The Carolina Cattle Connection - Volume 39, Issue No. 2 (FEBRUARY 2025)

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THE CAROLINA CATTLE CONNECTION

Volume 39, Number 2 • FEBRUARY 2025

The official publication of the North Carolina & South Carolina Cattlemen's Associations.

Sales & Publication Office

2228 N. Main Street

Fuquay-Varina, NC 27526

Phone: 919-552-9111

Email: mail@nccattle.com

Website: www.nccattle.com

The Carolina Cattle Connection is printed on 30 lb recycled newsprint by BN Printing in Benson, N.C.

STAFF

Manager, N.C. MILO LEWIS

Manager, S.C. TRAVIS MITCHELL

Editor & Advertising Director CASEY HINNANT

N.C. Circulation KIM BURDGE

S.C. Circulation TRAVIS MITCHELL

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 become 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 is published monthly by the N.C. Cattlemen’s Association.

A complementary subscription is included with membership to each state’s association. Non-member 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

N.C. Cattlemen’s Association Leadership

President RYAN CLARK

5250 NC 772 Hwy. • Madison, NC 27025

Vice Presidents

BRANDON BOWMAN

2346 Ann Street • Claremont, NC 28610

JIM LEDFORD

260 Mulberry Lane • Otto, NC 28763

JOEY CARTER

250 Penny Road • Beulaville, NC 28763

Immediate Past President

SCOTT WEST

489 Panacea Springs Road • Littleton, NC 27850

NCBA Policy Division Director - JOHN LANGDON

N.C. Beef Council Director - BROOKE HARWARD

Beef Board Director - BRIAN WARREN

Secretary/Treasurer - EVERETT JOHNSON

Directors At Large MATT POORE • NEIL BOWMAN • TODD SEE

Executive Director - MILO LEWIS

2228 N. Main Street • Fuquay-Varina, NC 27526

N.C. Cattlemen’s Beef Council Director of Consumer Information - ASHLEY W. HERRING

Administrative Assistant - KIM BURDGE

S.C. Cattlemen’s Association Leadership

President - JOE OSWALD IV

1st Vice President - GENE CRIM 2nd Vice President - ASHLEY MILLS Immediate Past President - TIMMY BENTON

Secretary - CAROL HENDRIX

Treasurer - ERIC SEYMOUR

Board of Directors

JOHN LEWIS, Chester • JOE OSWALD IV, Allendale

RYAN WHITEHEAD, Union • TERRY KIRKLAND, Batesburg

LLOYD BAXLEY, Georgetown • JOE DAVIS, Westminster

MICHAEL HALL, Abbeville • RICHARD SOX, Lexington

CAROL HENDRIX, Westminister • JAMIE DRIGGERS, Hamer

BONNIE CANN, Abbeville • ASHLEY MILLS, Blair

HASKEL SEXTON, Sparanburg • GENE CRIM, St. Matthews

AL McCLAIN, Anderson • ERIC SEYMOUR, Columbia

TIMMY BENTON, Walterboro

Executive Director - TRAVIS MITCHELL P.O. Box 207 • Saluda, SC 29138

Phone: 803-609-2828 • Email: twmitch@clemson.edu

Website: www.sccattlemen.wildapricot.org

S.C. Beef Council Executive Director - ERIN DOLL P.O. Box 11280 • Columbia, SC 29211

Phone: 803-734-9806 • Email: edoll@scda.sc.gov

Website: www.sccattle.org

Inside Connection

SPOTLIGHT ON FORAGES

Amazing Grazing, by Dr. Matt Poore .................................... Page 17

Crabgrass is a Forage Nearly Everyone Who Has Cows and Pasture Should Try, by Dr. Matt Poore ....................... Page 6

Improved Management Strategies to Support Ecosystem Services Delivery in Forage Systems, by Dr. Liliane Silva & Carlos Garcia ....................................... Page 14 Management Practices to Support Foxtail Management in Forage Stands, by Dr. Liliane Silva, Dr. David Russell, & Travis Mitchell ....................................................................... Page 8

Pasture Renovation Primer, by Johnny R. Rogers ............ Page 16

Right Sizing Your Cow Herd, by Johnny R. Rogers ........... Page 10

Tall Fescue Myths and Truths, by Dr. Matt Poore .............. Page 12

MONTHLY FEATURES

Ashley’s Beef Corner, by Ashley Herring ............................ Page 20

Cattle & Carbon, by Alan Franzluebbers ............................... Page 24

Director’s Report, by Milo Lewis ............................................ Page 5

E.B.’s View from the Cow Pasture, by E.B. Harris ............ Page 22

Focus on Youth, by Brent J. Jennings ................................... Page 32

Have You Herd, by Sabryna Gromley .................................. Page 30

The Chaplain’s Corral, by Lee Alphen .................................. Page 28

You Decide!, Dr. Mike Walden ............................................... Page 36

STAY CONNECTED TO YOUR BREED

American Angus Association Update .............................. Page 44

American Brahman Breeders Association News .......... Page 57

Certified Angus Beef News .................................................. Page 42

Common Ground, by Mark McCully .................................... Page 38

International Brangus Breeder Association Update Page 49

North American Limousin Foundation Update ............ Page 72

Red Angus Association of America News Page 51

S.C Charolais News, by Georgeanne Webb ........................... Page 59

The Simmental Trail, by Jennie Rucker .............................. Page 60

THE DAIRY CONNECTION

Maintaining Milk Safety, by D’Lyn Ford ........................ Page 98

Maola Local Dairies News Page 84

National Milk Producers Federation News .................. Page 94

The CEO’s Corner, by Gregg Doud ....................................... Page 97

WHAT’S HAPPENING IN YOUR STATE?

2024 South Carolina Sale Barn Cattle Receipts Page 46

Pasture Management Systems “Mile of Fence” Update ..................................................... Page 87

N.C. BCIP 2024 Bull Test Summary, by Johnny R. Rogers ............................................................... Page 56

N.C. Cattle Receipts, Trends, & Prices .............................. Page 26

New NCCA Members for 2025............................................ Page 88

S.C. Cattle Receipts, Trends, & Prices ............................... Page 79

NCBA IS WORKING HARD FOR YOU!

A Message from the CEO, by Colin Woodall ....................... Page 62

Beef Checkoff News .............................................................. Page 74

Beef Quality Assurance News ............................................. Page

$400 - Open Rate

$375* - 6 Ads Annually

$320* - 12 Ads Annually *per month

$575 - Open Rate

$530* - 6 Ads Annually

$460* - 12 Ads Annually *per month

$225 - Open Rate

$200* - 6 Ads Annually

$180* - 12 Ads Annually *per month $200 - Open Rate $185* - 6 Ads Annually $160* - 12 Ads Annually *per month

IBy MILO LEWIS, N.C. Cattlemen’s Association

Director’s Re port

Building Community — The Importance of Networking & Education in Our Industry

n the ever evolving world of agriculture, no one succeeds alone. For cattle producers in our state, building strong, supportive networks and prioritizing education is essential to remaining competitive, improving productivity, and navigating the challenges of the industry. Whether you’re a seasoned producer or just starting out, creating meaningful connections within the local cattle community can be the difference between thriving and just surviving.

At its core, the cattle industry is about more than just livestock — it’s about relationships. Networking within the cattle community provides farmers and ranchers with opportunities to share knowledge, solve problems collaboratively, and access valuable resources. From fellow producers to industry experts, these relationships are key to fostering growth and innovation.

For instance, local cattlemen’s associations and cooperative extension services often serve as hubs for knowledge exchange. By attending meetings or participating in regional events, producers can stay updated on the latest trends, research, and policy changes affecting the industry. Additionally, these spaces allow for direct dialogue with other producers facing similar challenges, creating a sense of solidarity and shared purpose.

Ongoing education is vital for cattle producers to adapt to new technologies, market shifts, and environmental challenges. In our state, educational programs, workshops, and seminars provide the tools needed to improve herd management, enhance sustainability practices, and increase profitability.

One such opportunity is the N.C. Cattle Conference, an annual event that gathers producers, experts, and industry leaders from across the state and beyond. The conference serves as a premier venue for learning and networking, featuring sessions on everything from livestock genetics and breeding techniques to innovative grazing strategies and market trends. Attendees leave with practical skills and actionable knowledge that can be directly applied to their operations.

If you haven’t yet registered for the 2025 N.C. Cattle Conference, now is the time to act. Scan the QR code to the right to register online, or mail in the pre-registration form on page 4 to register today! This year’s conference promises to be one of the best yet, with expert led sessions on a wide range of topics crucial to the future of the cattle industry.

Whether you’re looking to learn about the latest genetic advancements, optimize the use of your existing forage resources, or stay ahead of market trends, the N.C. Cattle Conference has something for you.

But the value of attending isn’t just in the information — it’s in the connections you’ll make. Networking with other cattle producers from across the state gives you the chance to form lasting relationships that can help you grow and succeed. Plus, you’ll leave with practical tools, strategies, and insights that you can immediately implement on your operation.

So, make sure to mark your calendar and join us in Hickory on February 21–22 at the N.C. Cattle Conference. This is your opportunity to invest in your future, learn from the best in the business, and connect with a community of like minded individuals who are dedicated to building a thriving, sustainable cattle industry in the Carolinas. (Tentative agenda on page 51)

SPOTLIGHT on

Forages

Crabgrass is a Forage Nearly Everyone Who Has Cows and Pasture Should Try

By DR. MATT POORE, N.C. State University

There are few practices or products that I would recommend for almost all producers. One of these rarities is crabgrass. There are actually many species of crabgrass and many “ecotypes” within those species. As a result, there are mixed opinions about crabgrass. Many cattlemen still consider it a weed, while many others have discovered it to be their favorite forage. If you will give it a try, improved forage type crabgrass can find a niche on almost any farm.

Is Crabgrass a Weed - The weedy reputation of crabgrass comes in part from the problems it causes in lawns. Just one seed can turn into a plant that can creep out and cover a lot of ground. It is coarse and not the same color as the turfgrass, so it is clearly not something you want in your lawn. It is also a headache on driveways and other areas where you don’t want a stubborn grass growing.

Likewise, on many farms, crabgrass invades tall fescue based or other cool season pastures that get damaged in the winter. If there is bare ground, then there will usually be crabgrass. It does provide nutrition to the cattle during summer and early autumn and competes with broadleaf weeds, but it freezes out and does not grow and stockpile like tall fescue in the fall. Over time, it will compete more and more with the desirable perennial forage, reducing overall productivity. This is especially true of the lower producing “common” crabgrasses.

In bermudagrass systems, crabgrass is sometimes undesirable because it is a visible contaminant in hay. It typically turns a gray brown color as it cures. In situations where the bermudagrass field is in a waste management plan, too much crabgrass may catch the eye of an inspector, resulting in a notice of violation.

Positive Characteristics of Crabgrass - The positive attributes of crabgrass that need to be pointed out include it’s high nutritive value and it’s ability to quickly establish and produce a large amount of forage. It is much better in quality than most warm season grasses and can support season long average daily gains of 1.5 lbs/day or more. It is very drought tolerant and can be observed to be green and growing in the early part of the day, making use of dew to keep going until it gets rain.

If you do any winter feeding and have areas that are bare at the

end of winter, then crabgrass is the ideal crop to make something out of those areas. Likewise, if you are trying to implement a system that includes high quality winter annuals like ryegrass, then crabgrass might be the most efficient summer annual to use in your rotation. The low cost of crabgrass seed compared to other summer annuals and the fact that it can eventually start to reseed itself, is critical in reducing the seed cost of an annual system.

Not All Crabgrass is Created Equal - Where I grew up, our local type of crabgrass is a smooth crabgrass type that doesn’t yield much and has a very fine texture. In the old days, the older farmers I knew called it “hay grass” as it reliably volunteered on land following the harvest of row crops. They took that late summer/early fall growth as a hay cutting. We still have this type of crabgrass in many areas of our farm, but it is not very productive. When it starts to head and get leaf diseases in late summer, the cattle really don’t like to graze it.

When I first came to work at N.C. State University in 1990, the Noble Foundation released “Red River Crabgrass” and the developer, R.L. Dalrymple, made several trips to North Carolina to help us with educational events. We started working with farmers who wanted to plant it on winter feeding areas and also for a planned summer forage rotation.

This first forage crabgrass was a breakthrough. In the early

Broadcasting crabgrass seed on a smoothed winter feeding area.

Grazing Quick-N-Big crabgrass eight weeks after planting. This stand was grazed four times.

development, R.L. and his colleagues collected hundreds of selections across the world. They found that annual yield ranged from 1,000 to over 12,000 lbs per acre. Through selection, Red River was developed to be a high yielding, runner type of crabgrass. There have been several new varieties released by R.L. after he retired from Noble, including “Dal’s Big River” (a selection from Red River), Quick-NBig, Quick-N-Bit Spreader, and Quick-N-Big Spreader 19”.

Currently, there are a number of sources of Red River, some of which are likely contaminated with common crabgrass. Impact — another Noble Foundation release — is available as MoJo Crabgrass from Barenbrug USA seed, while the Dal’s Big River and Quick-NBig family are available from Dalrymple Farms. Each can be obtained through a variety of seed dealers.

There is not a lot of research comparing all these varieties of crabgrass, but there are critical differences to note.

Red River, Dal’s Big River, and Impact (MoJo) are runner type crabgrasses that have stolons that run across the surface of the soil. Quick-N-Big is an upright plant that does not spread by runners. It germinates and grows very quickly, giving you some great early yields. Quick-N-Big Spreader and Spreader 19” are like Quick-N-Big, but they were selected to fall over and root where they fall, making them behave more like a runner type if they need to. Impact (in MoJo) is a late variety that makes much of its growth later in the season, while Quick-N-Big germinates quickly and results in high yields just 5–6 weeks after planting if rainfall is abundant.

We generally recommend planting using broadcasting with a carrier of fertilizer or pelletized lime, rather than using a drill. Because of hair on the seed, Red River (uncoated) and Dal’s Big River will not flow well in a drill. Coated Red River, MoJo, and the Quick-N-Big types will be compatible with running through a drill. Remember though, crabgrass does not come up well if planted deeper than ¼”, and it is really better for it to be on the surface of the soil, so drilling is discouraged.

My Experience Planting Crabgrass - We tried planting crabgrass on our farm starting about 1993, and have been really happy with it. In those early plantings, we would broadcast about 5 lb of seed per acre (mixed with pelletized lime as a carrier) after running a chain drag over a winter feeding area. After several years of this, we quit putting out seed and found that we had good reseeding on all those areas. To this day, we reliably get volunteer stands in these areas and see the big

type of crabgrass in the adjacent fields! For this reason, I tell folks you really “release” these good crabgrass varieties on your farm.

More recently, we have about 25 acres in three different pastures where crabgrass is our summer annual. We graze this short in the late summer (or cut hay) and then drill in ryegrass (and sometimes oats) for the winter annual phase. After grazing the winter annual out in late spring, the crabgrass naturally comes in to replace it.

Our plan for this year - This spring we will put out more crabgrass in several situations. We will be planting 5 lbs/acre of an equal mix of Dal’s Big River and Quick-N-Big Spreader 19”. First, about March 15, we will start cleaning up and smoothing the feeding areas using a cultivator where necessary. Then we will run a chain harrow and immediately broadcast the seed and run the cultipacker.

We also have several pastures like the one I mentioned above that have ryegrass on them now that we will seed. These pastures have crabgrass that comes naturally, but we are trying to shift that to the more productive types. On these pastures, we will broadcast the seed following the cattle in March as we graze and let them work it in as they graze again in April.

One thing that is important when broadcasting is to remember that the seed does not fly as far as the carrier, so narrow up your path to about ½ of what you would with fertilizer. Calibration is also difficult, so do your best. Just make sure you don’t put out too much. When I broadcast, I set the rate pretty low, and then I adjust the rate and go back over it a second time.

Crabgrass is very responsive to supplemental nitrogen, so on the winter feeding areas where most soil nutrients are high, adding about 50 lbs of nitrogen per acre can result in some very large and economical yields. If soil nutrients are low in general, then a complete fertilizer would be recommended.

Finally, be aware that on the winter feeding areas you will have broadleaf weeds, so be prepared to spray them. Typically, we seed around April 15 and scout for broadleaves for the next several weeks. When weeds are present, we wait until the crabgrass is about four inches tall and tillering, and then spray it with an appropriate herbicide. This really works and helps the grass make better use of the nutrients in these areas.

Part of the joy of agriculture is trying new things, like crabgrass. Now that we have good commercial varieties available, take note of this very important grass as you contemplate how you might improve your forage system.

Grazing out stockpiled late summer crabgrass in preparation for drilling in winter annuals.

SPOTLIGHT on

Forages Management Practices to Support Foxtail Management in Forage Stands

By DR. LILIANE

SILVA & TRAVIS MITCHELL, Clemson University

DR. DAVID RUSSELL, Auburn University

Four foxtail species may be found in the region: yellow (Setaria pumila) , knotroot (Setaria parviflora ), green (Setaria virids) , and giant (Setaria faberi) . In the southeastern region, the two most common species are yellow and knotroot foxtail, and they are spreading into managed and unmanaged grazing and hayfield stands, as seen in Figure 1. Although it may provide early season grazing opportunities in perennial grass stands, by mid to late summer, their seedheads are everywhere, cattle won’t graze it, and hay growers avoid baling it. Research suggests that planning ahead for timely weed control associated with proper management practices could allow for both early summer grazing and successful weed suppression.

Foxtail Management - One of the most difficult challenges in forage weed management is removing certain grassy weeds from

desirable grass forages. In addition, it is important to know how to identify the species occurring in the area early in the season to provide proper control. The main difference between yellow and knotroot foxtail is found in their roots. Knotroot foxtail, as seen in Figure 2, has a knotty rhizome — underground stem — that allows it to overwinter and regrow each spring, which also makes it more difficult to control. In contrast, yellow foxtail is a true annual species and only survives by seed production.

When plants are young, livestock will actively graze foxtail. Previous research conducted by the Auburn University team determined that both yellow and knotroot foxtail in the vegetative stage consistently maintained at least 10 percent crude protein and at least 70 percent total digestible nutrients (TDN) on a dry matter basis. However, in mid-to-late summer, foxtail seedheads develop,

Figure 2. Knotroot foxtail is most easily identified by the short underground rhizomes

Figure 1. Foxtail populations can become dominant in areas where desirable forages are thin and weak.

and they are unpalatable, mainly due to their bristles — or awns, which can cause ulcers in the mouths of horses and interfere with livestock grazing. Also, foxtail plants are prolific seed producers, and little is known about how long seed may remain viable in the soil.

An integrated pest management (IPM) approach is the best way to suppress foxtail species and slow their spread. This process begins by implementing improved management practices that support a thick, healthy forage stand that can compete against encroaching weeds. Utilizing rotational grazing management, properly cleaning equipment after use and before moving to a new field, and maintaining proper soil fertility are the first steps toward this goal. Mowing will not eliminate foxtail, but clipping the tops of plants will delay seed maturity. Also, remember that cutting hay and moving bales containing mature seedheads will easily spread foxtail between fields.

In terms of chemical control, there are pre- and postemergence options. The pre-emergence — before plant emergence — herbicides are designed to inhibit root and shoot growth. For these to work effectively, applications should be made before weed seed germination and incorporated into the soil by rainfall. Since yellow foxtail germinates between 60–75°F, seedlings could emerge between mid-March and mid-April, depending on your location. Post-emergence — after emergence — application ideally should be made while weeds are small and actively growing. Although these herbicides have proven activity, there’s no guarantee the

desirable forage won’t be slightly damaged, especially during mid to late summer when plants are stressed from drought and heat. If proper product and rate recommendations are followed, desirable grasses may turn yellowish or brownish and crispy for a few days but should recover with adequate soil moisture. For herbicide selection, there are stand recommendation specificities for warm season perennial grasses, such as bahiagrass and bermudagrass, versus cool season perennial grasses, like tall fescue, and those can also vary by state. For example, Rezilon (indaziflam) is labeled for use in established bahiagrass and bermudagrass as pre-emergent. Facet L (quinclorac) is labeled on many established cool and warm season grasses, including tall fescue and bermudagrass. With each post-emergence option, it is important to treat foxtail when it is small and actively growing and when adequate soil moisture is available. Research has shown that rainfall within a week following these herbicide applications usually helps foxtail control. For proper product recommendations and rates, please reach out to your local extension agent or specialist. Thus, when using any pesticides, it is important to read and follow all product label recommendations carefully. The reference to single products is not an endorsement of that product, but is rather intended to be an example of an active ingredient that can be used. More detailed forage labeled herbicide recommendations may be found in your land grant university’s IPM guides.

credited to David Russell

Photos

SPOTLIGHT on

Forages

Right Sizing Your Cow Herd

By JOHNNY R. ROGERS, N.C. State University

Successful beef cattle grazing systems start with the right number of cattle and cattle that are adapted to their environment. Cattle are used to harvest and monetize forage production, and the efficiency of this system can be enhanced with adaptive grazing management. In some cases, pastures can become overstocked and increasing amounts of harvested forage (hay, wrapped hay, silage, etc.) and/or other supplements are needed as grazeable forage becomes limited. Genetic selection for higher growth and milk production can lead to increased cow nutrient requirements, which puts more demand on forage resources. However, producers can evaluate their resources and cattle inventory to find the right stocking rate for their situation. This can lead to a more sustainable, profitable and enjoyable operation. Developing a sound grazing plan starts with determining the production capacity of your pastures, and this is often called “carrying capacity.” N.C. Extension livestock agents and NRCS and Soil and Water staff can assist producers in establishing their carrying capacity by reviewing the Realistic Yield Estimates that considers soil characteristics, geographic location, and other factors. The yield estimate is reported in pounds/acre, but producers cannot expect to harvest 100 percent of those pounds. A seasonal utilization rate is estimated based on the intensity of grazing management. Higher levels of management means moving cattle to fresh grass more frequently and more efficient utilization. However, the frequency of moving cattle must be balanced with labor constraints, and many producers have found good results from moving cattle 2–3 times per week. Cool season pastures in the Piedmont region often produce 6,000 pounds of forage dry matter annually and, with good management, can achieve a 65 percent seasonal utilization. Therefore, a producer can expect 3,900 pounds of forage dry matter available to his/her herd. Unfortunately, forage availability is not equally distributed throughout the year, and seasonal variation must be considered. Cool season grasses will have the majority of their production in the spring, with the balance coming with fall growth. Warm season grasses achieve their production during the summer months. Management tactics like over seeding warm season grasses with annual forages, stockpiling, and planting annual forages can extend the grazing season. Managing the forage supply is only part of the carrying capacity equation, and now, we must think about cattle nutrient demand.

Cattle nutrition can become a complex discussion. Protein, energy, vitamins, and minerals must be considered as cattle move through various production phases. The most important nutrient is often overlooked — water. Availability of clean water will have a major impact on dry matter intake, and when calculating carrying capacity, cattle intake is a major factor. Why is cattle intake expressed as dry matter instead of as-fed basis (as-is)? Using dry matter allows comparisons to be made across the wide range of feedstuffs since cattle consume very moist feeds (lush grass) to very dry ingredients (dry hay, mature forage, etc.). Cattle dry matter intake is expressed as a percentage of cattle body weight (1.8–3.0 percent) and will vary depending on production stage, health status, forage nutritive value, prior plane of nutrition, and temperature, along with other factors. A major contributor to dry matter intake is cattle size (body weight), which is then multiplied by the intake percentage, to give the estimated pounds of forage required by the cattle. A herd of 50 cows weighing 1,200 pounds with a 2.0 percent body weight intake would need 1,200 pounds of forage dry matter daily. Furthermore, a herd of 50 cows weighing 1,500 pounds would need 1,500 pounds per day. This does not sound like much, but annually, the larger cows will have higher

Adaptive grazing management will improve forage utilization and increase stocking rates

feed costs. In addition, cattle selected for higher milk production tend to have higher nutrient requirements, even when they are not lactating because they have more visceral mass (guts), which could lead to higher intake for even more feed expense. This discussion uses a cow/ calf operation as an example, since North Carolina is a cow/calf state. However, the same principles can be used to estimate the carrying capacity for stocker operations or multi-species grazing systems.

Diverse forage systems may include annual forages and will add stability

to cattle operations

Many sources have reported that mature cow size has increased since the 1970s. Cow/calf producers have placed selection pressure on growth traits to increase weaning weights and to satisfy the market demand from the feeding and packing industry that clearly favors larger cattle. This is logical for those two industry phases because the production unit is the cattle themselves. Feedyards can market more pounds with bigger cattle, and packers desire to maximize carcass weight to cover their operating costs. However, cow/calf producers operate on a fixed land base and, therefore, an acre must be considered the production unit. As previously stated, feed intake can follow mature cow weight, with larger cows having higher dry matter intake than their smaller herd mates. Therefore, increasing cow size will require more feed from both on-farm and purchased sources. So, as cow size increases, the number of cattle grazed should be reduced due to greater feed intake from larger cows. If cow inventories are not lowered, more feed must enter the system through purchased feed. Many farms can become overstocked as cow size increases, even though the number of cattle does not change. Stocking rates, grazing management, and supplementation programs must be monitored and adjusted to meet the nutritional requirements of larger cows. Failure to meet cow nutrient requirements will lead to poor reproductive success and reduced calf crop revenue. Increasing cow size can raise production costs, and larger calves must be produced to generate additional revenue. Numerous research studies have demonstrated that, as cow size increases, calf weaning weights may increase, but the results are inconsistent. Furthermore, the value of additional calf weight usually does not cover the added production costs associated with larger cows. Increasing production

efficiency means evaluating the impact of changing inputs and/or outputs (or both) while maintaining or improving the resource base. Small cows often wean a high percentage of their body weight, and thus, considered highly efficient. However, care must be taken to insure their calves are marketable, and mating them to the right bull is the key. In most cases, functional cows will have mature weights in the 1,100–1,400 pound range (Body Condition Score 5) and achieve good performance in pasture systems with minimal supplementation.

The N.C. Cattle Industry Assessment has funded a project conducted by the Amazing Grazing Team, who is working with N.C. Extension livestock agents and cow/calf producers to compare cow mature weights with calf weaning weight. It is called the Cow Efficiency Project, and while this is not the only method to determine beef cattle production efficiency, it will start a conversation about the relationship between cow size, their environment, and their output (calves). Farm carrying capacity can be evaluated and determine if current stocking rates will meet cattle nutritional needs with minimal hay feeding and supplementation. Management strategies can be developed to moderate cow size while producing feeder calves that are acceptable to the feeding and packing sectors. Sustainable and profitable cow/calf systems will feature functional adapted cows that utilize the farm forage base and produce marketable calves. If you have an interest in the Cow Efficiency Project, please contact your county livestock agent or the Amazing Grazing Team. When it comes to “right sizing” a cow herd, it is not one size fits all. Between farms, producers will encounter unique circumstances that will allow for different stocking rates to match their carrying capacity. Variation in hay prices can impact the optimum quantity of hay fed annually. Mature cow weight should be monitored to determine if some cows are overconsuming feed resources relative to their production. Genetic decisions have consequences, and setting production targets at an optimum level is usually more sustainable and profitable than selecting for maximum productivity. Seedstock producers and breed associations are collecting feed intake data to develop selection tools to identify more efficient cattle. In the meantime, producers can determine cow weight and make sure their stocking rate is below their carrying capacity. In addition, cows that wean a low percentage of their body weight can be culled. Improving production efficiency is a journey, but the rewards will be significant.

Cattle adapted to their environment will thrive with minimal inputs.

SPOTLIGHT on

Forages

Tall Fescue Myths and Truths

By MATT POORE, N.C. State University

Tall fescue has become entrenched across the middle part of the eastern U.S., creating a region called the Tall Fescue Belt. Many farms were planted with tall fescue in the 1960s, and many of those original stands are still productive today. Unfortunately, the variety planted, Kentucky-31 (KY-31), is known to host a fungus, called an “endophyte,” which produces toxins.

The incredible agronomic characteristics of tall fescue are what make it a wicked problem. Essentially, the toxins that are good for the plant are very detrimental to livestock. There are many things you can do to help, including diluting pastures with other forage species, reducing fertilizer application, and clipping seed heads. The ultimate solution is to replace the toxic tall fescue with the non-toxic novel endophyte tall fescue or some other species of forage.

Another conundrum is that some farmers see few of the classical fescue toxicosis symptoms, while others see them with high frequency. In the northern and high elevation areas, there will be much less of a problem than in the hotter parts of the Tall Fescue Belt. Also, the symptoms tend to be seasonal, being worst in early summer and minimal at other times.

Your context will determine if you really have a problem with fescue or not. If you have high performance cattle, fescue toxicosis will keep them from realizing their potential. If you are finishing animals for local meat, fescue toxicosis will increase your days to harvest and reduce meat quality. If you have great stands of tall fescue and few symptoms, then you might not have an issue.

“Tall fescue is a GREAT grass” - I think this one is both a myth and a truth. In the Tall Fescue Belt, there is no other species that can give all the benefits of tall fescue. When KY-31 was released, it quickly became the conservation plant of choice. It established quickly, and stubbornly persisted year after year on marginal land. It was promoted as the “first permanent pasture grass” for the south, and it lived up to that name.

The rise of “summer slump,” fescue foot, and other symptoms in cattle grazing this great looking grass led to the discovery of the endophyte and its ergot alkaloid toxins. The impact of the toxins on animal performance causes me to downgrade KY-31 tall fescue from “great” to “fair.” Fortunately, there are many new generation novel

endophyte tall fescue products on the market that bring tall fescue back to my “great” category.

One benefit of tall fescue is how well it works for winter grazing. Stockpiling and grazing after Christmas works well because the ergot toxin levels start to drop. Also, sugar content increases, and this drives improved palatability to the livestock. If you have novel endophyte tall fescue, it can also be stockpiled, and our research shows it holds up as well as toxic fescue. A major benefit of novel endophyte tall fescue is that it can be used at any time, even in fall and early winter, because it does not have toxins.

“KY-31 is the best because you just can’t kill it” - This one is a myth. Across the Tall Fescue Belt, we are seeing many old stands of tall fescue thinning or disappearing. Most of this is because of heavy grazing, winter treading damage, reduced fertilization, and competition from warm season annuals and perennials. Low management, along with frequent drought over the last two decades, has resulted in very poor stands of tall fescue in many fields where it used to dominate.

“Novel endophyte tall fescue is too expensive to plant” - This one is another myth. A farmer with excellent stands of KY-31 tall fescue should carefully evaluate their situation before any conversion to novel is considered. If a pasture does need to be renovated, one thing

Calves grazing novel endophyte tall fescue pasture.

The Carolina Cattle Connection

I can clearly recommend to livestock producers is “don’t plant KY-31.”

It is true that KY-31 will be the least expensive seed you will buy. Today, you can purchase KY-31 for about $1.50 per lb, while typical novel endophyte tall fescue seed will cost about $4 per lb. Assuming a planting rate of 15 lbs per acre, that is a difference of $37.50 per acre. If you run a budget and calculate the total cost of pasture renovation, it will come to at least $150 in costs other than seed.

The truth is that renovation is expensive no matter what you plant. My economic calculations show that if you plant novel endophyte tall fescue, it will pay you back in about four years. If you plant KY-31 in the same situation, it will take eight years to payback. So the real statement should be, “pasture renovation is so expensive, you can’t afford to plant an inferior product like KY-31.”

Once you renovate a pasture, there are a few rules that will help you keep it. Fertilize it to maintain it as a fescue stand, don’t feed hay with toxic fescue seed on renovated pastures, and don’t overgraze it. If you follow those principles, you will keep stands for the long run.

“If you have tolerant livestock, you can live with KY-31” - This one might be a truth, but finding those tolerant animals has been a challenge. Heat tolerant genetics like Brahman and its composites do better on toxic tall fescue than straight British cattle in hot environments, but they may have other issues that limit their adoption. Early hair coat shedding in Angus cattle has been shown to be a critical trait for cattle on toxic fescue. Some breeds are developing EPDs for tall fescue tolerance. This has been slow, so some level of fescue intolerance continues to be bred into cattle in the region.

The most powerful fescue tolerance trait described to date is the “slick hair gene.” This simple dominant mutation originally described in Senepol cattle produces a very sleek hair coat and high tolerance to heat and parasites. Recent research also shows high tolerance to ergot alkaloids. Tolerant livestock will continue to be an important consideration, but we are a long way from reliably purchasing animals with proven tolerance.

In the end, each farmer in the Tall Fescue Belt has to make

a decision on how to manage the problem. Some with relatively tolerant animals, with cooler conditions, or who simply lack the farming skills needed to renovate pastures will stick with what they know. Other farmers will evaluate pastures and strategically renovate to provide better nutrition for high requirement animals. Renovation is costly, so it should be used to upgrade the forage system. Plant something like native warm season grasses or novel endophyte tall fescue that will compliment a base of toxic tall fescue.

To learn more about tall fescue, read the book The Wonder Grass: The Story of Tall Fescue in the United States , which is available for free download. Also, visit www.grasslandrenewal.org to learn more about novel endophyte tall fescue technology and upcoming educational opportunities.

Reprinted from the January 2025 issue of Hay and Forage Grower

SPOTLIGHT on

Forages

Improved Management Strategies to Support Ecosystem Services Delivery in Forage Systems

By DR. LILIANE SILVA & CARLOS GARCIA, Clemson University

In the Southeast, forages are the primary feed source for livestock production systems due to the diversity of adapted forage species, favorable climate conditions, and lower production costs. With the growing population, agricultural systems face challenges in increasing food and fiber production while minimizing negative environmental impacts. Forage systems play an essential role in delivering ecosystem services, and the management practices used directly impact the sustainability of those systems, as seen in Figure 1. Ecosystem services (ES) are defined as the “benefits people obtain from ecosystems,” and they are classified into four categories: cultural, provisioning, regulating, and supporting benefits. Some examples of ES provided by grasslands include carbon sequestration, nutrient cycling, and wildlife and pollinators’ habitat. Management practices affect forage stand production, longevity and resilience, nutrient cycling, animal performance, soil fertility, and health, among others. Therefore, proper management can be an ally in keeping a healthy forage stand over time. A few key points related to ES from forage systems will be briefly discussed below.

Energy storage is essential crucial for plant recovery and growth after each harvest event - Harvest frequency (i.e., how often) and intensity (i.e., how closely forage is removed), either by grazing or

cutting, directly affect the productivity and persistence of forage systems. For instance, bermudagrass in South Carolina should maintain a stubble height of 3–4 inches and be harvested every 4–6 weeks for optimal regrowth. Adhering to the use of research based recommended stubble height and adequate (re) growth period of forage species allow for residual leaf area to be left for plants to recover without reducing stored energy reserves over time. Higher than recommended frequency and intensity of harvest events may compromise the ability of forage species to recover and lead to forage stand decline and loss over time. Under grazing management, rotational grazing can help with the uniform removal of forage mass, limiting animals’ access to individual plants for a given time, known as the resting period. This is particularly important when grazing legumes or legume-grass mixtures, since animals tend to visit forage legumes more often, which might compromise their persistence over time. Rotational grazing strategies in South Carolina typically involve resting paddocks for 21–28 days, depending on growth conditions. Furthermore, rotational grazing supports uniform forage removal and enhances nutrient distribution from livestock excreta.

Nutrient cycling and redistribution in forage systems - In hay production systems, we export nutrients to other areas where animals feed on the hay harvested, as seen in Figure 2. For this reason, there is a limited return and recycling of nutrients from the forages into the system under hay production and a greater reliance on off-farm inputs (i.e., fertilizer) to supply plant nutrient needs. In grazing systems, livestock can return up to 80 percent of the nutrients consumed back into pastures. Therefore, optimizing the nutrient distribution from animal excretion is vital to improve forage accumulation and quality and soil fertility, especially in low input systems. Better nutrient distribution can be achieved by employing proper rotational grazing strategies since animals remain in the area for a defined period, avoiding establishing exclusion areas or excessive excreta deposition in particular areas. Also, when feeding hay on pastures, the recommendation is to alternate feeding areas throughout the field to help with better excreta distribution, as

Figure 1. Heifers grazing in Blackville, S.C.

seen in Figure 3. Nutrient return from litter and root contributions, either by decomposition or exudation of compounds, are common to grazing and hay systems but may occur at different levels. After harvest events, either by grazing or cutting, it is common for parts of the root system to die. This plant material is recycled and incorporated as organic matter, releasing nutrients into the soil over time. Also, dung beetles play a crucial role in nutrient cycling processes and contribute to improved soil conditions in grazing systems, as seen in Figure 3.

Carbon sequestration and soil health - Due to limited soil disturbance, soils under perennial grasslands are significant carbon sinks over time. Nutrients are incorporated into the soil through the deposition and decomposition of above and below ground plant material, improving soil fertility and enhancing its chemical

and physical properties. Some of the residual materials can be incorporated back into the soil as organic matter, enhancing soil structure and fertility. For example, during grazing, it is common for animals to pull out some plants from the soil and even a portion of their roots. If not consumed, that material is decomposed and can contribute to nutrients and organic matter being incorporated into the soil. Soil health refers to the soil’s ability to perform functions that support life on earth. Without soil, producing the food, fiber, and energy needed to sustain human life would not be possible. Soil also helps to protect the earth’s natural resources by filtering water and decomposing harmful chemicals. There has been an increased focus on rebuilding soil health in agricultural lands to conserve soils for future generations. In row crop production systems, practices like reduced tillage and cover cropping are used to improve soil health. There are also management practices that can promote soil health in pastures, such as utilizing rotational grazing and avoiding overgrazing. Some parameters that determine proper soil health include but are not limited to, organic matter content, adequate fertility and pH, and fauna biodiversity.

Figure 3. Hay feeding area (above), and dung beetles in manure (below).

Figure 2. Growing point of pearl millet (detail).

SPOTLIGHT on

Forages

Pasture Renovation Primer

By JOHNNY R. ROGERS, N.C. State University

The importance of productive pastures is often overlooked. Nevertheless, well managed pastures provide numerous benefits to farms and our communities. Providing a livestock feed source, soil and water conservation, water quality, wildlife habitat; nutrient cycling, soil health, economic return and aesthetics/ lifestyle are all contributions that pastures make to our communities. Poor management including low fertility and overgrazing can degrade pastures, and pasture renovation becomes necessary to restore these grasslands to their full productive capacity.

Developing a Pasture Renovation Plan - Assessing the current pasture condition is the first step to developing a renovation plan. Pastures are very resilient and will remain productive over many decades with proper care. It is important to realize that the current state is the accumulation of previous management, and we must make careful observations to find the cause of this condition. A very practical method to access pasture condition is by using the point-step method. Take a note pad and construct a grid labeled with the forage species you expect to be in the pasture, along with a column for bare soil. Choose a place on your shoe to serve as a marker — placing a small mark on your shoe is a good idea as it helps with consistency. Randomly walk through the pasture, stopping every 20 steps, and recording your observations in the appropriate column. Collect approximately 100 observations and then calculate your findings. In addition, it will be beneficial to list specific observation like weed species present, as this will allow decisions to be made about herbicide use later. The pasture botanical composition can tell us about prior management and the underlying conditions that may need to be addressed. For example, a significant population of broom sedge may indicate low pH and/or low phosphorus levels. Of course, this will need confirmation with a soil analysis before management decisions are made.

The point-step data can be analyzed to determine the relative percentage of desirable plants. Action plans can be developed based on this information. A population of 50 percent desirable plants is the “break point” for managing what you have versus a complete renovation. Using alternative management strategies that may include herbicide application and rotational grazing (rest) can yield tremendous results. This approach will cost less and cause minimal

changes in stocking rates. A complete pasture renovation will require more consideration about how the new pasture can improve the grazing system — warm season vs. cool season species — and how livestock feed requirements will be met while the new pasture is established. Thinking through how you will feed livestock during the approximate 12 month establishment period is critical to successful renovation.

Good Planting Skills are Key to Success - Proper pasture renovation requires good agronomic practices, and not every grazier has experience planting perennial pastures. Guidance maybe needed

Seeding new forages can add productive and resiliency to your forage systems.

to insure the follow:

• Reduced surface residue

• Plant on time, at the correct depth and rate

• Use good quality seed

Furthermore, this would be a great time to review the total forage program and to select forage species that provide balance to the system. Novel endophyte tall fescue and native warm season grasses have been used successfully to enhance farm grazing days and livestock performance. Some have found hiring a custom operator to establish pastures to be a good option.

Summary - Productive pastures provide farms with low cost feed for their livestock. In addition, these same pastures offer a suite of ecosystem services that are important to our society. Their importance in the water and carbon cycles, as well as soil conservation, make well managed pastures vital to healthy communities. Evaluate pastures and determine which are good candidates for renovation. Utilize an advisory team to provide counsel to develop a successful plan. Use better grazing management to extend pasture productivity and longevity.

Pasture renovation should include a change in how this pasture is managed.

 AMAZING GRAZING 

Timely Tips for Managing New Stands of Tall Fescue

By DR. MATT POORE, N.C. State University

Farmers across the tall fescue belt periodically renovate pastures to improve forage production, and in some cases, to convert toxic tall fescue to novel endophyte tall fescue. It is important to provide good management to these new stands during the first two years following planting, which are considered the establishment phase of a new stand. These suggestions are intended to help farmers get the most out of their

pasture renovation efforts. It is important for farmers to remember that new stands are sensitive to overgrazing and encroachment of weedy species, and steps should be taken to reduce those impacts.

Amazing Grazing continued on the next page

Amazing Grazing continued from the previous page

New stands of tall fescue planted in the autumn of 2024 should be scouted now in preparation for spraying and fertility management. If substantial numbers of weed seedlings are found, plan to spray an herbicide as soon as the weather warms. In general, spray when the high temperature has been at least 60ºF for three days and is expected to stay in the 60s for the next few days. This usually comes in February in southern areas and March in more northern locations, and you should be ready to take advantage of that perfect day. The tall fescue seedlings should be at least in the four leaf stage, and preferable tillering. This should be the case already for almost all plantings, except those planted very late.

Make sure the herbicide selected is labeled for use on newly established tall fescue pastures and that it is effective against the species present. If most weeds are common winter annuals, then a broad spectrum herbicide like Weedmaster or generic versions (2-4 D and dicamba) might be adequate. If tough to control weed species are found, then an herbicide with residual activity might be called for. Make sure you get advice from someone who knows these herbicides, and always follow the label directions.

New stands should be fertilized in the spring, with at least 50 lbs of nitrogen added. If the field was not fertilized with phosphorus and potassium in the autumn, use a complete fertilizer to provide some of those nutrients. Remember, if you plan on taking off a cutting of hay, it is important to add back the soil nutrients removed to maintain a healthy stand. Each ton of hay will remove approximately 40 lbs of nitrogen, 15 lbs of phosphate, and 40 lbs of potash. Early fertilization with nitrogen will boost yield and help the tall fescue develop a good level of ground cover by the time summer annual grasses germinate. Sufficient phosphorus and potash will keep the plants healthy and vigorous.

If the new stands happen to be KY-31, then be aware that the needed fertilizer will also stimulate the plant to produce a higher level of ergot alkaloid toxins. It is critical to the survival of these stands to apply fertilizer, so it needs to be done, but the grower needs to be aware that the resulting forage will contain elevated levels of toxins, and it needs to be managed accordingly. Future management recommendations will limit fertility additions, especially nitrogen, due to the potential for high toxin levels. If the new stand is novel endophyte tall fescue then the grower can enjoy the high level of nutritious and non-toxic forage that will be produced added fertility.

It is important to control the growth of new stands without overgrazing them or opening the stand up enough to leave bare ground where weeds can develop. If grazed, the fescue should be lightly “top grazed” leaving a significant amount of residual. Grazing will help stimulate tillering and can effectively create a canopy that is resilient to weed competition. These stands can be grazed several times during the first growing season, as long as they are not overgrazed and are allowed to rest at least three weeks between grazing events. If there is significant annual ryegrass present in the stand, then early and frequent light grazing bouts can be very effective. Animals will seek out the ryegrass and graze it in preference to the tall fescue, strengthening the fescue stands.

If you plan on removing the first spring growth as hay, plan on cutting earlier than usual to allow the fescue time to regrow and create cover to compete with weeds. Set the cutter height as high as is practical (4–6 inches) to optimize regrowth, again helping with weed competition. If there is ryegrass present, make sure the hay is cut before viable seed is set to prevent an ongoing contamination problem. Second year stands can be managed for high levels of forage production this coming year. Fertilize with nitrogen and other nutrients to optimize growth as described above. Use rotational grazing, allowing 21–30 days of rest between bouts. If the stand is novel endophyte tall fescue, then it should be used strategically for the groups of animals with the highest requirements, like developing replacement heifers or lactating first calf heifers. Those non-toxic stands should support the performance of these animals without supplemental feed other than minerals. In contrast, if the stand is KY31, then these high producing classes of cattle need to be provided with some supplemental energy and protein to make up for the depressed forage intake experienced with toxic tall fescue. If cutting for hay, cut at the early bloom stage to optimize yield and nutritive value, and don’t cut very short (leading to scalping) to optimize stand survival.

Scout for weeds as the season progresses, and be prepared to control broadleaf weeds. If you plan on turning these fields into a tall fescue/clover system, then getting control of broadleaves before frost seeding clover is critical.

If you plan on planting tall fescue next fall, try to attend one of our signature in-person workshops this spring, which will be held in Tennessee on March 4 and Kentucky on March 6. These workshops will be full day events and will feature experts from across the tall fescue belt. Participants will learn about the tall fescue endophyte story, how to best manage toxic tall fescue, how to replace toxic tall fescue with novel endophyte tall fescue, and to understand how economic factors influence the return on investment on pasture renovation.

There will also be many local opportunities for pasture walks and workshops across the region, so stay tuned to learn more about those events. Finally, the Alliance website has many fact sheets and other information sources that will be of interest to grass farmers in the tall fescue belt.

To learn more about these and other upcoming events and to learn more about managing tall fescue, visit www.grasslandrenewal.org.

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!

ASHLEY’S  BEEF CORNER 

Sharpen the Saw

By ASHLEY HERRING, N.C. Cattlemen’s

Beef Council

Leaving the farm is challenging, with many items on the to-do list that call for attention. The daily chores do not take a break for weekends, bad weather, or holidays. As easy as it is to stick to the grind and knock out your checklist, one must pause and take a breath. Every work horse needs to blow, as the saying goes. How you spend the time during your break is up to you, but I bet many in agriculture choose to spend it with like minded people, learning as much as possible.

These breaks are so few and far between that the decision of where and how weighs heavily. Precious few days are spent away, and the array of choices can send anyone into an analysis spiral. There are not many opportunities that offer a short duration combined with seeing old friends — or meeting new ones, hearing beef industry experts from across the country, and a good bit of fun in the mix.

You probably have guessed where this is going, and we hope you take it into consideration to attend the N.C. Cattle Conference. I recently spoke with a producer who attended the event years ago. For many reasons, he couldn’t attend for several years. Then last year, he was able to return. He remarked that on his drive back home, he felt at ease, like he’d enjoyed a family reunion of folks in “the same boat.”

The challenges of farming, other business entities, and personal hardships all seem to be counterbalanced by the favorite — raising cattle. Cattle are much more than a chore on the to-do list. For almost all farmers who have them, they’re the highlight of the day. Watching cattle as they contently graze can ease a troubled mind as well as bring positivity to a long week.

The N.C. Cattle Conference brings together a collection of experts and speakers on many topics that you are sure to learn from. The trade show is full of ideas and innovations that bring efficiency to the farm. But the camaraderie is what makes the conference. As you know, it’s hard to bring together a large group of farmers because no one has time. This event does just that, and with a fun atmosphere. If you always attend, we are grateful and appreciate your presence. Bring a neighbor or friend who hasn’t been, and we’re sure they will feel their time is well spent. That chat in the hallway with someone who’s found a solution to a struggle you’re having is what we’re aiming for with this conference. Bringing together solutions, a refreshed mindset, and a “sharper” saw are what you’ll leave with. See you there.

E.B.’ s VIEW FROM  THE COW PASTURE 

Try Not to Do That Again

By E.B. HARRIS, Warrenton, N.C.

The other week, Shane got out the John Deere 2030 tractor and put the spin spreader on the back. He was going to do some seeding of a fence line right-of-way that he had cleared on what we call the Davis Tract. When he loaded it on the trailer to carry it over there, he drove by me and said, “Daddy, I will try not to do that again.”

What he was speaking of involved the John Deere 2030 tractor that I bought from a friend of mine named Karl Hehl. Karl had bought it new. When he was ready to get rid of it, I bought it and my first Vermeer baler at the same time. This was in the middle to late ‘70s. It’s one of the sweetest handling tractors we have on the farm. It used to be my main tractor for cutting, raking, bailing, and stacking hay. It’s still a very popular tractor here on the farm. Of all the tractors we have, I think it’s the best handling balance tractor we have for the size.

Back to what Shane was referring to. We were working over at the Davis Farm, probably around the mid-‘90s. We had this tractor hooked up to a small hydraulic trailer, loading it with rocks, stumps, and different things.

We finished working that day, and whoever the last person was on the tractor — I don’t remember who it was — evidently left the tractor out of gear and not in park. When we got there the next morning, we could not see the tractor. I knew no one had been back there and gotten the tractor. After a while, I looked toward the pond, and finally, I could barely make out the canopy of the tractor sticking up just below the pond water. The tractor had evidently rolled down in the pond during the night.

We got some chains and hooked to it enough to get it pulled out to the dry bank. That afternoon, we pulled the tractor back up on the trailer and carried it to the shop. It was hot

summer time, and we pulled in to the back part of the shop, left all the drains open, drained all the fluids that were in it, and let it sit for about a week.

After about a week, we put in just enough fluid and lightweight oil in the engine compartment and fresh diesel fuel. We cranked it up and let it run for about 30 minutes until everything got warmed up. Then we drained it again and let it sit for another week with all the drains open. A week later, we filled it back up again to the proper levels of oil and water. It’s been cranking and running for the last 30 years without a single issue from its bath in the pond.

If we ever decide to get rid of it, I have debated in my mind if we should announce it as a flood damaged tractor. I don’t think so because if water had damaged it, it probably would have shown itself in the past 30 years. This is strictly my opinion, but I know it had been put underwater. I will just plan to keep it right here.

CATTLE & CARBON

Land Use and Forage Management Impacts on Soil Carbon

By ALAN FRANZLUEBBERS, USDA-Agricultural Research Service

Thanks for hanging in there with me through this series of articles on cattle and carbon! For some, the topic may be new and difficult, but for others the information might be familiar and derived logically from the natural order of the world in which we live. A progression from basic concepts to more difficult calculations and interpretations was intended. Therefore, you may be wondering what this is all about, and some confusion is ok when the information is new. However, it is my hope that some concepts and interpretations will be understandable and helpful along the way. If you have questions, perhaps others do too. We can explore more interactive group sessions in the future through the activities and agenda of the N.C. Forage and Grassland Council. Please let your local representatives of the NCFGC or the N.C. Cattlemen’s Association know of your interests. Specific questions can also be directed to me at alan.franzluebbers@ usda.gov. I will do my best to respond and provide clarifications.

USDA

Abattoir and Processor

This month’s article puts emphasis on results obtained from a sampling of forage and grazing lands throughout North Carolina in 2023. The inception of this project was described in the December 2024 issue. The sampling and its intent to obtain realistic estimates of soil carbon stocks on private lands in the U.S. was funded in part by the Foundation for Food and Agriculture, with base support from the USDA Agricultural Research Service. It takes resources to conduct such research, and the focus on private lands will help to validate existing concepts, and possibly develop new understanding of how conservation management using a variety of agro-ecological approaches can improve the resiliency of our food and fiber production systems.

Although it would be nearly impossible to sample even half of the fields on all 23,700 farms in North Carolina that have pastureland, I did sample 338 fields on 206 farms from December 2022 to March 2023. Sampling was at 0–4, 4–12, and 12–24 inch depth increments and two replicates were taken in each grassland field. Many different soil types and landscape features were sampled across 70 counties in North Carolina. From loamy sands in the Coastal Plain to silt loams in the Piedmont to clay loams in the Blue Ridge, a variety of soil textures provided a strong foundation to make a statewide assessment.

The total stock of soil organic carbon is globally considered at 0–12 inch depth. The portion of the total stock that is under management control has been characterized through the concept of root zone enrichment. A unique baseline condition of each soil is derived from the soil carbon concentration at 12 inch depth using a mathematical approach. Figure 1 illustrates results across North Carolina farms of the separation of baseline stock of carbon

that is inherent in the soil type on your farm (a value that likely doesn’t change in your lifetime) and root zone enrichment that is controlled by the type of land use or management deployed over the past 10–50 years (longer legacy effects may be important too). Soils were sorted into a gradient of baseline soil carbon categories to show that the baseline stock can be different, but generally the effect of management on soil carbon is independent of the baseline stock. In all baseline soil carbon categories, a similar absolute amount of carbon was stored in soil across the diversity of grassland management scenarios. A slightly greater level of soil carbon was being stored under woodland compared with grassland. However, the quality of that carbon may be different between these two broad land uses, and this will be explored in future articles.

Root zone enrichment of soil organic carbon was greater under woodland than under grassland in each of the four soil groups. Farm woodlands are often completely undisturbed land uses, whereas cattle and tractors impact grasslands. On average, root zone enrichment of soil organic carbon was 18.2 tons/acre under woodland and 15.5 tons/acre under grassland. That’s an average difference of 2.7 tons/acre. You might recall from the January 2025 issue that root zone enrichment under conventional till cropland across North Carolina research stations was only 4.8 tons/acre.

Root zone enrichment was not proportional to the total stock of soil organic carbon, but rather was a relatively constant quantity independent of baseline soil carbon category. Total stock of soil organic carbon would be equal to the sum of baseline soil organic carbon and root zone enrichment of soil organic carbon. Total stock of soil organic carbon averaged 22.7 tons/acre in the low group, 26.7

tons/acre in the medium group, 30.4 tons/acre in the high group, and 36.4 tons/acre in the very high group.

From this sampling across North Carolina in 2023, many of the farmer collaborators completed a management history form. This information has been extremely useful to characterize the type of current and historical management for each field sampled. Although I’m hoping to get 65 more responses, a total of 273 fields have been characterized. A few contrasting management scenarios will be explored preliminary in the following.

As noted previously, total stock of soil organic carbon can be influenced by physiographic region due to soil formation factors. For this reason, I’ve repeated management contrasts within each of the regions in North Carolina, i.e., the Coastal Plain, Piedmont, and Blue Ridge.

Pastures that were grazed did not contain significantly different levels of soil carbon than those fields that were routinely hayed in any of the three regions, as seen in Table 1. There were more grazed fields sampled than hayed fields in all three regions. Hayed fields in the Blue Ridge region had the fewest observations (8 fields) and grazed pastures in the Piedmont had the greatest number of observations (110 fields). For differences in root-zone enrichment to have been considered statistically significant would have required 1.3 tons/acre in the Blue Ridge (but the difference was only 0.8 tons/acre), 0.8 tons/acre in the Piedmont (but the difference was only 0.3 tons/acre), and 1.6 tons/acre in the Coastal Plain (but the

Cattle & Carbon continued on the next page

Figure 1. Average soil organic carbon stocks as affected by soil carbon category, source of formation, and land use.

Cattle & Carbon continued from the previous page

difference was only 0.4 tons/acre). Therefore, whether forage was mechanically harvested as hay or consumed directly by ruminant livestock did not significantly alter soil organic carbon accumulation in the primary root zone of the surface 12 inches. Prolific rooting was likely occurring under both management styles, and those roots are considered large contributors to soil organic carbon accumulation. This lack of difference is mostly contrary to research station results in the southeastern U.S., which typically indicates greater soil organic carbon under grazed than under hayed management.

Another management factor that could easily be discerned with more than a dozen observations per region and management category was that of pasture age, as seen in Table 2. Pasture age was a highly significant factor in each of the three regions. Young pastures had the lowest root zone enrichment of soil organic carbon, and this result was logical based on time needed to allow soil organic carbon to accumulate under perennial pastures. Accumulation of soil organic carbon was non-linear, meaning that the greatest accumulation rates per year were achieved early in pasture development and accumulation slowed to smaller increases over time. During the first 10 years, rates of soil organic carbon accumulation were 432 pounds of carbon per acre per year in the Coastal Plain, 676 pounds of carbon per acre per year in the Piedmont, and 1,071 pounds of carbon per acre per year in the Blue Ridge. However, when calculated as the linear rate during a 50 year period, soil organic carbon accumulation was 219 pounds of carbon per acre per year in the Coastal Plain, 209 pounds of carbon per acre per year in the Piedmont, and 294 pounds of carbon per acre per year in the Blue Ridge. These rates of soil organic carbon accumulation during a 50 year period are significant,

and slightly lower than values reported for pasture based livestock farms in Virginia ( https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/ gfs.12665) and in tall fescue based pastures across North Carolina and neighboring states (https://acsess.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/ full/10.1002/agj2.20577), both of which averaged approximately 350 pounds of carbon per acre per year.

Additional analyses of forage and grazing land management influences on soil organic carbon accumulation will be explored from this study. Some myths may be debunked, and some axioms could be verified. Validating science on working farms is needed to create better management systems so that others can learn from our experiences, but also to develop appropriate policies to foster proven practices and not just based on hunches.

Cattle Receipts, Trends, and Prices for the Month of DECEMBER 2024

The Chaplain’s Corral

The

Worst Pest

By LEE ALPHEN, Cowboys for Christ Chaplain

Jogging horses around the Scarborough Downs oval while fighting off gigantic mosquitos was a spring challenge back in the early 1970s. I was thinking, if they worked together, they could carry me away and have a feast. Here in New England, the month of May also provides armies of May flies that are a real nuisance. They don’t actually bite, but they swarm all around you in attack mode.

I read on www.science.org , “Body odors, carbon dioxide (via exhaled breath), and body heat all alert mosquitoes to a person’s presence. The bugs pick up scents through olfactory neurons on their antennae — they can smell body odor up to 60 meters away — and use body heat to zero in on their target.” Actually, it is the female mosquitoes that bite us. They need the protein from our blood to produce eggs.

Other pests bother us too. We have all faced a crisis in our lives. Sometimes many things come at us at once, and we blame God. Actually, these are tricks of the devil, the evil one, to lure us away from God and into the den of iniquity. When we fall for these pranks, Satan is happy and continues to pile it on in an effort to gain us as followers.

Thousands of years ago, Lucifer, who was a beautiful and intelligent angel, became jealous of God and tried to usurp God’s position. Lucifer was prideful because he was beautiful. He thought he was better than God and wanted to be the one worshiped instead of God. He was very good and served God well until he got caught up in himself. Then, as he tried to encourage people to turn away from God, he became more and more evil. As we read in Ezekiel 28:12-17 (NIV) — “Son of man, take up a lament concerning the king of Tyre and say to him: ‘This is what the Sovereign Lord says:

“You were the seal of perfection, full of wisdom and perfect in beauty. You were in Eden, the garden of God; every precious stone adorned you: carnelian, chrysolite, and emerald; topaz, onyx, and jasper; lapis lazuli, turquoise, and beryl. Your settings and mountings were made of gold; on the day you were created, they were prepared.

“You were anointed as a guardian cherub, for so I ordained you. You were on the holy mount of God; you walked among the fiery stones. You were blameless in your ways from the day you were created till wickedness was found in you.

“Through your widespread trade you were filled with violence, and you sinned. So I drove you in disgrace from the mount of God, and I expelled you, guardian cherub, from among the fiery stones.

“Your heart became proud on account of your beauty, and you

corrupted your wisdom because of your splendor. So I threw you to the earth; I made a spectacle of you before kings.’”

At God’s command, Lucifer lost his place in heaven. According to Revelation 12:7-9 (NIV) — “Then war broke out in heaven. Michael and his angels fought against the dragon, and the dragon and his angels fought back. But he was not strong enough, and they lost their place in heaven. The great dragon was hurled down — that ancient serpent called the devil, or Satan, who leads the whole world astray. He was hurled to the earth, and his angels with him.”

Revelation 5:11 (NIV) tells us — “Then I looked and heard the voice of many angels, numbering thousands upon thousands, and ten thousand times ten thousand. They encircled the throne and the living creatures and the elders.” This means that before Michael and the good angels hurled Satan and his followers out of heaven, there were over one hundred million angels. Revelation 12:4 (NIV) says of the dragon — “Its tail swept a third of the stars out of the sky and flung them to the earth.” As we already know, the dragon represents Satan. Here we find out that the stars represent the angels. A third of them joined up with Satan as his army, helping him to “steal, kill, and destroy,” as it says of the thief (in this case, Satan) in John 10:10 (NIV).

Losing all those angels could be devastating for us without God’s help. However, as the prophet Elisha said to his servant in 2 Kings 6:16 (NIV) — “Don’t be afraid. […]. Those who are with us are more than those who are with them.” We still have ⅔ of God’s angels fighting against the evil one for us. Of course, our biggest help is Jesus Christ, who conquered sin and the devil by dying on the cross.

Some people think God is testing them. He’s not. James 1:13 (NIV) tells us — “When tempted, no one should say, ‘God is tempting me.’ For God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does He tempt anyone.”

It is Satan who stirs up all the evil in the world and works hard to get us to go along with it. The more we get sucked in, the easier it becomes for Satan to lead us down the treacherous path of destruction. On the other hand, the more we listen to God and do good, the more we want to do good.

The Book of Job in the Bible tells the story of a man who stayed faithful to God despite the many attacks of the devil. It is very clear in the story that it is Satan acting against Job, not God. In the end, Satan loses because Job’s faith is very strong, and God blesses Job in every way with twice as much as he had before Satan’s attacks.

James 4:7 (NIV) instructs us to — “Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.”

This is good advice. Sure, the lying, scheming devil can be very

convincing, filling us with faulty advice. Instead of doing Satan’s bidding, call on the name of Jesus. Even back in the Old Testament times, God was there to deliver His people from the evil one. In Psalm 91:15 (NRSVUE), God says — “When they call to me, I will answer them; I will be with them in trouble; I will rescue them and honor them.”

God tells his people in Jeremiah 29:11 (NIV) —“‘For I know the plans I have for you,’ declares the Lord, ‘plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future’” God wants only the best for us. Jesus gave us the Lord’s Prayer in Matthew 6:913. When we pray, “Thy kingdom come, thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven,” we are asking God to bring His peace, presence and blessings here to us on the earth where we are now. Since Jesus asked us to pray this prayer, it makes sense that He knows God will answer it.

Isaiah 5:20 (NIV) warns us of what will happen if we find ourselves led by Satan — “Woe to those who call evil good and good evil, who put darkness for light and light for darkness, who put bitter for sweet and sweet for bitter.”

To prepare for Satan’s vicious attacks, put on the armor of God as described in Ephesians 6:10-18 (NIV) — “Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might. Put on the armor of God so that you are able to stand steadfast against the crafty assaults of the devil. For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against rule, against power; namely against the rulers of the

world, of the darkness of this world; against spiritual wickedness, for heavenly things. So then, take up the armor of God so that you are able to resist in the evil day, and to stand perfect in all things.

“Stand therefore, your loins girt about with truth, having on the breastplate of righteousness, and shod with shoes prepared by the gospel of peace. Above all, take up the shield of faith, with which you will be able to quench all the fiery darts of the evil one. And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. And pray always with every sort of prayer and supplication, and that in the Spirit. And keep vigil also with all perseverance and supplication for all the saints.”

If we have to choose between the devil or mosquitos and May flies as pests, let’s pick the mosquitos and May flies. At least they serve an important role in the ecosystem as food for a variety of animals, while the devil is not up to any good. You can always build a bat house, so the bats can take care of your mosquitos for you. Bats live in the woods behind my house and make sure we never see any mosquitos.

God has our backs. Whatever comes our way, God will see us through it if we ask. We will come out fine if we trust in Him. In the end, as believers, we will go to Heaven where the devil is no more and find only happiness, peace, love, joy, and, most especially, God. This sounds great, and certainly much better than where Satan wants to bring us.

Always continue to pray against the Godlessness and lawlessness of the evil one. Satan is certainly the worst pest!

Pasture Management for Maximizing Forage for Cattle Production

By SABRYNA GROMLEY,

N.C. State University -- ANS 402 Beef Management

Forages have been adapted throughout the years by producers to efficiently meet cattle nutrient requirements and to maximize forage use. Maximizing forage use for cattle production is always a top priority for cattle producers, which allows them to make the most profit from their animals and their forages. The more pounds you can put on an animal directly correlates to the profit you will make, which requires proper forage management techniques. It is crucial to maintain and utilize proper forage management practices that will benefit your herd by using the knowledge of your cattle nutrient requirements and your environmental conditions.

With constantly changing weather, it is essential to focus on proper forage management practices like soil-seed contact and seed placement when planting. One good management practice to increase forage production is to have your soil tested to maintain proper fertilization. It’s fundamental to understand grazing management and control the frequency and intensity of grazing to see a positive impact on forages. You can optimize plants like white clover for close grazing and mix it with tall fescue to meet nutrient requirements in your animals. It’s helpful to know pasture history and to review any past records to understand and determine what you need to plant to make the most profit. It’s also beneficial to keep records of “animal units, grazing

days, irrigation needs, or harvest dates and quantities.” 3 Another technique when it comes to maximizing forage is to be flexible and to plan ahead for weather and other things out of your control.

If you plan on cutting your forages to feed at a later time, it’s crucial to target cutting. You want to target a cutting period between cuts of four weeks but no more than five weeks, and apply a fertilizer regime 24 hours after cutting. Normally, the first cut grass will have a higher protein and energy concentration. It’s important to know what you are planting and how many animals you can put on one pasture at a time to

help prevent overgrazing and to maintain forage quality. Legumes and grass quality can be assessed by the quantity of fibrous materials that are found in the different types of plant material. Legume grass perennial pastures are used in appropriate mixtures with fescue base to achieve high nutrient requirements and animal performance. One advantage to adding legumes in mixtures would be that, “Adding clover in old tall fescue pastures infected with endophyte will dilute the toxic effects and enhance daily gains.”2 In Figure 1, the relationship between herbage mass and the daily gain per animal can be seen by combining legumes and grass.

Cattle nutrition goes hand in hand with forage management, and it is vital to understand in order to meet nutritional needs. The number one goal for producers is always to save money. On average, feeding cattle costs about $400–$800 per cow per year. Producers can look at the feed resources available that will help decrease costs and help increase herd performance. The main objective when it comes to maximizing forages for cattle production is to meet the cows’ nutritional needs at the lowest cost. Knowing your herd will allow you to feed them properly based on their nutritional needs. Cattle nutrient requirements will be the highest in early lactation, so from calving to breeding. They will be the lowest during mid-gestation and weaning and increase in late gestation. From calving to breeding, it’s recommended to increase nutrient requirements by 30–40 percent. To do this, you want the best forage quality and forage growth. During breeding to weaning, forages will need to be of the best quality, and this will maximize how much you can feed. To maximize forages, you can wean calves early or sell cows that you will no longer need. Weaning to mid-gestation will be the lowest nutritional demand for your cattle, which means you can feed lower quality hay. Knowing when your cattle need the least nutrient requirements will help maximize forage use. Grouping your cattle based on characteristics like age, weight, and BCS will also help to get the most out of your forages. A producer should realize that ruminants get from 30–80 percent of their nutrients from forages, with beef cattle being at the upper end of that scale.2

Environmental conditions play a huge role in maximizing forages for cattle production. Forages are easy to grow and are normally planted on land that is deemed unfit for regular crops. Throughout North Carolina, there are over 15 different species of legumes and grasses that producers use regularly as forage crops. When trying to maximize forage crops, it’s critical to always look at the past history of agriculture to ensure your crop will be the healthiest. Some management practices that can be put in place will be to focus more on no-till planting, crop residue management, and using proper forage crop rotations to overall improve soil productivity. To maximize forages, “The timing of planting is important because the

survival rate of developing seedlings is related to the period during which stress occurs from drought, freezing, or competition for light and nutrients.”

1 In Figure 2, we can see the data collected on the average date of first freezing temperatures in the fall in North Carolina and use that to time planting. Cool season forages are maximized by planting in the fall and warm season forages in the spring and summer months to maximize growth. One management technique that is used to maximize forage production is overseeding which is the practice of planting a forage into an already existing established forage. This will allow for a mix of forages to be grown to help maximize nutritional requirements.

Managing and maximizing your forage for cattle production takes many steps, but as long as you have a clear plan, flexibility, knowledge of your plants, pasture, and your animals, you will succeed in a profit. With constantly changing weather, things happen that are out of our control, like environmental conditions such as droughts or fires, which can always set the producer back, but it’s how you manage your pastures after setbacks that shows true adversity.

References

1Castillo, M., Spearman, B., Wells, D., & Woods, K. (2020). “Planting guide for forage crops in North Carolina.” content.ces.ncsu.edu.

2Chamblee, D., Green Jr, J. (1995). “Production and utilization of pastures and forages in North Carolina.” content.ces.ncsu.edu.

3 Goodman, R. (2017) “5 tips for managing forage, grazing systems.” www.agriculture.com.

4 Linn, J., Kuehn, C. (n.d.). “The effects of forage quality on performance and cost of feeding lactating dairy cows.” wcds.ualberta.ca

5Eastlake, R., “Why forage quality matters: Maximizing forage quality will be key to improving margins this year.” (2021). proxying.lib.ncsu.edu

Have You Herd is written as a portion of ANS 402 Beef Management course requirement at N.C. State University Department of Animal Science under the instruction of Dr. Carrie Pickworth. The opinions of Julia Magnanini are not necessarily those of N.C. State University or Dr. Carrie Pickworth.

Figure 2. Average date of first freezing temperature in fall.

Focus on Youth

Perry & Doris Teeter

Beef Leadership Institute

By BRENT J. JENNINGS, N.C. State University

Leader is defined as the person who leads or commands a group, organization, or country. Over the last 19 years, I have been fortunate to be employed by N.C. State University and given the task to help lead the Youth Livestock Program in North Carolina. I have seen trends come and go, have watched kids grow up and become adults, and several become parents and take on a multitude of roles in the “real world.”

One thing that has been consistent for me over the years is that, every February, we have been fortunate to host a great event in conjunction with the N.C. Cattlemen’s Conference. For those of you not familiar with the Perry & Doris Teeter Beef Leadership Program, I hope to give you a synopsis of what this program is and what it was established to accomplish.

In the earliest years of inception, we had one goal — give youth with

Beef Leadership Institute Participants

Dixie Acorn • Madison Adams • Molly Anderson • Cole Annas • Erin Annas • Joy Askew • Seth Austin • Amanda Aycock

John David Baltzell • John Barnes • Katelyn Batchelor • Lisa Baxter • McKenzie Beeson • Emily Rachel Bell • Lindsey Bennett

Sarah Best • Hailee Bissett • Collin Blalock • Mason Blinson • Rossie Blinson • Ali Bovender • Lynae Bowman • Madison Boyd

Daniel Boykin • Sam Brake • Andrew Bray • Justin Bright • Heath Brittain • Daisy Brown • Daniel Brown • Rachel Brown

Brittany Anna Bryant • Mazie Bunn • William Calhoun • Austin Cameron • Shelby Candler • Maddie Carpenter • Mason Carpenter

Thomas Chamblee • Gabrielle Clark • Kathryn Clontz • Will Coor • Josie Correll • Colton Cox • Brandon Creech • Caroline Creech

Schyler Crocker • Abbi Davis • Lyndsey Dawson • Logan Dean • Tom Devine • Ann Margaret Dietrich • Sierra Dolengo • Matthew Drake Morgan Drake • Bailey Durham • Liz-Anne Earle • Maggie Earle • Julia Elmore • Laura Elmore • Addison Farris • Avery Faulkner

Hannah Ferrell • Joshua Fletcher • Jacob Furr • Ashley Garner • Morgan Gay • Caleb Gillespie • Kaylyn Gise • Taylor Glover

Kirsten Greene • Corbin Griffin • James R. Hall • Taylor Hall • Baylie Handy • Haley Hargus • Evan Harris • Hannah Harris • Sam Harris

Brandon Hartman • Bryan Hartman • Jesse Henson • Noah Henson • Ben Herndon • Kate Hice • Lydia Hill • Luke Holland • John Holt

Weston Houck • Adam Huskins • Casie Ingram • Mikaela Ingram • Sarah Isley • Anna Kate Jackson • Morgan Jolley • Colleen Jones

Garrett Jones • Evie Jones • Shane Kendall • Wyatt Kendall • Elizabeth Kenney • Aiden Kernodle Autumn Knight • Emmett LaHay • Luke LaHay • Mallory Lancaster • Hunter Langdon • John Michael Langdon • Camryn Lawrence • Jeremy Lee • Cameron Leedy

Laura LeGlue • Milo Lewis • Kaitlyn Luckey-Smith • Kyle Luckey-Smith • Madison Malson • Lynlee Martin • Caley Mayo

Casey McAninch • Jordan McAninch • Ana McAuley • Emma McSwain • Lillie Medlin • Aubrey Mekus Kristen Miller • Tyler Mitchell • Jordan Mitchem • Regan Mitchem • Alyson Moore • Andrew Morgan • Brooklyn Murray • Skyler Murray • Jessica Muse • Michala Muse

Alexandra Nichols • Brooks Parisher • Hannah Parker • Lance Parker • Tiffany Parker • Guy Perkins • Mykalah Pettit • Carlie Piercy

Elana Pipkin • Marcy Price • Austin Rash • Emma Raynor • Caleb Richardson • Caden Robinette • McKayla Robinette • Erin Rucker

Josiah Scarlett • Frank Scott • Sable Scott • Wyatt Scott • Hannah Seitz • Ellie Shuping • Madison Sifford • Kayden Simpkins

Anna Smith • Madalyn Smith • Ashlynn Spell • Addison Sprinkle • Maddie Starnes Amanda Strickland • Madison Strickland

Jolyna Sundbom • Cecilia Tadt • Luke Teague • Garrett Teeter • Justin Teeter • Sara Uharriet Emma Valentino • Hannah Vanhoy

Michaela Vick • Allison Wells • Lucas Williams • Stacie Winner • Ashley Wollett • Will Wollet II Faith Womble • Abigail Wood

Justin Wood • Mary Wood • Riley Wood • Nate Worley • Lane Worley • Tucker Worley • Ty Worley • Jeremy Wyche

a sincere interest in the beef industry the tools necessary to help them become leaders in whatever field or occupation they choose. We have done this through teaching youth a variety of skills over the years, such as public speaking, team building, agricultural advocacy, etiquette, parliamentary procedure, college opportunities, and career goals. Early on, we brought in a variety of speakers and presenters from other states. None of these speakers was more important to this program than Gayle Hall from Texas. She was retired from Texas 4-H and had an unmatched passion for creating programs that helped guide youth to be innovative, yet have the core tools necessary to lead in their school. Since then, we have molded the program to involve a variety of speakers from North Carolina. We have had extension agents, agriculture teachers, cattle producers, NCSU faculty, state FFA officers, state 4-H officers, and countless others to help us build a program that offers a unique and relevant opportunity for youth to build on their skills.

This program has been and continues to be a highlight for me annually, as I have seen some incredible youth come through this program. We are including a list of the past participants along with some pictures from past events. It is wild to think back to the first group that participated in this event and to see the evolution of leaders throughout the years.

While many things have changed slightly from year to year, one thing has been consistent up until this past December. I didn’t receive my annual call from Perry Teeter asking what the leadership program looked like, how things were progressing, and making

sure we had everything we needed to put on a successful event. In the earliest years of this event, I always loved interacting with Mr. Perry and Mrs. Doris. I enjoyed the opportunity to see their different roles and how they interacted with the youth. Mrs. Doris seemed to serve as the mother figure. She had never met a stranger and made certain to reach out to talk to every kid individually, making certain they felt welcome during the event. She loved her family richly and had a passion for 4-H programs, never failing to tell anyone about the importance of these types of events. Mr. Perry was always the quiet one who listened. When he did speak, you listened. He had an innate ability to see things from a big picture perspective and loved his family, the cattle industry, and to see people succeed. My phone conversations with him were always short and to the point, but very much business oriented. I always knew that before we hung up, he would ask about my family. He would always stress the importance of making sure to spend time with them because before you knew it the kids would be grown. There is no doubt he loved deeply and cared passionately for his family and friends, and will be missed dearly.

While the end is undoubtedly something that we will all be faced with at some point in time, I am confident Perry and Doris did not just leave a loving family behind. They built a legacy through their leadership and the opportunities they have given to others. I do hope that if you can attend the N.C. Cattlemen’s Conference Youth Recognition Breakfast, you will see 20 youths from across North Carolina that will be sharply dressed, continuing this great program!

Perry & Doris Teeter Beef Leadership Institute

You Decide!

By DR. MIKE WALDEN, William Neal Reynolds Distinguished Professor Emeritus, N.C. State University

You Decide: Will the DOGE Succeed? One of the initiatives of the Trump administration is “DOGE,” — the new Department of Government Efficiency. Its stated goal is finding unneeded government spending to be recommended for elimination. With an annual federal budget of $7 trillion — 46 percent higher than prior to the pandemic — and with almost $2 trillion of it borrowed, it might appear DOGE will have an easy time finding millions, if not billions, of spending that could be cut with no harm to government services.

But will it? Prior to becoming an academic, I spent time working in the business sector in the furniture industry, and also in the government sector, at both the city level in my hometown of Cincinnati, and with the federal government. So even before I studied the economics of private businesses and public governments, I understood that the incentives, goals, and operations of each were very different. Recognizing and understanding these differences will be crucially important for making DOGE a success.

The incentives of a private company are simple. First, owners of a private company — which can be a single person, a partnership, or numerous investors — are using their own money. Owners of a private company strive to sell a product or service consumers want. The owners charge a price that covers the costs of the product or service, with some funds remaining to provide a profit to the owners. Profit is the reward owners receive for taking the risk of operating a company.

Automatically built into these incentives is efficiency in the production of products or delivery of services. If the company can make the product or deliver the service at a lower cost, this leaves more money remaining for profits. Yet, at the same time, if the owner cuts corners too much, such that the product or service is not as good, consumers will shift their buying to alternative companies. Hence, the combination of the profit motive and competition keeps costs lower and moderates prices in private companies.

Government is entirely different, with many different incentives. First, those who decide on government products and services — such as elected officials and people who manage the government products and services in the federal bureaucracy — are not using their own money. They are using taxpayers’ money or money the government has borrowed. Operators of private companies have their own money at risk or the money of investors, who can choose to sell their investment if they aren’t pleased. Taxpayers don’t have that option.

Second, there is no profit motive because profits don’t exist for government programs. Third, there is no competition, especially at the federal level. If a person doesn’t like the products or services provided by the federal government, there is no alternative provider. The only option is to move to another country. However, at the state and local

levels, there are numerous alternatives, allowing people to “vote with their feet” if they are unhappy with state or local programs or services.

Hence, in government work, there is no automatic motivation to be efficient, as there is for private companies. Indeed, if a government employee makes recommendations to cut costs in delivering programs, the employee may be opposed because cutting costs could mean job or salary losses.

While DOGE may go through the thousands of federal programs and identify those that are wasteful — in DOGE’s evaluation — the ultimate solution may be more fundamental. Can incentives be introduced into the management of government programs such that efficiency and effectiveness become objectives?

One way discussed in the past is introducing competition. The U.S. Postal Service is a good example. Originally funded by the federal government, the Postal Service is now totally self funded and must compete with other companies for delivering parcels and packages. However, the Postal Service is still the only entity allowed to deliver mail.

Going even further in this direction is the idea of privatization. This approach means taking governmental programs and putting them out to bid to private contractors. The entity with the best bid wins the contract for a specified number of years. Knowing there is a limit on the contract motivates the company to be efficient and effective. Many cities, including New York City and some in North Carolina, have used this method for trash pickup. Yet for privatization to work, there must be an easy and obvious measure of performance. For trash, the performance metric is easy: Was the trash picked up and delivered to a landfill or incinerator?

Still, there may be ways to instill efficiency and effectiveness into government programs. The key is developing understandable performance measures for programs. Importantly, the measures must be ones that cannot be manipulated.

As an example, consider a federal program targeted at improving the academic performance of young students, where there are numerous ways the funds can be spent. The federal staff administering the program could be told that for every percentage point improvement in the test results of the students, staff salaries are increased by one percent. This would give staff an incentive to research the best way for improving academic performance and for spending the funds in the most effective way.

Of course, all federal programs don’t have easily measured objectives. But this might be another area for recommendations and improvement from DOGE.

To an economist like me, my conclusion is DOGE needs to go beyond simply saying, “cut this, cut that.” Instead, have DOGE also

make recommendations for changing the incentives of operating government programs to provide motivation for effective and efficient management. Could this approach work? As always, you decide.

You Decide: What Does It Take to ‘Get Ahead’? The older I get — I’m 74 in a few days — the more I seem to think about my past, especially my parents. Both were high school dropouts, but they were able to provide for their family and lead successful lives. Sure, there were ups and downs, such as when my father’s small business went bankrupt during the recession of the late 1950s. But my father changed course and ended up working for other people the rest of his career. When money became tight, my mother would take part time jobs to fill the gaps. Her favorite was working as a switchboard operator, a job she learned during World War II.

Perhaps the greatest gift from my parents was a roadmap for getting ahead. The term “getting ahead” was my parents’ term for being financially successful. They didn’t necessarily mean becoming rich. Instead, “getting ahead” to them meant earning enough to support yourself and dependents without substantial debt. Both of my parents were very cautious about debt. Each never had a credit card.

As a professional economist for almost 50 years — 43 of them teaching students — I’ve devoted much time to studying how to “get ahead.” Indeed, I’ve written several books about the topic. Since the start of a new year is often a period of making plans for the future, now might be an appropriate time to think about what it takes to “get ahead.”

The starting point is developing skills that will allow you to be successful. Again, let me stress, I’m not implying that success only means making tons of money and being able to purchase big homes, fancy cars, and other material possessions. People define success individually. But, in the view of many, a core part of success is earning enough to be financially independent and able to afford the necessities of life.

Developing a person’s skills for earning income is easier said than done. Everyone has different skill levels. My wife has artistic skills, but I don’t. This is why I failed at my first occupational pursuit of becoming an architect. In undergraduate school, it took me three different majors before I found a skill I had a talent for, and one in which I could earn a living — in my case, economics.

How does a person develop their skills? When I graduated from high school six decades ago, the common advice was that a college degree was necessary to “get ahead.” Today, this advice is changing. While I taught thousands of students who were eager to be in college and successfully did the work, I also knew many students who had little motivation for college and were wasting their time. They needed to develop their skills in a different way.

While a college degree is still a necessity for many occupations, the good news today is there are alternatives to a four year college for developing skills that are financially marketable. Two year colleges, which are highly rated in North Carolina, are one example. On-thejob training is another, and one that has experienced a recent revival.

Even after a person is earning enough to be self supporting, there are additional important recommendations for getting ahead, which fall under the category of money management.

One key issue is separating spending into needs and wants. Needs involve spending necessary to live, including categories such as food, shelter, health care, transportation, and utilities like water, fuel,

and electricity. Wants include spending on items that will make you happy, but that you don’t necessarily need to live.

There’s much flexibility in these definitions of spending. Shelter is a good example. A household with two adults and two children may want to buy a 4,000 square foot home to be comfortable, but a 2,000 square foot home would still allow them to function. The household may consider the 4,000 square foot home a necessity. The question is whether the higher price, payments, and debt of the larger home can be easily accommodated by their income. If not, the household may want to settle for the smaller home, at least temporarily.

This example raises the issue of debt in successful financial management for getting ahead. For most households, especially young households, using debt is necessary. Debt allows a household to effectively use expected future income to make purchases today. This tradeoff makes sense if the benefit from using future money today is higher than the benefit of using the future money later.

Taking on debt to buy a home is a good example of the proper use of borrowing. Consider again the four person household who, with growing children, need the space and privacy of a home. The happiness from using future money for a home today is likely higher than any happiness from spending that same money in the future.

Even with this logic, there should be constraints on borrowing. Financial experts recommend the total of a household’s monthly debt payments should not exceed ⅓ of their monthly income. For many households, this means always asking themselves how much they really want something now if it means taking on more debt, versus waiting until they can afford to pay more of the purchase with cash.

The last aspect of getting ahead is to think about “staying ahead” in the future. This means saving and investing some money today to be used in the future, especially for retirement. Because this goal is just the opposite of borrowing, households often don’t begin saving in earnest until their income is higher and their borrowing has diminished. Still, establishing a modest savings and investing plan even while big borrowing is continuing is a good idea for developing the mindset of saving.

Thinking about “getting ahead” is a good objective for the new year. It may actually be more exciting than losing ten pounds, which I tried to do in 2024! But, you decide.

COMMON GROUND

Angus — The Path to Consistency

By MARK McCULLY, American Angus Association CEO

Think of any old photograph of a sale barn or feedyard. Cattle in all shapes, sizes, and colors dotted the pens. Variability was the norm with many “mongrelized” cow herds and calf crops. More than 80 distinct breeds contributed to the nation’s cow herd.

While rich in its genetic potential, this diversity often led to inconsistent carcasses, unpredictable beef quality, and inefficiencies in the supply chain. To no surprise, consumer beef demand was slipping every year.

During the past three decades, however, the Angus breed has emerged as a unifying force, bringing much needed consistency and reliability to a previously disjointed system.

Mixing it up - In the 1970s and 1980s, crossbreeding was heavily promoted and hailed as the solution to improving efficiency and productivity in cattle operations. Producers sought to capitalize on hybrid vigor by combining breeds and optimizing traits like growth rate, fertility, and longevity. However, an unintended consequence of widespread crossbreeding was increased variability in cattle type and carcass quality, ultimately leading to decreased consumer satisfaction.

Share - Different breeds brought differing strengths — and weaknesses — to the table. For instance, while some European breeds excelled in growth and muscle development, they often introduced calving difficulties and lacked the marbling that drives flavor.

Conversely, other breeds strong in maternal traits or hardiness struggled to put on enough pounds and gain efficiently. Bos indicus breeds were used to introduce heat tolerance, but they brought along inconsistencies in tenderness. The lack of standardization meant beef quality could vary widely — not just between operations, but within a single herd.

A true solution - The Angus breed provided a solution to this

problem. As a British breed, Angus cattle were already prized for their calving ease, mothering ability, marbling, and adaptability to diverse environments. On top of that, Angus breeders were early adopters of performance testing and utilization of expected progeny differences (EPDs) and technologies like artificial insemination.

By doing so, Angus breeders found genetic outliers in scale that combined calving ease, maternal strength, growth traits, and carcass merit. The breed’s ability to accurately describe these traits with data and predictability reduced the variability created by crossbreeding. Commercial producers could simplify multi-trait genetic progress by using one breed.

Backed by consumers - The rise of the Certified Angus Beef (CAB) program in 1978 also marked a turning point in the industry’s focus on consistency. Beyond just turning the nation’s cow herd black, CAB’s stringent quality standards for marbling, maturity, and carcass size provided a clear and measurable target for producers. Cattle with Angus genetics were naturally better suited to meet these standards, reinforcing the breed’s value as a tool for reducing variability.

CAB’s success also sent a powerful message to the industry: Consumers are willing to pay a premium for consistent, high quality beef. This economic incentive drove producers to adopt Angus genetics at an unprecedented rate. By the early 2000s, Angus had become the dominant breed in the U.S. cattle industry, effectively displacing many lesser performing breeds and stabilizing the genetic base of the national herd.

In practical terms, this means fewer outliers across the entire beef supply chain today, and outliers cost money. Cattle feeders with pens of more similar genetics can more effectively manage to an optimum end point. Processors can now count on more consistent carcass weights and marbling scores, enabling the growth of quality focused branded programs like CAB. Also, retailers benefit from a reliable product that meets consumer expectations every time.

Today, the influence of Angus genetics can be seen across nearly all facets of U.S. beef production. Whether in purebred or crossbred herds, the Angus breed has allowed the industry to focus on continuous improvement rather than damage control caused by extreme inconsistency. It’s hard to put a price on that, but I am confident that the value is significant.

Chef Coats and Cowboy Hats. Certified Angus Beef brings culinary and ranching students together for the Connecting the Culinarian and Rancher event. The giveaway includes the XUV 845R PreBoots crunch in snowy pastures. Aprons tied tight in the kitchen. And conversations of beef fill the air. Bringing together the next generation of cattlemen and women and chefs, the Certified Angus Beef (CAB) Connecting the Culinarian and Rancher event fosters a deep connection between opposite ends of the beef supply chain.

Two worlds collide, with one focused on raising the best beef and the other crafting dishes that honor it. This innovative program unites students from Johnson & Wales University (JWU) and ranchers from across the United States, offering an immersive look at the beef industry.

The event emphasizes collaboration, storytelling, and a shared commitment to sustainability. By engaging the next generation of culinary and beef professionals, CAB builds a unified community based on mutual respect and a common purpose for the future of beef.

Behind the Boots and Aprons - Participants began in the meat lab

The culinarian and rancher in the kitchen, working together to prepare their shared meal using underutilized cuts.

exploring beef fabrication. There, they discovered the cuts that often go overlooked but can be just as flavorful as a ribeye or filet mignon.

Chef Vinnie Cimino, operating partner and executive chef at Cordelia, joined the group to share his perspective on the intersection of food and storytelling.

“It’s our duty to appreciate the things farmers and ranchers do,” he said. “Without them, we wouldn’t have the great beef we serve today.”

Through Chef Cimino’s guidance, students learned how to carry the story of the ranch into their dishes, elevating their culinary creations by honoring the source of their ingredients. It was here that a mutual appreciation began to form between ranchers and chefs, each gaining a deeper understanding of the other’s craft.

Sustainability and Shared Purpose - The group then traveled to a local Angus farm. There, culinary students learned from the family raising purebred Angus seedstock what it takes to meet customer demand. They shared sustainable practices and the ranchers’ commitment to animal and environmental stewardship. For many culinary students, including JWU sophomore Caleb Brown, this was their first in-depth look at how ranchers care for their land, cattle, and resources.

“Seeing the connection between ranchers and their land really opened my eyes,” Brown said. “It’s not just about raising cattle; it’s about ensuring we care for the environment and the animals, so future generations can continue the tradition.”

Katie Scheiv, also a student at JWU, relayed a similar perspective.

“I previously thought most ranching was always on large scale operations, but now I understand the process spans a longer timeline,” she said. “Through conversations with ranching students, I realized it’s not just a job, but a lifestyle.”

The event concluded with a collaborative cooking session, where attendees worked together to prepare a shared meal using the cuts they explored earlier. The process brought their respective skills to life, blending culinary artistry with a profound respect for the work

that begins on the ranch.

Building Communities for the Future - “It’s amazing how similar ranchers and chefs really are,” said Olivia Rooker, agricultural communications student at Oklahoma State University. “We both put in the hours, take pride in our work, and share the goal of creating something meaningful for others to enjoy.”

At its core, the event was about relationships. By sharing meals, stories, and experiences, participants found common values: hard work, long hours, and commitment to quality.

Through programs like Connecting the Culinarian and Rancher, CAB is building bridges between cattle ranchers and chefs who create memorable beef dishes.

“I never thought I would get an opportunity to engage in an experience like this,” Rooker said. “The knowledge I’ve gained has fueled my fire and passion for working in the agricultural industry and to share my story with others to do the same thing.”

Together, they are shaping a stronger, more connected beef community.

Who is Certified Angus Beef? At Certified Angus Beef, we know people want to put great meals on the table. Our employees work across the beef supply chain to ensure chefs and home cooks find and prepare the best Angus beef. Led by our culinary, beef, and marketing experts, our team provides consultation, marketing materials, training, market insights, and tools that help businesses like grocery stores and restaurants thrive. Our team is also dedicated to sharing the story of family farmers and ranchers who supply the brand.

Students diving in to learn more about beef fabrication from Dr. Daniel Clark, CAB meat scientist.

Ranching students sharing their perspective while visiting a farm.

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

Richard D. Kirkman, DVM Siler City 919-742-5500 rdkirkman@spectrum.net

BACK CREEK

Joe & Robin Hampton Mt. Ulla 704-880-2488 (Joe); 704-880-3572 (Robin) robinbackcreek@att.net Facebook: Back Creek Angus

BILTMORE ESTATE

Kyle Mayberry - Manager Asheville 828-768-1956 livestock@biltmore.com www.biltmorelivestock.com

CARSON FAMILY FARM, LLC

John, Callie, Isaac & J.R. Carson Laurel Springs

336-818-9087 • carsonfamilyfarm@gmail.com

Facebook: Carson Family Farm

CHAPMAN CATTLE COMPANY

Gary, Isaac & Bryant Chapman Bryant Chapman - Manager Taylorsville 828-514-0526 bryantchapman21@gmail.com https://.m.facebook.com/chapmancattleco

CHESSIE CREEK FARM

Andrew Agostini Scott Sell - Manager Walterboro, SC 912-3292411 scott@chessiecreek.com www.chessiecreek.com

FOUR S FARMS

Kim & Connie and Jason & Robin Starnes Luther Lyerly - Manager Salisbury 704-640-5875 kim-4sfarms@carolina.rr.com

GRAGG FARMS

Paul, Chris & David Gragg Boone 828-268-4136 (Paul); 828-268-4137 (Chris) 828-268-4135 (David) gragg_farms@hotmail.com

H&H FARMS

Buddy & Jennifer Hamrick - Owners Bly Hamrick - Manager Boiling Springs 704-472-1912 jennham@bellsouth.net

Cortney Holshouser

NCAA Executive Secretary 919-796-2346 ncaa.sec@gmail.com www.ncangus.org

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

LANE ANGUS

Roger & Bundy Lane

Bundy Lane - Manager Gates

252-398-7705 (Bundy); 252-398-7719 (Marinda) 252-357-1279 (Office) bundylane@gmail.com laneangusbeef@gmail.com www.laneangusbeef.com

N.C. State University

- E. Carroll Joyner Beef Unit

Matt Morrison - Manager Raleigh 716-720-0227 mdmorri8@ncsu.edu

SMITH ANGUS FARM

Randall Smith Snow Camp 336-516-4558 smithangusfarm@yahoo.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 336-465-2417 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 336-460-7451 • windyhillfarmsllc@gmail.com

WINSLOW GENETICS

Ben & Kathleen Winslow Halifax 252-578-5487 bensbulls@gmail.com

UPDATE

Jentz Promoted to Chief Operating Officer. Angus fieldman draws on experience for new role. A deep respect for the history of the Angus breed, paired with a passion for the future — Casey Jentz, recently named chief operating officer of the American Angus Association, will bring to his new role.

“Angus is the heartbeat of the beef industry,” Jentz said. “The people before us have done a great job of leading Angus and positioning the breed as a leader in the industry. We can build on that and push forward into the future.”

For more than ten years, Jentz has served as an Angus regional manager in Indiana, Illinois, Michigan, and Wisconsin. During that time, he worked directly with Association members, helping them understand Association programs, market their cattle with Angus Media services and answering their questions.

In his new role, Jentz will be responsible for direction and strategy of several departments, including member and field services, communications, performance programs, commercial programs, and events and junior activities.

“We are thrilled to promote Casey to this new role,” said Mark McCully, chief executive officer for the Association. “Not only does he have years of experience working with Angus breeders in the field, but his knowledge of the Association and its programs will also be invaluable as COO. In particular, I love Casey’s unwavering commitment to the breed.”

It’s the Angus family that drives Jentz. “The Angus business is a combination of great people and great cattle where great things can happen,” he said.

Jentz is a fourth generation Angus breeder who was a National Junior Angus Association board member from 2004-2006. His daughter, Sydney, is following in his footsteps with excitement for the breed. This is her third year as an NJAA member and his younger daughter, Savannah, is not far behind.

“There are a lot of things that get me excited about possibilities for the future,” he said. Whether that’s seeing a great Angus cow, meeting a new member, or seeing the future through the eyes of a

junior, Jentz is looking forward to his new role.

Prior to working for the Association, Jentz was the general manager of a farm in Wisconsin and managed a multi-state sales territory for an animal health company.

Jentz will assume his new role on March 3 and will continue to work sales and serve breeders in his region through the transition. He and his wife, Kayla, and their two daughters will be relocating to St. Joseph, Mo., in the coming months. A position for a new regional manager in Jentz’s territory has been posted on Angus.org/careers.

“I am really looking forward to continuing to work with the great members of this Association in a new way,” Jentz said.

For more information about the American Angus Association, please visit angus.org

The 2025 Angus Foundation Heifer Package Sells for $75,000. As the final gavel and the announcement of “Sold!” echoed through the sale arena, Lylester Ranch was announced as the new owner of POLLARD Rita 4012.

Lylester Ranch purchased the 2025 Angus Foundation Heifer Package on January 10 for $75,000 to continue the legacy of the Angus breed. The package, donated by Pollard Farms of Waukomis, Okla., led off the National Angus Bull Sale during Cattlemen’s Congress in Oklahoma City.

“We are very grateful for our generous donors who continue to give unwavering support towards the foundation’s mission,” says Jaclyn Boester, Angus Foundation executive director. “They want the very best for the Angus breed and its legacy. We cannot thank Dan and Patricia Vergith enough for their continued support and dedication towards this mission.”

The leading lady in 2025’s sale, POLLARD Rita 4012 (AAA* 20875621), is a daughter of EXAR Cover the Bases 0819B and out of a productive, young two-year-old that stems from PF W34 Rita 4139, a long time donor in the farms’ program. The heifer package also includes an Advanced Reproductive Technology Package from Trans Ova Genetics; trucking to the buyer donated by Lathrop Livestock Transportation; and 30 days of mortality insurance donated by Jeanne Conover, Livestock Insurance Agent with Conover Auction Service.

In 1992, Pollard Farms began building their Angus herd by purchasing several bred heifers and yearling females. Today, Pollard

Farms has an extensive donor battery consisting of 30 elite donor cows, 400 performance females, and calve out 400-500 spring and fall calves yearly.

Barry Pollard of Pollard Farms says their goal is to produce quality cattle that are complete, both phenotypically and genotypically. He says they strive to produce bulls and females that will be profitable to purebred and commercial cattlemen by emphasizing marbling and $Value indexes. They also focus on maintaining a strong maternal base and a great phenotypic look across their progeny.

“I am honored to donate the Angus Foundation Heifer Package this year,” Pollard says. “I think it is an excellent opportunity for me to offer a fine animal for sale to help raise money for the Angus Foundation and the junior program.”

Since 1980, the heifer package has been sold to generate unrestricted funds to further the foundation’s mission of supporting education, youth, and research, and this tradition continues in 2025. Academic scholarships, leadership conferences, and cutting edge research are among the many programs sustained by the Angus Fund.

The Angus Foundation Heifer Package has raised more than $3 million since the inception of the program.

G&E Virginia Premium Assured Heifer Sale

Lylester Ranch of Martell, Neb., purchases POLLARD Rita 4012 at the National Angus Bull Sale.

American Angus Association continued from the previous page

Angus Foundation highlights successes in January. Heifer package, donation lot, and live auctions support Angus education, youth, and research. The month of January successfully launched an exciting new year for the Angus Foundation, bringing with it numerous opportunities to advance education, youth, and research. Thanks to the generous support garnered through the events held in conjunction

with the Cattlemen’s Congress in Oklahoma City, this year is already shaping up to be another impactful year for the Foundation.

The enthusiasm and contributions in support of the Foundation’s missions, helped raise over $150,000.00 through “Join us in January” events like the Herdsman Social Auction and the Angus Foundation Heifer Package, which was covered in the previous section.

“The funds help us to have continued success for our Angus membership; through leadership and educational development, advancement of the breed’s genetics and development of our next generation,” said Jaclyn Boester, Angus Foundation, executive director. “It is astonishing to have the unwavering support of our donors and supporters to keep advancing our Foundation’s mission.”

The Foundation was also fortunate enough to have a Fund the Future lot offered in the Bases Loaded Sale to raise money for the Angus Fund, which provides unrestricted funding for Angus education, youth programs, and research. The Angus Fund supports various initiatives, including academic scholarships, leadership conferences, and cutting edge research aimed at enhancing the breed’s future. To learn more about the Angus Foundation, visit www.angus.org/foundation.

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 $4.9 million in youth scholarships since 1998 and has also invested more than $1.4 million in beef cattle research in the past decade. For more information, contact the Angus Foundation at 816-383-5100.

ANGUS MEANS BUSINESS. The American Angus Association is the nation’s largest beef breed organization, serving more than 21,000 members across the United States, Canada, and several other countries. It’s home to an extensive breed registry that grows by more than 300,000 animals each year. The Association also provides programs and services to farmers, ranchers, and others who rely on Angus to produce quality genetics for the beef industry and quality beef for consumers. For more information about Angus cattle and the American Angus Association, visit www.angus.org

2024 South Carolina Sale Barn Cattle Receipts

UPDATE

Meet Our New Director of Operations. The International Brangus Breeders Association (IBBA) is delighted to welcome Abby Geye as our new director of operations. Abby joined the IBBA team on November 1, 2024, bringing a rich background in agriculture and a passion for leadership and service.

Abby hails from Rising Star, Tex., where her family farms 5,000 acres of cotton, hay, wheat, corn, and peanuts. Growing up, she actively showed registered Angus, Horned Hereford, and Polled Hereford cattle, and her family continues raising and selling show cattle today.

A proud Texas A&M University graduate, Abby earned a degree in agribusiness with a minor in agricultural economics. During her studies, she gained valuable experience through internships, including work with the Texas and Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association.

Following her graduation in December 2022, Abby worked at Rodeo Austin, where she advanced to youth events coordinator in the Competitive Events Department, managing youth livestock shows, contests, and leadership programs.

As the director of operations, Abby is eager to serve and support the Brangus community with her dedication and expertise. She is your go-

to contact for accounting related matters and looks forward to assisting our members.

Introducing Our Director of Registry and Member Services. Callie Delarm has been a key part of the IBBA team for over three years, initially assisting with DNA services. She played a pivotal role in transforming the DNA data management process from a manual, time consuming system to an automated one, saving significant staff time and resources.

Her work has enabled her to take charge of the Registry Department over the past two years, where she has made significant upgrades to the Regstr system, focusing on functionality, user experience, and efficiency.

“Callie’s dedication to improving IBBA processes has made her an invaluable resource for our members,” said Rick Cozzitorto, Executive Vice President. “Her passion for agriculture and expertise in data management continue to elevate our organization.”

With her deep knowledge of the beef industry and exceptional work ethic, Callie is ready to assist with all membership and registry related needs.

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

NEWS

Synovex Primer and Synovex Choice Receive Additional Label Indication for Pasture Cattle. Zoetis now has three implants available for use with pasture cattle . Zoetis announced that it recently received an expanded label approval from the Food and Drug Administration’s Center for Veterinary Medicine (CVM) for Synovex Primer and Synovex Choice to increase weight gain in growing beef steers and heifers on pasture.

For cattle producers growing cattle on grass, the goal is to efficiently add as many pounds to each animal as possible during the grazing season. Typically, conventional growth implants increase cattle weight gains by 15–40 pounds during the grazing season.1 In current cattle markets, that can lead to an additional $38–$101 per head for cattle producers.2

“Growth promotion products always pay because they help

make your cattle gain muscle mass more efficiently,” said Dr. Jeff Sarchet, veterinarian with Zoetis beef technical services. “Having a new indication for Synovex Primer and Synovex Choice for cattle on pasture gives stocker producers more options and flexibility.”

For more information on how the expanded label could fit your operation, please visit with your Zoetis sales representative. You can also visit Synovex.com to learn more.

Refer to individual labels for complete directions for use, precautions, and warnings. Reimplant only if and as directed in labeling.

References

1Kuhl G.L. Stocker cattle responses to implants, in Proceedings. Oklahoma State University Symposium: Impact of Implants on Performance and Carcass Value of Beef Cattle. 1997;51-62.

2 CattleFax data 750-lb. steers average price January to November 2024 is $254.06 per cwt.

About Zoetis. As the world’s leading animal health company, Zoetis is driven by a singular purpose: to nurture our world and humankind by advancing care for animals. After innovating ways to predict, prevent, detect, and treat animal illness for more than 70 years, Zoetis continues to stand by those raising and caring for animals worldwide – from veterinarians and pet owners to livestock farmers and ranchers. The company’s leading portfolio and pipeline of medicines, vaccines, diagnostics, and technologies make a difference in over 100 countries. A Fortune 500 company, Zoetis generated revenue of $8.5 billion in 2023 with approximately 14,100 employees. For more information, visit www.zoetis.com

UPDATE

RAAA Hires A.J. Knowles as Beef Geneticist. The Red Angus Association of America is pleased to announce the hiring of A.J. Knowles as the new beef geneticist, supporting the RAAA breed improvement department led by Lindsay Upperman, Ph.D.

Knowles spent the past two years with the American Brahman Breeders Association, overseeing producer education, development programs, and collaborations with academic institutions.

During this period, he also pursued his doctoral studies under Jared Decker, Ph.D., at the University of Missouri. Previously, he earned a master’s degree in animal breeding from Texas A&M University, where he also completed his bachelor’s degree in animal science.

“A.J. brings a great background in cattle genetics to RAAA,” said Tom Brink, RAAA chief executive officer. “He’s an excellent communicator to complement his technical skills and has several years of breed association experience. We look forward to him joining Dr. Lindsay Upperman in our breed improvement department.”

Knowles brings a strong blend of practical cattle knowledge, genetics expertise and breed association experience to his new role. He will be based in the association’s Commerce City office.

“I’m excited to join the Breed Improvement team at RAAA,” said Knowles. “I look forward to working with producers to increase the use and utility of genetic tools in their operations.”

About the Red Angus Association of America. The RAAA serves the beef industry by enhancing and promoting the measurable advantages of Red Angus and Red Angus influenced cattle. The RAAA provides commercial producers with objectively described cattle by implementing new technologies and using scientifically sound principles that quantify traits of economic importance to beef producers in all segments of the beef industry. For more information, visit www.redangus.org

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!

NEWS

Breedr Launches ‘Full Circle Beef’ to Revolutionize Cattle Production. Breedr, the Austin based global leader in precision livestock technology, is set to transform the U.S. beef industry by launching Full Circle Beef, a connected supply chain model designed to unlock exponential gains in herd health, productivity, and sustainability, and provide producers with a competitive edge in premium beef markets.

Founded on the mantra “In God we trust; everyone else...bring data,” Full Circle Beef connects independent producers across the entire beef supply chain — from cow/calf producers and seedstock ranchers to feedyards and packers — giving powerful real time feedback, verified performance, and premium prices.

Full Circle Beef isn’t just a new mode — it’s a movement toward a more profitable, sustainable, and resilient beef industry. By connecting producers with the data and tools they need, we’re creating exponential value for everyone in the supply chain, from ranchers to retailers,” says Ian Wheal, Breedr founder and CEO.

A Golden New Era for Producers - Imagine a system where every decision you make for your herd comes with proof of performance — not months or years later, but in real time. Imagine receiving verified carcass data, verified metrics, and actionable insights that drive better results and more significant returns while keeping every producer independent.

That vision is fast becoming a reality, with Full Circle Beef already delivering remarkable results:

• +30% Increase in Feed Conversion Efficiency - Feedyards maximized feed-to-gain ratios by leveraging insights into individual animal performance and health to source the best animals.

• Prime Beef Percentage Jumps from 5% to 21% - Veri fi ed performance data at the individual level helped producers fi ne tune breeding and management strategies to continually increase premium carcass grades.

• Calf Mortality Reduced by 30% - Producers reduced calf mortality by over 30 percent in just six months through precise data feedback and targeted health interventions.

• Premium Returns $5–8/cwt Over Market Average - Ranchers in Breedr’s supply chains earned higher returns by proving the value of their cattle, quality, sorting, and consistency.

How It Works - At the heart of Full Circle Beef is a simple but powerful idea: Connected Collaboration. Every production stage feeds data into the system — creating a continuous, easy-to-use platform tracking everything from genetics and breeding success to daily gains, health events, and carcass outcomes.

The result? Every producer in the chain benefits through shared learnings, higher quality cattle, and premium market returns.

The Full Circle Beef model is gaining traction with packers and retailers who value the cattle’s consistency and caliber, and benefit from visibility of supply. Participating members are gaining access to an increasing range of premium beef markets and preferential marketing opportunities.

About Breedr. Breedr is the world’s most ambitious beef program, pioneering the new era of data driven beef production. Founded to revolutionize the beef supply chain, Breedr’s easyto-use app connects even; production stage with real time data, empowering producers to track and optimize each animal’s genetic potential from embryo to finished product.

Through advanced genetics, genomics, and A.I. tools, Breedr enables producers to create healthier herds, increase market competitiveness, and reduce environmental impact. Breedr’s mission is to build the connected beef supply chains of the future, delivering premium beef that benefits producers, consumers, and the planet. Learn more at www.breedr.co.

N.C. BCIP 2024 Bull Test Summary

By JOHNNY R. ROGERS, N.C. State University

This was a successful year for the N.C. BCIP Bull Test Program.

The bulls arrived in the early summer — Waynesville in June and Butner in July. The 112 day test concluded in October and November, respectively. The December sales showed good demand for performance tested bulls as producers looked to add new genetics to their herds. This year has provided momentum, and we are excited to see where this program goes in the future.

Farms in Monroe, and the high indexing Polled Hereford was Lot 40, raised by Four B Farms in Shelby. To be eligible for the sale, bulls must meet performance targets, be structurally sound, have a good disposition, and pass a breeding soundness exam.

The 45th Annual Waynesville Bull Test Sale was held on December 7 with an offering of 24 bulls. The high selling bull was Lot 40, the Four B Farms consignment, and was purchased by Warren Gillespie of Alexander, North Carolina. The 24 bulls averaged $3,662.50, with gross sales of $87,900.

There were 36 bulls with an average weight of 845 pounds weighed on test in July at the Mountain Research Station in Waynesville. They were consigned by nine seedstock operations, which were all located in North Carolina. The breeds represented were 30 Angus, 1 SimAngus, and 5 Polled Hereford. Bulls were developed on a corn silage based ration, ultrasounded for carcass merit, and given a breeding soundness exam. The final weight was taken on October 23, and bulls averaged 1,217 pounds across all breeds. The bulls posted a 3.3 lb ADG, which met the performance targets based on the ration formulation. A selection index using adjusted yearling weight ratio and ADG ratio was used to establish the sale order and to recognize the high indexing bulls within each breed. The high indexing Angus was Lot 10, consigned by Hawks Nest Farm in Leicester. The high indexing SimAngus was Lot 31, bred by Keziah

There were 43 bulls weighed on test on July 15 at the Butner Beef Cattle Field Lab in Bahama. They originated from seven North Carolina seedstock operations. The average starting weight was 875 pounds. The breeds represented were 42 Angus and 1 SimAngus, and they were developed on a corn silage based ration. Carcass ultrasound measures and a breeding soundness exam were conducted. The test concluded with final test weights taken on November 4. The average off-test weight was 1,292 pounds. The bulls performed well, with an impressive 3.8 pounds per day average daily gain. The index calculation revealed Lot 11 was the high indexing Angus bull, which was consigned by Panther Creek Farms in Pink Hill.

The 41st Annual Butner Bull Test Sale was on December 20 at the Granville County Livestock Arena near Oxford. There were 21 bulls sold for the average price of $5,147.61, with a gross of $108,100. The high selling bull was Lot 14, consigned by Panther Creek Farms and

Bryson Westbrook of Four B Farms consigned Waynesville’s high indexing Hereford bull.

Gerald Strickland of Hawks Nest Farm consigned Waynesville’s high indexing Angus bull.

Doug Keziah of Keziah Farms

Waynesville’s high indexing SimAngus bull.

purchased by William Vernon of Milton, N.C., for $7,750.

Thank you to the Mountain Research Station and Butner Beef Cattle Field Lab staff for taking excellent care of the bulls. We appreciate the opportunity to work with the consignors and buyers in this event. We look forward to seeing the new bull crop next year, and we hope to see everyone at the 2025 N.C. BCIP Bull Test Sales. If you have questions about how to consign or buy performance tested bulls, please contact Johnny Rogers at jrroger3@ncsu.edu

NEWS

ABBA Welcomes New Director of Communications. The American Brahman Breeders Association is proud to announce Chloe Grimm as the Director of Communications and Digital Content. Chloe brings a strong background in agricultural communications, digital marketing, and livestock promotion to the association.

Originally from Thorndale, Tex., Chloe has deep roots in agriculture, having grown up in 4-H and FFA where she raised and showed livestock, developing a lifelong passion for the industry. She earned a Bachelor of Science in agricultural communications and journalism at Texas A&M University, equipping her with expertise in media strategies, writing, and content creation.

In addition to her academic achievements, Chloe has hands-on experience managing promotional content for agriculture based companies and developing strategies to enhance brand presence and industry engagement. Her expertise in digital media, content creation, and public relations will play a pivotal role in advancing ABBA’s mission to support and promote the Brahman breed.

“I am incredibly honored to step into this role with the American Brahman Breeders Association,” said Chloe. “Agriculture has always been a fundamental part of my life, and I look forward to using my skills in communications to promote the breed and connect with producers across the industry.”

As Director of Communications and Digital Content, Chloe will oversee content strategy, social media management, our website, and merchandising, ensuring ABBA remains a trusted resource for Brahman cattle breeders and enthusiasts.

For more information about the American Brahman Breeders Association and its initiatives, visit brahman.org.

About the American Brahman Breeders Association. The American Brahman Breeders Association is the world registry for Brahman cattle, the #1 beef breed for efficiency, hybrid vigor, and environmental adaptability. ABBA provides an array of member services, educational opportunities, and a wide array of programs to assist the profitability of its members. For more information about the American Brahman breed or the many opportunities offered by the ABBA, visit www.brahman.org

consigned

John Smith of Panther Creek Farms consigned Butner’s high indexing Angus bull.

LIVESTOCK NEWS

Best Practices to Avoid Cold Weather Putting a Freeze on Lice Control Success. Unlike summertime vectors, you won’t hear the buzz of lice’s presence. However, you will see the impact they can have on your herd during wintertime.

“Lice are top of mind as temperatures start to drop in most areas,” says Nick Wagner, DVM, Professional Services Veterinarian with Neogen. “Lice complete their life cycle, including the developmental stages, entirely on the host animal and tend to be more prevalent during the cooler months of the year.”

While lice can be present year round, it is during these winter and early spring months that lice thrive, due in part to the longer hair coats cattle have. “Lice populations often increase during the winter months due to the host animal’s hair providing additional insulation from cold temperatures,” shares Warren Rusche, Ph.D., Assistant Professor and SDSU Extension Feedlot Specialist at South Dakota State University. “Management practices can also play a role in the increased incidence of lice during winter.”

Understanding Lice and Implications on Herds - In just days to weeks, the life cycle of lice can be completed. Transmission is most common from animal to animal. However, it is possible to be spread through other sources, such as grooming equipment — an important reminder come livestock show season. Cattle are affected by both chewing lice and sucking lice; both can impact cattle across the world. Five species of lice are found on cattle in North America: short nosed cattle lice, long nosed cattle lice, little blue cattle lice, cattle tail lice, and biting lice.

“The chewing lice consume hair and scaling skin, whereas the sucking lice consume blood,” shares Dr. Wagner. “Lice can be present on the skin surface at the base of the hair. They also have a predilection for the face, neck, shoulders, back, and tailhead of the animal.”

Lice cause irritation, itching, and crusting of the skin as well as hair loss, resulting in detrimental impacts on performance and health, with heightened risk for disease challenges due to heavy infestations and blood loss. “If the disruptive nature of these pests results in variations in the nutritional intake patterns of growing cattle, this could significantly impact daily gains and increase their susceptibility to disease. Therefore, it is quite evident the significant impact that this can have on the profitability of your herd,” says Dr. Wagner.

With implications on both health and rate of gain, University of Nebraska and other studies indicate heavy lice populations may reduce weight gains by as much as 0.21 lb./day.

Lice Control Best Practices for Success

1. Keep active ingredients and mode of action at the forefront when considering insecticide options - When selecting an insecticide, consideration should be given to the active ingredients and their mode of action. Further, it is important to also consider that

insecticide resistance may be present in ectoparasite populations in various geographic locations. Therefore, a chemical control strategy that rotates between classes of insecticides is recommended. Selecting a formula that includes an insect growth regulator (IGR), such as diflubenzuron, will also kill louse eggs before they hatch, minimizing handling time and labor costs.

2. Follow treatment protocols and ensure proper dosage - Work with your veterinarian to help you develop an effective lice and insect control program for your operation. “It is critically important to follow treatment procedures closely to maximize treatment effectiveness against lice,” Rusche says. Additionally, keep in mind the importance of proper dosage and read product labels thoroughly. “Regardless of product choice, dosage must be adequate for the size of animal being treated. Underdosing could result in insufficient control and cause other animals in the group to be reinfested,” adds Rusche.

3. Consider cold weather syringeability to make administration easier and more effective - Colder weather can impact how easy or difficult an insecticide can be syringed or dispensed. This can cost producers additional time spent on labor and increases the chance of underdosing. Choosing a formulation with proven cold weather syringeability and an easy-to-use syringe is key for your operation. Products such as Prozap Protectus Pour On Insecticide — IGR along with the Prozap 30 mL Pour On Applicator — have proven to be 36 percent easier to squeeze in negative temperatures and can refill up to seven times faster than the market leading pour on with an IGR.

“With a better understanding of the common ectoparasites that target cattle, producers can develop and implement effective integrated pest management control programs specific to their operations to protect those hard earned assets,” encouraged Dr. Wagner. “Dedicating the necessary attention to ectoparasite control will pay dividends.”

Neogen Introduces Igenity BCHF to Help Industry Mitigate Bovine Congestive Heart Failure Risk. With unmatched commitment to serving the cattle industry with impactful herd health and genomic solutions, Neogen announced its launch of Igenity BCHF to uplift overall bovine heart health standards. Bovine Congestive Heart Failure (BCHF) stands as a significant threat to cattle health and productivity, and this new genomic test unveils opportunity for improved selection for heart health.

“Igenity BCHF is a revolutionary genomic test designed to assess an animal’s genetic predisposition to heart failure,” says Victor Pedrosa, Ph.D., Director of Technical Genomics and Innovation with Neogen. “The test results directly correlate with the percentage of BCHF risk an animal carries and should pass on to their progeny, serving as a genetic indicator of the likelihood of disease development.”

Testing with Igenity BCHF assesses animals’ genetic predisposition for BCHF. Test results are scored on a 1-10 scale, ranging from 1 (lowest risk) to 10 (highest risk of symptom development), where each decrease in score translates to an expected 3.5 percent lower BCHF incidence. Case study results demonstrated the variability of risk in a feedlot setting, where animals with an Igenity score of 2 characterized a genetic effect of 3.5 percent for BCHF predisposition and animals with an Igenity score of 7 signified a genetic effect of 21.2 percent for BCHF predisposition. This demonstrated a 17.7 percent lower probability of exhibiting BCHF with an Igenity score decrease of 5.

Operational Advantages Using Igenity BCHF - In severely affected cattle pens, mortality rates have surged up to 7 percent, translating to staggering annual losses surpassing $250,000 for a single operation. In addition to death losses due to BCHF, there are also significant economic risks and performance losses possible, such as a reduction in average daily gain by 0.2 lbs per day and lighter hot carcass weights by up to 38 pounds. Igenity BCHF provides producers with the opportunity to effectively manage the risk of BCHF within their herd, confidently produce feeder calves that will have a lower risk of mortality from BCHF

S.C. harolaiS NewS

By GEORGEANNE WEBB, S.C. Charolais Association

Ihave a Christmas story to tell you. I’ll bet y’all didn’t know I was an elf. It seems the little girl who got those heifers, Peppa and Pearl, wanted her own bull. Her dad asked her what she wanted Santa to bring her. She told him the only thing she wanted was her very own WHITE BULL. He called me, and we got to work. He was here at daybreak on Christmas Eve to load up that bull. We were out in 21ºF weather getting that bull on his trailer. He took off for home and got there before she got up. She went out to see her bull. He told her Santa had to bring him that morning so he wouldn’t get poop in the sleigh. She firmly believed that and was tickled to death. He said he would probably be back later this year for more heifers. That young’un has him sold on buying white cows because, as she said, “They are prettier than those old black things, and they have curls in their hair.” He sent me pictures of her petting her white bull. He knows most of mine are tame as dogs, and that is what she needs. She feeds her heifers with her dad, and they let her hug them. They love her as much as she loves them.

I hope everyone survived the holidays and all the bad weather, as well as the meanness going on everywhere. Stay safe and check on your neighbors, especially the elderly. Since I am a member of the elderly, if you check on me, be sure to bring donuts!

in a feedlot setting, and decrease economic losses attributed to BCHF.

Core advantages include:

• Easy to interpret 1-10 scores

• Cull high scoring and keep low scoring replacement heifers with a genetic predisposition to produce calves with a lower risk of BCHF

• Group cattle based on their Igenity BCHF scores to better manage potential health issues in high risk cattle

• Manage mortality and morbidity rates related to BCHF in offspring through targeted management strategies (i.e., enhanced monitoring, tailored nutrition plans, and reduced stress)

• Mitigate economic losses related to cattle death or decreased performance due to BCHF related complications

• Increase overall bovine heart health standards by selecting animals with lower prevalence of heart failure related genes

Industry Wide Impact - BCHF presents a growing threat to the health and productivity of all segments of the cattle industry, from young calves on pasture to late fed cattle. “When we look at the impact of Igenity BCHF on the industry, it is helping to genetically quantify the risk for bovine congestive heart failure and progress herds away from this growing cattle health and welfare concern,” says Kirk Ramsey, DVM, Professional Services Veterinarian with Neogen. “Igenity BCHF is the first genomic test of its kind and is the first step in capturing the reason why congestive heart failure is occurring in these young calves and late fed cattle.”

By employing DNA testing for BCHF in cattle, producers gain the confidence to pinpoint animals harboring genetics conducive to enhancing bovine heart health.

Database Powering Igenity BCHF - The prediction equation powering the Igenity BCHF genomic test is a two trait genomic evaluation informed by heart score, lung score, and breed percentage. Backing Igenity BCHF is a robust database of 32,763 phenotypes and 25,186 genotypes assembled from animals fed at a single commercial feedlot and harvested at a single facility, which represents one of the largest single source commercial data sets of its kind. A subset of this reference population was also selected for genomic sequencing to determine the heritability and genetic correlations of the phenotypes collected and complete a genome wide association study (GWAS). Moderate heritability estimates of both heart score (0.36) and lung score (0.27) were observed and further reinforced the application of these phenotypes in the Igenity BCHF prediction. In addition to capturing variation in heart morphology, a novel scoring system was developed describing pulmonary changes exhibited; with this, a lung deflation score was assigned.

“Igenity BCHF represents additive polygenic effects across the entire genome rather than the single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) markers previously discovered. With the more robust marker sets, polygenic effects are better characterized,” says Kelsey Luebbe, PhD, Genomics Technical Services Scientist with Neogen.

About Neogen. Neogen Corporation is committed to fueling a brighter future for global food security through the advancement of human and animal well being. Harnessing the power of science and technology, Neogen has developed comprehensive solutions spanning the Food Safety, Livestock, and Pet Health & Wellness markets. A world leader in these fields, Neogen has a presence in over 140 countries with a dedicated network of scientists and technical experts focused on delivering optimized products and technology for its customers. To learn more, visit www.neogen.com.

The Simmental Trail

By JENNIE RUCKER, N.C. Simmental Association

Waynesville Bull Test Sale . The Waynesville N.C. BCIP Bull Test Sale was held on December 7, 2024, at the WNC Regional Livestock Center in Canton. This year there was only one SimAngus bull consigned by Doug Keziah of Keziah Farms in Monroe. This bull is sired by Deer Valley Growth Fund and is out of an ECO Lombardi 1512 SimAngus dam. This bull sold for $4,800.

Union County Bull Sale. The 49th Annual Union County Bull Sale was held also on December 7 at the Simpson Events Center in

Doug Keziah is presented with a plaque for top indexing SimAngus at Waynesville by Milo Lewis.

The Carolina Cattle Connection

Monroe. The Simmental and SimAngus bulls were in demand. A SimAngus bull consigned by Dr. Jeff Broadaway of Monroe was the top selling SimAngus. This bull sold for $8,500 to Sam Davis of Concord, North Carolina. This bull is sired by GAR Sure Fire out of an SFG Cowboy Logic D627 dam.

The top purebred Simmental bull was also consigned by Dr. Jeff Broadaway, and that bull is a son of Hook’s Bounty 6B out of a CCR Cowboy Cut 5048Z dam. This bull sold for $7,000 to Frank Howey

of Monroe, North Carolina. There was a very good crowd on hand for this sale, which really showcases Union County producers.

Annual N.C. Cattle Conference. Be sure and make plans to attend the 73rd annual N.C. Cattle Conference in Hickory on February 21-22. Stop by the N.C. Simmental Association booth and hopefully meet the new Executive Secretary for our association. I am excited that this person will take our N.C. Simmental Association into the future and accomplish great things! Be sure and welcome them!

Register Today For CattleCon 2025. It’s Not Too Late to Attend in San Antonio. While CattleCon 2025 is just around the corner on February 4-6, in San Antonio, Tex., it isn’t too late to register. Whether flying or driving, make plans to join thousands of cattlemen and women for the largest cattle industry event in the country. Register in advance at convention.ncba.org or in person on-site.

Buzz Brainard, host of Music Row Happy Hour, returns as emcee to kick things off on Tuesday, along with Opening General Session speaker Lieutenant Colonel Dan Rooney. A decorated F-16 fighter pilot, professional golfer, philanthropist, and bestselling author, Rooney is called to “inspire people to help people.” Rooney is best known for founding the Folds of Honor, a leading non-profit organization that provides educational scholarships for children and spouses of fallen or disabled military service members and first responders.

Wednesday morning begins with celebrating the 2025 Beef

UPDATES!

Quality Assurance Award winners. This special general session will be impactful for those looking to transition their business to the next generation or new ownership. Dr. Shannon Ferrell will examine generational changes shaping the world today, including remote work and shifts in wealth creation.

Also on Wednesday, the Sustainability Forum will include a panel of industry experts discussing building operation resilience through the adoption of written grazing management plans. Grazing management plans (GMPs) build resilience by establishing a baseline for observing and managing land, cattle, and finances while enabling producers to make informed decisions about operational goals. Panelists will provide insights into the application of GMPs for production, drivers of adoption, socioeconomic factors, and supply chain opportunities.

The final day begins with CattleFax conducting their U.S. and Global Protein and Grain Outlook Session. Randy Blach, the team at CattleFax and meteorologist Matt Makens will discuss what 2025 and beyond might look like for the cattle industry.

Throughout CattleCon, the 32 nd Annual Cattlemen’s College will include educational sessions with industry leaders tackling innovative topics. Other highlights include a D.C. Issues update, Today’s Beef Consumer market research update and Beef Industry Forum. The Cattle Feeders Hall of Fame banquet and Environmental Stewardship Award Program reception will recognize leaders for their achievements, and there will be more than nine acres of displays, exhibitors, and education in the NCBA Trade Show.

There will be plenty of entertainment for all to enjoy. Anah Higbie, winner of the 12th Annual NCBA National Anthem Contest, will perform at the Opening General Session, Paul Bogart, a CattleCon favorite, will bring his down-to-earth charm to Wednesday’s Big TX Fest, and contemporary country music star Scotty McCreery will perform following the San Antonio Stock Show & Rodeo Thursday night.

In addition, producers will be hard at work guiding both NCBA policy and Beef Checkoff programs. Annual meetings of the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association, the Cattlemen’s Beef Board, American National CattleWomen, CattleFax, and National Cattlemen’s Foundation will also take place.

For more information and to register, visit convention.ncba.org.

A Message from the CEO You Don’t Want to

Miss This

By COLIN WOODALL, National Cattlemen’s Beef Association

CattleCon 2025 in San Antonio is fast approaching, but it’s not too late to make plans to attend the largest gathering of cattle producers in the United States. This is an event you just can’t miss because you’ll have fun, learn something new, and help conduct the business of America’s cattle industry.

I remember my first convention in San Antonio 20 years ago. I was amazed at the number of attendees and the enormity of the NCBA Trade Show. CattleCon attendance has grown significantly since then, and I invite you to help us meet our goal of 9,000 attendees for 2025. One of the main draws to CattleCon is the NCBA Trade Show. It is the largest cattle focused trade show in the industry, so you should plan to spend plenty of time visiting with all the exhibitors. You will find just about every good, service, piece of equipment, or clothing needed for our way of life. Our exhibitors are drawn to the trade show because of the high number of attendees who are making strategic purchases for their operations. The opening night trade show reception is the best place to see and be seen. There is no doubt you will run into old friends and people you may not have seen since last year’s trade show.

For the sixth year in a row, the cost of CattleCon registration has not increased. It’s the same registration price as it was in 2019. What else in the world today costs the same as it did six years ago? Most everything has gone up in price, but we are still dedicated to delivering the same high quality experience you’ve come to expect from the convention. We know the travel costs have gone up, and some of you may be hesitating to attend because of that. Well, we have a solution for you. Thanks to a generous donation from Cargill Protein, the National Cattlemen’s Foundation established the Rancher Resilience Grant to provide financial assistance to help you attend industry meetings to learn more about our industry and find ways to improve your operation. To learn more and apply for the grant, go to ncba.org and search for “Rancher Resilience Grant.” This grant can be used to pay for your CattleCon and Cattlemen’s College expenses.

While fun and fellowship are the hallmarks of CattleCon, it is also where the cattle industry conducts a lot of business. The Cattlemen’s Beef Board (CBB) is one of the convention hosts and will be holding meetings in their role as Checkoff administration and compliance. The CBB is made up of cattle producers appointed by the Secretary

of Agriculture to lead the efforts of the national Beef Checkoff. The Checkoff committees will be hearing the latest on program execution from contractors like NCBA and others. The CBB will also be electing their new leadership for 2025.

The American National CattleWomen (ANCW) also host CattleCon and will be conducting their annual meeting. ANCW attendees will participate in several tours around the San Antonio area. In addition, they will conduct committee meetings and install their new officers. We are proud to be an ANCW partner. For information on the ANCW annual meeting leading up to CattleCon, go to ancw.org and scroll down to the “Upcoming Events” section.

NCBA rounds out the CattleCon hosting duties by holding meetings for NCBA’s policy committees. These committees are tasked with debating the issues impacting our membership and passing policy that is used in our Washington, D.C., advocacy efforts. NCBA is a grassroots organization where the members, not the staff, decide our policy on issues covering every aspect of cattle production. These committees will hear from guest speakers, get updates from staff, and consider resolutions brought forward by the committee members. These resolutions are discussed and debated by the committee members and ultimately voted on. If the resolution passes, it will be brought before the NCBA Board of Directors meeting at the end of CattleCon. Those resolutions passed by the Board become NCBA Interim Policy until they are finalized during the Summer Business Meeting in July. While this policy is interim, it can be used to direct our policy efforts in D.C. With the beginning of the 119th Congress and the Trump administration, it is critical we have the appropriate policy to achieve as much as we can in lessening the government burden on your operations. NCBA policy committee meetings are open to the public, so please feel free to come in, even if you are not a committee member. If you are interested in being a committee member, please contact your state cattlemen’s association. They make the decision on who will serve on the NCBA committees from your state.

From fun to business, CattleCon will have what you are looking for. If you can’t make it for the whole program, consider coming for a day to visit the NCBA Trade Show, especially if you are within driving distance. We are going to have a great time in San Antonio, so don’t miss out. Visit convention.ncba.org to get all the details. I’ll see you in San Antonio.

NCBA President’s Report

Where The Beef Industry Meets

By MARK EISELE, National Cattlemen’s Beef Association

Ihope you have had a very happy New Year, so far! I also hope you shared quality time with loved ones during the holidays, celebrating family traditions and, of course, eating beef. It really is a season to pause and give thanks for the blessings in our lives. We are fortunate to be part of an industry that provides a nutritious and delicious product for consumers around the globe to enjoy.

As the new year begins, it is time to focus our attention on CattleCon 2025 in San Antonio, Tex., on February 4-6. CattleCon is “Where the Beef Industry Meets,” and I’m looking forward to seeing you in this fantastic city. There is plenty to see and do in and around San Antonio. As you stroll along the River Walk, enjoy Alamo City’s rich culture through its art, history, and cuisine.

No matter what sector you represent, how you got started, your environment, geography, or size, CattleCon brings us all together to develop common goals. We are building a lasting legacy, not only for our individual businesses, but for the cattle industry as a whole. Please use the time in San Antonio to reconnect, recharge, and recognize the impact we have when we work together.

You’ll hear from industry leaders during Cattlemen’s College sessions, you’ll be inspired by our general session speakers, and you’ll see live animal handling demonstrations and learn about innovative technologies in the NCBA Trade Show. We’ll also celebrate Beef Quality Assurance leaders and recognize Environmental Stewardship Award Program recipients, and we’ll throw in a little fun and entertainment along the way.

I’m especially looking forward to listening to the opening general session speaker, Lieutenant Colonel Dan Rooney. A decorated F-16 fighter pilot, professional golfer, philanthropist, and bestselling author, Rooney is called to “inspire people to help people.” He is best known for founding the Folds of Honor, a leading non-

profit organization that provides educational scholarships for children and spouses of fallen or disabled military service members and first responders.

Be sure to stay through Thursday, as the week will end on a high note with an unforgettable evening at Cowboys Night at the San Antonio Stock Show & Rodeo. There will be rodeo action showcasing the best athletes, followed by an amazing concert featuring country music star Scotty McCreery.

While there will be plenty of education and entertainment, let’s not forget why we come together each year — to conduct the business of the industry. CattleCon is where we bring new ideas, debate issues, and create a path forward for the industry we are all passionate about. Your opinion matters, so whether you are involved with policy or Checkoff committees, come prepared and take time to engage in meetings.

Thank you in advance for taking time away from your farms, ranches, and businesses to participate in the biggest cattle and beef event of the year. I’m looking forward to meeting you as we partner together to learn ways to improve our operations, celebrate milestones and achievements, and conduct the business necessary to drive us forward.

Visit convention.ncba.org for more information and to register. See you in San Antonio!

“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 me 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

4B FARMS, LLC

Shelby, NC

Bryson Westbrook Ed Soto (Manager) 980-230-4868 - Bryson 704-974-1407 - Ed brysonw@thewestbrookco.com

BLINSON

POLLED HEREFORDS

Lenoir, NC

Keith & Peggy Blinson - 828-310-4526 Bryan & Beth Blinson - 919-422-9108

DOUBLE J FARM

Traphill, NC • Earlysville, VA John Wheeler 910-489-0024 doublejfarmllc@yahoo.com www.doublejfarmllc.com

E. CARROLL JOYNER

BEEF UNIT

Raleigh, NC

Matt Morrison 716-720-0227

FIVE J’S

BEEF & CATTLE COMPANY

Clayton, NC

Jody & Angela Standley 828-320-7317 - Kim jodystandley@gmail.com

HEREFORD HILLS

Greensboro, NC

Bill Kirkman III 336-382-9635 ST Genetics Representative

McCOY CATTLE FARM

Cove City, NC

Myron & Charlie McCoy 252-229-4602 mccoycattlefarms@gmail.com

MITCHEM’S FARM 3C

Vale, NC

Wayne, Crystal, Regan & Jordan Mitchem 704-472-4369 mitchemsfarm@bellsouth.net

NORTH PINO

LAND & CATTLE COMPANY Mocksville, NC

Kevin Robinson 336-399-9884 kevrob1@aol.com

LOVE FARMS

Blowing Rock, NC

Jim Love 828-266-1458 cell • 828-295-4236

P and J FARMS

Monroe, NC

Andy Smith 704-400-3436 pandjfarmsherefords@gmail.com

PRESTWOOD BEEF CATTLE

Lenoir, NC

Kim & Lori Prestwood 828-320-7317 - Kim 828-432-7434 - Lori brownloriclyde@yahoo

QUAIL RIDGE FARM

Rutherfordton, NC

Mark Brewer 828-329-2074 markbrewer65@gmail.com

TAYLOR’S MILL FARM

Zebulon, NC

J. Brent Creech 919-801-7561 tmfherefords@icloud.com

TERRACE FARM

Lexington, NC

Jim, Linda & Chad Davis 336-247-1554 terracefarms@gmail.com

TRIPLETT POLLED HEREFORDS

Statesville, NC

James Triplett 704-902-2250 triplettmarble@bellsouth.net

W&A HEREFORD FARM

Providence, NC

George, Tammy, William, & Andy Ward 434-251-3637 gwwardjr@comcast.net

WHITEHEAD

CATTLE COMPANY

Lewiston Woodville, NC

Austin & Jodie Whitehead Austin - 252-370-5647 Jodie - 252-642-3435 austinlwhitehead@yahoo.com

WILL-VIA

POLLED HEREFORDS

Mooresville NC

Lavette Teeter

704-662-5262

NCBA Congratulates Speaker Johnson on Securing Reelection. Recently, the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA) congratulated Speaker Mike Johnson (R - La.) for his successful re-election campaign as Speaker of the House for the 119th Congress:

“Congratulations to Speaker Johnson on successfully navigating a narrow margin and being elected as Speaker of the House by his peers once again. Speaker Johnson has always been a strong supporter of U.S. cattle producers, and we look forward to continuing to work with him in the new Congress,” said NCBA Vice President of Government Affairs Ethan Lane. “There is a lot of work that needs to get done this year, including extending the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, passing a long term Farm Bill, and providing regulatory relief to producers who have been squeezed by government overreach over the past four years. We are confident Speaker Johnson is the leader to get these policy priorities across the finish line.”

Cattle Producers Pleased by Withdrawal of Anti-Free Market

USDA Rule. NCBA welcomed the withdrawal of the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) proposed rule entitled “Fair and Competitive Livestock and Poultry Markets,” announced recently by Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack. This harmful regulation would have dismantled current cattle marketing agreements, reversed decades of innovation in the cattle industry, and threatened producer profitability.

“Under the ‘Bidenomics’ agenda, USDA pushed regulations like this one, which would have undermined the free market, harmed hardworking cattle producers, and far exceeded the agency’s authority granted by Congress,” said NCBA Executive Director of Government Affairs Tanner Beymer. “We are pleased that USDA recognized their failed approach and withdrew this rule. NCBA will continue advocating for sound market principles, and we look forward to working with the next Administration on enhancing profitability opportunities for America’s cattle farmers and ranchers.”

NCBA Statement on Supreme Court Decision to Reinstate Dreaded Corporate Transparency Act Mandate. Recently, NCBA Executive Director of Government Affairs Kent Bacus issued a statement following the U.S. Supreme Court’s decision to lift the injunction that temporarily halted enforcement of the Corporate Transparency

Act’s reporting requirements. The U.S. Supreme Court’s decision will allow enforcement of the act to move forward:

“Cattle producers across the country are disappointed in the Supreme Court’s ruling, which will allow the federal government to blanket family owned farms and ranches in fresh red tape while subjecting millions of law abiding small business owners to potential legal jeopardy. We urge President Trump, and his nominee for Treasury Secretary, Scott Bessent, to rescue millions of American small business owners from these burdensome reporting requirements and delay enforcement until a meaningful solution is found.”

Background - On January 23, the U.S. Supreme Court blocked a nationwide injunction that was previously in place since December. The injunction had prevented the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN), a division of the U.S. Department of the Treasury, from enforcing the Corporate Transparency Act and requiring small business owners to file beneficial ownership reports. This latest action from the U.S. Supreme Court allows enforcement of the beneficial ownership reporting requirements to move forward while federal court cases over the legality of the Corporate Transparency Act continue. Due to the fluid legal situation, NCBA advises cattle producers to consult an attorney and/or tax professional regarding personal impacts from the Corporate Transparency Act.

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

Improving Cattle Production in Malawi

By AMY BURTCH, N.C. State University

As a reproductive biologist and beef specialist, Felipe Carvalho da Silva knows well that “everything starts with reproduction,” as it is a requirement for sustained milk and beef production.

If you are in an environment where bigger problems exist — whether due to drought, poor animal genetics, or lack of feed — reproduction is likely affected.

That’s why Silva believes in Malawi’s animal agriculture goals. Improving genetics in cattle herds will enable Malawians to raise animals that are adapted to the country’s conditions but also more efficient in converting inputs, such as feed, into end products, such as milk and beef.

Silva took part in international brainstorming on how to reach those goals during a recent trip to Malawi. He was one of eight N.C. State University faculty who traveled to the east African country in the fall.

A New, Yet Familiar, Experience - Organized by CALS

International Programs, the eight day excursion enabled N.C. State University’s College of Agriculture and Life Sciences (CALS) faculty to explore research and extension opportunities with Malawian academics and government officials.

Silva was a late addition to the trip, but Rick Brandenburg and Jose Cisneros contacted him due to his animal agriculture expertise.

“I am grateful that it worked out,” Silva said. “The experience was even better than I expected.”

Originally from Brazil and on his first trip to Africa, Silva was surprised by the similarities — in plant life, types of grasses, and animals — between Malawi and Brazil as well as Malawi and Australia, where he has also worked.

“Therefore, I felt an ‘at home’ feeling, like this environment was not something new to me,” he said.

While participants stayed mostly in Lilongwe, the capital of Malawi, they also visited Lilongwe University of Agriculture and Natural Resources (LUANAR) as well as a producer with a megafarm.

“They had teaching and research herds, so we were able to go through their beef unit and dairy unit and see some cattle,” said Silva of LUANAR’s cattle operation and of the megafarm visit.

The N.C. State University team worked with three Malawian universities, several Ministry of Agriculture departments, and Samual Dalitso Kawale, the Minister of Agriculture.

Silva specifically focused on beef and dairy cattle production, as Malawians face decreased production efficiency. They aim to bring breeds already adapted to tropical conditions, like those in South America, the Southern U.S., and Australia, to Malawi. Their native breed, Malawi Zebu, does not have high production.

This is exactly where Silva can help facilitate Malawi’s goals.

Applying Expertise to Malawian Goals - To improve production, Silva is working with ABS Global, a provider of bovine genetics and reproduction services, to export cattle semen to Malawi.

“The goal is to integrate breeds from Brazil and the Southern U.S. to better beef cattle production, the same way they are bringing dairy breeds to Malawi to increase milk production,” Silva said.

Felipe Carvalho da Silva (far right), with N.C. State University faculty and Malawian officials.

Bos indicus breeds, which Silva has worked with before, are the subspecies of cattle whose genetic materials are to be imported.

Silva is partnering with Seth Mkuzi, a researcher from Malawi’s Department of Agricultural Research Services (DARS), who has an existing World Bank funded project to improve genetic components in Malawi.

While Silva is helping the researcher find sellers of materials, the main problem involves imports.

“The first semen shipment to Malawi took almost two years to be approved,” Silva said. “If it is coming from the United Kingdom, it will go faster, but if it comes from a country without an established importing agreement, it will take time.”

Once materials arrive, the researchers will synchronize the cows and then use artificial insemination (A.I.) so crossbreeding can occur, and the plan to improve genetics in cattle can be put into motion.

Eager for Knowledge - As a beef specialist with N.C. State Extension, Silva is charged with doing workshops with producers and farmers in the U.S. Training is another way he foresees being able to help Malawi.

“Improving genetics of beef and dairy cattle is the main thing on the cattle side they want to do on the megafarms,” Silva said. “They are interested in having workshops to teach Malawians how to conduct estrous synchronization protocols and do artificial insemination.”

Silva confirms there’s much on the extension side that can be done as existing technologies can be applied to Malawi.

“We do not need to reinvent the wheel,” he said. “There are working practices we could pull from other places with similar environments and try them in Malawi.”

Silva intends for the work in Malawi to develop opportunities to train CALS graduate students and open routes for collaborative grants from entities like the U.S. Agency for International Development or the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation.

“It was a very rewarding experience,” Silva said of the trip. “The Malawian participants were eager for the knowledge offered, so you really felt like your expertise was valued.”

Improving genetics in cattle herds will enable Malawians to raise animals that are adapted to the country’s conditions.

UPDATE

NALF Renames Terminal Index to (Terminal Profit Index) and Sunsets MTI Index. At the NALF Winter board meeting, the board of directors voted to rename their new terminal index to Terminal Profit index (TPI) and sunset the old Mainstream Terminal Index (MTI), effective January 1. The board also voted to rename the FE (Feed Efficiency) sub-index to $G (Gain) to stay consistent with IGS nomenclature.

As you may recall, the North American Limousin Foundation released its Terminal Index last February, which is built utilizing iGENDEC. Recently, at its summer board meeting, the NALF board of directors approved an adjustment to the Terminal Profit Index, which increases the emphasis on dry matter conversion rates by incorporating weaning to yearling weight spread for cattle, PWG (YW–WW) weighted by a marginal economic value of $.277).

YW and WW were removed in the current updated version of NALF’s TPI. By incorporating PWG spread from WW to YW,

correlations for both weight traits have increased by nearly double and better reflect the value of dry matter conversion in today’s competitive cattle feeding business as it relates to feed efficiency and cattle that have superior cost of gains.

iGENDEC is a web based tool to enable the construction of economically optimal selection indexes. iGENDEC allows for index customization through adjustment of economic and production parameters to reflect actual historical price data and made available via the Beef Improvement Federation.

The new Terminal Index (TPI) has been constructed to identify sires that produce the highest profit potential for fed cattle. The new index was created using the most recent ten years of USDA reported fed cattle and grid pricing data, K-State reported feedlot cattle performance and NALF data. The bio-economic index represents a leap forward in selection technology and was developed using the iGENDEC platform. The new TPI index models the use of Limousin sires on Angus based cows, with all calves marketed on a value based carcass grid. The units reported represent expected differences in profit per mating.

Below are the EPD traits and Marginal Economic Values used in the updated NALF Terminal Index.

The above marginal values, which are determined by parameters in the iGENDEC program and simply multiplied by each EPD trait and then added up for a total $ index value on each animal in the herdbook. The range seen on NALF’s 4,500 active sires reflects a high of $210 and a low of -$16 with a mean of $94. You will be able to query and look up cattle by classification in the NALF DigitalBeef system, similar to other EPDs.

It is important to remember that the Terminal Profit Index

is specifically designed for terminal sires that excel in feeding performance, carcass characteristics on an economic relevant basis. It utilizes actual historical price data and is much more reflective of today’s current fed cattle market and feeding performance requirements in the fed cattle industry.

While NALF’s older Mainstream Terminal Index (MTI) has served us well the last 20 years, it is based off older carcass price spreads and yield grade premiums that have changed dramatically in the last 20 years in the commercial cattle business. The iGENDEC software is a leap forward for index development that lets us keep up with actual market pricing structures and feed cost in an ever changing formula and grid marketing base system.

The feed efficiency sub-index, $G, formerly named FE, has also been renamed to $Gain. Dry matter intake is a key component to $G along with an animal’s PWG potential to reflect an animal’s feed conversion capability. The key to DMI is to remember a lower percentile rank is not necessarily a bad thing. As long as cattle are giving you back adequate gain for their intake, then you are still producing pounds efficiently. The real use of DMI is to get to the correct expression of feed conversion rates. This is the most important item to measure for feed efficiency, and NALF will do this with the new $G sub-index and updated Terminal Profit Index via IGENDEC that are now being published.

You will find cattle that range in the 50th–90 th percentile for DMI, but rank exceptionally well on their new ($ Gain EPD) if they are converting their intake. The $G sub-index, that will be published weekly by IGS, simply measures the cost of feed and an animal’s individual intake versus the value of a fed steer on a five year average, adjusted by an individual animal’s gain. The formula for FE is listed below:

=(Ration cost @ $280 per ton/2000 lbs = -$.14 X DMI EPD) +(Fed market value at $1.17/160 days X PWG) = $G (Feed efficiency sub index)

In other words, the marginal value of gain over feed cost. The higher the $G sub-index EPD, the better or reflective of superior conversion of feed to pounds gained. (Cost of feed based off an animal’s DMI is calculated as a negative number and added back to the market value per pound X an animal’s post weaning gain).

If you have questions about the new TPI index, please contact Mark Anderson at mark@nalf.org.

The board has also approved moving forward with the development of a maternal Index for females once IGS has finished and released the Mature Cow Weight EPD for all IGS cooperators.

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

NEWS

Updated Beef Quality Assurance National Manual Now Available.

The National Cattlemen’s Beef Association announces the release of the updated Beef Quality Assurance National Manual, which serves as a resource for science based cattle production information. The manual is available for free at www.bqa.org/resources/manuals

“BQA empowers beef producers to maximize their potential to make the most efficient and responsible use of natural resources by effectively producing one of the world’s most nutritious and flavorful sources of protein,” said Clay Mathis, Ph.D., Texas A&M University and BQA Advisory Group chair. “This manual helps drive improvement across the supply chain through adherence to best management practices.”

The goal of the publication is to provide technical information to help producers raise high quality cattle, resulting in the wholesome beef that consumers demand. It was developed to set production standards for beef quality and safety that are appropriate to an operation and that producers can realistically meet or exceed. In addition to the publication’s availability online, the resource is also shared at the grassroots level through BQA state coordinators.

More than 30 cattle producers, industry leaders, and stakeholders from across the country spent the last year updating the manual based on the latest science based research, including the most recent National Beef Quality Audit (NBQA). The NBQA, conducted approximately every five years, continues to drive continuous improvement in the cattle industry.

An abbreviated “Field Guide” version of the manual will be updated and available for cattle producers and on-farm/ranch workers in summer 2025. For more information and to view the updated National Beef Quality Assurance Manual, visit www.bqa.org/resources/manuals.

About Beef Quality Assurance. Beef Quality Assurance (BQA) is a nationally coordinated, state implemented program funded by the Beef Checkoff that provides U.S. beef producers guidelines and certification drawn from common sense husbandry techniques and accepted scientific knowledge on how to raise cattle under optimum management and environmental conditions. BQA reflects a positive public image and instills consumer confidence in the beef industry. When producers implement the best management practices of a BQA program, they ensure their cattle are the best they can be. For more information on BQA, visit www.bqa.org.

CheCkoff News

Top Food Trends of 2025 That Will Have You Choosing Beef. The Beef. It’s What’s For Dinner. brand highlights how beef fits into what’s trending in the new year. It’s a time of anticipation as we start the new year — and what better to look forward to than cooking with beef and trying new culinary trends? With so many trend forecasts this time of year, it can be hard to keep up, so the Beef. It’s What’s For Dinner. brand, funded by the Beef Checkoff, has gathered some of the most popular food trends for 2025. As we kick off the year, it’s no surprise that many of the trends focus on fueling up for busy schedules.

High Protein Foods – According to recent surveys, more people are looking to incorporate high protein foods into their diets this year — going beyond protein powders and bars and prioritizing whole foods such as beef. Along with beef’s great taste, it’s a protein powerhouse that provides a variety of essential nutrients that support overall health. For example, a 3 ounce serving of lean beef provides 10 essential nutrients for about 170 calories, including high quality protein, zinc, iron, and B vitamins.1

Dumplings – Dough pockets filled with your favorite flavors — dumplings are predicted to be a hit across the globe. This delicious and convenient class of dishes is not only perfect for food on the go; it also touches on another trend of 2025 where consumers are looking to use more global flavors and spices. Our Beef and Shiitake Dumplings with Orange Ponzu Dipping Sauce recipe is perfect for anyone wanting to try out this trend in the coming year.

Breakfast Foods – It’s predicted that breakfast will be big in the new year. Specifically savory breakfast dishes, which are expected to take center stage over sweeter options like pancakes and pastries. Our Beef and Spinach Breakfast Sandwich recipe is a great way to fuel up for the day and join in on the trend.

Snacks and Small Bites – If you want a little bit of everything or want something consistently throughout the day, your time is coming! Appetizers and snacks are expected to continue trending in 2025. With schedules only getting busier, it’s no surprise that people are looking for quick and protein packed snacks like our classic Beef Jerky Trail Mix. And when it comes to afternoon snacks or appetizers, who can pass up on Flaky Beef Stuffed Pinwheels.

Find the recipes mentioned above and more that are trending at beefitswhatsfordinner.com/recipes . To learn how you can master your cooking skills in 2025, visit BeefItsWhatsForDinner.com

Reference

1 U.S. Department of Agriculture FoodData Central, 2019b. Available at fdc.nal.usda.gov (Beef composite, cooked – NDB Number 13364).

Beef Packs Protein Punch. Driving beef demand begins with research, and recent results from a study conducted by the University of Arkansas for Medical Services (UAMS) confirm that not all proteins are created equal. The research, funded by the Beef Checkoff through its contractor, the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association, was designed to better understand how animal and plant based proteins compare in promoting muscle protein synthesis.

Muscle protein synthesis is the natural metabolic process in which older, less functional muscle protein fibers are replaced with newer, more functional fibers to support the maintenance or production of muscle mass. Measurements of muscle protein synthesis are an indicator of muscle health, and research continues to support the role of healthy muscle tissue in the prevention of numerous diseases.

The research reveals that, ounce for ounce, beef outperforms a soy based meat alternative (SBMA) patty in stimulating muscle protein synthesis. While soy and beef are both high quality proteins, it takes twice the amount of the SBMA with 66 percent more calories to elicit the same impact on muscle health.

“While both beef and soy are considered ‘complete’ proteins, the amino acids in beef are simply more available for the muscle to use efficiently,” said Robert Wolfe, Ph.D., a UAMS professor of geriatrics and the study’s principal investigator. “This efficiency can be important since the body is in a constant state of protein turnover to rebuild and repair proteins for functional health, especially when combined with physical activity and as part of healthy development and aging.”

Muscle health declines with age, which is associated with increased chronic disease risk and decreased functional health. Research has demonstrated dietary protein and strength training can help maintain and rebuild muscle at any age, especially beneficial in older adults. 1-4 As the market for plant based meat alternatives grows, it is important to understand how the consumption of these ultra processed, manufactured food products differs in their impact on muscle protein turnover and overall muscle health compared to animal source protein foods, particularly as they are marketed as equivalent replacements for meat.

All animal protein foods, such as meat, poultry, dairy, and eggs, and some plant proteins, such as soy, are complete proteins, which contain all nine essential amino acids (EAAs). Consumption of adequate amounts of EAAs is necessary to stimulate muscle protein

synthesis. Previous research has shown that soy protein does not stimulate muscle protein synthesis to the same extent as animal proteins, including beef.5,6

“Protein quality matters as much as quantity,” Wolfe said. “This research underscores the fact that foods like nutrient rich ground beef can offer more muscle building benefits, and that’s critical as people make dietary choices, especially when balancing calorie intake.”

Key Findings

• Consumption of a single 4 ounce, 100 percent beef patty stimulated muscle protein synthesis significantly more than consumption of a 4 ounce, soy based meat alternative patty, which failed to stimulate muscle protein synthesis at all.

• Consumption of two, 4 ounce soy based patties (8 ounces total), which provided 66 percent additional calories, elicited a similar muscle protein synthesis response as a single, 4 ounce beef patty.

• Despite the double serving of SBMA patties (8 ounces) having 13.6 grams more protein and about 5 grams more essential amino acids compared to the single 100 percent beef burger patty, the protein synthesis rates were similar, suggesting that the beef protein was more efficient to stimulate protein synthesis.

• Amino acids, including essential amino acids, were released at a faster rate following consumption of the 100 percent beef burger patty compared to the SBMA patties, making amino acids more available to stimulate muscle protein synthesis.

References

1He, W., Connolly, E.D., Cross, H.R., & Wu, G. (2024). Dietary protein and amino acid intakes for mitigating sarcopenia in humans. Critical reviews in food science and nutrition, 1–24. Advance online publication. https://doi.org/10.1080/10408398.20 24.2348549

2Wayne W. Campbell, Nicolaas E.P. Deutz, Elena Volpi, Caroline M. Apovian, Nutritional Interventions: Dietary Protein Needs and Influences on Skeletal Muscle of Older Adults, The Journals of Gerontology: Series A, Volume 78, Issue Supplement_1, June 2023, Pages 67–72, https://doi.org/10.1093/gerona/glad038

3 Campbell, W.W., & Leidy, H.J. (2007). Dietary protein and resistance training effects on muscle and body composition in older persons. Journal of the American College of Nutrition, 26(6), 696S–703S. https://doi.org/10.1080/07315724.2007.10719650

4Baum J.I., Wolfe R.R. The Link between Dietary Protein Intake, Skeletal Muscle Function, and Health in Older Adults. Healthcare (Basel). 2015 Jul 9;3(3):529-43. doi: 10.3390/healthcare3030529. PMID: 27417778; PMCID: PMC4939566.

5Park S., et al., Metabolic Evaluation of the Dietary Guidelines’ Ounce Equivalents of Protein Food Sources in Young Adults: A Randomized Controlled Trial. J Nutr 2021;151(5):1190-6. doi: 10.1093/jn/nxaa401.

6Pinckaers P.J., et al. Higher Muscle Protein Synthesis Rates Following Ingestion of an Omnivorous Meal Compared with an Isocaloric and Isonitrogenous Vegan Meal in Healthy, Older Adults. J Nutr 2024;154(7):2120-32. doi: 10.1016/j.tjnut.2023.11.004.

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.

NEWS

Case IH Recognized for First Class Agricultural Innovation from ASABE with Seven Awards. The AE50 awards, sponsored annually by ASABE, highlight the best innovation in engineering and technology across agriculture, food, and biological systems. Case IH emerged as a big winner in this year’s AE50 awards, presented by the American Society of Agricultural and Biological Engineers (ASABE), for the most innovative products in the agricultural, food, and biological industries. With seven product innovations recognized by ASABE, Case IH was among the most awarded agriculture companies. The awards — chosen by global engineering experts — highlight Case IH’s continued focus on purposeful solutions to elevate farmer productivity around the world.

The following Case IH product innovations were recognized with AE50 awards:

• AF Series Combines

• Axial Flow 260 Series Combines

• C500 Series Corn Heads

• Automatic Productivity Management 2.0 for Magnum Tractors

• Steiger Quadtrac Heavy Duty Suspension

• Large Square Baler Automation

• Modular Tramline System for Early Riser 2160 48 Row 20 inch Large Front Fold Planter

“These product innovations recognized by ASABE are a reflection of our commitment to serve farmers with solutions to boost their efficiency and productivity,” said Kurt Coffey, Vice President Case IH North America. “We are honored to be presented, once again, with AE50 awards for engineering and technology innovation across our portfolio of products.”

Harvesting Lineup Expansion - This year, Case IH upgraded and expanded its combine lineup with the launch of the Axial Flow 260 series and the new AF series, built to meet the varying needs of farmers across the globe. With the largest harvesting lineup in the industry, farmers can find the perfect harvesting partner for their operation at Case IH.

The Axial Flow 260 series combine incorporates the latest technology to take harvesting to the next level with subscription free, integrated technology. The premium technology built within the combine sets a new standard for operator experience while also maximizing throughput and grain handling with single rotor Case IH harvesting technology.

To expand the Case IH combine portfolio, the AF series combines have been redesigned from the ground up to maximize capacity and crop flow with efficient horsepower, simplified maintenance and connectivity built-in at base. The single rotor AF9 and AF10 models,

along with the dual rotor AF11, provide solutions in Class 9 and 10+ to help farmers cover more acres in less time with increased power and throughput.

The C500 series corn heads were created to pair seamlessly with the AF and 260 series combines, delivering the reliability, durability, and enhanced grain savings and performance farmers expect from Case IH.

Automation for Balers - Designed for hands free efficiency, Case IH Large Square Baler Automation controls speed and steering to match windrow volume and maximize throughput for consistent, high quality bales. Case IH Large Square Baler Automation is the industry’s first LiDAR (light detection and ranging) baling system, simplifying the driver experience for hay producers while delivering efficiency and productivity.

Tractor Enhancements - Case IH continues to set the bar in track technology with the Quadtrac Heavy Duty Suspension (HDS). HDS brings greater productivity through faster transport speeds of up to 26.5 mph, and less shock to the machine and operator due to the fully suspended track system conforming to the ground. Built for durability and agronomic principles in mind, HDS delivers unmatched comfort and reduced soil compaction via a larger footprint.

To enhance and refine the industry legends, Model Year 2025 Magnum tractors with 21×5 PowerDrive transmissions will have Automatic Productivity Management 2 (APM2). APM2 manages the driveline and engine to control ground speed while optimizing fuel economy and preventing engine stalls.

Early Riser Planter Innovation - The Modular Tramline System for the Early Riser 2160 48 row, 20 inch Large Front Fold planter offers industry leading 20 inch planter tramline compatibility, productivity, and performance. The Modular Tramline System is tailored to the swath sizes of a farmer’s equipment fleet, while minimizing the number of unused tramlines in a field.

These modular tramlines reduce the risk of running over plants on subsequent passes through the field with narrow track or tire equipped tractors, liquid fertilizer applicators, and/or sprayers. This results in increased yield potential, increased productivity, and reduced operator fatigue.

To learn more about these award winning products, visit caseih. com.

About Case IH. Case IH is a global leader in agricultural equipment, committed to collaborating with its customers to develop the most powerful, productive, reliable equipment — designed to meet today’s agricultural challenges. With headquarters in the United States, Case IH has a network of dealers and distributors that operates in over 160 countries. Case IH provides agricultural equipment systems, flexible financial service offerings and parts and service support for professional farmers and commercial operators through a dedicated network of professional dealers and distributors. Productivity enhancing products include tractors; combines and harvesters; hay and forage equipment; tillage tools; planting and seeding systems; sprayers and applicators; and site specific farming tools.

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: ____________________________

Address:

Buyer’s Name: ____________________________

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 = $

* State of Origin of Cattle: * If the cattle purch ased came from another state within the last 30 days, indicate from which state the cattle were purchased.

The Gift That Keeps on Giving

By JILL PEINE

The holiday season has come and gone, but we all know finding the right gift to give during that time is sometimes difficult, especially when trying to find that perfect gift that is also meaningful to the recipient. There are many ways in which people open up their hearts during the season, whether it be putting money into the red kettles, donating items for those in need, or paying for the order of the person behind you in the drive-thru. These are gifts that keep on giving while providing joy to many.

You can give a meaningful gift to your cow herd too, and it’ll have a generational impact and keep on giving. That gift is supplemental nutrition to support fetal programming.

What’s going on in the third trimester - Fetal programming, otherwise known as developmental programming, is the theory

that the maternal environment during gestation can have a lasting impact on the offspring. In other words, if cows are undernourished during pregnancy, their calves’ performance may be compromised — particularly in terms of immune response, growth rate, and potential longevity as replacement females in the herd.

There are critical windows of development during which certain growth parameters receive priority for the developing calf in utero. During the third trimester of pregnancy, we see a substantial amount of calf growth happening — roughly 75 percent — along with the organs maturing to be capable of functioning outside of the mama cow. If the mama cow isn’t receiving the nutrition she needs to help her calf thrive during this time, research confirms that there will be detrimental effects, and these effects can be felt for generations down the line.

Many of the studies in this area tell us that when cows don’t receive their full nutrient requirements during the last ⅓ of pregnancy, calf birth weight may be compromised. While some may think smaller calves will result in less dystocia, nutrient restriction isn’t the answer for calving ease. Changing the growth trajectory of calves by nutrient restriction actually leads to less mature organs, impaired ability to store body heat or regulate body temperature, and less vigor and strength at birth — all which may work against early calf survival. Genetic selection is a better option to promote calving ease.

Long term effects of nutrient deficits in utero - Long term impacts of inadequate nutrition in-utero have also been measured on both the heifer and steer sides.

In most fetal programming research, treatments are put on a group of cows during a certain time frame, such as the last 90 days of pregnancy. The treated cows are then commingled with others and kept on the same plane of nutrition upon calving, to measure the effect nutrition had during a certain time period.

In one study, heifers born to cows that were nutrient restricted during the third trimester were lighter based on adjusted 205 day weaning weights, pre-breeding weights, and pregnancy check weights (Martin et al., 2007) . While pregnancy rates were 93 percent in heifers born to supplemented cows, they were only 80 percent in the lighter heifers. Of the 93 percent of heifers born to supplemented cows, 77 percent calved in the first 21 days, compared to only 49 percent of the 80 percent born to unsupplemented cows (Martin et al., 2007; Funston et al., 2008). When heifers calve early in the breeding season, they are more likely to stay in the herd longer, generating more revenue.

Work has also been done looking at reproductive performance in relation to the number of oocytes a female is born with, with nutrient restriction in-utero having a negative impact on how she is programmed.

On the feedlot side, better nutrition during the last part of gestation is correlated with fewer treatments in the feedlot. This suggests better organ development and proper maturation in calves born to cows receiving the required nutrition during pregnancy. In some studies, 11 percent of calves born to cows not supplemented were treated in the feedlot, in comparison to only 2 percent of calves born to supplemented cows (Larson et al., 2009; Mulliniks et al., 2007). The difference also impacted quality grades, with a greater percentage of the calves born to supplemented cows graded choice and upper ⅔ choice, even when all calves were on the same diet from

The Carolina Cattle Connection

birth through finishing (Larson et al., 2009)

What about fall calvers? For our fall calving herds, this time of year is not a time to skimp on nutrition, either. The first and second trimesters also have critical windows of development for that calf inutero. During the early part of pregnancy, the placenta is developing, attaching to the important sites to help get blood flow and nutrients to the calf. Additionally, organogenesis, or the formation of the organs and cells, is underway, paving the way for proper organ development later in pregnancy.

Since programming starts at conception, it is important to provide the best nutrition from the start to be set up for success.

Drought and fetal programming - A few years ago, a cattleman in Texas told me he could look at his records and tell just from pregnancy results which years were dry. Heifers conceived and programmed during the droughts were poorer performers when they got to breeding age, and they fell out of the herd a lot sooner. This

is exactly what university research has demonstrated: that nutrient restriction, as often handed to us during dry years, has negative impacts on heifer performance due to programming that happens before the calf hits the ground.

What to supplement - Hopefully, by now, you are convinced that getting the right nutrition into the cow is important for the developing calf. The next question is, what do you supplement? That is a bit of a loaded question. The answer is, it depends on the quality of forage you are feeding and what other feedstuffs make up the diet of your cow herd.

For low quality forages, we recommend a supplement with 30 percent protein, such asB GF-30 or Blueprint 30, to improve the digestibility of those forages and get the energy out of them that your cows are requiring. You would also want to supplement with a mineral such as Mineral-lyx or Blueprint 6% Phos, as mineral requirements are climbing through the end of pregnancy and into lactation as well. If feeding a moderate quality forage, a BGF-20 or Blueprint 20% AN, along with a mineral, will do.

Talk to your local Crystalyx dealer, and give the gift that keeps on giving by providing Crystalyx brand supplements to your cows for the gift of successful fetal programming.

Virginia

Herd Health Management Services, PC

* On-farm aspiration of oocytes via Ultrasound Guided Ovum Pick-Up (OPU).

* Embyos come back in 8 days for placement or direct thaw freezing on-farm.

* Can do on donors aged 8 months and older, up to 120-150 days pregnant Doesn’t interfere with pregnancy.

* Pregnant cows work really well, so the cow doesn’t get out of her production group.

* Can do a donor every 2 weeks.

* NOW AVAILABLE * Small Ruminant Laparoscopic Artificial Insemination (AI) & Embryo Transfer (ET) Oocytes fertilized at BoviteqUSA in Madison, Wisconsin. www.boviteq.com

For more information, contact: PAT COMYN, DVM P.O. Box 555 Madison, Va. 22727 540-829-3625 (cell) • 540-948-5238 (office/fax) pcomyn@verizon.net Visit us online at www.vhhms.com. In Vitro Fertilization (IVF) & Embryo Transfer (ET)

Ranchers Condemn Reckless Misuse of the Antiquities Act.

In December, the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA) and the Public Lands Council (PLC) condemned the Biden Administration’s irresponsible use of the Antiquities Act to create the Chuckwalla and the Sáttítla Highlands National Monuments.

“In the last 13 days of the Biden Administration, once again the Antiquities Act is being recklessly applied to nearly 1 million acres to create tremendous uncertainty for rural communities that rely on responsible resource management. Former President Biden’s unilateral action to create new monuments this late in his term shows that these monuments are politically motivated and devoid of resource planning for the future,” said NCBA Executive Director of Natural Resources and PLC Executive Director Kaitlynn Glover. “The record is clear: monument designations at the 11th hour jeopardize rangeland health, threaten local economic stability, and unnecessarily make these areas political pawns during a transition period. NCBA and PLC strongly oppose this declaration and will work with the Trump administration to limit abuse and bring common sense back to this process.”

Forest Service Withdraws Environmental Impact Statement on Old Growth Forests. The U.S. Forest Service has announced that they will be withdrawing their notice of intent to prepare an environmental impact statement on old growth forests. NCBA and PLC released the following statement praising the agency’s decision to listen to local stakeholders who knew from the beginning that this was the wrong approach:

“We are pleased to see that the Forest Service has abandoned their ill conceived plan amendment process. Going down this road would have put ecosystems at higher risk of catastrophic wildfire. Even worse, formalizing this kind of old growth strategy would have been a direct affront to the work cattle and sheep producers have been doing for decades to protect lands and waters. In one fell swoop, the Forest Service would have taken decades of work to prevent pinyon juniper encroachment and turned it on its head, penalizing the very people who prevented total woody conversion of grasslands and rangelands. The agency should not have needed to raise widespread alarm through an official agency notice when the science — and history — are abundantly clear,” said Kaitlynn Glover. “NCBA and PLC thank the Forest Service for abandoning their top down approach and urge them to resume partnerships with landowners and producers who have spent decades managing our nation’s National Forest System.”

Livestock Producers Denounce Revised Grizzly Bear Listing. NCBA and PLC have denounced the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s revised grizzly bear listing and their rejection of state petitions to delist grizzly bears under the Endangered Species Act in the Northern Continental Divide and Greater Yellowstone Ecosystems.

“This proposed rule and rejected delisting petitions do nothing other than move the goal posts for species recovery and deny sound science. It is disappointing to see the Fish and Wildlife Service create a single Distinct Population Segment that spans four states, millions of acres, and multiple areas where the science already shows that grizzly bears have recovered,” said NCBA Director of Government Affairs and PLC Garrett Edmonds. “Combining multiple distinct ecosystems into one giant population segment for a solitary, apex predator further muddies the waters of what species recovery looks like and only makes it harder for recovered species to be delisted in the future. By creating this brand new barrier to recovery, the Biden Administration is further weaponizing the Endangered Species Act and aiming it directly at rural communities on their way out the door.”

NEWS

NCBA and PLC Secure House Passage of Key Land Management Bills. NCBA and PLC hailed the House passage of two significant land management bills that are strongly supported by America’s livestock producers: the ACRES Act and the Fix Our Forests Act.

“Devastating wildfires throughout the West have shown that the federal government needs to step up their protection of western landscapes and that starts by supporting the farmers and ranchers on the ground whose hard works helps reduce wildfire risk,” said NCBA President Mark Eisele. “NCBA has worked hard to secure approval of these bills, and their passage in the U.S. House is a testament to this association’s strong representation of cattle producers in Washington, D.C.”

Together, these bills increase the West’s resiliency against wildfires and strengthen accountability for federal agencies. The ACRES Act, introduced by Representative Tom Tiffany (R - Wisconsin), requires the Departments of Agriculture and Interior to accurately report their activity on reducing hazardous wildfire fuels. Recent investigations have shown that the U.S. Forest Service overcounted the number of acres where they reduced wildfire fuels, leading to incorrect information. The Fix Our Forests Act, introduced by Representative Bruce Westerman (R - Arkansas), would support livestock grazing as a valuable tool for reducing wildfire risk, reduce frivolous lawsuits, and support other measures to protect the West from catastrophic wildfires.

“Scientific research has continuously shown that grazing prevents wildfires,” said PLC President Tim Canterbury. “For us in the West, the threat of wildfires is a very real and terrifying risk. I am grateful that Congress is working on solutions that support livestock grazing and help us manage our Western lands to remove fuels and reduce fire risk.”

Both bills passed the House of Representatives in bipartisan votes. The legislation will now go to the Senate for approval. NCBA and PLC strongly urge Senators to vote in favor of this legislation, so President Trump can swiftly sign it into law before the 2025 wildfire season.

About the Public Lands Council. PLC represents public lands ranchers in Washington, D.C. Since 1968, PLC has worked with Congress and the federal land management agencies to maintain a stable business environment in which livestock producers can conserve the West and feed the nation and world. Visit www.publiclandscouncil.org to learn more.

Indian Spiced Beef Stew

Total Time — 2 hours, 15 minutes

2 pounds beef stew meat, cut into 1 inch pieces

2 tablespoons vegetable oil, divided ½ teaspoon salt

½ teaspoon pepper

1½ cups chopped onions

2 tablespoons minced fresh ginger

4 cloves garlic, minced

1 can (14½ ounces) tomato sauce

1 tablespoon garam masala

1 cup frozen peas

1 cup fat free half-and-half

Heat 1½ teaspoons oil in a stockpot over medium heat until hot. Brown ½ of beef; remove from stockpot. Repeat with additional 1½ teaspoons oil and remaining beef. Remove the beef from the stockpot. Season with salt and pepper.

Heat remaining 1 tablespoon oil in same stockpot over medium heat until hot. Add onions, ginger, and garlic; cook and stir for 3–5 minutes until onions are tender. Add tomato sauce and garam masala; cook and stir for 1–2 minutes, or until browned bits attached to stockpot are dissolved. Return beef to stockpot; bring to a boil. Reduce heat; cover tightly and simmer 1¾-2 hours, or until beef is fork tender.

Add peas and half-and-half; continue simmering, uncovered, 1–2 minutes or until heated through.

Serve stew with hot cooked basmati rice, naan, or lime wedges, as desired.

2025 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 2025. 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.

2025 Reserved Spotlight Issues

JANUARY CHAROLAIS FEBRUARY FORAGES MARCH ANGUS APRIL PIEDMONTESE MAY BRAHMAN JUNE HEREFORD

JULY ---------------------AUGUST SIMMENTAL SEPTEMBER SANTA GERTRUDIS OCTOBER WAGYU

NOVEMBER BRANGUS DECEMBER BRAUNVEIH

For more information about your breed’s Spotlight Issue, contact: The Carolina Cattle Connection 2228 N. Main Street • Fuquay-Varina, NC 27526 919-552-9111 • mail@nccattle.com

Maola Enters a New Era with Jon Cowell as CEO. As the calendar flips to a new year, Maola Local Dairies is turning the page to an exciting new chapter. On January 1, Jon Cowell officially stepped into the role of CEO of the farmer owned cooperative. To kick off his tenure, Amanda Culp of the Maryland & Virginia Milk Producers Cooperative Association sat down with him to discuss his journey, leadership approach, and the vision he has for the future of the cooperative.

Jon, what experiences have prepared you for your role as CEO of Maola? “My career has been shaped by farmer owned cooperatives. In previous jobs, I focused on financial planning, governance, and accounting, but I think the most valuable experience came from working closely with Boards of Directors, our farmer-owners. That hands-on experience gave me an inside look at how cooperatives operate — from elections to governance — and taught me the critical importance of transparency and fairness with the farmers who own us.

When I joined Maola in 2018, I was immediately struck by the dedication and passion of our dairy farmers and employees. Our farmers work tirelessly every day — rain or shine — to provide families with high quality, nutritious milk. At the same time, our employees across departments bring expertise and a shared commitment to Maola’s mission. Their hard work is central to our success, and they inspire me every day to make sure we’re providing the support they need to thrive.”

What excites you most about Maola’s future? “The potential for growth while staying true to our cooperative roots. As a smaller cooperative, we’re uniquely positioned to stay closely connected to our communities and agile enough to take advantage of new opportunities. Our new strategic plan reflects this balance perfectly, bringing us together with clear, actionable goals — such as improving profitability and sustainability — so we can build a stronger future together.”

Can you tell us more about this strategic plan? “One of my first priorities as CEO is leading the RISE strategy — a comprehensive plan designed to guide Maola’s growth through 2029. I believe we all perform better when we have a clear goal in front of us, and RISE provides exactly that — a focused, data driven roadmap that connects us all to shared success. It’s not just about financial targets, though those are important. It’s about ensuring Maola’s long term health, staying true to our mission, and working together to strengthen our cooperative.”

Sustainability is a core value at Maola. How does the cooperative plan to lead in this area? “Sustainability is woven into everything we do. We’ve adopted the U.S. Dairy Stewardship Commitment through the Innovation Center for U.S. Dairy, which includes ambitious goals around water optimization and greenhouse gas neutrality. Beyond that, we’re taking concrete actions to drive environmental efficiency and support farmer-led sustainability projects. We don’t just aim to meet expectations — we want to lead the charge in making our industry more sustainable, and it’s a key differentiator for Maola.”

What challenges do you see in the dairy industry, and how will Maola respond? “The dairy industry faces several challenges, from global market changes to local pressures on family farms. There’s also growing concern about the future of farmland as more farmers face pressure to sell. At Maola, we’re committed to helping our farmers thrive through innovative programs and partnerships — like those with Starbucks or the Alliance for the Chesapeake Bay. As we continue to grow, it’s essential that we preserve our cooperative

identity and remain rooted in the communities we serve.”

Your cooperative has grown tremendously over the last few years despite the historical decline in milk consumption. Do you have anything exciting on deck for 2025? “Sustainability, quality, and customer service have been drivers in our consumer products sales success. With the addition of our ultra pasteurized plant in Philadelphia last year, we’re able to offer a full portfolio of milk products which meet the needs of our customers (retail, convenience stores, institutions, and more). As Maola is now produced in your traditional HTST formats as well as ultra pasteurized, our product mix isn’t an either-or situation, it’s a yes-and. We will continue to roll out new products in 2025 that respond to changing consumer demand for things like lower sugar and fewer added ingredients. We want every shopping cart in the Mid-Atlantic to have a reserved spot for Maola.”

What motivates you as a leader? “For me, leadership is about empowering people. There’s nothing more rewarding than seeing someone overcome a challenge and exceed their own expectations. Watching people succeed and grow is what keeps me going. My job as CEO is to create the right environment, provide support, and give our team the tools they need to excel. The passion and energy our employees bring to the table are contagious, and it’s that enthusiasm that motivates me to keep pushing forward.”

“Maola is entering an exciting new chapter under Jon Cowell’s leadership, with an unwavering commitment to growth, sustainability, and community,” says Amanda Culp. “The future is bright, and we’re looking forward to what’s to come!”

About Maola Local Dairies. Maola Local Dairies, owned by the farmers of Maryland & Virginia Milk Producers Cooperative Association, sustainably produces a full suite of nutritious dairy products through our network of six dairy processing plants. With a keen eye on quality, freshness, and love for the environment, Maola delivers dairy products that are both nutritious and sustainable to our local communities. For more information about Maola, please visit www.maolamilk.com

1 MILE OF PASTURE MANAGEMENT FENCING SUPPLIES AWARDED TO THE NCCA COUNTY CATTLEMEN’S ASSOCIATION RECRUITING THE MOST NEW MEMBERS IN 2024

CONGRATULATIONS TO THE MACON COUNTY CATTLEMEN’S ASSOCIATION

2023 MILE OF FENCE WINNER

Pasture Management Systems, Inc.

MILE OF FENCE PROGRAM

New

Alamance 5

Alexander 4

Alleghany 3

Anson 3 Ashe 2 Avery 6

Beaufort 1 Bertie 0

Bladen 2

Brunswick 2

Buncombe 18

Burke 7

Cabarrus 6

Caldwell 12

Camden 0

Carteret 1

Caswell 1

Catawba 18

Chatham 9

Cherokee 4

Chowan 0 Clay 1 Cleveland 10

Columbus 0 Craven 3

New NCCA Members for 2025

During the Membership Committee meeting held at the 2007 N.C. Cattle Conference, members decided to list the name and county of residence of those who recently joined as a NEW member of the NCCA in The Carolina Cattle Connection. A new member is someone who has never been a member or has rejoined after a brief break in their membership. Below is a list of NCCA’s new members:

Out-of-State

Blue Grass Stockyards – Kentucky

Landon Flowers – Flowers Family Farms – South Carolina

Anson County

Roddy Purser – White Rock Farms

Ashe County

Jim Beamon – Long Branch Farms

To pay by credit card, scan the QR code:

Burke County

Jonathan Buff – Rafter B Farms

Cabarrus County

Lily Carriker – Reedy Creek Farms

Caldwell County

Scott Mise – Mise Farm

Caswell County

Joshua Manning – Shumaker Dairy Inc.

Phil Ross – Ross Family Farm

Clay County

Tony Garrett – Circle G Ranch

Cleveland County

Robert E. Henderson – Twin Oaks Farm

Cumberland County

Bill & Annette Dunlap – Beaver Dam Beef

Ethan Strickland – Strickland Farm

Duplin County

O.R. & Annette Blizzard – O.R. Blizzard Farms

Jeremy E. Maready – Jump and Run Farms Inc.

Franklin County

Trase Jones – Tar Creek Farms

Jeffrey Thomas Layton – Layton Farms

Chaney Rae Leonard – Circle L Farms

Tommy May – May Farm

Greene County

Billy Williams – Billy Williams (BW) Farm

Iredell County

Jennifer Dagenhart Smith – Smith Ranch

Macon County

Eric Boatwright – Boatwright Farms

Lane Boatwright – Boatwright Farms

Moore County

Josh Gayheart – Round 2 Cattle Company

Nash County

J.D. ‘Buck’ Baker

Person County

Coleman Whitfield

Randolph County

Jerome Davis – Davis Rodeo Ranch

Jeremy Gordon – G&S Farm

Travis Peeler

Rockingham County

Grace Andrews

Caleb Bolton

Irvin Satterfield

Hudson Smith – Pontico Creek Farms

Bennett Vernon

Rowan County

Dr. James A. Gardner

Stanly County

Mellinee Almond

Bryce Burleson

Levi Cranford

Levi Greene

Kathryn Hill

Lawrence McKinney

Preston Pinkston

Gracelyn Ross

Jack Rummage

Colton Shankle

Lane Stallings

Emily Ward

Stokes County

Zachary Crum – Crum Cattle Company

Union County

Alan L. Krenz – Krenz Ranch

Wilkes County

Terry Benton

Michael Cothren

Wilson County

Emily Antonio-Castro

Sebastian Arreola

Damari Barnes

Kelley Burton

Quantavis Bynum

Brooke Davis

Zaire Dickerson

Joseph Hicks

Ellie Khem

Cali Murray

Salvador Navarrete-Utrera

Jayden Newsome

Daniela Olivera

Dianna Ramos

Franchesca Santos-Heredia

Cole Simons

Tamare Strickland

Hay for Cattle is an Important Part of the Diet. Hay for cattle plays a critical role in the diet, providing essential nutrients and a reliable feed source when pasture grasses are unavailable or insufficient. The importance of hay is especially evident when analyzed across the four seasons. Understanding how hay contributes to cattle nutrition year round helps producers maintain healthy herds and ensure consistent production.

Cattle Nutrition Experts - Curious about who you’re getting advice from? VitaFerm is a renowned brand of mineral supplements designed for beef cattle that maximize energy and forage utilization for successful production. Our products support cow/calf producers looking to maximize reproduction. Best of all, VitaFerm products ensure balanced nutrition for livestock.

VitaFerm is developed by BioZyme Inc., a leading fermentation company pioneering advancements in animal nutrition and health. Through innovative research and high quality manufacturing, BioZyme creates powerful solutions that improve animal performance and support producer profitability in the agricultural industry.

Our mission: undeniable positive impact on the health and wellness of your animals and your business.

Not only does hay play a critical role across the four seasons, but it also plays a vital part in the nutritional plan during the various reproductive phases. Let’s examine the importance of hay and the

role it plays during the four seasons.

Winter: Hay Becomes a Primary Feed Source

In winter, hay becomes the cornerstone of the cattle’s diet. With pastures dormant or covered in snow, hay for cattle is often the only reliable feed source available. Cattle expend more energy in winter to maintain body heat, making a nutrient rich diet essential. Hay provides the calories needed to sustain body condition during cold weather.

The high fiber content in hay supports rumen health and function. Proper digestion helps cattle extract maximum energy from their diet, which is particularly important during winter months. Consistent access to high quality hay reduces stress on the herd

during winter. Stress can weaken immune systems and lead to health issues, so providing a stable diet is vital for herd well being.

Different types of hay — such as alfalfa, clover, or mixed grass hay — can be used to tailor the diet based on the specific needs of your herd. For example, alfalfa hay, which is higher in protein and energy, should be fed to lactating cows or young calves.

Winter Hay Feeding Benefits:

• Sustain Energy Needs

• Digestive Health/Temperature Regulation

• Minimize Stress

• Flexibility in Types for Maximum Nutrition

Spring: Transition to Fresh Forage

Spring marks a period of transition for cattle diets. As temperatures rise and grass begins to grow, cattle typically shift from a diet heavily dependent on hay to one that incorporates fresh forage. However, during the early part of spring, pastures might not produce enough grass to meet the herd’s nutritional needs. In this transitional phase, providing hay for cattle remains a necessary component of the diet.

In several regions, producers turn their herds to washy spring grass that is high in moisture and low in dry matter (DM) content. Use some carry over higher quality hay to increase the intake of DM, balance out any grass tetany issues, or limit the intake of a lush legume to prevent bloat.

Hay provides the fiber and energy necessary to sustain cattle while pastures recover from winter dormancy. Cows’ energy needs are particularly high during calving season, which often coincides with early spring. Feeding hay to cattle ensures that lactating cows can produce adequate milk for their calves.

Additionally, spring weather can be unpredictable, with cold snaps or excessive rainfall hindering pasture growth. Hay is a dependable feed option when grazing conditions are less than ideal.

By supplementing with hay, producers can prevent overgrazing of pastures, allowing grasses to establish a strong root system and grow more robustly as the season progresses.

Spring Hay Feeding Benefits:

• Additional Nutritional Support

• Prevent Overgrazing

• Dependable Feed Source During Unpredictable Weather Summer: Supplement Pasture Grazing

During the summer, pasture grasses typically provide the bulk of the diet for cattle. However, it can play an important supplemental feed in particular conditions.

In regions where summer droughts are common, pasture growth may slow or stop altogether. Hay becomes a vital feed source, ensuring that cattle receive adequate nutrition even when grazing is limited. Depending on the quality of the pasture, hay can be used to balance the diet. For example, if the available grass is low in protein or energy, high quality hay can make up the deficit.

Certain groups within the herd, such as lactating cows or growing calves, may require more nutrients than pasture alone can provide. Hay supplementation ensures these animals meet their dietary requirements.

Summer Hay Feeding Benefits:

• Drought Areas

• Nutrient Balance

• Specific Herd Needs – Lactation Fall: Prepare for the Lean Months

Fall is a preparatory season, as producers begin to store hay for winter and adjust cattle diets in response to declining pasture quality. While temperatures drop, pasture grasses lose nutritional value. Hay provides a more consistent source of essential nutrients, such as fiber, protein, and energy, which are crucial for maintaining body condition.

Many producers start weaning calves in the fall. During this time, calves require a high quality diet to support growth and development. Hay is often included in their diet to provide the necessary nutrients.

Cattle producers focus on harvesting and storing hay during the fall to ensure a sufficient supply for the winter months. The quality of the hay harvested in the fall directly impacts the health and productivity of the herd during winter.

Fall Hay Feeding Benefits:

• Decline in Forage Quality

• Weaning Calves

• Stockpiling Hay

BioZyme News continued on the next page

IRM Red Books Are Here

We would like to thank Performance Livestock & Feed Company and Carolina Stockyards for again sponsoring this book.

The 2025 version is now available to help cattle producers effectively & efficiently record daily production efforts, which can help enhance profitablity and reduce stress levels. In addition to Beef Quality Assurance (BQA) best practices and proper injection technique information, it has more than 100 pages to record calving activity, herd health, pasture use, cattle inventory, body condition, cattle treatment, A.I. breeding records, and more. It also contains a calendar and notes section.

BioZyme News continued from the previous page

Key Nutritional Benefits of Hay - Hay is more than a filler in the cattle diet. Hay for cattle provides essential nutrients that support overall health and productivity. These include:

• Fiber - Hay is a rich source of dietary fiber, which is essential for maintaining proper rumen function and promoting efficient digestion. As a ruminant, fiber is necessary for proper digestion for cattle.

• Protein - High quality hay, such as alfalfa, is a significant source of protein. Protein supports muscle development, milk production, and overall growth.

• Energy - The carbohydrates in hay provide the energy cattle need for daily activities, reproduction, and thermoregulation. Energy in hay helps prevent cold stress in cattle.

• Minerals & Vitamins - Depending on the type of hay, it can supply important minerals like calcium and phosphorus, as well as vitamins A and E.

Challenges & Considerations - While hay for cattle is vital for all seasons, it comes with challenges that producers must navigate, such as:

• Storage - Proper storage is essential to prevent spoilage and maintain hay quality. Moisture and exposure to the elements can lead to mold growth, reducing nutritional value and posing health risks to cattle. Testing moisture in hay is an important part of the storage process.

• Cost - Producing or purchasing hay can be expensive, especially in regions where drought or other factors limit supply. Cattle producers must balance costs with the nutritional benefits of high quality hay

• Quality Control - Not all hay is created equal. The nutrient content of hay varies based on factors such as the type of grass or

legume, the stage of maturity at harvest, and storage conditions. Regular hay testing and careful selection are necessary to ensure the hay meets the herd’s nutritional needs.

Hay testing is a service that BioZyme offers its customers. Once hay samples are collected by our dealers or ASMs and submitted for testing, our on-staff nutritionists analyze the results. Those results are shared with the customers to determine the best times to feed particular lots of hay and how to supplement each lot.

VitaFerm Can Help - Regardless of the season of the year or the production cycle your herd is in, VitaFerm makes a mineral for your operation. If it’s winter, and you are feeding hay to lactating cows, we’ve got your reproductive needs covered with VitaFerm Concept•Aid or VitaFerm ReproMaxx.

If your calves are freshly weaned, and your cows are in maintenance, or their lowest nutritional requirements, we also make supplements that can help your herd. Look no further than VitaFerm ONE or VitaFerm Conserve.

Each of the VitaFerm lines is powered by AOBiotics Amaferm, a research proven prebiotic designed to enhance digestibility. Amaferm is the key additive in all VitaFerm products. It has more than 150 published and/or presented research studies proving its increase in digestibility and, ultimately, its impact on the animal. Not only will you be supplementing your cows’ vitamin and mineral needs, but you will be providing them with Amaferm.

The key point of Amaferm is using it as a tool to get more energy metabolized by the cow. More forage digestibility leads to less physical fill, so she can eat more. More VFA production provides the extra energy needed for thermoregulation, which will also help keep her warm in the cold winter months.

“Amaferm can help unlock the nutritional value of all types of forages. Amaferm goes beyond stimulating the growth of beneficial rumen bacteria and can also promote rumen fungal growth and enzymatic activity. This increases fiber digestibility and volatile fatty acid (VFA) production by 17 percent and 16 percent, respectively. As such, more energy becomes available to your cows, leading to more performance,” said Chris Cassady, Ph.D., BioZyme Director of Beef Technical Sales.

Amaferm also helps your feedstuffs and forages go further, helping decrease the overall cost.

The Final Word - Hay for cattle is an essential part of their diet, providing critical nutrients and serving as a dependable feed source throughout the year. Its importance varies by season, from supporting the transition to fresh forage in spring to sustaining the herd during the harsh winter months, often during lactation.

By understanding the role of hay in cattle nutrition and managing its use effectively, producers can ensure their herds’ health, productivity, and well being year round. They can also more efficiently build a supplement program including valuable, balanced nutrition to offset the nutrient value in their hay.

Get your VitaFerm Today - At BioZyme, we give you options within the VitaFerm brand. Not sure what to feed cows when it comes to the VitaFerm line? Check out our Concept•Aid Product

Navigator. Remember, hay testing is another resource that we offer our customers. It is an important step to offering hay for cattle through the seasons.

Important Tips for Feeding Cattle in Winter. Winter is upon us, and, for cattle producers, the wind and precipitation can make feeding cattle a challenge. Add the fact that most herds calve this time of year, meaning that cows’ nutritional needs are at their highest. Feeding cattle in winter can become a real chore!

Feeding cattle in winter is critical to management, especially in regions where forage quality declines significantly during colder months. Proper nutrition during this period ensures cattle health, productivity, and reproductive performance. However, low quality forage alone often cannot meet the nutritional demands of cattle during winter.

Cattle Nutrition Experts - VitaFerm is an established brand of vitamin and mineral supplements designed to maximize energy and forage utilization for successful beef production. Our products support cattle producers looking to maximize their operations. Best of all, VitaFerm products ensure balanced nutrition for livestock.

Not only do we make and market nutritional supplements for livestock, but we also raise, breed, and feed our herds. That is why sharing this information with fellow cattle producers is so important. It’s part of our care that comes full circle.

Challenges of Feeding

Cattle in Winter

Winter months mean challenges — everything from lower forage availability to reduced quality. Native pastures, crop residues, and conserved forages such as hay are common feed sources during this time. However, their nutritional value often fades due to maturity at harvest, prolonged storage, or exposure to adverse weather conditions.

Low quality forage typically contains higher fiber content and lower concentrations of digestible nutrients such as protein and energy. This reduction impacts rumen function and limits the ability of cattle to extract nutrients. Forage with a crude protein content below 7 percent may not provide sufficient nitrogen for the rumen microbes to thrive. As a result, forage intake and digestion rates decrease, further compounding the nutrient deficit.

Tips to Optimize Feeding Cattle in Winter

Here are some essential tips to optimize winter cattle feeding:

• Assess Forage Quality & Quantity - Test hay and silage for nutritional content, including protein, energy, and mineral levels. Supplement poor quality forage with grain, protein blocks, or balanced feeds to meet the cattle’s dietary needs. At BioZyme, makers of VitaFerm, we offer our customers complimentary hay testing services so they know the nutritional value of their hay. Once our nutritionists receive the hay analysis, they can work with the producer to determine the best supplementation program.

• Increase Energy & Protein - Cattle require more energy to maintain body temperature in cold weather. Provide higher energy feed such as corn or other grains to ensure they maintain their body condition. Protein for cattle is essential for growth, reproduction, and milk production. Include protein rich feeds like alfalfa, soybean meal, or commercial supplements if forage protein levels are insufficient.

• Ensure Clean Water Availability - Dehydration can occur even in winter. Prevent water from freezing by using heated waterers or

regularly breaking the ice. Water intake and appetite are directly correlated, and cattle consume less feed if water intake is inadequate.

• Feed Consistently - Maintain a regular feeding schedule to support rumen health and digestion. Feed cattle during the warmest part of the day to minimize stress from cold temperatures.

• Adjust Rations for Body Condition - Monitor the body condition of your cattle regularly. Thin animals may need additional feed to regain weight, while over conditioned cattle should have adjusted rations to prevent metabolic issues.

• Provide Shelter & Windbreaks - Protect cattle from harsh weather by providing shelter or windbreaks. Reduced exposure to cold winds decreases their energy requirements. If the ground is frozen or mud exists, consider bedding the ground with stalks or straw to give the cattle relief from wet or frozen ground.

Following these tips can keep your herd healthy and productive throughout the winter. Proper nutrition and care are key to maintaining herd performance and profitability.

VitaFerm Can Help - VitaFerm offers supplements ideal for feeding cattle through the winter and all seasons.

“Research proves that cattle fed Amaferm synthesize 143 more grams of microbial protein each day. That’s enough protein equivalent to a pound of supplemented soybean meal available for the cow or heifer,” says Chris Cassady. “Additional protein from Amaferm in a year round supplemental program helps producers reduce the need for additional protein up to 40 percent annually, a huge continuous savings on feed costs.”

Providing supplements for your herd at critical times is an important part of feeding cattle in winter. At BioZyme, we give you options within the VitaFerm brand. Not sure what to feed cows when it comes to VitaFerm? Check out our Concept•Aid Product Navigator.

About BioZyme Inc. With a continued commitment to excellence, the BioZyme Stockyards location earned the American Feed Industry Association (AFIA) and Feedstuffs 2024 Feed Facility of the Year honor. 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 supplements for a variety of animals, including cattle, pigs, poultry, sheep, goats, horses, and dogs. BioZyme brands include AO-Biotics, VitaFerm, Gain Smart, Sure Champ, Vitalize, DuraFerm, and Backyard Boost. With headquarters in St. Joseph, Mo., the company reaches a global market of customers that stretches into countries across five continents. For more information about BioZyme, visit www.biozymeinc.com.

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!

CWT Assisted Export Sales Reach 183 Million Pounds

in 2024.

CWT member cooperatives secured 179 contracts in December, adding 57.2 million pounds of product to CWT assisted sales in 2024. In milk equivalent, this equals 515.2 million pounds of milk on a milkfat basis. These products will go to customers in Asia, Oceania, Middle East-North Africa, Central America, the Caribbean, and South America and will be shipped from December 2024 through June 2025.

Total CWT assisted sales in 2024 in milk equivalent totaled 1.674 billion pounds on a milk fat basis. On a product volume basis, this is equal to nearly 183.6 million pounds. Product destinations include Asia, Central America, the Caribbean, Europe, Middle East-North Africa, Oceania, and South America.

Exporting dairy products is critical to the viability of dairy farmers and their cooperatives across the country. Whether or not a cooperative is actively engaged in exporting cheese, butter, anhydrous milkfat, cream cheese, or whole milk powder, moving products into world markets is essential. CWT provides a means to move domestic dairy products to overseas markets by helping to overcome U.S. dairy’s trade disadvantages.

The amounts of dairy products and related milk volumes reflect current contracts for delivery, not completed export shipments. CWT will pay export assistance to bidders only when export and delivery of the product is verified by the submission of the required documentation.

CWT suspended intake of new bids starting in January 2025 pending a program renewal vote in March.

Year End Legislation Preserves Dairy Safety

Net, Ensures

Disaster Relief. Following advocacy from NMPF and other farm stakeholders, Congress passed legislation on December 20 extending the 2018 farm bill through 2025 and providing relief to farmers who suffered losses from natural disasters in 2023 or 2024.

The extension continues the Dairy Margin Coverage safety net for the entirety of 2025. Consistent with the extension enacted in 2023, the 2019 partial production history update is part of the underlying DMC program and will remain so over the long term. In addition, those producers that initially signed up in 2019 using the five year “lock in” option will continue to receive a 25 percent premium discount in 2025. Further, the onset of permanent law, which would trigger outdated government support known as the “dairy cliff,” is also averted through the end of next year.

The disaster assistance portion of the package provides the U.S. Department of Agriculture with $30.78 billion to offer relief to producers who endured losses, including for milk, in 2023 and 2024 on account of a wide variety of natural disasters, including droughts,

wildfires, hurricanes, floods, derechos, excessive heat, tornadoes, winter storms, and freezes. Within this larger total, the bill sets aside $2 billion for assistance to livestock producers for losses related to drought, wildfires, and floods.

NMPF is grateful to Representative David Valadao (R-California) for leading efforts to enact the overall package and for securing the inclusion of floods on account of damages California dairy farmers endured last year due to livestock relocation, shelter-in-place, and feed crop losses. The bill also allows USDA to provide some support in the form of block grants to states, a priority for southeastern producers recently impacted by devastating hurricanes.

With this package signed into law, NMPF looks forward to working with the House and Senate Agriculture Committees to complete a new farm bill in 2025 that makes needed policy improvements and provides dairy farmers and their cooperatives long term certainty for the years ahead.

NMPF Highlights Supply Chair Security. At a recent U.S. Chamber of Commerce event on supply chain security, NMPF Trade Policy Director Tony Rice spoke to the challenges affecting the U.S. dairy industry due to shipping container break ins.

Organized crime groups in 2024 increasingly broke into intermodal containers on railroads in search of high value items, causing collateral damage to dairy and other agricultural exporters.

During a panel discussion, Rice detailed the financial losses that dairy exporters and producers incur when they must return and dispose of product that has been broken into, without the ability to file insurance claims. These break ins also create significant food safety issues and could damage a producer’s reputation as a reliable supplier.

Congressmen Brad Schneider (D-Illinois) and David Valadao (R-California) also spoke at the conference to highlight their cosponsored bill, the Safeguarding Our Supply Chains Act. Endorsed by NMPF and the U.S. Dairy Export Council, the bill would authorize $20 million to create a crime coordination center within Homeland Security Investigations, as well as a task force comprised of relevant agencies.

Ready for Action: NMPF’s Bleiberg Anticipates Busy 2025. With a Republican “trifecta” of House, Senate, and White House control, 2025 will be an active year in Washington, NMPF Executive Vice President for Government Affairs Paul Bleiberg recently said in a Dairy Defined Podcast.

“Everybody should just buckle up. It’s going to be a busy 2025,” said Bleiberg, who leads NMPF’s lobbying efforts.

The trifecta “means a certain ability to move your agenda through unilaterally or without the other party involved,” he said. “It also

in broader terms refers to setting the agenda, obviously controlling the different committees and setting topics and moving legislation through, broad decisions about governing really do fall to the party that has a trifecta.”

That will have meaningful effects on taxes and other areas of legislation, as well as on regulatory efforts, Bleiberg said. Immigration and trade also promise to be hot topics in the new year, ones with important implications, he said.

For more of the Dairy Defined podcast, you can find and subscribe to the podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and Amazon Music under the podcast name “Dairy Defined.”

FARM Program Seeking Task Force Nominations. The FARM Program is seeking nominations for open seats on its Animal Care, Environmental Stewardship, and Workforce Development Task Forces. Nominations are open through March 31, with new members announced during NMPF’s Board of Directors meeting on June 9.

FARM Task Force members serve as program ambassadors and experts in their designated field. Each task force reviews, recommends, and provides insight on program implementation for its respective program pillar. Recommendations are presented to the appropriate NMPF board committee for final review and approval.

Candidates can be nominated by a cooperative or processor, fellow dairy farmer, veterinarian, themselves, or others. Nominations must be submitted via the online form. The FARM Farmer Advisory Council will review all nominations and recommend a proposed slate of new FARM Task Force members to the NMPF Executive Committee for final approval.

Visit nationaldairyfarm.com for the full list of eligibility and criteria.

NMPF Meets With U.S.-Mexico Dairy Working Group. NMPF Executive Vice President Jaime Castaneda was recently in Mexico City, meeting with the U.S.-Mexico Working Group and strengthening ties with local Mexican dairy producers and industry organizations.

The Working Group is an outgrowth of prior U.S.-Mexico Binational Meetings. It convenes at the working level to share more in-depth knowledge and ideas on how to increase dairy consumption and expand trade between the two countries.

Castaneda met with dairy companies, farmer organizations, and government officials to encourage Mexico to engage with the new U.S. administration to find solutions to issues of common concern, such as immigration and trade, rather than escalate tensions. He emphasized that the best means for Mexico to address the legitimate concerns raised by the Trump administration is to work collaboratively.

NMPF, in partnership with the U.S. Dairy Export Council and other agricultural organizations, is working to facilitate the conversations and ensure agriculture trade does not become collateral damage in broader disputes among the U.S. government and its partners.

NMPF, FARM Release new H5N1 Resources for Farmers, Regulators. Following advocacy from NMPF and other farm stakeholders, Congress passed legislation on December 20 extending the 2018 farm bill through 2025 and providing relief to farmers who suffered losses from natural disasters in 2023 or 2024.

NMPF and the FARM Program have strengthened their support for the dairy industry during the ongoing H5N1 outbreak with the release of two new resources for dairy farmers and regulatory officials.

Early Detection of H5N1 Virus in Bulk Tank Milk, is available in both English and Spanish. It highlights the benefits of routine testing of bulk tank milk as a proactive measure to safeguard cattle health. Producers in affected areas can better prepare for potential outbreaks, mitigate risks and protect the safety of dairy cattle handlers by implementing regular testing.

NMPF and the FARM Program also developed a 16 page guide, Bulk Tank Milk Sample Logistics for H5N1 Testing, to assist state regulatory officials. The guide offers practical considerations and logistical recommendations for using Grade “A” bulk tank milk samples to test for H5N1. This guide aims to streamline testing processes and enhance collaboration across the industry by addressing the concerns of state regulatory agencies.

Both resources were developed in response to priorities identified by NMPF’s H5N1 Technical Committee, funded in part by a USDA cooperative agreement. This committee, which includes dairy producers, veterinarians, and state and federal partners, provides guidance and tools to navigate the challenges posed by the H5N1 outbreak.

These new materials are available at www.nmpf.org/resources/ hpai, along with additional tools and updates.

NMPF Thanks Members, USDA for FMMO Leadership. NMPF thanked USDA and the dozens of farmers and cooperative leaders who successfully steered Federal Milk Marketing Order modernization to a successful conclusion.

“Dairy farmers and cooperatives have done what they do best — lead their industry for of all,” said Gregg Doud, president and CEO of NMPF. “This final plan will provide a firmer footing and fairer milk pricing, which will help the dairy industry thrive for years to come. We appreciate the monumental contributions across government and the dairy industry that made this happen. The industry, and all dairy consumers, owe all of you a debt of gratitude.”

The new FMMO comes after more than 200 NMPF led meetings to formulate the proposal that contributed heavily to USDA’s final decision, as well as a record length 49 day federal order hearing and approval from the farmers who are covered under all federal milk marketing orders.

The new federal milk pricing system, which was officially published in the Federal Register on January 21, will mostly take effect on June 1 — coincidentally, World Milk Day — and is closely aligned with the principles of NMPF’s member led recommendations, a process that began nearly four years ago.

Highlights include:

• Returning the base Class I skim milk price formula to the “higher of” the advanced Class III or Class IV skim milk prices for the month. In addition, adoption of a Class I extended shelf life (ESL) adjustment for all ESL products equal to the “average of” mover plus a 24 month rolling average adjuster with a 12 month lag.

NMPF News continued on the next page

NMPF News continued from the previous page

• Updating the Class III and IV manufacturing allowances for cheese, butter, nonfat dry milk and dry whey, and the butterfat recovery factor.

• Updating the Class I differential values to reflect the increased cost of servicing the Class I market.

• Updating skim milk composition factors, with implementation delayed six months until December 1.

• Removing 500 pound barrel cheddar cheese prices from the Dairy Product Mandatory Reporting Program survey.

NMPF has more resources to understand FMMO modernization and the road taken to get there. Farmers and cooperatives will have opportunities to learn more about the new system through webinars and other materials offered in coming weeks. NMPF will also continue pushing for elements of its proposal that require congressional authorization, including mandatory dairy manufacturing cost reporting to provide accurate, transparent data to inform future milk pricing discussions.

NMPF Congratulates President Trump, Agricultural Leadership as Government Takes Shape. The National Milk Producers Federation congratulates President Donald Trump and the leaders of the new Congress and administration, and is ready and eager to work on a wide range of challenging issues as the new government takes shape.

“Congratulations to President Donald Trump and Vice President J.D. Vance as a new administration begins,” said NMPF President & CEO Gregg Doud. “As the nation’s representative of dairy farmers and the cooperatives they own, we will work with our nation’s leaders on the Trump-Vance team and in Congress to help America prosper and for its world leading dairy industry to grow and thrive.”

Doud also congratulated the agriculture leaders of the recently sworn in 119 th Congress. Representative Glenn “G.T.” Thompson (R-Pennsylvania) continues as chairman of the House Agriculture Committee, while Arkansas Republican Senator John Boozman takes over the Senate’s farm panel. Both committee ranking Democrats, Senator Amy Klobuchar and Representative Angie Craig, come from Minnesota.

“U.S. agriculture is blessed with strong, bipartisan leadership on its agricultural committees,” Doud said. “We are grateful for G.T. Thompson’s leadership on whole milk legislation and his successful advocacy on the “higher of,” as well drafting an overall strong farm bill that met dairy needs and his work on the Dairy Margin Coverage Program,” Doud said. “Meanwhile, Representative Craig has been a strong supporter on many dairy issues, an active voice on agricultural trade, and a co-leader on bipartisan feed legislation to support innovation in dairy.

“In the Senate, Senator Boozman also released a strong farm bill framework that included numerous key dairy items, and we are grateful for his advocacy on agricultural tax issues among other dairy priorities,” Doud said. “And Senator Klobuchar, as the new ranking member, has been a tireless champion of dairy through her work on Dairy Margin Coverage, her sponsorship of the Ocean Shipping Reform Act, her attention to Canada trade issues, and her support for

whole milk.

Doud also called for swift confirmation of Brooke Rollins to become the next Agriculture Secretary, and noted the many key issues that await her, the administration, and the new Congress over the next few months. Just a few of them include:

• Passing a five year farm bill

• Meeting agricultural workforce needs

• Creating new trade opportunities

• Bringing whole milk into school lunches

• Building an FDA that enforces its own standards of identity

• Ensuring a fair tax system that allows dairy producers and cooperatives to thrive.

“We couldn’t be more excited about our government’s leadership as 2025 begins,” Doud said.

NMPF Applauds Bipartisan Effort to Expand Students’ Access to Whole Milk. From NMPF President & CEO Gregg Doud:

“NMPF commends Representatives Glenn “G.T.” Thompson (R-Pennsylvania) and Kim Schrier (D-Washington) and Senators Roger Marshall (R-Kansas), Peter Welch (D-Vermont), Dave McCormick (R-Pennsylvania), and John Fetterman (D-Pennsylvania) for their leadership in boosting students’ access to crucial nutrition with their Whole Milk for Healthy Kids Act. Recently, the Dietary Guidelines Advisory Committee reaffirmed that most Americans underconsume nutrient dense dairy. This much needed bill lets schools offer students the healthful milk options that they are most likely to drink by permitting the serving of nutritious reduced fat and whole milk varieties, critically addressing kids’ underconsumption of milk’s essential nutrients.

“NMPF is ready to work with the bill’s bipartisan sponsors to move this common sense, widely supported solution across the finish line this year.”

About the National Milk Producer’s Federation. NMPF was organized in 1916 to provide a forum for dairy producers and the cooperatives they own to participate in public policy discussions. NMPF advocates policies to Congress, U.S. and foreign government agencies, industry organizations, the news media, and the public.

We use our unique resources to harness the ever changing climate in the politics and marketing of milk and dairy products from farm to table to promote the economic well being of dairy producers and their cooperatives through coordinated industry efforts.

NMPF addresses policies concerning milk pricing, domestic and international market development, agriculture credit and taxation, environmental issues, food safety and health, animal welfare, product standards and labeling, and research and biotechnology.

Our mission is to foster an economic and political climate in which dairy producers and the cooperatives they own can thrive and prosper. Achieving such success assures consumers of adequate supplies of wholesome and nutritious dairy products at affordable prices.

This helps improve the bottom line of the associate members who provide services to dairy producers and cooperatives that they represent. For more information, visit www.nmpf.org.

The CEO’s Corner

New Year, New Challenges – New Opportunities for Dairy

By GREGG DOUD, National Milk Producers Federation

Anew year, a new administration, a new Congress, and new challenges. Regardless of what does or doesn’t happen this year, buckle up.

The watchword of the year is change. Voters demanded it, and members of Congress and the new administration are vowing to deliver. At the same time, what those changes may be, how they occur, and which ones happen when, remain very open questions. Until new leaders in federal agencies are in place, and until congressional coalitions begin to coalesce, where dairy’s priorities fit into the broader picture remains to be seen — and, as last month’s column stated — sorting out what’s real and what isn’t, and acting accordingly, is itself a critical area of emphasis in 2025.

But we do know this: We at NMPF are ready to pursue and seize the opportunities for better farm policy that will, undoubtedly, present themselves over the course of the next year. Here’s why:

We’re coming off a great 2024. Our successful efforts at building what became the foundation of a USDA Federal Milk Marketing Order modernization plan that farmers can get behind; our efforts to maintain dairy’s prominence in the federal Dietary Guidelines for Americans as reflected in its recent scientific report; and our leadership in developing export markets through collaboration with the U.S. Dairy Export Council and others, all create the muscle memory and momentum that carries us into this year with credibility and confidence.

We have a great team. In each of our key areas of emphasis —

government relations and regulatory affairs, economics, and trade — we have seasoned, well connected staff working hard to understand the new policy environment and make it work for dairy farmers and their cooperatives. As Washington transitions, we are making the phone calls and meeting the key players as they emerge, ensuring our interests are on their minds.

We speak with a consistent voice. As we saw throughout FMMO, the power of farmer unity is not to be underestimated. By representing the cooperatives that handle the vast majority of U.S. milk, we play key roles in nourishing Americans and the world while boosting rural economies. That’s our voice — and it’s a voice to be reckoned with that’s recognized in policy circles.

We are supported by the collective strength of our members and the broader dairy industry. NMPF takes pride in being a leader, but we also know we are far from alone in our efforts. Our colleagues among cooperatives and our friends in the broader dairy and agricultural communities create momentum and quality teamwork as we seek our goals together. It’s like returning a kickoff in football — a team that has the ball, knows its assignments, and makes the right blocks can make it a long way downfield. We do, and we will.

That doesn’t mean we’ll always be on offense. When proposals come up that create problems for dairy farmers and their cooperatives, we will respond effectively on behalf of our members. Within the new Washington, there are many perspectives, and we will work to support the outcomes that best allow dairy to thrive. We are confident of positive change — we also know that much of it won’t come easily.

But above all, we’re ready. Ready to embark on a new path in an era that has its risks and pitfalls, but that also holds exciting opportunities. Let’s work together, and we’ll make good things happen for dairy.

Maintaining Milk Safety

By D’LYN FORD, N.C. State University

Milk is known as a highly nutritious food, rich in vitamins and minerals. But the ubiquitous dairy beverage has spilled into the headlines in the past year, most recently because of recalls for unpasteurized or raw milk in California.

We asked two experts from N.C. State University’s Department of Food, Bioprocessing, and Nutrition Sciences to help us understand the science behind pasteurization and milk safety, from the cow to the consumer. Lynette Johnston is an assistant professor and food safety extension specialist. She grew up on a dairy farm. Gabriel Keith Harris is a professor and co-director of undergraduate programs in food science. What happens to milk before it reaches consumers in the grocery store?

Lynette Johnston - The dairy farm milks cows. Then the milk is cooled as soon as possible, collected in a bulk tank, and then transported to a processor. This raw milk is kept under refrigeration until the point of pasteurization. Pasteurization is a heating process that kills all potential pathogens that might be present in raw milk. There is a significant level of safety that we’re gaining by the pasteurization step. The milk is then bottled or processed into ice cream, cheese, or other products, refrigerated and distributed.

Just because milk is pasteurized doesn’t mean that it’s been heat treated to a point like canned food that can be kept at room temperature for a long time. We still have to keep it under refrigeration to prevent further growth of any remaining spoilage bacteria that survive the pasteurization step. What is is about milk that makes it something that we need to be careful with?

Gabriel Keith Harris - Milk basically has all of the things that any self respecting bacteria would want to grow in. It’s got sugar, it’s got protein, it’s got fat, it’s got minerals, growth factors. It’s got everything that will make it possible for bacteria to grow very quickly. And there is a lot of water. So you have all of the necessary nutrients for bacteria to grow quickly. If bacteria make their way into this super rich nutrient medium, and especially if the temperature is in the right range — their comfort zone where they can grow very quickly — then things can go from good to not good in a very short period of time because these microbes multiply so quickly.

Milk pasteurization is a beautiful thing because it knocks out those microbes which are most likely to cause harm. And the good thing about that is that they are generally more heat sensitive than the ones that just spoil the milk. If you drink pasteurized milk that’s way past its expiration date, it’s going to really be horrible smelling and horrible tasting, and you’ll just spit it out immediately. It’s bad from a spoilage perspective, not bad from a send-you-to-the-hospital perspective. So that’s a huge difference.

What’s the history behind pasteurizing milk?

Harris - Pasteurization is a process that Louis Pasteur, who was a French chemist and microbiologist, originally came up with for beer and wine to keep them from souring. Pasteurization was then

transferred over to other liquid materials. N.C. State University was one of the first places that milk was pasteurized in the state of North Carolina, in 1918. It’s not back in the 1860s, when Pasteur was doing his initial work — it’s actually quite a bit later. But it was a good thing because milk was dangerous to consume before pasteurization.

Johnston - About 25 percent of foodborne illnesses were associated with dairy products around that time. Now dairy products account for less than one percent of reported outbreaks, and we can thank dairy farmers and processors for complying with the Grade A Pasteurized Milk Ordinance, passed in 1924, for that. In 2024, we celebrated its 100th anniversary.

Interestingly, public health activists and medical doctors pushed for increased sanitary conditions on dairy farms. They were the ones who saw, firsthand, children dying because of raw milk they were consuming, and they brought an understanding of the public health

burden. After the U.S. Public Health Service passed the Pasteurized Milk Ordinance in 1924, we saw a significant reduction in tuberculosis cases. Today, when outbreaks do occur from consuming raw dairy products, they are typically associated with pathogenic bacteria like E. coli, Listeria monocytogenes, Salmonella, and Campylobacter species. What happens during pasteurization?

Harris - If you were to visit the dairy plant at N.C. State University, you’d see that we have a bunch of tanks, and some of them are labeled with an “R,” which stands for “raw,” because we’re keeping raw milk separate from pasteurized milk. We store raw milk until it can be processed, and we keep it at refrigeration temperature to discourage the rapid microbe growth that could happen at higher temperatures. And then we do something which is not related to safety, but related to making a variety of products, which is to separate the milk. You take that raw milk and separate it into skim and cream, so you can make dairy products of any fat level, from skim milk, which has almost no fat, to ice cream, which is high fat.

Pasteurization itself is passing thin streams of milk past very hot water on the other side of a metal plate, which heats things super fast. If you put a metal spoon in a soup and forget about it and come back, you’re going to burn your hand. We’re taking advantage of the ability of metal to conduct heat efficiently. With hot water on one side and cold milk on the other side, rapidly we’re able to get this temperature up to where we want it at 161ºF for 15 seconds. What you’ll see is something that looks like a car radiator. Behind it are a series of tubes going back and forth to hold that milk at the correct temperature for 15 seconds to get rid of the pathogens that we’re concerned with in raw milk. Can consumers buy raw milk that isn’t pasteurized?

Johnston - It’s under the state’s jurisdiction to choose how they will allow sales of raw milk. Here in North Carolina, you can actually get raw milk, but you have to earn part of that herd through what’s called the herd share program. The way North Carolina looks at this is that if you’re a dairy farmer producing that raw milk, you have the right to consume that raw milk as it is your product.

People might think that choosing raw milk is a healthy option because it’s directly from the farm. What are the potential health benefits versus the health risk?

Harris - We call this a health halo. Certain things are viewed just as naturally good, and things that basically are as close as possible to the raw state are often viewed that way. So, if it comes straight off of a farm, straight out of a field, straight out of a cow, then it must be healthy. The idea is that if you are dealing with something that is natural and unprocessed, not heated, that it’s going to be healthier just because it’s closer to the way that it appears in nature. That’s not always correct from a safety perspective.

A recent study showed an almost 900 percent increase in risk from drinking raw milk versus pasteurized. Now, I think the exhilaration of riding a motorcycle at 100 miles an hour with no helmet is real, but the danger is crazy. You’re weighing things that are very different in terms of risk versus benefit.

To say there’s nothing different about raw milk and pasteurized milk isn’t completely true from a nutritional perspective. It’s almost 100 percent true from a protein, sugar, and vitamin perspective, but levels of a few vitamins are knocked down a few notches with the pasteurization process. So there are some minor changes, but nutritionally, pasteurized

milk is really, really close to raw milk. We might need to investigate some of these other potential benefits, but only if that raw milk can be made safe to be consumed by the general public.

We have some other reasons besides bacteria to be cautious about unpasteurized or raw milk. What has been happening with avian influenza, which was found in dairy cows for the first time in March 2024?

Johnston - The U.S. is dealing with a virus known as highly pathogenic avian influenza, specifically the strain H5N1. This is a virus that’s known to infect poultry, where it actually can become deadly in those poultry flocks. In 2024, we saw the transmission of this virus into dairy herds. Fortunately, the virus is not as severe in cattle.

While multiple dairy herds across the country have been infected with H5N1, recently California has been the hardest hit. To date, the California Department of Food and Agriculture has announced two recalls of raw milk based on positive tests for avian influenza. As research continues, we’re learning that the mammary glands of cows play a role in the spread of this virus. Therefore, raw (unpasteurized) milk can be a vehicle for the virus to spread on a dairy farm. It is important to note that there is no evidence of H5N1 being spread to humans as a foodborne disease through the consumption of milk. For humans, this virus is currently considered a respiratory virus and not a foodborne pathogen.

The good news is that pasteurization is not only effective on harmful bacteria, but recent studies show that pasteurization is very effective on H5N1 as well. So that’s another reason to consume pasteurized milk. Generally speaking, the food safety risks of consuming raw milk are greater than the nutritional benefit of consuming raw milk.

Harris - And it’s critical to be clear that the idea that you could potentially immunize yourself from this virus by drinking raw milk is a myth. Drinking raw milk which contains the virus is not a way to get protection against it.

Overall, the dangers related to raw milk are related more to those pathogenic bacteria, those microbes that we can easily eliminate with pasteurization and have been eliminating for over 100 years. So the health dangers are really there and we can easily deal with them.

ENEWS

as the event moderator, is the director of operations for National Pork Board (NPB). In her role, she oversees NPB owned intellectual property, legal, and compliance matters, including contract negotiation and management of the USDA-AMS approval process. Previously, Krieger has served as vice president of operations at Sustainable Environmental Consultants (now Eocene) where she led client facing teams and served as the functional liaison for human resources, finance, and marketing and communications. She has spent most of her career in the pork community, including serving as director of animal welfare at JBS Live Pork and various roles at Cargill Meat Solutions. Her experiences at Cargill, and then JBS, touched every aspect of the pork supply chain, from farm to fork.

arly bird registration open for Animal Agriculture Alliance’s 2025 Stakeholders Summit. The 2025 theme is Food for Thought: Dishing on Sustainability. Registration is now open for the Animal Agriculture Alliance’s 2025 Stakeholders Summit, themed “Food for Thought: Dishing on Sustainability.” The 2025 event is set for April 30-May 2 in Arlington, Va., and will be moderated by National Pork Board’s Angie Krieger. Early bird registration rates are available through February 28, offering savings up to $100.

“The annual Stakeholders Summit is well known for its diverse audience, making up every segment of the food supply chain,” said Hannah Thompson-Weeman, Alliance president and CEO. “Reaching animal agriculture’s collective goals takes teamwork from all stakeholders, which is why there’s no better place to be than at the 2025 Summit. This year’s theme is focused on enhancing this collaboration by providing a venue to discuss fresh ideas and new innovations to further advance animal agriculture.”

Inspiration comes in countless forms. It’s a thought. It’s a conversation. It’s a connection. It’s a chain reaction. We never know how inspiration will hit, but we do know when ideas and perspectives are shared across the table, they don’t just add, they multiply. At the 2025 Summit, hundreds of food chain partners will be dishing on the biggest topic in the industry — sustainability. With a dash of innovation and a heaping serving of collaboration, we can work together to shape the future of how we raise and distribute animal protein for generations to come. At the 2025 Summit, it’s as simple as taking a seat at the table.

Angie Krieger, joining the 2025 Summit lineup for the first time

“Angie’s diverse background — from enhancing animal welfare to marketing animal protein to developing legal strategy — make her the perfect fit to moderate the wide ranging discussions that will take place at the 2025 Summit,” said Thompson-Weeman. “Our attendees are sure to benefit from her expertise and energy as she leads us through a packed agenda full of content.”

The 2025 Summit would not be possible without the support of sponsors, including U.S. Poultry & Egg Association, Cargill, Farm Journal, Meatingplace, Merck Animal Health, Watt Global Media, Zoetis, American Feed Industry Association, Agri-Pulse, Dairy MAX, Farm Credit Council, National Pork Producers Council, Ad Farm, American Farm Bureau Federation, Aviagen, Cobb, Kemin, National Chicken Council, National Pork Board, N.C. Farm Bureau, Progressive Dairy, Trans Ova Genetics, United Egg Producers, United Soybean Board, Vivayic, and Eggland’s Best.

Get involved - Farmers and ranchers are eligible to win a free conference registration, travel credit, and a two night hotel stay by entering the 2025 Summit photo contest. Entries must be posted on Instagram by February 7 to be considered.

Help us bring fresh perspectives to the table at the 2025 Summit. Invite a friend to join the conversation about sustainability by referring someone who’s never attended the Summit before. Both parties need to be registered and will be entered to win a $100 gift card.

Show your support for the Alliance’s outreach efforts by becoming an official Summit sponsor today! For more information on 2025 sponsorship opportunities available, contact Logan Hall at lhall@animalagalliance.org

Animal Agriculture Alliance celebrates key staff member promotions. Emily Ellis, Abby Kornegay, Grace Simpson receive new titles. The Animal Agriculture Alliance has announced the promotion of several valued staff members in recognition of their significant contributions, expertise, and dedication as allies to the animal agriculture community. The Alliance congratulates Emily Ellis, Abby Kornegay, and Grace Simpson on their promotions, which took effect January 1.

=“We are excited to announce these well earned promotions, which showcase the growth, commitment, and expertise of our team,” said Hannah Thompson-Weeman. “Emily, Abby, and Grace have each made outstanding contributions to advancing our mission of safeguarding the future of animal agriculture. I look forward to working alongside them as they grow in their new roles.”

Emily Ellis has been promoted to director of communications and content. She served as an intern for the Alliance in 2017 and returned full time in 2020. In her role, Ellis is responsible for shaping the Alliance’s brand and proactive communications strategy. During her

time at the Alliance, Ellis has led initiatives like the release of a brand new report on animal agriculture’s sustainability contributions in 2024 and the growth of the College Aggies Online scholarship program.

Abby Kornegay has been promoted to director of issues and engagement. Kornegay leads the Alliance’s issues management and crisis communications strategy as well as the Alliance’s efforts to expose those who threaten our nation’s food security with damaging misinformation, including monitoring and responding to the efforts of adversarial groups. Her efforts since joining the Alliance in 2022 have strengthened relationships with the restaurant/retail/foodservice community, including hosting a farm tour in fall 2024.

Grace Simpson has been promoted to manager of membership and communications. She interned with the Alliance in 2021 before continuing with the team permanently in 2022. Simpson helps manage the organization’s membership and sponsorship recruitment and retention processes, oversees operational needs, and leads the Alliance’s social media efforts. Her strengths in member engagement and exceptional customer service have led to strong membership retention rates and increased support.

To learn more about the Alliance’s small but mighty team, visit animalagalliance.org/ about/staff. About the Animal Agriculture Alliance . The Alliance safeguards the future of animal agriculture and its value to society by bridging the communication gap between the farm and food communities. We connect key food industry stakeholders to arm them with responses to emerging issues. We engage food chain influencers and promote consumer choice by helping them better understand modern animal agriculture. We protect by exposing those who threaten our nation’s food security with damaging misinformation. For more information, visit animalagalliance.org.

Classified Section

Angus

Joe and Robin Hampton

345 Withrows Creek Lane Mt. Ulla, NC 28125

704-880-2488 BACK CREEK ANGUS

Ricky McLeod 1320 Old Manning Rd., Sumter, SC 29150 803-983-0816

wrricky@ftc-i.net • www.blackcrestfarm.com

BLACK GROVE

Breeding Registered Angus since 1962

Walter D. Shealy III and Family 20977 US Hwy 76 • Newberry, SC 29108 803-924-1000 • 706-590-0451 walter@blackgrove.com www.blackgrove.com

Registered Angus Since 2001

Randall Smith 1957 Cleve Rd., Snow Camp, NC 27349 336-516-4558 smithangusfarm@yahoo.com

SPRINGFIELD ANGUS 104 Springfield Lane Louisburg, NC 27549

Phil Goodson: 919-880-9062

• Performance Tested

• Ultrasound and 50K Evaluated

• Registered Angus Bulls

Animal Health

Advertisers Index

Upcoming Events

ANGUS

Feb. 13 — 32nd Edition of the UGA Focus on Genomics Enhanced EPDs Bull Sale, Athens, Ga.

Feb. 15 — Bottomley Cattle Company First Annual Heart of the Herd Bred Cow Sale, Wytheville, Va.

Feb. 15 — Locust Hill Cattle Company 4th Annual Bull & Female Sale, Pelham, N.C.

Feb. 15 — Yon Family Farms Spring Bull & Female Sale, Ridge Spring, S.C.

Feb. 22 — 3rd Annual Blue Ridge Brutes Bull & Commercial Female Sale, Mt. Airy, N.C.

Feb. 22 — Hunt’s H+ Brangus Bull & Female Sale, Calhoun, Ga.

Feb. 22 — Saluda County Cattlemen’s Association 33rd Annual Replacement Heifer Sale, Saluda, S.C.

Mar. 1 — Gibbs Farms 2nd Annual Spring Sale, Ranburne, Ala.

Mar. 1 — N.C. Angus Association 80th Annual Meeting & Banquet, Yadkinville, N.C.

Mar. 8 — March Madness Replacement Female & Bull Sale, Monroe, N.C.

Mar. 14 — S.C. Angus Association Annual Meeting & Banquet, Clemson, S.C.

Mar. 15 — 52nd Annual Carolina Angus Futurity, Clemson, S.C.

Mar. 29 — CEGO Enterprises Private Treaty Bull Sale, Cerro Gordo, N.C.

Mar. 29 — G&E Virginia Premium Assured Heifer Sale, Gretna, Va.

Apr. 12 — Knoll Crest Farm Spring Bull & Female Sale, Red House, Va.

Oct. 18 — Fred Smith Company Ranch Extra Effort Sale, Clayton, N.C.

Oct. 24-25 — Yon Family Farms Maternal Roots Fall Female & Bull Sale, Ridge Spring, S.C.

Dec. 6 — 50th Annual Union County Performance Tested Bull Sale, Monroe, N.C. 2026

Jan. 3 — 17th Annual EBS Farms Annual Bull & Female Sale, Norwood, N.C.

BRANGUS

Feb. 15 — Yon Family Farms Spring Bull & Female Sale, Ridge Spring, S.C.

Feb. 22 — Hunt’s H+ Brangus Bull & Female Sale, Calhoun, Ga.

Oct. 24-25 — Yon Family Farms Maternal Roots Fall Female & Bull Sale, Ridge Spring, S.C.

CHAROLAIS

Feb. 15 — Bottomley Cattle Company First Annual Heart of the Herd Bred Cow Sale, Wytheville, Va.

CHIANINA

Mar. 29 — CEGO Enterprises Private Treaty Bull Sale, Cerro Gordo, N.C.

GELBVIEH

Feb. 15 — Locust Hill Cattle Company 4th Annual Bull & Female Sale, Pelham, N.C.

Feb. 22 — 3rd Annual Blue Ridge Brutes Bull & Commercial Female Sale, Mt. Airy, N.C.

Feb. 22 — Saluda County Cattlemen’s Association

33rd Annual Replacement Heifer Sale, Saluda, S.C.

Dec. 6 — 50th Annual Union County Performance Tested Bull Sale, Monroe, N.C.

HEREFORD

Feb. 22 — Saluda County Cattlemen’s Association

33rd Annual Replacement Heifer Sale, Saluda, S.C.

Mar. 8 — March Madness Replacement Female & Bull Sale, Monroe, N.C.

Mar. 21 — N.C. Hereford Association Annual Meeting & Banquet, Statesville, N.C.

Mar. 22 — 57th Annual N.C. Hereford Classic Sale, Union Grove, N.C.

Apr. 12 — Knoll Crest Farm Spring Bull & Female Sale, Red House, Va.

MAINE ANJOU

Mar. 29 — CEGO Enterprises Private Treaty Bull Sale, Cerro Gordo, N.C.

RED ANGUS

Feb. 15 — Bottomley Cattle Company First Annual Heart of the Herd Bred Cow Sale, Wytheville, Va.

Feb. 22 — 3rd Annual Blue Ridge Brutes Bull & Commercial Female Sale, Mt. Airy, N.C.

Mar. 8 — March Madness Replacement Female & Bull Sale, Monroe, N.C.

SANTA GERTRUDIS

Mar. 8 — March Madness Replacement Female & Bull Sale, Monroe, N.C.

SIMMENTAL

Feb. 15 — Yon Family Farms Spring Bull & Female Sale, Ridge Spring, S.C.

Feb. 22 — 3rd Annual Blue Ridge Brutes Bull & Commercial Female Sale, Mt. Airy, N.C.

Feb. 22 — Saluda County Cattlemen’s Association 33rd Annual Replacement Heifer Sale, Saluda, S.C.

Mar. 1 — Gibbs Farms 2nd Annual Spring Sale, Ranburne, Ala.

Mar. 8 — March Madness Replacement Female & Bull Sale, Monroe, N.C.

Oct. 18 — Fred Smith Company Ranch Extra Effort Sale, Clayton, N.C.

Oct. 24-25 — Yon Family Farms Maternal Roots Fall Female & Bull Sale, Ridge Spring, S.C.

Dec. 6 — 50th Annual Union County Performance Tested Bull Sale, Monroe, N.C. 2026

Jan. 3 — 17th Annual EBS Farms Annual Bull & Female Sale, Norwood, N.C.

WAGYU

Nov. 1 — Wilders Wagyu StayWILD ‘25 Production Sale, Turkey, N.C.

OTHER EVENTS

Feb. 4-6 — Cattle Industry Convention & NCBA Trade Show, San Antonio, Tex.

Feb. 5-7 — Southern Farm Show, Raleigh, N.C.

Feb. 20 — N.C. Forage & Grassland Council Winter Conference, Hickory, N.C.

Feb. 21-22 — N.C. Cattle Conference, Hickory, N.C.

LIVESTOCK MARKET SALES

Feb. 3 — Harward Brothers Livestock Market Weekly Sale, Statesville,N.C.

Feb. 3 — Saluda Livestock Exchange Weekly Sale, Saluda, S.C.

Feb. 4 — Mid-Atlantic Cattle Sales Video Auction, via macsvideo.com

Feb. 5 — Stanly County Livestock Market Weekly Sale, Norwood, N.C.

Feb. 10 — Harward Brothers Livestock Market Weekly Sale, Statesville, N.C.

Feb. 10 — Saluda Livestock Exchange Weekly Sale, Saluda, S.C.

Feb. 11 — Stanly County Livestock Market Weekly Sale, Norwood, N.C.

Feb. 17 — Harward Brothers Livestock Market Weekly Sale, Statesville, N.C.

Feb. 17 — Saluda Livestock Exchange Weekly Sale, Saluda, S.C.

Feb. 18 — Mid-Atlantic Cattle Sales Video Auction, via macsvideo.com

Feb. 19 — Stanly County Livestock Market Weekly Sale, Norwood, N.C.

Feb. 24 — Harward Brothers Livestock Market Weekly Sale, Statesville, N.C.

Feb. 24 — Saluda Livestock Exchange Weekly Sale, Saluda, S.C.

Feb. 26 — Stanly County Livestock Market Weekly Sale, Norwood, N.C.