NCBA PresideNt’s rePort

By DON SCHIEFELBEIN National Cattlemen’s Beef Association

Resilience and Reflection

Over the past year, it’s been my honor to serve as president of NCBA. It’s been a year of trials and triumphs, and I’ve been proud to represent an industry of cattlemen and women that continue to demonstrate resilience and an understanding that unity is the best way to achieve our mission.

As farmers and ranchers, we often find ourselves fighting the odds physically and mentally to endure the challenges that Mother Nature and other factors outside of our control hurl at us. As I write this column, I’m reflecting on a recent example of rancher resilience as many of us dealt with brutal winter weather conditions before the Christmas holiday, braving wind chills and pushing through snowdrifts, hauling hay, and caring for livestock. Weather events always present unique challenges for us, but we do everything we can to prioritize the health and well-being of our animals. It’s year round work and something we need to continue to share with consumers and policymakers alike.

This past year was defined by record high inflation, a frustrating labor market, food supply chain challenges, and regulatory uncertainty. But it was also defined by the commitments farmers and ranchers make to conservation, animal welfare, technological innovation, and product quality. I’m proud of the story we continue to share and the stance we took on the issues.

The hits from Congress, corporations, and regulatory agencies focused on climate policy came quickly at the beginning of the year, but we were ready. NCBA made sure the interests of the cattle industry were front and center when it came to attempts of regulatory overreach focused on water, the environment, and greenhouse gas emissions. NCBA engaged in several issues related to endangered species and notched a win in federal court when a judge in the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals granted us intervenor status in a case challenging the delisting of the gray wolf. We also saw the President of the United States sign a National Security Memorandum recognizing that food security is national security. This is an important step by bringing defense, law enforcement, intelligence, and national security officials into the conversation with industry to develop ways to protect our food system from the multitude of threats that exist in the world.

NCBA has gone toe to toe with multinational companies, federal regulators, Congress, and deep pocketed animal rights groups. We punch above our weight, but the work will never be done, and we appreciate you having our back by being an NCBA member. You understand the need to have an association working on your behalf on the real issues that threaten our way of life. Those threats include the potential for a crippling cattle disease outbreak or the looming issue of cell cultured and fake meat that might soon mimic the look, texture, and even flavor of our real beef.

NCBA is celebrating its 125 th anniversary this year. Since 1898, this organization has been a forum for cattle producers in every sector and region to discuss issues and build consensus. In my family’s operation, we all come with different perspectives, but we talk together, debate, and move forward with a united front. NCBA policy is set the same way. We each have vastly different business practices, and we face different regional conditions, but we all come together to drive policy forward. Through collaboration, we send a powerful message to policymakers. Our industry is strongest when we band together and fight collectively. This year, I was honored to lead that charge and am looking forward to fighting the good fight for years to come!

Dealing With High Grain Prices and a Short Hay Supply

By TINA HORN, HILLARY POPE, REID MILLER, & AMBER STARNES Clemson University

High grain prices and a short hay supply have left many cattle producers wondering what feeding options are available that are economical. Several feeding and management strategies must be considered when producers are faced with these challenges. Some strategies include allocating stored forage based on animal needs, supplementing poorer quality forages, purchasing additional stored forages, and making culling decisions based on animal productivity. Developing a plan that helps control costs and maintains optimal animal performance is vital to dealing with these challenges and remaining profitable.

Forage quality is an important factor to consider. Forage testing is the only method to determine the quality of stored forage. One way to mitigate waste associated with lower quality hay is to feed at a slower rate and supplement with higher quality feedstuffs. In addition, stored forages should be allocated based on forage quality and cattle stage of production. For example, a lactating cow’s nutritional requirements are much higher compared to a dry cow. To ensure

2023 South Carolina Sale Barn Cattle Receipts

that an operation has enough stored forage on hand, producers should take a hay inventory and projections based on daily cattle dry matter needs. Remember, cattle will consume 2-3 percent of their body weight on a dry matter basis.

If you are currently short on stored forages or anticipate a shortage, act now and begin allocating higher quality forages to animals with the greatest nutritional requirements. In many areas, locally grown forages intended for hay are in short supply. In addition to acquiring more hay, it is also a good idea to look for alternative forages, such as cover crops, cotton gin trash, and other byproduct feeds. Reserve poorer quality hay and feedstuffs for dry cows. Ensure that these forages have been tested and that rations are correctly balanced and fed based on animal needs. As an additional management strategy, plan to harvest small grain and ryegrass silages in the spring and consider selling marginal or less productive animals. For additional management options to combat high grain and a short hay supply, please contact your local livestock and forages agent.