The Carolina Cattle Connection - Volume 34, Issue No. 6 (JUNE 2020)

The Carolina Cattle Connection 2228 N. Main Street Fuquay-Varina, NC 27526 Address Service Requested

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HEREFORD Spotlight on

CC C

JUNE 2020 •

Vol. 34, Issue No. 6

arolina attle onnection

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ONNECTION Amazing Grazing — Managing Grazing Systems in a COVID-19 World, by Johnny Rogers …... page 20 American Angus Association News …….….….….….….….….….….….….….….….….….….….….…...... page 27 American Simmental Association ….….….….….….….….….….….….….….….….….….….….….….….... page 25 Animal Agriculture Alliance News ….….….….….….….….….….….….….….….….….….….….….….…... page 34 Ashley’s Beef Corner — Beefit, by Ashley W. Herring ….….….….….….….….…............….….….….. page 18 Beef Checkoff News ….….….….….….….….….….….….….….….….….….….….….….….….….….….….….. page 45 Beef Cuts and Recommended Cooking Methods …..….….….….….….….….….….….….….….….….. page 48 Beef Quality Assurance Update …...........….….….….….….….….….….….….….….….….….….…….….. page 25 BioZyme Incorporated News .….….….….….….….….….….….….….….….….….….….….….….….…...... page 56 Boehringer Ingelheim News .….….….….….….….….….….….….….….….….….….….….….….….….….... page 28 Brookside Agra News .….….….….….….….….….….….….….….….….….….….….….….….….….….….…... page 33 Carolina Cooking — Foil Packet Beef & Vegetable Me.….….….….….….….….….….….….….….….. page 37 Carolina Video and Load Lot Monthly Summary ….….….….….….….….….….…....….….….….….... page 22 Cattlemen’s Beef Board Update, by Greg Hanes .….….….….….….….….…......….….….….….….….. page 38 Director’s Report — Moving Forward Together, by Travis Mitchell .….….…..….….….….….…....... page 3 E.B.’s View from the Cow Pasture — Limited Space, by E.B. Harris …........................................... page 21 Five Ways COVID-19 Has Transformed the Food Supply Chain ….….….….…..…...….….…......... page 51 June is Beef Month Proclamation .….….….….….….….….….….….….….….….….….….….….…..….….. page 39 N.C. Forage & Grassland Council Forage Spotlight — Observations, by Mike & Jean Jones ….….….….….….….….….….….….…..….….….….….…......... page 23 N.C. BCIP Bull Test Health Form ….….….….….….….….….….….….….….….….…...….….….….…......... page 55 N.C. BCIP Bull Test Nomination Form ….….….….…..….….….….….….….….….….….….….…............. page 54 N.C. Weekly Livestock Report ….….….….….….….….….….….….….….….….….….….….….….…......... page 29 National Cattlemen’s Beef Association Myth of the Month .….….….….….….….….….….….….... page 32 National Cattlemen’s Beef Association News ….….….….….….….….….….….….….….….….…...….. page 49 National Institute for Animal Agriculture News …..….….….….….….….….….….….….….….….…... page 41 NCBA President’s Report — Times of Crisis, by Marty Smith …...................................................... page 32 New NCCA Members for 2020 ….….….….….….….….….….….….….….….….….….….….….….…......... page 42 North Carolina Cattle Receipts, Trends, and Prices ….….….….….….….….….….….….….….…....... page 33 On the Edge of Common Sense — Team Roping Handicap, by Baxter Black …..…..….….…....... page 21 Premier Select Sires News ….….….….…........….….….….….….….….….….….….….….….….….…......... page 36 Rules and Regulations Governing the Operation of the North Carolina Bull Test Stations ........ page 52 S.C. Beef Council News, by Roy Copelan ….….….….….….….….….….….….….….….….….….….……... page 38 S.C. Charolais News, by Georgeanne Webb .….….….….….….….….….….….….….….….….….….…..... page 34 South Carolina Cattle Receipts, Trends, and Prices ….….….….….….….….….….….….….….…........ page 37 The Simmental Trail, by Jennie Rucker ….….….….….….….….….….….….….….….….….….….….….….. page 24 You Decide!, by Dr. Mike Walden …….….….….….….….….….….….….….….….….….….….….….….…... page 22 Zoetis Quick Tips ….….….….….….….….….….….….….….….….….….….….….….….….….….….….…........ page 44

HEREFORD American Hereford Association News, page 8

Cattle and Crowns — Developing Leadership through the N.C. Hereford Royalty Program, page 16 Dams of Distinction Honored, page 13

High Country Farm — Boone, N.C., by Claudia Austin, page 4 In Remembrance, page 9

Managing Herefords — Hereford Heritage, page 10 N.C. BCIP Bull Test Sales, page 12

N.C. Cattlemen’s Association Annual Conference, page 9 N.C. Hereford Association Scholarship Winner, page 5 N.C. Junior Hereford Report, by Josie Correll, page 15

North Carolina Hereford Association Board of Directors, page 17 North Carolina Hereford Sale Honorees, page 6

Scenes from the 2020 NCHA Judging in January, page 7

The 52nd Annual N.C. Hereford Classic Sale is Dedicated to Reggie & Patty Lookabill, by Brittany Lookabill Skeen, page 6

Trip to the World Hereford Conference 2020, by Kim & Lori Prestwood, page 12 UK Hereford Breeders Visit North Carolina, page 10

North Carolina Cattlemen’s Association President JEREMY LEE 5153 Battle Run Drive • Catawba, NC 28609 Vice Presidents KARL GILLESPIE 860 Corbin Road • Franklin, NC 28734 BURON LANIER 2877 Piney Woods Road • Burgaw, NC 28425 SCOTT WEST 489 Panacea Springs Road • Littleton, NC 27850 Immediate Past President MIKE COX P.O. 1317 • Elon, NC 27244 NCBA Policy Division Director - FRED SMITH, JR. NCBA Federation Division Director RALPH BLALOCK, JR. Beef Board Director - ROBERT CRABB Secretary/Treasurer - EVERETT JOHNSON Directors At Large MATT POORE • NEIL BOWMAN • TODD SEE

The Carolina Cattle Connection Vol. 34, No. 6 JUNE 2020 Sales and Publication Office 2228 N. Main Street Fuquay-Varina, NC 27526

Phone: 919-552-9111 or 919-552-9112 Fax: 919-552-9216 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.

Manager, N.C.

STAFF

BRYAN BLINSON

Manager, S.C. TRAVIS MITCHELL

Editor and Advertising Director CASEY L. HINNANT

Executive Director BRYAN K. BLINSON Assistant Editor and Proofreader 2228 N. Main Street • Fuquay-Varina, NC 27526

KIM BURDGE

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

N.C. Circulation

KIM BURDGE

Administrative Assistant - KIM BURDGE

S.C. Circulation

To Be Announced

South Carolina Cattlemen’s Association Executive Director TRAVIS MITCHELL Phone: 864-803-1126 Email: twmitch@clemson.edu S.C. Beef Council ROY COPELAN Phone: 803-917-1119 Email: scbeef@scda.sc.gov Website: www.sccattle.org Executive Committee President - Thomas Legare 1st Vice President - Roscoe Kyle Secretary - Carol Hendrix Treasurer - Eric Seymour Past President - Cecil Eaddy

William Brigman, Latta • Joe Oswald, IV, Allendale Roscoe Kyle, Inman • Terry Kirkland, Batesburg Eddie Evans, Easley • Cecil Eaddy, Manning Thomas Legare, Johns Island • Richard Sox, Lexington Carol Hendrix, Westminister • Clay Alexander, Starr Timmy Benton, Walterboro • Michael Bailey, Lancaster Dale Wilson, Abbeville • Thomas Jones, Marion Lee Haddon, Gaffney • Jack Ferguson, York Drake Yon, Ridge Spring • Gene Crim, St. Matthews

Material in The Carolina Cattle Connection is not to be reproduced in total or in part without the written permission of the Editor. All submissions becom property of The Carolina Cattle Connection, but we make every effort to return items such as photographs and artwork as requested.

The Carolina Cattle Connection, the official publication of the N.C. Cattlemen’s Association and the S.C. Cattlemen’s Association is published monthly by the N.C. Cattlemen’s Association.

A complementary subscription is included with membership to each state’s association. Nonmember subscriptions are $25 per year.

All address changes for NCCA members to: The Carolina Cattle Connection 2228 N. Main Street Fuquay-Varina, NC 27526.

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Our

breed Spotlight special sections are excellent forums to r e ac h p r o d u c e r s a n d cattle industry insiders in the Carolinas and throughout the S outheast . A dvertisers also receive a special discount for placing their message in the Spotlight.

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Director’s Report

By TRAVIS MITCHELL, Executive Director, SCCA

Moving Forward Together As I write this article, our nation is still in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic. Signs of optimism are beginning to appear with the reopening of some businesses and restaurants. I hope and pray this trend continues and life can return back to normal soon. Life on the farm, however, is business as usual.

Cattle are still being fed and cared for while spring hay harvest is in full swing.

Many producers have been challenged with strong thunderstorms and tornadoes recently, which have added additional fence work to the long list of jobs to complete. It is impossible to be fully prepared when hit by storms of life, but rest assured, brighter days are ahead.

The beef cattle industry is facing its own set of challenges today. The COVID-19 pandemic has placed a huge strain on the cattle market and the ability to keep the supply chain running at full capacity. I applaud the tremendous amount of work being done in Washington by the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association. The S.C. Cattlemen’s Association, along with other affiliate

organizations, continues to monitor key components that could impact our cattle producers. We are living with a very fluid situation, and the responsibility for us to look after your best interest has not been taken lightly. In late March, the North Carolina and South Carolina Cattlemen’s Associations signed a letter with NCBA to Secretary Sonny Perdue. The letter urged him to “take immediate action to provide much needed relief to cattle producers who have been negatively impacted due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.”

We are reminded during these tough times of the tremendous benefits of our Association. One unified voice standing together to protect our interest is vital during these times of uncertainty. Your membership is appreciated and valued to provide us with the tools needed to protect this great industry. Together, we will get through these tough times and come out as a stronger association moving forward. It is our job to promote and protect the beef cattle industry, both locally and nationally. Because of your support, we are ready for the job.

ALL Regular Copy for the

JULY ISSUE

by JUNE 5!

ALL Spotlight Material for the JULY ISSUE

By JUNE 1!

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e Special

Spotlight on

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High Country Farm — Boone, N.C.

By CLAUDIA AUSTIN High Country Farm has always been home to cattle, but originally they were crossbred. My father, Claud, first showed Shorthorn cross steers at the N.C. State Fair in Dorton Area during the 1950s.

He and my grandfather, James, made the decision to switch to purebred Polled Hereford cattle and bought our first cow in the Watauga Hereford Association Show & Sale in September 1969. She cost a whopping $210 ($1,500 today’s value) as a bred nine-year-old cow with a heifer calf at side from Double J Hereford Farm, Jay Teams, and was Bonny B breeding from Texas. She proceeded to have eight heifers and one bull calf until she left the farm at 19 years old.

Dad gave me her second heifer to keep, and every year I sold a calf to put the money in a savings account, allowing me to pay all four years of my college tuition. Dad kept most of her other heifers to build the herd and also bought several heifers from Raleigh Robinson of Robinson’s Polled Herefords in Asheville, North Carolina. Since the goal of switching to purebred cattle was to get back to showing, we first showed at the Caldwell County Agricultural Fair in 1971 as Austin’s Polled Herefords. This show was quite a big deal back then, and we won a third place ribbon, which Dad kept and was pretty proud of it. We had grand champion heifer in 1974 with Susie, a granddaughter of his original cow.

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We showed cattle every year at the Caldwell Fair until they ceased to have an open show for beef cattle in 2009.

We met our first cattle friends in the Caldwell barn, friends that we still have today - the Blinsons, the Willis family, the Prestwoods, the Rucker family, and my “Uncle” Clinton Walsh. The best part of the show was the sense of community and time spent with barn family. You could put up your sign and fans in the same nail holes you had used for years. One year on a Friday night, they had a disco in the show arena, and Uncle Clinton and I shut the place down. It was a true family in that barn, not like any other show I’ve ever been to since.

As I got older and was able to help do more things, it was the three of us, Papa Austin, my dad, and I, taking care of the farm. I helped Papa Austin feed the cows after school since Dad was at work. Those were the luckiest cows on the planet; Papa was a believer in fat cows. Each mama cow got a gallon scoop of ground corn every day, even though Dad didn’t approve. No wonder they were all waiting outside the barn for us to come feed them! My grandmother, Mama Della, cut down a pair of my grandfather’s old overalls for me to wear, and he gave me his old jacket and red and black plaid hat with ear flaps. Papa Austin

The Carolina Cattle Connection q JUNE 2020

had a walking stick whenever he walked on the pasture, so he cut me one too, and we were off to feed cows.

Dad and I were in charge of getting the show heifers and bulls ready. Papa Austin was terribly proud of the show division, but he just wanted to come watch the show. So Dad and I broke the bulls and heifers and worked hair. Cow hair was a different deal back then. You wanted it as long as possible, combed it one direction while wet, pulled with a four row kind of comb from hip to neck, then combed it straight up. It was the waviest hair you ever saw, like hedge rows next to each other. You also teased the tail out as big as possible. That was one of my jobs, to get the switch of the tail wide.

I went to N.C. State in the ‘80s, picking up a few new ideas for the farm, and Dad was always willing to try them.

He said he sent me to State to learn, so why would he not try them? We started artificially inseminating our better cows and tried embryo transplant twice. The A.I. calves started to look like they could stand a little more competition, so we expanded our show circuit to include the Appalachian Fair, Tennessee Valley A&I, Dixie Classic, and State Fairs in North Carolina, South Carolina, and Virginia.

Uncle Clinton had an excellent herd of Horned Herefords and traveled with us

to many fairs. Boy, did we have fun on the road together. That was when you traveled with C.B. radios; Dad’s call sign was High Country, and Uncle Clinton was Oak Leaf.

Dad and I decided to change the name of the farm from Austin’s to High Country around this time. My first really good show heifer, Dolly, was from the James Smallings herd in Tennessee.

She won her class at almost every show, including some divisional titles and a couple of grands. The one place she didn’t win was the junior show at Raleigh; she was fourth. Dad was working the chutes and saw me come back down the aisle.

He asked how Dolly did, and I said a bad word. My mom didn’t come for many shows, but she was there for that one, and I sort of forgot she was. All my dad said was, “Your mother is sitting over there.”

I’ll never forget her expression when I turned and realized she had heard me say the bad word. I still have two fourthgreat-granddaughters and two fifth-greatgranddaughters of Dolly in the herd.

We tried to have a heifer to go into the N.C. Hereford Association Sale every spring. We had to watch Papa Austin at that sale. Sometimes he would make up his mind he was going to buy something, even though Dad and I had decided we weren’t because we had a really good calf crop that year. So he would come to the sale with plenty of cash in the bib of

e Special his overalls because he didn’t want my grandmother to know how much he spent.

Dad and I knew immediately when he got in the truck that it was one of those years he was determined to buy something, so while Dad drove, I would be going through the catalog in more detail to steer him where we wanted him to go.

We usually came home with the one we picked out, and all those turned out to help our bloodlines, but it sure was a lot a pressure to decide on which one on the 45 minute drive when you hadn’t really analyzed the catalog.

Dad sold many bulls off the farm to repeat customers. He was very proud that buyers would return time after time to purchase herd bulls. We also consigned cattle to the Watauga Hereford Association sale in the fall. It was a group effort. We would pool our consignments with Lonnie Isaacs and Jim Love. Dad and Jim would wash all the cattle while Mr. Lonnie and Papa Austin would supervise. They would all come to our farm because we had put in a concrete wash rack. Most of the sale cattle were not halter broken at all, so it was usually a wild ride. My job was to soap them up, scrub the tails, and fetch and carry whatever was called for, such as glasses of water for the supervisors. The workers just drank out of the hose. With cattle from three farms, the total washed could be 10-20 head. It was a crazy Friday before the sale on Saturday.

Spotlight on

HEREFORD

I must pause here to write about Dad’s friend, Jim Love. They would do anything to help each other and had been close friends for many years when Dad passed in 2014. I always knew I could call Bubba if I ever needed anything, and that’s still true today. It was a great example of what true friendship should be, and I am grateful to have witnessed that for myself.

Dad never lost his love for showing cattle or spending time with his cattle friends. After I aged out of showing junior cattle, we still showed but would loan our best heifer to a junior to show. Two of the first of these were Mike Willis and Chad Davis, and we were always close with these families after that. When the Davis family came to the Appalachian Fair for the first time, Jim asked Dad if there was an easier way to get back over to North Carolina and could Dad draw him a map.

Dad drew a picture of the back of our trailer, handed it to Jim, and said, “Keep this in your sight!” There is not enough room to mention all our cattle friends and all our adventures, but please know he loved you all and you were important to him and still are to me, probably more than you know.

After I graduated from N.C. State, I worked for USDA, and my job was about 200 miles away from the farm. I was home usually 1-2 weekends a month, so Dad and I would spend time in the barn, or putting up hay, or fencing, which was my least favorite task. I have never met anyone who liked to fence or was more particular about putting up a fence than Dad. We would halter break and comb calves. We would sit in our lawn chairs

Section f

and discuss what breeding worked this year, which calves to keep, what to sell, which cow to breed to which bull.

We showed cattle until 2012, although we did cut down to only the Dixie Classic and N.C. State Fair. We also cut down from traveling with eight head to two. We were loading the trailer several years ago, and Dad asked how did we ever load up 6-8 head and go to ten fairs. I said there’s a big difference between 20 and 47 and 40 and 67, and we are the latter! He did hate that walk to and from tie out at the Dixie Classic.

In 2006, Callie Birdsell rented my grandparent’s farmhouse for a couple of years. Dad was happy as a clam.

Someone who knew about cattle and shows, and she quickly became like a daughter to him. I have often told her I think Dad would trade me in for her. She always denies it, but I think he really would have. She was so much help to him when I couldn’t be there and adopted me as a big sister. Barn family roots run deep.

Dad was diagnosed with lymphoma in January of 2013 and passed in January

of 2014. I still have four cows and half of a bull. Since I live too far away to look after the small herd myself, Darius Jones has taken over as herd manager since Dad got sick. He started working with Dad when he was in high school, loyally still looking after everything at High Country Farm. Dad always wanted to be a 50 year breeder of Hereford cattle, and I am proud to say that Darius helped me accomplish that last year. I can never thank him enough for all he does.

High Country Farm had a junior exhibitor, Heidi Spainhour, show a heifer this year for the first time since I lost Dad. I think he would be proud to have High Country breeding back in the show ring again, and I know he would love that the person showing the heifer was a junior.

High Country Farm is a legacy of family, love, and friends. I hope it always is.

N.C. Hereford Association Scholarship Winner Regan Mitchem is the recipient of the 2020 N.C. Hereford Association Scholarship. She is the daughter of Wayne and Crystal Mitchem. Regan, her parents, and her younger sister, Jordan, raise Hereford cattle in the western part of the state. She has been a member of the N.C. Junior Hereford Association for seven years. She has shown Hereford cattle, served as a N.C. Hereford Princess, attended multiple Junior National Hereford Expos, attended Faces of Leadership, and served in the officer positions of secretary and president. This fall, she will be a sophomore at N.C. State University where she is double majoring in animal science and nutrition.

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The 52nd Annual N.C. Hereford Classic Sale is Dedicated to Reggie and Patty Lookabill

By BRITTANY LOOKABILL SKEEN “Faith, Family, and Livestock.” A quote the Lookabill family has come to be known for in the Hereford breed. When I received the call stating the committee had decided to dedicate the sale to Daddy and Mom, I became overwhelmed with emotion. I could not be happier for both of them to be honored in this way. They have given so much to their family, our barn family, the North Carolina and American Hereford Associations, and the youth of the Hereford Association.

Reggie and Patty were married on March 31, 1989. Two families were blended. When Daddy met Mom, she had been living the farming and agriculture life since birth. She was born into a family who operated a dairy farm and ran a herd of Hereford cattle. Andy, Patty’s son, was showing cattle on a local, state, and national level. Daddy and I jumped right in! This began my showing career at the age of three and is where their story began!

others; that is just their nature. They have both been a part of the Davidson County Rescue Squad for 20+ years.

Both have held leadership roles within the organization, and Daddy served as chief for numerous years.

If they are not home or working to serve the public in their medical professions, you can find them at their church. Both Reggie and Patty are active members of Beulah United Church of Christ in the small town of Welcome, N.C., where they reside. This small country church is where they have attended since marriage and are both devoted to numerous leadership roles and committees within.

While reflecting on the things that stand out to me about my parents, other than just the life they gave Andy and me growing up, I think of all the opportunities they provided me. Not just showing and being N.C. Hereford Queen, but they are committed to serving others with medical care at all times, no matter where they are when the need arises. In addition, they have committed their time and efforts to raise funds at their church and with the NCJHA to purchase an AED (Automatic

Reggie and Patty are the children of David and Martha Lookabill and Maxine and the late Charles Koontz, all of Lexington, N.C., respectively. They have two children, Andrew (Andy) Berrier, whose son is Tyler, and Brittany and her husband Jeffery, with Noah and Jonah being their children. God has blessed our family.

With Daddy being a paramedic and Mom an RN and later a Nurse Practitioner, they have always helped

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The Carolina Cattle Connection q JUNE 2020

External Defibrillator) to have on site.

While we pray the defibrillator will never be needed, it is a comfort to know that it is in the barns and at livestock events now in the event an emergency would ever deem it medically necessary.

When people reflect upon Reggie and Patty Lookabill, I imagine they may think of various things. Some may immediately vision their love for the Lord and the willingness to serve. Others may imagine their medical talents and how at some point, they may have helped them. Most

probably see Hereford cattle and the pride they take in building a primarily bred-andowned herd, to be proud of their own work for what they have. The vast majority, I feel, immediately see the love they have for their three grandsons. While all of these visions are possible, I know family would be the first one I easily visualize.

I was blessed with wonderful parents, and we, their family, are so thankful, as I know they are, for the Association to honor them with the dedication of the 2020 N.C. Hereford Classic Sale.

I got a great buy in the Classifieds in The Carolina Cattle Connection!

Check out the expert A.I, superior genetics, fine purebreds and terrific farm supplies offered!

North Carolina Hereford Sale Honorees

The sale is dedicated each year to a person selected by the previous three honorees.

2020 - Reggie & Patty Lookabill 2019 - Dale White 2018 - Bill Perry, Keith Blinson, & All Charter Members 2017 - Phil Fishel, Jr. 2016 - Earl Forrest 2015 - John Wheeler 2014 - Bryan Blinson Family 2013 - Harry Myers 2012 - Michael Mericka 2011 - Jim Love 2010 - Robert Smith 2009 - Frank Myers 2008 - James Triplett 2007 - Rick Kern

2006 - Colon Nifong 2005 - Bill Gragg 2004 - Porter Claxton 2003 - Bill Mericka 2002 - McCoy Family 2001 - Roy Ammons 2000 - Jim Davis 1999 - Teeter Family 1998 - Kim Prestwood 1997 - Bob Rhyne 1996 - Jack Shanks 1996 - Roy Haberkern 1994 - Kenneth Buckner 1993 -Fred Hyatt 1992 - Bill Perry 1991 - Keith Blinson

Scenes from the 2020 NCHA Judging in January

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Beef Consumers Seek Tr a n s p a r e n c y, B r a n d Tr u s t .

Understanding what motivates consumers in their beef purchases. Before grocery store shelves were laid bare in the early days of the ongoing pandemic, food researcher Anne-Marie Roerink of 210 Analytics released findings from an annual study of meat case trends and consumer behavior.

She shared what she learned with cattle producers at The Brand Marketing Summit, an event hosted by the American Hereford Association.

“To me, food is a fascinating category to look at as a researcher,” Roerink said. “We’ve been doing the Power of Meat on behalf of the Food Marketing Institute and the National North American Meat Institute.”

Researchers have conducted the

News

study for about 15 years, asking 1,500 consumers detailed questions about their meat purchases.

“We tend to look at consumer behavior and attitudes a lot, and that means what does a consumer do in the grocery store, how do they interact with our food at home? What are their attitudes as it relates to the meat category in specific?” Roerink said. “With all of that information, we hope to help the meat industry all the way from farm to fork, as we say, be better at really meeting the needs and the wants, which is a big thing in today’s environment of the consumer.”

In asking consumers these questions, Roerink and her team are able to gather valuable information to pass on to the producers. For the beef industry, she offered insight.

“Where I think the beef industry

has a lot of ground to gain is in teaching people more about beef, so to make sure that not everything is ground or meatballs or burgers, but really giving the younger generations more comfort with preparing roasts and ribs and what they consider the more difficult cuts as well,” she said.

When it comes to the next generation of shoppers, transparency will win the day, Roerink explained.

“We have a lot of opportunity to connect with Millennials in new and different ways. It’s also a lot more need for transparency,” she said. “It’s wanting to know more about where does it come from, where was it raised, how was it raised, what did it eat, and I think that is a huge opportunity for producers to connect with consumers on.”

“To me, transparency is the currency of trust, and the more we can show, the more the consumer will start to link again to the brand and to the eating experience, and that just means a win all the way around,” Roerink said.

At the meat case, Certified Hereford Beef ® is one way the nation’s cattle producers are capitalizing on a great eating experience – and building a

Fowken

positive story about how their product is raised.

Merck Animal Health and American Hereford Association Announce Five Year Educational Partnership. Program to support education, leadership, and research initiatives. Merck Animal Health (known as MSD Animal Health outside the United States and Canada) announces its five year partnership with the American Hereford Association (AHA) to educate members and cattle producers on the importance of animal health programs in maximizing cattle’s genetic potential.

Through the partnership, Merck Animal Health will lead educational sessions at the AHA’s Annual Membership Meeting and Conference, as well as at the association’s in-person and online educational opportunities.

“Merck Animal Health is proud to partner with the American Hereford Association to deliver the latest information on building animal health programs and protocols that help improve cattle wellbeing and performance,” says Kevin Mobley, executive director of cattle sales and marketing for Merck

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Norris Fowler • 864-219-0182 Rogers Fowler • 864-426-3281 www.fowkenfarm.com

The Carolina Cattle Connection q JUNE 2020

Animal Health. “The AHA has a strong history and even brighter future as it continues to serve and educate its growing membership, including its younger members and future leaders of the industry.”

The new partnership will support the value of developing strong genetic and animal health programs. “It’s great to have Merck Animal Health work with our team,” says Jack Ward, AHA executive vice president. “Animal care and health are critical to the success

of our producers’ operations, and we look forward to Merck Animal Health’s contributions in this educational effort.”

Submit photos and support the Hereford Youth Foundation - To help kick off the new partnership, cattle producers are encouraged to share a photo showing them using a Merck Animal Health product with their own cattle. For every photo submitted to the AHA, Merck Animal Health will donate $100 (up to $15,000 total) to support the Hereford Youth Foundation of America.

N.C. Cattlemen’s Association Annual Conference

The N.C. Hereford Association once again attended the N.C. Cattlemen’s Association Annual Conference in Hickory. The 69th Convention was held on February 28-29. We had our display set up and enjoyed visits by many. It is always a good time to meet producers and to see and visit with friends.

This year we were honored to have our National Hereford Queen, Melanie Fishel, with us for a meet and greet time. She was a big hit with both the young and old folks!

Thank you to all who came out and helped. This is a very educational event with hands on sessions. We hope to see you next year.

The foundation is dedicated to scholarship, leadership, and educational support of youth in the business of raising Hereford cattle.

“We encourage our adult and youth members, as well as commercial cattle producers to submit photos showing how you implement your animal health protocols using Merck Animal Health products,” says Ward. “Not only do health programs add value to cattle, the photos you share will generate funds for our educational, leadership, and research efforts of the Hereford Youth Foundation of America.”

Submit photos via Facebook Messenger to the AHA and use #HerefordStrong in the message. Photos must be submitted by September 15. By providing a photo, the participant grants Merck Animal Health and the AHA permission to use the photo for purposes of advertising, publicity, trade, display, exhibition, and any other commercial or other business purpose.

Merck Animal Health offers trusted, innovative products and programs to help keep cattle healthy and productive.

About the American Hereford

Association. The American Hereford Association, with headquarters in Kansas City, Mo., is one of the largest U.S. beef breed associations. The not-for-profit organization, along with its subsidiaries — Certified Hereford Beef (CHB) LLC, Hereford Publications Inc. (HPI), and American Beef Records Association (ABRA) — provides programs and services for its members and their customers while promoting the Hereford breed and supporting education, youth, and research.

In Remembrance The North Carolina Hereford Association would like for you to take a few minutes to pay tribute to these three men that went to be with our Lord in the last year. They are Earl Forrest, Bill Kirkman Jr., and Harry Myers.

They were very involved with our association and are truly missed.

Our thoughts and prayers are with their families.

2020 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 2020. 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.

2020 Reserved Spotlight Issues

JANUARY FEBRUARY MARCH APRIL MAY JUNE JULY AUGUST SEPTEMBER OCTOBER NOVEMBER DECEMBER

CHAROLAIS FORAGES ANGUS PEST MANAGEMENT BRAHMAN HEREFORD *************** SIMMENTAL SANTA GERTRUDIS *************** *************** RED ANGUS

Contact The Carolina Cattle Connection 2228 N. Main Street Fuquay-Varina, NC 27526 Phone - 919-552-9111 for the contact person for each Spotlight Issue.

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Managing Herefords — Hereford Heritage The Hereford breed originated as a product of necessity. Efficient, adaptable, and hardy, these cattle have always had a face to remember.

Nearly 300 years ago, farmers of Herefordshire, England, founded the breed in response to demand created by Britain’s Industrial Revolution. Efficient production, high yields, and sound reproduction were of utmost importance.

Benjamin Tomkins is who to thank for the original design. A primary founder of the breed, Tomkins began in 1742 with a bull calf from the cow Silver and two cows, Pidgeon and Mottle.

Henry Clay, Kentucky statesman, brought Herefords to the United States in 1817. A true Hereford identity was not established in the states until William H. Sotham and Erastus Corning, Albany, N.Y., began the first breeding herd in 1840.

Among other renowned early Hereford breeders were Charles Gudgell and Thomas A. Simpson of Missouri.

Their big break came with the importation of Anxiety 4, a bull credited as being the “father of American Herefords.”

A few of these early breeders came together in Chicago on June 22, 1881. The result was the foundation of the American Hereford Cattle Breeders Association, later renamed the American Hereford Association (AHA). Its purpose was twofold: to keep the breed’s records and to promote the interests of its breeders.

Seven years later, Warren Gammon noticed naturally hornless Herefords at the Trans-Mississippi World’s Fair in Omaha, Neb. He decided to fix the hornless trait using the bull Giant and 11 Hereford females. In 1910, the American Polled Hereford Association (APHA) was founded.

The two Hereford associations merged in 1995, keeping the AHA title.

The AHA now registers all horned and polled Herefords.

Through the years - Shows and expositions contributed greatly to a growing Hereford popularity. The breed’s doing ability, coupled with early maturity, revolutionized American beef production.

To achieve this desired early maturity, breeders in the 1930s and 1940s sought short, low set, wide and deep bodied cattle.

Success eventually became a downfall.

Compact, fat cattle continued to excel in the show ring into the 1950s.

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However, beef packers were starting to pay less for over fat cattle. The American diet was calling for leaner, more heavily muscled carcasses. Hereford breeders stepped up to the challenge.

Beginning in the 1960s, breeders focused their attention on tools such as performance testing, artificial insemination, objective measures, embryo transfer, and sire evaluation. These tools allowed the rapid genetic change needed to bring Herefords in synch with consumer and industry expectations.

A broad genetic base allowed Hereford breeders to select stock comparable in size and performance to competing “exotic” European breeds. Although major changes were made, breeders didn’t lose sight of fundamental Hereford traits, particularly fertility and docility.

A new goal was established in the late 1980s — formal documentation of Hereford performance in the feedlot and on the rail. Colorado State University animal scientists conducted related tests for the AHA from 1991 to 1993.

Superiority was noted in average daily gain, feed conversion, and cost of gain.

Further studies in the early 1990s demonstrated the quality of Hereford beef. Regardless of marbling, Hereford steers consistently excelled in tenderness, juiciness, flavor, and palatability.

These findings led to the formation of a branded beef product known as Certified Hereford Beef® (CHB). In 1994, the AHA, Midland Cattle Co., and its affiliate, MidAg, came together to market CHB. Mid-Ag, later renamed Red Oak Farms, was licensed as the exclusive seller of CHB. In October of 1998, the AHA board of directors pulled exclusivity from Red Oak Farms due to its failure to meet license covenants.

The Greater Omaha Packing Co. was licensed as the second company to produce and market CHB in November of 1999.

The following October, the AHA formed a limited liability corporation, CHB LLC, for management of the CHB program.

Hereford history was made during the second week of 2005. CHB had its first million pound week when packers sold approximately 1.3 million pounds of product to participating retail locations and foodservice outlets.

The CHB program has experienced 40 percent annual sales growth since

The Carolina Cattle Connection q JUNE 2020

2000, indicating the power of its mission: To strengthen demand for Hereford cattle, Certified Hereford Beef LLC commits superior customer service, competitive pricing, and creative marketing strategies to the sale of tender, great tasting Certified Hereford Beef within retail grocery stores, wholesale food distributors, and foodservice outlets.

Today’s Hereford - Today’s versatile Hereford continues to be the benchmark against which other breeds are measured as cattlemen continue to seek the optimum traits inherent in Herefords.

Those traits critical to survival in the

cattle business are exactly the same traits Hereford offers today’s industry: • Fertility • Reproductive performance • Feed efficiency • Optimum size and growth • Documented feedlot and carcass superiority • Low maintenance costs • Optimum muscling • Optimum milk • Adaptability and hardiness • Superior disposition • Soundness • Crossbreeding advantages

UK Hereford Breeders Visit North Carolina On January 14, North Carolina had a special treat. President of the Hereford Cattle Society of the United Kingdoms, Mark Roberts, and his wife, Maddy, visited the N.C. State University Beef Educational Unit. In attendance was N.C. Hereford Association Board Member, Pam Bissett; N.C. Cattlemen’s Association Executive Director, Bryan Blinson; 2020 National Hereford Queen, Melanie Fishel; and N.C. State University Agricultural Research Technician, Gary Gregory.

Everyone in attendance had an engaging conversation comparing both the Hereford industry and beef

industry as a whole in the United States with that of the United Kingdoms.

This unique experience provided the opportunity to network with Hereford breeders from across the globe while sharing experiences and advice.

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Trip to the World Hereford Conference 2020

By KIM & LORI PRESTWOOD March 2020 will be a memory of a lifetime! We celebrated 50 years of breeding registered Hereford cattle by attending the World Hereford Conference in New Zealand as well as the South Island Post Tour, which was hosted by the New Zealand Hereford Association. They did a great job of packing a tremendous amount of information in a short period of time as well as some breathtaking views.

While touring and seeing many Hereford cattle, we were shown such wonderful hospitality. We also had some amazing pastries and delicious foods at each stop.

Many new friends were made and a lot of catching up with friends we made at the WHC 2016 in Uruguay. Promises were made to stay in touch and meet again in 2024 at the WHC in the USA.

The speakers were very informative and spoke about genetics, what the consumers are looking for in beef, different aspects of grazing as well as feed efficiency. The conference was attended by approximately 400 people from around the world. All of them have ONE thing in common…” the love for the Hereford breed.”

While there, we toured many Hereford studs, most of which ran a sheep operation. While touring these studs, we learned that Herefords are one of the top breeds in New Zealand. Many Hereford bulls are used in the dairy industry with an emphasis on low birth weights, shorter gestation length, and carcass quality.

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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!

N.C. BCIP Bull Test Sales

While in New Zealand, COVID-19 became a huge concern. So much so that several countries called their people back home. The last day of the South Island Tour was cancelled. We arrived back to the U.S., not knowing what we were facing. We self isolated for two weeks per protocol. All in all, this was an experience of a lifetime, and we are so glad we were able to attend. Looking forward to 2024 in Kansas City.

The Carolina Cattle Connection q JUNE 2020

Waynesville Bull Test - There were 5 Hereford bulls on test with an ADG of 2.10 and WDA of 2.20. Lot 50 had the highest ADG for the first 84 days on test at 2.57. He was consigned by Bryson Westbrook of 4 B Farms in Shelby.

He is a Destin Finance 65Z R1 ET son out of a TH 65R 45P Tank daughter. Lot 46, also consigned by Bryson Westbrook, was the second highest gaining bull on test with an ADG of 2.40 for the first 84 days on test. He is a KCF Bennett Revolution X51 son out of an RHF Victor 424 daughter.

Butner Test Station - There were 7 Hereford bulls on the test with an overall average ADG of 2.28 and WDG of 2.38. Jim Davis of Terrace Farms in Lexington had the three highest ADG gaining bulls on the first 84 days test.

His Lot 75 is a KCF Bennett 936 B472 son out of a Walker FB CES JLO Brace 11 8E P7044 6ET daughter with an ADG of 2.93. Lot 74 is a KCF Bennett 936 B472 son out of a Golden Oak 4J Maxium 28M daughter with an ADG of 2.82.

John Wheeler of Double J Farm in Trap Hill consigned the top selling Hereford bull. He was a DJF Visionary Boyd Confidence son. Patricia Clary of Henderson purchased him.

Jim Davis of Terrace Farms had the top There were two Hereford bulls indexing Hereford Bull and was presented a plaque at the sale. that sold for an average of $2,075.

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Dams of Distinction Honored The Dams of Distinction program recognizes superior cows in the breed and the cattle producers who manage them based on data submitted to the American Hereford Association. Efficient, fertile, and productive females are the foundation of the most successful cow herds.

To qualify, a cow must have: • Weaned a calf born since January 1, prior to the qualifying year.

• Produced at least three calves.

• Initially calved at 30 months of age

or less.

• Had an interval between the first and second calves of no greater than 400 days. In addition, a 370 day calving interval must have been maintained after her second calf. The longer initial calving interval allows breeders to calve two-yearold heifers prior to the mature cow herd.

• Had weaning records submitted to the AHA Whole Herd Total Performance Records (TPR™) Program for every calf produced that was born before June 30 of the qualifying year.

North Carolina Pollettes Linda Davis – President Beth Blinson – Vice President Nancy Shanks – Secretary Peggy Blinson – Treasurer Brittany Skeen & Kim Eudy – Queen Co-chairs Directors - Brittany Skeen, Sharon Hice, and Shervawn Sockwell

• Had a progeny average 205 day adjusted weaning weight ratio of at least 105.

A cow receiving the Dam of Distinction honor meets the highest standards of commercial cattle production. The cow must do her job, but her owner must also manage the herd correctly to give her the opportunity to excel. Only a few active cows are recognized.

All heifers have the potential to be a Dam of Distinction, but only a small percentage fit the job description of an ideal cow year in and year out. For more information about the Dams of Distinction Program, visit www.Hereford.org, click on “Genetics” and select “Recognition Programs.” Females attaining the Dam of Distinction status are recognized with “DOD” after their names on the AHA website.

The 2019 Dams of Distinction list recognizes 2,837 Hereford cows from 748 Hereford performance herds in 41different states. North Carolina and South Carolina were both represented on the list.

Congratulations!

North Carolina • Porter Claxton, Jr. - Weaverville • David Hill Farms - Marshville • Double J Farm LLC - Traphill • Dolores Redmond - Statesville • Heath Smith - Greensboro • Taylors Mill Farm - Zebulon • Bryson Westbrook - Shelby South Carolina • Fowken Farm - Jonesville • Norris Fowler, Jr. - Jonesville • McConnell Polled Herefords - Marietta

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TH 22A 358C PIONEER 73E

CHURCHILL WILDCAT 7212E

Sire: TH 403 475Z PIONEER 358C ET Dam: TH 432Y 9050 LORETTA 22A

Sire: C ETF WILDCAT 4248 ET Dam: CHURCHILL LADY 2114Z

{DLF, HYF, IEF, MSUDF}

CE BW 11.6 0.4

WW 57

YW 97

MM 18

{DLF, HYF, IEF, MSUDF}

M&G 47

CE 0.9

Homozygous Polled; Owned with Terrace Farms & Topp Herefords

BW 3.1

WW YW MM 64 108 34

M&G 66

Homozygous Polled; Owned with Terrace Farms &Churchill Cattle Co.

Kevin Robinson - 336-399-9884 SCHU-LAR ASSET 36F

• Selected for the NRSP program at Olsen Ranch

KCF BENNETT HOMEWARD C776

• Leader in Cost of Gain, Residual Gain, Residual Feed Intake, Average Daily Gain, and Feed to Gain Reg. # 43910830 • DOB - 02/24/2018 SIRE: NJW 98S R117 Ribeye 88X ET MGS: SHF Rib Eye M326 R117

$40/straw

• Top 10 Tested ADG of 4.85 • Leader in Calving Ease & Growth

able:

Avail cate SEMEN ertifi

SIRE: NJW 73S W18 Hometown 10Y ET

• $50/c

Results like this Homeward son!

Five J’s Cattle Company

Jody Standley - 919-291-4212 • Kim Prestwood - 828-320-7317

Blinson Polled Herefords - Lenoir

GEORGE WARD - 434-251-3637

McCoy Cattle Farms - Cove City

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

Myron & Sharon McCoy • 252-637-4995 Charlie & Kristen McCoy • 252-229-4602

Double J Farm, LLC - Traphill

N.C. State University - Raleigh

Five J’s Cattle Company - Clayton

North Pino Land & Cattle Company - Mocksville

John Wheeler • 910-489-0024 www.doublejfarmllc.com

Jody Standley • 919-291-4212 Kim Prestwood • 828-320-7317

Love Farms - Blowing Rock

Jim & Kathryn Love • 828-266-1438

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Rick Kern • 919-272-6124

Kevin Robinson • 336-399-9884

PAC Cattle Company - Elkin

Phillip, Dena, & Nora Cave • 336-902-7888 Preston & Emily Cave • 336-374-0640

The Carolina Cattle Connection q JUNE 2020

Rhyneland Farms - Harrisburg

Kim, Alexis, & Courtney Eudy • 704-589-7775 Bob & Pam Rhyne • 704-614-0826 www.rhynelandfarms.com

Taylor’s Mill Farm - Zebulon J. Brent Creech • 919-801-7561 www.tmfherefords.com

TDS Farm - Mount Gilead

Danny, Gina, & Sabrina Blake • 704-242-3028

Terrace Farms - Lexington

Jim & Linda Davis • 336-247-1554 Chad Davis • 336-479-2009

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N.C. Junior Hereford Report

By JOSIE CORRELL Reporter, NCJHA Educational Workshop - In November of 2019, the N.C. Hereford Association hosted an educational workshop. Eleven junior members attended the workshop to learn about nutrition, marketing, and opportunities for junior members. Melanie Fishel spoke on the qualifications and duties of the National Hereford Queen. Regan Mitchem explained the opportunities

these young people can advocate for the beef industry. Hailee and Josie learned many skills and made many new friends.

With the N.C. Hereford Banquet and Sale cancelled due to the restrictions of the Governor’s orders, the juniors were unable to have their meeting and fundraiser. Membership dues for 2020

N.C. JUNIOR HEREFORD ASSOCIATION Beef Education Unit. This event is made possible by the incredible organization of Brent Jennings and those in his office.

The N.C. Junior Hereford Association is excited to help so many young people practice the skill of judging and fellowship with friends.

of the Voices of Leadership program offered by the National Junior Hereford Association in the hopes of having more North Carolina youth sign up. Josie Correll presented her speech on Certified Hereford Beef as one example of the contest that juniors can participate in at the National Junior Hereford Expo.

Judging in January - The N.C. Junior Hereford Association started 2020 by hosting Judging in January. The weather was great, and the event was a success with hundreds of participants judging livestock at the E. Carroll Joyner

can be sent to: Crystal Mitchem 4393 West NC 27 Vale, NC 28168 The N.C. Juniors are still hopeful that they will have the opportunity to host the Southeastern Regional show on June 2527 in Fletcher.

Regan Mitchem – President Tyler Berrier – Vice President Hailee Bissett – Secretary/Treasurer Josie Correll – Reporter Advisors – Patty & Reggie Lookabill Crystal & Wayne Mitchem

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BEEF • PORK • LAMB • GOAT • OSTRICH Teeter Leadership Institute Several N.C. Junior Hereford members participated in the Teeter Leadership Institute at the N.C. Cattlemen’s Conference. Hailee Bissett and Josie Correll were selected to participate in the year long program that teaches leadership skills and promotes confidence so that

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Cattle and Crowns — Developing Leadership through the N.C. Hereford Royalty Program The N.C. Hereford Royalty Program has been a valuable asset to the Hereford industry in North Carolina for many years.

Those who participate in the program develop leadership skills while learning how to advocate for the Hereford breed and beef industry. The young women who wear the tiaras and sashes are considered to be the face of the Hereford breed in North Carolina and share their story and passion for the industry by attending shows, sales, and various events across the state. The program is sponsored by the North Carolina Pollettes and is led by North Carolina Hereford Royalty Program Advisor, Brittany Lookabill Skeen, who says, “I am thankful to be the advisor over the N.C. Hereford Royalty program for numerous reasons. This program means so much to me as I was the N.C. Hereford Queen previously, and it was a true pleasure to hold that title. I enjoy being with the girls, watching them grow

PAGE 16

and move up in rank, as well as develop into young women of the Hereford breed.”

The 2020 N.C. Hereford Royalty court includes: Queen - Josie Correll Princesses - Lakota Sockwell and Sierra Sockwell Sweethearts - Hailee Bissett, Lillee Bissett, Addison Revis, Kaylee Revis, Amber Shutsky, and Erica Shutsky The 2020 N.C. Hereford Queen, Josie Carson Correll, was crowned by previous N.C. Hereford Queen and current

The Carolina Cattle Connection q JUNE 2020

National Hereford Queen, Melanie Fishel, on May 2. Josie, the 16-year-old daughter of Cheryl McCoy Correll and David Correll, is a rising high school junior who is homeschooled and takes agriculture classes at West Rowan High School. Josie is active in 4-H, FFA, and junior rodeos.

She also helps operate her family’s vegetable farm. Josie is a great asset to the farm and is capable of many jobs, from operating heavy equipment to managing employees. She helps make hay for the beef herd, which consists of Hereford and Hereford crosses that started with the help of her grandparents and uncle at McCoy Cattle Farms. Today, the beef herd is predominantly Hereford, and Josie hopes to have registered cattle in the near future.

Josie’s love for Herefords started at an early age. She has always been a part of Hereford shows and the N.C. Hereford Association events alongside her parents

and grandparents. Josie’s grandparents have served many years as the Secretary/ Treasurer of the N.C. Hereford Association and Josie has grown up assisting with the annual banquet and sale and helping work the Hereford booth at the N.C. Cattlemen’s Conference and at the N.C. State Fair.

Advocating for the breed has become a passion of Josie’s as she has honed her skills in public speaking and leadership.

e Special Josie has served as the N.C. Junior Hereford Association Reporter. She has represented the breed as a N.C. Hereford Sweetheart for four years. Josie’s desire to advocate for the breed drove her desire to represent the breed as the N.C. Hereford Queen. During her reign, she would like to work with the N.C. Pollettes

Spotlight on

HEREFORD

to promote the breed to other families and get more young women involved in the association. The title of N.C. Hereford Queen gives Josie a chance to advocate for Herefords in many unique ways and at many events, and she is excited for every opportunity. Brittany Lookabill Skeen is also hopeful for Josie’s year as N.C. Hereford Queen, saying, “Josie Correll is a precious young lady with a huge amount of heart and knowledge. She is passionate about agriculture, Herefords, and the beef industry and is a prime example of what young leaders should be! She is going to do a phenomenal job!”

Melanie Faith Fishel, 22-yearold daughter of Neil and Karen Fishel, served as the N.C. Hereford Queen from 2017-2019. In October of 2019 at the American Royal in Kansas City, Mo., she was crowned the 2020 National Hereford Queen, the first National Hereford Queen from North Carolina in 30 years. During her reign, Melanie has had the opportunity to attend national shows including the North American

Section f

International Livestock Expo in Louisville, Ken.; Western States National Hereford Show in Reno, Nev.; National Western Stock Stock in Denver, Colo.; and the Fort Worth Stock Show in Fort Worth, Texas. She has also represented the Hereford breed at the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association Annual Conference in San Antonio, Tex.; Dixie

National Hereford Show in Jackson, Miss.; and numerous events across North Carolina. Melanie is most excited about kicking off her national service project, which will raise money for the Callea Mae Breiner Memorial Fund. Throughout the year, she will continue to travel the country to attend shows, sales, field days, and other Hereford events.

NORTH CAROLINA HEREFORD ASSOCIATION BOARD OF DIRECTORS George Ward - President (2020-2023) 3404 Shady Grove Road Providence, NC 27315 434-251-3637

OFFICERS

Wes Carpenter - Vice President (2019-2022) 2939 Old Salisbury Road Winston-Salem, NC 27127 336-970-1655

Myron McCoy - Secretary/Treasurer (2018-2021) 11350 Old Hwy. 70 West Cove City, NC 28523 252-637-4995

Pam Bissett (2018-2021) 9196 Grassy Creek Road Bullock, NC 27507 919-482-1176

Bill Kirkman, III (2020-2023) 2440 Herfshire Drive Greensboro, NC 27406 336-382-9635

Kim Prestwood (2019-2022) 390 Pleasant Hill Road Lenoir, NC 28645 828-320-7317

Brent Creech (2018-2021) 13037 NC Hwy. 39 Zebulon, NC 27597 919-801-7561

Reggie Lookabill (2019-2022) 1994 Arnold Road Lexington, NC 27295 336-240-2142

Kevin Robinson (2019-2022) P.O. Box 1057 Mocksville, NC 27078 336-399-9884

Jim Davis (2020-2023) 243 Horseshoe Neck Road Lexington, NC 27295 336-247-1554

Wayne Mitchem (2018-2021) 400 David’s Chapel Church Road Vale, NC 28168 704-472-4369

Bryson Westbrook (2018-2021) 409 Johnsfield Road Shelby, NC 28150 980-230-4868

SALE COMMITTEE, Co-chairs Mike Mericka 5963 Summit Avenue Browns Summit, NC 27214 336-337-5480

The Carolina Cattle Connection

Will Thompson P.O. Box 123 Polksville, NC 27136 704-616-8553

q JUNE 2020

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The Instagram Live format allows anyone to watch and submit questions.

They can reach a broad audience promoting beef while educating folks about the production practices used by farmers and how they care for their animals. Questions were submitted by viewers that ranged in topics from breeds of cattle to Beef Quality Assurance and family life on the farm.

Meredith provided an inside view of life on a cattle farm while offering her personal experiences. This is a great

Ashley’s Beef Corner

T Beefit

format for education and fun because many young people are on Instagram on a daily (sometimes hourly) basis. Live videos are engaging and captivating by nature. They greatly appreciate Meredith providing her time and efforts to help us promote beef in this way. If you are on Instagram, be sure to follow Meredith at @thisfarmwife, @feedthedialogue, and @EatbeefNC I want to thank all of you who are still raising cattle, still raising families, and still eating beef!

By ASHLEY W. HERRING Director of Consumer Information N.C. Cattlemen’s Beef Council When April rolled around, and our quarantine situation became more likely to be semi-permanent, we became innovative when it came to promoting beef. Luckily, the Masters of Beef Advocacy team had a challenge perfect for social distancing and getting out of the house.

The MBA group launched a Team Beef virtual race. This meant that athletes anywhere, at any time, could run, walk, or bike a distance of their choosing. This would promote beef as part of a healthy diet and exercise routine. The group motivated each other and a reminder that beef is the common fuel for these workouts helped keep everyone going.

Participants posted pictures of workouts. We used apps on our phones to track distance and time to submit to the Masters of Beef Advocacy race organizers.

Our team in North Carolina enjoyed the camaraderie of doing this “together but apart.” We utilized social media to share progress, triumphs, and trials.

PAGE 18

Overall, there were a great number of participants from across the country, united in the name of beef!

• 675 participants in the 5k run/walk • 404 participants in the 10k run/walk • 159 participants in the Half Marathon • 23 participants in the Marathon • 120 participants in the 10 mile ride • 90 participants in the 25 mile ride • 31 participants in the 50 mile ride • 6 participants in the 75 mile ride

Our North Carolina Beef Ambassadors are hard at work, helping to promote the beef industry as well.

One way they are reaching consumers is through social media, and we have examples of their posts below. Videos are also quite popular, be sure to check out the educational clip from Abigail Wood of Haywood County on the N.C. Cattlemen’s Association Facebook page.

The N.C. Cattlemen’s Association celebrated National Honesty day with a new venture, an Instagram Live featuring cattle farmer Meredith Bernard of This Farm Wife with Feed the Dialogue N.C.’s Marlowe Vaughan. This is a unique opportunity to offer anyone a chance to ask a farmer questions about raising cattle in real time. The discussion focused on the day-to-day activities on the farm and basics about cattle care. Farmers are honest and hardworking and should be recognized for the work done each and every day to insure our food supply.

The Carolina Cattle Connection q JUNE 2020

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!

The Carolina Cattle Connection

q JUNE 2020

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By JOHNNY R. ROGERS Amazing Grazing Program Coordinator

Managing Grazing Systems in a COVID-19 World Managing grazing systems has never been for the faint of heart. After a few grazing seasons, you will look for an exit strategy or will have built the resolve necessary to prosper under dynamic conditions. Rainfall, either too much or too little, is a great example of the many things that are outside of our control.

However, we do have management tools at our disposal that will help us navigate a treacherous production environment and allow us to make the most out of each situation. COVID-19 is the latest challenge in our path, and in many ways, it is like no other we have faced. During extreme weather conditions such as

drought, livestock markets would not completely collapse, and animals would have value outside of the drought stricken area. COVID-19 has given a sharp decline in most all livestock prices and a lack of market access for harvest ready animals.

Unfortunately, there are no quick fixes for this event, and we must fall back on our management skills to chart a course to better days. This article will discuss a few strategies to consider.

The Grazing Plan - Good grazing plans must be adaptive to changing conditions. Key components of this plan are the number of livestock (pound of live weight), the nutrient demand for the

Wilkes Livestock Exchange 106 Armory Road • PO Box 2146 North Wilkesboro, NC 28659 Phone: 336-838-3442 • Fax: 336-838-3591

livestock (production stage: growing, gestating, lactating, etc.), and the farm forage production (dry matter yield/acre).

Of course, all these numbers change constantly and persistence is required to review livestock and pasture inventories.

Many traditional cow/calf operations have reduced their cow inventory and plan on having extra grazeable forage during part of the year. This forage can be used to background weaned calves, stockpiled, and/or harvested for hay. The key is that they have built flexibility into their system, and during times of low forage production (i.e., drought), they can market calves at lighter weights, and any extra forage can be used to maintain the primary enterprise (the cow herd). This approach could provide opportunities during the COVID-19 market disruption.

If you have additional forage, you can delay selling market ready cattle. The value of this technique will vary with different cattle types and weights. A few calculations will help to determine the cost of gain and the value of gain, and this will assist in determining optimal marketing targets. The bottom line is that with extra forage, you have control and opportunities to delay marketing and/or to maintain your herd during crisis.

The Marketing Plan - Marketing was discussed during the previous paragraph, and it underscores how marketing must become integrated into our whole production system. Some cow/ calf operations have transitioned their operations from traditional cow/calf to cow/calf and pasture based finishing.

This involves maintaining a smaller cow herd in order to have enough pasture to finish all or a portion of their calf crop.

The amount of cow herd reduction varies between operations based on forage production and the level of grazing management. During COVID-19, there have been numerous conversations about moving to a more local/regional food production model. Certainly, too some degree, that has occurred, and many producers are enjoying success with local marketing. However, we do not know

how large this segment of production will become. Will consumers continue to purchase more locally produced food after the pandemic? Or will they return to purchase habits based on convenience and cost? The point of this discussion is to consider how you could work into the local food network. It does not always involve selling at the farmers market or even directly to consumers. Potentially you could market your weaned calves or finished cattle to another party that handles the marketing and distribution.

Before you make the decision to locally market your production, please explore the marketing channels and make sure that you can gain access. Many marketing avenues are saturated and do not need additional cattle at this point.

Use this time to explore alternative marketing options to determine if they fit your operation.

Seedstock operations have and will need to continue to provide options to their customers to view cattle in small gatherings prior to sale day. Many customers prefer to see the cattle live but do not want the risk of large crowds.

Having sale cattle and catalogs prepared in advance will assist potential buyers with purchasing decisions. Offering video, conference call, online bidding, and sight unseen purchasing are services that have been offered in the past and will become much more commonplace in the future.

Educational Opportunities The inability to meet face-to-face has limited traditional agricultural meetings, workshops, and field days. Also, a significant percentage of farmers/ranchers

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The Carolina Cattle Connection q JUNE 2020

Face-to-face workshops will continue to be important, but virtual online educational programs will offer new opportunities.

are in the age group with a high risk of complications related to COVID-19.

Therefore, virtual meetings and web based education may become the preferred method to transfer information. Of course, meeting in person with hands on activities has numerous advantages. We cannot let this situation limit our ability to learn and share our experiences. Virtual meetings provide the opportunity to engage with experts from around the world and each other. Please take time to learn about this new educational opportunity. It is not as

difficult as you might think.

Closing Thoughts - For the most part, purchasing inputs was not affected

by COVID-19. However, we cannot assume that this will always be the case. Maintaining a 60-90 day supply of essential products is a good idea. Mineral/ salt, antibiotics, supplement, hay, etc., are supplies that could become limited under pandemic conditions. Most all of these products have a good shelf life and offer peace of mind when they are on hand.

Financial reserves are another key supply.

Review your current operating expenses and determine the capital needed to run your farm for 3-6 months. Establish these funds in a savings account or a credit line to ensure that your business remains operational in a crisis.

The impact of COVID-19 cannot be ignored or overstated. It has changed our businesses and our lives today, and the impact going forward is yet to be determined. Will this be a moment in our history? Or is it the new “normal” where

the threat of this and/or other viruses persist? The future is difficult to predict, and we must be patient. The thing we do know is that we must continue to work, learn, and share with each other. Let us be thankful for what we have and the opportunities that are before us. Good grazing!

Author’s note - This article was written in May 2020 when the livestock industry and society were still adjusting to a global pandemic.

Baxter Black

On the edge of

common sense

A good grazing plan will have extra forage to withstand challenging conditions.

Team Roping Handicap The sport (passion, or affliction) of team roping experienced a terrific boom in popularity years ago with the creation of an association called United States Team Roping Championships (USTRC). It established a classification system based on the roper’s skill. It is comparable to the handicapping system used in golf. The result is that ropers are able to compete with others of ‘equal ability,’ therefore increasing their chances of winning. As a roper improves, his USTRC number increases.

Classifications begin at #1, which is defined as True Beginner. These ropers have trouble controlling the rope and their horse at the same time or inexperienced riders with little or no roping experience.

And it runs up to #9, which is defined as National Finals Rodeo quality ropers.

I joined USTRC and applied for a number. After reading the classification description, I realized they didn’t go far enough. There are some handicaps, quirks, and flaws that deserve special numbers. I suggested these additions: #⅜ – One who can rope the dummy standing on a barrel, behind his back, between his legs, from the front seat and blindfolded, but couldn’t rope a live elk in an eight foot stock tank if his life depended on it. #.0025 – Ropers who have been at it several years yet seem to have no aptitude for the sport. Still don’t grasp basic concepts like nodding for the steer.

E.B.'s View #.5 – Those cowboys condemned to always ride green, spooky, maladjusted “in training” horses. Although they might be fairly good ropers, it never shows between the pitching, squeals, and cheers from the crowd. #2¾ - Consistently poor ropers but so creative at inventing excuses that they deserve some credit. “Did you see how close that was? I had ‘em both, I saw. Then the loop must have snagged on a gum wrapper, and it broke my concentration just as my horse switched leads, and in this humidity…blah… blah…blah…” #¼ – Left handers who rope right handed. Easily spotted by the slight hesitations, looks of confusion, and facial tics. #1/8 – Left handers who rope left handed. Heelers who spend their life trying to get in position. #4F – Usually mature ropers who suffer rotor cuff injuries, bursitis, tennis elbow, carpal tunnel syndrome, or other maladies that result in unusual roping styles. Such as one swing, wince, and toss it like they’re trying to get a booger off their finger. #10+ – Poorly dressed cowboys, ridin’ scruffy horses needin’ a mane roachin’ and tail pullin’, carrying a rope that looks like it spent the winter holdin’ down tarps, bummin’ Copenhagen and wanting to sleep in yer trailer, who can use a rope better than most of us can write our name.

from the Cow Pasture

By E.B. HARRIS

Limited Space We are living, as everyone is aware, of in unprecedented times. We are making changes here like the rest of the country having to adapt to the new norm. One of the things I have found out that I should now never take for granted is packing house space or chain line or processing of your product when it is finished with all that is happening.

We have been feeding cattle in the midwest since the late ‘70s. When I started feeding cattle, I always picked the phone up when the cattle left and told them they had a load of cattle coming to the feed yard. As things went along, things changed up, and they ask for a little more notice. Now, when we get ready to send the cattle to the feed yards, we give them at least a week’s notice or, occasionally, we have to give a month to schedule a trip to the the feedyards.

Never in my wildest dream would I have thought that after the cattle were finished there would not be a processor to bid on the cattle. Since all this virus has taken place, for the past five weeks,

we have had cattle ready to go to process, but there is not chain space to get them on there.

In one of my conversations with the feedyard manager, I said, “If we have to, I guess we could send them all back here and would just have to hang them up here as long as I have got big oak trees here on the farm. I would call the neighbors and tell them to bring the dishpan. I don’t know anything about cutting one up, but what’s not on one piece will be on the other.”

I am thinking now that when I make my breeding decisions on when to have cows to calve, we will add another equation to the process - making sure there is packer space. I wonder when the breeds will come up with an EPD for the packer process.

We will get through this. Maybe not as soon as we would like, but it will come together. As I was finishing this article, I got a phone call from the feedyard where the cattle had been waiting for five weeks to be shipped out. They were being shipped the next day.

The Carolina Cattle Connection

q JUNE 2020

PAGE 21

You Decide!

By DR. MIKE WALDEN

Department of Agricultural & Resource Economics N.C. State University You Decide: Can Collecting Thoughts About the Virus Help? There’s almost no other topic to talk about today than the coronavirus, or simply “the virus” as I’ll call it. I understand why. I can’t think of any other event in my seven decades of life that has hit our lives and economy so hard and so unexpectedly than the virus.

I’ve lived through the Great Recession, 9/11, the stock market crash of 1987, the fall of Saigon, the Kennedy and King assassinations and the Asian Flu pandemic of the late 1950s (more on this later). Each of these events was shocking and unpredictable. In terms of the swiftness and depth of the impact, I’ll have to rate today’s 2020 Virus Pandemic number one.

There are many elements and aspects to the virus I’ve been tracking. In this column, I put some of them together in the hopes they will provide perspective and insight into the current virus crisis.

The Best Comparison - The current virus has frequently been compared to the 1917-1918 pandemic, which killed over 600,000 people in our country and between 50 and 100 million worldwide. But a better match is the pandemic I lived through in 1957-58 called the Asian Flu. The U.S. lost 116,000 people, and the worldwide death toll was between one and four million.

Although businesses weren’t ordered to close, many did due to numerous sick workers. A six month recession resulted in production in the worst months, falling ten percent. Even with double the population today, it appears we could have fewer deaths than in 1957-58. Yet the economic cost may be twice as large.

Questioning the Stock Market During a recent week when the national death toll from the virus mounted, the stock market soared. Many of my friends were confused, with some thinking the market simply was stupid or even heartless. Yet there’s a simple explanation. Investors in the stock market are always looking ahead.

During the week the market rose, investors saw two future positives. One was new forecasts suggesting a much lower death total from the virus than previously predicted. Second was an announcement by the Federal Reserve stating the Fed would be willing to loan funds to private companies and states and cities.

Comparing Costs and Benefits Governments at all levels have enacted

PAGE 22

unprecedented mandates restricting business activity and movement of people during the virus crisis. This is the major reason why jobs have been cut, businesses have lost revenues, and the economy is now in a recession. It’s been argued these restrictions and resulting economic costs have been necessary in order to restrict the virus’ spread, lower virus related deaths, and prevent the health care system from being overwhelmed.

This is a typical benefit/cost tradeoff.

The costs of the economic restrictions are the financial losses to businesses and households, but the benefits are fewer lives lost due to containing the spread of the virus.

How can we compare these? Financial losses from closed businesses and higher unemployment can be measured in dollars and cents. What’s tougher is putting a financial value on a life. Typically, analysts can only look at part of that value, specifically the earnings from working.

For example, if someone dies at age 40, the partial value of their remaining life would be their estimated earnings if they had lived. These earnings would be the value of keeping the person alive.

An economic think tank recently used these principles to evaluate the costs and benefits of keeping restrictions on the economy. The researchers found the relative size of the benefits and costs from closing a large part of the economy depends on the infection rate of the virus.

If the infection rate is low, shorter periods of closure appear to be best, while if the infection rate is high, longer periods of closure are associated with larger benefits compared to costs. The findings suggest the optimal shutdown period for the economy – in which the benefits exceed the costs – can be as brief as two months if the virus’ infection rate is low but as high as eight months if the infection rate is high.

Business Changes - Many futurists think both public and private decisionmakers will re-evaluate globalization as a result of the virus. The virus crisis has shown that reliance on foreign countries for key medical supplies, as well as other products needed by businesses, can put our nation at risk during a pandemic.

North Carolina is positioned to potentially gain from a shift to domestic production. Our state has a long history of apparel production, so increasing the

The Carolina Cattle Connection q JUNE 2020

domestic making of items like hospital gowns and masks is a logical fit. The virus crisis has also exposed the country’s reliance on foreign producers for many medicines.

With a large pharmaceutical sector, North Carolina would be a logical location for a ramp up of U.S. production of these important items. Lastly, North Carolina has a larger relative concentration of manufacturers than the nation. So any move to relocate foreign manufacturing activities to the U.S. could certainly help our state.

The virus crisis is expected to last several more months, but already we are realizing there may be many lasting comparisons and implications of the deadly disease. Starting to identify and explore those implications now may help better prepare us for the new “normal life” after the virus. But, as always, you decide.

You Decide: Will We Regret

the Rescues from the Crisis? The coronavirus crisis continues to be “the” story of our day. Few events have hit our lives and our economy with such force.

We anxiously watch the daily data on cases and deaths, hoping to see the curves finally turn downward.

I have dubbed the economic damage caused by the virus, the “mandated recession.” The current recession – and, indeed, we are in a recession – is unlike any of its predecessors. Typical recessions are caused by some “excess” in the economy, the most common being an over indulgence in private debt.

In contrast, the mandated recession is a planned recession. Economic interactions have been purposefully curtailed in order to limit the spread of the virus and to keep our health care system from being overwhelmed. The loss of

Carolina Video and Load Lot Monthly Summary (Weeks ending MAY 7, 2020)

Carolina Video and Load Lot Monthly Summary of all markets ending Thursday, MAY 7, 2020. All cattle in this report are located in North Carolina and South Carolina.

Prices FOB the farm or local scale and many weighed with a 0-2 percent shrink and sold with a 5-10¢ per pound slide on the heavy side only. Many all natural lots.

Cattle Receipts: 2,473 Last Month: 3,149

Feeders made up 100 percent of the offering. The feeder supply included 60 percent steers and 40 percent heifers. Nearly 76 percent of the run weighed over 600 pounds. Head totals are based on load lot estimate of 49,500 pounds.

FEEDER STEERS (Medium 1) Avg. Wt. Price Range 600 $143.00

Head 82

Wt. Range 600-600

Head 121

Wt. Range 800-825

Head 25 50 178 56 30 74 134 67 258 63 180 43 61 58

Wt. Range 525-525 585-585 550-590 610-610 600-600 665-665 725-740 735-735 760-760 775-775 800-825 815-815 800-800 850-850

FEEDER STEERS (Medium 1-2) Avg. Wt. Price Range 525 $147.50 585 $134.75 578 $145.00 - $151.75 610 $129.75 600 $146.50 665 $136.50 732 $117.75 - $125.25 735 $140.25 760 $126.75 775 $137.00 817 $117.50 - $117.75 815 $119.75 800 $130.00 850 $112.25

Head 108 84 61 93 77 147 73 132 62 26 130

Wt. Range 525-525 585-585 570-585 550-595 640-640 660-675 675-675 740-740 790-790 780-780 750-750

FEEDER HEIFERS (Medium 1-2) Avg. Wt. Price Range Avg. Price 525 $135.00 - $135.50 $135.32 585 $130.25 $130.25 579 $117.75 - $124.75 $121.81 574 $136.50 - $141.50 $138.71 640 $125.25 $125.25 667 $119.25 - $120.25 $119.75 675 $136.50 $136.50 740 $111.00 $111.00 790 $111.75 $111.75 780 $112.75 $112.75 750 $126.75 - $127.00 $126.88

Avg. Price $143.00

FEEDER STEERS (Medium and Large 1-2) Avg. Wt. Price Range Avg. Price 812 $116.50 - $119.50 $118.01 Avg. Price $147.50 $134.75 $149.81 $129.75 $146.50 $136.50 $121.48 $140.25 $126.75 $137.00 $117.58 $119.75 $130.00 $112.25

Delivery Value Added Delivery

Delivery Value Added Split Loads Value Added Split Loads Value Added Value Added Value Added Split Loads Value Added

Delivery Value Added Split Loads Value Added Value Added Split Loads Value Added

Source: N.C. Department of Agriculture - USDA Market News Service, Raleigh, N.C. 919-707-3121 • www.ams.usda.gov/mnreports/co_ls185.txt

business activity and jobs have been the price we’ve paid to reduce deaths and illnesses from the virus.

This is the reason why the federal government has moved quickly to backstop businesses and households in hopes of preventing them from falling into bankruptcy and financial chaos.

The federal help has been enormous. To date, the President and Congress have allocated almost $3 trillion for supporting companies, people, farmers, and first responders, with more likely to come. The Federal Reserve – the nation’s central bank

– also has set aside $4 trillion in resources to keep financial markets working and also to support firms and governments.

The reasoning for these expensive efforts is straightforward. The coronavirus caught most of us by surprise, so businesses and households couldn’t plan for it. The steps that have been taken to control the virus, including shutting down large parts of the economy, have also come as a surprise. As a nation, we have decided that people and businesses shouldn’t be driven to economic collapse for something they’ve had no hand in causing or foreseeing.

N.C. Forage & Grassland Council Forage Spotlight

By MIKE & JEAN JONES, Surry County

Observations Yogi Berra said, “You can observe a lot by just watching.” Sounds silly or a bit off but profound. We watch our cows graze and their reaction to the environment every day. Usually, when they see us, something good is going to happen, so they trust us greatly.

Large birds spook them while flying over; I’ve seen them spooked by Canadian Geese. We can’t figure out how to change this behavior, maybe some of you have an idea that will help. Vultures set in trees close by, especially during calving season, and are watched by the cows. These vultures do not attack calves but eat the placenta and pick through the cow pats.

While taking beef cattle to Mitchell Meat Processing, I noticed that vultures were sitting in and around the cows and calves. These cows were calm and not upset about these scavengers being so close. Jerry Mitchell owns this cow/calf herd in Walnut Cove, North Carolina. Today, I saw Mr. Mitchell when delivering beef for slaughter. While talking to him, I asked if the vultures ever attacked his calves. He answered “no” and added, “the vultures are there for the

placenta and pick through the cow pats.

This probably helps with the flies.

Vultures have flourished in the last several decades, mainly because of human activity. The building of roads and highways makes lots of roadkill. The have very tall perches constructed by power companies. Litter also contributes much to this, whether accidental or on purpose.

Because of our herd’s spookiness, we move them to a paddock near home for calving, so it’s very easy to observe them.

Also, knowing when calving is going to happen helps us know when to move them to the fresh stockpiled forage in the birthing paddock. This is a good practice for those who have predation in their herds.

We have not had predation on animals, except on a few free ranging hens.

Coyotes, along with hawks, falcons, owls, snakes, red and gray foxes, are present but rarely seen By keeping about half the farm dedicated to wildlife and enough rats and rabbits to keep predators happy, they do not have to fight a 1,300 pound cow for a meal. We hope all of you have good luck with your herd and raise healthy offspring.

Keep them safe by just watching.

Hence, the $7 trillion combined effort of the President, Congress, and Federal Reserve is designed to keep the economy alive until the virus is controlled and banished. The alternative is letting a large part of the economy be destroyed.

Yet, will there also be some price to be paid for this massive federal financial rescue? And if the answer is yes, what kind of price will it be?

There are two potential prices.

The first is the possible price related to increased spending in the federal budget. This is the $3 trillion – so far – I mentioned above that’s already been approved by Congress and the President.

This $3 billion is being borrowed and therefore is added to the national debt.

One way to avoid more debt is to reduce expenditures. But with total annual federal spending prior to the virus crisis near $5 trillion, it’s impossible federal legislators could have found agreement to reduce other federal spending by 60 percent.

Also, some say there’s a logic to this borrowing. Without the borrowing that is funding the federal rescue, a large number of businesses and households likely would have become bankrupt. With federal help, they can be kept financially alive and return to work after the virus.

Still, there is a price to pay. We are borrowing economic resources from the future to use today. Hence, the price is the economy will not grow as fast in the future.

Indeed, economic research confirms this is the biggest cost to a larger national debt.

Now let me turn to the second prong of the federal rescue effort – that mounted by the Federal Reserve (or Fed). How is the Fed paying for its $4 trillion plan? The answer is, they don’t have to pay because the Fed has the power to create money!

In the old days, the money would literally

be printed, but today “greenbacks” are created digitally.

“With no consequences,” you might ask? No. Traditionally the “price” of any central bank printing streams of money is that all prices in the economy would rise at a faster pace. In other words, injecting more dollar bills into the economy can lead to faster inflation.

Notice, I said, “can.” The printing and distribution of more money allows people to buy more. If the amount of products and services people buy doesn’t also increase, higher prices – higher inflation – will occur. But if the supply of products and services keeps up with the demand (buying), then higher inflation won’t occur.

Interestingly, many economists say this is exactly why a rescue plan for businesses was needed. If a large number of firms were allowed to fail, there would be less supply and more inflation.

Right now, even with more dollars circulating, the consensus among economists is that the lid on inflation won’t pop. Many people will use the new dollars just to pay for necessities.

Others will simply hold on to the dollars, especially with interest rates being so low.

But if buying gets ahead of producing – even for a while – inflation could jump.

So, will we pay a big price for the government’s financial help to people and companies during the virus crisis? Or, is any price worth paying considering the alternatives? You decide.

About the author. Mike Walden is a William Neal Reynolds Distinguished Professor and Extension Economist in the Department of Agricultural and Resource Economics at N.C. State University who teaches and writes on personal finance, economic outlook, and public policy.

“Waiting For Somebody To Start” by Paige Clifton.

The Carolina Cattle Connection

q JUNE 2020

PAGE 23

THE SIMMENTAL TRAIL

By JENNIE RUCKER Executive Secretary N.C. Simmental Association Youth Shows. At the time of this writing, the future of many youth livestock shows this summer is up in the air. The Board of the American Simmental Association will decide by May 15 whether to hold an AJSA National Classic this year. If it is cancelled, my heart goes out to the many juniors who were so looking forward to exhibiting their cattle at this event and all the hard work that has already gone into their cattle projects, especially the ones that are older and this was to be their last National Classic as a youth.

The N.C. Junior Beef Round-Up is usually held in June, but this year it will hopefully still happen, just in August and also in Fletcher, the Western part of the state. I sincerely hope that the livestock shows at the many fairs, especially the N.C. State Fair will go on later this fall.

Only time will tell. Due to the fact that I am not giving my usual Spring Fling or Clover Classic report, I am including an

essay written by my daughter, Christy, about her memories exhibiting cattle. This essay was written for a contest given by the (former) Dixie Classic Fair. Although she did not win, I feel that her essay tells of the good memories she has of her livestock show experience. Perhaps we all need to dwell on our memories of past shows this year, but hopefully, this fall, we will be making more new memories and once again seeing kids and cattle in the show ring!

standing on a sidewalk 237 miles from home.

I’m 12 years old again, sitting in the back of my father’s F350 with my sister and brother. It’s 6:00 a.m., and we’re headed down the hill to tie out for our show string. In the early morning light, they’re nothing more than black mounds that slowly form heads as they notice our approach. After we get them on the wash rack, they look like cows again. They’re black Simmental heifers we’ve spent weeks halter breaking, getting to know, and practicing with as a family. Each one has its own name and its own personality.

They’re almost like extra siblings.

When we give them their breakfast, the rush of the morning activities is over.

Mom gives me and my siblings cash to spend on our own food. It’s my favorite

show season tradition when we get to explore the fair before the crowds arrive and find what we want to eat. Amish donuts and apple cider weigh us down as we return to the barn.

The day goes on as the barn fills with showmen and fairgoers alike. Friends reconnect after a year in the off season, everyone’s voice coming together in a low rumble with the hum of the fans blowing down on the cows. They stir up the dust, and the smell of wood chips and mulch hangs in the air. By noon, the speaker system begins to crackle, and the show starts.

By noon, 237 miles away, I wait for October. I wait for the smell of a diesel truck, for the sleepy eyes of a heifer, for the taste of an Amish donut, and for the start of the Dixie Classic Fair.

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!

What the Fair Means to Me

By Christy Rucker It’s early August, and I’m walking towards the UNC Wilmington campus. The traffic light is red, so it’s my turn to walk across the white lines of the crosswalk.

Behind me, cars use the space to turn right. I hear the rumble of a pickup, smell the diesel burning deep in the engine, and imagine I can feel its thundering growl under my feet. Suddenly, I’m no longer

SIMMENTAL . . . Because They Work!

Take it from this N.C.S.A. Breeder: Fred Smith of Fred Smith Company Ranch in Clayton, N.C.

“We believe in using superior genetics to produce the best SimAngus bulls for our customers.

SimAngus genetics are the best in the country and will provide our customers with hybrid vigor and heterosis by improving gains and feed efficiency in their feeder calves and improving fertility and stayability in their replacement females.”

Fred Smith Fred Smith Company Ranch

Contact these progressive SIMMENTAL breeders!

Cub Creek Farms Doug Peterson Wilkesboro, NC 336-667-4306

Ridgewood Simmentals Rusty & Cara Henson Boone, NC 828-265-3450

Fred Smith Company Ranch Fred Smith Clayton, NC 919-422-4092

Triple M Farms Tony Matthis Clinton, NC 910-592-7472 or 910-592-6702

Rucker Family Farm Phil & Jennie Rucker Hamptonville, NC 336-468-1675

Nicholson Livestock Clay & John Nicholson East Bend, NC 336-699-4780

Cedar Creek Ranch Bill & Marie Pyle Franklinton, NC 919-494-1145

Circle M Cattle/Massey Farms Johnny & Jonathan Massey Burlington, NC 336-260-2565

Waco Cattle Company Marvin Hutchison Waco, NC 704-435-4607

Shade Tree Simmentals Ralph Blalock, Jr. Wilson, NC 252-289-6007

PAGE 24

Langdon Red Angus & Simmental John & Eileen Langdon Benson, NC 919-796-5010

The Carolina Cattle Connection q JUNE 2020

TX Enterprises Charlie & Amy Thomas Winston-Salem, NC 336-575-5461

~ Fred Smith Fred Smith Company Ranch JBB Simmentals Jeff Broadaway Monroe, NC 704-221-0997

• EAST BEND • HAMPTONVILLE • WINSTON-SALEM • FRANKLINTON BURLINGTON • WILSON • CLAYTON • • BENSON • WACO • MONROE • CLINTON

• BOONE WILKESBORO •

N. C. Simmental Association • Jennie Rucker, Executive Secretary 1341 US Hwy 21 • Hamptonville, NC 27020 • 336-468-1679

√ Check out our webpage: www.ncsimmental.com • email: NCSA@yadtel.net

American Simmental Association 1 Genetics Way Bozeman, MT 59715 406-587-4531 406-587-9301 FAX

Simmental News Simmental Provides Membership Relief in Uncertain Times. The American Simmental Association offers a support package for members in fiscal year 2021. During this time of uncertainty and unprecedented challenge, the American Simmental Association (ASA) recognizes that members and their customers are working tirelessly to keep the cattle industry going strong despite broad sweeping change. To give back, the ASA Board of Trustees recently passed a member support package for the fiscal year 2021, totaling over $280,000.

“We all know the reality of current

struggles,” says Tim Curran, Ione, CA, ASA Board of Trustees Chairman. “It is only appropriate that ASA does what it can to aid members and their families as they plow ahead with the task of building the best genetics they can for the beef business.”

Starting in July 2020, the ASA will offer a ten percent allotment for active ASA members based on their 2019 fiscal year (July 1, 2018, to June 30, 2019) animal registrations, transfers, and Total Herd Enrollments (THE). Members may view the dollar amount of their individual allotment through their Herdbook accounts beginning July 1. The allotment

UPDATE

Condensed Version of Beef Quality Assurance Manual Now Available.

Digital Field Guide is Handy Reference with Core BQA Practices. A more condensed version of the Beef Quality Assurance Manual is now available to BQA followers in digital or print form.

The BQA Field Guide is a more compact version of the manual that can be used as a convenient reference piece. It covers the key points of the BQA program without program background and other information that may not be useful in the course of day-to-day operations.

The BQA Program is managed by the producer education team at the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association, a contractor to the Beef Checkoff.

The digital Field Guide has ten chapters that cover everything from behavior and handling to transportation to emergency action planning. It allows producers to assess their management decisions in a way that recognizes a responsibility to the animals, consumers, the environment, and the larger beef industry.

The digital Field Guide contains embedded links and videos that allow producers to interact with various elements of BQA. The digital guide, the print version, and the larger, more indepth Manual represent the foundation for training and certification programs offered nationally and by many states.

“We’re committed to creating tools for producers that allow them to follow

practices that reflect the most responsible cattle industry knowledge today,” says Kim Brackett, an Idaho cattle producer and chair of the BQA Advisory Group.

“This new BQA Field Guide will be useful for immediately accessing this kind of helpful information while working with cattle.”

The BQA Program is a cooperative effort between beef producers, veterinarians, nutritionists, extension staff, and other professionals from veterinary medical associations and allied industries. Its goal is to assure consumers that all cattle shipped from a beef production unit are healthy, wholesome, and safe; their management has met FDA, USDA, and EPA standards; they meet quality requirements throughout the production system; and they are produced using animal well being, worker safety, and environmentally sound production practices.

BQA recommends the use of common sense, appropriate management skills, and accepted scientific knowledge to deliver the highest levels of animal stewardship and the production of quality, healthy, and safe products. Each aspect of the program is economically logical and part of good business management.

Both the digital and print versions of the BQA Field Guide are now available.

To find out more about them or the BQA Manual or to become BQA certified, visit www.BQA.org.

can be put toward the same services in fiscal year 2021. When members submit registrations, transfers, or THE transactions, from July 1, 2020, to June 30, 2021, the total fees will be reduced until the allotment has been depleted.

As members deal with the impacts of this pandemic, demand won’t stop for raising quality genetics and providing better protein for consumers.

ASA’s Executive Vice President Wade Shafer shares that now, more than ever, data and value added programs provided by ASA make a difference for members and their customers.

“Due to the steadily increasing demand for our members’ products, the American Simmental Association has experienced extraordinary financial success,” he says.

“During this time of struggle in our world and our industry, our board and staff felt that extending a hand to those who created those products (our members) was simply the right thing to do.”

The COVID-19 pandemic has brought challenges to urban and rural settings across the entire globe.

“Remarkable demand for superior genetics and prudent fiscal management have uniquely positioned ASA. Our members’ unyielding industry focus has brought this about. As such, it is better we leverage a portion of ASA’s

NOTICE

Letters to the editor are welcome and we appreciate your input.

HOWEVER, letters that are not signed will not be considered for publication. resources during this time than to ask our membership to exhaust theirs,” ASA Director of Commercial and Industry Operations Chip Kemp says. “We will get through this by coming together and helping each other out wherever we can.”

About the American Simmental Association. Founded in 1968, the American Simmental Association is headquartered in Bozeman, Montana.

ASA is committed to leveraging technology, education, and collaboration to accelerate genetic profitability for the beef industry. In keeping with its commitment, ASA, along with its partners, formed International Genetic Solutions - the world’s largest genetic evaluation of beef cattle. Learn more at www. simmental.org.

Virginia Herd Health Management Services, PC In Vitro Fertilization (IVF) & Embryo Transfer (ET) * 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.

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.

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ANGUS NEWS Junior Angus Shows to go on.

As the American Angus Association® continues to work through the situation surrounding COVID-19, the health of our Angus family is our top priority.

We know that the Eastern Regional and the National Junior Angus Show are important to many.

• National Junior Angus Show (NJAS) has been moved to Tulsa, Okla., on July 19-25, 2020.

• Eastern Regional Junior Show is scheduled as planned for June 25-28 in Lebanon, Tennessee.

Through discussions and collaborations with the Pennsylvania Farm Show Complex and consideration of the Pennsylvania reopening plans and outlook, it has been determined that the 2020 NJAS cannot be held in Harrisburg.

This is an incredibly challenging situation, and decisions around the most appropriate way to respond are difficult.

After significant deliberation and research of multiple options, we have made the decision to move the location of the 2020 NJAS to Tulsa, Oklahoma.

The new dates of the show will be July 19-25, and the new entry deadline will be June 1 for paper entries and June 10 for ownership and online entries. NJAS will follow our 2020 Summer Show guidelines.

Marcie and Mattie Harward Earn Junior Bronze and Silver Awards.

Marcie and Mattie Harward, Richfield, N.C., have earned the National Junior Angus Association’s (NJAA) Bronze and Silver awards, according to Jaclyn Upperman, education and events director of the American Angus Association® in Saint Joseph, Missouri.

They are the 18-year-old daughters of Marcus and Patty Harward and attend Harward Academy/Stanly Community

Don’t get caught napping!

Deadline is 5th of month prior to issue!

College, where they are working towards their associate degree in science. They are members of the NJAA and the N.C. Junior Angus Association, where Marcie has served vice president, royalty, and currently serves as secretary, and Mattie has served as director, treasurer, vice president, president, and royalty.

They have participated in state, regional, and national shows and showmanship contests. At the National Junior Angus Show (NJAS), Marcie participated in the team marketing, quiz bowl, creative writing, and career development contests. Marcie and Mattie both participated in the team marketing contest and the All-American Certified Angus Beef® Cook-Off. Marcie served as a voting delegate in 2017. She also participated in the Raising the Bar conferences in 2018 and 2019. In 2011, Mattie participated in the mentoring program. She also participated in the Leaders Engaged in Angus Development (LEAD) conference in 2017 and the Raising the Bar conference in 2018.

The Bronze and Silver awards are the first two levels of the NJAA Recognition Program that began in 1972. Junior Angus breeders must apply for the awards, then meet point requirements in many areas of participation before receiving the honors. Applicants are evaluated in areas of junior Angus association activities and leadership, participation in showmanship, contests, and shows, using performance testing to improve their herd and their progress in producing and merchandising Angus cattle.

The NJAA promotes the involvement of young people in raising Angus cattle, while also providing leadership and self development opportunities for the nearly 6,000 active members nationwide.

Angus Means Business. The American Angus Association ® is the nation’s largest beef breed organization, serving 25,000 members across the United States, Canada, and several other countries. It’s home to an extensive breed registry that grows by nearly 300,000 animals each year. The Association also provides programs and services to farmers, ranchers, and others who rely on Angus to produce quality genetics for the beef industry and quality beef for consumers.

For more information about Angus cattle and the American Angus Association, visit www.angus.org.

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.

Contact one of these N.C. Angus breeders today for your next genetic selection: 4K FARMS/TARHEEL ANGUS Richard D. Kirkman, DVM Siler City 919-742-5500 email: info@tarheelangus.com

MESSICK ANGUS Kathleen Messick Madison 336-937-1956 email: messickangus@yahoo.com

BACK CREEK Joe & Robin Hampton Mt. Ulla 704-880-2488 (Joe); 704-880-3572 (Robin) email: robinbackcreek@att.net

PANTHER CREEK FARMS John C. Smith, Jr. Pink Hill 252-526-1929 email: JohnSmith3982@embarqmail.com

BB ORGANIC FARM NC, LLC R. & E. Miller Wake Forest 919-570-2816 email: bborganicfarmnc@gmail.com

PROPST FARMS James L. Propst Zach Moffitt - Manager Concord 336-736-6340 email: zmoffitt19@gmail.com

BILTMORE ESTATE Kyle Mayberry - Manager Asheville 828-768-1956 email: livestock@biltmore.com www.biltmorelivestock.com BRIDGES BEEF CATTLE Eddie, Cindy, John & Crystal Bridges Shelby 704-692-2978 email: bridgesbeefcattle@gmail.com BRITT FAMILY FARMS James Britt Calypso 919-738-6331 jrb4070@hotmail.com C-CROSS CATTLE COMPANY Duane Strider Asheboro 336-964-6277 email: ccrosscattle@yahoo.com www.ccrosscattle.com FOUR S FARMS Kim & Connie and Jason & Robin Starnes Luther Lyerly - Manager Salisbury 704-640-5875 email: kim-4sfarms@carolina.rr.com

SMITH CREEK ANGUS FARM Marty & Lynne Rooker Norlina 252-213-1553 email: mrooker@mrookerlaw.com SPRINGFIELD ANGUS Phil Goodson Rick Kern - Manager Louisburg 919-880-9062 (Phil); 919-272-6124 (Rick) email: jpgoodson@bellsouth.net www.springfieldangus.com TRIPLE LLL ANGUS Greg Little Monroe 704-219-1294 email: greg.little@ATImetals.com UWHARRIE RIDGE FARMS Mark Wilburn Asheboro 336-953-0521 email: uwharrieridgefarms@gmail.com VANDEMARK ANGUS Keaton & Janie Vandemark Spring Hope 252-885-0210 email: keaton@vandemarkfarms.com

GENTRY HOMEPLACE ANGUS Howard & Donna Gentry King 336-413-6698 whgentry@windstream.net

WINDY HILL FARMS, LLC Michael A. Moss Will Moss - Manager Ramseur 336-549-0070 email: michaelmoss@rtmc.net

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

WOOD ANGUS FARM, LLC Russell Wood Willow Spring 919-275-4397 email: rwood4400@gmail.com www.woodangus.com

HILL ANGUS FARM Dr. Gary M. Hill Hendersonville 229-848-3695 email: gmhill@uga.edu JACK KNOB FARMS Karl, Janet, & Logan Gillespie Franklin 828-371-2220 email: karl@jackknobfarms.com www.jackknobfarms.com

Sharon Rogers

N.C. Angus Association Executive Secretary

336-583-9630 Email: ncaa.sec@gmail.com Website: www.ncangus.org

LANE ANGUS Roger Lane Bundy Lane - Manager Gates 252-398-7711 email: ritalane@embarqmail.com

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Break Out of Your Comfort Zone with a New Deworming Strategy.

Improve efficacy by administering a dewormer with an alternative mode of action. A limited number of dewormers — and active ingredients — are available on the market, which is why it’s important for cattle producers to know how each product works and how these products can best be utilized.

“Dewormers interfere with the parasite’s bodily function at the cellular level, and by disrupting that cellular function, they cause paralysis and death,” said Mike Nichols, DVM, Boehringer Ingelheim. “Producers are often encouraged to rotate parasite control products in order to improve efficacy and enhance herd performance.”

The challenge is that you may think you’re using different dewormers, but in reality, you may not be. Macrocyclic lactones and benzimidazoles are the two general categories, or classes, of deworming products on the market, each having different chemical structures (Figure 1).

TWO CLASSES BENZIMIDAZOLES OXFENDAZOLE FENBENDAZOLE ALBENDAZOLE

MACROCYCLIC LACTONES EPRINOMECTIN IVERMECTION DORAMECTIN MOXIDECTIN Figure 1 - Macrocyclic lactones and benzimidazoles are the two general categories of deworming products on the market. There are multiple active ingredients within each class, all of which use the same mode of action to eliminate parasites.

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NEWS

Benzimidazoles are white wormers that are typically administered orally.

These short acting products are generally very effective against adult worms and other intestinal parasites but have little residual killing power.

Macrocyclic lactones have a longer duration of activity against a much broader range of parasite stages than benzimidazoles. These dewormers are available in both pour on and injectable formulations.

“It’s important to remember that there are multiple active ingredients within each class, all of which use the same mode of action to eliminate parasites,” emphasized Dr. Nichols.

“By administering a parasiticide from the opposite class, producers can take advantage of an alternative mode of action to improve deworming efficacy.”

Before you switch up your deworming program - Monitoring the effectiveness of treatment can help you determine if and when using a different class of products is necessary.

By performing a fecal egg count reduction test, producers can assess the effectiveness of products being used.

Your herd veterinarian can advise you on the proper method and assist you with conducting the test for the most accurate results.

Barrett Franz of Bay City, Tex., is a commercial cow/calf producer with several operations along the Gulf Coast.

When asked about his single best piece of advice for other cattle producers looking to improve their parasite control programs, he explained the importance of taking fecal samples.

“If you’re not fecal sampling your cattle prior to deworming, you’re just guessing your herd is infested with parasites, when that may not be the case,” said Franz. “We’ve gone out and taken fecal samples before, only to find out there weren’t any parasites.”

When conducting a fecal egg count or a fecal egg count reduction test, it’s also important to determine the predominant worm species present in your herd. Your veterinarian may then suggest the use of concomitant therapy to ensure your animals are protected.

Two dewormers may be better than one - Concomitant therapy is the practice of using two or more dewormers of different classes. This multi-pronged approach allows producers to kill a greater percentage of the parasites present

The Carolina Cattle Connection q JUNE 2020

in their cattle herd.

“By incorporating both macrocyclic lactones and benzimidazoles into a parasite-control program, thus utilizing two different modes of action, we can kill a larger spectrum of parasites within the herd, and more effectively reduce the risk of them developing resistance on any given pasture,” said Dr. Nichols.

When his previous supply of dewormer ran out, Franz worked with his local veterinarian to identify an alternative deworming program, which included implementing concomitant therapy.

“Utilizing an injectable dewormer with a white wormer on our calves really paid off,” said Franz. “This practice allowed us to get our fecal egg counts literally down to zero.”

Every producer ’s situation is unique; no two herds are the same, and neither are their parasite burdens. That’s why consulting your veterinarian is so important. He or she can help evaluate your operation’s needs and recommend a deworming protocol and product(s) based on the findings. Your grazing season time frame, the age and class of your animals, your operation type, and the grazing history of the pasture are all considerations to discuss.

With a well planned, strategic deworming program, your animals will be better positioned to achieve increased milk production, improved feed, and reproductive efficiencies, and develop stronger immune systems to fight off other diseases.

Deworming: An Important Piece to the Cattle Health Puzzle. Every factor impacting cattle health plays a role in determining profitability. When your goal is to produce more high quality meat, it’s pertinent to ensure your herd has every aspect of its health well maintained.

Something as simple as a consistent deworming protocol can be a small piece to your animal’s health and wellness program, but can have a resounding impact on its performance.

Joe Gillespie, DVM, Boehringer Ingelheim, encourages producers to implement a consistent deworming protocol to help cattle maintain optimal health and produce a high quality end product.

“If cattle are in a better place of health, they’re going to have better feed conversion and better utilization of nutrition, which ultimately should have a positive impact on end product quality,” said Dr. Gillespie.

He also stresses that, though important, deworming is only a piece of the puzzle.

“There are many management factors

that impact the potential market value of an animal, including genetics, nutrition, vaccinations, and parasite control methods,” he explained. “Maintaining a low parasitic load is important to an animal’s ability to convert feed into pounds.”

Protect your herd from productivity limiting parasites - A heavy parasite load doesn’t often manifest itself in obvious ways, which is one of the reasons an ongoing treatment program is so vital.

A heavy parasite burden in a cow’s intestinal tract competes to ingest the nutrients the animal needs to thrive.

This competition can suppress the cow’s appetite and, in turn, take away its ability to gain optimal weight. Additionally, parasites can damage the animal’s intestinal lining and decrease its ability to respond favorably to vaccinations.

If an animal doesn’t have to deal with the irritation and burden associated with parasitism, it’ll likely have better immunity, which contributes to enhanced productivity and reproductive efficiencies. Improved herd reproduction can, in turn, mean more calves, more pounds and, ultimately, more profit.1 Properly time your deworming protocol - If a producer hasn’t given much thought to a deworming protocol in the past, it is never too late to put one in place.

“Deworming is an area of animal health where it’s easy to lose focus,” said Dr. Gillespie. “As busy cattle producers, we tend to treat cattle at our convenience.

However, ensuring a herd is treated at the right time with the right type of product can positively influence the whole system.”

Start by discussing your goals and options with your veterinarian, who will likely have geographic specific insights to help formulate the best approach for your herd.

As a general rule, Dr. Gillespie recommends implementing a deworming protocol twice a year: 1. Prior to cattle entering a grazing environment, where they can potentially pick up parasites, and to eliminate any dormant parasites. In many geographies, this happens in the spring.

2. After they come off the grazing pasture, to manage any parasites that may have been ingested during the grazing season, usually in the fall.

For producers looking for added convenience and efficacy throughout the year, he recommends an extended release injection. A recent study showed a significant increase in average daily gains for cattle receiving an eprinomectin extended release injectable, compared to those that received topical ivermectin.

Further, an economic advantage of $5.86 per animal was observed in the extended release group.2 “One deworming myth that I want to correct is that ‘all dewormers are the same,’ because they aren’t,” stressed Dr. Gillespie. “There’s a lot of technology that has gone into the production of the different types of dewormers that are available. And it’s important for producers and veterinarians to find the anti-parasitic that’s going to best fit their situation.”

Discuss with your veterinarian how deworming can be a strategic part of your herd health plan.

References 1 Rademacher R.D., Behlke E.J., Parr S.L., et al. An evaluation of eprinomectin extended-release injectable (LongRange) on the performance of yearling cattle on pasture in western Canada. Bov Pract 2018;52(1)46–52.

2 Stromberg B.E. and Gasbarre L.C. Gastrointestinal nematode control programs with an emphasis on cattle.

Vet Clin North Am Food Anim Pract 2006;22(3):543–565.

Additional Bottle Sizes of Eprinex® (eprinomectin) Now Available.

Boehringer Ingelheim provides cattle producers with more deworming

flexibility. From average daily gains and conception rates to milk production and immunity, parasites can wreak havoc on them all.1,2 Whether your cattle spend their days roaming the pasture or the dry lot; your bottom line can suffer if you’re not deworming.

To provide producers with more flexible administration options, Boehringer Ingelheim has introduced a 10-L bottle of Eprinex® (eprinomectin) pour on dewormer that can be used inverted or upright, with vented caps.

This new packaging size offers added convenience for producers who are deworming large cattle herds but don’t require the amount of product that the 20-L bottle already offers.

“We are committed to providing practical parasite control solutions for cattle operations of all sizes,” said Doug Ensley, DVM, technical marketing manager, Boehringer Ingelheim. “By choosing EPRINEX for parasite control, you can be confident in your ability to treat cattle effectively and focus on what really matters: a healthy herd, and quality beef and dairy production.”

EPRINEX is the first dewormer to kill 39 species and stages of parasites, with up to 99.9 percent efficacy.3 This dewormer is convenient for processing

cattle on arrival, and its non-flammable, weatherproof formula works even on long, wet hair coats. To learn more about the benefits of incorporating EPRINEX into your herd’s deworming program, visit www.EPRINEX.com. Remember to consult a local veterinarian when developing parasite control protocols.

References 1 Lawrence J.D., Ibarburu M.A. Economic analysis of pharmaceutical technologies in modern beef production in Proceedings. NCCC-134 Conf Applied Commodity Price Analysis, Forecasting, and Market Risk Management. 2007;1–18.

2 Hawkins J.A. Economic benefits of parasite control in cattle. Vet Parasitol 1993;46(1–4):159–173.

3 FOI summaries and label claims.

About Boehringer Ingelheim.

Improving the health and quality of life of patients is the goal of the research driven pharmaceutical company Boehringer Ingelheim. The focus in doing so is on diseases for which no satisfactory treatment option exists to date. The company, therefore, concentrates on developing innovative therapies that can extend patients’ lives. In animal health, Boehringer Ingelheim stands for advanced prevention.

Boehringer Ingelheim is the second

largest animal health business in the world. We are committed to creating animal well being through our large portfolio of advanced, preventive healthcare products and services. With net sales of $4.4 billion and around 10,000 employees worldwide, we are present in more than 150 markets. For more information, visit www.boehringeringelheim.com/animal-health/overview.

N.C. Weekly Auctions Report

Feeder Cattle - Medium and Large 1-2 (Week ending MAY 8, 2020) Kind Avg. Wt. $/lb Steers 300-400 $128.00 - 159.00

400-500 $122.00 - 156.00

500-600 $115.00 - 147.00

600-700 $ 93.00 - 132.00

700-800 $106.00 - 120.00

800-900 $102.50 - 103.00 Heifers

300-400 400-500 500-600 600-700 700-800 800-900

$112.50 - 142.50 $107.00 - 135.00 $100.00 - 129.00 $ 89.00 - 116.00 $ 79.00 - 96.00 $ 87.00

Slaughter Cows: (over 850 lbs) Breakers (70-80% lean) $50.00 - 72.00 Boners (80-85% lean) $50.00 - 66.00 High Dressing (70-85% lean) $60.00 - 77.00 Source: N.C. Dept. of Agriculture and Consumer Services - USDA Market News, Raleigh, N.C. • 919-707-3156

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NCBA

President’s Report

By MARTY SMITH

National Cattlemen’s Beef Association

When Leaders Lead For most people, the initial shock of the COVID-19 pandemic and ensuing shutdown had given way to the realization that the virus and the fallout for our industry and the nation’s economy will be with us for a long time.

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This is when leaders lead, and that’s exactly what we’ve done. NCBA officers and staff have been working throughout this crisis to both identify solutions to the market issues we face and to address the day-to-day problems that the COVID-19

The Carolina Cattle Connection q JUNE 2020

pandemic has created for the cattle industry.

Since my last column in this newspaper, we have worked with the White House, USDA, and countless agencies to do the things that have to be done so cattle producers can continue their operations.

Here are some of the issues we’ve been working on for NCBA members and nonmembers alike over the past month or so: At the end of March, Congress passed and the President signed the $2 trillion Coronavirus, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act, which included $9.5 billion directed to the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) for direct relief for agricultural producers. In mid-April, Secretary Sonny Perdue announced that of the $9.5 billion, $5.1 billion in aid would be available for cattle producers. Details on how to apply for that aid were available in early May, with funding to producers by the end of that month. NCBA’s team in Washington was instrumental in getting this aid appropriated, and they couldn’t have done it without the support of our dues paying members.

NCBA worked with the Department of Transportation to waive truck weights and hours of service regulations to make certain cattle could continue to move during the outbreak.

We also worked with the Small Business Administration (SBA) to make sure qualified cattle producers could access the SBA Paycheck Protection Program (PPP). When PPP funds were quickly depleted, our team also built support for passage of the Paycheck Protection Program Increase Act in mid-April, and we made sure that the new bill specifically made small ag producers eligible for the Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) program, and emergency grants.

Also, in April, we engaged a team of industry leading economists to begin examining the economic impact of COVID-19. They found that our industry will lose $13.6 billion as a result of this crisis, and this NCBA led research is helping USDA determine how relief funds allocated by Congress could be best distributed to help cattle producers.

We all recognize that volatile markets have hit many cattle producers very hard throughout this crisis. That is why NCBA requested USDA to expand its investigation into the Holcomb packing plant fire to include market activity related to the pandemic. Within six hours of NCBA’s request, Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue announced that the investigation would be expanded. By expanding an existing investigation, we’ll get answers sooner because government agencies won’t be starting from scratch.

In addition to USDA investigators, Secretary Perdue also made it clear in a

call with NCBA leaders that the USDA would also rely on other agencies such as the Department of Justice to complete a thorough investigation.

NCBA and the Public Lands Council were the only groups to engage with the government, particularly the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) and the U.S. Forest Service, to ensure cattle producers who rely on federal land grazing permits could have trust in those permits when it’s time to turn cattle out this spring and summer. Recognizing that these permits are essential to producers in the West, this was a top priority for NCBA’s team in Washington, D.C., as the crisis began.

In addition to expanding the market investigation, NCBA also engaged members of the NCBA Livestock Marketing Council and, on their behalf, worked with USDA to ensure auction markets received an extension for filing Packers and Stockyards annual reports.

We also worked with USDA and FDA to ensure there would be no beef recalled from plants where workers might test positive for the virus and made certain those workers would be designated as “critical” by the Department of Homeland Security, in an effort to keep the beef supply chain intact and prevent cattle from backing up in the country.

Another topic NCBA has been engaging in throughout this crisis is the issue of ethanol plant closures, which have limited the availability of distiller’s grains and caused issues for cattle feeders. Those closures have also affected the supply of carbon dioxide (CO2).

NCBA engaged in a coalition of groups to request the Trump administration address the issue which is leading to disruptions for companies that depend on the gas for everything from commercial refrigeration systems to beverage manufacturing.

Our team in D.C. also delivered a win with USDA’s announcement of the Coronavirus Food Assistance Program and a temporary final rule to change H-2A requirements to help U.S. agricultural employers avoid disruptions in lawful agricultural related employment, protect the nation’s food supply chain, and lessen impacts from the coronavirus emergency.

I’m extremely proud of everything NCBA has accomplished for all cattle producers over the past six weeks. While some are content to simply complain or criticize from the sidelines, that’s not what the members of this organization do. As I wrote last month when this crisis first unfolded, when we work together, we can accomplish anything. This is going to be a long road, but we’re going to continue to work together with all segments of our community, and together we’re going to keep our industry working and our nation fed and nourished.

NEWS

Brookside Agra Establishes All Natural Product Protocol for Safe, Odor Free Composting of Animal Carcasses. All Natural Advanced Bio Pro Concentrate Reduces Odors Associated with Carcass Composting. With more producers having to euthanize livestock they cannot sell due to meat processing plants closing over coronavirus concerns, today’s animal producers are turning to composting - a more acceptable, cost effective method of carcass disposal.

Composting carcasses eliminates concerns over ground water contamination, aesthetics, and expenses associated with traditional burying, burning, and pick up of animal carcasses.

Turning the carcasses of poultry, swine, goats, cattle, and other animals into a rich humus that can be used/sold as a fertilizer or soil amendment has become a profitable solution for many animal farmers; the downside is the strong odors, insects, and varmints that can accompany carcass composting.

Brookside Agra has formulated an all natural solution with its Advanced Bio Pro Concentrate and composting protocol. Advanced Bio Pro Concentrate is an innovative, all natural, proprietary liquid blend of stable, highly active microorganisms, enzymes, and biostimulants that degrade ammonia ions, amines, hydrogen sulfide, and mercaptans. When mixed with water and applied to animal carcasses, Advanced Bio Pro Concentrate works to increase the activity rate of both naturally occurring and bio augmented microbes to: • Remove 95 percent of odor within three days • Absorb odors until bacteria can digest organics • Reduce composting time by 30-50 percent • Reduce ammonia emission by 50 percent within minutes • Control hazardous gases • Help meet discharge parameters • Eliminate fruit fly and mosquito larvae Brookside Agra has developed an effective, simple protocol for using Advanced Bio Pro Concentrate to compost animal carcasses. A video explaining the process can be viewed online at www.youtube.com/ watch?v=d2_bysyZoXY. Advanced Bio Pro Concentrate is also safe and effective for eliminating

odors and controlling insects and varmint in swine buildings, poultry houses, manure piles, pet runs, food processing areas, garbage holding areas, processing plants, barns, trailers, and more. Advanced Bio Pro Concentrate is recognized on the GRAS (Generally Recognized As Safe) list, which is approved by the FDA and AAFCO. For more information about Advanced Bio Pro Concentrate, contact Tony Arro, Director of Sales - Specialty Products, at 618-628-8300 ext. 24 or tony. arro@brookside-agra.com.

Brookside Agra Combines Binder, Mold Inhibitor in Flo-Bond Plus.

Flo-Bond Plus Can Reduce Production Costs, Improve Feed Conversion, and Increase Gain Rates. Brookside Agra has developed a binder and mold inhibitor in one called Flo-Bond Plus for sequestering potentially harmful mycotoxins produced by molds and fungi commonly found in animal feeds and grains.

Mycotoxins are harmful chemicals produced by molds and fungi that pose a significant threat to a variety of animals, including cattle, poultry, swine, aquaculture, horses, companion animals, and more. Mycotoxins can cause reduced growth rates, cancer, liver and kidney damage, infertility, and other problems that can negatively impact profitability.

“Heating, washing, or chemical treatments cannot destroy mycotoxins.

The only way to eliminate mycotoxins is to deactivate them with a binder like FloBond Plus,” said Tim Nelson, Brookside Agra Vice President – Animal Health & Nutrition Sales. “No matter how large or small your operation, Flo-Bond Plus can supply the defense you need.”

When Flo-Bond Plus is blended with feeds, it binds to (and sequesters) any mycotoxins present, such as various Alfatoxins, Deoxynvalenol (Vomitoxin), Ochratoxin, Zearalenone, T-2 toxin, and Fumonisin, as well as inhibits the mold that produces mycotoxins.

When it comes to ensuring real world farm success for its Flo-Bond products, Brookside Agra employs two types of vigorous testing: in-vitro and in-vivo.

Using these methods ensures that FloBond products can outperform competitors in a real-world setting, says Nelson.

Brookside Agra used in-vitro lab trials to quickly evaluate competitive products and guide new product development for Flo-Bond products.

To mimic the pH levels normally encountered during passage through an animal’s digestive tract, Brookside used a two step method: Step 1: Absorption phase (at pH 3.0) Step 2: Desorption phase (at pH 8.0).

Utilizing independent, state-of-theart, private, and university facilities, Brookside Agra subjected Flo-Bond products to in-vivo testing to ensure their effectiveness using live animals with mycotoxin-contaminated feeds.

“The addition of in-vivo trials to our testing regimen separates Flo-Bond products from other competitors whose parent companies often don’t utilize invivo research for lack of the required facilities, or because they wish to avoid the added cost of such work. It is our strong belief that in-vivo testing is an absolutely essential requirement for any company selling mycotoxin-binders to

the animal feeds and husbandry markets,” said Nelson.

For more information about FloBond Plus, visit www.brookside-agra. com/products/specialty-feed-additives/ flo-bond-plus/ or contact Tim Nelson, Vice President – Animal Health & Nutrition Sales, at 402-560-7381 or tim.nelson@ brookside-agra.com. Flo-Bond Plus is sold in every continent and over 92 countries.

About Brookside Agra. Brookside Agra is a global fifth generation, family owned business based in O’Fallon, Ill., that manufactures and distributes a variety of research proven, all natural products for specialty feeds; animal health and production; agriculture; and commercial, industrial and environmental use. For more information about Brookside Agra and its products and services, visit www.brookside-agra.com or call 618-628-8300.

N.C. Cattle Receipts, Trends, and Prices for the Month of APRIL 2020 Cattle Receipts: 14,455

•

Previous Month: 17,798

Feeder supply - 34% steers • 40% heifers • 26% bulls SLAUGHTER CLASSES

Avg. Wt. Price

Cows - % Lean

Breaker 1,427 $58.48

Boner 1,139 $58.75

Lean 1,028 $50.74

Bulls - Yield Grade 1-2

1,600

$86.97

FEEDER CLASSES

FEEDER STEERS (Medium and Large 1-2) Wt. Range Avg. Wt. CWT Avg. Price 400-450 424 $138.34 $586.56 450-500 474 $140.29 $664.97 500-550 523 $138.53 $724.51 550-600 573 $134.24 $769.20 600-650 622 $124.18 $772.40 650-700 662 $124.64 $825.12

FEEDER BULLS (Medium and Large 1-2) Wt. Range Avg. Wt. CWT Avg. Price 400-450 421 $141.48 $595.63 450-500 471 $134.74 $634.63 500-550 520 $130.80 $680.16 550-600 570 $126.30 $719.91 600-650 616 $118.17 $727.93 650-700 671 $109.36 $733.81

FEEDER HEIFERS (Medium and Large 1-2) Wt. Range Avg. Wt. CWT Avg. Price 400-450 424 $124.78 $529.07 450-500 470 $121.02 $568.79 500-550 521 $114.74 $597.80 550-600 569 $113.27 $644.51 600-650 621 $103.20 $640.87 650-700 671 $98.05 $657.92

Source: N.C. Dept. of Agriculture - USDA Market News Service, Raleigh, N.C. - 919-707-3156

The Carolina Cattle Connection

q JUNE 2020

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NEWS

Animal Agriculture Alliance hires Emily Solis as communications specialist. Solis assumed new role May 11. The Animal Agriculture Alliance recently hired Emily Solis as communications specialist, beginning May 11. In this role, Solis will work to execute the Alliance’s issues management and communications strategy.

Solis joins the Alliance team from her previous role as communications manager at Maryland Farm Bureau, communicating legislative and regulatory updates to Maryland farm families. She managed the organization’s social media channels, website, member publications, and worked closely with the government relations director to manage issues of concern. Solis also brings experience in public relations, marketing, and brand management.

Prior to her work at Maryland Farm Bureau, Solis held several internships within the animal agriculture industry,

including serving as the communications intern for the Alliance in 2017. She also interned at the University of Maryland’s beef and dairy research farms.

Solis grew up raising and showing beef cattle through 4-H, where she first developed her passion for the livestock industry. In college, she served as president of the university’s Block & Bridle chapter. She was also a member of Collegiate Farm Bureau and Sigma Alpha – Professional Agricultural Sorority.

“We’re thrilled to have Emily rejoining the Alliance team as our communications specialist,” said Kay Johnson Smith, Alliance president, and CEO. “Emily did a stellar job as our intern a few years ago and has developed her skills even further in her work with Maryland Farm Bureau. She will help us take our mission of bridging the communication gap between farm and fork to new heights.”

Solis holds a B.S. in animal science

from the University of Maryland. She currently resides in La Plata, Maryland.

Animal Ag Alliance Virtual Summit attendees now ‘primed & prepared’ for discussions on food and farming. Alliance makes $1,000 contribution to Feeding America on behalf of speakers. The Animal Agriculture Alliance’s 2020 Stakeholder Summit, themed “Primed & Prepared,” equipped food and agriculture stakeholders with the tools needed to bridge the gap between farm and fork.

The Alliance hit an attendance record with 515 attendees registering for the first ever Virtual Summit held May 7-8.

Sustainability leaders in animal agriculture provided their thoughts on where the industry is headed in the future as environmental stewardship continues to be a top-of-mind concern for many stakeholders. “We want to get better, and we want to talk about it,” said Claire Masker-King, director of sustainability communications with the National Pork Board, during a preconference webinar leading up to the Virtual Summit. Other speakers noted that most sectors along the food supply chain realize they have a part to play and an opinion to share in sustainability discussions, but they need to work collaboratively to achieve their goals. There are more things in common between stakeholders outside of the animal ag industry than not, added Eric

Mittenthal, vice president of sustainability at the North American Meat Institute.

Groundbreaking findings were shared as researchers detailed their work in measuring consumer opinions through the use of biometrics, including functional neuroimaging and eye movement tracking. “How people answer questions in surveys and what they buy aren’t necessarily the same,” said Jessica Meisinger, Ph.D., North American sustainability lead of Merck Animal Health, a partner in the study explained to Virtual Summit attendees. “When you look at brain and eye movement information, you can definitively tell what consumers feel,” Meisinger said.

Research findings suggest that items perceived as “riskier,” such as antibiotics and hormones, have greater potential for perception changes due to the increased time spent thinking about these items.

In another Virtual Summit session, three registered dietitians provided insight into cultivating trust in our food and staking a claim on the plant-based plate.

“Agriculturally, you work together, and on the plate, you work together too,” said Nicole Rodriguez, RDN at Enjoy Food, Enjoy Life. “We’re looking to eat more fruits and vegetables, and we’re enjoying those meat products.” When engaging with the public about food choices, speakers recommended advocates share their story, know where they stand on

S.C. Charolais News

By GEORGEANNE WEBB S.C. Charolais Association

I hope everyone is doing okay. Y’all haven’t blown away yet, have you? I do not believe how many tornados have blown through this year. It will take me many months to clear all the trees that fell, not to mention fix the fences. My grandpa always told me that we don’t have tornadoes because the Appalachian Mountains protect us. Well, somebody needs to have a talk with those mountains because they are not doing their job. We have had 17 tornados in South Carolina this year and two right on this farm.

Seneca had an F3 tornado that tore up a lot. I talked with Mike King, and he is alright. However, his daughter lives in Seneca, and the roof blew off her apartment. It took her over two hours to drive from her apartment to Mike’s after the storm blew through. It is normally a 20-30 minute drive. Gwen McPhail and her family made out okay at Tokeena Angus.

PAGE 34

The Carolina Cattle Connection q JUNE 2020

As I am writing this, we are busy getting cattle ready for the Appalachian Classic Sale in Knoxville, Tenn., on June 6. We have 140 lots in the sale as Mike Watkins is combining his sale with this one. I hope we see a lot of you there as now we can travel without fear of jail time.

We are busy here weaning calves with 18 of those being bulls. I am so glad we got a new fence around the bull pasture because that is a lot of bulls to raise out. We are all busy cutting and baling hay, so there is no danger of getting bored like the city folks who have nothing to do.

One thing I have thought of is how bad I miss going to a restaurant. If I had known this was going to happen, I would have ordered dessert the last time I was in a restaurant. You can bet your life that when I can go to a restaurant, I will order appetizers, my meal, and dessert!

issues, and be clear about what common buzz words mean to them since everyone defines them differently.

Animal welfare was also a recurring discussion throughout the Virtual Summit. In one session, Candace Croney, Ph.D., director for the Center for Animal Welfare Science at Purdue University, shared that animal agriculture can better communicate about animal welfare by leading with vision and values, rather than the facts. “People don’t care how much you know about the topic until they know how much you care,” Croney said.

According to Croney, animal welfare discussions are usually centered around showing how animals are cared for rather than the animals being cared about. She provided some food for thought when she asked, “Are we talking about food, or are we talking about animals?” Farmers

need to show how animals are treated matters, outside of production practices and benefits.

A panel of farmers who are on the front lines of discussions surrounding food and farming was also featured at the Virtual Summit, and they emphasized that it’s vital to work together to reach consumers to build common ground. “We don’t all have to agree, but we need to stand united,” said Tara Vander Dussen, a New Mexico dairy farmer, also known on social media as the New Mexico Milkmaid. The panel of social media superstars agreed that products should be marketed without bashing others – if your product is good, and you believe in it, you should only have to talk about your brand. They also pointed out that farmers need to be mindful of what is said on social media and the implications that

From the Desk of the SCCA First Vice President

By ROSCOE KYLE Well, the spring is over, and we all are headed into what is expected to be a hot summer. I know that the children are looking forward to hopefully a normal summer after a very trying spring with COVID-19 affecting how the school year ended. It will still take some time for all of us to get used to the new normal way of life. There is always truth in what is said about life’s uncertainties - “Change is certain.” I hope we can all adjust quickly and stay healthy.

The South has truly seen a vast assortment of weather in the past few months. Everything from thunderstorms to tornados, and temp highs in the 70s one day and snow a few days later. As the weather changes, so does our way of doing things.

One thing that changes is the price of cattle. At the time of this writing, price per head of cattle was at the lowest the majority of the producers have not seen since our childhood days. As always, some good will come out of this, I hope. I am frequently asked when the market will turn around and for that I have no answer. The demand is still there, but under the present situation, the ability to process our product is disrupted. This has caused the prices to drop, but be assured that they will rebound once the processing plants can get back to full swing.

On a brighter note, Clemson researchers, under the watchful eyes of Dr. Chris Saski, have found the reason all of us use strong words when referring to the dreaded Pig Weed. It is what they call extrachromosomal circular DNA or eccDNA for short. The University has applied for a grant to assist with further research on the elimination of this pesky weed. If you want to read more on the matter, go to www.curf.clemson.edu. Hopefully, everyone had their first cutting of hay up and waiting for round two. Please remember that as farmers and ranchers, we have to be especially careful around our machines and also mindful of the weather and heat stroke. PLEASE be careful this year and have a fun filled summer.

On the subject of the SCCA Annual Business Meeting, which was postponed in March, the committee is still in the process of trying to figure out when and where to have it. At the present time, trying to stay within the guidelines and to assure a good turnout to the event, it appears that it will happen in the fall. When and where we will hold the meeting is still to be finalized, so please bear with us and be assured that the rifle raffle will be held at that time, so if you have not purchased a ticket, you still have time. All proceeds go to the educational/scholarship program of the SCCF. In the words of Mark Twain, “It is best to read the weather forecast before praying for rain.” Stay safe and healthy.

could come from it.

Steve Lerch, former Google executive and founder and president of Story Arc Consulting, wrapped up this year’s Virtual Summit identifying ways to build trust. “Trust is almost as important to consumers as quality and value,” he said. According to Lerch, the consumers the farming community is trying to reach – the moveable middle – are often the ones that are paying the least attention to outreach efforts. He suggested leading with an entertaining story to grab someone’s attention before diving into the facts. He also noted, “You can’t be all things to all people.” Brands should stay focused on their core product instead of trying to deliver everything.

To read more of the intriguing insights shared at the Virtual Summit, check out the highlights report released by the Alliance at www.animalagalliance. org/resource/2020-stakeholders-summithighlights-report. The 2021 Summit is set for May 5-6 at the InterContinental Kansas City at the Plaza Hotel in Kansas City, Missouri. Stay tuned to www.summit.animalagalliance.org and #AAA21 for event updates.

Thank you to our 2020 Summit sponsors for helping to make this event possible: Watt Global Media, Farm Journal, Meatingplace, National Pork Producers Council, National Cattlemen’s Beef Association, Smithfield, National Pork Board, American Feed Industry Association, United Soybean Board, The

National Provisioner, Elanco, Country Folks, Dairy MAX, Farm Credit, National Biodiesel Board, United Egg Producers, Zoetis, Cobb Vantress, Inc., Protect the Harvest, Progressive Dairyman, Agri Beef, American Farm Bureau Federation, American Veal Association, Empirical, Kemin, National Chicken Council, Trans Ova Genetics, Vivayic, Mountaire Farms, North Carolina Farm Bureau, Brakke Consulting, Food Industry Environmental Network, and Eggland’s Best.

The Alliance also thanks the following members for their continued support of the Summit and other Alliance programs: U.S. Poultry & Egg Association; Alltech, Inc.; Cattle Empire, LLC; Charleston|Orwig; Diamond V; Genus PLC - PIC/ABS; Hy-Line North America LLC; Iowa Soybean Association; Merck Animal Health; National Turkey Federation; Nutrien; Aviagen Group; Boehringer Ingelheim; and Cargill.

About the Animal Agriculture Alliance. The Animal Agriculture Alliance is an industry united, nonprofit organization that helps bridge the communication gap between farm and fork. 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.

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Call about NEW PORTABLE SYSTEMS! For Information or Brochures, contact:

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The Carolina Cattle Connection

q JUNE 2020

PAGE 35

NEWS Premier Select Sires Cooperative to Pass Nearly $1 Million in Added Benefits to Member-Customers During May, June, July. As producers face uncertainties and challenges caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, Premier Select Sires will offer a seven percent credit on member-customer semen purchases through the months of May, June, and July 2020. Premier will also strategically retire equity to strengthen the cooperative and further benefit members.

“The Premier board of directors recently held a special vote to approve plans for the cooperative to implement the seven percent rebate program combined with early retirement of equity that will accelerate the return to our farmer-owners during a time that may be difficult for many producers,” said Mark Carpenter, CEO of Premier Select Sires. “We want our customer-owners to know that despite

nationwide uncertainties, one thing remains certain — Premier is committed to serving our producers as they continue providing for consumers. With local governance and control through our farmer elected board of directors, we are able to respond quickly and appropriately to help our local cooperative members.”

The seven percent credit program will provide Premier customers an opportunity to continue investing in the genetic improvement of their herds with the benefit of increased savings.

As always, the Premier sales team will sell industry leading genetics at the best prices available. However, when invoices are prepared at the end of the indicated months, a seven percent credit on all semen purchases will be applied to reduce the total amount due. The only requirement is that accounts must be current on their balance to qualify.

Premier Select Sires continues to take precautionary measures to protect the health and safety of member-customers, employees, and the families of each. We are working to prevent the spread of the virus while maintaining the necessary services producers rely on to continue their essential work. If you have questions regarding how we are managing our COVID-19 response, please visit www.premierselectsires.com or call our office at 800-227-6417.

Premier Select Sires Announces Staff Changes. Several changes to the Premier Select Sires management team will take place in the coming weeks and months.

Premier excitedly announces that Brad Barham will join the team as the Southern Regional Sales Manager, David Whitlock, will retire his position as the current Southern Regional Marketing Manager, and Kirk Sattazahn will become Vice President of Marketing and Development.

Brad Barham has accepted the position of Premier Regional Sales Manager for the Southern Region.

Barham will bring with him years of experience in the agriculture and A.I. industries, as well as a forward-thinking and innovative attitude.

Barham was raised on a 200 head registered Jersey dairy in Southeast Tennessee. After earning a degree in

finance and management, he built a career working with the American Jersey Cattle Association, River Valley Farm, and, most recently, All West/Select Sires as the California Sales Manager. In three years of working at All West, Barham’s impact has been great. Specifically, he led the cooperative to tremendous growth in the Jersey business, increasing sales, market share, and customer reach; he impacted the Holstein business, specifically with his ideas centered on sex sorted semen and the NxGEN program; and he worked with his team members to help them learn and apply the Optimal Genetic Pathways (OGP) program, and provided great support to the field implementation of OGP. Barham says he looks forward to the opportunity to work closely with the great member-owners of Premier Select Sires as he transitions into his new role with Premier in July.

“We are very excited to have Brad join the management team,” said Mark Carpenter, CEO of Premier Select Sires.

“His knowledge, experience, and proven track record of innovative adaptation of programs to deliver value to producers will serve our member-owners and cooperative well. We are especially glad that Brad has proven himself a leader in the Jersey breed as that is an important component of the region he will serve as well as

Contact these RAAC members to learn more about Red Angus genetics and how they can fit into your herd.

HARDROCK BEEF CATTLE Ronnie & Donna Holman 4613 Hickory Nut Ridge Road • Granite Falls, NC 828-302-8659 ronnie@hardrockbeefcattle.com JK RED ANGUS Jeff Banfield & Madison Adams 331 Tee Jay Farm Road • Aberdeen, NC 910-281-3821 jkredangus@gmail.com LANGDON RED ANGUS & SIMMENTAL John & Eileen Langdon 7728 Raleigh Road • Benson, NC 919-796-5010 johnlangdon5@gmail.com ROGERS CATTLE COMPANY Johnny & Sharon Rogers 945 Woodsdale Road • Roxboro, NC 336-504-7268 rccbeef@gmail.com PRESNELL RED ANGUS Jonathan & Jacob Presnell 368 Whitaker Road • Shelby, NC 704-473-2627 (Jonathan) • 704-616-8775 (Jacob) BULL HILL RANCH Jim & Alvina Meeks • Raymond Prescott, Manager 1986 Trinity Church Road • Gray Court, SC 864-682-3900 • 864-682-2828 bullhill2@mindspring.com

Jerry Simpson, President - 704-302-2940 • simpson_jerry@msn.com

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The Carolina Cattle Connection q JUNE 2020

COUNTRY BOY FARMS David Miller 316 Key Road • Edgefield, SC 706-840-3709

demonstrating his commitment to serving local producers of all sizes and breeds.”

David Whitlock, current Regional Marketing Manager for the Southern Region, will retire on June 1 after 30 years working for Premier and its preceding cooperatives. Whitlock has served the cooperative in many different ways, and he charted the course in making reproductive analysis part of the everyday management and profit discussion with member customers. His efforts have enhanced the role of the Reproductive Specialist into a true partner and trusted advisor on farm.

Whitlock held the title of Regional Marketing Manager for the past four years of his career, and in that leadership role, he worked closely with the Southern Region Area Sales Managers, Reproductive Service Specialists, and support staff to

maximize sales and service. He attracted many new team members and helped them develop into their roles, strengthening the cooperative and the sense of teamwork in the Southern Region.

“Dave has been a champion for Premier, a mentor to many, and a thought leader in reproductive applications on farm that arguably was the basis for what we call SRS today,” said Carpenter. “Premier has such strong foundations in our organization that provide us the opportunities to let our branches grow and develop, and I personally want to thank Dave for his contributions and leadership to this foundation. Please join me in wishing Dave our collective appreciation for his service and the best of luck in his new endeavors.”

Kirk Sattazahn assumed the role of Vice President of Marketing and Development effective May 16, 2020.

S.C. Cattle Receipts, Trends, and Prices for the Month of APRIL 2020 Cattle Receipts: 5,228

•

Previous Month: 8,735

Feeder supply - 28% steers • 40% heifers • 32% bulls SLAUGHTER CLASSES

Avg. Wt. Price

Cows - % Lean

Breaker 1,454 $60.66

Boner 1,222 $59.16

Lean 1,021 $54.31

Bulls - Yield Grade 1-2

1,603

$87.12

FEEDER CLASSES

FEEDER STEERS (Medium and Large 1-2) Wt. Range Avg. Wt. CWT Avg. Price 400-450 421 $137.97 $580.85 450-500 471 $136.22 $641.60 500-550 523 $131.77 $689.16 550-600 571 $123.92 $707.58 600-650 626 $121.69 $761.78 650-700 663 $119.08 $789.50

FEEDER BULLS (Medium and Large 1-2) Wt. Range Avg. Wt. CWT Avg. Price 400-450 420 $133.97 $562.67 450-500 470 $132.90 $624.63 500-550 519 $129.01 $669.56 550-600 571 $124.41 $710.38 600-650 618 $117.51 $726.21 650-700 665 $114.34 $760.36

FEEDER HEIFERS (Medium and Large 1-2) Wt. Range Avg. Wt. CWT Avg. Price 400-450 425 $121.38 $515.87 450-500 474 $119.31 $565.53 500-550 521 $114.06 $594.25 550-600 565 $112.33 $634.66 600-650 605 $108.07 $653.82 650-700 N/A N/A N/A

Source: N.C. Dept. of Agriculture - USDA Market News Service, Raleigh, N.C. - 919-707-3156

Formerly the Director of Marketing for Premier, he begins this role after a few months serving the dairy industry in a different capacity. Sattazahn’s new position has been developed after more than a year of analyzing Premier systems and processes as a 23 state cooperative to determine the best way to effectively manage sales and marketing efforts.

Sattazahn will be responsible for achieving sales and service objectives for Premier Select Sires and increasing total sales and market share. He will be accountable for helping successfully translate strategy into achieving business objectives as a member of the senior leadership team. Areas of focus will include implementation and development of sales programs to include budgets, planning strategies, product mix, pricing, market research and analytics, marketing/ communications, as well as suggested advertising, promotion, and public relations programs. He will also assist the CEO as a senior executive to develop the mission, purpose, and priorities of the organization and collaborate on M&A targets and activity to enhance the member value proposition.

“I am very excited to have Kirk on the Premier team in this new capacity, and I look forward to working with him for the betterment of our members and employees,” said Carpenter. “With the tremendous opportunities Premier has ahead, we feel that this change will serve our cooperative well.”

About Premier Select Sires. Premier Select Sires is a farmer-owned cooperative that serves beef and dairy producers in its 23 state member area. Dedicated to providing its members with all they need to achieve success, Premier provides: • Industry leading genetics from the Select Sires, Accelerated Genetics, and GenerVations brands • Effective herd health and management products, as well as artificial insemination supplies • Reliable services and programs backed by years of success • Knowledgeable industry experts who are easily accessed for consultation, advice, and on farm assistance Together with its five sister cooperatives across the United States, Premier owns and controls Select Sires Inc., the world’s most recognized name in bovine genetics.

Carolina Cooking Foil Packet Beef and Vegetable Meal Preparation & Cooking Time - 30 minutes 6 ounces refrigerated fully cooked beef pot roast, shredded or fully cooked steak, cubed 6 ounces prepared smoked beef sausage 1 cup butternut squash, diced 1 cup zucchini or yellow squash, sliced into ¾ inch pieces and halved 2 ears sweet corn, cut in half 4 teaspoons vegetable oil 2 teaspoons all purpose seasoning blend, such as Old Bay Combine beef and vegetables in large bowl. Add oil and seasoning; toss to coat.

Preheat grill to medium heat (approximately 350°F).

Place a 12” x 12” square of heavy duty aluminum foil down on work surface. Add ¼ of beef and vegetable mixture to center of foil. Fold right and left edges in and roll together to close.

Fold top and bottom edges in and roll to close package. Repeat with remaining mixture for a total of 4 packets.

Grill for 10-12 minutes until vegetables are tender.

Makes 4 servings.

Foil Packet Beef and Vegetable Meal

The Carolina Cattle Connection

q JUNE 2020

PAGE 37

Cattlemen’s Beef Board

UPDATE

By GREG HANES, CEO

The Beef Checkoff — The Truth is in Plain Sight We’ve never seen anything like this current beef situation; actually, in our lifetimes, we have never seen an economic situation like this that’s affected every industry, including ours.

All aspects of the economy are reeling, and yet beef producers continue to be a strong, resilient breed who weather what life throws at them. Still, in the current environment, it is easy to get frustrated, to want to point fingers and lay blame, or to just be downright angry at the situation itself. We understand that.

With frustration often comes misunderstanding. There has been more and more misinformation floating around about the Beef Checkoff in recent weeks as producers seek answers to questions about the state of our industry. But remember, while the Beef Checkoff does so many great things, it can’t do everything. It is important to remember that we are built on a law that squarely focuses our programs on beef promotion, research, and education to drive consumer demand. No lobbying. No stance on possible political actions or laws. No backroom dealings. Nothing to hide.

We want to have transparent, open, and honest conversations about the way we operate. We welcome questions, and we have heard our share of those in recent weeks. We’re always working to find ways to clearly communicate with producers about the Beef Checkoff’s mission and programs – including where your dollars are spent – with information that is both transparent and simple to find. Here’s some key information about the Beef Checkoff and the Cattlemen’s Beef Board that may help you better understand how our programs work.

Answers to the Five Most Frequently Asked Questions about the Beef Checkoff: Who sits on the Cattlemen’s Beef Board?

1. The Beef Checkoff was first organized and built by fellow producers, and the law reflects their desire to have a program led by cattlemen and women from around the country. The Cattlemen’s Beef Board consists of 99 board members, appointed by the

PAGE 38

Secretary of Agriculture, representing nearly every state in the country. By law, both producers and importers pay into the checkoff and are therefore represented on the board. The number of board members from each state is determined by the cattle population there, and importers are represented by a cattle equivalent of the beef imported. Currently, the CBB has 92 beef producers (cow/calf, feeders, stockers, veal, and dairy) and seven importers. There are no packer representatives on the CBB. Our CBB officer team is elected annually by their peers, and they are producers from all over the country. Meet our current CBB members at www.beefboard.org/beefboard/about-beef-board/.

How do Beef Checkoff funds get distributed?

2. By law, only beef industry governed organizations who have been in existence for more than two years may apply for Beef Checkoff funding.

We call these organizations “checkoff contractors,” and they must “apply” for checkoff funds annually through proposals called Authorization Requests.

These requests are vetted through large, producer led committees throughout the year. The Beef Promotion Operating Committee, a 20 member producer body, ultimately makes the funding decisions for contractors every September for the following fiscal year. Again, no checkoff dollars can be used for lobbying or influencing politics. Contractors to the Beef Checkoff are reimbursed for their work on a cost recovery basis after a full review of their expenses through the internal financial controls at the Cattlemen’s Beef Board. This is watched VERY carefully. Learn more about our checkoff contractors and their requests at www.beefboard.org/authorizationrequests/.

What specific projects are currently being funded with Beef Checkoff dollars?

3. We understand producers want to know specifics about the programs and projects being funded with their checkoff dollars. We created The Drive, an email, print, and online information source

The Carolina Cattle Connection q JUNE 2020

for producers about every aspect of the checkoff. Sign up for your complimentary subscription to The Drive at www. beefboard.org/the-drive-sign-up-form/.

In addition, follow the Beef Checkoff on Facebook and Twitter, where we share timely updates, too.

Where can I find the annual audited financials of the Cattlemen’s Beef Board?

4. We are required by law to provide our annual audited financials to the public. To reach as many producers as possible, these documents live on the Cattlemen’s Beef Board website.

It is important to note that every fall an independent, outside auditing firm thoroughly reviews all financials of the CBB/Beef Checkoff. The contract for this firm is renewed each year and voted on by producers on the Budget and Audit Committee. Read the annual audited financials at www.beefboard.org/ wp-content/uploads/2020/02/PDF-FinalFinancial-Statements-CBB-FY19-1.30. pdf.

How can a producer get involved with the Cattlemen’s Beef Board?

5. Please join us! The Cattlemen’s Beef Board meetings are open to every producer, and we encourage your participation. While some meetings are the full 99 member board, others are smaller committees and groups. Find specific information on upcoming in-person and teleconference meetings at www. beefboard.org/beef-board/meeting-center/.

While we continue to promote beef to consumers, we are also here to provide transparent information to you, our stakeholders. We invite you to visit www.DrivingDemandForBeef.com to find all the information listed in this column, plus frequently asked questions, member directories, annual reports, contractor information, and so much more. If you cannot find the answers to your questions there, give us a call or send us an email. We are a program built from producers, and we remain dedicated to providing transparent, open, and honest communication with you.

S.C. Beef Council News

By ROY COPELAN The S.C. Beef Council continues to keep the office open and lights on during these challenging times throughout our communities and all over the state and nation. Oh well, we will get through this situation together and move forward.

Please stay safe, healthy, and check on one another!

June has finally arrived with the official start of summer. The daylight is longer, the temperatures are hotter, and maybe a little vacation time is ahead for you and your family.

There are a number of beef celebrations during June. In South Carolina, we celebrate June as Beef Month as well as Dairy

Month. Also during June, Father’s Day is celebrated on June 21. A great grilled steak or a good old hamburger would complement your Father’s Day celebration with South Carolina fruits and vegetables.

Beef promotional activities will continue to take place each week over the next 90 plus days. These beef promotions will be part of our “Summer Grilling” activities over the 100 plus days of Summer here in South Carolina. I plan to use “McGill” (our mounted cow trailer) with some of these retail beef promotions.

Look to see you out during the “hot days” of June. Summer officially begins on June 20.

JUNE IS BEEF MONTH

The South Carolina cattle and beef industry will celebrate “June as Beef Month” here in the Palmetto State. This Industry is a top ten agriculture cash commodity and contributes to new wealth and economic growth for our state each, but is recognized for its importance, especially during June.

John Fogle, a cattle producer from Blythewood and President of the Richland County Cattlemen’s Association, stated, “The 3,200 plus cattle producers in South Carolina raise quality, safe animals on their farms each day.” South Carolina cattle producers care for their animals and land the same as their individual families.

Today’s consumers can be assured of safe, lean and nutritious beef from our producers. Darren Carter, a cattle producer for Ninety-Six and Chairman of the S.C. Beef Council said, “Lean beef is important to each individual and it promotes a healthy lifestyle.” He encourages the use of beef in meal solutions to get ZIP (zinc, iron, and protein) .

As the summer months begin, both Fogle and Carter continue to promote beef to consumers, especially grilling for Father’s Day on June 14, as well as, all during the Summer Grilling Season (Memorial Day through Labor Day).

For additional information on both organizations of “Beef. It’s What's For Dinner.”® campaign, please contact Roy Copelan at the state office by email at scbeef@scda.sc.gov or by telephone at 803-917-1119.

Regards,

The Carolina Cattle Connection

q JUNE 2020

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Beef Promotion and Research Program

PRIVATE TREATY SALES CHECKOFF INVESTMENT FORM Information is required by (7 CRF 1260.201). Failure to report can result in a fine.

Information is held confidential (7 CRF 1260.203).

Today’s Date: ________________ Seller’s Name: ____________________________

Buyer’s Name: ____________________________

Address: _________________________________

Address: _________________________________

City: ________________ State: ____ Zip: ______

City: ________________ State: ____ Zip: ______

Seller’s Signature: _________________________

Buyer’s Signature: _________________________

Both the seller & the buyer are responsible for making sure that the $1.50 per head assessment is collected and remitted to the Beef Promotion & Research Board.

Total Number of Cattle Sold: ___________________ x $1.50 Per Head = $ _______________________ Date of Sale: __________________

Person remitting assessment form:

Seller

o

Buyer

o

* State of Origin of Cattle: ______________________

* If the cattle purchased came from another state within the last 30 days, indicate from which state the cattle were purchased.

Send Report and Remittance to:

SOUTH CAROLINA BEEF COUNCIL P.O. Box 11280 Columbia, SC 29211 According to the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, an agency may not conduct or sponsor, and a person is not required to respond to a collection of information unless it displays a valid OMB control number. The valid OMB control number for this information collection is 0581-0093. The time required to complete this information collection is estimated to average 1.8 minutes per response, including the time for reviewing instructions, searching existing data sources, gathering and maintaining the data needed, and completing and reviewing the collection of information.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) prohibits discrimination in all its programs and activities on the basis of race, color, national origin, gender, religion, age, disbility, sexual orientation, marital or family status, political beliefs, parental status, or protected genetic information. (Not all prohibited bases apply to all programs.) Persons with disabilities who require alternative means for communication of program information (Braille, large print, audiotape, etc.) should contact USDA’s TARGET Center at 202-720-2600 (voice and TDD).

To file a complaint of discrimination, write USDA, Director, Office of Civil Rights, Room 326-W, Whitten Building, 14th and Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20250-9410 or call 202-720-5964 (voice and TDD). USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer.

PAGE 40

The Carolina Cattle Connection q JUNE 2020

NEWS Leathers, Smith and Saltman elected to NIAA board of directors.

The National Institute for Animal Agriculture welcomes additional leaders to its board. Members of the National Institute for Animal Agriculture (NIAA) recently elected board members. Newly elected board members are Joe Leathers of 6666 Ranches; Justin Smith, DVM of the Kansas Department of Agriculture; and Roger Saltman, DVM of RLS Management Solutions. The re-elected board members are Fabian Bernal of DeLaval, Lucas Pantaleon, DVM of Egormix/Pantaleon, and Leonard Bull, Ph.D. of Logical Solutions Consulting.

“I am excited to welcome our three new members and to continue to work with Fabian, Lucas, and Len. These individuals will be outstanding members as NIAA addresses challenging topics within animal agriculture,” says Kevin Maher, VetMeasure, Inc., and chairman of the board. “We also greatly appreciate

the leadership and knowledge that our retiring board members have brought to our organization.”

Retiring board members are Carl Heckendorf, DVM, Colorado Department of Agriculture; Rick Keith, Producers Livestock Marketing Association; and Rick Sibbel, DVM, Executive Veterinary & Health Solutions.

NIAA’s board of directors represents the depth and breadth of animal agriculture, as does its membership.

Leaders representing state and national associations, private practice and government veterinarians, extension specialists, educators, researchers, state and national government regulatory personnel, farmers and ranchers, and allied business professionals come together to advance topics that affect multiple species and aspects of animal agriculture.

As a member driven non-profit, the National Institute for Animal Agriculture works to unite and advance the aquatic

livestock, beef, dairy, equine, poultry, small ruminant, and swine sectors that, collectively, form animal agriculture.

To learn more about NIAA, visit www.animalagriculture.org.

About the National Institute for Animal Agriculture. NIAA was established to derive solutions on the most current issues in animal agriculture. Its members include farmers and ranchers, veterinarians,

scientists, government officials, and allied industry representatives. NIAA is dedicated to programs that work toward the eradication of diseases that pose a risk to the health of animals, wildlife, and humans. It also promotes a safe and wholesome food supply and best practices for animal health and well being as well as environmental stewardship.

More information is available at www. animalagriculture.org.

Regular copy deadline is JUNE 5 for the JULY issue Spotlight material is due

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New NCCA Members for 2020

In 2007, members of the Membership Committee passed a resolution to recognize all NEW members of the NCCA in The Carolina Cattle Connection at the NCCA Annual Conference in Hickory. A new member is defined as someone who has never been a member or someone who has rejoined after a brief break in membership. The new members are identified in this new members section by name and county of residence.

Below is a list of NCCA’s new members for the last month: Out-of-State Mike Connatser – J&M Windy Acres – Tenn.

Robert Hoffman – Roundstone Native Seed – Ken. Homer Stout – Rainbow Angus – Tenn.

Alamance County John Crawford – Crawford Farms Alexander County Noah Walker

Ashe County Larry Kitchens

Gaston County Charles Jones – J & J Farm

Nash County Ben Mayo Boddie, Jr. – Rose Hill Farms

Burke County Carter Brown – Circle B Farm

Guilford County Lance Sockwell – S&P Farm Daniel Wray – Wray Farm

Orange County David R. Crispin, CFP – Seven Cedars Financial

Halifax County Tony Francis – Delmar Farm, Inc. J. Rives Manning, Jr.

Person County Jonathan Hawkins – Topley’s Creek Farm

Caldwell County Jeff Smith Caswell County Alfred Sturges – Sturges Beef Farms Catawba County Tommy Danner, Jr. Chatham County Charles E. Lutterloh – Lutterloh Farms Duplin County Gregory Brown – Farm Choice Beef LLC Jennifer S. Jones George D. Olsen, Jr. Durham County Sarah Blacklin Franklin County William H. Judd – Double J Ranch

Harnett County Justin Smith – Bearsville Farms Kyke Taylor – Taylor Farms

Richmond County Mary McKay – Nizhoni Robeson County Brannagan Locklear

Haywood County Jori Miller Elijah Scott – Old Spring House Farm

Rowan County Rocky Cabagnot – Campoton

Henderson County Christian Miller – Triple Creek Livestock & Hay

Stokes County Jason Bovender – B and B Farms W. Jeffrey Spainhour

Iredell County Kelly & Millette Clontz – Briar Patch Farms David S. Sherrill Karleigh Sherrill

Surry County Joseph Phillips – OGH Farms

Jackson County Frank Burrell – BMB Farm Mgmt. & Consulting Lenoir County Michael Dylan Howard – M.D. Howard Custom Farming Montgomery County Joe E. Parsons – Drowning Creek Farms

Union County Justin Edwards Tom Hodge – Hodge Farm Austin Simpson – Simpson Farmer Andy Smith Wayne County Cody Pipkin – Pipkin Performance Horses Jonathan Whitman – Whitman Farms Wilkes County Jerry Harris Wilson County James Woods – J&K Farm

Be a winner!

Join your local cattlemen’s association AND your state cattlemen’s association!

PAGE 42

The Carolina Cattle Connection q JUNE 2020

The Carolina Cattle Connection

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PAGE 43

Suckling calves show significant increase from implants. Strategic a p p ro a c h , t i m e d f o r a n i m a l ’s development, can maximize pounds gained. Recent studies of implant use in suckling calves revealed promising results for weight gain through the feedlot phase compared with non-implanted cattle. In these studies, the non-implanted cattle control groups simply couldn’t catch up to the implanted animals.

In the Field Observations podcast, Dr. Gary Sides discussed research studies from South Dakota State University and New Mexico State University that resulted in the significant weight gain demonstrated by strategic implanting.

You can listen to the podcast for the New Mexico State University results when the study was conducted with heifers www.buzzsprout.com/94891/2490099capturing-value-with-calf-implants.

The South Dakota State study was repeated over two consecutive years in Angus and Angus/Limousin cross

Any news from your county? Be sure to share your meetings, sales, field days, etc., with your fellow cattlemen through the Connection!

PAGE 44

steer calves on a ranch in western South Dakota. The treatment groups included: • Non-implanted control group • Implanted with SYNOVEX® C at branding in May • Implanted with SYNOVEX C at preconditioning in late August The results, Sides revealed on the podcast, showed a significant increase in weaning weights of steer calves that could be maximized using an implant strategy based on the age of the dam.1 “If a producer implants calves from mature cows at branding, but delays implanting until preconditioning calves from younger cows, the overall response was an additional 35 pounds in weaning weights versus non-implanted calves,” Sides said. “If calves from all ages of cows were implanted at the same time during branding, the growth response averaged 24 pounds of gain.

“So, the thing to remember here is that our producers need to match the potency of the implant to the nutritional status of the animal at the time of administration, with the dam’s age in mind.”

Sides discussed what a possible implant program based on these results would look like.

• Implant all heifers and steer calves with SYNOVEX C at the time of branding (those that are at least 45 days of age and that come from dams four years of age or older).

• Implant all heifers and steer calves from two to three-year-old cows at a later date, such as at preconditioning in August or September.

• For calves from mature cows that are too young to implant at branding or less than 45 days or older, brand those calves at a later date and also implant at a later date, at preconditioning along with the calves from the two- to three-year-old cows.

Implants demonstrate success elsewhere, too - The use of SYNOVEX® One Grass and SYNOVEX C in studies conducted in Oregon and Washington also demonstrated that performance in suckling calves produced lifetime total gain throughout their lifetime superior to non-implanted calves.2 Three groups of suckling calves were studied during a 200 day grazing period in Oregon and a subsequent 193 day feedlot period in Washington. Here are the results from that study.

The Carolina Cattle Connection q JUNE 2020

• Implanted with SYNOVEX One Grass: Total gain advantage 45 pounds ◦ ADG over 200 day suckling: 2.15 pounds ◦ ADG over 193 day feedlot period: 3.79 pounds ◦ Lifetime ADG of 2.75 pounds • Implanted with SYNOVEX C: Total gain advantage 37.3 pounds ◦ ADG over 200 day suckling: 2.08 pounds ◦ ADG over 193 day feedlot period: 3.84 pounds ◦ Lifetime ADG of 2.73 pounds • Non-implanted control group ◦ ADG over 200 day suckling: 1.95 pounds ◦ ADG over 193 day feedlot period: 3.8 pounds ◦ Lifetime ADG of 2.66 pounds Visit www.NoStressSynovex.com to find the implant to fit your needs or visit with your herd veterinarian.

References 1 Pritchard, RH; Taylor, AR; Holt, SM; Bruns, KW; and Blalock, HM.

Time of Suckling Implant Influences on Weaning Weight, Post-weaning Performance, and Carcass Traits in Steer Calves. South Dakota Beef Report; 2015: 40-45.

2 Data on file, Study Report No. 18CRGIMP-01-01b, Zoetis Inc. About Zoetis. Zoetis is the leading animal health company, dedicated to supporting its customers and their businesses. Building on more than 65 years of experience in animal health, Zoetis discovers, develops, manufactures, and commercializes medicines, vaccines, and diagnostic products, which are complemented by biodevices, genetic tests, and precision livestock farming.

Zoetis serves veterinarians, livestock producers, and people who raise and care for farm and companion animals with sales of its products in more than 100 countries. In 2019, the company generated an annual revenue of $6.3 billion, with approximately 10,600 employees. For more information, visit www.zoetis.com.

Beef Checkoff News Beef Checkoff shares steak swaps quick guide to ensure consumers have options for every taste and budget.

As Americans start to enjoy the warmer weather and fire up their grills, Beef.

It’s What’s For Dinner. is continuing to ensure beef cravings are satisfied with a quick guide for simple steak swaps.

Whether consumers are unable to find their favorite cut of steak at the grocery store or there’s a desire to try something new, beef’s variety and versatility mean there are almost endless options.

According to retail sales data, taste is the number one reason consumers choose beef, and that is especially true during summer grilling season when steak sales jump, on average, more than ten percent[i], between Memorial Day and Labor Day. To help consumers make the most out of grilling season, the Beef. It’s What’s For Dinner. culinary team, funded by the Beef Checkoff, has developed a chart (found on the next page) of simple steak swaps for top grilling cuts that make it easy to get beef on the table, regardless of what cut of beef consumers have on hand.

“As beef farmers and ranchers, we know firsthand that one of the biggest benefits of beef is its great taste and

incredible versatility, and summer grilling season is a great time to lean into this benefit,” said Buck Wehrbein, Federation division chair at the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association, a contractor to the Beef Checkoff. “Whether it’s due to availability, budget, or preference, by providing consumers with these easy swaps, we can continue to keep beef at the center of the plate this grilling season.”

To see the latest from Beef.

It’s What’s For Dinner., visit www.

BeefItsWhatsForDinner.com.

Reference [i] Source: IRI/Freshlook, Total US MULO ending 12/31/2019; Categorized

by VMeat Syst; 16 week summer period Memorial Day to Labor Day 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.

The Carolina Cattle Connection

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The Carolina Cattle Connection

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CHUCK

SHANK

CHUCK

BRISKET

RIB

PLATE

RIB

LOIN

SIRLOIN

ROUND SHANK

FLANK

LOIN

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LEAN

LEAN

LEAN

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LEAN

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INGEDIENT CUTS

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LEAN

LEAN

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LEAN

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LEAN

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LEAN

LEAN

LEAN

LEAN

LEAN

LEAN

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LEAN

LEAN

BRISKET LEAN

LEAN

PLATE & FLANK LEAN

LEAN

KEY TO RECOMMENDED COOKING METHODS GRILL or BROIL PAN BROIL/ SKILLET

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LEAN

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ROAST

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A cut of cooked fresh meat is considered ‘lean’ when it contains less than 10 grams of total fat, 4.5 grams or less of saturated fat, andless tahn 95 mg of cholesterol per 100 grams(3½ oz) and per RACC (Reference Amount Customarily Consumed), which is 85 grams (3 oz.)

PAGE 48

STIR-FRY

The Carolina Cattle Connection q JUNE 2020

NCBA NCBA Ensures Cattle Producers Can Access Additional PPP Relief.

NCBA Vice President, Government Affairs Ethan Lane, recently released the following statement in response to final Congressional approval of the Paycheck Protection Program Increase Act. “America’s cattle producers are working hard every day to keep feeding America, even as they face more than $13 billion in financial losses while also tending to the health of their families during this pandemic,” said Lane. “We truly appreciate the swift bipartisan passage of the PPP Increase Act, which we hope will make more aid available to cattle producers across rural America.

We’re also thankful Congress explicitly authorized producer eligibility for Economic Injury Disaster Loans and emergency grants administered by the Small Business Administration.

Extending this program to agriculture provides another critical source of financing to help preserve family farm and ranch businesses suffering in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Following NCBA’s letter to USDA, members in both chambers of Congress sent a letter to President Trump, aligning with NCBA’s request that payment caps be lifted to ensure all cattle producers can access the funds that will be needed to sustain their operations through the COVID-19 crisis. The bipartisan, bicameral effort was signed by more than 150 members of the House and Senate, and urgently requests the lifting of payment caps for the agricultural industries which continue to fight hard to feed Americans despite massive economic hardships.

Lane said NCBA members are extremely thankful to members of the House and Senate who spearheaded support for the request.

“We’re very thankful to the many elected officials on both sides of the aisle who have worked together with each other and with NCBA to make sure that America’s cattle producers have what they need to keep feeding our nation during these challenging times, and we look forward to working in a bipartisan and cooperative way as we continue to move forward through this crisis.”

CDC Issues Guidelines to Keep Workers Safe and Processing Plants Operational. The U.S. Centers for

News

Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Occupational Safety and Heath Administration (OSHA) issued guidelines aimed at helping protect workers from the spread of COVID-19 in packing plants in the United States. In response to the guidelines, NCBA CEO Colin Woodall issued the following statement.

“We appreciate the additional guidance from CDC and OSHA to help keep workers safe in beef plants. This move will also provide state and local governments with the information they need to protect worker safety while continuing to support the operation of beef processing plants. Cattle producers rely on the workers and the plants themselves to ensure a steady supply of beef to consumers, and to be certain cattle continue to be able to move through the system.

“Processing plants are important to cattle producers and consumers, but they also provide an important tax base for rural America and are an important provider of jobs and income in small communities across the nation. The CDC guidelines will help ensure the employees and their communities are better protected from the further spread of COVID-19, while they continue to provide an essential service both to cattle producers and American consumers.”

NCBA Helps Lead Ag Coalition Letter Urging Improvements to Paycheck Protection Program. NCBA recently helped lead a coalition of more

than 35 different agricultural groups in sending a letter to leaders on Capitol Hill, urging specific improvements in the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP).

A second round of PPP relief is being rolled out after winning final Congressional approval last week.

Unfortunately, the agriculture, forestry, fishing, and hunting sectors received only 1.3 percent of the original $349 billion in the first round of approved funding, which was quickly depleted.

“Federal relief is only as good as the access that people in need have to it,” said Marty Smith, President of the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association.

“Unfortunately for agricultural producers, accessing the first round of Paycheck Protection Program funding proved to be nearly impossible, with less than two percent of these loans reaching our industry. Hopefully, the second round of PPP will be more accessible to family ranchers and farmers, and more equitably distributed so we can continue working to feed America during this crisis.”

The list of priorities for the next round of SBA loans includes: Expedite Approval of Applications for Rural Lenders • Most of agriculture’s primary lenders have not administered SBA loans.

• Allow Farm Credit institutions to access the newly established PPP set aside for small financial lenders.

Guidance for Agricultural Applicants • Sole proprietors who file a Schedule F should be eligible to participate in the Payroll Protection Program.

• Allow businesses to use additional income documentation to qualify for PPP. Define “Primary Place of Residence” in SBA Statute

• The Primary Place of Residence should be defined to clearly include H-2A guest workers, as many of these workers spend over half the year in the United States.

Rent and Utilities • Rental payments for all business related items should be included in the SBA loan program.

Eligibility Cap for Agriculture • An increase in SBA’s eligibility cap for employees is essential for family farms and agricultural processors that employ more than 500 employees to continue operating and paying their employees.

NCBA Applauds Bipartisan Senate Effort to Provide Flexibility to Livestock Haulers. National Cattlemen’s Beef Association Executive Director, Government Affairs, Allison Rivera, recently released the following statement in response to a bipartisan letter from 24 U.S. Senators to the U.S. Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation Chairman Roger Wicker (R-Miss.) and Ranking Member Maria Cantwell (D-Wash.)

“Now more than ever, we can see how vitally important it is for haulers to have the flexibility they need to get live and perishable goods to market as quickly and as safely as possible. Hauling livestock is inherently different than hauling typical consumer goods, and we continue to look for flexibilities within Hours of Service to safely haul livestock around this country. As we look toward an infrastructure package, we are grateful for the continued support on Hours of Service flexibilities.”

President Trump Signs Order to

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The Carolina Cattle Connection

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PAGE 49

NCBA News continued from the previous page Keep Beef Plants Operating. Recently, President Trump signed an executive order that orders beef packing plants to remain open and employees in those plants to remain at work through the COVID-19 pandemic. The action taken

by President Trump will help keep the beef supply chain intact, ensure beef remains available to consumers, and ultimately provide the food that American consumers will need to reopen the nation.

“While there are currently no widespread shortages of beef, we are seeing supply chain disruptions because of plant closures and reductions in the processing speed at many, if not most, beef processing plants in the United States. We thank President Trump for his recognition of the problem and the action he has taken today to begin correcting it,” said Colin Woodall. “American consumers rely on a safe, steady supply of food, and President Trump understands the importance of keeping cattle and beef moving to ensure agriculture continues to operate at a time when the nation needs it most.”

Protecting the flow of cattle through the supply chain was among the first priorities for NCBA at the start of the COVID-19 crisis. The mounting problems facing cattle producers as the supply chain slowed, led NCBA to redouble its effort to keep cattle and beef moving. This action comes because of the association’s work on behalf of the entire industry. NCBA’s work on this topic is critical to reducing the damage being

inflicted upon cattle producers who are unable to get cattle shipped or processed because of unprecedented supply chain interruptions.

“We understand and appreciate the difficulties facing processing plant workers during this crisis, said Woodall.

“Processing plant employees play a role that is critical to the security of this nation, and America’s cattle producers offer their sincere gratitude for the work they are doing to keep food shortages from compounding the complex issues we’re facing.”

Dr. Stephen R. Koontz Sends Letter On How Marketing Mandates May Negatively Impact Cattle Industry. NCBA President Elect Jerry Bohn, recently released the following statement in response to a letter from Dr. Stephen R. Koontz of Colorado State University providing additional context and clarity regarding his work on cattle markets and the use of that research in conjunction with the 30-14 proposal for mandated cash trade for live cattle: “NCBA has been working closely with Dr. Stephen R. Koontz to develop solutions that address our concerns with the decline in negotiated cash markets and lack of price discovery. Recently, there have been calls for marketing mandates with Dr. Koontz’s research being used to support those proposals,” said Bohn. “In response to our inquiries regarding his research on this topic, Dr. Koontz released the attached letter to

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correct the record and clarify his positions and findings on this topic.

“NCBA is committed to finding an industry led solution, backed by current research and data, to increase the amount of negotiated cash trade in the industry. NCBA’s Live Cattle Marketing Committee Working Group has been hard at work crafting industry-led solutions on the best methods to increase cash market activity without causing financial harm to the industry.”

Background - The 30-14 policy proposal refers to beef packing companies being required by the government to purchase at least 30 percent of individual plant fed cattle needs in the negotiated cash market and that those purchases would be delivered to the plant within 14 days.

NCBA Opposes Government Mandate Restricting Cattle Marketing Options. NCBA Policy Division Chair and South Dakota Rancher Todd Wilkinson released the following statement in response to the bill introduced by Sen. Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) and Sen. Jon Tester (D-Mont.) that would require a minimum of 50 percent of a meat packer’s volume of beef slaughter be purchased on the cash market: “Currently, cattle producers utilize a multitude of methods to market their livestock, including the cash market.

Increased price discovery will benefit all segments of the cattle industry — that is why NCBA has been closely working with key stakeholders, industry experts, and our partners in academia to develop tangible means to meet that end. Any solution must not restrict an individual producer’s freedom to pursue marketing avenues that they determine best suit their business’ unique needs. Government mandates, like that being proposed by Senator Grassley, would arbitrarily force many cattle producers to change the way they do business. We will continue to work toward a more equitable solution and invite Senator Grassley and other lawmakers interested in this conversation to join us in the search for an industry led solution based in free market principles.”

P r e s i d e n t D o n a l d Tr u m p Addresses Beef Imports During NCBA White House Visit. Colin Woodall issued the following statement in response to comments made by President Donald Trump about beef imports: “The comment by President Donald Trump demonstrates the complexity of the U.S. beef business. Live cattle imports to the United States only come from Canada and Mexico and will continue to do so under the terms of the President’s

newly negotiated USMCA. America has not imported live cattle from other nations for several years. However, if President Trump is serious about reconsidering import decisions, NCBA and its members strongly request the White House to take another look at his decision to allow fresh beef imports from nations like Brazil, where there continue to be concerns with foot-and-mouth disease and USDA’s decision to reopen the American market to Brazilian beef.

“Beef trade is a complex business, and America’s cattle producers rely on safe and reliable international trading partners, both as a destination for the undervalued cuts we produce here, such as hearts, tongues, and livers, and for importation of lean trim for ground beef production to meet strong consumer demand. Approximately 12 percent of beef consumed in the U.S. is imported product, but that product must meet the U.S. standards for safety before it is allowed into our market.

“President Trump has shown his willingness to negotiate difficult trade deals and take on tough trading partners, and NCBA thanks him for the attention he has given to beef. We encourage him to re-examine the decision to reopen the market to imports from Brazil, Namibia, and any other nation where there are food safety or animal health concerns that could impact American consumers or cattle producers. A re-evaluation of those imports can accomplish his goals of protecting both American cattle producers and American consumer confidence in our own beef supply chain.”

NCBA: New CFAP Details “One More Step, But Much More Needs to Be Done to Help Family Owned Cow/ Calf and Stocker Operations.” Marty Smith recently joined President Donald Trump and U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue at a White House ceremony to unveil new details about the Coronavirus Food Assistance Program (CFAP). NCBA was instrumental in securing authorization and funding for the CFAP program, which will provide much needed relief to American cattle producers who have been economically impacted by the coronavirus pandemic.

“America’s cattle producers have been hit very hard economically by this pandemic, so we’re pleased that this relief is one step closer to reaching the producers who need it,” Smith said. “Still, this is just one step, and much more needs to be done to address the needs facing family cow/calf producers and stockers in the CFAP details that were released.

We will continue to push Capitol Hill

for additional resources for cow/calf producers, backgrounders, and all other segments of the industry who may not sufficiently benefit from the program in its current form.”

President Trump announced that beginning on May 26, local Farm Service Agency offices will begin accepting applications for CFAP funds, which the Administration hopes to begin rolling out to producers the following week. More information about the application process will be available at www.farmers.gov/ cfap/livestock.

USDA announced the CFAP program on April 17. The program will use funding provided in the Coronavirus Aid, Relief,

and Economic Security (CARES) Act, the Families First Coronavirus Response Act, and other USDA authorities. $19 billion in immediate relief includes direct support to agricultural producers.

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.

Five Ways COVID-19 Has Transformed the Food Supply Chain In less than two months, the COVID-19 pandemic completely disrupted the food supply chain. As stay-at-home orders began rolling out, panic set in. Grocery aisles were emptied, restaurants closed, and the farm-to-fork food chain saw links start to snap.

Some impacts were instantaneous, while others are slowly emerging.

Farmers quickly adapted to these challenges so their products can safely and efficiently travel from the farm to the hands of consumers. Here are just a few of the ways COVID-19 is recasting the supply chain.

1. The blueprint of food demand changed on a dime. Once schools and restaurants closed their doors and consumers rushed to stock up, pressure points emerged across the food chain.

Take milk, for example. Around half of demand is from restaurants and 10-15 percent from schools and institutions, explains Rob Barley, owner of Star Rock Farms in Conestoga, Pennsylvania.

“So, you’re left with 30 percent of demand, which probably doubled, but you’re still only at 60-70 percent of your total demand,” says Barley, whose operation includes 1,500 dairy cows, 100,000 finisher hogs, a 2,000 head beef feedlot and 13,000 acres of row crops.

Between the transformation in demand and the challenge of delivering the right products to the right places, milk started getting backed up in a hurry, he says. As a result, some farmers were forced to dump milk.

Restaurants require different

types and quantities of ag products. With restaurants closed or at least needing significantly fewer amounts of products, processors had to scramble to change packaging and transportation.

“You can’t just change the processing setup overnight,” Barley explains.

That left some products without a home. For instance, he says, some of the extra value processors of fluid milk receive is cream, since a lot of milk goes as one or two percent. “A lot of the cream goes into restaurants so that demand disappeared overnight.”

The same bottlenecks were created for the produce industry, says Shay Myers, CEO of Owyhee Produce in Nyssa, Oregon. The third generation family farm is one of the country’s largest vertically integrated onion farms. They also produce asparagus and sweet potatoes.

“Around 70-80 percent of our valley’s onion production goes to processing for food service or directly to foodservice,” he says. “That business dropped off immediately. Stores wanted consumer packs of 2 lb., 3 lb. or 5 lb. bags. Our operation is set up for only about 20 percent of our production to go into 3 lb. bags. We don’t have the infrastructure to make that immediate change.”

While they were able to retool some old machinery to capture some of the business, Myers says that is only a temporary solution. They have had to dump or compost millions of pounds of onions in the last few weeks.

2. Most food banks aren’t equipped to take mass volumes of straight-fromthe-farm products. Farmers and producers would be quick to donate their products instead of dumping or discing them up.

Yet, it’s not that simple.

After shutdowns occurred, many restaurants emptied their coolers and donated what food they had to food banks, Myers says. So, food banks were full.

Now they could use product, but getting them straight from farms takes logistics, time and money.

“Our onions are in a bulk state,” he says. “For us to convert that to a 50-lb. unit to go to the food bank essentially costs another $3 to $4 per unit of sale.

So, you’re going to double your loss to convert it to a package to give it away.”

3. The livestock pipeline’s long tail creates ongoing bottlenecks. Many pork and beef processing plants are running at below normal levels as they deal with the ongoing ramifications of COVID-19. As a result, bottlenecks emerged.

“For every week that goes by, we are backing cattle up,” says Jeff George, manager of Finney County Feedyard in Garden City, Kan. “The industry will struggle for quite some time to get the backlogs caught up. We’re at a time in the cattle business where we just have a lot of cattle around. Once the pipeline is full, it has a long tail.”

Industry analysts estimate over 500,000 head of cattle are backlogged in feedyards now, and the number will continue to grow until harvest plants are back to running at 100 percent. The same is true for hogs. (Read: Executive Order No Quick Fix For Bottlenecks) “The hog production system is kind of like a water hose,” says Jimmy Tosh, CEO of Tosh Farms, Tosh Farms in Henry, Tenn. “You can turn the water off, but it doesn’t immediately turn off. The pigs will keep coming. With the processing

plants below capacity, pigs back up on the farm.”

While Tosh says his operation, which includes 19,000 acres of row crops and 37,000 sows, has not been devastated yet, he’s worried about the future and others in the industry.

“We are backed up about 60 loads, but if that continues another two or three weeks, it will become a very serious situation,” he says. “I don’t know how we’ll ever catch up without euthanasian. We’ve had a supply shock, now we’re having a processing shock.”

4. COVID-19 will likely change the meat processing industry. As processing plants continue to close or adjust to allow for employee safety and social distancing, Tosh expects additional long term changes.

“We’ll probably see plants get reconfigured,” he says. “One of the big issues we face in the ag industry is labor. This will accelerate the trend of more robotics in slaughterhouses.”

5. Consumers could make long term changes to their eating habits.

USDA has pledged to purchase and distribute $100 million a month of fresh fruit and vegetables through the Buy Fresh Coronavirus Farm Assistance Program.

Myers sees this as a benefit for produce growers.

“These will be distributed to a lot of families who likely didn’t eat a lot of fresh fruits and vegetables,” he says. “So, we think long term this could be an advantage.”

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Rules and Regulations Governing the Operation of the North Carolina Bull Testing Stations PURPOSE The primary purpose of this program is to serve as an educational aid for the genetic improvement and promotion of beef cattle. The purpose of the test is to standardize environmental conditions and feed for evaluating post weaning performance and to provide useful records for the consignor to use in evaluating and planning his breeding program.

The purpose of the sale is to provide a source of and market for performance tested bulls and to promote the use of genetic evaluation technologies.

TESTS AND SALES Two tests and sales are sponsored by N.C. BCIP. The Butner BCIP Bull Test is operated by the N.C. State University Agricultural Research Service and is located at the Butner Beef Cattle Field Laboratory. Qualifying bulls will be sold at the Granville County Livestock Arena in Oxford. Station manager is Greg Shaeffer, 8800 Cassam Road, Bahama, NC 27503, 919-471-6872.

The Waynesville BCIP Bull Test is located at the Mountain Research Station located in Waynesville and is operated by N.C. Department of Agriculture. The sale is held at the WNC Regional Livestock Center in Canton. Station manager is Kyle Miller, 265 Test Farm Road, Waynesville, NC 28786, 828-456-3943.

ELIGIBILITY OF CONSIGNORS Consignors must be a member of the N.C. Cattlemen’s Association and have entire purebred herd enrolled in either the N.C. Beef Cattle Improvement Program, their respective breed association’s performance testing program or a comparable program.

There is no restriction on numbers that may be consigned by a breeder as long as space is available. If more animals are consigned that facilities will accommodate, the number accepted from any one breeder will be restricted.

If there are more consignors than can be accommodated even by restricting numbers to one bull each, consignors who have entered bulls within the past two years will be given preference with the remaining positions being filled by new consignor’s with in-state preference. Maximum numbers of bulls to be accepted: 99 at Butner and 60 at Waynesville.

tested. Breed percentage will be listed on reports. Both the sire and dam of F1 bulls must be registered with their respective breed associations.

Age - Calves must have been born within the following dates: • Butner - August 15, 2019 through November 15, 2019 • Waynesville - August 1, 2019 through November 15, 2019

On Farm Weaning Performance - Adjusted birth weight and ratio are required. Birth weight EPD will be reported. To be eligible for testing, bulls must be weighed between 160-250 days of age and have a minimum weight per day (WDA) of 2.5 lbs.

Bulls must have nursed their own dam.* Any that have been on a nurse cow will not be accepted. However, embryo transfer (ET) calves are eligible, if identified as such. Breed of foster dam should be listed on nomination form.

A copy of either the performance pedigree or the weaning report showing EPDs along with adjusted 205-day weights must be sent with the nomination form.

Health - To be entered, bulls must be virgin bulls. They must be accompanied upon delivery by either an official health certificate signed by an accredited veterinarian or an approved state or federal veterinarian showing negative tests for TB (Tuberculosis) and Bangs (Brucellosis) within 45-days (in-state) prior to delivery or papers showing they are from a certified Brucellosis free herd

REQUIREMENTS FOR ENTRY

Breed - Percentage blood bulls that are recorded (or will become eligible during the test for recording) with a recognized breed association may be

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The Carolina Cattle Connection q JUNE 2020

and an accredited TB herd. All out-of-state bulls must have papers showing negative test for TB and Bangs within 30 days prior to delivery. This rule will be strictly enforced.

Bulls must be vaccinated and weaned for a period of 30 days before delivery. They must be vaccinated against IBR, PI-3, BVD, BRSV, Pasteurella haemolytica*, Haemophilus sommas, 5-strain Leptospirosis, and 7-strain Clostridial* diseases. The first doses of these vaccines must be given after the calf is four months of age. The second* doses of vaccines may be administered at the time of weaning. (*If the first dose of Pasteurella haemolytica or 7-strain Clostridial vaccines is of the formulation which requires only one dose to stimulate resistance, a second dose may not be required.) READ THE LABEL! Bulls must be vaccinated with a modified live vaccine. FOLLOW THE LABEL! Bulls must be dewormed and treated for grubs and lice. A signed vaccination and health record, on forms provided, must be delivered with the bulls.

It is required that horned bulls be dehorned and completely healed prior to delivery.

A committee headed by the program supervisor will evaluate bulls upon delivery. Any bulls with bad eyes, ringworm, warts, colds, or otherwise unhealthy will be rejected. In addition, bulls with fresh tattoos or bulls not correctly tattooed will be rejected.

Bulls will be required to be tested

for PI BVD before arrival at the bull test station. A certificate showing a negative finding must accompany the bull(s) when they arrive at the bull test station.

Bulls must have 840 HDX ear tag in left ear upon arrival to bull test station.

Any bull that is a potential carrier for a recognized genetic defect must be tested before it arrives at the test station if commercial test is available. If it becomes available during the test they must be tested before it can be sold.

REQUIREMENTS FOR SALE

Health - Negative tests for TB and Bangs when test ends.

Reproductive Soundness - All bulls must pass a breeding soundness exam including measurement of scrotal circumference. All bulls will sell under their respective breed association guarantees.

Passing the breeding soundness exam in no way infringes upon the guarantee made by the seller that the bull will be a breeder.

Consignor agrees to any minor corrective surgery required.

Bulls eligible to sell will be screened by a committee. Any bulls considered unsuitable for sale will be rejected. The screening committee’s decision is final.

If completed weaning data, pedigree information, and EPDs (if available) for a bull were not reported by the 56-day weigh date in the office, the bull will not be cataloged or included in the sale.

NOTE: SIGNED REGISTRATION PAPERS MUST BE IN THE OFFICE

BY DATE LISTED ON THE TEST SCHEDULE OR BULL(S) WILL NOT BE CATALOGED OR INCLUDED IN THE SALE!

Performance Requirements - Bulls must have a minimum adjusted 365-day weight (adjusted for age of dam) ratio of 93 within breed group. Bulls must have a minimum ratio of 85 for average daily gain on feed test within breed group.

If there are fewer than 5 bulls in a breed group, ratios will be computed with the average of all bulls of similar genetic size.

Composite bulls will be grouped by breed according to breed registry.

Frame Size - Minimum adjusted 365-day hip height of 49 inches (5 frame score) according to BIF standards.

Of the animals eligible for sale, each breeder will have the option of retaining one bull of his own consignment. If he desires additional animals from his consignment, they may be purchased at the sale.

Consignor may retain a semen breeding interest in any bull but full possession must be sold.

The sale will be a public auction managed by the N.C. Cattlemen’s Association. Consignors will be given the option of using floor prices. There is a standard floor of $1,750.

Sale order within breed will be based on an index, which gives ¼ weighting to average daily gain ratio, ½ weighting to adjusted yearling weight ratio and ¼ BW,WW, YW, Milk, and Docility ratio according to breed average. The top half of Angus bulls will sell followed by other breeds in breed order determined alphabetically in 1994 and rotated thereafter. Then the remaining Angus bulls will sell.

Sale order within breed will be based on an index, which gives ⅓ weighting to average daily gain ratio and ⅔ weighting to adjusted yearling weight ratio. The top half of the Angus bulls will sell, followed by other breeds in breed order determined alphabetically in 1994 and rotated thereafter. Then, the remaining Angus bulls will sell.

Bulls failing to meet the above requirements will not be sold. If arrangements are not made to remove these bulls by the date listed in the letter

with the final reports, the bulls will be sent to slaughter. If bulls are taken to local auction markets, they will be emasculated beforehand, and buyers at the market will be notified of this fact.

Consignors who will not have any bulls in the sale must pay a deposit to cover costs incurred before they many pick thier bull(s) up.

COSTS

To be paid when bulls are nominated: $15 per bull nomination fee. The fee is non-refundable on bulls that are accepted for the test. MAKE CHECK PAYABLE TO N.C. BCIP. To be PAID when bulls are DELIVERED: FOR BUTNER and WAYNESVILLE - $240 per bull to cover management deposit of $75, $15 insurance, and partial feed cost payment of $150.

CHECK(S) MUST ACCOMPANY BULL(S) IF PRIOR ARRANGEMENTS HAVE NOT BEEN MADE.

Actual management fee will be $1.10 per day. Actual cost of feed is pro-rated by rate of gain. The remainder of the feed cost is due at completion of the test.

Veterinary costs will be pro-rated on a per head basis for treatment required at the station, except for specific treatment of

2020 Test Schedules for Bull Test Stations 8/15/19 thru 11/15/19

8/1/19 thru 11/15/19

May 27

May 13

June 17

June 3

June 17

June 3

July 8

June 24

July 20 & 21

July 6 & 7

September 15

September 1

October 13

September 29

September 15

September 1

November 9 & 10

October 26 & 27

December 18, 2020

December 5, 2020

**In case of inclement weather, you may call 919-515-4027 after noon on the day before the sale to get a recorded message about the tentative status of the sale. Call the same number after 7:00 a.m. on the sale day to get a message on the definite status of the sale.

bulls on an individual basis.

In case a bull is removed during the test, the owner is responsible for all costs until time of removal.

Consignors of bulls not eligible to sell are responsible for all costs except sale costs.

Sale costs - actual sale costs are prorated on a per head basis. In addition, the sale manager receives two percent (2%) of gross sales (or $20 for bulls that fail to reach the floor price set by the consignor).

No producer shall sale a bull at the sale for less than the published floor price at the auction site. Bulls not qualifying for the sale must go to the consignor’s farm or to slaughter.

Anyone not abiding by these rules is subject to disqualification for future test station sales.

Also, the sale manager has been authorized to collect the following fees assessed by breed associations for bulls of the respective breeds: • N.C. Angus Association - 1½% of gross

• N.C. Simmental Association - 1% of gross • N.C. Charolais Association - $25 per bull F1 or composite bulls will have the fee taken out according to the breed association they are registered to.

Consignors will be provided an itemized statement of costs and returns and will be paid (or billed) as soon as possible after the sale.

The stations do not assume responsibility for loss of animals, personal injury, or property damage. Each bull is the property of the consignor until sold or otherwise removed from the test station.

Bulls will be subject to evaluation for age and blood typing for parentage at any time. If a discrepancy in age or parentage appears to exist, the test supervisor reserves the right to take appropriate action.

Removal of bulls - All bulls must remain for the entire test period unless removal for health or other reasons are authorized by the test supervisor.

Management will notify the consignor immediately in case of severe sickness. A diagnostic statement from the veterinarian will accompany same when warranted.

Wild (unmanageable) bulls will be removed from the station(s).

Transfer of Registration Consignors are responsible for completing, signing, and sending to the sale manager an application for transfer of registration for each bull they sell. The sale manager will withhold payment for a bull until such application is received.

The Executive Committee of the N.C. Beef Cattle Improvement Program will resolve any questions, problems, or changes not covered by the rules and regulations.

RATIONS Bulls at Butner and Waynesville are fed a corn silage based ration. Protein and energy supplements will be added to obtain a mixture containing 12% crude protein and 70% TDN. The bulls will be fed once daily.

CONSENT AGREEMENT Consigning a bull to these tests signifies that the consignor has read the rules and agrees to abide by them.

CONTACT INFORMATION North Carolina Beef Cattle Improvement Program Gary Gregory NCSU Box 7621 Raleigh, NC 27695-7621 Email - gary_gregory@ncsu.edu Phone - 919-515-4027 Fax - 919-515-6884

Waynesville BCIP Bull Test N.C. Department of Agriculture Mountain Research Station Kyle Miller, Station Manager 265 Test Farm Road Waynesville, NC 28786 Email - Mountain.ResSt@ncagr.gov Phone - 828-456-3943

Butner BCIP Bull Test Butner Beef Cattle Field Laboratory Greg Shaeffer 8800 Cassam Road Bahama, NC 27803 Email - greg_shaeffer@ncsu.edu Phone - 919-471-6872

N.C. Cattlemen’s Association Bryan Blinson 2228 N. Main Street Fuquay-Varina, NC 27526 Email - bryan@nccattle.com Phone - 919-552-9111 Fax - 919-552-9216

Website - www.cals.ncsu.edu/an_sci/extension/animal/bcip/Ahbcip.html

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BUTNER__________

WAYNESVILLE___________ NC BCIP BULL TEST NOMINATION FORM

FOR OFFICE USE LOT NO._________ PEN NO._________

FARM NAME __________________________________________________________________________ OWNER _________________________________________PHONE_______________________________ MANAGER_______________________________________PHONE_______________________________ ADDRESS_____________________________________________________________________________ CITY___________________________STATE__________ZIP________________COUNTY______________ E-Mail________________________________________________________________________________ Premise ID____________________________________________________________________________ INFORMATION ON THIS BULL CALF: NAME OF BULL_____________________________ REGISTRATION NO.___________________________ TATTOO NO._______________________________ BREED PERCENTAGE__________________________ BIRTH DATE_____________ACT. BIRTH WT.____________ADJ. BIRTH WT._________________________ EMBRYO TRANSFER? (CIRCLE ONE) YES OR NO IF ET BREED OF FOSTER DAM__________________ ACTUAL WEAN. WT___________________________ ACTUAL WEAN. DATE________________________ ADJ. 205 WEAN. WEIGHT_____________________ CREEP FED? (CIRCLE ONE) YES OR NO ADJ. WT RATIO_____________________________ (CIRCLE ONE) POLLED HORNED SCURRED EPD’S ACC.

BIRTH WT.__________ WEAN WT.__________ YEARLING WT.__________ MILK____________ BIRTH WT.__________ WEAN WT.__________ YEARLING WT.__________ MILK____________

INFORMATION ON THE CALF’S DAM: BIRTH DATE OF DAM _______________________ NO. OF CALVES WEANED_______________________ AVE. WEIGHT RATIO OF WEIGHT OF DAM WHEN THIS CALVES WEANED__________________________ CALF WAS WEANED___________________________ PEDIGREE OF THIS BULL CALF: (OR ATTACH A COPY OF PERFORMANCE PEDIGREE)

SIRE:_________________________________ REG. NO.______________________________

DAM:________________________________ REG. NO._____________________________

SIRE:_________________________________________ REG. NO.______________________________________ DAM:_________________________________________ REG. NO.______________________________________ SIRE:_________________________________________ REG. NO.______________________________________

DAM:_________________________________________ REG. NO.______________________________________ ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

To the best of my knowledge the above information is accurate. I agree to verify that all information listed in the sale catalog is complete and accurate. If I do not notify the sale management in writing before sale time of changes to be announced regarding information listed for my bull(s), then I assume full responsibility for the information as listed.

Signed:__________________________________________________________

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The Carolina Cattle Connection q JUNE 2020

FOR OFFICE USE NORTH CAROLINA BCIP BULL TEST HEALTH FORM

LOT NO. ________ PEN NO. ________

CONSIGNOR: ________________________________________________________________ BREED: _____________________________________TATTOO: ________________________ HEATH PROGRAM CONSIGNOR-Fill in completely & deliver with bulls. Very Important!! The health of your bull is at stake.

FARM Within 45 days of delivery

Tuberculosis Brucellosis (Negative test results must accompany bulls or list herd certification & accreditation numbers & dates of last test.)

CERTIFICATION/ ACCREDITATION NO.

DATE OF LAST TEST

_________________ _________________

_____________ _____________

PRODUCT Most of these require Two injections-the Second injection Should be given 30 days before Delivery.

IBR-PI3 BVD BRSV 5-way Lepto 7-way Clostridial Haemophilus somnus Pasteurella Haemolytica De-worm Grubicide

________________ ________________ ________________ ________________ ________________ ________________ ________________ ________________ ________________

DATE _____________ _____________ _____________ _____________ _____________ _____________ _____________ _____________ _____________

LIVESTOCK OWNER’S CERTIFICATE The undersigned certifies that, to the best of his/her/its knowledge, as of the date of shipment or delivery, none of the livestock shipped to or delivered to ___________________________________ (Name of Bull Test) will be, on such date, adulterated within the Meaning of the Federal Food, Drug and cosmetic Act (i.e. none of the cattle or other ruminants will have been fed any feed containing protein derived from mammalian tissues, e.g. meat and bone meal, as that term is defined in 21 CFR 589 2000 and none of the livestock will have an illegal level of drug residues). This certificate shall remain in full force and effect until revoked in writing by the undersigned seller and such revocation is delivered to __________________________ (Name of Bull Test) Date: _____________________ Witness: _______________________

Consignor: ___________________________ Name (Please Print)

By: ___________________________ Signature/Title

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PAGE 55

How Shortening Your Calving Intervals Impacts Profitability. When it comes to your cow herd’s reproductive performance, shortened calving intervals should be a proactive part of your management protocol. But, did you know that the fewer days you calve each year, the more profit potential you are looking to add back into your pocketbook? There are several ways that shortening your calving period one or even two cycles can help impact profitability of your herd.

Perhaps the most evident impact to increased profitability will come at weaning time when you sell your calves.

Calves that are born in a tighter window will be more uniform in size and weight and will be more ideal for load lots, which often receive a premium when buyers don’t have to gather up small groups of calves from multiple sellers. Groups that are more uniform in size won’t have a “pecking order” where smaller calves are pushed away from the bunks, therefore hurting their gain and performance.

Consider this example. If a calf typically gains 2-3 pounds per day, it will gain an additional 52.5 pounds per 21 day breeding cycle. That means, if you shorten your calving window to 60 days, calves born in that first cycle will weigh 105 pounds more at weaning than calves born in the last cycle. Calves at weaning average $1.50 per pound, so you have already increased your profits by $157.50 per calf from that first calving window vs. those in the last group.

NEWS

helps determine those cows that are superior reproductively speaking. If you have cows that can’t breed in a shortened window, they need to be culled, and there is added expense of replacing those breeding females in the herd compared to the value of selling cull cows.

Understanding the economic value of a shortened calving interval is exciting. However, getting those windows shortened to achieve economic gain comes with some work. As Glaubius previously mentioned, reproductive success in the cow herd begins with a good nutrition program. BioZyme offers a line of vitamin and mineral supplements specifically designed to help improve the reproductive success of the cow.

VitaFerm Concept•Aid helps cows ensure reproductive success on two levels. First, it provides a completely fortified vitamin and mineral package to the cows to make sure they have the nutrients they need at the most critical time of their production cycle – calving, lactation, and breeding.

“The vitamins and minerals are key to keeping animals healthy, fighting off stress, and cleaning out,” Glaubius said.

“Those high levels of fortification and trace minerals help that cow start cycling back earlier.”

Secondly, and perhaps just as important, Concept•Aid serves as a mechanism to deliver the additive Amaferm to the diet. Amaferm is a precision based prebiotic found in all

2.5 lbs gain/day x 21 days = 52.5 lbs 52.5 lbs x 2 calving cycles (21 days each) = 105 lbs 105 lbs x $1.50/lb at weaning = $157.50 more than calves born in the last 21 days “Granted not all of your cows will get bred in those first 21 days, but if you are on a good nutrition program, at least 70 percent of your cows should breed to calve in the first cycle, 20 percent should come in the second cycle, and the rest should breed that last cycle,” said Kevin Glaubius, Director of Nutrition for BioZyme Inc. In addition to added profit at weaning, producers will realize other cost saving benefits to shortened calving intervals. Strategic herd management means an increased concentration of labor, where animal husbandry is more focused on similar stages of production at the same times and for shorter times; such as breeding, calving, calf care, and the labor efforts for these duties that are not spread out over long periods of time.

Finally, a tighter calving interval

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BioZyme products and is research proven to increase intake, digestibility, and absorption. Prebiotics are especially important to digestive health and, therefore, overall health because they help the livestock adapt to a very diverse microbiome in the digestive tract and fight the battle between good and bad bugs.

“Typically, the cow loses weight the first 30 days post calving, but when we add Amaferm to that mineral, it allows her to process feed faster, allows her to consume more and to get back into a positive energy balance that signals to her body that she is ready to get back into a reproductive state.

We have to give Amaferm a ton of credit for helping return that energy balance to the cow,” Glaubius said.

In a time when production costs and looking for the least cost feed options are

The Carolina Cattle Connection q JUNE 2020

top of mind, doesn’t it make sense to feed a prebiotic like Amaferm that increases digestion and absorption, making your feed resources stretch further? You’re likely already feeding a vitamin and mineral supplement, but with the advantages that Amaferm offers, you should consider VitaFerm Concept•Aid. A 50 pound bag of Concept•Aid is approximately $8 more per bag compared to other minerals without the prebiotic. At recommended feeding rates, there are approximately 200 feedings per bag, making Amaferm about 4¢ per cow per day.

BioZyme recommends feeding Concept•Aid 60 days pre-calving to 60 days post breeding. If you calculate 4 cents per day for 165 days, you’ve just invested $6.60 in your cow to help increase her reproductive efficiency. If you are bulk mixing feed, you can add one bag of the supplement per three tons of feed, spreading the cost even more, to $2-$3 per ton. You’re already feeding mineral, you might as well include a prebiotic that can do so much more to help your herd and help your overall profitability. Remember, for that $6.60 per cow investment, you are likely to wean a calf that will bring an added $157.50 at weaning, making that investment in Amaferm worthwhile.

You’re making good decisions and providing a good nutrition program to your cow herd. It only makes sense to invest in a prebiotic like Amaferm to help your cows increase their reproductive efficiency. Adding Amaferm will help you tighten your calving intervals and add profitability to your herd.

Progressive Cattlemen: Improved Herd Health Leads to Better Management. Tracy Savage has a goal when it comes to running his business: fill the void in a small community so people can shop locally for quality products. Tracy owns the Lumberjack Farm & Ranch in Warren, Ark., and along with running a business, he and his wife, Wendy, own a cow herd too. For Tracy, running a cow herd on top of his business is extra work, but it is his passion and one he shares with his wife, Wendy, who manages the herd’s daily care. Together, Tracy and Wendy own and operate TWS Ranch, a 150 head cow/ calf operation that is continually focused on improving the quality of their herd of F1, ¾ Brahman cows.

In an area rich in timber, poultry, and cattle production, Tracy took over the ownership of the farm store back in 1996. As the business grew, he and Wendy simultaneously increased the size of their herd.

With a business in town and a cattle operation that grew into more than a “side business,” keeping the herd healthy and efficient are top priorities for the Savages.

“Good animal care is very important to us because with the time we have – we don’t have time to tend to sick cows – we need everything to be at optimal health,” Tracy said.

The Savages noticed that a couple of years ago their cow herd wasn’t looking as good as it should. That is when they decided to change their vitamin and mineral program. They switched to VitaFerm®. One person who took note and one of the few that helps them with their herd was local veterinarian Tim Knight.

“I’m from the old school. It takes a lot to convince me that something’s going to actually work, but when they switched to VitaFerm mineral, I would say within three months, you could start seeing a difference in the cattle,” Dr. Knight said.

“They were picking up (weight), their hair coat looked a lot better, and the fleshiness was coming back. They felt better, and that indicated to me something we were doing was right.”

In an area where summer heat also brings humidity, insects, and especially gnats, the Savages decided to put VitaFerm HEAT to the test. After feeding the HEAT mineral, they noticed that although the flies were still present, they didn’t land on their cattle. The cattle spent more time grazing during the hotter times of the day, and the cows overall seemed healthier than they had in the past.

The Savages are not the only ones who noticed an improvement in their herd.

Their neighbors started commenting on their cattle appearance and summertime habits. And Dr. Knight wanted to try the VitaFerm HEAT on his own herd.

“I saw the cows mingling and grazing more, leading to increases in efficiency,” the seasoned veterinarian said.

Tracy decided to start offering the

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VitaFerm products in his store as a way to help other producers improve their herd health.

“When we sell products, we want them to work. A lot of people were buying lick tubs without the mineral, but when you can get it all in one tub, it works good since most farmers are like us and have other jobs too,” Tracy said of the convenience of the VitaFerm tubs that come in Concept•Aid, HEAT, or Protein forms.

The VitaFerm HEAT products are ideal products to prevent heat stress during temperatures of 70ºF and warmer, or anytime cattle are grazing fescue.

HEAT provides Capsaicin to help maintain circulation to support animal performance in both heat and fescue situations. Capsaicin is research proven to lower body temperature, which can improve conception rates by maintaining pregnancy. The HEAT formula also includes garlic to deter insects.

Tracy encourages his customers to try the VitaFerm products for an extended period. He says they will see results if they stick with it and let the vitamins, mineral, and Amaferm get into the cows’ diets and work. He likes the Amaferm in the products because it helps the cattle get more nutrients from the forage and the feed, bringing overall costs down. He likes to offer the quality products to his

customers because he said that is what brings back repeat customers to his store.

“A year round vitamin and mineral program is necessary for cattle operations.

The reward for better herd management is when you go pick up that check when you sell your calves, and it’s a lot more than you expect,” Dr. Knight said.

That’s a good business lesson and one that every cattle producer will learn from. Trust your veterinarian. Trust a quality mineral program and invest in herd health like it’s your business. The dividends will be worth it.

Getting Your Stockers Prepared for Turn Out. Stocker calves can be a good investment and are a great source of converting available forage into protein.

However, those producers who plan to run stockers need to be prepared with good health, nutrition, and vaccination protocols in place before the first calf steps off the truck.

There are two critical time periods for the stocker calf when it comes to its health, nutrition, and, ultimately, performance.

The first is the stress period or the first few days after the calves have arrived at their new destination. And the second is the longer period of time when they have moved to grass and are grazing daily to get the most nutrients and grow before heading to the next production phase – the feedlot.

According to Kevin Glaubius, it is vital to have a good working relationship established with your veterinarian in order to have nutrition and health plans in place.

“Whatever we can do that first week to improve that animal’s experience will result in less treatments, less pulls, a vaccination program that will be more effective, and helping them build immunity will help them fight off sickness when they are out on grass, ensuring they stay healthy and, therefore, higher performing,” he said.

The distance traveled and the stress level of the calves when they arrive at their destination will determine if you should treat them immediately with vaccinations as they unload the trailer, or if you should allow them to rest and hydrate for 12-24 hours first. Regardless, you will want to welcome them to their receiving pen with a few essentials: fresh, clean water; long stemmed hay in bunks low enough for young calves to reach into and eat out of; and several Vita Charge Stress Tubs placed around the perimeter of the pen, which support digestive health while promoting feed and water intake during times of stress. The Vita Charge Stress Tubs contain MOS to trap bad bacteria limiting their ability to do harm, and organic Zinc, the antioxidant Vitamin E, and B vitamins.

Regardless if you give your vaccinations on arrival or wait until the next day when the cattle have had time to rest from their travels, it is important to have a good vaccination program in place and work with your vet to know which shots to give. When you do give vaccinations and wormer, give each calf a dose of Vita Charge Drench to jump start the digestive system during stress.

Drench does not interfere with antibiotics.

The Drench works with the Stress Tubs to help ensure the cattle are getting the most nutritional benefit from their feed, and that their digestive health stays in check.

“Stress tubs are designed to be a complement for those calves that aren’t coming to bunk every day. You might still have calves skipping meals 20-21 days in.

Stress tubs help stimulate their intake so you can get them out to grass quicker,” Glaubius said.

The best way to get the calves accustomed to the bunk is to feed them long stem hay from the bunk in their receiving pen the first few days. Glaubius suggests that like people, cattle are creatures of habit, and so he would go to the extra effort to put the hay in their bunk first and top it with a mixed ration,

Continued on the next page

The Carolina Cattle Connection

q JUNE 2020

PAGE 57

BioZyme News continued from the previous page not silage, that has a strong and bitter smell and taste. Once the calves are trained to come to and eat from the bunk, they will start chewing their cud, which helps aid in digestion. Also, while they are at the bunk, it is simpler to check on their health, looking for alert ears, runny noses or butts, or any calf that doesn’t readily go to the bunk at feeding time.

A good mineral program works handin-hand with a good health program, and making sure your calves are off to a good start from the beginning is the most important cost saving advice. Glaubius reminds backgrounders that the labor in treating one or two sick calves out on pasture is often more intensified and expensive than the treatment, so making sure everything is healthy before turning them out is important.

Once the calves are bunk broke and signs of sickness are absent, usually two to three weeks, they are likely ready to go to grass, the second period of the stocker phase. Once they are on grass, it is important to still provide them continual, fresh water, and a high quality mineral like the VitaFerm Gain Smart mineral. Gain Smart is a free choice vitamin and mineral supplement designed to balance basic nutrient needs and contains Amaferm, research proven to promote calf health and

PAGE 58

vigor and stimulate digestion and nutrient absorption of forage for optimum gain.

You can also continue to use the Stress Tubs for an added insurance policy.

“A mineral program while calves are feeding in the bunk as well as out on grass will help meet their daily needs while combining that with stress tubs will help with overall intake, digestion, and absorption,” Glaubius said.

Glaubius said once the calves are turned out on grass, have a good mineral program, and plenty of fresh water, they should continue to grow and gain without challenges. Grass tetany typically is not prevalent in younger calves; however, bloat can happen with a sudden change in the diet. So, say, for instance, if there were to be a spring snowstorm, be sure to have some hay to put out for your cattle so they still have forage available. And having Amaferm in your mineral will go a long way toward helping prevent any digestive upsets and resulting bloat issues.

“You can have the best plan out there, and you can have disruptions. Adding some forage to their diet will help if a big snow comes and covers up grass,” Glaubius said.

Getting stockers turned out is a simple process if you plan ahead. Work with your veterinarian to have health

The Carolina Cattle Connection q JUNE 2020

and nutrition protocols in place. Be sure to have plenty of long stemmed hay and fresh, clean water sources available upon receiving, and know how to treat for any sickness that does show up. Using a three step approach, like the VitaFerm Gain Smart Program, will help your calves stay healthy, grow, and perform. For more information, visit www.vitaferm.com.

Four Tips to Fight Flies. What’s the buzz? Well, this time of year, the buzz you are starting to hear can only be one thing, flies. As temperatures rise, bugs and particularly flies begin to repopulate, and it doesn’t matter which species of livestock you show, pesky flies are a nuisance to everyone. They like to invade our barns, bite at our animals, and can carry diseases. With proper prevention, including barn management, daily care, and good nutrition, you can do your best to limit your number of unwanted guests this summer.

1. Scoop the Poop - Flies breed and thrive in manure. So, the first step to total fly control is keeping your pens and barn as clean as possible. If you tie your cattle in their pen, make sure you clean their stalls regularly. If cattle are in a cooler, the temperature controlled environment should help reduce flies already but go a step further and limit the amount of time you are going in and out of the door, so flies don’t get inside. For smaller species like pigs, sheep, and goats, be sure to pick the pens throughout the day if you can, in order to keep fresh waste away from the animals. Also, consider scooping out any urine-soaked bedding. The longer it sits, the more the ammonia smell will attract flies. When all of the feces and urine are cleaned out of the pen, you should haul the waste as far away from your barn as you can. The closer it is to the barn, the closer the flies will be. Taking it away ensures flies won’t have a breeding ground to reproduce near your barn.

2. Spray at the Source - Depending on your location and the humidity, you might want to spray an insecticide around your premises to keep flies and other insects from making themselves a permanent home in your barn. If you have the means and flies are a big problem because of weather or the number of animals in the barn, consider investing in a fly control system that mists insecticide throughout the barn on a timed system. These will help a lot with eliminating flies and are common in pig, horse, and large cattle barns.

If you don’t want to spray an insecticide, there are also some other tools you can look into for your barn, such as hanging fly traps, sticky paper, or an electric trap. You could also consider

poisonous fly bait on the ground, but keep in mind this could be dangerous if livestock were to consume it or if you have other four-legged helpers running around like dogs or cats.

3. Spray the Victim - Spray isn’t just for your barn and the premises. There are also many livestock sprays on the market that are safe and effective to use with a variety of animals to keep the flies away. Be sure to read and follow the label directions and use accordingly. Also, pay attention to how much of it you put on if it is an oil based product. Too much of it can cause your animal to get hotter and more uncomfortable.

4. Fight Flies with Feed - Did you know you can help control flies in your cattle, sheep, and goats while you feed your animals? Sure Champ® Extreme with Climate Control is a pelleted, daily supplement that contains garlic to deter insects through breath and skin excretion. Just like all Sure Champ Products, Sure Champ Extreme comes with the Amaferm advantage to promote appetite and digestive health. Extreme also includes ingredients designed to help support animals during extreme temperatures and support hoof and coat care. By feeding Extreme, you should see fewer flies landing on and biting your animals, all while keeping their digestive system healthy.

Flies are inevitable when you raise livestock. You can’t expect to eliminate every single one of them. However, when you plan ahead and take a proactive approach with your management and feeding routine, you can greatly reduce your risk of fly overload. Less flies = less pests, less pests = happy livestock, happy livestock = healthy livestock EVERY. DAY. To learn more about how to #preptowin with Sure Champ or to find a Sure Champ dealer near you, visit www.surechamp.com.

About BioZyme Inc. BioZyme Inc., founded in 1951, develops and manufactures natural, proprietary products focused on animal nutrition, health, and microbiology. With a continued commitment to research, BioZyme offers a complete line of feed additives and high density, highly available vitamin, mineral, trace mineral, and protein supplements for a variety of animals, including cattle, pigs, poultry, sheep, goats, horses, and dogs. BioZyme brands include Amaferm®, AO-Biotics®, VitaFerm®, Vita Charge®, Sure Champ®, Vitalize®, and DuraFerm®.

Headquartered in St. Joseph, Missouri, BioZyme reaches a global market of customers throughout the U.S., Canada, South America, Europe, Asia, Africa, and the Middle East. For more information about BioZyme, visit www.biozymeinc.com.

...

LASSIFIED PUREBRED C ATTLE BREEDERS BACK CREEK ANGUS

Joe and Robin Hampton

A NIMAL HEALTH

www.huntsbrangus.com Calhoun, GA 770-548-7950

345 Withrows Creek Lane Mt. Ulla, NC 28125

704-880-2488

Angus

Black Crest Farm

W.R. “Billy” McLeod

1320 Old Manning Rd., Sumter, SC 29150

803-481-2011

williammcleod@ftc-i.net • www.blackcrestfarm.com

Walter D. Shealy III and Family

20977 US Hwy 76 • Newberry, SC 29108 Walter Shealy • 803-924-1000 Dixon Shealy • 803-629-1174 walter@blackgrove.com • dixon@blackgrove.com www.blackgrove.com

C. A. H. Jim Traynham Wingate, N.C. 704-233-5366 Cell - 704-292-4217

Brent Glenn, DVM Lancaster, S.C.

Carolinas Animal Health, LLC

“Cattle with Something Extra”

519 Morgan Mill Rd., Monroe, NC 28112 704-289-5083 • 704-289-1696 • 800-222-8638

ARTIFICIAL INSEMINATION

INSURANCE AUTO • HOME • LIFE BUSINESS • FARM & RANCH

QUALITY GELBVIEH, ANGUS, & BALANCER CATTLE

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THE HERD THAT CONSISTENTLY PRODUCES CATTLE WITH PERFORMANCE, CARCASS, AND EYE APPEAL.

803-789-7000

SEXED SEMEN

Duane Cell: 336-964-6277 • Wendy Cell: 336-964-5127 Home: 336-381-3640 • Fax: 910-428-4568 ccrosscattle@yahoo.com • ccrosscattle.com

The Josey Agency, Inc. Douglas Josey

Authorized Representative

Multi-Line Agent

336-382-9635 • bkherefords@gmail.com

BLACK GROVE Breeding Registered Angus since 1962

FORAGE PRODUCTS

* Located in Greensboro, N.C. -- Serving North and South Carolina*

REGISTERED POLLED HEREFORDS • EST. 1998 “Quality Cattle For Quality People”

Cattle Available Private Treaty John Wheeler • 910-489-0024 doublejfarm@yahoo.com • www.doublejfarmllc.com

Cell: 803-385-8161 Email: djosey@truvista.net

2610 Kee Moore Drive Chester, SC 29706

AUCTIONEERING Ernest B. Harris President

Phone: 252-257-2140 Mobile: 252-430-9595 ®

Headquarters - 775 Clacton Circle • Earlysville, VA 22936 Cattle located in Traphill, N.C.

Inc. / Auctioneers

3200 NC Hwy. 58 • Warrenton, NC 27589 NCAL #1468 • NC#C#4264 • VAL #146 • SCAL #3895 Email: ebharris@ebharris.com www.ebharris.com

Nationwide Agribusiness

LIVESTOCK EQUIPMENT

On Your Side®

James S. Wills

Primary Agent/Owner Master Farm Certified

SMITH FARM

TRAILER SALES

SPRINGFIELD ANGUS

Carl R. Smith 2205 Finch Farm Rd. Trinity, NC 27370 336.475.1279

Phil Goodson: 919-880-9062 Rick Kern: 919-272-6124

• Performance Tested • Ultrasound and 50K Evaluated • Registered Angus Bulls

Autryville, NC 28318 www.howardbrosfarms.com

Darryl Howard Cell: 910-990-2791

2020 Tarheel Angus/4K Farm Production Sale RICHARD KIRKMAN, DVM 20416 US 64 West Siler City, NC 27344-0350

919-742-5500 • rdkirkman@centurylink.net

SENEPOL CATTLE FOR SALE Black & Red Available

Angus • SimAngus • Ultrablacks

FOR SALE

BBU Registered Beefmaster Bulls and Females

WHITEHALL BEEFMASTERS Joe and Ann Logan 214 Cowhead Creek Road Greenwood, SC 29646

Telephone: 864-538-3004

Telephone: 800-557-3390 Cell: 864-554-4658 Fax: 803-532-0615 willsj1@nationwide.com

Authorized Dealer

smithfarmtrailers@yahoo.com

KEEP POSTED FOR UPDATES ON THE

THE YON FAMILY 318 Aiken Road • Ridge Spring, SC 29129 www.yonfamilyfarm.com

555 West Church Street Batesburg, SC 29006

trailers • truck bodies • tool boxes

104 Springfield Lane Louisburg, NC 27549

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Great for grass programs!

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PO Box 215 • Bladenboro, NC 28320 910-648-6171 (day) • 910-863-3170 (night)

YOUR AD HERE!

I NDEX

OF

A DVERTISERS

4K Farms/Tarheel Angus ........................................................ 59 45th Annual Union County Performance Tested Bull Sale ..... 34 AgAmerica Lending ................................................................ 31 AGCO — Massey Ferguson ........................................................ 2 Alltech — CPC .......................................................................... 30 Alltech — Fescue Toxicity ....................................................... 47 American National Insurance — The Josey Agency .............. 59 Apple Brandy Prime Cuts ....................................................... 15 Back Creek Angus ................................................................... 59 BioZyme Incorporated — VitaFerm Concept•Aid .................. 57 Black Crest Farm ..................................................................... 59 Black Grove Angus .................................................................. 59 Brubaker Family Angus .......................................................... 59 C-Cross Cattle Company ......................................................... 59 Carolinas Animal Health ........................................................ 59 Circle F Farms Brahman Production Sale .............................. 29 Conquest Insurance Agency, Inc. ........................................... 59 Double J Farms ....................................................................... 59 E.B. Harris Auctioneers, Inc. .................................................. 59 EBS Farms 12th Annual Select Bull & Female Sale ................. 58 First Choice Insurance — Donna Byrum ................................ 49 Fowken Farm — CATTLE FOR SALE .......................................... 8 FPL Food, LLC ............................................................................ 3 Fred Smith Company Ranch ................................................... 59 H.J. White Farms ..................................................................... 59 Howard Brothers Farms ......................................................... 59 Hunt’s H+ Brangus ................................................................. 59 Hutton & Sons Herefords ....................................................... 59 Kuhn North America ............................................................... 13 N.C. Angus Association Directory .......................................... 27

N.C. Cattlemen’s Association Membership Application ...... 42 N.C. Hereford Association .................................................... 14 N.C. Simmental Association Directory ................................. 24 National Beef Checkoff/ North Carolina Cattle Industry Assessment ................... 19 Nationwide® AgriBusiness Insurance — The Wills Company ...................................................... 59 Pearson Livestock Equipment .............................................. 35 Ragan & Massey — UF-Riata ................................................. 16 Red Angus Association of the Carolinas Directory .............. 36 Rusty Thomson & Family Cattle Fencing and Equipment .... 26 Smith Farm Trailer Sales ........................................................ 5 South Carolina Private Treaty Sale Checkoff Investment Form .............................................. 40 Southeast AgriSeeds ............................................................. 59 Southeast Livestock Exchange — Upcoming Sale Schedule ............................................. 46 Springfield Angus .................................................................. 59 ST Genetics — Bill Kirkman .................................................. 59 The Carolina Cattle Connection 2020 Spotlight Schedule ................................................... 9 The Carolina Cattle Connection Advertising Rates and Sizes ............................................ 43 Virginia Herd Health Management Services — Pat Comyn, DVM .......................................................... 25 West End Precast — Feed Bunks ........................................... 50 West End Precast — Feed Bunks & Troughs ......................... 41 Whitehall Beefmasters .......................................................... 59 Wilkes Livestock Exchange ................................................... 20 Yon Family Farms Spring ...................................................... 59

The Carolina Cattle Connection

q JUNE 2020

PAGE 59

VENTS ANGUS Aug. 1 (NEW DATE) — Edisto Pines Annual Production Sale, Leesville, S.C. Aug. 21 (NEW DATE) — Springfield Angus Annual Production Sale, Louisburg, N.C. Oct. 17 — Fred Smith Company Ranch Extra Effort Sale, Clayton, N.C. Dec. 4 — Knoll Crest Farm Total Performance Bull Sale, Red House, Va. Dec. 5 — 45th Annual Union County Performance Tested Bull Sale, Monroe, N.C. 2021 Jan. 2 — 12th Annual EBS Farms Select Sale, Norwood, N.C. BRAHMAN Jun. 13 — Carolina Brahman Breeders Association 40th Annual Sale Pendleton, S.C. Jun. 27 — Circle F Farms Brahman Production Sale, Baxley, Ga. CHAROLAIS Jun. 6 (NEW DATE) — Appalachian Classic Charolais Sale, Knoxville, Tenn.

Dec. 4 — Knoll Crest Farm Total Performance Bull Sale, Red House, Va. GELBVIEH Dec. 4 — Knoll Crest Farm Total Performance Bull Sale, Red House, Va. Dec. 5 — 45th Annual Union County Performance Tested Bull Sale, Monroe, N.C. HEREFORD Dec. 4 — Knoll Crest Farm Total Performance Bull Sale, Red House, Va. SIMMENTAL Oct. 17 — Fred Smith Company Ranch Extra Effort Sale, Clayton, N.C. Dec. 5 — 45th Annual Union County Performance Tested Bull Sale, Monroe, N.C. 2021 Jan. 2 — 12th Annual EBS Farms Select Sale, Norwood, N.C.

OTHER EVENTS Jun. 2 — Southeast Livestock Exchange Video Auction Jun. 3 — Mid-Atlantic Cattle Sales Video Auction Jun. 4 — Feeder Calf Sale, Norwood, N.C. Jul. 7 — Southeast Livestock Exchange Video Auction Jul. 8 — Mid-Atlantic Cattle Sales Video Auction Jul. 9 — Weaned Feeder Calf Sale, Norwood, N.C. Aug. 4 — Southeast Livestock Exchange Video Auction Aug. 5 — Mid-Atlantic Cattle Sales Video Auction Aug. 6 — Feeder Calf Sale, Norwood, N.C. Aug. 8-9 — N.C. Junior Beef Round-Up, Fletcher, N.C. Sep. 1 — Southeast Livestock Exchange Video Auction Sep. 2 — Mid-Atlantic Cattle Sales Video Auction Sep. 3 — Weaned Feeder Calf Sale, Norwood, N.C. Sep. 10 — Feeder Calf Sale, Norwood, N.C. Oct. 6 — Southeast Livestock Exchange Video Auction Oct. 7 — Mid-Atlantic Cattle Sales Video Auction Nov. 3 — Southeast Livestock Exchange Video Auction Nov. 4 — Mid-Atlantic Cattle Sales Video Auction Dec. 1 — Southeast Livestock Exchange Video Auction Dec. 2 — Mid-Atlantic Cattle Sales Video Auction Dec. 5 — 45th Annual Union County Performance Tested Bull Sale, Monroe, N.C. 2021 Jan. 2 — 12th Annual EBS Farms Select Sale, Norwood, N.C.

IGHTER A lawyer runs a stop sign and gets pulled over by a sheriff. He thinks he’s smarter being a big shot lawyer from New York and has a better education than any sheriff from West Virginia.

The sheriff asks for license and registration.

The lawyer asks, “What for?”

The sheriff responds, “You didn’t come to a complete stop at the stop sign.”

The lawyer says, “I slowed down and no one was coming.”

“You still didn’t come to a complete stop. License and registration please,” say the sheriff impatiently.

The lawyer says, “If you can show me the legal difference between slow down and stop, I’ll give you my license and registration and you can give me the ticket. If not, you let me go and don’t give me the ticket.”

The sheriff says, “That sounds fair, please exit your vehicle.”

The lawyer steps out and the sheriff takes out his nightstick and starts beating the lawyer with it.

The sheriff says, “Do you want me to stop or just slow down?”

*

*

*

Two factory workers are talking.

The woman says, “I can make the boss give me the day off.”

The man replies, “And how would you do that?”

The woman says, “Just wait and see.”

She then hangs upside down from the ceiling.

The boss comes in and says, “What are you doing?”

The woman replies, “I’m a light bulb.”

The boss then says, “You’ve been working so much that you’ve gone crazy. I think you need to take the day off.”

The man starts to follow her and the boss says, “Where are you going?”

The man says, “I’m going home, too.

I can’t work in the dark.”

*

*

*

A doctor and a lawyer are talking at a party. Their conversation is constantly interrupted by people describing their ailments and asking the doctor for free medical advice.

After an hour of this, the exasperated doctor asks the lawyer, “What do you do to stop people from asking you for legal advice when you’re out of the office?”

“I give it to them,” replies the lawyer,

PAGE 60

The Carolina Cattle Connection q JUNE 2020

IDE

“and then I send them a bill.”

The doctor is shocked, but agrees to give it a try.

The next day, still feeling slightly guilty, the doctor prepares the bills. When he goes to place them in his mailbox, he finds a bill from the lawyer.

*

*

*

*

*

*

A thief stuck a pistol in a man’s ribs and said, “Give me your money.”

The gentleman, shocked by the sudden attack, said, “You cannot do this, I’m a congressman!”

The thief replied, “In that case, give me MY money!”

As a group of soldiers stood in formation at an Army base, the Drill Sergeant said, “All right! All you idiots fall out.”

As the rest of the squad wandered away, one soldier remained at attention.

The Drill Instructor walked over until he was eye to eye with him, and then raised a single eyebrow.

The soldier smiled and said, “Sure was a lot of ‘em, huh, sir?”

A doctor and a lawyer are talking at a party. Their conversation is constantly interrupted by people describing their ailments and asking the doctor for free medical advice. After an hour of this, the exasperated doctor asks the lawyer, “What do you do to stop people from asking you for legal advice when you’re out of the office?” “I give it to them,” replies the lawyer, “and then I send them a bill.”

The doctor is shocked, but agrees to give it a try. The next day, still feeling slightly guilty, the doctor prepares the bills. When he goes to place them in his mailbox, he finds a bill from the lawyer.

*

*

*

The boss asks him employee, “Do you believe in life after death?”

The employee replies, “No, because there is no proof of it.”

The boss tells him, “Well there is now!”

“How do you know?” asks the employee.

The boss replies, “Well, when you left yesterday saying that you have to go to your uncle’s funeral, your uncle came here looking for you after you left.”