The Carolina Cattle Connection - Volume 36, Issue No. 5 (MAY 2022) by CarolinaCattleConnection

CC C

arolina attle onnection MAY 2022 •

Important notice to NORTH CAROLINA members only!

Check your mailing label! If your label is BLUE, this is the last issue of The Carolina Cattle Connection you will receive until your 2022 NCCA dues are paid. Renew NOW so you don’t miss a single issue! If your dues are current, please disregard this notice.

Vol. 36, Issue No. 5

Spotlight on

BRAHMAN

• 16% protein. High energy with digestible fiber included for efficient gains

• Textured blend with crack corn (50%), dehulled barley (12.5%), protein mix pellet, and liquid molasses added (7%).

• Formulated to prevent urinary calculi.

• Fortified and balanced with minerals and vitamins.

• Contains ammonium chloride. • Contains optimum levels of calcium, phosphorus, and salt. • Contains 20 GM/Ton Rumensin for prevention NUTRIENT of coccidiosis Crude Protein

• Few key points: • No added copper • Yeast culture added (Diamond V XP) • Zinpro (zinc amino acid complex) added LEVEL

Crude Fat

16% (min) 3.00% (min)

Crude Fiber

15% (max)

NUTRIENT

LEVEL

Crude Protein Crude Fat

15% (min) 4.00% (min)

Crude Fiber

8% (max)

13% all-natural protein and effective fiber formulated to maximize genetic potential of growing bulls.

• 18% protein complete feed.

Includes the following nutritional additives to support both health and performance:

• Eco-friendly formulation contains phytase for lower phosphorous manure.

• Added yeast culture

• Available in mash to insure particle size is fine enough for day old chicks.

• Added organic sources of Zinc, Copper, Manganese, Cobalt, and Selenium. • Rumensin added for improved feed conversion NUTRIENT

LEVEL

Crude Protein Crude Fat

13% (min) 3.00% (min)

Crude Fiber

20% (max)

• Contains Amprolium - An aid in the prevention of coccidiosis.

• Only one feed needed from hatch to 16 weeks for egg type chicks.

NUTRIENT

LEVEL

Crude Protein Crude Fat

18% (min) 3.50% (min)

Crude Fiber

6% (max)

ONNECTION 2022 Mid-Atlantic Junior Angus Classic (MAJAC) Regional Preview Show ............................................................................... page 24 2022 S.C. Angus Association Annual Meeting & Banquet ........................... page 23 2022 South Carolina Sale Barn Cattle Receipts ............................................. page 12 5 County Beef Tour, by Martha Mobley ............................................................ page 42 Alltech News ....................................................................................................... page 58 Amazing Grazing — Plan Ahead for a Successful Forage Renovation, by Dr. Deidre Harmon …........................................................................... page 12 American Angus Association News ................................................................ page 24 American Gelbvieh Association News ........................................................... page 32 American Hereford Association News .......................................................... page 29 American Simmental Association News ........................................................ page 16 Animal Agriculture Alliance News ................................................................. page 64 Beef Checkoff News ........................................................................................... page 49 Beef Cuts and Recommended Cooking Methods ........................................ page 48 BioZyme News ................................................................................................... page 40 Carolina Cooking — Classic Beef Stuffed Peppers ....................................... page 18 Carolina Video and Load Lot Monthly Summary ......................................... page 53 Cattle Handling Facilities, by Bob Larson, DVM, Ph.D. ................................. page 68 Cattlemen’s Beef Board Update ..................................................................... page 50 Certified Angus Beef News .............................................................................. page 22 Clemson Extension 2023 Bull Test Call for Nominations, by Steven E. Meadows, Ph.D. .......................................................................... page 34 Diesel Technology Forum News ...................................................................... page 52 Director’s Report — Spring is Here, by Travis Mitchell ................................ page 3 E.B.’s View from the Cow Pasture — Being Without Would be the Worst, by E.B. Harris ........................... page 13 Farm Credit News ............................................................................................... page 33 Huvepharma News ............................................................................................ page 62 Meat Industry Not Threatened by Plant Based Alternatives, Study Says ....................................................................................................... page 69 Merck Animal Health News .............................................................................. page 53 N.C. Angus Association Holds 77th Annual Meeting, by Sharon Rogers ….........................................................................................page 20 N.C. BCIP Bull Test 2022 Consignments ......................................................... page 30 N.C. Weekly Livestock Report ........................................................................ page 49 National Cattlemen’s Beef Association News .............................................. page 44 New NCCA Members for 2022 ......................................................................... page 39 North American Limousin Foundation News ............................................... page 18 North Carolina Cattle Receipts, Trends, and Prices .................................... page 49 S.C. Charolais News, by Georgeanne Webb …….............................................. page 34 South Carolina Cattle Receipts, Trends, and Prices .................................... page 50 The Chaplain’s Corral — Trust in the Lord, by Dave McMillan ...................... page 15 The Simmental Trail, by Jennie Rucker …......................................................... page 17 Valley Vet News .................................................................................................. page 32 Vytelle News ....................................................................................................... page 60 You Decide!, by Dr. Mike Walden ...................................................................... page 14 Zoetis News ......................................................................................................... page 62

N.C. Cattlemen’s Association

President BURON LANIER 2877 Piney Woods Road • Burgaw, NC 28425 Vice Presidents SCOTT WEST 489 Panacea Springs Road • Littleton, NC 27850 RYAN CLARK 5250 NC 772 Hwy. • Madison, NC 27025 BRANDON BOWMAN 2346 Ann Street • Claremont, NC 28610 Immediate Past President KARL GILLESPIE 860 Corbin Road • Franklin, NC 28734 NCBA Regional Vice President (Policy) FRED SMITH, JR. NCBA Policy Division Director - JOHN LANGDON N.C. Beef Council Director RALPH BLALOCK, JR. Beef Board Director - Brian Warren Secretary/Treasurer - EVERETT JOHNSON Directors At Large MATT POORE • NEIL BOWMAN • TODD SEE

Executive Director - BRYAN K. BLINSON 2228 N. Main Street • Fuquay-Varina, NC 27526 N.C. Cattlemen’s Beef Council Director of Consumer Information ASHLEY W. HERRING

The Carolina Cattle Connection Vol. 36, No. 5 MAY 2022 Sales & Publication Office 2228 N. Main Street Fuquay-Varina, NC 27526

Phone: 919-552-9111 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

Manager, S.C.

BRYAN BLINSON

TRAVIS MITCHELL

Editor & Advertising Director CASEY L. HINNANT Assistant Editor & Proofreader KIM BURDGE

Administrative Assistant - KIM BURDGE N.C. Circulation

KIM BURDGE

S.C. Circulation

TRAVIS MITCHELL

S.C. Cattlemen’s Association

Executive Director - TRAVIS MITCHELL P.O. Box 207 • Saluda, SC 29138 Phone: 803-609-2828 Email: twmitch@clemson.edu

Material in The Carolina Cattle Connection is not to be reproduced in total or in part without the written permission of the Editor. All Website: www.sccattlemen.wildapricot.org submissions become property of The Carolina Executive Committee Cattle Connection, but we make every effort to President - Timmy Benton return items such as photographs and artwork as 1st Vice President - Joe Oswald IV requested. nd 2 Vice President - Gene Crim Secretary - Carol Hendrix Treasurer - Eric Seymour Past President - Roscoe Kyle

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 Bonnie Cann, Abbeville • Ashley Mills, Blair Drake Yon, Ridge Spring • Gene Crim, St. Matthews Lee Haddon, Gaffney • Eric Seymour, Columbia

S.C. Beef Council

P.O. Box 11280 • Columbia, SC 29211 Phone: 803-917-1119 Email: scbeef@scda.sc.gov Website: www.sccattle.org

The Carolina Cattle Connection, the official publication of the N.C. Cattlemen’s Association and the S.C. Cattlemen’s Association is published monthly by the N.C. Cattlemen’s Association. A complementary subscription is included with membership to each state’s association. Nonmember subscriptions are $30 per year.

All address changes for NCCA members to: The Carolina Cattle Connection 2228 N. Main Street • Fuquay-Varina, NC 27526 All address changes for SCCA members to: The Carolina Cattle Connection P.O. Box 207 • Saluda, SC 29138

BRAHMAN American Brahman Breeders Association History … page 5 Brahman History — Crossbreeding’s Common Denominator … page 4 Can Do Attitude Breeds Success at Morrison Farms, by Janen Jones Benson … page 9 Carolinas Brahman Breeders Association — Humble Beginnings … page 8 The American Brahman — Breeding the Best … page 6 Standard of Excellence … page 7 The Brahman F1 — A Solution for Southern Cattlemen, by Dr. David Riley … page 10 The Carolina Cattle Connection

q MAY 2022

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The Carolina Cattle Connection q MAY 2022

Director’s Report By TRAVIS MITCHELL, Executive Director, SCCA

Spring is Here The spring season is in full swing in the Carolinas. We are blessed to live in a region of our country that, with adequate rainfall, we are able to produce abundant forages for a long growing season. As cattlemen and cattlewomen, we need to be sure we are getting all of the forages possible from the acres we graze. This has become particularly important as we have seen input costs rise to record highs across the country. Nutrition is arguably one of the most important aspects of the beef cattle industry. We spend countless hours and resources to provide the highest quality nutrition program to our herds because we know that along with good genetics, it is what makes us profitable. There are numerous resources and programs that offer educational meetings and field days in regard to

beef cattle nutrition. The Clemson Extension Livestock & Forages team held four winter grazing demo field days during the month of April in different regions throughout the state. These field days were sponsored by and held in conjunction with the S.C. Forage & Grazing Lands Coalition. Topics discussed included soil health, winter grazing varieties, planting guidelines, and sprayer calibration. Another great opportunity for producers to learn about different forage options in the south is to attend the Alfalfa in the South Field Day being held on May 5 at Foxpipe Farm in Laurens, South Carolina. Clemson Extension Forage Specialist Dr. Liliane Silva has an outstanding agenda planned for this day long field day.

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q MAY 2022

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e Special

Spotlight on

BRAHMAN

Section f

Brahman History — Crossbreeding’s Common Denominator As the first beef breed developed in the United States, the American Brahman has played an important role, not only in crossbreeding programs throughout the United States and beyond, but it has become a common thread among other American breeds developed in the last century. American Brahman influence in the beef industry is felt world wide, and their genetics are sought by cattlemen in every continent. Their development is a success story unparalled. Today’s cattlemen breed Brahmans for all the right reasons. Originating from a nucleus of approximately 266 bulls and 22 females of several Bos indicus (cattle of India) types imported into the United States between 1854 and 1926. Today, the Brahman breed has achieved acceptance for their environmental adaptivity, longevity, mothering ability, and efficient beef production. Bos indicus cattle have been serving man for thousands of years. Throughout their evolution, they have endured famine, insect pests, diseases, and extreme temperature fluctuations. Thus, through natural selection, these cattle came to have the ability to survive and thrive where other types have failed. In their expansion, these cattle have improved beef production in every country in which they have been introduced, as they are mated to existing native cattle. While some 30 defined breeds or types of Bos indicus cattle have been identified in India, only a few of these breeds were selected to

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develop the American Brahman. The first importation of Indian cattle of any notoriety came in 1854, when sugar and cotton farmer Richard Barrow of St. Francisville, La., was presented with two bulls by the government of Great Britian for his services in teaching cotton and sugar cane production to British officials establishing these crops in the deltas of India. Their offspring, known as Barrow grade cattle, would achieve recognition, and their fame would soon spread around the globe. Later importations would see cattle brought from Brazil, where large numbers of these Indian cattle could be found. The American Brahman Breeders Association was organized in 1924. J.W. Sartwelle of Houston was the first recording secretary of the Association, and it was he who proposed the word “Brahman” and so it was adopted as the name of the new beef breed. With strict selection, guided by the standard of excellence developed by founding breeders, the American Brahman has been recognized for its exceptional hardiness and physical stamina, its ability to profitably produce on marginal lands, to live twice as long as normally expected, and with unequaled performance in weight per day of age. As consumers shift to lean meat and lower calorie diets, Brahmans are perfectly positioned to fill the demand for a beef product which efficiently converts feed into high quality beef while producing a carcass free of excess fat. Hybrid Vigor

The Carolina Cattle Connection q MAY 2022

The American Brahman excels in adding hybrid vigor to their offspring when crossed with other breeds, resulting in more money in your pocket as a beef producer. Hybrid vigor (or heterosis) is an animal breeding or genetics term that is achieved by crossing two different strains, varieties, breeds, or species. In the cattle world, maximum hybrid vigor is obtained by crossing totally unrelated animals, achieving the “best of both worlds.” Because of this added hybrid vigor, the use of Brahman bulls with European or English breed cows is one of the most popular crossbreeding practices in the United States, with the resulting Brahman F-1 calf in high demand by cattlemen for replacement females or feeders in the feedlot.

Years of crossbreeding research has consistently shown that ranchers get higher levels of heterosis when you cross a Brahman with a British or Continental breed, compared to just breeding British or Continental breeds to each other. Because of this, Brahman cattle are often referred to as crossbreeding’s common denominator. The Brahman F-1 cross is consistently superior to other crosses in weight per day of age and carcass efficiency. The Brahman F-1 is also very popular because these cattle display many important characteristics of their Brahman parent, such as drought resistance, heat tolerance, disease and parasite resistance, and increased longevity. Queens of Cow Country F-1 Brahman females are maternal machines. They have increased milk production, higher fertility, and wean faster growing calves with fewer inputs. Plus, she will have a longer productive life, raising more calves over her lifetime than other breeds. In the feedlot, Brahman hybrid steers remain healthier and make the most rapid, efficient gains while producing heavier, higher yielding carcasses that are free of excess fat, which today’s packer and health conscious consumer demand. Environmental Adaptibility Brahmans have dark skin pigmentation, which filters the intense rays of the sun as well as keeps the breed free of cancer eye. Other environmental adaptations which make the Brahman breed so well suited to so many areas of the country include the ability to utilize lower quality feed, to travel longer distances for feed and water, and to resist insects and external parasites while withstanding vast climactic differences. They also have the ability to reproduce on a regular basis in a stressful environment. Brahman cattle show no effect from extremely high temperatures. A factor which contributes to the Brahman’s unique ability to withstand temperature extremes is a short, thick, glossy hair coat which reflects much of the sun’s rays, allowing them to graze in midday sun without suffering. In severe winters, Brahmans grow a protective covering of long, coarse hair beneath which a dense, downy, fur like undercoat can be found. An abundance of loose skin, characteristic of the breed, also aids in

e its ability to withstand warm weather by increasing the body surface area exposed to cooling. In cold weather, the skin is contracted, increasing the thickness of the hide and density of the hair, which aids in retaining body heat. A special feature of the Brahman breed is their ability over other breeds to sweat freely, which contributes greatly to their heat tolerance. Gain Efficiency and Carcass Quality Brahman hybrid calves and those out of Brahman F-1 cows are noted for their fast gains, and it’s a fact that these calves consistently produce more weight per day of age than most other breed contemporaries. Brahman cross calves are more desirable to feed in many parts of the country during hot, humid months when the feed efficiency of European and British calves and crosses decreases. The ability of these Brahman cross cattle to

Spotlight on

BRAHMAN

finish during warm seasons is a definite economic factor in their favor. While efficiency is an important quality of the Brahman and its crosses, the carcasses are known for their high cutability, which results in a high yielding carcass with limited fat. In a recent study conducted by Texas A&M, Angus and Hereford cows were bred to Brahman bulls. The resulting steers were handled as calf feds going directly into the feedlot at weaning. The steers were fed for 180 days and slaughtered at 13-14 months. The first calf crops produced 89 steers, with no death loss experienced postweaning. Of those fed, 58 percent of the steers graded Choice, with the rest in the window of acceptability. Tenderness readings using the Warner-Bratzler shear force test were taken at 0, 7, and 14 days. With this data,

American Brahman Breeders Association History The American Brahman Breeders Association is the world registry for Brahman cattle, the #1 beef breed for efficiency, hybrid vigor, and environmental adaptability. The ABBA was founded in 1924 as the official breed registry of American Brahman cattle in the United States. Its original mission was to maintain parentage and ownership records of American Brahman cattle; however, through the years, it has grown to provide an array of member services, educational opportunities, and programs. Internationally recognized as a leading beef cattle association, ABBA offers a wide array of programs to assist the profitability of its members. The ABBA is a membership organization governed by an elected board of directors. Members of the board as well as other volunteers are assigned to committees that meet regularly to propose ideas of ways to better serve the members through programs, services, or activities. The ABBA staff and leaders are always looking for ways to improve the breed and the organization and welcome input from the membership. The ABBA is based in Houston, Texas. Registrations, transfers, and F-1 certificates are processed in Kansas City, Missouri. For more information about the Brahman breed or the many opportunities offered by ABBA, please contact our office or visit our website at www.brahman.org.

a rating of ten pounds or less is considered satisfactory for supermarket sales, while a rating of 8.7 pounds or less is desirable for steaks utilized in quality restaurants. Of the 89 samples, 84 were below the ten pound level at 14 days with the best rating being 5.7 pounds. Milk Production Add more beef to your milk program with the American Brahman! The American Brahman is known the world over for their crossbreeding excellence; however, many dairy producers in the southern United States and South and Central America also utilize the American Brahman in crossbreeding with dairy

breeds. These dual purpose animals are the future of the cattle industry in the tropics. Using American Brahmans in the tropics will result in adaptability, fertility, disease resistance, and longevity. American Brahman genetics give you heavier weaning weights, more quality beef, and more salvage value at production termination. They also add additional butter fat content and protein, as well as increased production and net income. Recent crossbreeding reports from South America have shown the American Brahman to be an ideal cross with a variety of dairy breeds including Holstein, Jersey, Brown Swiss, and more.

2022 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 2022. 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.

2022 Reserved Spotlight Issues JANUARY FEBRUARY MARCH APRIL MAY JUNE JULY AUGUST SEPTEMBER OCTOBER NOVEMBER DECEMBER

CHAROLAIS FORAGES ANGUS PEST MANAGEMENT BRAHMAN HEREFORD GELBVIEH SIMMENTAL SANTA GERTRUDIS --------------------------------------------------RED ANGUS

For more information about your breed’s Spotlight Issue, contact:

The Carolina Cattle Connection 2228 N. Main Street • Fuquay-Varina, NC 27526 919-552-9111 • mail@nccattle.com The Carolina Cattle Connection

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e Special

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Section f

The American Brahman — Breeding the Best In the Southern United States, the cattle are still king, but so is the heat. Though it varies from coast to coast, the majority of the region spends almost a third of the year facing temperatures over 90ºF and almost half the year with temperatures over 85ºF — a climate uncomfortable to humans, but potentially deadly to livestock. Originating from several Indian breeds of cattle that thrived in regions where insects, disease, dry, harsh terrain, and the extreme temperatures were the norm, the Brahman is a true masterpiece of genetic design — a breed as easy to raise as they are to recognize. A product of the Guzerat, the Gir, the Nellore, and the Krishna Valley breeds, the American Brahman was born of necessity for hearty beef and milk producing cattle that would not struggle amid the often cattle unfriendly climate. Similar in appearance to the Zebu (or Bos indicus) native to India, Brahmans feature a variety of colors (light gray, red, and black), but a well defined hump between the shoulder blades, longer ears, and heavy dewlap under the neck are the truly distinctive traits. For Brahman, every aspect of their physique contributes to their productivity and resilience. To protect themselves from the sun’s rays and excessive heat, Brahmans have dark pigmentation encircling the eyes that helps prevent cancer eye, loose skin with thick, glossy hair that provides a thermal barrier,

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and an increased size, number, and productivity of sweat glands that allow them to sweat freely. Normally, where heat reigns, forage suffers. In addition, Brahmans better utilize low quality browse and require less water intake (resulting in reduced urination and nitrogen loss). Their digestive efficiency allows for superior muscle and tissue development even on low feed intake, as well as the ability to recycle nutrients through the bloodstream and saliva. Their cattle tick resistance stems from a sleek coat unfavorable for tick attachment, an immune response that prevents tick development and chemicals in the sweat that act as a repellant. Brahmans can also travel extensively and produce the maximum quality of beef and milk from minimal resources. “ W h a t ’s e x c e p t i o n a l a b o u t Brahman’s is their low maintenance and adaptability,” said Cyana Briles, president of the Eastern Brahman Breeders Association. “These animals will survive in places where raising cattle was thought impossible, and the rate of their influence has expanded faster than any other breed in the world. Part of the priority of the EBBA is to educate breeders about these wonderfully diverse animals and the numerous benefits they bring to the ranching lifestyle.” Alone, Brahman cattle offer a wealth of positive aspects, but when crossbred with European Bos taurus, the result is maximum hybrid vigor (heterosis). This

The Carolina Cattle Connection q MAY 2022

term refers to crossbred offspring who possess superior traits to their parents — a result most effective when breeds with differing traits are introduced. For example, Bos taurus are known for their excellent muscle patterning and beef production but are highly susceptible to heat and disease. Bos indicus function well in rough climates, but are known for their hardiness and efficient beef production. American Brahmans marry the best of both parents, and when partnered with varying breeds, naturally produce high quality first cross (F1) offspring. Second to none in attaining this level of heterosis, this innovative crossbreeding results in offspring with superior weight, carcass efficiency, and reproductive performance. F1 females possess an unprecedented maternal instinct. Born to nurture, the females have a lifespan that surpasses that of any European breed, an extended breeding window, often 50 percent longer than many other breeds, a fierce protective nature toward calves from predators, and the ability to produce high quality milk in vast quantities. “In essence, an F1 female is unmatched. She has a higher bred-in environmental adaptivity, increased milk production, higher fertility, and heat and the disease resistance of her Brahman parent. These aren’t your regular cattle. They’re strong, resilient, and are highly regarded by commercial cattlemen as a maternal machine with no peers,” said

Briles. “And their offspring are a direct reflection of that quality.” In addition, F1 steers have their own distinct set of attributes, including rapid growth, efficient gaining, and excellent beef quality. They produce high cutability carcasses with less excessive fat but still retain the exceptional standard of quality, flavor, and tenderness in demand worldwide. Today, American Brahman genetics roam around the world in over 74 countries. From Mexico, Central and South America to Africa, Eastern Asia, and Australia, the American Brahman has excelled in every country it has been introduced and will continue to make a huge imprint in the world production of beef and increased milk production. When considering a breed known for exceptional production, maximum efficiency, and unparalleled versatility, Brahman is the choice for all the right reasons. Not only is the American Brahman a great breed of cattle, but is backed by a great organization. Founded in 2018, the Eastern Brahman Breeders Association is a promotional group of the American Brahman Breeders Association headquartered in Houston, Texas. The EBBA offers a number of membership, breed improvement, promotion, marketing, and educational programs. A few of the most exciting programs they offer are their annual consignment sale that will be held online this year (due to the COVID-19 pandemic) May 20-21, the Eastern Brahman Extravaganza Show that will be held at the N.C. Mountain State Fair, and the 4-H Heifer Lease Program. “The EBBA is a really good organization that provides a wide range of services to its members,” said Travis McCutchen. “I chose Brahmans because they adapt so well to our environment, and there is a strong market for commercial breeders. I just like to breed the best!” For more information on the American Brahman and the Eastern Brahman Breeders Association, please contact EBBA President Cyana Briles at 336-410-2126 (she really enjoys talking to folks about Brahman cattle) or by email info@EasternBrahman.com. Visit www. easternbrahman.com for more details.

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BRAHMAN

Section f

Standard of Excellence I. General Appearance (22 points) a) Size and Weight (10 points) – Well developed according to age. Bulls 1,600-2,200 lbs at maturity in good flesh. Cows 1,000-1,400 lbs. Body frame should have ample depth, width, and length regardless of condition. b) Form (8 points) – Massive, long, broad, moderate depth, balanced, straight back with a slightly rounding rump. Any appreciable dropping off from hips to region of crops or hump is undesirable. Bottom line straight except for sheath in bull and navel in cow. c) Quality (4 points) – Hide soft and pliable, of medium thickness, hair of medium texture, soft. Bone ample in substance, clean cut strong. Muscling long, well defined. II. Body Form or Conformation (55 points for male/56 points for female) a) Shoulders and Chest (8 points) – Moderately oblique, smooth, broad on top, and covered by hump. Brisket not prominent. Chest wide and deep, good width on floor. b) Body (17 points) 1. Back and Ribs (9 points) - Ribs well sprung from backbone, arched, with ample length to give moderate depth to body. Symmetrically joined to loin and crops. Excessive depression behind shoulders objectionable. Short middle

and excessive depth of rib not desirable. Back and loin uniformly wide and gently sloping to the sides when viewed from rear. Well covered with thick natural muscling. A sharp angle of back between and extending above hooks objectionable. 2. Loin (8 points) - Broad, thick, level and firm, blending smoothly into back and rump. c) Hindquarters (16 points) 1. Rump (8 points) – Long, wide at pins, and slightly rounding toward tail head. Smoothly joined to loin (Steep slope serious discrimination). Tailhead smooth. 2. Hooks (1 point for females only) – Slightly below level of back, medium in width, well laid in. 3. Round (8 points) – Broad, thick, full, and deep, extending well down to hock. d) Feet and Legs (7 points) – Moderate length, straight, and squarely placed. Bone with ample substance, strong, and clean, tapering into well formed, dense joints. Hind legs perpendicular when viewed from rear but slightly inclined forward below hocks; muscular above hocks. Strong moderately sloping pasterns. Toes uniform, ample in size and straight heel deep. Walk straight, strong and active. e) Muscling (7 points) – Animal should show indications of superior muscling: front legs set wide, shoulder

thick, forearm and stifle well muscled. Rounding over top. Rounds thick and full with widest point halfway between rump and hock when viewed from rear. Animal should stand square, walk with hind legs set well apart while traveling true. Good length from hook to hock and from pin to stifle. Bone relatively heavy. III. Breed and Sex Characteristics (17 points for male/16 points for female) a) Color – Grey or red of varying shades predominate. Brindle, gruella and true white (albino) are disqualifications. Muzzle, hoofs and switch black. Horns dark. b) Head (4 points) – Sex should be expressed by the head. Bulls masculine and females feminine. Face moderate in length, muzzle full, nostrils wide and open, lips dark. Eyes mild and full with good width between them. Horns set wide at base, thick and medium in length. Horns of cows should be thinner than those of bulls. c) Neck and Throat (2 points) – Neck moderately short, muscular in bull; neat in cow, blending smoothly into shoulders. Throat clean on sides, but with moderate development of dewlap. d) Hump (2 points) – Bulls should possess hump of ample size, located directly on top of shoulders, moderate in thickness, somewhat resembling a bean in shape, and extending backwards. Females should show hump of moderate

development, more oval in shape, and located on top of shoulders. e) Sheath and Navel (3 points for male/2 points for female) – Sheath should be a medium size and closely attached, not pendulous. Excessive development of sheath or navel objectionable. f) Tail (3 points) – Set above pins and neatly attached to body on a level with top line or slightly below. Moderately long. g) Sex Character (4 points) – Bulls should possess pronounced masculinity. The scrotum should contain two testicles, well developed, of equal size. Abnormal testicles serious discrimination. Females should show characteristics of refinement and femininty. Udder should be ample in capacity, extending well forward in line with belly and well up behind; not fleshy. Teats moderate in size and squarely placed under each quarter. h) Environment Adaptation Traits (2 points) – Hide densely covered with hair of medium texture, oily to the touch and capable of movement along sides. Well developed dewlap with soft, pliable skin arranged in folds extending from lower jaw to chest floor. Moderate development of loose skin under belly. IV. Temperment (6 points) Alert but docile. TOTAL POINTS - 100

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The Carolina Cattle Connection

q MAY 2022

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Spotlight on

BRAHMAN

Section f

Carolinas Brahman Breeders Association — Humble Beginnings In 1980, a group of Carolina Brahman Breeder Association members got together in Lugoff, S.C., to hold the first CBBA sale day. Forty years later, this sale is still going strong. Like most organizations, the CBBA started from humble beginnings. The CBBA began in Concord, N.C., in the front yard of Lewis Patterson’s house when several ranchers gathered to start an organization to bring quality Brahman cattle to the Carolinas. After meeting a few more times, the group decided to create a sale day to bring in new bloodlines and help ranchers create the best herd possible.

In the beginning, the sale involved people from the Carolinas, Virginia, Georgia, and a few from Tennessee. Now that group has grown, and on sale day, you will find breeders from all over the USA attending the sale. The founding members put sweat, blood, and tears into making sure the sale happened, no matter what, and this attitude of persistence can still be found in the CBBA directors and officers of today. North Carolina CBBA Director Myra Morrison, of Morrison Farms out of Rockwell, N.C., is one of the first

Jason McMullen, Myra Neal Morrison, Kylie McMullen, and Philip Gilstrap.

members who gathered in Patterson’s yard that day. She was at the first sale and has only missed one over the last 40 years. She has been able to see the sale grow without losing the purpose of providing good quality cattle. “I think we have done exceptionally well, bringing in cattle that are good cattle to this sale. We don’t worry so much about pedigree as we do about quality.” Morrison said, “What we need is good quality cattle that will keep our herds around here working.” The sale grew so much over the years, that over the past 14 years, the sale has been held at the T. Ed Garrison Cattle Complex in Pendleton, S.C., to better fit the size. Clemson University offers a fantastic modern facility that allows the sale to flow smoothly. “The staff at the barn accommodates us any way possible,” Vice President of CBBA and great grandson of Patterson, John Cline said. “We appreciate everything they do and look forward to working with them every year.” As the sale has grown, some new additions to the weekend have been created.

One event that everyone looks forward to is the Friday Night Fun Auction, created during the 25th anniversary of the sale. This auction helps raise money for the two scholarships the CBBA offers to college of agriculture students attending Clemson and North Carolina State University. The secretary/ treasurer of CBBA and granddaughter of Patterson, Ann Shaughnessy, has helped with the auction since its start and looks forward to it every year. “We have had great luck with the auction,” Shaughnessy said. “People enjoy the items that are brought, and it gives everyone a focal point to come together to enjoy each other’s company.” An event happening for the first time at the 40th CBBA Sale is the CBBA All Star Spectacular Show, which is a show inviting all juniors from across the United States as a kickoff for the All American

From the 2015 sale - Philip Gilstrap, Harvey Mitchell, and the late Joe Butt.

MAY 1 for the JUNE issue The Carolina Cattle Connection q MAY 2022

Reprinted from the March 2020 issue of The Brahman Journal

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

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show. The All Star Spectacular will start the Thursday before the sale with the junior bull, showmanship, and F-1 show and continue on Friday with the junior female show. This event will allow for more youth to get involved with the sale and create a larger awareness for CBBA. This sale means more than just looking for new bloodlines to add to their herd for a lot of the ranchers and breeders attending the event. It is a place where they can come together to continue the betterment of the Brahman breed through fellowship. President of CBBA and auctioneer of the sale, Philip Gilstrap, started attending the sale at just a few months old and has seen firsthand, not only the improvement of the cattle that are brought to the sale, but also how the sale brings people together. “A group of consignors bring the very best they have to offer from their ranch and are excited to come spend the weekend in a family atmosphere with old friends while meeting new friends,” Gilstrap said. This year the CBBA event will start June 11, with the All Star Spectacular and end with the sale on June 13. To learn more about how to get involved with the sale or how to enter the junior shows, you can contact Philip Gilstrap at 864-506-0463.

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Spotlight on

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Section f

Can Do Attitude Breeds Success at Morrison Farm By JANEN JONES BENSON When Myra Neal Morrison arrived at Morrison Farm, her mother thought it was for a two week visit. That was 38 years ago. “She didn’t want me to do it,” Morrison recalls, adding that some people didn’t think she could do it. When she was a teenager, the uncle who managed the farm for her father died; Morrison asked to run it. By 1965 she was doing just that. Today, she runs a purebred herd of 45 Brahman and 200 Simmental, along with 100 F-1 (Simmental/Brahman cross) steers raised for freezer beef, on 1,050 acres on the Rowan and Cabarrus county lines. “Unlike a lot of (farmers), I row crop, run purebred cattle, and feed out my cattle using my own grain,“ Morrison said. “I’m just different; I’ve got it all.”

Myra Neal Morrison delivers feed via tractor at her Rockwell, N.C., cattle farm.

“I feed corn silage five months of the year, starting in January,” she said. “The silo holds 650 tons.” She hires 150 acres of corn planted each year, using her John Deere eight row planter. She brings in help for spraying, fertilizing, cutting, and combining, although she maintains her own equipment. “This saves on costs and gets it cut in two or three days,” she added. The farm also produces barley, hay, and soybeans. The herd is fed daily at a feedlot, where they circle by in groups of 50 before returning to 30 acre pastures. They have free choice access to high magnesium minerals and synthetic protein on the feedlot. Thanks to record breaking rainfall in North Carolina this year, hay is so abundant that Morrison is now putting bales out on the pasture. But, several previous years of drought led her to revise her water resources. “Until the summer of 2002 I was using a

creek and just had one well,” she said. “Then I got worried and added another well.” Both wells use electric pumps and most herds have automatic waterers available at all times. Morrison’s certified and accredited herd is tested for brucellosis and TB annually. Vaccinations and worming are done at the same time. “Nobody quite understands why I don’t need to do it (worming) twice, but I don’t,” Morrison said. “A lot is the condition of the cattle and small pastures, and when I worm at test time in June, it cleans all the pastures out.” She uses Ivomec and Eprinex from Merck. Morrison breeds year round, using her three bulls, which she prefers, as well as artificial insemination. Maintaining her own tank, she purchases serum from ABS, Select Sires, and at sales. “(With these sources) you don’t often get anything you don’t want,” she said. “I breed these cows to the best bulls in the A.I. books. For the Brahman, I try to get the best semen I can afford. Generally, I buy at sales where I know the people and can get them to sign the certificate.” “With the Simmental cattle, the traits are all there. They’ve got good disposition, good feet, good backs; it’s all there,” Morrison said.

“(With) the newer Simmentals, the solid reds and solid blacks, the disposition kind of (got) knocked out. I prefer the red and whites. I look for good growth, not excellent birth weight. But my half bloods can be 120 to 130 pounds at birth. The Simmentals run 80 to 100 pounds and the Brahman 70 to 85, and here I get these 130 pound calves due to cross breeding. “A disadvantage of the halfbloods is their disposition,” Morrison said. “They will eat you for breakfast,” she said, adding that they’re not wanted at stockyards. But she solved that problem, finding that she can feed them out in 15 months and sell them herself. “They grow out better than purebreds, dress out better than purebreds, and take a third less feed than purebreds. Weather doesn’t matter; they’re tough cattle. I dress 62-64 percent on average.” Calling the freezer beef market “just crazy,” she sells to anyone and prices on hock hanging weights. Morrison feeds out on her own farm and sells bulls at 1,100 to 1,200 pounds to get full price. Simmentals are sold around 18 months of age. “I don’t sell Brahmans to anyone until they’re two years old,” she said, explaining that they grow until the age of five and that

females shouldn’t go in heat until they’re two. Bulls not sold for herds go to stockyards, where they’re primarily used for red meat and hamburger. Morrison began computer based recordkeeping in 1987. Today, she uses Microsoft Excel and Access databases she developed herself to track complete herd records, including vaccinations, breeding, and tag numbers. She is on the board of the N.C. Simmental Association and is one of the few Easterners on the American Brahman Breeders Association Board. “It’s rare for Easterners to run, since the meetings are out west,” she said. “My attitude is why I made it (in the cattle business),” Morrison said. “So much depends on weather, luck, a hundred things. To realize you’ve done what you set out to do for 38 years and don’t regret it, that’s as happy a thing as you can have, I guess.” For more information, contact the N.C. Simmental Association at 336-468-1679 or www.ncsimmental.com. The American Brahman Breeders Association may be reached at 713-349-0854 or www.brahman.org. Reprinted with permission from The Farm Chronicles, December 8, 2003

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BRAHMAN

Section f

The Brahman F1 — A Solution for Southern Cattlemen By DR. DAVID RILEY Texas A&M University Across the United States, the makeup of commercial cow herds varies to fit various environments. In the South, increased heat and humidity require cattle that are able to perform in these conditions. The ability of Brahman cattle to withstand these conditions allowed the breed to become a staple of commercial cattle production in the Deep South. In particular, the use of Brahman in crossbreeding, primarily with British breeds, to produce extremely popular F1 offspring is perhaps the most common source of influence on the commercial cow herd of the Southeast. While the F1s are most noted for their superior

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reproduction and maternal ability, there are other redeeming qualities of F1s to consider. The ability of these cattle to grow and perform to weaning outshines crossbred calves solely of British and Continental breed origin. In the feedlot, F1 Brahman calves are able to successfully grow and convert feed to pounds of product in the proper environment. However, the importance of the F1 female as an elite brood cow in the South can’t be overlooked. When a vast majority of the commercial cow base is British and Continental influenced, using Brahman bulls presents the opportunity for added

The Carolina Cattle Connection q MAY 2022

offspring performance due to heterosis. Heterosis, or hybrid vigor, is the added performance of crossbred individuals over the averages of their straightbred parents. The greater differences between the two breeds result in greater effects

from heterosis. It has been documented and widely known for over 50 years that crossing Brahman, a Bos indicus breed, with a British or Continental breed (Bos taurus), results in much more heterosis than crossbred cows of any other breeds. Added Growth and Performance Heterosis affects performance traits, such as weights and growth rates. Brahman F1 calves exhibit as much as a five percent increase in weaning weight over the average of purebred parents due to heterosis. If the average weaning weight for two parent breeds was 500 lbs, an F1 Brahman cross calf would be expected to weigh 525 lbs at weaning. In today’s

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market, that’s approximately a $65 increase in calf value due to the added performance of heterosis. In the right environment, Brahman influenced feeder cattle can perform as well as their Bos taurus counterparts in gain. F1 Brahman steers often out gain straightbred calves of the parent breeds in feedlots in warmer climates or seasons. Feeders in the southern Great Plains realize the ability of these cattle to grow while handling the harsh temperatures. Half blood Brahmans have the ability to produce carcasses that meet industry standards. The perception that Brahman and Brahman influenced cattle do not produce high quality retail product is a bit of a misconception. In a Texas A&M study in the 1990s, Brahman sired steers out of Angus and Hereford cows were placed into a feedlot at weaning and fed for 180 days. At approximately 14 months, the steers were harvested. Almost 60 percent of the carcasses graded USDA Choice, comparing favorably to industry wide averages for percentage of Choice cattle. Over 90 percent of carcasses tested with acceptable ratings for tenderness using the Warner-Bratzler Shear Force test. Traits such as carcass weight, dressing percentage, and yield grade are another area that Brahman cross feeder cattle excel in. Heavier carcasses with a high dressing percentage and less backfat are common. Brahman steers with average carcass weights over 800 lbs, with dressing percentages approaching 65 percent (accepted industry standard is 62 percent) were part of a recent American Brahman Breeders Association (ABBA) Carcass Evaluation. The F1 Female - The biggest impact of Brahman cattle on commercial cattle production is through the influence of the

Spotlight on

BRAHMAN

F1 female as a brood cow in the South. Half blood Brahman cows are highly regarded for their ability to thrive in hot, humid environments like the Brahman.

The influence of heterosis on traits that are not easily improved with selection programs is what distinguishes the F1 female as a superior performer. Traits such as pregnancy rate, calving rate, and weaning rate are always greater in F1 females than in straightbred or Bos taurus cross females. Studies conducted in Florida in the early 2000s have shown the superior performance of Brahman-Angus females over both parent breeds. Pregnancy and calving rates in both Angus and Brahman sired F1 females (93 percent) were 11 to 16 percent greater than the purebred Angus (82 percent) or Brahman (77 percent). Weaning rates were also 15 percent higher than the weighted average of the parent breeds. The increased pregnancy, calving, and weaning rates of F1 Brahman females result in more calves for producers to market and a greater impact on an operation’s bottom line. In addition, F1 Brahman influenced cattle have increased longevity compared to purebred counterparts. A 1988 research project in Texas showed that Brahman sired F1 cows out of Angus and Hereford

Section f

dams had an average lifespan of almost 14 years, compared to a ten year average lifespan of the parent breeds. Another study from Nevada reported that F1 females with Brahman inheritance had more calves over their lifetime than Bos taurus F1s and purebred Bos taurus, as well as a greater portion of the females stayed in production longer. The most common breeds to cross with Brahman for producing F1 females are Angus and Hereford. Breeding Brahman cattle to Herefords results in the very popular “tiger stripe” cow. To allow commercial producers to buy F1 females with confidence, the ABBA established the F1 Certification Program (www.

brahman.org/f1/f1-certification). The program includes Golden Certified F1, in which both parents are registered with respective associations, and Certified F1, where the sire must be registered with its respective breed registry and dams are purebred commercial females that have been inspected for their purity by an association representative. Since the program’s inception, over 95,000 females have been enrolled in both ABBA Golden

Certified and Certified. While the program enables buyers to have an outlet for verified replacement females, producers marketing the Golden Certified and Certified F1 females receive a premium price. At the Houston Commercial Female Sale, Golden Certified and Certified F1 females average as much as $200 more than other females in the sale over a 17 year period. The offspring of these females are eligible for the F1 Plus Program, creating additional marketing avenues for these cattle. Brahman’s Influence - In the Southern United States, utilizing Brahman genetics in commercial crossbreeding systems provides heat tolerance, durability, and maximum heterosis throughout the entire production cycle. The added growth of calves pre-weaning gives cattlemen additional pounds on the scale at market, and these calves can gain and produce quality carcasses through the feedlot and harvest. In the regions of the country where hot, humid summers are an annual fixture, no cow works better in these conditions than the F1 Brahman crossbred. These females can handle the tough conditions while successfully breeding, calving, and weaning a healthy calf. The added longevity of the F1 Brahman female gives cattlemen a cow that stays in the herd longer, raising more calves over her lifetime. Overall, the influence of Brahman on commercial cattle production in the South is extremely important. Brahman influenced cattle, especially F1s, carry many productive advantages that help them thrive in the warmer climate of the region.

The Carolina Cattle Connection

q MAY 2022

PAGE 11

By DR. DEIDRE HARMON N.C. State University

Plan Ahead for a Successful Forage Renovation Have you ever stood in your pasture and pondered whether or not it needed renovating because of severe weed pressure, areas of patchy bare ground, or just maybe because you felt like the grass had become unproductive? There is a lot of value to having a good productive pasture, including that as a livestock feed, a wildlife habitat, a component of soil and water conservation and health, as well as playing a role in many of our esthetics and lifestyles. Besides being profitable, who doesn’t like to sit back and watch cattle graze a good pasture? A good, well managed pasture can also withstand extreme environmental pressures, like drought and flooding conditions, better than overgrazed or pastures in poor condition. Some signs that you may have a poor pasture situation on your farm include: 1) pastures that animals continuously overgraze with little to no rest for regrowth, 2) single, large, patchy pastures with lots of weed pressure, 3) pastures that tend to have large areas of bare ground or lots of patchy areas of bare ground, and 4) pasture where manure and urine distribution is concentrated in one area, usually around loafing areas of shade, water, or mineral feeders. On the other hand, a good pasture situation includes 1) a sacrifice area set up for animals during the wet season or to prevent damage to

pastures during droughty conditions, 2) several small pastures with desirable forages to promote rotational grazing and or forage rest, 3) appropriate stocking rate for continuous grazing systems where pasture resources are not depleted, 4) few areas of bare ground and little weed pressure, and 5) manure and urine is deposited throughout the pasture evenly. If you are unsure of what condition your pastures are in and whether or not it is time to deploy a pasture renovation method, conducting a pasture inventory via a point step analysis is a great place to start. It is the easiest and most practical approach to determining the makeup of desirable vs. undesirable species as well as any bare patches, poisonous species, and the distribution of vegetation in the pasture. To start, you will need a sheet of paper labeled

Pasture 1 shows signs of heavy horsenettle and dog fennel population.

2022 South Carolina Sale Barn Cattle Receipts

January

February

Chester

267

820

995

Darlington

1,237

1,316

2,356

Laurens

1,173

1,513

1,785

766

1,183

1,139

1,737

2,917

2,838

773

2,596

2,267

Saluda Williamston PAGE 12

close grazing or overstocking. Horsenettle, quackgrass, goosegrass, and prostrate knotweed or indicators of compacted soils and clovers, chickweed, blackmedic, broomsedge, chicory, and bitter sneezeweed can indicate low soil fertility. Doing a renovation will not make up for the lack of good management skills to begin with. Do you need a renovation because of the lack of fertility management or because the pasture is overstocked and overgrazed? In both scenarios, a renovation will likely not fix your pasture issues in the long run. Instead, think about how management strategies can be deployed now and in the future to help better sustain your forage resources. A partial renovation may be needed to rejuvenate or enhance an existing pasture, and a variety of strategies can be implemented to achieve these goals. This method is often used when pastures have been somewhat injured after environmental stressors such as harsh winter conditions or during drought or flood situations. In these scenarios, rest can be your best friend, and allowing those forages extra rest to recover green leaf and root material can be the difference between saving a forage stand and having to do a complete renovation later down the road. The best place to start a partial renovation is to check and correct soil fertility issues. Pastures should be soil sampled and fertility checked once every three years, while it is good practice to check hayfields every year since nutrient flow is a one way street and leaves the field in the form of hay. Next, the combination of

Figure 1. Point Step Worksheet

Orangeburg

with horizontal columns titled “tall fescue, orchardgrass, white clover, buttercup, other desirables, other undesirables, bare ground, and other,” or other column titles that fit your area. Then on the left-hand side, label the pasture number or pasture name to which the pasture can be identified (Figure 1). Next, with Wite•Out or a Sharpie marker, make a mark on the toe of your shoe so that when you walk across your pasture, you can easily identify the plant that this point/mark is touching. Now you are ready to do the point step analysis by randomly walking the pasture in a zig zag fashion and recording the plant specie that is on the toe of your boot every 10-20 steps. Once you have collected at least 50 to 100 records of the pasture, you can tally up the totals to determine the percent stand of the pasture. For example, you may find that you have 60 percent desirable species in the pasture, 25 percent weeds, and 15 percent bare ground. So, what is the next step, and what can you do with this information? In general, if you have 50-70 percent desirable species in the sward, it may be time to implement a partial renovation strategy. However, less than 50 percent desirable species in the sward may indicate that it is time to go ahead and do a total renovation. I strongly encourage you to think about what the species growing in your field are telling you and why you may need a partial or complete renovation to begin with. Do you have indicator species of annual bluegrass, small dutch white clover, chickweed, or buttercup? All of these species point to repetitive

March

April

The Carolina Cattle Connection q MAY 2022

May

June

July

August

September

October

November

December

selective herbicide usage along with pasture rest can make a dangerous combination. The selective herbicide applied at the right time of year can knock out problem weeds already established in the pasture. Combining this practice with forage rest can allow established desirable grasses to have the upper hand on weeds and outperform any new weeds that try to germinate and establish in the sward. Lastly, additional

cool season perennial grasses such as fescue and orchardgrass may be seeded into thinning stands in Autumn, and clovers may be frost seeded into swards in the winter. Establishing new cool season perennial grass seedlings in the fall is preferred over the spring because seedlings will have less competition from established grasses and weeds during the fall and winter months after these plants stop growing. In

E.B.'s View from the Cow Pasture By E.B. HARRIS

Bubba and His Limo This past January and February, I spent several days traveling back and forth, setting up sales, and going to see customers. Some of my passings took me on the east side of I-95. One of these was a country road that passed by a farmstead that reminded me of a story told to me that happened several years back. I am just going to say Bubba lived there. Bubba did some farming, and sometimes on the weekend, he would like that malted beverage that if you drink it, maybe you should be sitting in your own yard or get somebody to drive you after you drink it. Bubba did not get to the point where he believed the sour beverage was making his eyesight go woozy. Several times the law enforcement stopped him and wrote him tickets. After this had happened too many times, he lost his driving privileges. This did not stop Bubba from going to The Piccolo or The Orchard and drinking malted liquid. He started driving his tractor as that did not require a license. One of the times he was driving his tractor at about closing time one night, he asked this lady if she needed a ride home, and she said she did. He told her he would be glad to give her a ride home. They headed on out about closing time, walking across the parking lot. Bubba was walking toward his tractor, got there, opened the door on his cab tractor, and she said, “What do you think you are doing?” Bubba said, “I am going to take you home.” She was kind of turning up her nose and said, “I am not riding in that thing.”

Bubba turned around to her and said, “I want you to point out one vehicle in this parking lot that cost $185,000.” The lady did not say anything but let Bubba hold the door to the cab of the tractor. She got in the tractor cab, and Bubba headed her home. I guess if you are looking at the cost of the ride, a tractor stands pretty high on the totem pole.

the spring, however, established grasses and weeds are rapidly growing, and new seedlings never have a chance to compete for light and other resources needed to survive. The key to both grass and clover establishment in fall and winter is to graze or mow closely prior to planting to allow for good seed to soil contact and open up the canopy for the seedlings to receive sunlight. If the forage stand of concern is past the point in which a partial renovation will suffice, then a complete renovation may be necessary. Again, this may need to occur when the pasture contains less than 50 percent desirable species or when a conversion to a new variety or species of forage is desired. A complete renovation is no easy task to take on and may take a year or several years to do successfully. It is necessary to be positive, be patient, be persistent, and most of all, have a PLAN. A good plan is one that has been made at least six months in advance and involves checking and correcting soil fertility issues, identifying and addressing weed pressures prior to establishment, (which may take multiple growing seasons and may involve several seasons of smother crops) planting at the right time (spring for warm season annuals and perennials, fall for cool season annuals and perennials, and spring for native grasses), and managing the forage stand appropriately the first year to promote leaf and root growth (mowing or very lightly grazing the first cutting). Making and sticking to a well developed plan can prevent surprises or failures during a complete renovation.

Unfortunately, failures during the establishment process can occur at germination, after emergence, and just prior to full establishment. Failure at germination may happen due to hard seed and not correcting planting rates for pure live seeding rates, cold temperatures, improper planting depth, crusted soil surface, moisture issues, or toxicity or allelopathic effects from previously established plants or herbicide carryover. After emergence, failures may happen due to inappropriate pH, low fertility, poor drainage, drought, inadequate legume inoculation, competition from weeds and/ or companion crops, insects, disease, winter kill, or herbicide toxicity. Employing good planting skills can help reduce the chance of failure establishments due to operator error and involve reducing surface residue and weed pressure, planting on time, at the right depth, and at the correct rate (calibrate the drill). It is also important to use good quality seed and investigate variety of testing reports in your local area. As we move into the warmer months, I encourage each of you to get out into your pastures and spend a little time focusing on what is growing under your feet. Take note of the species that make up your pasture swards and determine whether or not a partial or total renovation should be on your radar in the coming years. Additionally, focus on what those indicator weed species are telling you about your management habits and see if you can change one small thing on your farm which may have a big impact on your forage sward.

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PAGE 13

You Decide! By DR. MIKE WALDEN

William Neal Reynolds Distinguished Professor Emeritus N.C. State University You Decide: Will Agribusiness Be A Dynamic Future Industry? One of the big questions about our economy is what industries will lead it in the future. If asked, most people would likely say technology, health care, finance, and maybe entertainment. Knowing the growing industries of the future is important for several reasons but is especially significant for job seekers and the educational institutions that will train them. What if I told you many futurists think a leading industry in upcoming decades will also be one of our oldest industries? Indeed, many predict that agribusiness will be among the dynamic leaders in the future economy. Agribusiness is a broad industry that includes farming, the processing of farm output into usable products, and the delivery

of those products to consumers. For decades I’ve been tracking the economic impact of agribusiness in North Carolina, and my latest measurements show its annual impact is approaching $100 billion. There are three key questions about agribusiness’ future. First, what are the forces pushing agribusiness to change? Second, what specific changes will we see in agribusiness? Third, how will emerging changes in agribusiness affect North Carolina? The forces pushing changes in agribusiness are based on one simple fact – food and nutrition are necessary for life; indeed, food and nutrition – including water – may very well be the first necessity for life. Therefore, it’s in the interest of our existence to improve the availability, cost, and nutritional value of food.

December 3, 2022 • 12:00 noon Union County Livestock Market • Monroe, N.C.

704-219-1294 PAGE 14

The Carolina Cattle Connection q MAY 2022

There have been improvements in each of these elements. Hunger in our country, defined as not having enough food, has dropped over 25 percent as a percent of the population in the last decade. Also, although there have been recent spikes in food prices due to the pandemic, spending on food as a percent of the average consumer’s disposable has been cut from 17 percent to eight percent over the past 60 years. There have also been improvements in the nutritional quality of food. Spoilage rates have plummeted with modern refrigeration methods. Numerous foods have been developed with higher nutritional values and fewer components that can lead to disease and poor health. But there’s more to do, especially with the additional challenge that new issues are emerging. A big one is climate change. Climate change may lead to higher temperatures and more volatile weather, meaning a greater frequency of droughts and wet seasons. Weather has long been farmers’ biggest concern, and the concern may become larger. Another issue is reduced land available for farming, especially in fast growing states like North Carolina. Not only will there be less land for farmers, but in regions where the population is growing, the prices and costs for the remaining land will be higher. A third challenge for our agribusiness industry is international competition. Farmers and other agribusiness firms have always had to compete with other farmers and firms around the world, but with improved transportation and faster flows of information, the competition has become more intense. The conclusion is that for agribusiness to meet the goals of improved accessibility, lower costs, and better nutrition, it will have to adapt, innovate, and – in some cases – completely re-make itself. Although this may sound daunting, it can also be exciting. Rather than a stale industry that continues to do what it’s always done, agribusiness will be dynamic, cutting edge, and attractive to new ideas and workers seeking excitement. Some of the future innovation in agribusiness will take place at universities. For example, the university where I worked for over four decades – N.C. State University – recently created The North Carolina Plant Sciences Initiative and building. Among its goals are to develop interdisciplinary research, education, and outreach to help improve crop yields, create new plant varieties that can cope with climate changes, pests, and other challenges, and ensure the long run viability and growth of agribusiness in

North Carolina. There are complementary efforts focused on the livestock component of the state’s agribusiness. If successful, both the private and public work to spur innovation in agribusiness will pay off not only financially but also in meeting the three goals of accessibility, affordability, and health. With its historical background in agribusiness, the importance of the industry to the state economy, and the involvement of the state’s higher education institutions in the industry, North Carolina can be a leader in taking agribusiness to the next level. At mid-century, will we look back at agribusiness as one of the most creative, innovative, and exciting industries of the 21st century? You decide! You Decide: Why Do Gas Prices Rise Faster Than They Fall? Drivers suffered through almost daily hikes in gas prices when the war in Ukraine began. In the early weeks of the war, oil prices jumped almost 25 percent. Then for a few days afterward, there was a pullback, with oil prices falling over 20 percent. But during the same time period, gas prices at the pump continued to rise, increasing both when oil prices rose as well as when oil prices dropped. It wasn’t until a week after oil prices fell that pump prices also took a dip. This situation has been dubbed the “rockets and feathers” of gas prices. The analogy means gas prices jump quickly like rockets when oil prices rise, but gas prices fall slowly like feathers when oil prices drop. Indeed, one study found gas prices fall twice as slowly as they rise after a major change in oil prices. This means, for example, if it took four weeks for gas prices per gallon to increase 25¢, it would take them eight weeks to fall 25¢ once oil prices returned to their starting level. This pattern seems totally unfair to drivers – indeed, it likely seems unfair even to people who don’t drive. When the price of oil increases, fair persons would expect the price of gasoline to also increase because gas is derived from oil. People may not like the fact the price of gasoline rose, but they understand it. But fair people would expect the same to occur when oil prices dropped. They would expect gas prices to also fall just as fast as they rose when oil prices rose. This controversy about oil prices and gas prices isn’t new. When I joined the NSCU faculty in the late 1970s, the same issue was a hot topic in the media. So, what’s the answer to the gas price puzzle? There are several potential explanations. One possible answer is collusion. This means gas station owners get

together and agree to only slowly reduce the price when their costs fall. However, for this theory to be accurate, owners would need to cooperate and coordinate their pricing. But since there are over 14,000 gas station outlets in the country, with no single company controlling more than five percent of the market, collusion between owners to keep prices high is unlikely the answer. For collusion to be effective, it requires a handful of companies, not thousands. Another possible explanation is that gas station owners worry that when the wholesale price of gas they pay drops, there is no assurance the price won’t again rise, especially in a volatile period like the one we are experiencing. Hence, owners wait until they see a trend in oil prices. Their reasoning is that customer

relations will be better if the higher price is kept for a while until the downward price trend is confirmed, versus immediately lowering the price but then being forced to quickly raise it again if oil prices go back up. While the above story is plausible, many economists think there is a better explanation for the “up like a rocket but down like a feather” pattern of gas prices. Interestingly, the explanation is based on how drivers react to changes in gas prices. While some drivers consistently shop around for the lowest gas price, most buy gas at one or maybe a couple of gas stations. They may be stations close to their homes or on a route to work or school. Even if we could save a penny or two per gallon by buying at another station, we know that some of those

The

Chaplain’s Corral By DAVE McMILLAN Chaplain, Cowboys for Christ

Trust in the Lord Proverbs 3:5 says, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding.” Let me introduce you to our Appaloosa pony Lincoln. We got him a couple of years ago from a horse rescue organization. He was taken from his owner because of many complaints about abuse and neglect. The rescue trainer worked with him for many months until he was ready for adoption, and that is

how we got him. We don’t know anything about his background, but it was clear that abuse, especially with whips and yelling, had made him afraid of people even though his natural personality was to love people at the same time. He likes to stand very close to you but behind you. He’s learned that you can’t reach him with a whip if he is behind you. We’ve spent the past years showing

savings will be eaten up by driving to the less convenient station. There’s also the matter of the value of our time to find the lowest gas price. But, when gas prices rise, more drivers shop for the lowest gas price in their area. With gas costs taking a bigger chunk of their income, drivers are motivated to seek any savings they can. The use of gas price apps increases, and local news programs regularly report on the locations of the lowest gas prices. The opposite behavior occurs when gas prices drop. Fewer drivers shop for the lowest price. One reason is they are just happy to see prices fall. Sellers of gasoline know these behaviors. When oil prices drop, station owners will cut their gas prices, but more slowly. Why? Because they know fewer

drivers will shop for the lowest price. Instead, drivers will be relieved prices are finally dropping, and hence they feel less motivation to look around for the lowest price. Gas station owners will take advantage of this behavior to earn a little more as prices slowly fall. Gas prices will eventually decrease as much as oil prices; it just takes longer. While this explanation may currently explain the “up like a rocket and down like a feather” pattern of gas prices, my prediction is it won’t last. Why? Technology is the reason. More drivers will use apps that will not only search for the lowest gas price in the area but will also calculate the benefits and costs to the driver of buying gas at alternative stations. Will these apps make drivers “permanent shoppers?” You decide.

Lincoln that he can trust us. When we got him, we saw that he would not allow you to touch his hindquarters, he was terrified of sticks, and a volunteer farrier who tried to work on his neglected feet got seriously kicked by Lincoln when reaching for the hindfoot. Over the past two years, we have made a lot of progress. He allows my wife to trim his hooves, and we can touch him anywhere. We run a 4-H club, and the kids can groom and ride him as well as side passing him over six barrels. Now we can train him by using a stick with a string very carefully to direct him. He has slowly turned his fear into trust. Observing Lincoln, I can see the parallel between him learning to trust us and us learning to trust in the Lord. In my mind, when we work with Lincoln, I can see him asking himself questions. Can I really trust you? Are you going to hurt me? Will you protect me from dangers? We sometimes ask the Lord the same questions. Can I really trust you, Lord, or do I need to take care of things myself? Who is going to look after me? Lord, can I really trust you? Lord, are you going to punish me when I don’t follow what you tell me to do? Whenever I feel that the Lord is not there looking after me, I read Psalm 23. It tells me how much the Lord cares for me; loves me. It reads: The Lord is my Shepherd. I shall not want. He makes me to lie down in green pastures. He leads me beside the still waters. He restores my soul. He leads me in the paths of righteousness for His name’s sake. Yea, though I walk through the valley

of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil for You are with me. Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me. You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. You anoint my head with oil. My cup runs over. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life; and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever. What wonderful assurance that gives! The Lord not only tends to my physical needs but my spiritual needs as well. That gave me an idea to rewrite the psalm from a horse’s perspective. Psalms 23 for Horses My handler is my shepherd. He provides all my wants. He leads me to green pastures and safe, calm waters. He restores my spirit and builds my confidence. He leads me down safe trails. Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death past scary places, I will fear no monsters because he is with me. His line and stick comfort me. He prepares a pasture for me in the presence of my predators. He grooms my body and cares for my hooves. He gives me sweet feed. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life when I trust in my handler. Forever. Lincoln has grown to trust us, but not completely. He knows we will protect him and not harm him, but he continues to watch us suspiciously when we do something new or different. I don’t know if Lincoln will ever fully trust us. I pray as I work with him, I will learn the lesson he teaches me to trust more in the Lord, especially when he puts me in uncomfortable and unfamiliar situations.

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Simmental News Simmental and Bison Genomes Released. The first reference quality genome assemblies for the iconic North American Yellowstone bison and the Simmental cattle breed have been published in the Journal of Heredity. Animal genome assemblies provide genetic “blueprints” for how they develop and pass on information to their offspring. The bison assembly will be used in conservation efforts to maintain genetic diversity and to study bison evolution by comparing DNA obtained from fossil specimens sampled from permafrost in the Arctic Circle. The Simmental cattle assembly will contribute to an international effort to survey existing cattle breeds around the world to preserve their genetic diversity and identify variations useful for improving beef and dairy traits in different environments. The two genomes are released together because of the unusual way they were created: a single individual hybrid animal from a bison bull

and a Simmental cow. Each cell of the hybrid animal contained one copy of the bison and one copy of the Simmental cattle genome. Researchers used a process called trio binning, wherein the genome of a single individual and its purebred parents are fully sequenced. With interspecies crosses, this results in a complete, highly accurate genome assembly from each species. These extraordinary high quality reference genomes meet or exceed the most accurate and complete mammalian genome assemblies to date. These resources were created by researchers from the USDA’s Agricultural Research Service at the US Meat Animal Research Center (USMARC), the Beltsville Agricultural Research Center (BARC), the National Animal Germplasm Program (NAGP), and the US Dairy Forage Research Center (USDFRC). This effort was in partnership with the American Simmental Association (ASA), together

al S l a t n e m Sim

MAY 14, 2022

Garrison Livestock Arena • Clemson, S.C. Selling breds, pairs, opens, genetic lots, and Sim-Angus commericals PAGE 16

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with university partners at the University of Nebraska–Lincoln (UNL), Colorado State University (CSU), and the University of California, Santa Cruz (UCSC). According to the authors, “The best genome assemblies to date come from interspecies hybrids. They are more contiguous and accurate than those from individuals of the same species.” This was previously shown with the yakScottish Highland cattle cross. “This high quality bison genome provides a snapshot of the current state of buffalo in North America,” says professor Beth Shapiro, whose group led the bison assembly and uses ancient DNA to study evolutionary biology at UCSC. “It will be useful for comparing to ancient bison genomes, which are too fragmented to assemble on their own. From this, we can infer the natural history of the species and identify when and where cattle may have introgressed into bison.” The data also shed light on how much the near-extinction and intentional crossbreeding of bison and cattle have affected existing herds. The reproductive effort to produce the hybrid animal was accomplished with Simmental producer Fred Schuetze, president of the World Simmental-Fleckvieh Federation, and managing partner of SOT (formerly with Buzzard Hollow Ranch in Granbury, Texas) and the assistance of Drs. Brad and Todd Stroud of HoofStock Genetics. The donor cow was a fullblood Fleckvieh Simmental, a breed recognized for its fast growth and beef yield. “From its founding in 1968 to this day, ASA has been committed to leveraging cutting edge science and collaboration to accelerate genetic improvement for its members and the beef industry. That unwavering

commitment has gained ASA the reputation as ‘the science breed,’ and this project illustrates that notion,” says ASA executive vice president Dr. Wade Shafer. “The completion of this project sets the new standards for genetic improvement,” Schuetze adds. The Simmental assembly will be compared to previous genomes of Angus, Hereford, Brahman, Highland, Holstein, and Jersey breeds, along with others emerging from a USDA led effort to sample the 600 or so breeds existing around the world to identify genetic components that lead some breeds to excel at dairy or beef production, or to thrive in tropical, subtropical, temperate, or subpolar environments. The authors conclude, “These assemblies represent the application of the latest technologies for genome assembly and they provide unprecedented insights into the nature of how evolution and domestication have shaped the genomes.” An improved understanding of how selection has affected the genome will help to speed genetic progress for precision agriculture and to avoid counterproductive breeding before it happens, providing another tool for increasing beef and dairy production important for food security while maximizing sustainability. 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.

THE SIMMENTAL TRAIL

By JENNIE RUCKER Executive Secretary N.C. Simmental Association ASA Names Leading Breeders. The American Simmental Association has named the leading breeders by each state. In North Carolina, Fred Smith Company Ranch in Clayton is, once again, the top Simmental producer with the most registrations. The Ranch is followed by Massey Farms in Burlington, H.J. White Farm in Bladenboro, High Ridge Farms in Albemarle, and TX Enterprises in Winston-Salem. For South Carolina, the top Simmental producer is once again Yon Family Farms in Ridge Spring, followed by Baxley Farms in Georgetown, Wayne Garber in Laurens, Nickle N Dime Farms in Six Mile, and Longview Farm in Anderson. The state of Virginia’s top Simmental producer is Shenandoah

Valley Simmentals in Quicksburg, followed by Quaker Hill Farm LLC in Louisa, McDonald Farms in Blacksburg, Smith Reasor of Rural Retreat, and Circle K Farm LLC in Lebanon. Most Used Bulls. The American Simmental Association has published the most used bulls by the number of progeny registered in 2021. This year the number one bull with 1,660 progeny registered was a SimAngus, TJ Franchise 451D, a son of the second top bull, CCR Cowboy Cut 5048Z, with 1,427 progeny registered. Cowboy Cut is a purebred Simmental bull. The top five bulls are three purebreds and two percentage Simmental bulls. The first red Simmental to appear is IR Imperial D948, who

N.C. Simmental Association 1341 US Hwy 21 • Hamptonville, NC 27020 336-468-1679 • www.ncsimmental.com • NCSA@yadtel.net Like us on Facebook!

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! occupies the number 12 position with 575 progeny registered, which is also up from his progeny last year by almost 100 head. This year a purebred Angus does not appear in the most used list. This is the first year a purebred Red Angus, WFL Merlin 018A, does appear at the number 42 position. He has 263 progeny registered with the American Simmental Association. Interesting Facts from the ASA. The American Simmental Association has published its Annual Report and mailed it to all active members. There were

76,905 cattle registered last year with the American Simmental Association, which is an increase of almost 2,000 head. The Total Herd Enrollment (THE) program had 125,083 active cows enrolled. To quote from the Stand Strong Simmental 2021 Annual Report, “The success of the American Simmental Association is dependent on our member’s cattle making a significant genetic contribution to the beef industry. By utilizing the most advanced science, the highest priority is to maintain services and products which bring value to ASA member’s customers.”

American Simmental Association 1 Genetics Way • Bozeman, MT 59718 406-587-4531 • www.simmental.org

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Genomic Testing Enters the Show Ring. The North American Limousin Foundation (NALF) is constantly looking for ways to improve the Limousin breed and often uses the National Junior Limousin Show & Congress (NJLSC) as a way to move big ideas and improvements forward. Junior national shows are a unique show each summer for cattle breeds – exhibitors have the opportunity to showcase their cattle, knowledge, and professionalism while breeders flaunt their best genetics and get a close up look at the competition from across the country. Everything about the week, from competitions to livestock shows, help improve breeds to be their very best in a one-week showcase. For the Limousin breed, this week also represents a time filled with fun, reuniting with long distance friends, and the opportunity to better a breed that is known for its muscling, maternal ability, feed efficiency, and profit added value. In 2022, the NJLSC is being held in Amarillo, Tex., at the Tri-State Fairgrounds from June 25-July 1, and the NALF and North American Junior Limousin Association (NALJA) boards are excited to offer a brand new show with goals to increase education of and improve the breed – the NEOGEN Ultimate – a Genotype/Phenotype Show. “We are excited to present the NEOGEN Ultimate Show,” said Mallory Blunier, NALF Director of Media and Activities. “This will be a separate blow and go show at Junior Nationals this summer where the judge will look not just at the cattle phenotypically, but also at their EPDs.” The NEOGEN Ultimate Show will have one judge who ranks the animals before the show, based solely on their expected progeny differences (EPDs). Then, the judge will evaluate the cattle classes during the show based on phenotype or physical appearance. Once the two shows have been judged, scores from each will be combined 50/50 to determine overall class rankings and champions. “So, even if an animal is first in class in the phenotype portion, the final placing could be completely different based on the genotype ranking,” said Blunier. “The final placings will be determined on that combined score from genotype and phenotype.”

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The NEOGEN Ultimate Show will be a separate show to enter for this year’s Junior Nationals, with champion banners and buckles and class winner prizes offered for the show. The difference in entering this show is that all cattle must be genomically tested to enter. “Animals that are not genomically tested will not be allowed to show,” said Blunier. “DNA could take up to 6-8 weeks to process and we recommend sending DNA in as soon as possible. While the testing normally costs over $57 per head, NALF is covering the cost of genomic testing for cattle entered so there is no additional cost to the exhibitor.” A large portion of cattle shows today focus solely on the phenotype of cattle, or more specifically, how the genotype of an animal makes itself known through observable, physical traits. Phenotypes can include hair color, presence or absence of horns, and any general overall appearance. The genotype of cattle is shown not by physical appearance but through EPDs, which have helped improve the cattle industry for nearly four decades now. For this show, the judge is not only looking at EPDs but genomically enhanced EPDs. For cattle testing, genomics identify each animal’s EPD accuracy utilizing marker subsets that are identified for each trait. Genomics give producers early insight into an animal’s quality because of the progeny equivalents that are generated by genomic testing. The NEOGEN Ultimate Show judge will receive a list of classes that include entry numbers, birthdate, and EPDs/$Values (CED, BW, WW, YW, MK, TM, CEM, SC, ST, DOC, YG, CW, REA, MB, and FT) along with percentile breakdown. Blunier said the show will provide a great educational opportunity to the breed, as well as improve overall breed statistics by adding more genomically tested cattle to the herd book. “We’re really hitting it as an educational opportunity to get more information out to the juniors that revolve around EPDs,” said Blunier. “Limousin is not just bringing the heat in the show cattle industry, but we are also creating some waves in the feedyards and seedstock operations and that is why we feel this is a good opportunity for juniors to learn how EPDs work.”

The Carolina Cattle Connection q MAY 2022

The NALF and NALJA boards are very excited to offer the P&G Show this summer and hope that all who make the trip to Amarillo will enter in the show. “We encourage all who are not participating in this event to come watch and play along too,” said Blunier. “We will have activities for participants to test their skills and see how they rank the animals compared to the judge.” About the North American Limousin Foundation. The North

American Limousin Foundation, headquartered in Englewood, Colo., provides programs and services, including the documentation of more than 25,000 head of cattle annually, for approximately 4,000 members and their commercial customers. The Limousin breed and Lim-Flex® hybrid offer industry leading growth and efficiency while being an ideal complement to British breeds. For more information about NALF, please visit www.nalf.org.

Carolina Cooking Classic Beef Stuffed Peppers Total Time - 45 minutes 1 pound ground beef (93% lean or leaner) 4 medium red, yellow or green bell peppers ½ cup minced onion 2 teaspoons minced garlic 1 can (14½ ounces) diced tomatoes with green peppers and onions, drained ½ cup cooked white or brown rice 3 tablespoons tomato paste 2 teaspoons dried parsley ½ teaspoon salt ¼ teaspoon black pepper Chopped fresh parsley (optional) Coat a large baking dish with cooking spray; set aside. Preheat oven to 475°F. Cut tops off bell peppers; set tops aside. Using a paring knife, carefully remove the membranes and seeds from bell peppers. Arrange peppers about 2 inches apart in prepared baking dish. Place tops on empty peppers. Cover baking dish tightly with aluminum foil; bake 15 minutes. Remove from oven; cool slightly. Meanwhile, heat large nonstick skillet over medium heat until hot. Add ground beef, onion, and garlic; cook 3-4 minutes, breaking beef into ½ inch crumbles and stirring occasionally. Stir in tomatoes, rice, tomato paste, dried parsley, salt, and black pepper; cook 3-4 minutes until heated through, stirring occasionally. Remove pepper tops. Divide beef mixture evenly among peppers; replace tops. Bake in 475°F oven 17-22 minutes until instant read thermometer inserted

into center of beef mixture registers 160°F and bell peppers are tender. Garnish with parsley, if desired. Cook’s Tip: Cooking times are for fresh or thoroughly thawed ground beef. Ground beef should be cooked to an internal temperature of 160°F. Color is not a reliable indicator of ground beef doneness. Makes 4 servings.

Classic Beef Stuffed Peppers

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N.C. Angus Association Holds 77th Annual Meeting By SHARON ROGERS Executive Secretary, NCAA The 2022 N.C. Angus Association Annual Meeting was held on February 12 at the Yadkin Agricultural and Educational Center in Yadkinville, North Carolina. For the 77th annual meeting, the NCAA chose a new location and integrated a new schedule for the event. It was a great day highlighted by learning more about the Angus breed, conducting association business, seeing friends after a two year absence, and welcoming new members to the association. Vice President Callie Carson is introducing the AAA panel.

President Mike Moss welcomes attendees to the 2022 NCAA Annual Meeting.

The day kicked off with an American Angus Association (AAA) Round Table featuring AAA CEO Mark McCully, AAA Vice President Chuck Grove, and AAA Regional Manager Reese Tuckwiller. Mark began the discussion by highlighting the many tools available to breeders from the AAA, including Angus University educational videos, AngusLink, AGI, Angus Media, and Certified Angus Beef programs. Chuck emphasized the research conducted by AAA, which is relevant to the southeast, including hair shedding and selection for fescue tolerance. Reese touched on the development of a new AngusLink feeder calf marketing program soon to be offered in North Carolina. Attendees were excited to ask the panel questions on current industry topics. Foot score EPDs were discussed; Mark assured members the EPD was accurate due to the large

number of data points in the database, but he also emphasized how important it is to submit foot score data to continue to increase the accuracy. Sustainability, methane production, and gene editing were cited as important items for the industry to monitor. Chuck Grove ended the session by praising the quality of the current leadership and staff at AAA and how they work hard each day to keep the breed at the forefront of the beef business.

AAA Panel discussion with Mark McCully, Chuck Grove, and Reese Tuckwiller.

Next on the agenda was the Annual Business Meeting of the N.C. Angus Association (NCAA). Each association committee shared its annual report of activities for 2021 with the membership. Other topics included the auxiliary and junior yearly summary of activities. The retiring NCAA board members were

There was a great crowd at the meeting.

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recognized and thanked for their three years of service to the association: James Britt, John Smith, Kim Starnes, Henry Vines, and Mark Wilburn. New board members were nominated and elected to serve the association for the next three years. New boards members include Karl Gillespie, Joe Hampton, Greg Little, Kyle Mayberry, and Eugene Shuffler. Following the membership meeting, the board of directors met to elect officers. The 2022 NCAA officers are Mike Moss – President; Callie Carson - Vice President: and Jeff Wood - Treasurer.

in the N.C. Angus News magazine were auctioned. Thanks to Bryan Blinson, N.C. Cattlemen’s Association Executive Director, for serving as the auctioneer and to all of the dedicated NCAA members who participated in the auction. It was a success. Awards were then presented to members; Crescent Angus of Statesville received the Ira Gentry Memorial trophy for consigning the high selling lot in the 2021 Spring Fever Sale, and Hill Angus was recognized for consigning the High Indexing Angus Bull in the NCBCIP Waynesville Bull Test.

Thank you to retiring NCAA Directors: Kim Starnes, Henry Vines, Dwayne Livengood, and John Smith.

A new social hour was added to the day, giving members and sponsors an opportunity to interact and share industry knowledge. Thank you to our many sponsors who helped make the meeting a big success. Our 2022 Industry Partners include: Gold Level Partners – ABS, Biltmore, Farm Credit Associations of N.C., Gallagher, Neogen, Pasture Management Systems, Southern States and Zach Moffitt Cattle Marketing & Consulting; Silver Level Partners – Joe Beaver Angus Marketing, Clifton Seed Company & Sunset Feeds; Bronze Level Partners – CPC Carolina and Mitchell Meats. Additional specialty sponsors were: Yadkin County Farm Bureau Facility sponsor, and Carson Family Farm & Eberlee Farm - social sponsors. Annual Meeting sponsors: Caldwell County Farm Bureau in honor of Jessie Cassavaugh, Deal-Rite Feeds, Forsyth County Farm Bureau, Genex, LTD Farm Supply, the N.C. Cattlemen’s Association, Select Sires, and Windy Hill Farms. Farm sponsors: C-Rock-R Farm, Panther Creek Farms, Shuffler Farms, Smith Creek Angus, and Wood Angus. During the social, the featured farms on the NCAA website, the ad spaces for association sales, and the select pages

Many N.C. Junior Angus members were recognized for their outstanding achievements. Thank you to Miss American Angus, Mary Wood, for sharing her plans for the coming year and discussing her role in the industry. The DeEtta Wood Leadership Award was presented to Emma Vanhoy for her participation in various Angus activities during 2021. The National Junior Angus Association Bronze Award was presented to Emma and Hannah Vanhoy by Reese Tuckwiller. The N.C. Angus Auxiliary also presented their Merit Awards to several N.C. Juniors.

2022 Miss American Angus, Mary Wood, shared the duties of her role and thanked the NCAA for their support.

Angus Association over the years, including holding several leadership positions in both organizations. Keynote speaker, AAA CEO Mark McCully, then gave his presentation on the state of Angus and the American 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.

Ava Wood, Mary Wood, DeEtta Wood Leadership Award winner Emma Vanhoy, and Justin Wood.

The evening banquet brought out even more members to enjoy dinner and fellowship. President Moss welcomed everyone to the banquet and thanked the N.C. Angus Auxiliary for providing the beautiful room and table decorations for the meeting. Members enjoyed a meal of CAB prime rib. Following dinner, President Mike Moss and Mark McCully presented the 2021 N.C. Angus Hall of Fame Award to Joe Hampton of Back Creek Angus in Mt. Ulla, North Carolina.

North Carolina Angus Association

Mark McCully was the banquet keynote speaker, and he discussed the future of the Angus breed in the beef industry.

With all the changes to the 2022 NCAA Annual Meeting, attendees were provided a brief survey to share their input for future meeting planning. Of the respondents, 80 percent were either satisfied or very satisfied with the change of venue, new meeting format, social hour, and banquet meal. Thank you to the members and guests who took the time to complete the survey. Also, thank you to the Annual Meeting Committee: Roy Swisher - Chairman, Callie Carson, Teresa Swisher, Greg Collins, Brooke Harward, and John Brewer, and all the other members who helped make the day a success.

455 GORE FAMILY ANGUS Mark & Lori Gore Tabor City 702-401-8005 455goreangus@gmail.com www.455farms.com 4K FARMS/TARHEEL ANGUS Richard D. Kirkman, DVM Siler City 919-742-5500 rdk.cefa@gmail.com BACK CREEK Joe & Robin Hampton Mt. Ulla 704-880-2488 (Joe); 704-880-3572 (Robin) robinbackcreek@att.net Facebook: Back Creek Angus BILTMORE ESTATE Kyle Mayberry - Manager Asheville 828-768-1956 livestock@biltmore.com www.biltmorelivestock.com

bundylane@hughes.net laneangusbeef@gmail.com www.laneangusbeef.com PANTHER CREEK FARMS John C. Smith, Jr. Pink Hill 252-526-1929 JohnSmith3982@embarqmail.com S&J Farms Steven & Julie Lung Nathan Lung - Manager Carthage 910-947-3414 sandjfarms2013@gmail.com SMITH CREEK ANGUS FARM Marty & Lynne Rooker Norlina 252-213-1553 mrooker@mrookerlaw.com SPRINGFIELD ANGUS Phil Goodson Alex Askew Louisburg 919-880-9062 (Phil) 910-260-2899 (Alex) philgoodson2@gmail.com www.springfieldangus.com

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

TRIPLE LLL ANGUS Greg Little Monroe 704-219-1294 greg.little@ATImetals.com

GENTRY HOMEPLACE ANGUS Howard & Donna Gentry King 336-413-6698 whgentry@windstream.net GRAGG FARMS Paul, Chris, & David Gragg Boone 828-268-4136 (Paul); 828-268-4137 (Chris) 828-268-4135 (David)

The 2021 NCAA Hall of Fame inductee was Joe Hampton.

They each spoke on the tremendous impact Joe has had on the Angus breed, the NCAA, and North Carolina agriculture. Joe is a very deserving recipient of the award, having devoted countless hours to the success of the N.C. Angus Association and the American

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

Marci Harward, National Junior Angus Association board member, and N.C. Junior Angus representative, presents year end report for the N.C. Juniors.

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!

HARWARD SISTERS Brooke, Marcie, & Mattie Harward Richfield 704-322-9770 (Brooke) 704-322-5201 (Marcie); 704-322-0831 (Mattie) harwardsisters@gmail.com www.harwardsisters.com HILL ANGUS FARM Dr. Gary M. Hill Hendersonville 229-848-3695 gmhill@uga.edu JACK KNOB FARMS Karl, Janet, & Logan Gillespie Franklin 828-371-2220 karl@jackknobfarms.com www.jackknobfarms.com

VANDEMARK ANGUS Keaton & Janie Vandemark Spring Hope 252-885-0210 keaton@vandemarkfarms.com WINDY HILL FARMS, LLC Michael A. Moss Will Moss - Manager Ramseur 336-549-0070 (Mike); 336-460-7451 (Will) michaelmoss@rtmc.net WINSLOW GENETICS Ben & Kathleen Winslow Halifax 252-578-5487 bensbulls@gmail.com WOOD ANGUS FARM, LLC Russell Wood Willow Spring 919-275-4397 rwood4400@gmail.com www.woodangus.com

Sharon Rogers

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

LANE ANGUS Roger & Bundy Lane Bundy Lane - Manager Gates 252-398-7705 (Bundy); 252-398-7719 (Miranda) 252-357-1279 (Office)

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Certified Angus Beef News A Focus on Soil Health Boosts Bottom Line. How managing grass sets the foundation for a ranch’s continual improvement. Land is the common ground on which all other resources thrive. That’s why monitoring, managing, and maintaining soil health is key to productivity and, ultimately, profitability on the ranch. Speaking at a Cattlemen’s College session at the recent Cattle Industry Convention, Hugh Aljoe, director of producer relations for Noble Research Institute, brought to light the importance of grazing management to soil health. “What we want to do is make sure we have the foundation there, so we can continually build and grow our operation for the long term,” Aljoe said. “Raising cattle is one of the most enjoyable parts of being a rancher, but we’ve got to take care of the land, take care of our finances, then the cattle can better care for us. As we begin to focus more on the land and the soil, the others tend to come with it.”

When it comes to soil health, it’s important to establish metrics that can be measured and evaluated over time to assess progress. Several means of tracking soil health are available through local Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) offices. This can be a great asset for getting started with soil health and a grazing management plan. For soil testing, Aljoe recommended utilizing the Haney Test and Phospholipid Fatty Acid (PLFA) test. “These tests look at the total soil nutrients and soil biology,” Aljoe said. “These give you a really good indication of soil information to benchmark and monitor over time to see what improvements occur.” Another simple method of tracking progress is landscape photographs called photo points. Creating an album of images taken from the same location in different growing seasons across several years builds a database of information that can be referenced along with weather

conditions and grazing use to understand how management is affecting the area. A third system is to develop what Aljoe called a diversity list. Simply list all the species of plants, animals, and other organisms observed both above and below the surface of the soil. “Soil health is improving as your diversity improves,” Aljoe said. “We’re trying to manage this together for the benefit of grazing animals, as well as our wildlife and all the other organisms that are associated with it. From butterflies, bees and birds to earthworms and beetles, that’s all part of what we’re trying to positively influence.” By combining these methods and working with soil health and grazing specialists with NRCS and state grazing lands coalitions (GLC), producers track progress over time to better understand how grazing management decisions influence soil health. Aljoe suggested regenerative grazing management. “It’s adaptive grazing management for continual improvement of the grazing lands.” The four grazing management factors include timing, frequency, intensity, and duration. Timing is the season in which a pasture will be utilized, also considering how it was grazed in previous seasons. Ideally, everything should fully recover before a pasture is grazed again. Frequency refers to the pasture recovery period. “Recovery is the single, most important variable we have to manage,” Aljoe said. “We want to make sure that the bulk of the time our pastures are fully recovered and ready to be grazed. We know the more carbon we can produce above the ground in plant tissue, the more carbon we can put back in the soil.” Intensity is how close to the ground the grass will be grazed. A good rule of thumb is take half, leave half. If livestock graze more than half the leaf area of the plant, the roots quit growing until the leaves recover. At that point, the root and soil activity is on hold, and so are the soil health benefits.

Duration is how long the pasture will be grazed. “We would like to have short grazing events,” Aljoe said. “Typically, a grass plant will want to start regrowing three to four days after it’s been bitten. We would like to move the cattle off that pasture before we hit that three to four day period.” Grassland management is key to proving the net carbon footprint of the beef industry in the ongoing conversation of sustainability. As consumer demands evolve, attributes supporting beef’s responsible use of resources shift to the forefront. Sure, taste is still king, but premium brands like the Certified Angus Beef brand must adapt to stay relevant to the consumer. “If we look at long term sustainability and what it means for the beef business, for producers out on these ranches, we’ve got to consider continual improvement,” Aljoe said. “For true sustainability, we have need to improve our soils, our lands, our land stewardship, our animal well being, just as well as our stockmanship skills.” Aljoe cautioned not to do too much too soon. “You want to manage what you can manage well,” he said. “We can’t make all the changes at one time. So take an area that you know you have easy access to, that you know you can manage well, and that might be a little forgiving. We want to be safe to learn. You’re going to have little, small failures, but you want to fail early, often, and cheaply. Make it a safe to learn experience.” Missing the Mark Leaves Money on the Table. The top four reasons cattle don’t qualify for CAB. Raising cattle to qualify for the Certified Angus Beef (CAB) brand goes far beyond color. Sure, it starts with a black hide, but then a carcass has to meet all ten of the brand’s specifications. A predominantly black hide is just the first hurdle to CAB eligibility, but it’s what’s under it that seals the deal. Only a third party or USDA grader determines that. The 10 Certified Angus Beef brand specifications: 1. Modest or higher marbling

The “sweet spot” for HCW is around 850-900 pounds. The pandemic emphasized the struggle feedyards have to balance DOF, yet continued to show more marbling tends to outweigh reductions caused by missing the brand’s specs for HCW, REA, and backfat.

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Table 1. Eligible Black Hided Cattle Not Achieving CAB Acceptance

Source: Certified Angus Beef

2. Medium to fine marbling texture 3. Only A-maturity and less than 30 months of age by dentition 4. 10-16 square-inch ribeye area 5. 1,050 lbs or less hot carcass weight 6. 1 inch or less fat thickness 7. Superior muscling 8. Practically free of capillary ruptures 9. No dark cutters 10. No neck hump exceeding 2 inches Certified Angus Beef regularly collects data on millions of fed cattle to discover how cattlemen can capture more value for high quality carcasses beginning on the ranch. Genetic selection and targeted management help create the higher value beef that fills each CAB box. When black hided cattle don’t earn the CAB stamp, it’s most often for lack of marbling, followed by hot carcass weight (HCW) above 1,050 lb., ribeye area (REA) exceeding 16 square inches, or more than one inch of backfat. Lessons from the pandemic still influence how feedyards manage cattle, so it pays to review those adjustments. A backlog of fed cattle in 2020 meant more days on feed (DOF) with subsequent management changes that led to elevated HCW, REA, and backfat thickness. Although each of these affects CAB acceptance, the increases had a negative impact on certified headcounts. However, the negative effects were outweighed by greater marbling deposition, which boosted brand acceptance rates overall. CAB carcasses require a modest or higher degree of marbling, which is always the main hurdle to clear for brand acceptance. Until recently, more than 90 percent of eligible black hided cattle fell short here. In 2020, the number dropped to near 80 percent, as closed packing plants and backlogged cattle allowed more time for marbling to develop while other disqualifiers gained ground. “Not only is marbling the single

largest reason black hided cattle fail to qualify,” says Clint Walenciak, CAB senior director of product services, “but it’s also important for consumer satisfaction, taste, and a great eating experience.” Last year saw the richest quality mix among fed cattle, with USDA Prime carcasses reaching an all time high average of 10 percent, says Paul Dykstra, CAB director of supply management and analysis. Cattle grading Choice averaged 72 percent over the last two years. “In 2021, the average Choice/Select spread was $16.45 per hundredweight (cwt.) with a mid-summer record high of $32,” Dykstra says. The CAB/Choice spread averaged $17 per cwt. The wide difference in beef prices based on quality grade didn’t deter customers, proving demand for the best beef is strong, Dykstra says. That’s a clear message for ranchers to keep focusing on marbling in their herds along with other relevant traits. In 2020, the number of cattle excluded from CAB for surpassing the maximum REA, HCW, and/or backfat nearly doubled. Historically, HCW increased nearly 6 lb. per year, a consistent rise driven by genetics as well as seasonal production patterns, Walenciak says. When HCW increased nearly 25 lb. from 2019 to 2020, the percentage of cattle excluded from the brand solely due to HCW above 1,050 lb. jumped from 3.8 percent to 7.7 percent. “In the spring, anywhere from late April to early May, we’re going to see the lowest carcass weights of the year from calf feds,” Walenciak says. “Late October to early November is most likely when we’re going to see the seasonal peaks.” Within that seasonal ebb and flow, HCW recently varied 70 lb., compared to 40-50 lb. a decade ago. As HCW peaks, CAB acceptance rates drop, Walenciak

says. “We really see that HCW sweet spot for brand acceptance at 850-900 pounds.” Carcasses can be excluded from CAB for missing multiple specs. Marbling improves with more DOF, but REA and fat can reach levels that kick them out of CAB. That fact creates a challenge for feedyards aiming to find balance in DOF. The pandemic emphasized this struggle yet continued to show more marbling tends to outweigh reductions caused by missing the brand’s next three requirements. The effects reach beyond brand impacts. Heavier finished cattle also increased yield grade (YG) 4 and 5 carcasses. As of October 2021, combined YG 4s and 5s were roughly double the percentage produced in 2011, Dykstra says. “As the market ready fed cattle supply becomes more current, expected later this year, average DOF should decline,” he says. That means wider price spreads favoring high quality beef and an increasing producer share in carcass cutout values. In other words, as the fed cattle market continues toward normal,

selection and management to raise cattle that fit premium beef programs still pays. That’s seen in the $3.4 million paid in CAB premiums to producers each week. The data says you’ve made progress in the quest for quality, but there’s still room — and incentive — for improvement there and in management to produce the best carcass. The moment of truth is in the packinghouse cooler, but the journey starts at conception on the ranch. The right genetics play a big part in whether a calf has the carcass potential to meet these specs. The other parts of the equation are environment and management to ensure they never have a bad day. About the Certified Angus Beef® brand. World renowned for its exceptional quality and generous marbling, the Certified Angus Beef brand is the original brand of premium beef. Created in 1978, it is still owned today by family ranchers who are determined to bring the best Angus beef to the table. Ten exacting standards ensure superior taste and tenderness in every bite. Learn more at www. CertifiedAngusBeef.com.

2022 S.C. Angus Association Annual Meeting and Banquet South Carolina Angus breeders attended the 2022 S.C.Angus Association Annual Meeting and Banquet on March 18 in Clemson, South Carolina. Important items of business included the election of the upcoming board of directors for the S.C. Angus Association, and Neil Boyd of Paul Boyd Angus Farm in Clover, S.C., was honored with the 49th Annual Carolina Angus Futurity dedication. Photos by David Gazda, American Angus Association.

Neil Boyd receives the 49th Annual Carolina Angus Futurity award from Lee Clinton, S.C. Angus Association vice president.

Table 2. Percent of Carcasses Rejected Solely for Reason

Source: Certified Angus Beef

*Data through September 2021

These Angus breeders were elected to serve on the SCAA board of directors. Pictured seated from left are Paige McPhail of Seneca, secretary, and Sally Yon Harrison of Ridge Spring. Standing from left are Hank Sprowl of Greenwood, John Ripstein of Sumter, John Garrett of Troy, Dixon Shealy of Newberry, president, Lee Clinton of Clover, vice president, Lee Haddon of Gaffney, Michael Johnson of Kinards, treasurer; and Michael Ryan of Fair Play.

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ANGUS NEWS Angus Women Connect, Engage, and Empower. The American Angus Auxiliary’s hosted sixth biennial Angus Women Connected Conference. More than 30 women gathered at The Elms Hotel & Spa in Excelsior Springs, Mo., to network, learn and celebrate their passion for Angus cattle at the American Angus Auxiliary’s biennial Angus Women Connected Conference. “The main goal of Angus Women Connected Conference is to bring together a group of people that share a common bond of Angus cattle, from across the United States,” said Anne Lampe, chairman and conference coordinator of Women Connected. “It allows them to form a network and experience educational workshops while feeling engaged and empowerment.” Attendees kicked off their stay at the Elms Hotel with an opening reception where there were door prizes, a tasty meal, and keynote speaker, Courtenay DeHoff, spoke about her social movement, Fancy Lady Cowgirl™. The following day, several American Angus Association and industry experts presented to participants. Thomas Marten, former Angus Foundation Executive Director, gave an update on happenings with the Foundation and how they often

work hand-in-hand with the Auxiliary. Jaclyn Upperman, newly appointed Angus Foundation President and former Director of Events and Education, stressed the immense value of youth programs and the exciting things to come for junior members. AngusMedia™ presented various advertising trends and marketing options available through AngusMedia. After lunch, Kara Lee, Assistant Director of Producer Engagement for Certified Angus Beef®, led an educational activity about the demand for Certified Angus Beef, balanced trait selection, and the value of each primal cut. To wrap up the educational sessions, Kirsten Angell, RD, LD, CDCES, a registered dietitian and diabetes care and education specialist, helped attendees recognize the importance of nutrition, physical activity, and mental health. Later that evening, the women enjoyed a social with a meal and wine making presentation at Van Till Family Farm Winery. The conference concluded the following day with a tour of the Association headquarters in St. Joseph, Missouri. Attendees met with representatives of Angus Genetics Inc., the member services department, and

2022 Mid-Atlantic Junior Angus Classic (MAJAC) Regional Preview Show

Maplecrest Rita 0231 won reserve grand champion owned female at the 2022 MidAtlantic Junior Angus Classic (MAJAC) Regional Preview Show on March 12-13 in Harrisonburg, Virginia. Mattie Harward of Richfield, N.C., owns the September 2020 daughter of PVF Blacklist 7077. She first claimed senior champion. Randy Mullinix of Toulan, Ill., evaluated the 288 entries. Photo by Next Level Images.

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AngusMedia to learn the inner workings of the Through the generous support of the Angus Foundation, the conference, lodging, and meals are at no cost to participants. To learn more about Angus Women Connected and the American Angus Auxiliary, visit www.angusauxiliary.com. Angus Election Under Way. Delegate nominations due June 10. The American Angus Association is preparing for the 2022 Annual Convention of Delegates, hosted in conjunction with the Angus Convention, November 4-7 in Salt Lake City, Utah. In accordance with the Association bylaws, forms and information required to nominate a delegate online or through the mail have been mailed to every eligible voting active life and regular Association member who qualified as an eligible voting member to nominate delegates to the annual meeting. To nominate online, eligible voting members must visit the address provided on the form included in the mailing and use the unique pin number provided. The unique pin number is located below the member

code in the upper right corner of the form. Nominations submitted online must be completed no later than 5:30 p.m. on June 10. If the traditional printed form included in the mailing is used to nominate, the signed nomination form must be received in the Association office no later than 5:30 p.m. on June 10. The nomination period is April 11 to June 10, and each eligible voting member is allowed to nominate one eligible voting member who resides in the same state or district, including himself or herself. More information is available here. The candidate should be highly involved in the Angus business, willing to attend the meeting, and able to represent Angus breeders. Following the close of the nomination period, every qualified nominee will be included on a state/ district ballot. Ballots will be mailed to the eligible voting members in July to vote for the final slate of state/district delegates. The 139 th Annual Convention of Delegates will take place on November

7, during the Angus Convention in Salt Lake City, Utah. Registration for Angus Convention begins July 1. More information about the event is available at www.angusconvention.com. Angus Means Business. The American Angus Association® is the nation’s largest beef breed organization, serving more than 25,000 members across the United States, Canada, and

several other countries. It’s home to an extensive breed registry that grows by more than 300,000 animals each year. The Association also provides programs and services to farmers, ranchers, and others who rely on Angus to produce quality genetics for the beef industry and quality beef for consumers. For more information about Angus cattle and the American Angus Association, visit www.angus.org.

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Hereford Juniors Build on Their Leadership Development in Texas. There were 20 National Junior Hereford Association (NJHA) members selected to accompany seven NJHA Board of Directors as they recently attended the first Building On Leadership Development (BOLD) Conference at Desdemona, Tex., on March 24-27. This elite leadership retreat was hosted at Hi Point Ranch, owned by Gary and Kathy Buchholz of GKB Cattle. BOLD was created by the NJHA Board of Directors, who wanted college aged junior Hereford members to expand their leadership skills beyond the Faces of Leadership conference that is held each summer. With an age range of 1822 years, BOLD is geared to the college and career focused junior members, providing them with a more personalized learning experience focused on improving their leadership, providing career opportunities, and cultivating lifelong relationships. “BOLD was proven to be well worth the effort, and I am overjoyed with the reactions and feedback we have already been getting following the first conference,” said Lauren McMillan, NJHA Leadership Chair. Junior members spent the first evening participating in team building activities. On day two, they were welcomed by Gary and Kathy Buchholz to Hi Point Ranch, followed by an inspirational message from keynote speaker Kelly Barnes, a panel filled with industry representatives with careers in ranch management, education, food science, and association employment. Following the career panel, Shannon Worrell, Ag One Source, led a workshop on understanding personal strengths and assisting attendees on building their resumes to highlight personal strengths and show themselves off to future employers. The final day was spent with sessions focused on intra vs. inter personal communication, emotional maturity, and building connections, led by the NJHA Board of Directors’ leadership team. Tours of the different GKB Cattle operations were held both days, along with a closing night chuckwagon steak dinner and a dance under the Texas stars. Building was the underlying theme of the BOLD event, and junior members were challenged to build their networks

News

while growing their leadership skills. National Hereford Queen Lauren Gatz from Kansas attended the inaugural conference. “Thank you to GKB Cattle for opening up their ranch to us and sponsoring this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity,” Gatz said. “Being able to learn from Gary and Kathy Buchholz was a highlight of the trip. I am very excited to utilize the knowledge I gained this past weekend to continue developing myself. This was a special conference that I would encourage every junior member to apply for in the future.” Attendees left the three day conference energized and ready to take the next steps in their leadership journeys. Megan Underwood, BOLD participant from Kentucky and graduate student at Kansas State University, said after the conference, “I’m excited to take the knowledge learned and friendships created to make a bold impact while living my dreams.” BOLD will be held annually in March, as an elite leadership opportunity, with an application process necessary to attend. The 2022 Faces of Leadership Conference is scheduled for August 3-6 in Billings, Mont., and registration will open in May. About the National Junior Hereford Association. NJHA is one of the largest, strongest, and most active junior cattle programs in the country. Over the years, members of this association have gone on to earn international and domestic respect as models for youth organizational success. The NJHA, through its extensive educational programs, continues to lay the foundation for the beef industry’s future leaders. The traditions of the past, coupled with the energy of today’s board of directors, have created a progressive approach to further develop a meaningful and educational association focus. About the American Hereford Association. AHA, with headquarters in Kansas City, Mo., is one of the largest U.S. beef breed associations. The not-for-profit organization, along with its subsidiaries — Certified Hereford Beef (CHB) LLC, Hereford Publications Inc. (HPI), and 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.

Check out the

North Carolina Hereford Advantage at

www.nchereford.com 4B FARMS, LLC Shelby, NC Bryson, Wren, Beau, Belle, Bonnie & Bennet Westbrook 980-230-4868 • brysonw@thewestbrookco.com

HEREFORD HILLS Greensboro, NC Bill Kirkman III 336-382-9635 ST Genetics Representative

4K RANCH Nelson, VA Rick & Linda Kern 919-272-6124 4kranch@bellsouth.net

LOOKABILL FAMILY LIVESTOCK Lexington, NC Reggie, Patty, Tyler & Noah Lookabill 336-240-2142 rlookabill6015@gmail.com

AWC CATTLE COMPANY Winston-Salem, NC Andie & Wes Carpenter 336-970-1655 • jcarpenter@alphagraphics.com www.windmillacresfarms.com

McCOY CATTLE FARM Cove City, NC Myron & Charlie McCoy 252-229-4602 mccoycattlefarms@gmail.com

BLINSON POLLED HEREFORDS Lenoir, NC Keith & Peggy Blinson - 828-310-4526 Bryan & Beth Blinson - 919-422-9108

MITCHEM’S FARM 3C Vale, NC Wayne, Crystal, Regan & Jordan Mitchem 704-472-4369 mitchemsfarm@bellsouth.net

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

NORTH PINO LAND & CATTLE COMPANY Mocksville, NC Kevin Robinson 336-940-2547 • kevrob1@aol.com

FIVE J’S BEEF & CATTLE COMPANY Clayton, NC Jody & Angela Standley Kim Prestwood (Manager) • 828-320-7317 - Kim jodystandley@gmail.com

P and J FARMS Monroe, NC Andy Smith 704-400-3436 pandjfarmsherefords@gmail.com

GRASSY CREEK FARM Bullock, NC Scott, Pam, Hailee, Lillee & Elizabeth Bissett 919-482-1176 Bissettsp1@gmail.com

TAYLOR’S MILL FARM Zebulon, NC J. Brent Creech 919-801-7561 tmfherefords@icloud.com TERRACE FARM Lexington, NC Jim, Linda & Chad Davis 336-247-1554 jgdavis101@yahoo.com

Myron McCoy

TRIPLETT POLLED HEREFORDS Statesville, NC James Triplett 704-902-2250 triplettmarble@bellsouth.net

252-637-4995 nchereford@yahoo.com www.nchereford.com

W&A HEREFORDS Providence, NC George, Tammy, William, & Andy Ward 434-251-3637 waherefordfarm@comcast.net

N.C. Hereford Association Secretary/Treasurer

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N.C. BCIP Bull Test 2022 Consignments This is an exciting time for fall calving seedstock producers. Bull calves are being weaned, processed, and evaluated for their value as breeding cattle. The N.C. BCIP Bull Testing program offers producers the opportunity to evaluate their cattle for post weaning performance. Now is the time to review the 2022 Rules and Regulations for this program to determine if your cattle would meet the requirements. Nomination forms will be mailed to previous consignors or are available online at https://beef.ces.ncsu.edu/beef-bull-test/. This year’s nomination forms have been updated to make data submission easier. If you wish to consign a bull(s) to the Butner Bull Test and/or the Waynesville Bull Test and have not received the information, please contact your county extension livestock agent or call Johnny Rogers at

336-504-7268 to request the information. The table below lists the 2022 Bull Testing Schedule. Study it carefully to make sure your bulls are on schedule to meet testing regulations. The 2022 health protocol for bulls is being reviewed. Please refer to the NCSU Beef Portal for updates at https://beef.ces.ncsu.edu/beef-bull-test/. Bulls will need to have an 840 HDX Electronic Identification tag when they are delivered to the bull test. Bull development costs will be higher this year due to commodity markets and rising input costs. N.C. BCIP will make every effort to control costs without affecting bull performance. If you have questions, please call Johnny Rogers at the N.C. BCIP office at 919-515-4027 or 336-504-7268. We look forward to working with you and having another successful season in 2022.

8/15/21 through 11/15/21

8/1/21 through 11/15/21

May 25

May 11

June 15

June 1

June 15

June 1

July 6

June 22

July 18 & 19

July 5 & 6

September 12

August 30

October 11

September 27

September 14

August 31

November 7 & 8

October 24 & 25

December 16, 2022

December 3, 2021

**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.

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 910-315-3821 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

Terry Boyles, President - twinbfarm1@gmail.com

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

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NEWS

By TONY HAWKINS, DVM, Valley Vet Supply Q&A: Trichomoniasis in Cattle. With the recent Trich outbreak, understand the risks and implement these five tips to help protect your cattle. Trichomoniasis, most commonly known as Trich, is a devastating disease affecting cattle. It causes infertility and early embryonic death, leading to a high percentage of open and/or late bred cows. The enormous cost of open cows, the veterinary and laboratory costs for investigation and diagnosis, and the costs of culling and replacing animals can lead to considerable economic strain. What is Trich, and how is it spread? Trich is a venereal disease in cattle; the pathogen lives in the genital tracts of cattle and is spread from infected bulls to cows and from infected cows to bulls during breeding. Bulls carry the disease and can remain infected indefinitely. Most cows clear the infection within three to five months, but immunity is short lived, and reinfection is possible. The only way that Trich enters a herd is through an infected animal. The most obvious avenue is by introducing an infected bull or cow into the herd. However, it’s not uncommon during shared grazing or a breach in the boundary fence for infected neighboring cattle to breed with – and thus infect – a herd. What are the symptoms of Trich? Trich does not cause any apparent illness in infected animals. The only sign that Trich is in the herd is reproductive problems -- a large percentage of open cows, multiple heat cycles, and an increased percentage of late bred cows. During pregnancy diagnosis, your veterinarian might also notice an increased incidence of pyometra or pus

NOTICE

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filled infection of the uterus. Depending on the number of Trich positive bulls turned out with cows, New Mexico State University estimates the loss in the first year’s calf crop can be as high as 50 percent. How is Trich diagnosed? Trich should be suspected in herds with poor conception rates and an extended calving season. A diagnosis is confirmed by testing the bulls for the presence of the organism. To do this, your veterinarian will collect preputial scrapings from your bull and send the sample to a lab for analysis. If one bull is infected, you must assume that the whole herd is infected. Diagnosis in cows is difficult and not practical in most situations. What are treatment and control options? There is no treatment for Trich. Once your herd has been infected, you must cull all bulls that were part of the affected breeding group, as well as any cows with pyometra. With Trich, the best option is to practice strong biosecurity and sound management to prevent the introduction of Trich into your herd. To best prevent Trich, I recommend the following five tips: 1. Do not introduce infected animals. Buy young, virgin bulls from a reputable breeder and perform a Trich test on all bulls as part of the pre-breeding fertility exam. Do not buy open or short bred (less than 120 days) cows. 2. Maintain good perimeter fences to segregate groups and neighboring herds. 3. If shared grazing is necessary, communication is key. Work with your fellow producers and veterinarians to implement a Trich control and prevention protocol. 4. Implement a defined breeding season and maintain good records of pasture groups and pregnancy status. 5. Vaccines are available to help offer herds protection against Trich. While the vaccines do not entirely prevent embryonic death or infertility, when administered to cows, the vaccines have been shown to help decrease the reproductive consequences and help them clear the infection faster. Unfortunately, this is not an easy disease to control once it has been introduced. The economic impact alone can cause tremendous strain on any operation. Prevention is best accomplished

The Carolina Cattle Connection q MAY 2022

with strict biosecurity and by working closely with your herd health veterinarian. Visit ValleyVet.com for vaccines and more to help ensure your herd’s health. About Valley Vet Supply. Valley Vet Supply was founded in 1985 by veterinarians to provide customers with the very best animal health solutions. Building on over half a century of experience in veterinary medicine, Valley Vet Supply serves equine, pet,

and livestock owners with thousands of products and medications hand selected by Valley Vet Supply Technical Service veterinarians and a team of industry professionals. With an in-house pharmacy that is licensed in all 50 states, and verified through the National Association of Boards of Pharmacy (NABP), Valley Vet Supply is the dedicated source for all things horse, livestock, and pet. For more information, please visit ValleyVet.com.

GELBVIEH NEWS AGA Launches ‘Cow Power’ Female Genotyping Project. The American Gelbvieh Association (AGA) is excited to announce the release of the Cow Power Female Genotyping Project. This research project, in collaboration with Neogen, is an initiative aimed at collecting more genotypes and valuable phenotypic information on active females within the AGA’s herdbook. Increasing the number of female genotypes paired with mature weights and body condition scores will help strengthen the predicting power of EPDs and selection indexes that describe Gelbvieh and Balancer influenced cattle. The Cow Power Project offers members the opportunity to receive a research price of $25 for a genomic test on females in order to DNA test at least 90 percent of their current active cow inventory. Participants who submit both mature weights and body condition scores electronically on at least 90 percent of the current active cow inventory will receive a one time $4 rebate per head. To be eligible for the project, DNA samples must be submitted using Allflex Tissue Sampling Units (TSUs). Blood and hair samples are not eligible for this project. Due to this being a research project, DNA turnaround times, data processing, and other timelines within this project are not reflective of current AGA turnaround times. There are a limited number of research genotypes available, and enrollment will be on a first come, first served basis. More information can be found on the Female Genotyping Project Tab on the DNA Testing Page on Gelbvieh.org. Help Your Customers Find More Buyers Using Feeder Finder. Feeder Finder is a free email service offered by AGA to promote and assist in marketing load lots of Gelbvieh and Balancer

influenced feeder cattle. The service connects producers with load lots of calves to sell with potential buyers. Producers are encouraged to use the form found on Gelbvieh.org to submit information about their calves. Producers can also contact Tom Strahm, AGA commercial marketing director, at 303465-2333 or email tom@gelbvieh.org. Once information on calves has been submitted, an email blast will be sent to feedyards and potential buyers to notify them about when and where cattle are available for sale. If you are an interested buyer, sign up to receive the Feeder Finder emails on the AGA Website. Producers are invited to use this service whether the cattle sell by video auction, traditional livestock barn auction, or private treaty. Please contact the AGA for more information or to enroll in the project at 303-465-2333 or email registry@ gelbvieh.org. 2022 AGJA Scholarship Application Deadline is June 1. Each year, AGJA members who are graduating high school or attending college are encouraged to apply for scholarships to assist in their educational endeavors. This year we are excited to announce that $5,500 will be awarded to active junior members through American Gelbvieh Foundation (AGF) scholarships. Applications are available online under the Juniors tab at Gelbvieh. org. Scholarship applications must be submitted electronically to jake@ gelbvieh.org or postmarked by June 1. About the American Gelbvieh Association. The American Gelbvieh Association is a progressive beef cattle breed association representing 1,100 members and approximately 40,000 cows assessed annually in a performance oriented total herd reporting system.

Farm Credit News AgCarolina Farm Credit Grant Program Open for Applications. AgCarolina Farm Credit is accepting grant applications through October 15 for programs benefitting farmers and rural residents in its 34 county service area in eastern North Carolina. Grants are available up to $5,000 per organization for programs in one of four focus areas: Education, Environment, Technology, or the Quality of Rural Life. Grants are made available through AgCarolina’s corporate giving program. AgCarolina has given back over $1.1 million in grants and scholarships through the corporate giving fund since 2005 and is proud to serve and support the farms and communities of eastern North Carolina. “AgCarolina Farm Credit is committed to being an active member of the communities our member owned cooperative serves,” states President

and CEO Dave Corum. “AgCarolina will continue to invest in organizations seeking to improve rural North Carolina through our grant program.” To learn more about AgCarolina’s corporate giving and to obtain guideline criteria, visit the AgCarolina website. Grant applications are available and will be accepted through October 15. Proposals will be reviewed, and grants will be awarded as early as possible, after October 15. AgCarolina Farm Credit Employees Donate to House of Hope N.C. AgCarolina Farm Credit is proud to announce a $3,000 donation to House of Hope of N.C., a therapeutic school, home, and counseling center for hurting and vulnerable girls, ages 12-17, and their families. Employees have the option to participate in AgCarolina’s “A Cause a Quarter” program. The quarterly campaign requires a $25 donation from participating employees to a non-

profit voted on by all employees of the Association. Participants can dress casually each Friday of the quarter in which they participate. Chosen by employees for the first quarter of 2022 was House of Hope of N.C. With employee and Association contributions, the total donation amount is $3,000. “ A g C a r o l i n a F a r m C r e d i t ’s employees believe it is vital for our local communities to have active and engaged citizens,” said AgCarolina CEO Dave Corum. “A Cause a Quarter is the

Pictured from left to right - AgCarolina Loan Officer Cara Dunnavant and House of Hope of N.C. Finance Director Monica Mills.

product of an employee suggestion and has been a great way for the AgCarolina team to understand how we can make an impact in the communities we serve in eastern North Carolina. There are many great organizations throughout eastern North Carolina doing outstanding things like the folks with House of Hope of N.C. AgCarolina Farm Credit, and its employees, are proud to present these funds to House of Hope of N.C. It is our hope they will continue to grow and make a positive difference for hurting and vulnerable girls, and their families.” About AgCarolina Farm Credit. AgCarolina Farm Credit is a farmer owned financial cooperative with headquarters in Raleigh. They are the leading provider of credit to farmers in central and eastern North Carolina. AgCarolina Farm Credit has over $1.5 billion in loans and commitments outstanding to nearly 3,000 North Carolina farmers. Loans are made to finance land, homes, farm buildings, operating expenses, livestock, and equipment, as well as other purposes. Credit life insurance, appraisal services, and leasing are also available through AgCarolina Farm Credit.

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S.C. Charolais News

Clemson Extension 2023 Bull Test Call for Nominations

By GEORGEANNE WEBB S.C. Charolais Association

Most of the Charolais breeders in the area are busy getting ready for the Appalachian Sale in Knoxville, Tenn., on June 4. I know the price of fuel is high, but look at it this way, head to Knoxville for an enjoyable trip, and it is all tax deductible. With what I have paid for fuel and fertilizer so far this year, the government better be ready to issue me a real big refund check for next year. Plan to head to Knoxville, and you will not be sorry since this has become one of the great sales on this side of the Mississippi. I am consigning two bred cows with their weaned heifers along with two yearling heifers, a Sugar Daddy heifer out of my Miley daughter, Sugar Lili, and Beth Dutton, whose dam is Ms. Dutton. You need to be there just to see Beth Dutton, haha. There is not much else going on except getting ready health papers and haircuts for the sale. The only thing happening in Pickens County, S.C., is lots

of rain and tornadoes. I would like to ask folks in this area to keep Johnnie Newton in your prayers. He is a commercial cattleman in our county and has been in the hospital for a couple of weeks, no COVID-19 but fluid in his lungs and around his heart. Give Betty Lou a call and take her a taco or burger if you are out that way. She is staying home, and her daughters are seeing after their dad in the hospital. This is one thing that the younger generation needs to absorb in their brains. Cattlemen are not like other industries. We see after one another, even the competition. Gwen McPhail is one of my close friends, and though she raises Angus and I raise Charolais, we check on each other and try to help when we can. We are all in this business together even though we are competition and help one another any way we can. When you help one another, it comes back around.

By STEVEN E. MEADOWS, Ph.D., Clemson University This serves as an open call for nominations for the 2023 Clemson University Extension Bull Test. The deadline for all nominations is July 1. Priority for consignments will be given to those who have consigned in the past two years, then open to new in-state consignors, and lastly, new out-of -state consignors. These due dates for consignments are outlined on the Clemson Bull Test website, and you will also find the rules and regulations for nomination there. We had a great test in 2022 and a record breaking sale with bulls selling into four states. Quality genetics are in demand! We look forward to the 2023 test! We will again be utilizing our GrowSafe 6000 feed system to measure individual intake and calculate relative feed efficiency of individual bulls. In deciding which bulls to nominate, please make sure you evaluate all consignments for structural correctness and screen for disposition on the farm. Please make sure that your consignments meet and surpass all requirements for performance, and their genetic profile is competitive within your respective breed. Updated rules and regulations and nomination forms can be found at www.clemson.edu/extension/bulltest/clemson/index.html. Some of the rules have been updated or new requirements added. Make sure you read all requirements before nomination. Please note all deadlines as specified. We look forward to another great year. If any questions, please let me know. My email is smdws@clemson.edu.

SATURDAY • JUNE 4, 2022 • 1:00 PM

OHF NEW WINDY H831 ET

EF1269946 • Born: 8/31/2018 • BW 79 • Polled EPDs: 7.6 -0.2 57 105 25 3.3 54 Sire: M6 New Standard 842 P ET Dam: OHF Windy E904 ET from the JWK Vanessa D029 Family!

DRUIN KAYCEE D911

F1319195 • Born: 9/11/2021 • Polled Sire: CAG GARW Strong Side 685D by M&M Outsider 4003 P Dam: Miss Key Fame 142C by KAYR Mainstreet 910A Halter broke, ready for a Super Show Season!

CCF MISS ALLISON 1928

F1289094 • Born: 9/26/2019 • BW 68 • Polled EPDs 10.7 -1.7 62 115 20 6.7 51 1.7 Sire: CCF/Bamboo Smokin Joe 5334 ET Dam: EZB Miss Baylee 422 by M6/RC Fresh Air 1138 Pld Ranks in top 9% CE, 20% YW, 15% Milk, 8% CW, 15% REA, and 9% TSI

2022 APPALACHIAN CLASSIC SALE SPONSORED BY: SALE ONLINE VIA COWBUYER.COM PAGE 34

The Carolina Cattle Connection q MAY 2022

• Join one of the largest mineral buying groups in the Southeast • Trial opportunities available • Delivery available in most areas of North Carolina • Make your own buying group in your area

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q MAY 2022

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Your Carcass Cut Your Way Slaughter Facility 9683 Kerrs Chapel Road Gibsonville, NC

Processing Facility 430 NC Hwy 49 S Asheboro, NC

336-628-4949

www.PiedmontCustomMeats.com We are a processor offering slaughter and processing service only. We DO NOT buy or sell any meat products.

BEEF • PORK • LAMB • GOAT PAGE 36

The Carolina Cattle Connection q MAY 2022

ROY COOPER GOVERNOR BEEF MONTH 2022 BY THE GOVERNOR OF THE STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA A PROCLAMATION WHEREAS, according to the 2021 North Carolina Agricultural Statistics Book published by the N.C. Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, there are currently over 810,000 cattle in North Carolina that provide a variety of food, leather, and other products to the citizens of this State; and WHEREAS, according to the 2021 North Carolina Agricultural Statistics Book published by the N.C. Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, North Carolina farmers raise cattle in all 100 counties; and WHEREAS, because of cooperation between beef producers and the North Carolina Cattlemen’s Association, North Carolina Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, North Carolina State University, North Carolina A&T State University, and allied industry, thousands of farms are flourishing across the State; and WHEREAS, according to the 2021 North Carolina Agricultural Statistics Book published by the N.C. Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, beef and beef products are naturally nutrient rich, providing Americans with a high quality source of protein, zinc, iron, and B vitamins, leading nine out of ten households to serve beef at least once every two weeks; and WHEREAS, according to the 2021 North Carolina Agricultural Statistics Book published by the N.C. Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, cattle farms generate more than $219 million in cash receipts each year making the beef industry yet another part of the total diversification of agriculture in this state; NOW, THEREFORE, I, Roy Cooper, Governor of the State of North Carolina, do hereby proclaim May 2022, as “BEEF MONTH” in North Carolina and commend this observance to all our citizens.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the Great Seal of the State of North Carolina at the Capitol in Raleigh this thirtieth day of April in the year of our Lord two thousand and twenty-two, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and forty-sixth. The Carolina Cattle Connection

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The Carolina Cattle Connection q MAY 2022

New NCCA Members for 2022 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 past month: Alexander County Garrett Brown Trace Chatham Cheyenne Childers Jeff Johnson Austin Sink Anna Taraban Alleghany County Emily Chandler Courtney Hash Eli Herman Nicholas Reeves Brody Weddington Kylee Weddington Brunswick County A.J. Stanaland – Northwest Land & Cattle Buncombe County Ryan Buckner Ian Dailey Brooke Eberle Greta Erickson Trevan Follett Abigail Fusco Timothy Heath Natalie Hensley Kenley Herron Kaleigh Holdredge Casen Hollifield Griffin Kennedy Zack Malone Ava Manning Grecia A. Perez Gomez Alexander Plemmons Zacary Smith Izabella Vizy Abigail Whitaker – Whit-Acres Nate Wilson Burke County Jonathan Chapman – WG Farm Todd Norman – Norman Farm Cabarrus County Vincent Farrell Alana Finley Elijah Lambert Roland McGlamery

Caldwell County Richard Wright – Lawlaw Farm

Rowan County Curt Owen – BECC Steers

Surry County Jonathan White – White Pine Farms

Chatham County Mark Clark – Twin Oaks Farm Tracy Farrell Jones– Big Meadows Farm Neil Matthews Oliver Nielson Landon Roberson

Rutherford County James Goodrich – Goodrich Farms Clint Green – Green Farms Stephen Scala – Scala Farms

Union County Kenneth W. Helms – Kenneth Helms Farm Omara L. Southerland

Davie County Andy Flores – Olde Stone Farm Duplin County Eddie Brinson – Brinson Farm LLC Brandon Elston – B & M Elston Farm Jerry and Lisa Futrell – J & L Farms Michael Jones – Muddy Creek Farm Douglas L. Lanier – Lanier’s Red Angus James Blake Moore Chase Tickle Franklin County Karl & Cortney Holshouser – Hope Cattle Services Greene County Kelly Setzer

Wake County Gary Floyd

Sampson County Eugene Hollingsworth– Hollingsworth Farms Samuel M. Horne– S.M. Horne Farms, Inc. Stanly County Carroll Barrett Grayson Smith Sam Stallings Jesse Thompson Stokes County Savannah Collins Colton Conner Emma Hooker Kamie Martin Carl Mitchell – Mitchell Hills and Hollers Ethan Roberson Caleb Smith Lydia Stevens Silvia Vazquez

Warren County Randy Martin Preston Richardson Washington County Scott Chandler Wayne County Donald Holmes – Holmes Farms Tracey Ivey – Edmundson Springs Angus Mike Sauls – Seneca Run Farms Wilkes County Grace Taraban Wilson County Adam Gardner – T-N-T Farms

Haywood County David Burnette Iredell County Holland Farms of Olin LLC Ronald Deal – Deal-Rite Feeds, Inc. Lenoir County Kaelyn Mohrfeld – Mohrfeld Farms Macon County Larry Penland Madison County Thomas G. Payne Nash County David R. Griffin Orange County Victoria Smith Pender County Gary Helm – Grah Farms, Inc. Perquimans County Darren Saunders Randolph County Jadie Andrews – Sweet Oak Farms Carl R. Smith – Smith Farm Trailer Sales Rockingham County Benny Wray, Jr. – Wray Livestock Carson Wray – Wray Livestock Mackensie Wray – Wray Livestock

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NEWS Bob Burkham to Lead BioZyme Supplement Sales Team. Bob Burkham, Bryan, Texas, has been named the Manager of National Supplement Sales for BioZyme Inc. In his role, he will lead the sales team in its efforts. “It was BioZyme’s overall culture that was attractive to me and how the employees interacted when I watched them with each other and their customers at industry trade shows,” Burkham said. Burkham has sales and leadership experience both within and outside of the livestock industry, having worked for animal pharmaceutical sales and in residential buildings. He earned his bachelor’s degree in agriculture from West Texas A&M University. He and his wife Angela have two children, Clay and Abby, who were active in raising and showing livestock while they were growing up. Burkham still enjoys attending livestock shows and supporting the youth. He also is a craftsman who likes to build things. He

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enjoys the outdoors, grilling, spending time with family and friends, and NASCAR. “It is great to have Bob join BioZyme. His well rounded experiences along with his energetic personality make him the perfect fit to lead the Supplement Sales Team to the next level,” said Alan Lee, BioZyme Director of Domestic Business Development. Burkham is eager to help create a TEAM atmosphere across the company, not just sales, with everybody pulling the rope in the same direction. He looks forward to helping the achieve BioZyme’s goals by maximizing efforts and meeting the budget. BioZyme, with world headquarters in Saint Joseph, Missouri, is known for its supplement brands VitaFerm, Gain Smart, Sure Champ, Vita Charge, DuraFerm, Vitalize, and Backyard Boost. The company also manufactures and markets Amaferm, the key additive in all its supplements. For a list of BioZyme staff, visit biozymeinc.com/our-staff. Nutritional Opportunities to

The Carolina Cattle Connection q MAY 2022

Improve Reproduction and Profitability. Breeding season is officially here. You may be using the same bulls as last year or trying something new with A.I. or a purchased young herd sire. There’s a lot of excitement putting these genetic puzzle pieces together in your operation. You’ve likely spent a lot of time thinking about how to improve your herd for the upcoming generation and invested plenty of funds to acquire these genetic options. Now, it’s important as ever to make sure we give each female the nutritional platform, so we can not

only “stay in the business” by producing a live calf each year but achieve the desired outcome of A.I./early conception rates and calve earlier in the season. The number one reason cattle are culled in the U.S. is because of reproductive failure, and it is easy to understand the financial impacts of open cows and heifers. Achieving reproductive success is challenging because, biologically, it is not critical for sustaining life. The hierarchical order of nutritional use in beef cattle can be visualized in the following figure:

Dietary Nutrients Available Vital Functions/ Maintenance Excess

Growth/ Lactation

Excess

Reproduction

Excess

Storage

Table 1. Relationship of body condition score to beef cow performance and incomea

Adapted from Kunkle at al., 1994 and economics adjusted to current feeder calf prices Calculated as income/calf times pregnancy rate times .92 (% calves raised of those pregnant)

a b

This illustration can be summarized by a simple statement. If nutritional demands1 for production aren’t met, reproduction is one of the first systems to fail. It’s important to recognize that there are nutritional “taxes” during this point of the beef cycle, and nearly every female serviced is currently at her highest nutritional requirement of the year. In fact, nearly half of all domestic feed resources are used solely for maintenance of the cowherd (Ferrell and Jenkins, 1985). Throw in the fact that mature cows are in peak lactation and replacement heifers are still growing puts even more nutritional demands that take precedence before reproduction. Therefore, it is critical for producers to maximize nutrient utilization in order to get more females bred earlier in the season. Using this figure, it’s much easier to understand the relationship between body condition score (BCS) and nutritional status. If nutritional demands are met for every biological sink, then cows/ heifers will store the excess and increase BCS. The opposite can be noted for cows without proper nutrition. Losses in BCS signal the first nutritional alarm, suggesting reproductive failure is the next system to falter. Using BCS as the nutritional status of your herd is relevant, and Kunkle et al. (1994) demonstrated the relationship of body condition score to beef cow performance and income in Table 1. The first goal in cow/calf production to sustain economic viability is to produce a live calf every year. In this study (Kunkle et al., 1994), a BCS of 5 or greater was required

for the average calving interval to be within 365 days. Assuming all calves are weaned and marketed at the same time, those cows that have been managed with the proper nutrition (BCS 5 or greater) had greater conception rates, more calves born earlier in the calving season, heavier weaning weights, and, ultimately, more income per cow. Remember, beef production is vast and diversified, and even the best cattlemen must manage thin cows from time to time. For example, heavy milking cows may have a hard time maintaining flesh, but they might be raising a hearty, stout bull calf. Some may relate to extended periods of heat stress, drought conditions, or limited forage availability as other reasons for cows becoming thin. There are many reasons why a cow may not achieve optimum BCS but try not to panic. A major impact on reproduction is bodyweight change from calving through breeding. There is evidence (Houghton et al., 1990) showing that the effects of poor body condition can be overcome by improved nutrition pre-breeding (Table 2). Cows that were thin but increasing BCS through improved nutrition still had optimal pregnancy rates and reproductive success at the end of the breeding season. Early weaning and other management strategies are viable, as well as supplementing thin cows with grains. However, the constantly rising cost of corn, commodities, and freight may suggest that supplementing with grains may not be the most economical option. One alternative is to get your cows to better utilize the current forages they have

available. Amaferm is a prebiotic designed to enhance digestibility by amplifying the nutrient supply for maximum performance. It is research proven to increase intake, digestion, and absorption. Manufactured by BioZyme Inc., research has shown that Amaferm increases the digestibility of forage and metabolizable protein by 17 percent and 33 percent, respectively. The VitaFerm Concept•Aid line of products contains Amaferm, high levels of Vitamin E, as well as organic trace minerals that are formulated at 2.5 times NRC recommendations for maximum bioavailability to help achieve your breeding

nutritional goals. In fact, research has shown that cattle consuming VitaFerm Concept•Aid beat the national average pregnancy rate by 3 percent. Breeding season is here! You’ve already made the investment in your new herd sire, so make sure that your cows and heifers get the nutrition they need to genetically progress your operation. To learn more about the Amaferm advantage or to discover the VitaFerm Concept•Aid that is right for your herd, visit www.vitaferm.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 ®, VitaFerm ®, Vita Charge ®, Sure Champ ®, Vitalize ®, DuraFerm®, and Backyard Boost™. With headquarters in St. Joseph, Missouri, the company reaches a global market of customers that stretches into countries across five continents. For more information about BioZyme, visit www.biozymeinc.com.

Table 2. Effect of body condition score change on pregnancy ratea

Adapted from Houghton et al., 1990

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GRSB launches the Beef Carbon Footprint Guideline to support consistency in emissions reporting worldwide. The Global Roundtable for Sustainable Beef (GRSB) Scientific Advisory Council has launched the Beef Carbon Footprint Guideline to allow for sector wide consistency in the calculation of the carbon footprint of beef cattle. The creation of the Guideline was made possible by a number of notable members of the organization. This included financial support from McDonald’s Corporation and DSM. Blonk Consultants supported by advising on the methodological approach and developing the Guideline. Together, GRSB and its members noticed that across the sector, businesses and organizations globally were using

News

different methodologies and data to measure their carbon impact – leading to inconsistencies. As such, comparable and consistent measuring across companies, countries, and continents was difficult. This new Beef Carbon Footprint Guideline has therefore been developed based on UN FAO’s LEAP guidance to: • Quantify emissions from cradle to farm gate or cradle to processing gate • Allow monitoring of GHG emissions through time for a specific system • Identify main drivers for GHG emissions in the beef cattle life cycle • Allow comparisons within the context of the same study • Complement the dairy sector’s LCA work, also based on FAO LEAP guideline This announcement builds on the established progress by GRSB and

its members to ensure a joint global approach to sustainable beef production. Last year, GRSB launched its global sustainability goals – commitments to advance and improve the sustainability of the global beef value chain. The goals focused on three key areas – climate, nature positive, and animal health and welfare. Ruaraidh Petre, Executive Director of the Global Roundtable for Sustainable Beef, said: “A key part of GRSB’s mission is to ensure transparency when it comes to evaluating and reporting key sustainability metrics. However, the global beef carbon footprint has, to date, been challenging to effectively track and report.” “Launching this new Guideline will help to create consistency in the global beef sector. There is growing momentum in the industry to protect and nurture the earth’s natural resources and having

a clearer carbon footprint guideline will allow us to do this better than ever before.” To access the Guideline, please go to https://grsbeef.org. About the Global Roundtable for Sustainable Beef. GRSB is a worldwide network of the people and organizations powering progress in sustainable beef. Across its global roundtable and 12 regional roundtables, GRSB has over 500 members working in 24 different countries. Collectively, its members are responsible for more than 2/3 of cross border beef trade. GRSB powers progress in sustainable beef by setting ambitious goals around reducing greenhouse gas emissions, improving land use, and animal welfare. To help achieve these goals, GRSB champions best practices, facilitates the exchange of knowledge, and fosters a collaborative approach.

Regular copy deadline is

MAY 5 for the JUNE issue. Is there a problem?

5 County Regional Beef Tour By MARTHA MOBLEY Franklin County will be hosting the popular 5 County Regional Beef Tour on June 21. I am very excited about what you, as a beef producer, will be able to learn from visiting three farms during the morning tour. Farms visited will be Springfield Angus (Southeast’s premier Angus breeder), Perry Cattle Farm (purebred Simmental and commercial cattle), and First Fruits Farm (cool and warm season forage test plot), along with lunch and trade show. Registration will begin at 7:30 a.m. in the parking lot of the N.C. Cooperative Extension Franklin County Center, with the tour beginning at 8:00 a.m. Educational topics discussed along the tour will include “Tips for Direct Marketing your Beef,” “Fire Ant Update and Control,” “Fly Control in the Herd,” NRCS’s Rainfall Forage Simulator demonstration, and viewing a forage test plot. A sponsored ribeye steak sandwich with all the trimmings will be served at the last farm stop, First Fruits Farm. The tour should conclude around 1:30-2:00 p.m with door prizes. Everyone will carpool to the various sites. If you plan to attend, you should register using the following Eventbrite link at https://go.ncsu.edu/2022_5-county_beef_tour. There is no fee to participate in the tour. I can be reached at 919-496-3344 if you have questions. We look forward to seeing you.

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NCBA News

R e g i s t e r To d a y f o r 2 0 2 2 Stockmanship & Stewardship Events. Registration is now open for three Stockmanship & Stewardship regional events, with the first stop in Blacksburg, Va., in May. During each event, producers can become BQA certified, network with fellow cattlemen and women, participate in hands-on demonstrations led by stockmanship experts, including Curt Pate and Dr. Ron Gill, and learn cutting edge operation techniques. The 2022 Stockmanship & Stewardship events include: • Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, Va., May 20-21 • Leavenworth, Kan., June 16-18 • Auburn University, Auburn, Ala., August 12-13 “In today’s world, no matter the beef production system you are involved with, stockmanship and stewardship are more important than ever,” said Curt Pate, Stockmanship & Stewardship clinician and cattle handling expert. “This quality program combines age old skills with modern practices to improve your bottom line and quality of life.” Stockmanship & Stewardship is a unique educational experience for cattle producers featuring low stress cattle handling demonstrations, Beef Quality Assurance (BQA) educational sessions, facility design sessions, and industry updates that you won’t find anywhere else. The program is sponsored by the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA), Merck Animal Health, and the Beef Checkoff funded National Beef Quality Assurance program. “Merck Animal Health is proud to have a long standing partnership with NCBA in ensuring education and animal welfare training with our sponsorship of Stockmanship & Stewardship,” said Kevin Mobley, executive director of sales and marketing for Merck Animal Health. “With products and technology designed to enhance animal health, productivity and traceability, combined with the expertise of our people, Merck Animal Health is in a unique position to provide leadership and innovation in the area of sustainability.” For more information about upcoming Stockmanship & Stewardship events and to register, visit www. StockmanshipAndStewardship.org. Cattle producers attending a Stockmanship

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& Stewardship event are eligible for reimbursement through the Rancher Resilience Grant. To apply for a grant to cover registration costs and two nights hotel, visit www.ncba.org/producers/ rancher-resilience-grant. NCBA Welcomes Announcement on Japan – U.S. Trade Agreement. NCBA welcomes the recent announcement that the United States and Japan have reached an agreement in principle on the Japanese beef safeguard. As part of the terms of the Japan – U.S. Trade Agreement, both countries entered consultations after the volume based safeguard was triggered in March 2021. NCBA strongly supported efforts to secure improvements to the beef safeguards that are mutually beneficial for Japanese consumers and American cattle producers. “While the details of the agreement in principle have not been disclosed, NCBA is encouraged that today’s announcement means we are taking necessary steps to secure long term solutions that enable American cattle producers to continue providing Japanese consumers with high quality U.S. beef at competitive prices. NCBA greatly appreciates Ambassador Tai’s leadership and the hard work of negotiators who have been working on this effort for the past year,” said Kent Bacus, NCBA Senior Director of International Trade and Market Access. Japan is one of the top export markets for U.S. beef, accounting for over $2.3 billion in U.S. beef sales in 2021. NCBA Endorses Bipartisan A-PLUS Act. NCBA supports the Amplifying Processing of Livestock in the United States (A-PLUS) Act, introduced recently in the U.S. House of Representatives by Rep. Vicky Hartzler (R-Mo.) and Rep. Jimmy Panetta (D-Calif.). If enacted, the bill would clarify regulations under the Packers and Stockyards Act to allow livestock market owners to maintain an ownership interest in small meatpacking entities and would secure another tool in the toolbox to boost processing capacity and alleviate key challenges in cattle marketing. “The need for new packing facilities has become a critical issue for the cattle industry. Huge amounts of capital are required to get new facilities up and running. Understanding the need for these new facilities, producers

The Carolina Cattle Connection q MAY 2022

themselves have invested in these efforts, but outdated regulations still prevent livestock markets from having ownership in packing facilities. The A-PLUS Act paves the way for the marketing segment of the cattle industry to be included as investors in these facilities, helping reduce dependence on major packers and improving the competitiveness of the live cattle market,” said Clint Berry, chairman of NCBA’s Livestock Marketing Council. The A-PLUS Act amends the Packers and Stockyards Act to allow livestock markets to own, invest in, or manage small to medium sized processing facilities with a slaughter capacity of less than 2,000 head per day or 700,000 head per year. “The meatpacking sector continues to be the bottleneck in the cattle and beef supply chain,” said NCBA Senior Director of Government Affairs Tanner Beymer. “Opening more small and medium sized processing facilities increases opportunities for producers to market their cattle and helps balance leverage in pricing negotiations.” NCBA Renews Call for Suspension of Brazilian Beef Imports. Following April’s USDA report highlighting an increase in Brazilian beef imports, NCBA renewed its call for the immediate suspension of fresh beef imports from Brazil. NCBA has repeatedly called for a thorough audit of Brazil’s animal health and food safety system to ensure the safety of the U.S. cattle herd. In 2021, Brazilian exports to the United States increased by 131 percent. In the first three months of 2022, Brazil has already shipped more than 50,000 metric tons of fresh beef to the United States. This unprecedented surge of imports triggered a temporary tariff safeguard of 26.4 percent that will apply to Brazilian beef imports for the rest of 2022. While a temporary tariff increase may discourage further imports from Brazil, it does not address the underlying concern over Brazil’s repeated failure to adhere to international animal health and food safety standards. “We are, once again, calling on Secretary Vilsack to suspend fresh beef imports from Brazil, because of that country’s long history of failing to report BSE cases in a timely manner. It’s incredibly disappointing to have our science based recommendations met with no notable response by the U.S. Department of Agriculture,” said NCBA Vice President of Government Affairs Ethan Lane. “As beef imports from Brazil continue to rise, we urge USDA to reconsider their stance on Brazilian beef and take necessary action to safeguard the integrity of the entire U.S. food supply chain.”

NCBA believes that restricting Brazilian imports altogether is essential until Brazil proves it is a trustworthy and reliable trade partner capable of adhering to our standards. Background - Only 12 percent of beef consumed in America is imported, and nearly 75 percent of beef imports are lean beef trimmings used in combination with fattier trimming to make ground beef. The majority of imported beef comes from countries that have formalized trade agreements with the United States or who have specific import quotas. All other beef imports are sold under the “Other Countries” annual quota of 65,000 metric tons. Beef sold under the “Other Countries” quota is charged a rate of 4.4 cents per kilogram, and beef sold over the quota is charged a 26.4 percent tariff. According to the latest U.S. Customs and Border Protection report, the “Other Countries” quota is full, resulting in a tariff increase on beef imports from Brazil, Japan, Ireland, Lithuania, and the United Kingdom for the remainder of 2022. A majority of the quota was met due to the 50,000 metric tons of fresh beef imports from Brazil to the United States in the first quarter of 2022. 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.

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The Carolina Cattle Connection

q MAY 2022

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The Carolina Cattle Connection q MAY 2022

The Carolina Cattle Connection

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CHUCK

SHANK

CHUCK

RIB

BRISKET

PLATE

RIB

LOIN

SIRLOIN

ROUND SHANK

FLANK

LOIN

SIRLOIN

LEAN

ROUND

INGEDIENT CUTS

LEAN

BRISKET LEAN

LEAN

PLATE & FLANK LEAN

LEAN

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

BRAISE/ POT ROAST

LEAN

These cuts meet the government guidelines for lean, based on cooked servings, visible fat trimmed

INDIRECT GRILLING

SKILLET TO OVEN

* MARINATE BEFORE COOKING FOR BEST RESULTS

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

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ROAST

STIR-FRY

The Carolina Cattle Connection q MAY 2022

Beef Checkoff News Beef Advocates Share Their Stories in Celebration of National Agriculture Day. From “gate to plate,” an experienced cattle producer and knowledgeable meat scientist speak on the importance of getting involved in today’s agriculture industry. Consumers are farther away from how their food is produced than ever before, with farm and ranch families comprising less than two percent of the U.S. population.1 Now, more than ever, there’s a need and opportunity for the agriculture community to tell our story. In honor of National Ag Day, the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association, a contractor to the Beef Checkoff, is sharing the stories of two advocates who play different roles in the industry, but both understand the importance of inspiring the next generation to get involved. Third generation cattle producer Blake Poole says his main passion has always been to raise cattle and continue the legacy of his family farm in Haralson County, Georgia. “When I was in college I worked my way through animal science classes, going on farms, learning as much as I could about cattle because that was my heart and goal,” said Poole. So, in addition to being a walk-on football star at Auburn University, Poole majored in both political science and agriculture literacy. He also completed

N.C. Weekly Auctions Report (Week ending APRIL 7, 2022)

Feeder Cattle - Medium and Large 1-2 Kind Avg. Wt. $/lb Steers 300-400 $140.00 - 187.50 400-500 $138.00 - 191.00 500-600 $136.00 - 182.00 600-700 $128.00 - 161.00 700-800 $129.00 - 144.00 800-900 $132.00 - 137.50 Heifers

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

$129.00 - 189.00 $120.00 - 162.00 $120.00 - 152.00 $100.00 - 140.00 $100.00 - 126.00 $103.00 - 125.00

Slaughter Cows: (over 850 lbs) Breakers (70-80% lean) $72.00 - 88.00 Boners (80-85% lean) $72.00 - 85.00 High Dressing (70-85% lean) $75.00 - 95.00

Source: N.C. Dept. of Agriculture and Consumer Services - USDA Market News, Raleigh, N.C. • 919-707-3156

the Beef Checkoff funded Masters of Beef Advocacy (MBA) Program, which provides members the tools and resources needed to become a strong advocate and answer questions about beef and raising cattle. “I enjoy educating anyone who wants to learn about the industry through my firsthand experience in being a cattleman,” said Poole. “I think it’s important to talk to people about the daily experiences I go through being a young farmer. My advice is to go to a farm inperson rather than learning about it on T.V. or the internet.” Poole has been involved in agriculture most of his life but recognizes that it’s new for many and how important it is that the youth of today know where their food comes from. Because of that, he encourages people to learn about beef production and get involved, no matter their background. “You may not come from a farm. You might have been born and raised in the city,” said Poole. “But there are opportunities for almost everyone in agriculture and it’s exciting to watch newcomers fall in love with raising cattle.” While it’s important to know how everything works from the gate, it’s also important to understand how beef gets to your plate, and meat scientist Brianna Buseman has dedicated her life to always learning more. Even though her family raised cattle and sheep, Buseman wanted to take her knowledge of the industry to the next level by attending S.D. State University, where she majored in ag business and animal science, then later earning her master’s degree in animal/ meat science from the University of Idaho. Along with completing the Masters of Beef Advocacy (MBA) Program, Brianna has been selected as a member of the inaugural class of NCBA’s Beef Checkoff funded Trailblazers program. The new program is the next level in beef industry advocacy, identifying top level advocates and helping them grow their audiences and more effectively tell their story. “I realized that not everyone has had the opportunity to see where their food comes from, but most people have eaten a cheeseburger,” said Buseman. “I feel

fortunate to be able to bridge that gap, as a producer and a meat scientist, when I engage with consumers.” Today, Buseman is a Youth Meat Animal Extension Assistant Professor at the University of Nebraska – Lincoln, where she educates 4-H, FFA students, and adults on meat science and career opportunities in the field. “Almost any interest can tie back to the ag industry,” said Buseman. “If you’re interested in art or music, advertising for various meat products is a career path. If it’s engineering or technology, that’s growing all the time in the ag industry. Find what you’re interested in and know there are no limits.” The agriculture industry is one that echoes the demands of today, all while sustaining a life for tomorrow. Whether you’re part of the future generation of

farmers and ranchers or a consumer, these two beef advocates demonstrate that all you need to get involved is effort and the drive to learn more. For those interested in learning about advocacy or becoming an advocate for the beef industry, visit mba. beeflearningcenter.org. For beef advocates interested in taking their training up a notch through the Trailblazers program, contact Chandler Mulvaney at cmulvaney@beef. org. Applications for the next class of the annual Trailblazers program will open in November 2022. Reference 1 Fast facts about Agriculture & Food. The Voice of Agriculture American Farm Bureau Federation. (n.d.). Retrieved March 8, 2022, from www.fb.org/newsroom/fast-facts

N.C. Cattle Receipts, Trends, and Prices for the Month of MARCH 2022 Cattle Receipts: 20,217

•

Previous Month: 15,045

Feeder supply - 29% steers • 44% heifers • 27% bulls SLAUGHTER CLASSES

Avg. Wt. Cows - % Lean Breaker 1,417 Boner 1,181 Lean 961

$83.32 $79.67 $68.13

$103.40

Bulls - Yield Grade 1-2

1,488

Price

FEEDER CLASSES

FEEDER STEERS (Medium and Large 1-2) Wt. Range Avg. Wt. CWT Avg. Price 400-450 425 $158.56 $673.88 450-500 470 $161.28 $758.02 500-550 521 $160.16 $834.43 550-600 573 $154.84 $887.23 600-650 622 $147.97 $920.37 650-700 673 $142.01 $955.73

FEEDER BULLS (Medium and Large 1-2) Wt. Range Avg. Wt. CWT Avg. Price 400-450 424 $164.76 $698.58 450-500 472 $156.63 $739.29 500-550 521 $149.54 $779.10 550-600 572 $146.77 $839.52 600-650 620 $139.37 $864.09 650-700 671 $130.71 $877.06

FEEDER HEIFERS (Medium and Large 1-2) Wt. Range Avg. Wt. CWT Avg. Price 400-450 423 $143.61 $607.47 450-500 473 $141.20 $667.88 500-550 520 $137.53 $715.16 550-600 572 $132.56 $758.24 600-650 621 $122.03 $757.81 650-700 670 $116.49 $780.48

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

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Cattlemen’s Beef Board Update By TORRI ORTIZ LIENMANN, Ph.D. Cattlemen’s Beef Board Safety & Product Innovation Committee Co-Chair

Food Without Fear — How Beef Checkoff Funded Research Keeps Consumers Safe Safety first. As a mom, I am acutely aware of household dangers...cleaning products, hot stoves, wet floors, running with scissors; however, biting into a burger does not usually make that list. Although, if, like me, you were around back in 1993 when an E. coli outbreak happened at a national fast food chain, you probably do remember being far more concerned about food contamination. After that outbreak, the Checkoff began funding research that not only changed the beef industry but also improved food safety across the board. And, while food safety is much better today than ever before, I believe it’s important that the Checkoff continues researching foodborne pathogens so that we can continue to enjoy our food without concern. To understand why it’s so important, we must first remember how we got started – and how we got here. An industry blueprint - Back in ‘93, the Beef Checkoff funded Blue Ribbon Task Force developed an industry blueprint for managing the food safety risks from E. coli O157:H7. The scientists and other professionals on this task force analyzed the beef industry supply chain, reviewed public and private research findings, and drew on their own to better understand E. coli O157:H7 and how to avoid contamination in the future. The task force published its report in 1994, recommending strategies to

Don’t get caught napping!

Deadline is 5th of month prior to issue!

PAGE 50

improve meat safety. Over the remainder of the decade, the Checkoff funded Beef Safety Research Program filled the scientific “gaps” that the task force identified throughout the supply chain to make meat safer. During the 2000s, several ongoing Checkoff funded studies evaluated interventions intended to reduce microbial contamination both on and inside animals. The Beef Checkoff’s research identified specific areas where carcass contamination was most likely to occur. Scientists were then able to evaluate the occurrence and prevention of pathogens throughout the processing chain. Large processing facilities throughout the country implemented these safety interventions and still use them when processing beef and other proteins today. In 2007, the Center for Disease Control (CDC) set a goal to reduce infections from foodborne E. coli O157:H7 by 50 percent in 2010. This “Healthy People” goal was met in 2009 and would have been much less likely to happen without the beef industry’s research. Investing in a safer future - No doubt, the Beef Checkoff played a pivotal role in ensuring beef product safety. It honestly makes me wonder where the industry would be today if not for producers’ continued investments into the Beef Checkoff. Research shows us that while beef safety is very important to beef stakeholders, it’s less relevant to today’s consumers. In fact, according to beef safety research conducted by the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA), a contractor to the Checkoff, 90 percent of consumers feel the beef they eat from the grocery store is safe. The same research found that only 23 percent of consumers worry about foodborne illness when cooking at home. Checkoff funded research has helped an entire generation of consumers feel more confident about the safety of the food they purchase and consume.

The Carolina Cattle Connection q MAY 2022

The Beef Checkoff’s Beef Safety Research Program will continue to focus on every step of the supply chain, beginning with the producer, all the way to the restaurant. To anticipate issues before they escalate into a crisis, Beef Checkoff foodborne contamination research has expanded to include other pathogens and will continue to evolve to address emerging issues. With the support of this robust and comprehensive research program, the beef industry provides consumers worldwide with consistently safe beef products. Today, USDA food availability data tells us the average American eats about 55 pounds of beef per year. Consumers’ great trust in beef safety, combined with their overall enjoyment of beef, has helped demand remain strong for

decades. And that supports the Checkoff’s primary purpose – driving demand for beef. It’s just another example of how the Beef Checkoff continues to use producer dollars for the good of the entire beef industry. To learn more about the Beef Checkoff’s beef safety research program, visit BeefResearch.org. 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.

S.C. Cattle Receipts, Trends, and Prices for the Month of MARCH 2022 Cattle Receipts: 12,338

•

Previous Month: 9,530

Feeder supply - 33% steers • 45% heifers • 22% bulls SLAUGHTER CLASSES

Avg. Wt. Cows - % Lean Breaker 1,505 Boner 1,236 Lean 998

$85.97 $86.28 $77.76

$107.46

Bulls - Yield Grade 1-2

1,578

Price

FEEDER CLASSES

FEEDER STEERS (Medium and Large 1-2) Wt. Range Avg. Wt. CWT Avg. Price 400-450 419 $180.77 $757.43 450-500 469 $174.51 $818.45 500-550 524 $170.15 $891.59 550-600 573 $161.09 $923.05 600-650 629 $149.39 $939.66 650-700 671 $143.44 $962.48

FEEDER BULLS (Medium and Large 1-2) Wt. Range Avg. Wt. CWT Avg. Price 400-450 419 $166.64 $698.22 450-500 468 $166.09 $777.30 500-550 522 $158.10 $825.28 550-600 563 $152.57 $858.97 600-650 613 $147.09 $901.66 650-700 667 $137.82 $919.26

FEEDER HEIFERS (Medium and Large 1-2) Wt. Range Avg. Wt. CWT Avg. Price 400-450 425 $145.26 $617.36 450-500 471 $143.12 $674.10 500-550 519 $139.64 $724.73 550-600 563 $137.63 $774.86 600-650 622 $132.16 $822.04 650-700 664 $126.54 $840.23

Source: S.C. Dept. of Agriculture - USDA Market News Service, Columbia, S.C. - 803-737-4491

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: _________________________________

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

Buyer

* 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.

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NEWS Celebrating Innovations in Farming on National Ag Day. Diesel Technology Powers America’s Farms; Working Today & Ready for Tomorrow. America’s farms help feed the world. In recognition of National Ag Day on March 22, we joined with everyone in the agricultural community to recognize the importance of America’s farms, the incredible progress made, and how agriculture is being transformed to feed the growing demands of the world. “National Ag Day gives us a chance to highlight the innovation that brings new ideas, equipment, and systems to making every aspect of farming more productive and evolving to meet the challenges of the future. Nowhere is this innovation more evident than in the workhorse of the agricultural industry, the diesel engine,” says Allen Schaeffer, Executive Director of the Diesel Technology Forum, a not-for-profit educational organization representing diesel engine and equipment makers as well as fuel producers. Diesel technology plays a key role in every aspect of agriculture, from the planting and harvesting of crops, their bulk transport to processing and market, to getting the fresh and finished foodstuffs

that fill our grocery stores. More farms than ever are investing in the newest generation of advanced diesel technology to power their farm tractors and machines. Consider that for an average row crop tractor, it would take as many as 25 recent models to equal the same emissions as just a single tractor that was made in the year 2000. Whether farming 10,000 acres of corn in Missouri, or a 100-acre dairy farm in Maryland, farmers rely on durable, efficient machines and equipment with adequate power, performance, and reliability to do their work. This unique combination of features is why diesel remains the technology of choice for large and small farms alike. “What we’ll see here in Washington during Tuesday’s National Ag Day Event is that the farm of the future is already here. The innovations in farm technology, data and decision making are critical to meeting the demands of a growing population,” says Schaeffer. According to the World Economic Forum, by 2050, a global population of nearly ten billion people will demand 56 percent more food than is currently consumed. Innovations in farming and food production, as well as increased systems efficiency, are essential parts of the solution.

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The Carolina Cattle Connection q MAY 2022

Like other sectors of the economy, an emphasis on data, connectivity, and automation enables the increasing use of smart and precision farming systems as well as biotechnologies. Advancements in diesel powertrains enable farm equipment to be more productive and achieve greater yields, using less fuel, with near-zero emissions that provide clean air and sustainability benefits to farmers as well as the communities they serve. America’s farmers are also meeting the challenge of climate change by both producing and using soy based renewable biodiesel fuels in their machines and equipment. Last year, the U.S. produced about three billion gallons of renewable biodiesel fuels that have 20-80 percent lower greenhouse gas emissions compared to conventional petroleum. “There is no better place to recognize these advancements and innovations in farming equipment, practices, and fuels than here in the nation’s capital,” says Schaeffer. For more information, visit the leaders in agricultural engines, equipment, and fuels, including AGCO, Cummins, Caterpillar, Clean Fuels Alliance America, FPT Industrial, John Deere, Neste, Phillips 66, Renewable Energy Group, Volvo Penta, and Yanmar. Tips on saving fuel for Diesel Vehicle, Truck, and Equipment Operators. Diesel Technology Forum Offers Advice. Drivers of millions of passenger, delivery, and emergency vehicles and off road machines and equipment in the United States rely on diesel engines and fuel. Diesel Technology Forum (DTF) says it is the most energy efficient internal combustion engine, getting the best value for each fuel dollar spent. “Diesel is the lifeblood of the global economy, reflecting its dominance across key sectors like goods movement, agriculture, transportation, and industrial uses. The newest generation of advanced diesel technology, standard in commercial trucks on the road since 2011 and farm and construction equipment since 2014, achieves near zero emissions and is more fuel efficient,” says DTF’s Executive Director Allen Schaeffer. With diesel fuel prices on the rise, it is a good time to remember a few basic steps that you can take to save fuel and money. Diesel Technology Forum offers the following tips for diesel vehicle owners, truckers, as well as equipment owners, and operators to reduce fuel consumption: • Watch your speed. You increase diesel fuel consumption for every mile per hour you drive over 55 mph. (Above 55 mph, each one mile per hour increase in speed decreases fuel economy by 0.1 mpg.) • Use cruise control for smoother driving. Advanced cruise control systems

are predictive. They optimize engine and travel speed based on the load and can dramatically boost efficiency. • Operate your truck or equipment in the highest possible gear, and reduce engine RPMs, to reduce fuel consumption. • Shut it down. Don’t idle if it isn’t necessary. (Idling burns about ¾ gallon of diesel fuel per hour in a Class 8 tractortrailer sized truck. It also accelerates engine wear and tear.) • Review your routes and trip timing. Take a fuel efficient route if possible, avoiding construction delays. Drive at off peak times to help avoid congestion and delays. • Maintain proper tire pressure. For every 10 psi a tire is inflated under recommended settings, trucks will lose 1 percent of their fuel economy. Underinflated tires also lead to diminished tread life and tire failure. • Perform preventive maintenance on the suggested schedule. Proper maintenance such as oil and air filter changes can help maximize fuel efficiency. • Turn off accessories when they aren’t needed. • Use the right size equipment for the job. Underpowered smaller tractors and equipment operated at high RPMs and loads will be less fuel efficient than a larger machine. • Consider upgrading your vehicle or equipment. The new advanced technology diesel is more fuel efficient than older generations. Utilize blends of high quality biodiesel fuels when possible. All available diesel models are compatible with blends of up to 20 percent high quality renewable biodiesel fuels (and 80 percent regular petroleum diesel). These high quality diesel replacement fuels are available at a growing number of locations nationwide. These low carbon biofuels help reduce greenhouse gas and other emissions. Studies show diesel vehicles regularly have better resale value and depreciate less than those powered by other fuels. To see the models for sale in the United States, visit DTF’s advanced diesel vehicle dashboard. To find diesel fuel for sale near you, please visit our Diesel Fuel Locator page. Other resources: U.S. Diesel Vehicle Sales Dashboard About the Diesel Technology Forum. The Diesel Technology Forum is a not-for-profit organization dedicated to raising awareness about the current and future role of diesel engines, equipment, and fuels. Forum members are leaders in advanced diesel technology, emissions controls, and petroleum based and renewable biofuels. For more information, visit www.dieselforum.org.

MERCK

Animal Health News Merck Animal Health Introduces Herd Health Tool and Feedlot Diseases App to Assist Caretakers in Managing Herd Health. Merck Animal Health has introduced two new tools to bring important cattle health information to cattle producers’ fingertips. The Merck Animal Health Herd Health Manager guides producers and their veterinarians to build a customized herd health plan and then encourages them to print out a record to share the information at marketing. The Merck Animal Health “Merck Feedlot Diseases Atlas” app shares comprehensive photos of diseases that impact feedlot cattle. “The Herd Health Manager provides a convenient way to identify products and protocols to be used at key prevention points and to keep detailed health records,” said Tim Parks, DVM, technical services manager, Merck Animal Health. “Veterinarians and producers can easily document vaccination, parasite and reproductive protocols, and then it creates a veterinary certified health history for producers to use at sale time.”

Merck Animal Health Herd Health Manager app

The tool includes the PrimeVAC™ preconditioning herd health protocols. Beef and dairy options are available, and both versions enable print and email summaries in English and Spanish. A password protected account can be created in less than a minute at HerdHealthManager.com. The Merck Feedlot Diseases Atlas app provides photographs of diseases impacting feedlot cattle – from the most common ailments to the rarest of conditions. A valuable resource for cattle producers, veterinary students, clinicians, technicians, and specialists, it includes more than 700 educational, high resolution images of diseases encountered in cattle production, along with brief educational descriptions. “The Merck Feedlot Diseases

Atlas is a new way to support our customers and those who advise them in diagnosing feedlot diseases,” explains John Hutcheson, Ph.D., director of beef technical services, Merck Animal Health. “Used on mobile devices, it offers high quality photos of diseases that impact feedlot cattle to aid in disease diagnostics.” A keyword search function is offered, and the content is organized by the various body systems. It is available in English, Spanish, and French. The app works without an internet connection, making it ideal for in-field use. The Merck Feedlot Diseases Atlas app can be downloaded to a phone or tablet within the app store.

Merck Feedlot Diseases Atlas app

Both are free of charge. For more information on both tools, go to www. merck-animal-health-usa.com/resources. About Merck Animal Health. For over 130 years, Merck, known as MSD outside the United States and Canada, has been inventing for life, bringing forward medicines and vaccines for many of the world’s most challenging diseases. Merck Animal Health, a division of Merck & Co., Inc., Kenilworth, N.J., is the global animal health business unit of Merck. Through its commitment to The Science of Healthier Animals, Merck Animal Health offers veterinarians, farmers, pet owners, and governments one of the widest ranges of veterinary pharmaceuticals, vaccines, and health management solutions and services, as well as an extensive suite of connected technology that includes identification, traceability, and monitoring products. Merck Animal Health is dedicated to preserving and improving the health, well being, and performance of animals and the people who care for them. It invests extensively in dynamic and comprehensive R&D resources and a modern, global supply chain. Merck Animal Health is present in more than 50 countries, while its products are available in some 150 markets. For more information, visit www. merck-animal-health.com.

Carolina Video and Load Lot Monthly Summary (Weeks ending MARCH 1, MARCH 8, and MARCH 15, 2022)

Carolina Video and Load Lot Monthly Summary of Mid-Atlantic Cattle Sales ending Tuesday, MARCH 1, 2022, WNC Livestock Exchange Cattle Sales ending Tuesday, MARCH 8, 2022, and Mid-Atlantic Cattle Sales ending Tuesday, MARCH 15, 2022. 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 5-15¢ per pound slide on the heavy side only.

Cattle Receipts: 2,774

Last Month: 1,121

Feeders made up 100 percent of the offering. The feeder supply included 74 percent steers and 26 percent heifers. Nearly 84 percent of the run weighed over 600 pounds. Head totals are based on load lot estimate of 49,500 pounds. Head 88 77 70 122 30 59 115 58

Wt. Range 560-560 640-640 695-695 795-795 800-800 825-825 840-840 850-850

FEEDER STEERS (Medium and Large 1-2) Avg. Wt. Price Range Avg. Price 560 $197.00 $197.00 640 $169.00 $169.00 695 $150.00 $150.00 795 $148.75 $148.75 800 $160.00 $160.00 825 $165.00 $165.00 840 $163.00 $163.00 850 $145.00 $145.00

Head 61

Wt. Range 800-800

FEEDER STEERS (Medium 1) Avg. Wt. Price Range Avg. Price 800 $152.75 $152.75

Head 127 88 79 60 35 67 124 120 61 58 68 61 57 57 114 114 28 51

Wt. Range 390-390 550-550 625-625 645-645 650-650 725-725 785-785 800-825 800-800 830-830 800-840 800-800 850-850 850-850 850-850 850-850 900-900 950-950

FEEDER STEERS (Medium 1-2) Avg. Wt. Price Range Avg. Price 390 $220.00 $220.00 550 $199.00 $199.00 625 $150.25 $150.25 645 $169.00 $169.00 650 $164.75 $164.75 725 $149.25 $149.25 785 $148.50 - $153.75 $151.13 812 $130.00 - $146.25 $137.99 800 $146.25 $146.25 830 $155.00 $155.00 822 $152.00 - $154.75 $153.54 800 $165.00 $165.00 850 $146.50 $146.50 850 $154.00 $154.00 850 $160.00 - $164.00 $162.00 850 $150.50 $150.50 900 $152.25 $152.25 950 $146.25 $146.25

Head 59

Wt. Range 825-825

FEEDER HEIFERS (Medium and Large 1-2) Avg. Wt. Price Range Avg. Price 825 $150.00 $150.00

Delivery Value Added

Head 61 52

Wt. Range 800-800 925-925

FEEDER HEIFERS (Medium 1) Avg. Wt. Price Range Avg. Price 800 $153.00 $153.00 925 $149.75 $149.75

Delivery Value Added Value Added

Head 55 84 40 72 62 63 26 126 28

Wt. Range 525-525 575-575 630-630 670-670 785-785 775-775 780-780 765-775 900-900

FEEDER HEIFERS (Medium 1-2) Avg. Wt. Price Range Avg. Price 525 $153.75 $153.75 575 $149.00 $149.00 630 $152.75 $152.75 670 $143.75 $143.75 785 $138.00 $138.00 775 $141.00 $141.00 780 $146.75 $146.75 770 $151.00 - $154.25 $152.63 900 $137.25 $137.25

Delivery

Split Loads Value Added Value Added

Delivery

Delivery Natural Natural Split Loads

Natural Split Loads Value Added Natural Value Added Value Added Split Loads

Delivery Natural Split Loads Natural Split Loads Value Added Split Loads

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

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NEWS Alltech ONE Conference features tracks focused on the most relevant topics in agriculture and beyond. Keynote speakers include Mick Ebeling, Paul Polman, Heather White, Dr. Mark Lyons, Nikki Putnam Badding, Dr. Karl Dawson, and Erik Weihenmayer. The Alltech ONE Conference (ONE) will feature tracks that will uncover the challenges and opportunities in agriculture, business, health and wellness, and professional development. Now in its 38th year, Alltech’s global agri-food conference continues to be an invaluable resource, uniting thought leaders and changemakers in an exploration of the power of science, sustainability, and storytelling. This annual flagship event will be held May 22–24, both in person in Lexington, Ken., and virtually on a first class platform, with live streaming

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keynote and select on-demand track presentations available to ensure accessibility to everyone, everywhere. Many topics* are slated for discussion at ONE, including: Aqua • Holistic Gut Health: The Latest Improvements in Fish Nutrition • Inside Out: Developing Healthy Skin, Guts, and Gills • Wave of the Future: Exciting New Developments in Aqua Tech • Aqua Investors: The Big Bad Wolves — or Our Rescuers? • Aqua On Top: Building on Aquaculture’s Unfair (Sustainable) Advantage Beef • Beef and Global Food Security: Resource Use Efficiency for Protein Production

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• Looking Ahead: Consumer Trends and Beef Production Systems • Beef x Dairy: A Growing Link in the Supply Chain • Better Connection: Why This Telecommunications Company Invests in Beef • Better Beef: Exploring the Need for Innovation in the Beef Industry • A New Day for Beef: Turning Sustainability Challenges Into Opportunities • A Blueprint for Success: Getting Team Buy In for New Products • Organic Trace Minerals and Their Impact on Fetal Programming Crop Science • Little Bugs, Big Impact: Soil Microbes and Fertility • Planting the Seed: Growing Through Strategic Partnerships • The Growing Field of Crop Science: Performance, Sustainability, and Innovation • Bridging the Gap: Merging Conventional and Biological Innovations to Drive Crop Productivity • Soil Biological Analysis: A

Simple Tool for On-Farm Soil Health Assessments Dairy • Dairy Market Trends: Making Predictions During a Pandemic • Dairy Gone Digital: Sustainability and On-Farm Technologies • Planning for Success: Animal and Human Welfare on Dairy Operations • Crème de la Crème: Large Herd Management in the Desert • Predictions and Positioning for the Next 10 Years • Chewing the Cud: Transparency and Communication in the Dairy Industry • Sharing the Plate: Exploring Byproduct Utilization • Bringing Data to Sustainability: Alltech E-CO2 • Lessons Learned: Sustainability Goals for the Dairy Industry • Transition to a Successful Lactation Cycle Equine • Exceptional Equines: All About Regenerative Medicine for Horses • Taking Flight: Finding a Niche in

the Horse Business • Forage Quality: How Is It Measured, and Why Is It Important for Your Horse? • Recipe for Success: How Mrs. Pastures Became the Top Horse Treat in America • Achieving Greatness: Olympic Dreams — and A Lot of Hard Work • Start ‘Em Young: Building the Equine Bone Matrix • Not Just a One Trick Pony: 10 Great Social Media Strategies • The Significance of Selenium: Exploring A Decade of Research Pet • The Golden Years: Strategies for Senior Pet Health • Your Pet and You: Pet and Human Crossover Trends and Insights • Brain Power: Supporting Our Pets’ Cognitive Health at All Life Stages • The Truth About Pet Food Mergers and Acquisitions: Revelations from an Industry Insider • Planet Friendly Pets: Sustainability Hot Topics in the Pet Industry Pig • The Zinc Oxide Ban: Nutritional Ramifications and Global Implications • Caring for Disease Challenged Pigs: Can Changing Nutrient Sources Affect Their Performance? • The Buzz About Xylanase: Is It Here to Stay? • Transformational Trends: How Can the Swine Industry Meet Consumers’ Demands? • Pork Producer Panel: The Challenges and Long Term Effects of COVID-19 • Long Live the Sow: Protecting Your Herd • Sustainability in Pork Production: The New Normal • Developing a Productive Gilt: How Nutrition Affects Lactation • Sow Mortality: Addressing an Industry Wide Issue • Smart Farms: Integrating AI and IoT Into Commercial Pig Operations Poultry • Protection Through Immunity: A Holistic Approach to Poultry Production • Leveling Up: Improving Sustainability at Each Stage of Poultry Production • Knowing Poultry Consumers and Delivering What They Want • Antibiotic Resistance: A Hidden Problem for Poultry Production • We’re All in This Together: How COVID-19 Impacted the Poultry Industry • Poultry Innovations: Where Are We Now, and Where Are We Going? • Driving Demands: Shifting the Focus to Poultry Welfare • Efficient, Sustainable Performance: The Impact of Organic Trace Minerals

• Balancing Animal Welfare and Sustainability: A Global Panel Discussion • Understanding Coccidiosis: A Proactive Approach to a Major Poultry Challenge Business • The Power of Why: Aligning Business With Purpose • Price Pressure: Doing Business During a Pandemic • Business as (Un)usual: Embracing New Models • From the Great Resignation to the Great Re-Engagement • From Soil to Slainté: Making Irish Whiskey • Echoes of War: The Global Impact of Conflict • Making Moves: Turning a Vision Into Reality • Partnering for Success: Why Business is Better Together Health and Wellness • The Science of Happiness: How to Make it Work for You • Eating for Health and the Planet: A Guide to a Sustainable Diet • Managing Stress and Overcoming Burnout: How to Live With Intention and Purpose • It’s Not Just Your Genes: Understanding the Equation That Drives Your Health • Migraines and the Diet: The Myths vs. the Facts • The Promise of Health Through Agriculture Neurogastronomy • Neurogastronomy: A Road to Global Health and a Planet of Plenty • The Neuroscience of Flavor and Flavor Manipulation • Extraordinary Eating: Enhancing Food Health and Flavor Through Neurogastronomy • Food, Farming, and You: What Neurogastronomy Can Teach Us About the World • How We Eat is Who We Are: Gastronomy as a Shared Destiny Stay Curious • Redefining Resilience: Know Your Achilles Heel • Crossed Wires: Culture and Communication • Pitch With a Purpose: Innovation Driven by Compassion • If I Can: Limitless Potential In Practice • Pulling Up a Chair: Inclusion as a Key to Success • Safety First: The Non-Negotiable of Psychological Security • Do Things, Tell People: The Power of Personal Branding and Social Media Storytelling • The Power of Purpose

• Meaningful Career Connections • XYZ: Leading the Alphabet Soup of Generations • Winning Body Language for a Successful Career *Topics are subject to change. Some track topics are virtual or in-person only. Check the agenda for details. In addition to the many track topics, ONE attendees will be inspired by keynote speakers who have unleashed the power of innovation and courageous leadership to make a positive impact, including: • Mick Ebeling, founder and CEO of Not Impossible Labs and author of “Not Impossible: The Art and Joy of Doing What Couldn’t Be Done,” will take the ONE main stage in person, and his presentation will also be live streamed for those joining virtually • Paul Polman, presenting virtually at ONE, has been described by the Financial Times as “a standout CEO of the past decade.” While serving as the CEO of Unilever, he stopped reporting quarterly earnings to focus on a long term strategy that would successfully double revenues while reducing the company’s environmental impact by half. • Heather White, author and founder and CEO of “OneGreenThing,” will present on the main stage at ONE, and her presentation will also be live streamed for those joining virtually. She brings two decades of environmental advocacy work and national nonprofit leadership to life with her joyful and practical book, “One Green Thing: Discover Your Hidden Power to Help Save the Planet.” • Dr. Mark Lyons, president and CEO of Alltech, will welcome all ONE attendees, both in-person and virtually. Based on Alltech’s belief that agriculture has the greatest potential to shape our world’s future, he launched the company’s vision of Working Together for a Planet of Plenty™ in 2019. He has called for collaboration to improve nutrition, human, and animal well being, and the replenishment of natural resources. • Nikki Putnam Badding will present in-person and virtually during ONE about the crucial importance of making nutrition accessible to all. As a registered dietitian nutritionist, she brings human health expertise to her role as managing director and chief dietitian of Acutia, Inc., an Alltech company. • Dr. Karl Dawson, scientific advisor with Alltech, will join the keynote lineup in person and virtually to discuss how animal agriculture can be part of the solution to improving sustainability. As the Alltech ONE Conference returns live to Lexington, Ken., after

being a virtual only event for the past two years, it will also feature a weekend of fun filled activities for all. For more details about the ONE Weekend activities and tours, visit one.alltech.com/oneweekend. Registration for the Alltech ONE Conference is open at one.alltech.com. Join the conversation across social media with #AlltechONE. About Alltech. Founded in 1980 by Irish entrepreneur and scientist Dr. Pearse Lyons, Alltech delivers smarter, more sustainable solutions for agriculture. Our products improve the health and performance of plants and animals, resulting in better nutrition for consumers and a decreased environmental impact. We are a global leader in the animal health industry, producing specialty ingredients, premix supplements, feed, and complete feed. Strengthened by more than 40 years of scientific research, we carry forward a legacy of innovation and a unique culture that views challenges through an entrepreneurial lens. Our more than 5,000 talented team members worldwide share our vision for a Planet of Plenty™. We believe agriculture has the greatest potential to shape the future of our planet, but it will take all of us working together, led by science, technology, and a shared will to make a difference. Alltech is a private, family owned company, which allows us to adapt quickly to our customers’ needs and maintain focus on advanced innovation. Headquartered just outside of Lexington, Ken., Alltech has a strong presence in all regions of the world. For more information, visit alltech.com.

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NEWS

Vytelle Expands Network of Bovine In Vitro Fertilization Laboratories. Three Additional Labs Accessible to Cattle Producers by the End of the First Quarter. Vytelle is progressing on a five year plan to provide accessible hormone free bovine in vitro fertilization (IVF) to producers across the globe. Part of the five year plan, initiated at the conclusion of their Series A Funding, promised to double the laboratory capacity to produce bovine embryos through in vitro fertilization. Vytelle’s integrated technology platform combines Vytelle ADVANCE, a breakthrough in vitro fertilization technology, with Vytelle SENSE, an animal performance data capture system, and Vytelle INSIGHT, an aartificial intelligence based genetic analytics engine. The platform provides progressive

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cattle producers the technology to make reliable data driven mating decisions that improve the predictability of genetic progress, replicating the right genetics faster through the most modern hormone free in vitro fertilization process. Vytelle’s integrated platform has seen rapid growth since its launch in 2020, currently serving cattle producers in 21 countries. “Cattle producers across the globe require rapid genetic progress to meet the growing protein demand from consumers,” commented Kerryann Kocher, CEO of Vytelle. “We’re delivering accessible hormone free in vitro fertilization solutions for producers to replicate their elite genetics faster, closer to their operation.” The three laboratories will be operational and accessible to cattle producers within the first quarter of 2022.

The Carolina Cattle Connection q MAY 2022

New York – Located in Albany, N.Y., dairy and beef seedstock producers will be able to access Vytelle’s hormone free IVF through on-farm ovum pick ups and satellite locations, coming soon to the region. Texas – The Brock, Tex., laboratory is situated near the recently added Hoofstock Genetics POWERED BY VYTELLE satellite in Ranger. The Brock laboratory will add even greater flexibility for producers in Texas and across the United States to access Vytelle’s hormone free IVF. Florida – Serving producers in the Southeast region of the United States, the Gainesville, Fla., laboratory will meet the growing demand for a reliable hormone free IVF solution.

Producers are able to access Vytelle’s reliable bovine hormone-free IVF solution by bringing as few as one donor to any of the more than 20+ satellite locations across the United States or by scheduling an on-farm ovum pick up. Visit www. vytelle.com to learn more. About Vytelle. Vytelle is a precision livestock company reshaping how cattle producers worldwide optimize their herds. Through Vytelle’s integrated technology platform, generations of genetic gains can be made in just a few years. This allows producers to sustainably deliver more protein with fewer inputs, helping to ensure meat and milk are viable, competitive food choices for future generations.

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NEWS

C is for Care Shares Special Moments on Farms and Ranches. Zoetis collaborates with Ag Storytellers to launch children’s book. Zoetis celebrates the special bond between humans and cattle with a collaboration on a children’s book from Ag Storytellers written by Amanda Radke and illustrated by Michelle Weber. C is for Care features the special care for beef and dairy animals in an A-to-Z format that is sure to capture the imaginations of children of all ages. This is the most recent agriculturally focused children’s book from Ag Storytellers. “We know the relationship between humans and cattle is two-way; our customers care and provide for animals so the animals can provide for us,” said Becky Lambert, Vice President, U.S. Cattle Marketing for Zoetis. “There’s tremendous value in helping educate the next

generation of consumers on the responsible care that beef and dairy producers provide to their animals every day.” For Radke and Weber, this book fits in with the type of story they are passionate to share. “As cattle producers ourselves, we want to share the positive story of animal production agriculture,” Radke said. “This project helps us tell the story of cattle care with young children and their families, so future generations can appreciate the love and dedication that U.S. beef and dairy producers put into raising healthy animals.” The A-to-Z journey shares the many special moments of care that animals receive from cattle producers and veterinarians every day on America’s farms and ranches. The book is now available on the Ag Storytellers site at agstorytellers.myshopify.com/pages/ourlibrary.

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To download a C is for Care coloring page or a special cow craft activity for young children, visit BornoftheBond. com. About Zoetis. As the world’s leading animal health company, Zoetis is driven by a singular purpose: to nurture our world and humankind by advancing care for animals. After 70 years of innovating ways to predict, prevent, detect and treat animal illness, Zoetis continues to stand by those raising and caring for animals worldwide, from livestock farmers to veterinarians and pet owners. The company’s leading portfolio and pipeline of medicines, vaccines, diagnostics, and technologies make a difference in over 100 countries. A Fortune 500 company,

Fly Control: What are your options? If you have cattle, you probably also have flies. Perhaps you view them as a mere nuisance. But they are actually a $2 billion annual cost to the cattle industry due to the reduced gains and related performance losses face flies and horn flies cause to cattle. “Flies are the biggest cost to the industry – even larger than respiratory disease,” reports Marc Campbell, a technical services veterinarian with the Cattle Business Unit of Huvepharma, Inc. Campbell explains that the cost to the industry is mostly due to loss of gains – as much as 12-15 pounds/animal – on pastured cattle, where flies can be challenging to control because fly eggs are continually being laid and hatched in the cattle manure. Campbell advises, “It is impossible to completely eliminate horn flies and face flies, but you want to reduce their numbers so you can minimize their impact to cattle performance.” The economic threshold is to strive for fewer than 200 flies per animal. Control options - Campbell acknowledges that fly tags and chemical control – via pour-ons, cattle rubs, and sprays – are common fly control methods with merit. But they also have some drawbacks. Fly tags can be expensive and labor intensive to run cattle through the chute and administer – and later remove. And, because there are only three classes of approved active ingredients among chemical fly control products, resistance to these products is a growing concern. Additionally, with regard to face flies, Campbell points out, “Dewormers

Zoetis generated revenue of $7.8 billion in 2021 with approximately 12,100 employees. For more, visit zoetis.com. About Ag Storytellers. Amanda Radke, Michelle Weber, and Tracy McMurphy are agricultural professionals and moms who are on a mission to tell agriculture’s rich stories through accurate, engaging, and vibrant children’s books that will become a favorite on the bookshelf as well as a legacy for the producers we represent. With decades of combined experience in the areas of writing, illustrating, and design, Ag Storytellers is a collaborative effort that connects consumers with producers. For more information, visit www.AgStoryTellers.com.

NEWS

don’t affect the face, so they are not effectively controlling face flies. And fly tags don’t necessarily kill face flies, they just ward them off.” Thus, Campbell encourages producers to consider utilizing feed-through fly control products, which are additives that contain an insect growth regulator (IGR). These products can effectively be fed to cattle on grass with a free choice mineral or feed supplement. “Feed-throughs control horn flies and face flies in the cattle dung where flies are laying their eggs. These products kill the fly larvae or prevent the larvae from maturing, depending on the mode of action,” he explains. Because feed-through fly control products use a different mode of action (diflubenzuron) than fly tags and other chemical fly control products, Campbell also notes, “Feed-throughs have no known resistance.” Campbell underscores that using a combination of fly control methods can help provide the most effective results. As well, for fly control to be effective, it needs to be a season long effort. In short, fly control is about more than just eliminating a nuisance. With flies being one of the biggest costs to the industry, control is key to avoiding loss in gains, preventing pink eye, and ultimately increasing profits. About Huvepharma. Huvepharma is a global pharmaceutical company with a focus on developing, manufacturing, and marketing human and animal health products. A privately owned company headquartered in Sofia, Bulgaria, Huvepharma’s U.S. headquarters are located in Peachtree City, Georgia.

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NEWS

U.S. farmers and ranchers lead on sustainability. Animal Agriculture Alliance releases updated Sustainability Impact Report. U.S. farmers’ and ranchers’ world leading sustainability efforts, including the U.S. beef community’s commitment to reach carbon neutrality by 2040, the U.S. pork community’s goal to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by 40 percent by 2030, and the U.S. dairy community’s commitment to achieve GHG neutrality by 2050, are among the significant contributions highlighted in the most recent edition of the Animal Agriculture Alliance’s Sustainability Impact Report. Released in advance of Earth Day, the report provides the latest data on the nutritional benefits of meat, milk,

poultry, and eggs and details U.S. animal agriculture’s achievements in modern environmental stewardship, animal care, judicious antibiotic use, and food safety. These achievements contribute to reaching the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. Less than 2 percent of Americans work on the farms and ranches that produce food options eaten in nearly all American households (for example, 98 percent of American households purchase meat). U.S. farmers’ and ranchers’ world leading modern practices allow them to produce more food today using fewer resources than at any time in the past, serving as a global benchmark for efficiency. “Farming and ranching provide

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the food, fuel, and fiber that millions of families around the world depend on,” said Hannah Thompson-Weeman. “This Earth Day, we are taking stock of the animal agriculture community’s remarkable sustainability achievements and our ambitious commitments for the future. The Sustainability Impact Report clearly demonstrates the unique nutrition and food security benefits of meat, milk, poultry, and eggs and the success of efforts to continuously improve animal agriculture’s contributions to a healthy environment.” Report highlights include: • Nutrient dense animal proteins are low calorie and critical sources of essential nutrients. One 3 ounce serving of lean beef takes up less than 10 percent of a healthy daily calorie allowance while delivering half the daily protein recommended for adults. • The U.S. dairy community supplies the protein requirements of more than half the U.S. population and the calcium requirements of 77 percent of Americans. • The U.S. pork community reduced land use by 76 percent and water use by 25 percent from 1960-2015, producing more pork today with a smaller carbon footprint per pound. Furthering these contributions and achievements, the Animal Agriculture Alliance and organizations across animal agriculture also partner through the Protein PACT, the largest ever effort to strengthen animal protein’s contributions to healthy people, healthy animals, healthy communities, and a healthy environment. For more information, including resources, and to read the full report, visit https://animalagalliance.org/issues/ sustainability/. Strategize how to take action for animal agriculture at 2022 Stakeholders Summit. Former poultry chief executive Steve Olson is slated to speak at the Animal Agriculture Alliance’s 2022 Stakeholders Summit. During an interactive workshop, Olson

will have attendees consider how their personal and organizational vision, mission, and values contribute to the future of animal agriculture while receiving valuable information and tools that inspire and equip them to take action. Participants will leave informed and ready to do even more to come together for animal agriculture. “Safeguarding the future of animal agriculture requires strategic thinking and involvement from all links along the food supply chain,” said Hannah Thompson-Weeman, Alliance vice president, strategic engagement and incoming president and CEO. “Steve Olson’s unique workshop will assist attendees in creating and customizing an action plan for their own organizations to thoughtfully connect, engage, and protect on behalf of the farm and food communities well into the future.” In this workshop, you will focus on creating and customizing an action plan for your organization, incorporating the valuable information you learn in Summit sessions. You will leverage your experience and expertise by interacting, learning from, and collaborating with other attendees. These interactions will provide you with clarity and confidence as you move forward. Steve Olson, owner of Steve Olson Consulting LLC, and his network of colleagues use their expertise in designing customized processes to help leaders identify issues and solutions, make decisions, and create and implement action steps that proactively solve problems and create opportunities. Steve’s expertise is built upon more than 35 years in food and agriculture, including serving 19 years as chief executive for five poultry organizations simultaneously. He has extensive experience working with stakeholder alignment, issue management, crisis communication, public policy advocacy, research program administration, and creating stakeholder focused initiatives. Interactive crisis communications

workshop slated for 2022 Stakeholders Summit. Expert communicator Tricia Sheehan, vice president strategic communications and farmer relations for Dairy Management Inc., will lead an interactive crisis communications workshop at the Animal Agriculture Alliance’s 2022 Stakeholders Summit. In this workshop, Sheehan will lead attendees through a crisis drill exercise, requiring them to consider how they would proceed in an unfolding crisis situation. Attendees will have the opportunity to collaborate with one another and experience the value of coming together to support each other in a crisis. “The animal agriculture community faces crisis scenarios every day – from animal rights extremist targeting to disease outbreaks and natural disasters,” said Hannah Thompson-Weeman. “The best way to mitigate a potential crisis scenario is to be prepared before the crisis happens and this interactive workshop will give 2022 Summit attendees the opportunity to come together to do just that.” Sheehan leads farmer media relations and crisis preparedness for the national dairy checkoff, which works to build trust and sales of dairy on behalf of the nation’s 34,000 plus dairy farm families and those that import dairy into the United States. In her role, she leads comprehensive crisis preparedness programs for the dairy community along with other training programs to advance farmer engagement with consumers and the agricultural community. Prior to joining DMI in 2016, Sheehan worked at an agency providing strategic counsel, overall communications program planning, issues management, crisis communication, and corporate affairs services to clients. Sheehan holds a B.S. in technical communications from the University of Minnesota. Be ready to safeguard the future of animal agriculture at the 2022 Stakeholders Summit. The future of animal agriculture and the security of our food supply continues to be targeted by animal rights extremist organizations. Two expert panels at the Animal Agriculture Alliance’s 2022 Stakeholders Summit will discuss current trends in activist tactics, legislative initiatives, and legal cases and provide recommendations to secure the animal agriculture community against potential threats. “Animal rights extremism is nothing new, but the tactics used by these organizations continue to evolve in attempts to further their agenda of removing meat, milk, poultry, and eggs from grocery store shelves and dinner tables – ultimately, eliminating consumer

choice,” said Hannah ThompsonWeeman. “It’s imperative for the farm and food communities to be informed of and be ready for potential threats they could be exposed to as we all come together to safeguard our future. I’m honored to be able to bring the Alliance’s expertise and insights into activism to this important discussion alongside the other experts and panelists.” Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, animal rights extremists have continued to pose a significant threat to food security as they have targeted farms, processing facilities, grocery stores, restaurants, input suppliers, and others involved in the supply chain working to provide consumers with safe, affordable, accessible meat, poultry, dairy, and eggs. In the session, “Be Ready to Secure the Future of Animal Ag: Understanding Activist Threats,” expert panelists will provide an update on evolving activist threats, including cyber activism, supply chain disruptions, and insider threats. Speakers will also provide recommendations for how attendees can be informed and ready for activist tactics by implementing farm security and crisis planning measures. Panelists include: • Hannah Thompson-Weeman, Vice President, Strategic Engagement, Animal Agriculture Alliance • Rebecca Morgan, Deputy Assistant Director, NCSC and Deputy Director National Insider Threat Task Force, Office of the Director of National Intelligence • Andrew Rose, Strategic Advisor and Consultant The uncertainty around the i m p l e m e n t a t i o n o f C a l i f o r n i a ’s Proposition 12 and Massachusetts’

Question 3 continues on, causing a new set of legal and logistical challenges for the agriculture community. Voters in state elections are setting de facto federal standards for how livestock and poultry can be raised, while federal courts appear to be shifting in how they are handling these laws that extend well beyond the state’s borders. In 2021, there were ballot initiative pushes in Colorado and Oregon to criminalize common animal care practices, including artificial insemination, birthing assistance, and spaying and neutering. Additionally, a variety of courts have considered the constitutionality of farm protection laws across the U.S. With so many legal and legislative issues on the docket; it’s critical for the animal agriculture community to stay informed and be ready. During the session “Safeguarding the Future: An Update on Legal and Legislative Issues,” legal experts will provide updates on the latest developments in these areas and other trends, leaving attendees with the insights they need to safeguard the future of their business. Speakers include: • John Dillard, Principal, OFW Law • Brianna Schroeder, Partner, Janzen Schroeder Agricultural Law LLC The Alliance’s annual Summit brings together thought leaders in the agriculture and food communities to discuss hot button issues and out-of-the-box ideas to connect everyone along the food chain, engage influencers, and protect the future of animal agriculture. The 2022 event, themed “Come Together for Animal Ag: Be Informed, Be Ready, Be Here,” is scheduled for May 11-12 in Kansas City, Missouri.

Thank you to our 2022 Summit sponsors: Watt Global Media, Farm Journal, Meatingplace, National Pork Producers Council, National Cattlemen’s Beef Association, National Pork Board, Tyson Foods Inc., American Feed Industry Association, United Soybean Board, Elanco, Mountaire Farms, United Egg Producers, Dairy MAX, Farm Credit, The Partnership, Adisseo, Cobb Vantress, Inc., Protect the Harvest, Progressive Dairy, Clean Fuels Alliance America, Kemin, American Farm Bureau Federation, Empirical, American Veal Association, National Chicken Council, Trans Ova Genetics, Vivayic, Agri Beef, Edge Dairy Farmer Cooperative, Live Oak Bank, N.C.Farm Bureau, and Eggland’s Best. The Alliance also thanks the following members for their continued support of Summit and other Alliance programs: U.S. Poultry & Egg Association, Zoetis, Merck Animal Health, C.O.nxt, Diamond V, Genus PLC – PIC/ABS, Aviagen Group, Boehringer Ingelheim, Cargill, Dairy Farmers of America, Hendrix Genetics, Hy-Line North America, LLC, Iowa Soybean Association, Kanas Soybean Commission, Midwest Dairy, National Turkey Federation, Nutrien, Provimi North America, Inc.. and Seaboard Foods. Hannah Thompson-Weeman named President and CEO of Animal Agriculture Alliance. Longtime leader Kay Johnson Smith will depart to join Dairy MAX. The Animal Agriculture

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q MAY 2022

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Animal Agriculture Alliance News continued from the previous page Alliance board of directors has announced that Hannah Thompson-Weeman has been named the organization’s new president and CEO. Thompson-Weeman assumed the role on May 1, prior to the departure of longtime president and CEO Kay Johnson Smith later this month, to join the staff of Alliance member organization Dairy MAX, one of the leading regional dairy councils in America, representing more than 900 dairy farmers and serving communities in eight states. T h o m p s o n - We e m a n joined the Alliance in 2014 as director of communications and, since that time, has been promoted to vice president of communications before assuming her current role leading strategic engagement. She has led the Alliance’s issues management, crisis communications, animal rights extremist monitoring, and influencer engagement work, as well as played an integral role in connecting with supporters and developing Alliance

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programs such as the Stakeholders Summit, Animal Ag Allies, and College Aggies Online. Thompson-Weeman’s expertise and passion in these areas has made her a sought-after columnist for various publications and speaker for national and even international events, helping to build the Alliance brand. She holds a B.S. in agricultural communication with a minor in agricultural business and an M.S. in agricultural and extension education, both from The Ohio State University. “Hannah’s history with the Alliance and energy for taking its mission to new heights make her the ideal choice for both a seamless transition and a bright future for the organization,” said Christina Lood, senior director, sustainability and innovation communications, Zoetis, and current Alliance chairperson. “The board of directors offers Kay the deepest gratitude for her nearly 28 years of commitment to the Alliance. The

The Carolina Cattle Connection q MAY 2022

organization would not be what it is today if it weren’t for her pouring limitless time and energy into growing the Alliance’s resources, team, and programs. We wish her all the best in her new role and look forward to continuing to engage with her both personally and professionally.” Johnson Smith is departing the Alliance to join longtime Alliance member Dairy MAX as chief operating officer. A nonprofit organization headquartered in Texas and with operations in Colorado, southwest Kansas, Louisiana, Montana, New Mexico, western Oklahoma, and Wyoming, Dairy MAX is part of a nationwide effort to promote dairy, develop new dairy foods, provide educational information, and increase consumption. “While it is certainly bittersweet to leave the Alliance after so many years, I am looking forward to remaining in the animal agriculture community and continuing to be the Alliance’s strongest

advocate, now as part of a member organization,” said Johnson Smith. “The Alliance will be in exceptional hands with Hannah leading a strong team with deep roots at the organization. It has truly been an honor to have served the Alliance, our members, and the broader animal agriculture community for all these years, and I’m thrilled to be able to continue to do so in a new role going forward.” About the Animal Agriculture Alliance. The Alliance safeguards the future of animal agriculture and its value to society by bridging the communication gap between the farm and food communities. We connect key food industry stakeholders to arm them with responses to emerging issues. We engage food chain influencers and promote consumer choice by helping them better understand modern animal agriculture. We protect by exposing those who threaten our nation’s food security with damaging misinformation.

The Carolina Cattle Connection

q MAY 2022

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Cattle Handling Facilities By BOB LARSON, DVM, Ph.D. Beef Cattle Institute Many animal health interventions require that cattle be gathered in a handling facility that allows individual animals to be separated from the rest of the herd and confined in a squeeze chute. In situations where all the cattle in a pasture or pen are healthy and are going to be handled to give animal health products such as vaccines or parasite control or to monitor body condition score or pregnancy status, the facilities have to be large enough to accommodate all the cattle in the group. When a few cattle from the herd need to be examined or treated for disease, the facilities have to allow safe and efficient separation of the desired animals from the rest of the herd and then adequate restraint in a squeeze chute to allow access for close inspection of areas on the animal’s body that require treatment. Cattle should be able to be moved from the pasture or pen to the working area and through the handling facilities with a minimum of stress to both the cattle and producer. Because cattle are prey animals and

can easily react to contact with people and dogs with a ‘fight or flight’ response, it is important to prevent cattle from becoming agitated when being handled. Cattle are herd animals and tend to become fearful when left alone. Strategies to minimize fear include moving cattle slowly and quietly and always moving cattle in small groups. Do not use dogs to move cattle in confinement, and minimize the use of electric cattle prods. Because cattle balk at moving or flapping objects, the crowding pens, single file alley, and loading ramp should be monitored to make sure that nothing within the line of sight could cause them to react. As cattle are moved from the pasture or pen toward the working facility, do not overcrowd them. Never fill the crowd pen – rather, only add enough cattle to be about half of capacity, and then do not “crush” the cattle with the crowd gate to force them into the single file alley. The crowd gate is used to follow the cattle, not to shove up against them. Cattle should have room to move around in the crowd

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pen, with the only visible route of escape being the alley. If a lone animal refuses to move, release it and bring it back with another group. Cattle have excellent wide angle vision (in excess of 300º) due to the wide position of their eyes and can see behind themselves without turning their heads. And while cattle do have depth perception, they have difficulty seeing the size and shape of objects at ground level when their heads are raised. To see depth near the ground, cattle have to lower their head, perhaps explaining why cattle balk at distractions at ground level. Because contrasting patterns caused by fence or panel shadows will cause balking, lighting considerations are important for moving cattle smoothly through handling facilities. In addition, cattle in a dark area will move towards a dim light, but they tend to balk if they have to look into the sun or a bright light. Because cattle may refuse to enter a dark, indoor working alley from a bright, outside crowding pen, it may be necessary to extend the alley outside the building or to cover the crowding area to prevent sharp contrasts in lighting that cause cattle to balk at important points in the handling facility. Cattle like to maintain visual contact with each other, so in most situations, the single file alley leading up to the squeeze chute should be at least 20 ft. long (3050 ft. for larger facilities) to allow each animal to see others ahead of it. Don’t force an animal into a single file alley unless there is plenty of room. If cattle see a dead end, they will most likely balk; therefore, blocking gates in a single file alley need to be “see through” so cattle can see the animals ahead. To protect all the people handling cattle, the corrals, working facilities, and chutes must be in good repair and must match the operation and cattle. Gate latches and latches on the squeeze chute (head catch and squeeze) must have scheduled proper maintenance because slipped latches are very dangerous. All persons using the squeeze chute should know where the pinch points are and the arc of movement of squeeze bars and head catch handles. Pipes slid behind cattle to serve as a backstop are dangerous because an animal moving either forward or backward rapidly before the pipe is fully engaged can trap a person between the pipe and the side of the alley or chute. And to prevent being injured directly by an animal, do not get into the crowding area

or alley. Also, the working area should be easy to clean and provide non-slip flooring in the crowd pens, alleys, chutes, and the exit from the chute. While good working facility design, construction, and maintenance are important for safe and efficient cattle handling, the people handling the cattle probably have the greatest impact on the level of stress inflicted on the cattle and handlers and the ease that cattle move through a facility. Most cattle producers know of people who handle cattle particularly well (as well as people at the opposite extreme). We use terms like cow sense, common sense, or stockmanship to describe people who are able to observe cattle behavior accurately and then respond to that behavior so that cattle move exactly where the handler wants them to move. Although there may be some in-born personality traits or skills that make some people naturally better cattle handlers, good cattle handling training that emphasizes unlearning bad habits and learning low stress cattle handling habits can benefit anyone who routinely works with cattle. It is easy to recognize that handling cattle is required for many, if not most, animal health procedures. In order for health and production management interventions to provide the greatest benefit to a cattle herd, the cattle must be handled through good facilities quietly, efficiently, and with minimal stress.

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Meat Industry Not Threatened by Plant Based Alternatives, Study Suggests At least for now, there is no reason for the traditional meat industry to have much of a beef with producers of plant based burgers and other meat alternatives, new research suggests. The study showed that while sales and market share of new-generation plant based meat alternatives have grown in recent years, those gains haven’t translated into reduced consumer spending on animal meat products. Overall, the analysis of national meat purchases suggested that plant based meats sold in patty, link, and ground form are mostly an add-on to beef and pork and tend to serve as a substitute for chicken, turkey, and fish. “We thought plant based meat alternatives would be a potential replacement for red meat, but they’re not. It’s more of a compliment,” said study co-author Wuyang Hu, professor of agricultural, environmental, and development economics at The Ohio State University. “People buy pork and beef, and at the same time, they also buy plant based meats.” Researchers noted the study is not intended to take any industry’s side or give consideration to the comparative healthfulness of products. “This new generation of plant based meat, by mimicking the taste and sensory experience of eating real meat, appeals to consumers who are not only vegetarian but also people who are curious about plant based meat and even meat eaters,” said lead author Shuoli Zhao, assistant professor of agricultural economics at the University of Kentucky. “We wanted to look at the most up-todate market response to a new product and see how the demand for such a product is interacting with the rest of the meat categories, especially within the fresh meat sector.” The research team also included coauthors Lingxiao Wang of the University of Wisconsin, Madison, and Yuqing Zheng of the University of Kentucky. The study

was published recently in the journal Applied Economic Perspectives and Policy. Imitation meat products and plant based proteins such as tofu and tempeh have been available for years but differ from the texture, taste, and smell of new products like those sold by Impossible Foods and Beyond Meat – two brands that make up about 75 percent of all plant based meat alternative (PBMA) sales. Studies have shown that increases in demand and supply led to more than $10 billion in global PBMA sales in 2018, and sales are predicted to increase to almost $31 billion by 2026. For this study, the researchers obtained weekly Nielsen scanner data from the first week of January 2017 to the second week of July 2020 on fresh meat expenditures at grocery, drug, big box, dollar, and military stores across 40 U.S states. Study categories included plant based meat alternatives, beef, chicken, turkey, pork, other meats (such as lamb and duck), and fresh fish. Results showed that plant based meat alternatives constituted only 0.1 percent of average total expenditures on fresh meat during the study period – but during that same time frame, the market share increased fourfold, to 0.4 percent. Beef topped fresh meat sales at 46 percent, followed by chicken at 23 percent, pork and fish at about 12 percent each, and turkey and other meats accounting for less than 5 percent of fresh meat sales. Beef and meat alternatives were the highest priced options, with beef costing an average of $5.44 per unit and PBMAs averaging $4.84 per unit. Of all the choices studied, expenditures of the plant based goods tended to increase the most when those products were on sale. Reduced prices on beef and chicken lowered demand for plant based meats, but lower prices on imitation meat didn’t have much of an effect on demand for animal protein sources. Those findings, as well as the way

plant based meat sales grew during product promotions, suggested plant based meat alternatives were “more of an impulse buy and not a weekly purchase,” Hu said. “We concluded it’s novelty seeking. Consumers are pack followers. When they see a trend, they say, ‘I should try this’ and form similar preferences.” Results also suggested that most of the plant-based products’ growth in market share occurred during the COVID-19 pandemic when fresh meat prices rose dramatically as shutdowns sent shocks through the supply chain – however, the data could not confirm a causal effect. The uptick in PBMAs’ market share was still happening at the endpoint of the study period in July 2020. Meanwhile, sales of all fresh animals protein sources spiked at the start of the pandemic, and meats and fish generally retained their market share positions over the next few months. The rapid pace of the growth in plant based meat alternatives’ share of the market made them the fastest growing category in the study, but these products

still weren’t putting much of a dent in the other categories: U.S. meat consumption in 2018 was among the highest in history, at 222 pounds per capita. “We hypothesized that from a plant based meat alternative company perspective, what they are trying to do is replace people’s diet of beef and pork,” Zhao said. “We actually found the opposite is the case. Consumers are buying plant based meat alternatives on top of planned expenditures on fresh meat or are triggered by a promotion or the layout of the retail environment – which is an indication this is not currently a real threat to the fresh meat industry. “Our findings suggest that besides marketing, plant based protein companies should focus their R&D on providing products that meet consumers’ expectations – and then people will make their own choices about whether meat alternatives will become a staple in their diet.” This work was funded by the National Institutes of Health Center for Advancing Translational Sciences.

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Regular copy deadline is MAY 5 for the JUNE issue Spotlight material is due MAY 1 for the JUNE issue

For more information, contact:

PAT COMYN, DVM

lse e r O

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. The Carolina Cattle Connection

q MAY 2022

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...

LASSIFIED PUREBRED C ATTLE BREEDERS BACK CREEK ANGUS

Joe and Robin Hampton

A NIMAL H EALTH

www.huntsbrangus.com Calhoun, GA 770-548-7950

345 Withrows Creek Lane Mt. Ulla, NC 28125

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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. Brent Glenn, DVM Lancaster, S.C.

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Jim Traynham Wingate, N.C. 704-233-5366 Cell - 704-292-4217

Carolinas Animal Health, LLC

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The Josey Agency, Inc. Douglas Josey Multi-Line Agent

Cell: 803-385-8161 Email: djosey@truvista.net

519 Morgan Mill Rd., Monroe, NC 28112 704-289-5083 • 704-289-1696 • 800-222-8638

QUALITY GELBVIEH, ANGUS, & BALANCER CATTLE

DUANE & WENDY STRIDER, OWNERS

Ernest B. Harris President

Phone: 252-257-2140 Mobile: 252-430-9595 ®

Duane Cell: 336-964-6277 • Wendy Cell: 336-964-5127 Home: 336-381-3640 • Fax: 910-428-4568 ccrosscattle@yahoo.com • ccrosscattle.com THE HERD THAT CONSISTENTLY PRODUCES CATTLE WITH PERFORMANCE, CARCASS, AND EYE APPEAL.

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THE YON FAMILY 318 Aiken Road • Ridge Spring, SC 29129 www.yonfamilyfarm.com

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Telephone: 864-538-3004

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Jonathan Massey

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The Carolina Cattle Connection q MAY 2022

Agribusiness

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NDEX OF 14th Annual EBS Farms Select Bull & Female Sale ........................ 22 4K Farms/Tarheel Angus ............................................................. 70 47th Annual Union County Performance Tested Bull Sale ............. 14 7th International Symposium on Animal Mortality Management ........................................... 66 Alfalfa in the South Field Day ........................................................ 3 American National Insurance — The Josey Agency ..................... 70 Appalachian Classic Sale ............................................................ 34 Apple Brandy Prime Cuts ............................................................ 64 Back Creek Angus ........................................................................ 70 Banners & Beyond Simmental Sale ............................................. 16 Beefmaster Breeders United ....................................................... 63 Benton’s Hay Farm ...................................................................... 65 Biltmore Livestock — Angus ........................................................ 25 BioZyme - VitaCharge .................................................................. 40 Black Crest Farm ......................................................................... 70 Black Grove Angus ...................................................................... 70 Britt Family Farms Dispersal Sale ................................................ 26 Brubaker Family Angus ............................................................... 70 C-Cross Cattle Company .............................................................. 70 Carolinas Animal Health ............................................................. 70 Cattlemen’s Top Cut Commercial Female Sale ............................ 41 Childers Concrete Company, Inc. ................................................ 33 Conquest Insurance Agency, Inc. ................................................ 70 Cow Camp 101: Back to Basics Learning Series ........................... 43 Double J Farms ............................................................................ 70 E.B. Harris Auctioneers, Inc. ....................................................... 70 First Choice Insurance — Donna Byrum ........................................ 9 Fowken Farms ............................................................................. 70 FPL Foods .................................................................................... 24 Fred Smith Company Ranch ........................................................ 70 Howard Brothers Farms .............................................................. 70 Hunt’s H+ Brangus ..................................................................... 70 Hutton & Sons Herefords ............................................................ 70 May is Beef Month in North Carolina .......................................... 37 N.C. Angus Association Directory …............................................ 21

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DVERTISERS N.C. Cattlemen’s Association Annual Conference Trade Show Exhibitors & Sponsors ........................................................ 54-58 N.C. Cattlemen’s Association Membership Application .............. 39 N.C. Hereford Association Directory .......................................... 29 N.C. Meat Suite ............................................................................42 N.C. Simmental Association ....................................................... 17 National Beef Checkoff/ North Carolina Cattle Industry Assessment ............................ 31 National Cattlemen’s Beef Association 2022 Policy Priorities .... 45 National Cattlemen’s Beef Association Membership Application ......................................................... 47 National Cattlemen’s Beef Association Membership Benefits .... 46 Nationwide® AgriBusiness Insurance — The Wills Agency ......... 70 P.H. White Company .................................................................... 60 Pasture Management & N.C. Cattlemen’s Association “Mile of Fence” Membership Program .................................... 38 Pearson Livestock Equipment .................................................... 13 Piedmont Custom Meats ............................................................. 36 Premier Select Sires 2022 Spring Specials .................................. 19 Red Angus Association of the Carolinas Directory ...................... 30 Rusty Thomson & Family Cattle Fencing and Equipment ............ 67 SimAngus Solution ..................................................................... 70 South Carolina Private Treaty Sale Checkoff Inveent Form ......... 51 Southeast Livestock Exchange — Upcoming Sale Schedule ........ 68 Southern States ............................................................................ 2 Springfield Angus ....................................................................... 70 Springfield Angus Spring Production Sale .................................. 27 The Barn Loft — Purina ............................................................... 35 The Carolinas Brahman Breeders Association 42nd Annual Sale ...................................................................... 10 The Carolina Cattle Connection 2022 Spotlight Schedule ............. 5 The Carolina Cattle Connection Advertising Rates & Sizes .......... 61 Virginia Herd Health Management Services — Pat Comyn, DVM .................................................................. 69 West End Precast — Feed Bunks .................................................. 52 West End Precast — Feed Bunks & Troughs ................................... 3 White Hawk Ranch Beef Maid Female Auction ............................ 28 Whitehall Beefmasters ............................................................... 70 Wilkes Livestock Exchange ......................................................... 62 Yon Family Farms ........................................................................ 70 The Carolina Cattle Connection

q MAY 2022

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VENTS ANGUS May 7 — Lawson Family Farms Spring Female & Bull Sale, Ewing, Va. May 7 — Whitestone 29th Annual Pasture Performance Tested Bull & Female Sale, Aldie, Va. May 14 — Springfield Angus Spring Production Sale, Louisburg, N.C. May 21 — Britt Family Farms Dispersal Sale, Clinton, N.C. Jun. 3 — N.C. Angus Advantage Sale, Clinton, N.C. Oct. 15 — Fred Smith Company Ranch Extra Effort Fall Sale, Clayton, N.C. Oct. 29 — Yon Family Farms Fall Sale, Ridge Spring, S.C. Oct. 30 — High Ridge Farms Genetic Opportunity Sale, Albemarle, N.C. Nov. 5 — Craven Angus Farm Open House Bull & Female Sale, Seagrove, N.C. Nov. 19 — McMahan Farm & Hancock Angus Annual Registered Angus Bull Sale, Mocksville, N.C. Nov. 19 — 11th Annual Southeast Bull Expo & Sale, Asheboro, N.C. Dec. 2 — Knoll Crest Farm Total Performance Bull Sale, Red House, Va. Dec. 3 — The Pounds & Profit Sale, Snow Camp, N.C. Dec. 3 — 47th Annual Union County Performance Test Bull Sale, Monroe, N.C. 2023 Jan. 7 — 14th Annual EBS Select Bull & Heifer Sale, Norwood, N.C. Brahman May 7 — Savannah River Cattlemen Sale, Hephzibah, Ga. Jun. 4 — The Carolinas Brahman Breeders Association 42nd Annual Sale, Laurens, S.C. CHAROLAIS Jun. 4 — Appalachian Classic Sale, Knoxville, Tenn. GELBVIEH Dec. 2 — Knoll Crest Farm Total Performance Bull Sale, Red House, Va. Dec. 3 — 47th Annual Union County Performance Test Bull Sale, Monroe, N.C.

RED ANGUS May 7 — 2nd Joint Sale of the S.C. Hereford Association & the Red Angus Association of the Carolinas, Pendleton, S.C. SANTA GERTRUDIS May 7 — Savannah River Cattlemen Sale, Hephzibah, Ga. May 14 — Santa Gertudis Breeders of the Carolinas Sale, Chester, S.C. SIMMENTAL May 14 — Banners & Beyond Simmental Sale, Clemson, S.C. Sep. 2 — N.C. Simmental Association Annual Meeting, Union Grove, N.C. Sep. 3 — N.C. Simmental Association Fall Harvest Sale, Union Grove, N.C. Oct. 15 — Fred Smith Company Ranch Extra Effort Fall Sale, Clayton, N.C. Oct. 29 — Yon Family Farms Fall Sale, Ridge Spring, S.C. Oct. 30 — High Ridge Farms Genetic Opportunity Sale, Albemarle, N.C. Dec. 3 — The Pounds & Profit Sale, Snow Camp, N.C. Dec. 3 — 47th Annual Union County Performance Test Bull Sale, Monroe, N.C. OTHER EVENTS May 5 — Alfalfa in the South Field Day, Laurens, S.C. May 11-12 — 2022 Animal Agriculture Alliance Annual Stakeholder’s Summit, Kansas City, Mo. May 21 — Cattlemen’s Top Cut Commercial Female Sale., Washington, Ga. Jun. 21 — 5-County Beef Tour Jun. 23 — Weaned Feeder Calf Sale, Norwood, N.C. Jun. 27-30 — 7th Annual Symposium on Animal Mortality Management, Raleigh, N.C. Aug. 4 — Weaned Feeder Calf Sale, Norwood, N.C. Sep. 22 — Weaned Feeder Calf Sale, Norwood, N.C. Nov. 17 — Weaned Feeder Calf Sale, Norwood, N.C. Dec. 3 — 47th Annual Union County Performance Test Bull Sale, Monroe, N.C.

HEREFORD May 7 — 2nd Joint Sale of the S.C. Hereford Association & the Red Angus Association of the Carolinas, Pendleton, S.C. May 30 — White Hawk Ranch Beef Maid Female Auction, Buchanan, Ga. Dec. 2 — Knoll Crest Farm Total Performance Bull Sale, Red House, Va.

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The Carolina Cattle Connection q MAY 2022

IGHTER A man goes into a pet shop to buy a parrot. The shop owner points to three identical looking parrots on a perch and says, “The parrot on the left costs $500 dollars.” “Why does the parrot cost so much?” asks the man. The owner says “Well the parrot knows how to use a computer.” The man then asks about the next parrot and learns that it costs $1,000 dollars because it can do everything the first parrot can do plus it knows how to use the UNIX operating system. Naturally, the increasingly startled man asks about the third parrot, only to be told that it costs $2,000 dollars. Needless to say this begs the question, “What can it do?” To which the owner replies,“To be honest I have never seen it do anything but the other two call him boss!”

Four surgeons were talking about their best patients... The first surgeon says, “Accountants are the best to operate on because when you open them up, everything on the inside is numbered.” The second surgeon says, “Nah librarians are the best. Everything inside them is in alphabetical order.” The third surgeon responds, “Try electricians, man! Everything inside them is color coded!” To which the fourth surgeon, who has been quietly listening to the conversation, says, “I like engineers. They always understand when you have a few parts left over at the end.”

IDE

In light of the rising frequency of human/grizzly bear conflicts, the Montana Department of Fish and Game is advising hikers, hunters, and fishermen to take extra precautions and keep alert for bears while in the field. “We advise that outdoorsmen wear noisy little bells on their clothing so as not to startle bears that aren’t expecting them. We also advise outdoorsmen to carry pepper spray with them in case of an encounter with a bear. It is also a good idea to watch out for fresh signs of bear activity. Outdoorsmen should recognize the difference between black bear and grizzly bear poop. Black bear poop is smaller and contains lots of berries and squirrel fur. Grizzly bear poop has little bells in it and smells like pepper.”

A duck walks into a bar and says “Do you have duck food here?” The bartender says, “No,” and the duck leaves. The duck comes back the next day and says, “Do you have duck food?” The bartender says, “No.” The duck comes back the next day and says, “Do you have any duck food?” The bartender says, “I already told you ‘No’ twice! If you come back and ask me again, I’m going to nail your feet to the floor!” The duck comes back the next day and says, “Do you have any nails?” The bartender says, “No.” “Well do you have any duck food?”