning this week, when we send out invoices, we will also email them to you, and the email will include a link to make payment online using your credit card. Additionally, the new company has proper security measures in place to allow you to store your card information for future payments (this option is not required but is available). We hope this new benefit will be useful to you. You can still mail checks to the office, but hopefully, many of you will find value in this new service. If you have a different email address that you would like us to use for billing purposes, please send an email to Brian Sadovsky at bsadovsky@gobrangus.com. Please note in the email if you would like the new email to be used only for invoices or for all email correspondence. Member Awards Nominations Being Accepted. Each year, the IBBA awards three distinguished awards: Breeder of the Year, Pioneer of the Year, and Commercial Producer of the Year. Nominations for the 2020 year are being sought, with a deadline of December 15. To nominate a fellow breeder, nominations should include their name, the award for nomination, and a brief summary of why the nominee should receive the award. Nominations can be sent to IBBA awards chairman Shiloh
Hall at shiloh518@yahoo.com. Awards seeking nominations: • Breeder of the Year • The Breeder of the Year recipient is a current member of the IBBA deserving of recognition for his/her successes and advancements made utilizing and promoting Brangus purebred cattle. • Pioneer of the Year • The Pioneer Award recognized an IBBA member, past or present, for his/her service, loyalty, and contributions to the Brangus Breed • Commercial Producer of the Year • The Commercial Producer of the Year award highlights a commercial producer’s achievements incorporating Brangus genetics into their breeding program. For more information, contact IBBA director of membership Lori Edwards at ledwards@gobrangus.com or IBBA awards chairman Shiloh Hall at shiloh518@yahoo.com. About the International Brangus Breeders Association. The International Brangus Breeders Association (IBBA), headquartered in San Antonio, Tex., strives to provide the commercial cattle industry, domestically and internationally, with the best genetics possible. Founded in 1949 as the American Brangus Breeders, the organization has since evolved into the IBBA. The IBBA’s purpose is to enable its members to produce quality beef for the commercial cattle industry and its consumers. For more information about IBBA, visit www.gobrangus.com.
be improved. Utilizing diagnostics in your herd To further optimize your prevention and treatment strategies, consulting with a diagnostic laboratory may be beneficial. A pathologist will work with your herd veterinarian to take a closer examination of bacteria or viruses present. This can be done antemortem by obtaining nasal swabs from the calf or post mortem through a necropsy evaluation. “The clinical signs of disease and diagnostic test results are like puzzle pieces,” said Randy Shirbroun, DVM, director of the ruminant business unit, Newport Laboratories, Inc. “By working with a combination of experts like veterinarians, pathologists and nutritionists to put the pieces together, you can determine the root causes of respiratory disease and fine tune your
BRD management approach – whether that be nutritional, housing, antibiotic treatment, or vaccination program adjustments.” There are several tests available to pinpoint the cause of respiratory infections. Traditional diagnostics such as a bacterial culture test will include collecting a sample from infected tissue. The sample is then sent to a laboratory for testing, where it is put in an environment in which the bacteria can grow, helping diagnosticians identify what is causing the infection. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) is also a common diagnostic test used for amplifying DNA and testing for different bacteria and viruses. “Diagnostic testing laboratories and local veterinarians work similarly to crime shows on television. We’re providing laboratory support, and
N.C. Cattle Receipts, Trends, and Prices for the Month of OCTOBER 2020 Cattle Receipts: 19,004
•
Previous Month: 18,054
Feeder supply - 31% steers • 40% heifers • 29% bulls SLAUGHTER CLASSES
Avg. Wt. Price Cows - % Lean Breaker 1,450 $53.97 Boner 1,191 $54.05 Lean 1,111 $48.18
Bulls - Yield Grade 1-2
1,671
$82.39
FEEDER CLASSES
FEEDER STEERS (Medium and Large 1-2) Wt. Range Avg. Wt. CWT Avg. Price 400-450 422 $134.77 $568.73 450-500 472 $134.06 $632.76 500-550 521 $129.31 $673.71 550-600 570 $126.88 $723.22 600-650 620 $121.95 $756.09 650-700 670 $119.43 $800.18
FEEDER BULLS (Medium and Large 1-2) Wt. Range Avg. Wt. CWT Avg. Price 400-450 425 $137.50 $584.38 450-500 471 $128.14 $603.54 500-550 521 $122.01 $635.67 550-600 572 $117.57 $672.50 600-650 623 $109.72 $683.56 650-700 672 $102.48 $688.67
FEEDER HEIFERS (Medium and Large 1-2) Wt. Range Avg. Wt. CWT Avg. Price 400-450 422 $120.84 $509.94 450-500 471 $116.89 $550.55 500-550 523 $112.08 $586.18 550-600 569 $109.41 $622.54 600-650 621 $98.65 $612.62 650-700 670 $100.22 $671.47
Source: N.C. Dept. of Agriculture - USDA Market News Service, Raleigh, N.C. - 919-707-3156
“To have a cost effective BRD management plan, it’s important to diagnose clinical illness quickly, and know when and how to implement laboratory diagnostics,” concluded Dr. Cummings. “A local veterinarian can help you submit samples correctly, evaluate test results, and use those results to pinpoint and combat the disease causing agents on your cattle operation.” Reference 1 DeDonder KD, Apley MD. A Review of the Expected Effects of Antimicrobials in Bovine Respiratory Disease Treatment and Control Using Outcomes from Published Randomized Clinical Trials with Negative Controls. Vet Clin of No Am: Food Anim Pract 2015;31(1):97-111 About Boehringer Ingelheim. Improving the health and quality of life of patients is the goal of the research driven pharmaceutical company Boehringer Ingelheim. The focus in doing so is on diseases for which no satisfactory treatment option exists to date. The company, therefore, concentrates on developing innovative therapies that can extend patients’ lives. In animal health, Boehringer Ingelheim stands for advanced prevention. Boehringer Ingelheim is the second largest animal health business in the world. We are committed to creating animal well being through our large portfolio of advanced, preventive healthcare products and services. With net sales of $4.4 billion and around 10,000 employees worldwide, we are present in more than 150 markets. For more information, visit www.boehringeringelheim.com/animal-health/overview.
veterinarians act as detectives on their respective farms,” said Dr. Shirbroun. “For example, if test results happen to reveal a virus that is not covered in the producer’s current vaccination program, the producer can then work with their veterinarian to choose an alternative vaccine and ensure cattle are immunized against that particular virus.” Ensuring diagnostic accuracy Laboratory tests provide guidelines as to what pathogens are causing BRD in your herd, but they’re only helpful if the samples submitted are a good representation of what’s causing the initial problem. Collecting samples from the right animals, and in the right way, is crucial to ensuring accurate test results. Dr. Shirbroun notes the importance of sampling animals that are acutely ill and have not received antibiotic treatment. “If an animal has been sick for three or four days, or has been treated multiple times, this can really change the demographics of the pathogens present. The initial bugs may be gone, and you can end up with a sample full of secondary invaders, which may not be representative of what’s truly causing the problem.” He also stresses the importance of sending the samples to the diagnostic laboratory as soon as possible to prevent any deterioration. A local veterinarian is your best cattle health resource - Due to the complexity of this disease and the measures needed to ensure accurate test results, both doctors agree that consulting with your local veterinarian is the most important step in preventing and treating BRD.
NEWS
2021-2022 Scholarship Applications The N.C. Cattlemen’s Foundation is now receiving applications for undergraduate scholarships and graduate student travel funding for the 2021-2022 academic year. This is the fourth year the foundation will award scholarships to students who are North Carolina residents. However, they are still eligible if they are attending college in another state. The applications for both scholarships and graduate student travel are available on the main webpage of the N.C. Cattlemen’s Association.
The Carolina Cattle Connection
We encourage you to use the online application from www.nccattle.com; however, printable versions are available to assist you in gathering information for your applications. All applications are due by January 15, 2021. Applications will be reviewed and recommended for NCCF board approval at its meeting in mid-February. Awards will be announced after that meeting. Questions regarding the application process can be addressed to Dr. Roger Crickenberger at 919-464-5636 or at cricks4@mac.com.
q DECEMBER 2020
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NEWS
Zoetis Focuses on Helping U.S. Beef and Dairy Producers Strengthen Herd Health for Business Health. Zoetis honors the unique, 2-way relationship between cattle and humans. The bond between farmers and ranchers and their cattle is undeniable and time honored. It is a deep rooted commitment fueled by a passion to care for their animals as they provide for us. Zoetis recognizes this age old, two way relationship, and it is dedicated to delivering advanced animal health solutions to help make the bond stronger, healthier, and more robust. “A lot has changed from the time humans first domesticated cattle. In fact, a lot has changed in the last ten years. But one thing remains the same — if we take care of them, they will take care of us,” said Jared Shriver, senior vice president of U.S. Cattle at Zoetis. “And, now more than ever, the industry is finding ways to be even more efficient, sustainable, and responsible as we raise healthy cattle and produce meat and milk.” Developing an Advanced Answer - Zoetis continues to build on more than
65 years of experience and a commitment to continuously improve and deliver a world class portfolio of products across a continuum of care to predict, prevent, diagnose, and treat cattle health issues. This includes genetic testing and analytics to predict health challenges; safe and effective vaccines to help prevent disease and build immunity; precision livestock technology to detect events, such as heat and signs of illness; and proven, reliable products to treat disease. Today, there is no shortage of data that farmers and ranchers can pull as they make decisions on the farm. Zoetis helps producers interpret and apply quality information to help keep cattle healthy and businesses profitable in the United States. Performance Livestock Analytics (PLA), now part of Zoetis, provides a way for beef producers to be more efficient in managing their business by analyzing accurate, real time data from multiple inputs. Through the PLA digital platform, producers can use data to help maximize the health and performance of individual animals and the
Wilkes Livestock Exchange 106 Armory Road • PO Box 2146 North Wilkesboro, NC 28659 Phone: 336-838-3442 • Fax: 336-838-3591 Weekly Sales - Wednesdays - 1:30 p.m. Take-up Tuesday Evenings
Catching and Hauling Services Available
Shelmer Blackburn, Jr.
919-270-1522 • shelmerblackburn@hotmail.com
Seth Church
336-927-5370 • sethchurch@charter.net PAGE 54
The Carolina Cattle Connection q DECEMBER 2020
profitability of their business. For dairy producers, the key to preventing and treating health issues is understanding the problem before it begins. CLARIFIDE® Plus is the first and only commercially available genetic test with cow and calf wellness traits, plus novel fertility traits for Holsteins and Jerseys. This provides an opportunity for dairy producers to strategically invest in animals to build a better herd for the future, improving the well being of their animals and the sustainability of their operation. Supporting and Honoring Cattle People and Their Communities - “We are cattle people focused on helping cattle people — and their communities,” Shriver said. “Not only is our team committed to delivering animal health and technology solutions for on-farm success, we also are supporting our local communities and customers throughout this difficult time with initiatives like Fill the Fridge and volunteer hours of our team.” The stories of commitment, passion,
and dedication never get old. Zoetis wants to hear from farmers and ranchers why they do what they do and how they focus on cattle care. Visit www. BornOfTheBond.com and share a story that showcases the special relationship you have with your cattle or the industry, and you may be eligible for a special gift to recognize your bond. About Zoetis. Zoetis is the leading animal health company, dedicated to supporting its customers and their businesses. Building on more than 65 years of experience in animal health, Zoetis discovers, develops, manufactures, and commercializes medicines, vaccines, and diagnostic products, which are complemented by biodevices, genetic tests, and precision livestock farming. Zoetis serves veterinarians, livestock producers, and people who raise and care for farm and companion animals with sales of its products in more than 100 countries. In 2019, the company generated annual revenue of $6.3 billion with approximately 10,600 employees. For more information, visit www.zoetis.com.
Vytelle Adds Genetic Analytics to Its Portfolio Vytelle Establishes Exclusive Agreement with Synomics to Tie Genetic Signatures in Cattle to Performance and Efficiency. Vytelle recently announced the exclusive licensing of the Synomics Insights Platform to increase the accuracy of predicting cattle performance using phenotype and genomics data. By bringing this new capability inhouse, Vytelle is uniquely positioned to fast forward cattle genetic progress – bringing certainty to producers’ high stake management decisions. “Vytelle will now be able to offer cattle producers the ability to correlate elite phenotype performance to unique genetic trait combinations. Combining this capability with our GrowSafe Systems phenotype data capture platform, Vytelle will offer cattle producers new intelligence to correlate genome to phenome. As a result, producers can more rapidly multiply their elite genetics using our modern in-vitro fertilization system, providing them a complete solution,” commented Kerryann Kocher, Chief Executive Officer for Vytelle. The revolutionary Synomics Insights Platform can process thousands of diverse datasets and analyze large scale genotypic, phenotypic, and environmental data. “We’re excited to work with the Vytelle team to help them unlock individual animal performance for cattle producers,” said Steve Gardner, Founder of Synomics. “We’ve already demonstrated that we can more accurately
explain the correlations among genomic, phenotype, and environmental data driving new insights for health, production, and fertility traits for producers.” Vytelle and Synomics are part of the Wheatsheaf Group, an international investor in food and agriculture focused on creating efficiencies in the production and distribution of food, developing innovative business models and technologies to deliver affordable, nutritious, and safe food that sustains both human health and the health of the planet. To learn more, visit www.Vytelle.com. About Vytelle. Vytelle is a precision livestock company with an aim to make individual animal management possible. Vytelle’s world class phenotype data capture capability via GrowSafe Systems coupled with the modern IVF technology helps cattle producers transform decision making and brings a new certainty to performance, health, and genetic progress. About Synomics. Synomics helps our customers to improve the productivity and health of crops, livestock, and companion animals. The Synomics Insights Platform extracts signals from large and diverse data sources, including genomic, phenotypic, and environmental data. These insights enable crop producers, breeders, and animal health teams to take real time decisions into production efficiency, disease resistance, and fertility, as well as optimizing nutrition, health, and welfare management.
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q DECEMBER 2020
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CHUCK
SHANK
CHUCK
BRISKET
RIB
PLATE
LOIN
SIRLOIN
ROUND SHANK
FLANK
RIB
LOIN
SIRLOIN
LEAN
LEAN
LEAN
LEAN
LEAN
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INGEDIENT CUTS
LEAN
LEAN
LEAN
LEAN
LEAN
LEAN
LEAN
LEAN
LEAN
LEAN
LEAN
LEAN
LEAN
LEAN
LEAN
LEAN
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LEAN
LEAN
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BRISKET LEAN
LEAN
PLATE & FLANK LEAN
LEAN
KEY TO RECOMMENDED COOKING METHODS GRILL or BROIL PAN BROIL/ SKILLET
BRAISE/ POT ROAST
LEAN
These cuts meet the government guidelines for lean, based on cooked servings, visible fat trimmed
STIR-FRY
ROAST
SKILLET TO OVEN
* MARINATE BEFORE COOKING FOR BEST RESULTS
A cut of cooked fresh meat is considered ‘lean’ when it contains less than 10 grams of total fat, 4.5 grams or less of saturated fat, andless tahn 95 mg of cholesterol per 100 grams(3½ oz) and per RACC (Reference Amount Customarily Consumed), which is 85 grams (3 oz.)
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INDIRECT GRILLING
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Beef Checkoff News Beef. It’s What’s For Dinner. Returns to Broadcast Television in an Integrated Holiday Marketing Campaign Promoting Beef as the Center of the Season. NCBA is getting Beef. It’s What’s For Dinner. back on broadcast television during The Hallmark Channel’s Countdown to Christmas. With the holidays looking a little different this year, the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association, a contractor to the Beef Checkoff, is ensuring one thing remains the same - Beef. It’s What’s For Holiday Dinner. Whether gathering around the ‘Beef Drool Log’ or learning how to cook the perfect holiday meal with beef, Beef. It’s What’s For Dinner. has a little something for everyone this holiday season. To remind consumers across the country that beef is the only protein they want to feed their families this holiday season, Beef. It’s What’s For Dinner. will return to broadcast television. For the first time since 2003, Beef Checkoff funded advertisements and the iconic Beef. It’s What’s For Dinner. brand will be on television, airing a limited number of ads during the Hallmark Channel’s Countdown to Christmas movies. Beef. It’s What’s For Dinner. had a successful video released last year called the ‘Drool Log’ — a two hour long video of a Beef Prime Rib Roast slowly cooking over an open flame — which created quite the following with more than 14 million video views. This year, NCBA looked for the opportunity to make even more people salivate over beef and will place a new — and shorter — version of the Drool Log on a television network that creates similar meaningful connections with its audience. New 15 second Beef. It’s What’s For Dinner. Drool Log ads will appear throughout December on the Hallmark Channel’s holiday programming event “Countdown to Christmas” as part of a limited holiday broadcast and digital ad buy as a way to have a broader reach with consumers this holiday season. “As a beef producer, it’s exciting to see checkoff dollars making this holiday season a little more special by bringing Beef. It’s What’s For Dinner. back to broadcast television,” said Buck Wehrbein, NCBA Federation Division Vice Chairman. “While broadcast television is usually out of reach, the opportunity to advertise on the Hallmark
Channel’s Countdown to Christmas movie marathon boiled down to the right network, the right ad, the right time, and the right price tag. I look forward to sharing the nostalgia of Beef. It’s What’s For Dinner. ads on televisions with the next generation of consumers.” In addition to bringing the iconic brand back to broadcast television, the Beef. It’s What’s For Dinner. brand is helping consumers navigate how to make the perfect holiday meal through fully integrated digital and social media efforts. Whether having a smaller family gather or working with a tighter budget, there’s a beef option for everyone, and the beef experts are here to help people savor the holidays. These efforts include: • New versions of the ‘Beef Drool Log’ videos that will be shared across digital and social media platforms and that people can use as Zoom meeting backgrounds if they’re celebrating the holidays virtually • An updated holiday landing page on www.BeefItsWhatsForDinner.com as a one stop shop for all beef holiday cooking needs • Using cutting edge technology to make www.BeefItsWhatsForDinner.com shoppable (meaning you can click on any recipe and be taken to an online shopping cart for your local grocery store) • Working with two partners to run e-commerce campaigns during the month of December aiming to increase beef sales • Leveraging food and nutrition influencers and celebrity chefs to create their own beef recipes for the holiday season for more experienced at-home chefs NCBA Highlights Beef and Produce Pairings on Healthy Plates with #UnitedOnThePlate Partnership. Beef Checkoff partners with Produce for Better Health Foundation to showcase how pairing beef with vegetables and fruits boosts flavor and health. In an effort to continue to highlight beef’s place on the plate, NCBA has partnered with the Produce for Better Health Foundation (PBH) to celebrate how beef, vegetables, and fruits are #UnitedOnThePlate. The #UnitedOnThePlate campaign focuses on rallying food and health experts on social media and educating consumers about how delicious, nutrient-rich beef brings more to the plate when paired with fruits and vegetables as part of a healthy, balanced diet. To reach as many consumers as possible and highlight beef in new ways,
the partnership will leverage the PBH digital and social media channels, which reach more than one million consumers, as well as its Fruit & Vegetable Ambassadors In Action influencer network. This network is comprised of food, culinary, nutrition, fitness, and lifestyle influencers with sizeable followings. The #UnitedOnThePlate activations include: September: • National Fruits & Veggies Month: Better Together ◦ September kicked off the partnership with content reinforcing the nutrition and flavor benefits of uniting beef and produce on the plate – the perfect duo for healthier, happier lives. National Fruits & Veggies Month, when fruits and veggies are being celebrated nationwide, presents a great opportunity to spotlight how pairing produce with other nutrient rich foods, like beef, can contribute to a healthy lifestyle October: • #UnitedOnThePlate in My State ◦ Fruit & Vegetable Ambassadors In Action members from Missouri and Texas will create and share recipes featuring unique regional produce that complements beef and highlighting how beef and produce are raised and harvested by farmers and ranchers in their home states. ◦ A blog post from PBH’s President and CEO, Wendy Reinhardt Kapsak, MS, RDN, titled “The Ultimate Trifecta: Fruits, Vegetables + Beef. United On The Plate,” highlights how beef and produce are perfect partners for health and well being. November: • Beef + Produce Pairings ◦ A dedicated content series featuring beef and produce pairings – tips, recipes, and meal planning ideas will be on www. fruitsandveggies.org. ◦ Additionally, Fruit & Vegetable Ambassadors In Action members will share their shopping baskets and pantries featuring beef and produce, encouraging their followers to do the same. • Beef in the Early Years ◦ Rounding out beef nutrition education, two Fruit & Vegetable Ambassadors In Action members will lead two Cook-and-Chat Live posts from PBH’s channels, focusing on how beef and produce pair together as the perfect foods for growing toddlers and children. “PBH is a unique nutrition partner for NCBA, to extend its efforts to demonstrate beef’s foundational role in health,” said Shalene McNeill, Ph.D., RD, executive director, nutrition science, health and wellness, at NCBA. “And, at a time when “plant based” diets are gaining attention, PBH is dedicated to partnering with groups such as NCBA and creating
The Carolina Cattle Connection
content that reminds consumers – and the influencers who reach them – about the importance of building balanced, healthy plates featuring fruits, vegetables, and beef, along with other nutrient rich foods.” “It’s clear: beef and produce truly enhance each other – and that’s why I’m so excited about our partnership that will celebrate how we’re #UnitedOnThePlate!” says Wendy Reinhardt Kapsak, MS, RDN, and president and CEO of PBH. “Over the next several weeks, the partnership will highlight delicious recipes, perfect pairing ideas, and new and unique meal hacks (not just salads my friends!), reinforcing how beef and produce add more nutrition and taste to the plate, with unique flavor explosions.” Educating consumers about the nutritional benefits of beef continues to be a top priority for the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association’s Beef Checkoff funded programming. To learn more about beef’s role in a healthy diet and find hundreds of great tasting healthy recipes, visit www. beefitswhatsfordinner.com. About the Beef Checkoff. The Beef Checkoff Program was established as part of the 1985 Farm Bill. The checkoff assesses $1 per head on the sale of live domestic and imported cattle, in addition to a comparable assessment on imported beef and beef products. States may retain up to 50¢ on the dollar and forward the other 50¢ per head to the Cattlemen’s Beef Promotion and Research Board, which administers the national checkoff program, subject to USDA approval. About NCBA, a Contractor to the Beef Checkoff. The National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA) is a contractor to the Beef Checkoff Program. The Beef Checkoff Program is administered by the Cattlemen’s Beef Board, with oversight provided by the U.S. Department of Agriculture.
Regular copy deadline is DECEMBER 5 for the JANUARY issue!
Is there a problem? q DECEMBER 2020
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NCBA NCBA President Marty Smith Issues Statement on Florida Meetings. “The National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA) was invited to participate in two Florida producer meetings recently to discuss industry issues. Let me be clear, NCBA will not participate in events with organizations litigating against NCBA or the Beef Checkoff. Nor will we engage in events that lend a voice to anti-agriculture activists like Marty Irby, a former lobbyist for the Humane Society of the United States (HSUS), who now serves as executive director of Animal Wellness Action, a group founded by disgraced former HSUS CEO Wayne Pacelle. Irby also serves as a member of the board of directors at Organization for Competitive Markets (OCM). OCM is not a producer group. It is solely a front for animal rights activists who are attempting to dismantle agriculture from the inside. It is disappointing that there are still those among us willing to give them a platform to further that work. Right now, OCM, represented by attorneys from the HSUS, is engaged in legal action aimed at destroying the Beef Checkoff because it promotes beef and benefits cattle producers. NCBA will not engage or lend a voice to these activists despite the fact that there are others willing to sacrifice the reputation of themselves and the cattlemen and women they represent to do so.” SCI And NCBA Issue Joint Statement Celebrating Finalized Gray Wolf Rule. Recently, Safari Club International (SCI) and the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA) issued a joint statement in support of the finalization of the rule to return management and conservation of gray wolves to states following 40 years of federal protection under the Endangered Species Act (ESA): “Today we celebrate a conservation victory and a demonstration of a key facet of the Endangered Species Act: returning a species to state management after recovery efforts have succeeded. Nearly 40 years after they were first protected under the Act, gray wolves have recovered and will now return to state management, where populations will be managed according to robust state management plans. Conservationists,
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including hunters and ranchers, should celebrate this welcome news. Thank you to Secretary Bernhardt and Director Skipwith for being guided by science when applying the law.” Safari Club International strongly supports the USFWS performing its duty to remove a species from the Endangered Species Act list when it no longer satisfies the listing criteria. The delisting of the gray wolf is a highpoint of nearly two decades worth of legal and advocacy work for Safari Club International. In total, SCI’s staff has spent more time and resources working on wolves than any other species over the last two decades. State wildlife management authorities will now be able to appropriately manage wolves in balance with other species, and SCI members will be able to participate in sustainable wolf hunting programs. The National Cattlemen’s Beef Association has advocated for the delisting of the gray wolf for decades after solid science based evidence showed that the species has long since recovered. This decision from the Interior Department means producers do not have to live in fear of wolf attacks on their animals or face uncertainty when trying to prove depredation occurred in order to receive partial compensation. The decision also means that states and stakeholders will have more tools at their disposal to ensure communities, operations, and wildlife can exist in better balance. Cattle Industry Convention & NCBA Trade Show Moved to August 10-12, 2021. The Cattle Industry Annual Convention and NCBA Trade Show is one of the industry’s largest events each year, bringing together cattlemen and cattlewomen from across the nation to do the work of our industry. This event is the premier event for the beef cattle business! Unfortunately, the current pandemic presents challenges that make bringing people together in February difficult. NCBA will hold some of its traditional business meetings in the January or February timeframe, in accordance with the association’s bylaws. Originally scheduled for February 3-5, the convention and trade show will now take place August 10-12. While the event may have a new date, both the convention and trade show will continue to take place at the Gaylord Opryland Resort and Convention Center in
The Carolina Cattle Connection q DECEMBER 2020
Nashville, Tennessee. We hope you’ll join us in-person in August for the 123rd anniversary of this legendary event. We’re working behind the scenes to create a great line up of education, speakers, and a world class trade show, along with networking opportunities in a safe, responsible manner. We’d like to thank everyone involved in the event, from our exhibitors, loyal sponsors, and partners for being so patient as we’ve worked through this process. Together we are going to make
this event one to remember. About the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association. NCBA has represented America’s cattle producers since 1898, preserving the heritage and strength of the industry through education and public policy. As the largest association of cattle producers, NCBA works to create new markets and increase demand for beef. Efforts are made possible through membership contributions. To join, contact NCBA at 866-BEEF-USA or membership@beef.org.
S.C. Beef Council News By ROY COPELAN My family enjoyed Thanksgiving, and I trust yours did as well. We all have a lot to be thankful for these days. Now we begin the last month of this year and a very special month for giving and enjoying the Christmas season. Remember the real reason for this season is the birth of our Lord and Savior.
We are on to the “Holiday Roast Beef campaign,” which ends January 3, 2021. Five retail promotions are planned. We have a new holiday roast brochure to give our beef consumers. Call the state office to have one mailed to you.
The “Beef Tailgating campaign” was again successful with seven retail and one foodservice beef promotions, three consumer educational activities, and one youth activity.
The 2021 NCBA Convention and Trade Show has been rescheduled for August 10-12 in Nashville, Tennessee. The reason for moving the activity is the COVID-19 virus. Mark your 20å21 calendar and plan on attending this large convention with fellow South Carolina cattle producers. The National Beef Checkoff program has developed plans for the new Beef Industry Long Range Plan. This plan was adopted at the NCBA summer business meeting in Denver. The CBB and the NCBA Federation officers have reviewed the plan and have developed the committee structure. All six committees have been structured with beef producers. Their work will begin immediately and be reported over the months ahead. Stay tuned! Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to you and your family. Until next month.
The Laurens County Cattlemen’s Association held the second Youth Beef Show in our state this fall season. Over 50 young people participated at the Laurens Exchange Fairgrounds.
Beef Promotion and Research Program
PRIVATE TREATY SALES CHECKOFF INVESTMENT FORM Information is required by (7 CRF 1260.201). Failure to report can result in a fine. Information is held confidential (7 CRF 1260.203).
Today’s Date: ________________ Seller’s Name: ____________________________
Buyer’s Name: ____________________________
Address: _________________________________
Address: _________________________________
City: ________________ State: ____ Zip: ______
City: ________________ State: ____ Zip: ______
Seller’s Signature: _________________________
Buyer’s Signature: _________________________
Both the seller & the buyer are responsible for making sure that the $1.50 per head assessment is collected and remitted to the Beef Promotion & Research Board.
Total Number of Cattle Sold: ___________________ x $1.50 Per Head = $ _______________________ Date of Sale: __________________
Person remitting assessment form:
Seller
o
Buyer
o
* State of Origin of Cattle: ______________________
* If the cattle purchased came from another state within the last 30 days, indicate from which state the cattle were purchased.
Send Report and Remittance to:
SOUTH CAROLINA BEEF COUNCIL P.O. Box 11280 Columbia, SC 29211 According to the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, an agency may not conduct or sponsor, and a person is not required to respond to a collection of information unless it displays a valid OMB control number. The valid OMB control number for this information collection is 0581-0093. The time required to complete this information collection is estimated to average 1.8 minutes per response, including the time for reviewing instructions, searching existing data sources, gathering and maintaining the data needed, and completing and reviewing the collection of information. The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) prohibits discrimination in all its programs and activities on the basis of race, color, national origin, gender, religion, age, disbility, sexual orientation, marital or family status, political beliefs, parental status, or protected genetic information. (Not all prohibited bases apply to all programs.) Persons with disabilities who require alternative means for communication of program information (Braille, large print, audiotape, etc.) should contact USDA’s TARGET Center at 202-720-2600 (voice and TDD). To file a complaint of discrimination, write USDA, Director, Office of Civil Rights, Room 326-W, Whitten Building, 14th and Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20250-9410 or call 202-720-5964 (voice and TDD). USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer.
The Carolina Cattle Connection
q DECEMBER 2020
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Preparing your Bulls for Fall Breeding. As the daylight hours get shorter and the weeks slip by, those cow/calf operations with a fall calving program are likely already planning their fall breeding program. Now is the time to make sure that your bull battery is ready for breeding season to cover the most cows with the highest number of pregnancies. The first steps to preparing your bulls for turn out are to make sure they are in adequate condition and are on a good plane of nutrition, usually through a high quality mineral program. Cory Schrag, owner and operator of 605 Sires in Marion, S.D., suggests bulls should have a BCS of 5 to 6 and be on a complete vitamin and mineral program to supplement the lower quality forages they are grazing in the fall and winter months. “The biggest thing for bulls in the fall breeding period is making sure they are in the proper body condition. There is extra stress involved with fall breeding. You just need to make sure they are in good shape and being on a good quality mineral program is a big part of that. They don’t
NEWS
have the good quality forages like they do in the summer. A good quality mineral helps keep those bulls going through the breeding season,” he said. Once you know they are in good condition and you have them on a good mineral program, Schrag recommends producers work with their local veterinarian at least 30 days prior to turn out to make sure the bull is fertile and passes a breeding soundness evaluation (BSE). “Work with your local vet to have your bull looked at. The vet will look at body confirmation and body condition score to make sure they are acceptable for breeding season. The producer needs to make sure if that bull fails the breeding soundness exam, the producer has plenty of time to find a replacement that will fit his or her needs,” Schrag said. Since nutrition is such a vital part to both the bull and females’ health and overall reproductive success, Schrag offers a solution that works for both, the VitaFerm Concept•Aid Mineral Tub. This free choice cooked tub designed for reproductive success contains organic copper, zinc, and manganese
IRM Red Books Are Here The price of the books are again $5.00/each this year.
We would like to thank Performance Livestock & Feed Company and Carolina Stockyards for again sponsoring this book. Some highlights of the book are the international year letter designations for animal identification calving records Beef Quality Assurance best practices judicious use of antimicrobials in cattle injection site quality control health records pasture usage cattle sales A.I. breeding records analysis of calving activity and back by producer demand the addresses phone notes pages plus many other record keeping sections. Simply return the order form below, along with $5.00 for each book to: N.C. Cattlemen’s Association 2228 N. Main Street Fuquay Varina, NC 27526 You can now order them through our website at www.nccattle.com/resources/merchandise/red-book-order-form. You can also call our office at 919-552-9111 or email us at kim@nccattle.com.
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The Carolina Cattle Connection q DECEMBER 2020
to ensure maximum bioavailability of nutrients to the animal as well as high levels of vitamin E and selenium to promote optimized fertility. In addition, it contains Amaferm, a precision prebiotic designed to enhance digestibility by amplifying nutrient supply for maximum performance. It is research proven to increase the energy available to the animal, resulting in more milk production as well as to the ability to initiate and maintain pregnancy and fertility. “The Concept•Aid Mineral Tubs with the bulls and cows during breeding season would be more than adequate. That Concept•Aid helps provide all the nutrition that cows and bulls both need for breeding season,” Schrag said. Although the structural integrity of your bulls’ feet and legs is a genetic trait, it is important that your bulls sustain that. Nutrition is one way to ensure that they maintain a good strong heel, that their feet stay good and hard and don’t get soft or prone to abscesses. Body condition. Fertility. Soundness. They can all be enhanced with the help of a good nutrition program. The combination of vitamins, minerals, and Amaferm found in Concept•Aid can help
you achieve fall breeding success. How Vita Charge Stress Tubs Were Improved. How do you make a great product better? Add one ingredient that is research proven to work synergistically with other key ingredients to maximize the overall benefits of the product. That’s what the research and production teams at BioZyme Inc. did with the Vita Charge Stress Tubs by including a probiotic to the new and improved formula that launched in October. Vita Charge Stress Tubs provide an extremely convenient way to protect animals during stress. They are formulated to help animals recover quickly and do not interfere with antibiotics. According to Lynsey Whitacre, Ph.D., at BioZyme, the company chose to use the probiotic Bacillus. Utilizing heat tolerant spores from this bacteria was critical to the success of the improved Stress Tub for two reasons. First, the probiotic is needed to survive the cooking process that is involved to make cooked tubs. Secondly, it needed to survive the gastrointestinal tract to get its benefits to the animal. “The more and more research that we are able to do on prebiotics and probiotics and plant extracts, we are finding that a lot of them have synergistic effects, meaning
NEWS National Institute for Animal Agriculture Named Beef Checkoff Contractor. NIAA will provide beef producers with collaboration and engagement opportunities and communication resources on behalf of the Beef Checkoff. The National Institute for Animal Agriculture (NIAA) has again been selected as a contractor for the Cattlemen’s Beef Board. The Beef Promotion Operating Committee selected contractors and approved budgets for the 2021 fiscal year at their annual meeting earlier this fall. Each year the Beef Checkoff budget is designated to programming that includes research, foreign marketing, industry information, consumer information, and safety. NIAA proposed a plan that will allow farmers and ranchers to learn and engage on the importance of responsible antibiotic use in animal agriculture. “Unfortunately, the responsible use of antibiotics in beef production is one of the most misunderstood topics in beef production,” said J.J. Jones, executive director of NIAA. “Farmers and ranchers are feeling the pressure of an ever-changing landscape of consumer demands. They are required to address the competing priorities of maintaining
animal health and meeting the consumers’ pleas for “free from” labels.” NIAA believes the future of animal antibiotic use will be shaped by consistent, effective communication about scientific collaboration between the animal agriculture sector and its allies in human and environmental health to combat antimicrobial resistance (AMR). Through the approved Beef Checkoff programming, NIAA will create educational communication materials that farmers, ranchers, and veterinarians can use on social media, lead a tour at the Centers for Disease Control (CDC). About the National Institute for Animal Agriculture. NIAA is a member driven non-profit organization that works to unite and advance the aquatic livestock, beef, dairy, poultry, small ruminant, and swine sectors that makeup animal agriculture. NIAA provides industry professionals with collaboration opportunities to improve food animal production. Its focus is to create a safer and continuingly wholesome food supply, improved animal care and handling, and the eradication of costly diseases threatening the health of the country’s domestic animal population.
that when you add one plus one together, instead of that equation equaling two, you actually get three,” Whitacre said. “We believe having the Amaferm® in the tub, along with the probiotic and the MOS, we have created a product that will really help the animal address any negative or potential negative side effects of stress that they might be experiencing and allow the producer to maximize health and production.” Vita Charge Stress Tubs continue to contain Amaferm, a precision prebiotic that impacts intake, feed digestibility, and nutrient absorption to help combat stress and support the animal’s own immune system. They will also continue to contain MOS to trap and expel the bad pathogens. The addition of a probiotic will enhance the gut microbiome and further protect and replenish the gut, while the Amaferm will stimulate the growth of bacteria and fungi in the gut. Animals consuming the Stress Tubs will better benefit from probiotics by adding in the Amaferm and will benefit better from the Amaferm by adding in the probiotic. “The synergistic effect when you combine a prebiotic with a probiotic is becoming so well known that scientists have actually created a term for the combination of the two, and they call it a synbiotic. Something that is coming more clear to people is that the technologies
can be more useful when they are put together, especially in certain scenarios like when an animal is under stress, which is of course what the Stress Tubs are designed for,” Whitacre said. She further explained that the continual research that BioZyme strives for makes these product enhancements possible. As technologies progress in the feed industry, othr improvements may also be made. It is BioZyme’s belief that utilizing synergistic feed additives, both from within the company and from other companies, will ultimately help provide the best benefits for the producer and animal. That is the core of BioZyme’s mission to provide care that comes full circle. To learn more, visit www.vitaferm.com. Little Words Mean a Lot. Livestock people are some of the most resilient people you’ll meet. They know the value of hard work and what it means to never give up. Those traits proved to be extra helpful in 2020, a year of uncertainty, cancelled, and altered events. Even with a chaotic year, 2020 still gave us plenty of ways to count our blessings and share two of the most important words in our vocabulary: thank you. This is the year to be especially thankful for show managers, staff, and volunteers who went above and beyond to make shows possible for the young exhibitors and their families who work so diligently with their livestock projects. Not
every show could happen, and not every show happened when and where it was originally scheduled. However, a multitude of new shows popped up along the way, giving exhibitors and their livestock the opportunity to get out and get experience. “I will never take for granted the people of the livestock industry who jumped right in to organize new shows or found ways to have existing shows. (I’m thankful for) the organizers, but also the individuals and businesses who donated money to make this all happen,” said college freshman Sheridan Hank of Aledo, Illinois. Although Hank’s local county fair was cancelled due to COVID-19, a virtual livestock show and sale took place. She has also been able to show both cattle and lambs throughout the summer and fall. “I will never take for granted my county fair! Along with all the ‘small things’ that happen during that week each year,” Hank said. Just as exhibitors are thankful for the opportunities to show, those who put forth countless hours of planning and preparation were grateful that the events and shows could continue, even if they had to be relocated or rescheduled. “I am thankful for our Hereford families, and even in spite of all the challenges in 2020, that the National Junior Hereford Association and Hereford Youth
The Carolina Cattle Connection
Foundation of America have still been able to create opportunities for Hereford youth and their families. Events may look a little different than what we are accustomed to, but as we approach the holidays and look back on the year, we have so much to be thankful for as Hereford youth didn’t miss a beat when it came to competing at the Junior National Hereford Expo, participating in virtual leadership and educational events and being awarded scholarships,” said Amy Cowan, American Hereford Association Director of Youth Activities and Foundation. Little Gestures Create Memories - Hank recounted about a family in her county in western Illinois who hosted a livestock show for some neighborhood youth in their front yard. With the help of neighbors, they created a show ring in their shaded front yard, provided a complimentary pulled pork dinner, hired a judge, and hosted the “Shade Tree Invitational.” The show was on a Thursday evening in June and included 31 entries, including breeding heifers, market steers, lambs, pigs, and one bucket calf. It started with a prayer and the National Anthem, and there were more smiling grandparents, parents, aunts, and uncles than you can imagine! It was likely the first function many had been to since the shut down in
Continued on the next page
q DECEMBER 2020
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BioZyme News continued from the previous page March. One of the things event organizers wanted to do was make sure every kid left with something tangible. So, after the top placings in each class and the champions and reserves were all paid, all the other exhibitors walked away with a two dollar bill. Although not always easy to secure, especially in small town America, when a young person receives one, their smiles are priceless. One enthusiastic, young lamb exhibitor summed up her experience in a thank you note. “It was the show I was really looking forward to because it was my first show. My sheep was the Dorset, her name is Nelly…I put the $2 bill I got in a frame to save the memory. Thanks again for all your work.” “Amazingly, there were even more opportunities than usual to show this summer. On one end of the spectrum, I’m thankful I got to watch my five-year-old nephew with his steer at the Shade Tree Invitational. At the other end, I was thankful to show at the Angus Junior National in Tulsa. There were so many other memorable ‘live’ shows in between,” Hank said. Reach Out - Sharing gratitude is always on trend. Just as we hope you #preptowin EVERY. DAY. in the show ring and in life, we also hope showing appreciation is part of your winning strategy. Make sure to thank your parents, teachers, FFA advisors, and other leaders who have helped you along the way.
Although our common bond is livestock, this truly is a people business. “I am thankful for all of those who have ‘Come Home to Hereford.’ This has been one of the most fun advertising campaigns to be a part of, whether you make your home as member of the American Hereford Association, compete in National Junior Hereford Association shows and events or support the Hereford Youth Foundation of America, I am thankful to all our members, breeders, corporate partners like Sure Champ and donors who give us the latitude to carry out our mission of education and leadership. Onward and upward we go into a new year that will no doubt bring us more challenges but new opportunities as well,” Cowan said. Showing appreciation can take several forms. Send that simple hand written thank you; pick up the phone and call someone who has impacted your life or use social media to share a story and publicly acknowledge those who have gone the extra mile for you. Whatever way you choose to show gratitude, remember the simplest words, “thank you,” mean so much. About BioZyme® Inc. BioZyme Inc., founded in 1951, develops and manufactures natural, proprietary products focused on animal nutrition, health, and microbiology. With a continued commitment to research, BioZyme offers a complete line of feed additives and high density, highly available vitamin, mineral, trace mineral, and protein
Alamance County Jonathan Brakeman – B Spurin Livestock
Carolina Video and Load Lot Monthly Summary (Weeks ending OCTOBER 6 & OCTOBER 20, 2020)
Carolina Video and Load Lot Monthly Summary of Southeast Livestock Exchange and Mid-Atlantic Cattle Sales ending Tuesday, OCTOBER 6, 2020, and Mid-Atlantic Cattle Sales ending Tuesday, OCTOBER 20, 2020. All cattle in this report are located in North Carolina and South Carolina. Prices FOB the farm or local scale and many weighed with a 0-2 percent shrink and sold with a 5-10¢ per pound slide on the heavy side only.
Cattle Receipts: 2,752
Last Month: 2,524
Feeders made up 100 percent of the offering. The feeder supply included 61 percent steers and 39 percent heifers. Nearly 89 percent of the run weighed over 600 pounds. Head totals are based on load lot estimate of 49,500 pounds. Wt. Range 800-800
FEEDER STEERS (Medium 1) Avg. Wt. Price Range Avg. Price 800 $137.25 $137.25
Head 56 299 118 115 58
Wt. Range 700-700 820-835 825-825 850-860 850-850
FEEDER STEERS (Medium and Large 1-2) Avg. Wt. Price Range Avg. Price 700 $124.50 $124.50 826 $133.00 - $138.75 $135.14 825 $136.25 - $138.25 $137.25 855 $129.75 - $135.50 $132.62 850 $136.50 $136.50
Davie County Charles Woodruff – Ellwood Farm
Head 50 80 36 153 71 134 48 67 192 63 60 58
Wt. Range 575-575 615-615 640-640 640-640 690-690 730-730 700-700 765-765 750-785 775-775 810-810 850-850
FEEDER STEERS (Medium 1-2) Avg. Wt. Price Range Avg. Price 575 $135.00 $135.00 615 $140.25 $140.25 640 $132.25 $132.25 640 $144.25 $144.25 690 $137.50 $137.50 730 $132.25 - $136.75 $134.50 700 $134.00 - $139.00 $135.56 765 $132.00 $132.00 761 $137.50 - $141.00 $138.83 775 $133.00 $133.00 810 $135.00 $135.00 850 $133.00 $133.00
Gates County Keith Arnold – Carolina Cattle and Feed
Head 26
Wt. Range 765-765
FEEDER HEIFERS (Medium 1) Avg. Wt. Price Range Avg. Price 765 $129.25 $129.25
Head 72 67 197
Wt. Range 680-680 735-735 750-760
FEEDER HEIFERS (Medium and Large 1-2) Avg. Wt. Price Range Avg. Price Delivery 680 $129.75 $129.75 Guaranteed Open 735 $125.50 $125.50 Guaranteed Open 753 $126.75 - $127.75 $127.25 Guaranteed Open
Head 40 168 36 78 77 31 129 67 55
Wt. Range 535-535 585-585 580-580 625-625 635-635 650-650 700-720 730-730 700-700
FEEDER HEIFERS (Medium 1-2) Avg. Wt. Price Range Avg. Price Delivery 535 $125.00 $125.00 Split Loads 585 $132.75 - $135.00 $133.88 Guaranteed Open 580 $122.25 $122.25 Split Loads 625 $130.25 $130.25 Guaranteed Open 635 $129.75 $129.75 Natural 650 $126.00 $126.00 Split Loads 711 $132.00 - $135.00 $133.60 Value Added 730 $128.50 $128.50 Guaranteed Open 700 $129.00 $129.00 Split Loads
Head 33
Wt. Range 1,000-1,000
Iredell County Grant Miller – Harve Creek Cattle Company Tim Robertson – Harve Creek Cattle Company Thomas Todd Orange County Eric Bunker – Queen B Farms
Ashe County Keith W. Setzer – North Fork Farms
Robeson County Robert Coles – Nile River Ranch Juddie A. Revels III
Catawba County Darrin Lackey – Elk Shoal Farm
Wilkes County Neil Wiles – Guy Blevins Farm
Cleveland County Jonathan Williams – JWS Farm
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With headquarters in St. Joseph, Missouri, the company reaches a global market of customers that stretches into countries across five continents. For more information about BioZyme, visit www.biozymeinc.com.
Head 18
New NCCA Members for 2020 In 2007, members of the Membership Committee passed a resolution to recognize all NEW members of the NCCA in The Carolina Cattle Connection at the NCCA Annual Conference in Hickory. A new member is defined as someone who has never been a member or someone who has rejoined after a brief break in membership. The new members are identified in this new members section by name and county of residence. Below is a list of NCCA’s new members for the last month:
supplements for a variety of animals, including cattle, pigs, poultry, sheep, goats, horses, and dogs. BioZyme brands include Amaferm, ®, VitaFerm ®, Vita Charge ®, Sure Champ®, Vitalize®, and DuraFerm®.
The Carolina Cattle Connection q DECEMBER 2020
REPLACEMENT HEIFERS (Medium 1) Avg. Wt. Price Range Avg. Price 1,000 $1,350.00 $1,350.00
Delivery Split Loads Delivery Value Added Value Added Delivery Split Loads Split Loads Natural Natural Split Loads Value Added Natural Value Added
Delivery Split Loads
Delivery
Source: N.C. Dept. of Agriculture - USDA Market News Service, Raleigh, N.C. - 919-707-3156
...
LASSIFIED PUREBRED CATTLE B REEDERS FOR SALE
BACK CREEK
BBU Registered Beefmaster Bulls and Females
ANGUS
WHITEHALL BEEFMASTERS
Joe and Robin Hampton
Joe and Ann Logan
345 Withrows Creek Lane Mt. Ulla, NC 28125
214 Cowhead Creek Road Greenwood, SC 29646
704-880-2488
Angus
Telephone: 864-538-3004
SPRINGFIELD ANGUS
Black Crest Farm
104 Springfield Lane Louisburg, NC 27549
Phil Goodson: 919-880-9062 Alex Askew: 910-260-2889
W.R. “Billy” McLeod
1320 Old Manning Rd., Sumter, SC 29150
• Performance Tested • Ultrasound and 50K Evaluated • Registered Angus Bulls
803-481-2011
williammcleod@ftc-i.net • www.blackcrestfarm.com
BLACK GROVE
2021 Tarheel Angus/4K Farm Production Sale
Walter D. Shealy III and Family
20977 US Hwy 76 • Newberry, SC 29108 Walter Shealy • 803-924-1000 Dixon Shealy • 803-629-1174 walter@blackgrove.com • dixon@blackgrove.com www.blackgrove.com
OF
Darryl Howard Cell: 910-990-2791
SENEPOL CATTLE FOR SALE Black & Red Available
Great for grass programs! Heat Tolerant • Calving Ease Gentle Natured • Tender Carcass
H.J. WHITE FARMS
“Cattle with Something Extra”
PO Box 215 • Bladenboro, NC 28320 910-648-6171 (day) • 910-863-3170 (night)
KEEP POSTED FOR UPDATES ON THE
Breeding Registered Angus since 1962
I NDEX
www.huntsbrangus.com Calhoun, GA 770-548-7950
Autryville, NC 28318 www.howardbrosfarms.com
RICHARD KIRKMAN, DVM 20416 US 64 West Siler City, NC 27344-0350
919-742-5500 • rdkirkman@centurylink.net
A DVERTISERS
12th Annual EBS Farms Select Bull & Female Sale ….. 25 2021 Cattle Industry Convention & NCBA Trade Show — RESCHEDULED .................................................... 42 2021 IRM Red Books ................................................... 60 4K Farms/Tarheel Angus ............................................. 63 45th Annual Clemson Bull Sale .................................... 39 45th Annual Union County Performance Tested Bull Sale ................................ 46 AgAmerica Lending ...................................................... 33 Alltech — Bartlett/Crystalyx ........................................ 41 Alltech — Heritage Beef ............................................... 32 Alltech — Weather Pro ................................................... 2 American National Insurance — The Josey Agency ............................................... 63 Apple Brandy Prime Cuts ............................................. 17 Back Creek Angus ......................................................... 63 Barnett Angus Ranches Bull Sale — THANK YOU ....... 24 Benton’s Hay Farm ....................................................... 49 BioZyme Incorporated — VitaFerm Concept•Aid ....... 61 Black Crest Farm .......................................................... 63 Black Crest Angus Farm 23rd Annual Production Sale .................................... 22 Black Grove Angus ....................................................... 63 Brubaker Family Angus ................................................ 63 Bull Hill Ranch “More Bull for Your Buck” Sale .......... 11 C-Cross Cattle Company Annual Bull Sale .................. 31 Carolinas Animal Health ............................................. 63 Conquest Insurance Agency, Inc. ................................. 27 Double J Farms ............................................................. 63 E.B. Harris Auctioneers, Inc. ........................................ 63 First Choice Insurance — Donna Byrum ..................... 14 Fowken Farms — CATTLE FOR SALE ............................ 63 FPL Food, LLC ............................................................... 23 Fred Smith Company Ranch ........................................ 63 H.J. White Farms .......................................................... 63 Harward Sisters Cattle Company 3rd Annual Bull & Female Sale .................................. 34 Howard Brothers Farms ............................................... 63 Hunt’s H+ Brangus ...................................................... 63 Hutton & Sons Herefords ............................................. 63
Kuhn — Hay & Forage Tools ....................................... 40 Kuhn — Rotary Rakes ................................................. 47 L.E. Smith Cattle Equipment ...................................... 30 March Madness Cattle Sales of the Carolinas ............. 4 N.C. Angus Association Directory .............................. 19 N.C. Cattlemen’s Association Membership Application ........................................ 3 N.C. Forage & Grassland Council 2021 Mid-Winter Virtual Conference ..................... 51 N.C. Hereford Association .......................................... 37 N.C. Simmental Association ....................................... 44 National Beef Checkoff/North Carolina Cattle Industry Assessment ................................. 13 Nationwide® AgriBusiness Insurance — The Wills Company ............................................. 63 Pearson Livestock Equipment ...................................... 5 Post Drivers USA ........................................................... 9 Premier Select Sires .................................................... 29 Red Angus Association of the Carolinas Directory ...... 7 Rusty Thomson & Family Cattle Fencing and Equipment .......................................... 35 Smith Farm Trailer Sales ............................................ 63 South Carolina Private Treaty Sale Checkoff Investment Form ........................................ 59 Southeast AgriSeeds ................................................... 63 Southeast Livestock Exchange — Upcoming Sale Schedule .................................... 48 Springfield Angus ....................................................... 63 The Carolina Cattle Connection 2021 Spotlight Schedule ...................................... 52 The Carolina Cattle Connection Advertising Rates and Sizes .................................. 55 Tokeena Angus Bull & Female Sale ............................ 26 Virginia Herd Health Management Services — Pat Comyn, DVM ................................................. 43 West End Precast — Feed Bunks ................................. 16 West End Precast — Feed Bunks & Troughs ............... 36 Whitehall Beefmasters ............................................... 63 Wilkes Livestock Exchange ........................................ 54 Yon Family Farms Spring Sale .................................... 18
REGISTERED POLLED HEREFORDS • EST. 1998 “Quality Cattle For Quality People”
Cattle Available Private Treaty John Wheeler • 910-489-0024 doublejfarm@yahoo.com • www.doublejfarmllc.com Headquarters - 775 Clacton Circle • Earlysville, VA 22936 Cattle located in Traphill, N.C.
CATTLE FOR SALE PRIVATE TREATY AT ALL TIMES!
328 Fowken Farm Rd. • Jonesville, SC
FORAGE PRODUCTS
More than 70 years of breeding grass type cattle! Carcass Data • Fescue Suited • Southern Bred EPDs Breeding Soundness Exam on Two-Year-Old Bulls
Norris Fowler • 864-219-0182 www.fowkenfarm.com
INSURANCE AUTO • HOME • LIFE BUSINESS • FARM & RANCH
803-789-7000
The Josey Agency, Inc. Douglas Josey Multi-Line Agent
A NIMAL H EALTH
C. A. H. Brent Glenn, DVM Lancaster, S.C.
Jim Traynham Wingate, N.C. 704-233-5366 Cell - 704-292-4217
Carolinas Animal Health, LLC
519 Morgan Mill Rd., Monroe, NC 28112 704-289-5083 • 704-289-1696 • 800-222-8638
AUCTIONEERING Ernest B. Harris President
Phone: 252-257-2140 Mobile: 252-430-9595 ®
Cell: 803-385-8161 Email: djosey@truvista.net
2610 Kee Moore Drive Chester, SC 29706
Nationwide
®
Agribusiness On Your Side®
James S. Wills
Primary Agent/Owner Master Farm Certified 555 West Church Street Batesburg, SC 29006
Telephone: 800-557-3390 Cell: 864-554-4658 Fax: 803-532-0615 willsj1@nationwide.com
LIVESTOCK EQUIPMENT SMITH FARM
TRAILER SALES
trailers • truck bodies • tool boxes
Inc. / Auctioneers
3200 NC Hwy. 58 • Warrenton, NC 27589 NCAL #1468 • NC#C#4264 • VAL #146 • SCAL #3895 Email: ebharris@ebharris.com www.ebharris.com
The Carolina Cattle Connection
Carl R. Smith 2205 Finch Farm Rd. Trinity, NC 27370 336.475.1279
Authorized Dealer
smithfarmtrailers@yahoo.com
q DECEMBER 2020
PAGE 63
VENTS ANGUS Dec. 2 — N.C. Angus Association 1st Annual Genetic Harvest Online Angus Sale Dec. 4 — Knoll Crest Farm Total Performance Bull Sale, Red House, Va. Dec. 5 — 5th Annual Pounds & Profit Sale, Snow Camp, N.C. Dec. 5 — Smith Creek Angus Farm On-Farm Bull Sale, Norlina, N.C. Dec. 5 — 45th Annual Union County Performance Tested Bull Sale, Monroe, N.C. Dec. 5 — 41st Annual Waynesville N.C. BCIP Performance Tested Bull Sale, Canton, N.C. Dec. 12 — Springfield Angus Bull Sale, Louisburg, N.C. Dec. 18 — 37th Annual Butner N.C. BCIP Performance Tested Bull Sale, Oxford, N.C. 2021 Jan. 2 — 12th Annual EBS Farms Select Sale, Norwood, N.C. Jan. 9 — C-Cross Cattle Company Annual Bull Sale, Biscoe, N.C. Jan. 23 — Harward Sisters Cattle Company 3rd Annual Bull & Female Sale, Norwood, N.C.
Jan. 23 — Rolling B Ranch Inaugural Angus Bull Sale, Yatesville, Ga. Jan. 30 — Tokeena Angus Annual Bull Sale, Seneca, S.C. Feb. 6 — 45th Annual Clemson Bull Sale, Clemson, N.C. Feb. 11 — UGA Focus on Genetically Enhanced EPDs Sale, Athens, Ga. Feb. 13 — Black Crest Angus Farm 23rd Annual Production Sale, Sumter, S.C. Feb. 20 — Yon Family Farms Spring Sale, Ridge Spring, S.C. Feb. 27 — Hunt’s Brangus Bull & Female Sale, Calhoun, Ga. Mar. 13 — March Madness Replacement Female & Bull Sale, Chester, S.C. Nov. 6 — Barnett Angus 2nd Annual Bull Sale, Washington, Ga. black hereford Dec. 12 — 18th Annual Charolais Source Bull Sale, Chester, S.C. BRANGUS 2021 Feb. 27 — Hunt’s Brangus Bull & Female Sale, Calhoun, Ga.
IGHTER A man walks into a bar and it’s empty – it’s just him and the bartender. He sits down and orders a drink. He hears someone whisper, “Pssst…I like your tie.” The man looks around but doesn’t see anyone. “Pssst…that color looks nice on you.” He asks the bartender, “Excuse me, but…are you speaking to me?” The bartender rolls his eyes and says, “No, sorry about that. It’s the peanuts… they’re complimentary.”
*
*
*
A preacher and a bus driver passed away at the same time and were both entering Heaven’s gate. The Lord welcomed both of them in and took them to a place over looking a serene valley with beautiful soft rolling hills just beyond. To the preacher he said, “My son, do you see that little cottage with the white gate and all the flowers down there in the valley? The one over there just beyond the creek?” The preacher said he did. The Lord then told him this was now his heavenly home and where he would be spending eternity.
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The Lord then turned to the bus driver and said, “My son, do you see that big stately mansion up there in the hills? The one just to the right of the waterfall where the golden path leads up to it?” The bus driver said he did. The Lord then told him that this was now him heavenly home and this is where he would be spending eternity. With this the preacher turned to the Lord and with amazement exclaimed that there must be some mistake. “I have been your loyal servant all of my life.” He went on to explain to the Lord that he was truly a man of God. The preacher said, “Lord, I accepted you as my savior when I was just a child. I studied your word as a young man, than preached your gospel the rest of my life. How can it be that I am to spend eternity in this small cottage when the bus driver gets the mansion in the hills?” The Lord replied. My son, it is true that you have been my loyal servant. And, both of you have been in a position to influence my children. However, while you preached, my children slept. It was while he was driving they prayed!
The Carolina Cattle Connection q DECEMBER 2020
BRAUNVIEH 2021 Feb. 6 — 45th Annual Clemson Bull Sale, Clemson, N.C. CHAROLAIS Dec. 4 — Knoll Crest Farm Total Performance Bull Sale, Red House, Va. Dec. 5 — 5th Annual Pounds & Profit Sale, Snow Camp, N.C. Dec. 5 — 41st Annual Waynesville N.C. BCIP Performance Tested Bull Sale, Canton, N.C. Dec. 12 — 18th Annual Charolais Source Bull Sale, Chester, S.C. 2021 Jan. 23 — Harward Sisters Cattle Company 3rd Annual Bull & Female Sale, Norwood, N.C. Feb. 6 — 45th Annual Clemson Bull Sale, Clemson, N.C. GELBVIEH Dec. 4 — Knoll Crest Farm Total Performance Bull Sale, Red House, Va. Dec. 5 — 45th Annual Union County Performance Tested Bull Sale, Monroe, N.C. 2021 Jan. 9 — C-Cross Cattle Company Annual Bull Sale, Biscoe, N.C. Feb. 6 — 45th Annual Clemson Bull Sale, Clemson, N.C. HEREFORD Dec. 4 — Knoll Crest Farm Total Performance Bull Sale, Red House, Va. Dec. 5 — 41st Annual Waynesville N.C. BCIP Performance Tested Bull Sale, Canton, N.C. Dec. 18 — 37th Annual Butner N.C. BCIP Performance Tested Bull Sale, Oxford, N.C. 2021 Feb. 6 — 45th Annual Clemson Bull Sale, Clemson, N.C. Mar. 13 — March Madness Replacement Female & Bull Sale, Chester, S.C. Red angus Nov. 21 — Leachman East Coast Stabilizer Sale, Turnersburg, N.C. 2021 Jan. 16 — Bull Hill Ranch More Bull for Your Buck Sale, Gray Court, S.C. Jan. 23 — Harward Sisters Cattle Company 3rd Annual Bull & Female Sale, Norwood, N.C. Mar. 13 — March Madness Replacement Female & Bull Sale, Chester, S.C. SIMMENTAL Dec. 5 — 5th Annual Pounds & Profit Sale, Snow Camp, N.C. Dec. 5 — 45th Annual Union County Performance Tested Bull Sale, Monroe, N.C. Dec. 5 — 41st Annual Waynesville
N.C. BCIP Performance Tested Bull Sale, Canton, N.C. 2021 Jan. 2 — 12th Annual EBS Farms Select Sale, Norwood, N.C. Jan. 23 — Harward Sisters Cattle Company 3rd Annual Bull & Female Sale, Norwood, N.C. Feb. 6 — 45th Annual Clemson Bull Sale, Clemson, N.C. Feb. 20 — Yon Family Farms Spring Sale, Ridge Spring, S.C. Mar. 13 — March Madness Replacement Female & Bull Sale, Chester, S.C. OTHER EVENTS Dec. 1 — Mid-Atlantic Cattle Sales Video Auction Dec. 1 — Southeast Livestock Exchange Video Auction Dec. 5 — 45th Annual Union County Performance Tested Bull Sale, Monroe, N.C. Dec. 15 — Mid-Atlantic Cattle Sales Video Auction 2021 Jan. 2 — 12th Annual EBS Farms Select Sale, Norwood, N.C. Jan. 5 — Mid-Atlantic Cattle Sales Video Auction Jan. 19 — Mid-Atlantic Cattle Sales Video Auction Jan. 26 — N.C. Forage & Grassland Council 2021 Mid-Winter Virtual Conference Feb. 2 — Mid-Atlantic Cattle Sales Video Auction Feb. 2 — N.C. Forage & Grassland Council 2021 Mid-Winter Virtual Conference Feb. 6 — 45th Annual Clemson Bull Sale, Clemson, N.C. Feb. 9 — N.C. Forage & Grassland Council 2021 Mid-Winter Virtual Conference Feb. 16 — Mid-Atlantic Cattle Sales Video Auction Feb. 16 — N.C. Forage & Grassland Council 2021 Mid-Winter Virtual Conference Mar. 2 — Mid-Atlantic Cattle Sales Video Auction Mar. 13 — March Madness Replacement Female & Bull Sale, Chester, S.C. Mar. 16 — Mid-Atlantic Cattle Sales Video Auction Apr. 6 — Mid-Atlantic Cattle Sales Video Auction Apr. 20 — Mid-Atlantic Cattle Sales Video Auction May 4 — Mid-Atlantic Cattle Sales Video Auction May 18 — Mid-Atlantic Cattle Sales Video Auction