The Carolina Cattle Connection - Volume 35, Issue No. 5 (MAY 2021)

CC C

arolina attle onnection MAY 2021 •

Vol. 35, Issue No. 5

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 2021 NCCA dues are paid. Renew NOW so you don’t miss a single issue!

If your dues are current, please disregard this notice.

Spotlight on

BRAHMAN

Performance Extra is utilized in the development of heifers before breeding season. Feeding 16% Performance Extra prior to breeding will ensure those animals intake adequate energy to cycle properly and lead to a successful bred heifer or cow. This ration also works well in all stages of cattle production where there is a need for a higher protein and energy.

Performance Finishing Feed is designed for producers finishing our cattle on their farm.

This is a blended feed of half cracked corn and half 13% Feeder Blend.

Call for pricing at 888-777-5912.

Performance Hi-Mag Mineral is a free choice mineral containing 14% Magnesium which is essential in controlling grass tetany in cattle on vegetative forage.

Hi Mag Mineral with Clarify to also assist with Fly Control

ONNECTION A Message from the CEO — The Science of Sustainability,

by Colin Woodall .................................................................................................. page 62 Alltech News ............................................................................................................. page 44 Amazing Grazing — My Top Five Favorite Forage Management Practices,

by Johnny Rogers …............................................................................................... page 16 American-International Charolais Association …............................................... page 40 American Angus Association News ...................................................................... page 22 American Association of Veterinary Medical Colleges News .......................... page 43 American Hereford Association News ................................................................. page 21 American Shorthorn Association News ............................................................... page 60 Animal Agriculture Alliance News ........................................................................ page 58 Ashley’s Beef Corner — Sneak Peak of a Project to Come,

by Ashley W. Herring ............................................................................................ page 14 Beef Checkoff News ................................................................................................ page 48 Beef Cuts and Recommended Cooking Methods ............................................... page 56 Beef Improvement Federation News …................................................................ page 20 Beef Tips — Cow Herd Evaluation Time, by Steven E. Meadows, Ph.D. .............. page 39 BioZyme Incorporated News ................................................................................ page 68 Boehringer Ingelheim News .................................................................................. page 34 Carolina Cooking — Italian Herb & Cheese Stuffed Beef Roulade ................... page 14 Carolina Video and Load Lot Monthly Summary ................................................ page 63 Cattlemen’s Beef Board Update — Beef Checkoff: Who’s Who & How It Works, by Greg Hanes ................... page 51 Certified Angus Beef News …................................................................................. page 26 Clemson Extension 2022 Bull Test Call for Nominations,

by Steven E. Meadows, Ph.D. …............................................................................. page 57 DBC Ag Products News …......................................................................................... page 31 Director’s Report — Good Stewardship, by Travis W. Mitchell ............................ page 3 E.B.’s View from the Cow Pasture — Cowlick, by E.B. Harris ............................. page 19 Farm Safety — Considerations for Hay Season, by Marion Barnes ….................. page 41 Herd Health — Biosecurity, by Patty Scharko, DVM, MPH.................................. page 33 International Brangus Breeders Association …................................................... page 44 May is Beef Month in North Carolina …................................................................. page 37 N.C. BCIP Implements New Requirements …..................................................... page 49 N.C. Weekly Livestock Report ............................................................................... page 33 National Cattlemen’s Beef Association News ..................................................... page 63 National Cattlemen’s Beef Association President’s Report — NCBA is Working for You, by Jerry Bohn ..................................................... page 54 New NCCA Members for 2021 ................................................................................ page 49 North Carolina Cattle Receipts, Trends, and Prices ........................................... page 66 On the Edge of Common Sense — Illinois Cowboy, by Baxter Black ................. page 20 Rules and Regulations Governing the Operation of the North Carolina Bull Testing Stations …..............................................… page 50 S.C. Beef Council News, by Roy Copelan ................................................................ page 58 S.C. Charolais News, by Georgeanne Webb ............................................................ page 41 South Carolina Cattle Receipts, Trends, and Prices .............................................. page 3 The Simmental Trail, by Jennie Rucker ................................................................... page 32 Valley Vet Supply News .......................................................................................... page 42 You Decide!, by Dr. Mike Walden ............................................................................ page 18 Zoetis News .............................................................................................................. page 64

N.C. Cattlemen’s Association President KARL GILLESPIE 860 Corbin Road • Franklin, NC 28734

Vice Presidents BURON LANIER 2877 Piney Woods Road • Burgaw, NC 28425 SCOTT WEST 489 Panacea Springs Road • Littleton, NC 27850 RYAN CLARK 5250 NC 772 Hwy, • Madison, NC 27025 Immediate Past President JEREMY LEE 5153 Battle Run Drive • Catawba, NC 28609 NCBA Policy Division Director - FRED SMITH, JR. NCBA Federation Division Director RALPH BLALOCK, JR. Beef Board Director - ROBERT CRABB Secretary/Treasurer - EVERETT JOHNSON Directors At Large MATT POORE • NEIL BOWMAN • TODD SEE

The Carolina Cattle Connection Vol. 35, No. 5 MAY 2021 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

BRYAN BLINSON

Manager, S.C. TRAVIS MITCHELL Executive Director

BRYAN K. BLINSON 2228 N. Main Street • Fuquay-Varina, NC 27526 Editor & Advertising Director N.C. Cattlemen’s Beef Council Director of Consumer Information ASHLEY W. HERRING Administrative Assistant - KIM BURDGE

S.C. Cattlemen’s Association

CASEY L. HINNANT

Assistant Editor & Proofreader

KIM BURDGE N.C. Circulation

KIM BURDGE

Executive Director - TRAVIS MITCHELL S.C. Circulation To Be Announced P.O. Box 207 • Saluda, SC 29138 Phone: 803-609-2828 Material in The Carolina Cattle Connection Email: twmitch@clemson.edu is not to be reproduced in total or in part Website: www.sccattlemen.wildapricot.org without the written permission of the Editor. All Executive Committee submissions become property of The Carolina President - Roscoe Kyle Cattle Connection, but we make every effort to 1st Vice President - Timmy Benton return items such as photographs and artwork as nd 2 Vice President - Joe Oswald IV requested.

Secretary - Carol Hendrix Treasurer - Eric Seymour Past President - Thomas Legare

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

S.C. Beef Council

Executive Director - ROY COPELAN 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 About the Eastern Brahman Breeders Association ..... page 12 American Brahman Breeders Association History ..... page 6 Brahman History — Crossbreeding’s Common Denominator ..... page 6 Briles Farm Brahmans ..... page 12 Can Do Attitude Breeds Success at Morrison Farm,

by Janen Jones Benson ..... page 11 Carolina Brahman Breeders Association — Humble Beginnings ..... page 10 Standard of Excellence ..... page 5 The American Brahman — Breeding the Best ..... page 4 The Brahman F1 — A Solution for Southern Cattlemen,

by Dr. David Riley ..... page 8 The Carolina Cattle Connection

q MAY 2021

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The Carolina Cattle Connection q MAY 2021

Director’s Report

By TRAVIS W. MITCHELL, Executive Director, SCCA

Good Stewardship A hot topic that hovers over our industry today is the conversation about climate change. Animal agriculture has historically been a target when it comes to this conversation. Fortunately, we, as cattle producers, have an opportunity to shine a light on the many benefits agriculture provides to our climate.

Farming by trade is the original founder of conservation and land stewardship. Taking care of the environment is what we do for a living. We understand that being good stewards of the environment not only makes us more profitable but also more sustainable. Farmers and ranchers devote a great deal of their time and resources to taking care of the environment. We

understand that healthy soils yield healthy plants that produce healthy cattle.

We will see something about climate change come up in every piece of legislation that is generated in the coming months. It is important that we stand together as an industry to make sure society recognizes what it is we actually do. Be sure to share your story with anyone who will listen. Let them know all the things you do on a daily basis to take care of the land and the cattle that you manage.

The next quarterly meeting of the S.C. Cattlemen’s Association Board of Directors will be held on May 20. We will continue to strive to promote the beef cattle industry in the state of South Carolina.

S.C. Cattle Receipts, Trends, and Prices for the Month of MARCH 2021 Cattle Receipts: 12,509

•

Previous Month: 7,295

Feeder supply - 36% steers • 42% heifers • 22% bulls SLAUGHTER CLASSES

Avg. Wt. Price

Cows - % Lean

Breaker 1,481 $62.94

Boner 1,208 $65.16

Lean 926 $58.26

Bulls - Yield Grade 1-2

1,636

$89.69

FEEDER CLASSES

FEEDER STEERS (Medium and Large 1-2) Wt. Range Avg. Wt. CWT Avg. Price 400-450 423 $159.79 $675.91 450-500 472 $154.43 $728.91 500-550 525 $146.07 $766.87 550-600 569 $142.30 $809.69 600-650 620 $136.11 $843.88 650-700 669 $132.26 $884.82

FEEDER BULLS (Medium and Large 1-2) Wt. Range Avg. Wt. CWT Avg. Price 400-450 421 $153.94 $648.09 450-500 472 $147.95 $698.32 500-550 519 $140.34 $728.36 550-600 568 $135.53 $769.81 600-650 618 $126.55 $782.08 650-700 664 $123.42 $819.51

FEEDER HEIFERS (Medium and Large 1-2) Wt. Range Avg. Wt. CWT Avg. Price 400-450 423 $129.49 $547.74 450-500 469 $127.10 $596.10 500-550 520 $124.35 $646.62 550-600 575 $122.92 $706.79 600-650 615 $117.85 $724.78 650-700 677 $114.54 $775.44

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

The Carolina Cattle Connection

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e Special

Spotlight on

BRAHMAN

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 2021

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.

e Special

Spotlight on

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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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 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

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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 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

The Carolina Cattle Connection q MAY 2021

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

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.

e Special 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 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

Spotlight on

BRAHMAN

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 finish during warm seasons is a definite economic factor in their favor.

Section f

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 WarnerBratzler shear force test were taken at 0, 7, and 14 days. With this data, 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.

The Carolina Cattle Connection

q MAY 2021

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e Special

Spotlight on

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 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 offspring performance due to heterosis.

Heterosis, or hybrid vigor, is the added performance of crossbred individuals over the averages of their straightbred

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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 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

The Carolina Cattle Connection q MAY 2021

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 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 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

e Special 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

Spotlight on

BRAHMAN

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

Section f

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.

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Carolinas Brahman Breeders Association — Humble Beginnings In 1980, a group of Carolina Brahman Breeders Association members got together in Lugoff, S.C., to hold the first CBBA sale day. Now, 40 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 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

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

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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.”

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 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

“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

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

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 12. 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.

Reprinted from the March 2020 issue of The Brahman Journal

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 120-130 pounds at birth.

The Simmentals run 80-100 pounds and the Brahman 70-85, 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

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

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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Briles Farm Brahmans Briles Farm is located in central North Carolina and was formally established on January 1, 1993, when Kenneth Briles and Cyana Handy got married. When they first met two years prior, Cyana had a farm and young son, and Kenneth was living on his grandfather’s old homeplace farm about a mile away as the crow flies.

Kenneth jokes that Cyana had a farm, a pickup truck, was good looking, knew how to cook, work livestock, and was single. “It was a no brainer.”

Cyana admits that she was as hardheaded as they come back then, but that Kenneth had stunning blue eyes, a great smile, was kind to animals, and proved that he possessed the most important characteristic she was looking for; a strong work ethic. Today, Briles Farm Brahmans is a testament to 30 years of dedicated hard work.

Cyana explains that their cattle operation started out as a commercial cattle operation, where they developed a beautiful herd of brood cows over the years through selecting and keeping their best mama cows and always breeding to a nice registered black Angus bull. Kenneth said, “We built two poultry breeder/layer houses about 23 years ago, and that has allowed us to spread chicken litter on our pastures,

PAGE 12

helping to improve our forages over the years. Through testing the litter and also soil testing our pastures, we figured out how to get the most out of our litter. Now, years later, we still have some of the nicest pastures around. I was always told that if you wanted to raise great cattle, you needed to know how to raise great forages.”

According to Cyana, “I always loved the way Brahman cattle looked and told my husband that one day I wanted one.

I think I just like things that are different and there was something about that big hump and long ears. We purchased our first registered American Brahman bull seven years ago from the Elm Tree Farm in Liberty, North Carolina. He was a yearling red speckled necked bull we named General Ambrose. We fell in love with him, and within a year, we had sold out our commercial herd and were buying registered Brahman heifers.

The first year we could only afford three heifers and a bred cow with the money we had from selling our commercial cows.

Every year since, we have invested in a few more registered heifers, and now we have our herd (approximately 30 head) about where we want it, calving out about a dozen registered calves and a few F1 crosses a year.” Kenneth explains, “Raising registered Brahmans is more enjoyable to me than raising commercial cattle. I didn’t relish taking calves to the sale barn and feeling like I was always at the mercy of the current market trends.

Now we sell off the farm and meet great folks and have made some amazing friendships. The trending cattle prices

The Carolina Cattle Connection q MAY 2021

don’t affect seed stock as wildly as they do the commercial market, and we have been able to raise fewer head of cattle focusing on quality over quantity and still come out ahead. I attribute much of our success to my wife’s ability at marketing.

She loves to meet folks and explain why she believes the American Brahman cattle are the best breed of cattle around.”

“We understand that at the end of the day, it is because of steaks and hamburgers that we are able to raise American Brahman cattle profitably.” The Briles’s are passionate about the qualities that make Brahman cattle great for their operation, explaining that Brahmans have better heat tolerance, feed conversion, disease resistance, and maternal instincts

than other more popular breeds of cattle, adding that their friendly temperaments when treated kindly are just a big bonus.

Briles Farm Brahmans always welcomes visitors by appointment to their farm located in Randolph County, North Carolina. Just be ready to hear all about why they love Brahman cattle.

About the Eastern Brahman Breeders Association • Chartered on January 1, 2019 • Marketing and promoting Brahman cattle while providing education and networking opportunities for all Brahman and Brahman influenced breeders who desire success raising and selling Brahman cattle.

• Hosting an annual ABBA Open Brahman Show, Brahman Sale, and organizing farm field days as opportunities for education and networking.

• Using the internet to stay connected to members through social media, email, and our association website, www.EasternBrahman.com, which is both educational and a useful tool for networking with Brahman breeders listed in our online directory.

• Annual membership is $25/year and includes a full page listing in our online Brahman Breeders Directory, as well as giving members a voice in decision making issues related to our organization of shows and events. Easy online membership form at www.EasternBrahman.com.

• Representing ABBA Area #12 Breeders: Connecticut, Delaware, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Tennessee, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, D.C., West Virginia, and Wisconsin.

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rotate to another section. This is a highly efficient use of land that is easy to show to consumers as a good practice.

Focusing on pasture care and how forages provide nutrition to cattle demonstrates a multitude of points to consumers. They can witness the tremendous amount of time farmers devote to bettering their cattle. The positive environmental “side effects” are also easy to see. The optics of all this create a beautiful image of cows and calves peacefully grazing…after their initial excitement, of course!

Ashley’s Beef Corner

T

Sneak Peak o a Project to Come

We are excited about the project and believe it will be well received by the intended audience. We will share the results in the coming weeks.

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

Carolina Cooking

Recently, on a perfect spring day, we helped with a video project managed by the N.C. Department of Agriculture & Consumer Services. The project highlights different topics relating to beef, dairy, and pork.

Italian Herb & Cheese Stuffed Beef Roulade

For beef, our focus is animal welfare and Beef Quality Assurance. This topic is so easy to discuss and showcase because principles of cattle care and safe handling are used without a second thought by you all daily. The purpose of the video is to share those principles with consumers in the urban Raleigh and Charlotte areas. The more consumers see of daily activities on the farm and just how much effort goes into raising cattle, the better.

Our gracious hosts, Curt and Ashley Honeycutt of Coats, provided an amazing farm setting. The timing of their pasture rotation was ideal to show how moving cattle through paddocks makes for the

PAGE 14

best soil health and forage management, which are key aspects of beef quality assurance. Their pastures were full of lush, green grass that is obviously desirable for the cattle.

The Honeycutts demonstrated placing temporary fencing to divide a larger pasture into three smaller paddocks in the video. The paddocks will allow grazing for about a week before the cattle

The Carolina Cattle Connection q MAY 2021

Total Cooking Time - 1 hour, 35 minutes 1 beef flank steak (about 1½ pounds) 2 tablespoons minced garlic 1 small shallot, minced 2 tablespoons minced fresh parsley leaves 2 tablespoons minced fresh basil leaves 2 tablespoons olive oil 1 teaspoon minced fresh sage leaves 15 2-inch slices beef salami prosciutto 8 slices provolone cheese Preheat a medium non-stick skillet over medium heat until hot; add garlic and shallot. Cook 2-3 minutes until translucent. Combine garlic mixture with parsley, basil, oil, and sage in food processor bowl; pulse on and off to form roughly chopped paste.

Cook’s Tip: You may substitute beef ribeye cap for flank steak.

Place beef flank steak between 2 pieces of plastic wrap. Using the smooth side of a meat mallet, pound steak to ½-inch thickness and rectangle approximately 10 by 12 inches. Place steak on cutting board so the grain is running side to side. Spread garlic mixture on steak. Arrange salami evenly on garlic mixture. Top salami with provolone, leaving a 1-inch border at the far edge. Starting from the side closest to you, roll steak tightly to form a log. Wrap tightly with plastic wrap; refrigerate for 30 minutes.

Preheat oven to 350°F. Remove roulade from plastic; place on an aluminum foil lined broiler pan coated

with cooking spray. Using 6 (8-inch long) pieces of kitchen string, tie log in even intervals. Roast in 350°F oven 60-70 minutes or until instant read thermometer inserted horizontally into center registers 155°F, turning once. Transfer roast to carving board; tent loosely with aluminum foil. Let roast stand 10 minutes before slicing. (Temperature will continue to rise about 10°F to reach 165°F.) Remove string before carving into 6 slices. Season with salt and pepper, as desired.

Makes 6 servings.

Italian Herb & Cheese Stuffed Beef Roulade

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By JOHNNY R. ROGERS Amazing Grazing Program Coordinator

fields, graze those earlier and hold those with higher fescue components for later winter grazing. This practice offers a tremendous return on your investment because the alternative is hay feeding, which is usually more expensive. If you are new to forage management, this is a great place to start your journey.

My Top Five Favorite Forage Management Practices Recently, I was reflecting on our time farming in Roxboro. In September, we will have been here for 20 years.

Wow! As they say, time flies when you are having fun, and I have had a blast.

During this time of reflection, I began to think about the many forage management practices, techniques, and tools I have used. Improving forage production is a journey, and I wanted to share my favorite practices through my trip to this point.

Here goes: 1. Stocking Rate Management - Stocking your farm with the correct class and number of livestock that closely matches your pasture’s carrying capacity is critical for success. You need to decide the best type of livestock, and for this discussion, we will focus on beef cattle. Do your forage and labor resources tend to favor stocker or cow/ calf production? Typically, if you can create higher quality forages with your management, it could be advantageous to run stocker or finishing cattle compared to cow/calf production. Why not do both? Diversity within species or grazing multiple species (i.e., cattle and sheep) can build resiliency and profit into your program. It will take some research to determine the carrying capacity of your land. After the calculations are complete, it is important to remember that carrying capacity changes every few weeks based on climatic conditions. Limited rainfall and elevated temperatures can drastically lower forage production. The key is to have a grazing plan with a flexible stocking rate which could involve feeding some hay in a sacrifice pasture until forages are ready to be grazed. A grazing system with the ideal number of livestock is a pleasure to manage and will allow for ample forage recovery between grazing events.

2. The Power of One Wire (P.O.W.) - I could not imagine managing our farm without temporary electric fencing.

It is an integral part of our forage management, and its absence would leave a void in our system. Although we use it

PAGE 16

extensively today, we did not start that way. Instead, we started by strip grazing stockpiled forages in the winter. Later, we would subdivide large pastures during the growing season to increase animal impact, improve forage utilization, and increase forage recovery periods. This was all accomplished with one polywire and step-in posts. Our cattle have become trained to this single wire, and we can use it to build temporary lanes. My wife and I will hold a section of polywire between us and use it to herd cattle. This makes sorting and gathering cattle easy, even in large pastures. Using polywire in this manner uses the concepts of low stress livestock handling, and the polywire allows for pressure/release. It is amazing what can be accomplished with trained cattle and proper techniques.

Grazing stockpiled forages lowers winter feed costs.

4. Incorporating Legumes - Adding legumes to perennial pastures is a proven practice that is underutilized. For those grazing endophyte infected tall fescue, this needs to be on your list of tools to mitigate the negative effects of fescue toxicosis. Pastures with adequate fertility (P & K), approximately 6.0 pH, and low weed populations are good candidates for adding legumes. Frost seeding clover onto closely grazed (< 3 inch residual) pastures in February is an effective method for establishing clover. I like to use both red and white clover with seeding rates of 1-2 pounds white and 3-5 pounds red clover.

When attempting to establish clover, it is best not to use a spring nitrogen application in those pastures. The extra nitrogen favors grass production, and it can out compete the new clover seedlings.

Legumes add nitrogen to our pasture systems, help fight fescue toxicosis and improve pasture quality. Those benefits and easy establishment make this a great practice to adopt.

Use temporary electric fencing to boost pasture management.

3. Grazing Stockpiled Forages Moving to Roxboro in September 2001 did not allow much time for proper stockpiling that year. However, every year since, we utilized stockpiled forage in our grazing plan. One of the major benefits of tall fescue is its stockpiling potential. With ample rain, it can achieve impressive fall yields. Remember, your plan for stockpiling needs to start in the spring and not in September.

Think about which fields you want to stockpile. I like to focus on fields that are predominately tall fescue. Other forages can be stockpiled, but they do not hold their nutritive value as deep into winter when compared to tall fescue. If you have mixed forage species in some stockpiled

The Carolina Cattle Connection q MAY 2021

pasture soil health and other farmers grazing diverse annual forage mixtures.

In Summer 2012, I took a pasture that needed renovation and planted a diverse cover crop mixture. Several other producers I know also started planting annuals at this same time, and we would compare our experiences. Each year we would change the seed blend, and summer annuals were followed by winter annuals. Ray’s Crazy Mix was developed during this time, and the rest is history.

Annual forages are a valuable renovation step and soil building tool. Furthermore, they add forage quality for livestock and fill forage production gaps in our perennial forage base. I would not want a forage system comprised of only annuals.

However, I really like what they bring to the table.

Add diversity and quality to your forage system with annual forages.

That’s my list to this point, and I would love to hear about yours. Adaptive grazing management is a great journey that allows us to expand our knowledge and improve our farms. Because each situation is unique, we cannot construct templates that work across farms. However, we can develop concepts and techniques to benefit others. Let’s continue to innovate, share our experiences, and develop relationships to enrich our lives and communities. Good grazing!

Regular copy deadline is MAY 5 for the JUNE issue!

Improve pasture productivity by frost seeding legumes.

5. Using Annual Forages - Up to 2012, I was a “graze what grows” grazier, and that approach worked very well. Then, I started to learn more about

Is there a problem?

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Moxie’s fast growth allows for excellent forage quality and high yield during a relatively short growing season. With superior performance to improve your bottom line, there is no need to compromise Learn more at www.barusa.com

The Carolina Cattle Connection

q MAY 2021

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You Decide!

By DR. MIKE WALDEN

Department of Agricultural & Resource Economics N.C. State University You Decide: Was Popping the Mileage Fee Balloon a Good Idea?

There’s a concept in politics called a “trial balloon.” It’s a way to test the support for a policy idea before it is formally proposed. A trial balloon is usually presented to the media by a high government official – but not the highest, such as the President or a Governor – who says the idea is being considered.

If the public response to the trial balloon is positive, that tells the government official the idea may be popular. If the response is tepid or strongly negative, then it may be time to burst the balloon and shelve the idea.

We recently saw a good example of a trial balloon in Washington. As the Biden Administration’s infrastructure plan was being developed, Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg told a reporter the idea of a

mileage fee to help pay for infrastructure was being discussed. A mileage fee means drivers pay some amount, like 2¢ or 3¢, for every mile driven.

The public reaction was largely negative. When the Administration’s infrastructure legislation was introduced, there was no mention of mileage fee. The mileage fee trial balloon had been popped.

The question is, was popping the mileage fee balloon a good idea? Before answering, some background is required.

The gasoline tax paid by drivers has long been the dominant way of financing and maintaining roads. Economists call the gas tax a “user fee.” A user fee simply means a person directly pays for what they use. Traditionally, the gas tax was viewed as the perfect user fee. People who drove more bought more gasoline, and therefore paid more taxes for

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The Carolina Cattle Connection q MAY 2021

expanding and maintaining highways.

Yet, in recent decades the gas tax financing method has developed several cracks. The federal rate has not been adjusted for inflation in almost 30 years, meaning the tax collected per gallon has dropped 75 percent in purchasing power.

Compounding matters is over the same time period, the efficiency of gasoline powered engines has increased, meaning each gallon of gas results in more road usage.

The biggest challenge is the development of new fuels. Hybrids, all electric vehicles, and maybe hydrogen vehicles in the future each escape some or all of the gas tax. Some states charge a flat fee on alternative fuel vehicles in place of a gas tax. However, there’s no necessary relationship between the fee and miles driven.

This is where the idea of a mileage fee comes in. A mileage fee would apply to all vehicles, regardless of how they’re fueled. Also, recognizing that heavier vehicles create more wear and tear on roads, most proposals for a mileage fee would scale the per-mile fee higher for heavier vehicles.

Then why was the Biden Administration’s trial balloon for a mileage fee discarded? There are a couple of reasons. First, there was no indication the mileage fee would replace the gas tax. The implication was the mileage fee would be in addition to the gas tax. My view is more people would be sympathetic to a mileage fee if they saw it as the successor to the gas tax and not just piling on top of it.

The second issue is privacy. Even accepting the logic behind the mileage fee, people worry their movements will be tracked, and their privacy invaded when the government collects information on our travel. I heard these concerns loud and clear during the two years I served on the N.C. FIRST (Future Investment Resources for Sustainable Transportation) Commission. Although experts say travel information associated with a mileage fee would be absolutely private, I understand that many are skeptical of these assurances.

Analysis shows we are facing financial shortfalls for future transportation projects, both at the federal and state levels. If the gas tax is inadequate and the mileage fee is not acceptable, then where will the money come from?

There are two possibilities. One is to privatize roads and have users pay for them. In other words, turn highways into toll roads. This has already been tried in North Carolina and numerous other states with some new road construction. Cameras identify drivers using their license plates and charge them for the time they are on

the road. However, many drivers may still worry about their privacy.

The second solution is to keep roads publicly owned but to move away from the user fee concept for financing construction and maintenance. Instead, turn to some broader, more general forms of taxation that aren’t directly tied to highways.

The second method is how the Biden Administration would finance part of their infrastructure plan (although the Biden plan includes more than roads). Much of the plan would be paid with higher business taxes, especially on corporations.

At the state level, some states, like Virginia, are tapping into their general sales revenues to support road spending.

We all directly or indirectly rely on roads, but paying for them is controversial. The recent trial balloon in Washington for a mileage fee is a good example. Still, my guess is decades in the future, the financing of roads will be much different. You decide how.

You Decide: Should We Revive the Idea of a Negative Income Tax? Income inequality, poverty, hunger, unemployment – these are all issues that have been with us for a while but became worse during the pandemic. The various stimulus bills tried to help, and currently, Congress is considering legislation that would make more permanent changes to addressing the challenges.

However, it’s not as if we haven’t been engaged in helping alleviate economic stress. In my recently published book, Real Solutions: Common Sense Ideas for Solving Our Most Pressing Problems, I identified 92 individual poverty programs operated by 52 different agencies of the federal government and collectively spending almost $1 trillion annually. Unfortunately, each program has its own rules, and there can be little coordination among the programs.

There are also major administrative costs with these programs, usually at the rate of 15-20 percent of the total agency budget, with some as high as 40 percent!

Obviously, this means less money going to recipients.

Another problem with several of the programs is the existence of a “tax cliff.” A tax cliff occurs when additional income earned by the recipient results in a big drop in help from the program.

Sometimes the value of assistance drops more than 100 percent for every extra dollar earned by the recipient. In other words, if the recipient earns an additional $1000 by working more, they may lose more than $1,000 in program benefits. Obviously, a tax cliff reduces the incentive of the recipient to become economically self sufficient.

What all this means is that not only

do we need a commitment to helping households in poverty, but we also need to have a logical and coordinated process for delivering that help, and in a way that still leaves an incentive for the recipient to ultimately become self supporting.

Fortunately, many say there is such a system, the idea of which has been around for almost 50 years. It’s called a “negative income tax,” or NIT. Maybe it’s time to revive that idea.

Here’s how an NIT works. All households file an income tax return that lists their earnings and members of the household, including dependents.

The IRS compares the household earnings against the income deemed necessary to achieve some agreed upon standard of living for the household.

If the household’s earnings exceed the minimum income standard, then they pay income taxes as usual.

However, if the household’s earnings are less than the minimum income standard, then the IRS sends money to the household. The money could be sent in one lump sum, although a better approach would be monthly payments. Notice, this money is not a tax refund. A refund occurs when a household has paid too much taxes and has the excess returned.

Importantly, the NIT would be structured to preserve financial incentives for the household. This means if the household earns more, the amount of the funds received from the IRS would drop, but by much less than the extra earnings.

Some plans recommend a reduction of 50¢ for every additional dollar of earnings.

Preserving the incentive to earn more would mean more households would qualify for payments from the IRS than are receiving some form of poverty assistance today. However, with the incentive to earn more, over time, many of these households would move to self sufficiency.

Two big plus points for the NIT are its low administration costs and flexibility. A similar program the IRS currently operates has administrative costs of only 1.5 percent. The NIT could be set up to quickly adjust to a household’s circumstances. When a household’s earnings change – either up or down – an interim income tax form could be filed, allowing the NIT payments to be adjusted. Alternatively, employers could be required to send information about hirings, firings, and payment adjustments to the IRS. Financial help via the NIT could be brought into the 21st century by issuing debit cards to recipients. The cards could be replenished each month, and when adjustments to the amounts are needed, they can quickly be reflected in the cards.

One reason there are so many federal

poverty programs is that each addresses a different aspect of poverty, such as hunger, housing, energy costs, etc. The simplest NIT program would eliminate these categories and just provide households cash via the NIT debit cards.

It would then be up to households to decide how to use the cash.

While this would be the simplest and most straightforward approach, there are some who think controls should be placed on how recipients use public financial assistance. Such control could be accomplished by issuing several NIT debit cards, with the amounts on each card limited to certain expenditures, like food, housing, transportation, etc.

How does the NIT compare to a universal guaranteed income (UGI)?

While there are many versions of the UGI, the most common gives recipients a certain amount of cash with no strings attached. Some versions provide almost everyone the cash regardless of their income. Obviously, the NIT is more restrictive as well as directed to those with the most need.

The political environment seems to be set for a renewed focus on economic challenges faced by a large part of our society but, in particular, those who live in or near poverty. Now might be the perfect time to restructure how we provide help to those households. Should the idea of a negative income tax be part of that restructuring? You decide.

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

E.B.'s View from the Cow Pasture

By E.B. HARRIS

Cowlick I don’t know how your hair looks in the morning, but the closer it gets to the time I need a haircut, my hair looks like who shot Lizzy when I get up in the morning. It’s all over the place. If I don’t put my head under the faucet and wet it down and brush it, it’s going to stay like that for a couple of hours or so. It will get back to laying down on my head after I put my cap on. I don’t know what makes this happen, but it happens.

Maybe it comes from rolling on a pillow.

My brother Jimmy had a cowlick when he was a tyke. I cannot say what age he outgrew it, but I do remember him having a cowlick.

Agriculture is a subject that seems to be less known about to the general public these days. When I was a child, just about everyone had a milk cow. If somebody said something about a cowlick, everyone

understood what was being talked about.

I was talking with a friend from Johnston County the other week. During the conversation, he said to me, “E.B., I have a good story to tell you about a cowlick. My grandson gets up every morning and has a cowlick. His mama or daddy will get him over to one side and brush his hair and say, ‘Let me get that cowlick out of your hair.’”

“He is in kindergarten, and when he gets to school, he is greeted by his teacher. She tells him how nice he is and how nice his hair looks. The little boy will say to his teacher, ‘My daddy got the cowlick out of my hair this morning.’”

“This went on for a few weeks or so. Finally, one morning when his mama took him to school, the teacher told her she would like to speak with her. She said to his mother, ‘Your son comes in every day, and when I mention something about how nice his hair looks, he will tell me his daddy got the cowlick out of his hair this morning. I have a question though.

Do you all have a cow in the house?’”

It goes back to the saying that some of the old sayings we have passed on for generations seem to have been lost with the new generation. They have to have an education on where the cowlick comes from.

“If you have cattle, pastureland, or raise hay like I do, you need to call Donna Byrum. In 10 minutes on the hood of my pickup, she signed me up for a program that I had no idea about.

The next time she came by the farm, she brought me a check! ~ E.B. Harris

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PAGE 19

building. Matt careened into the drive through hot on the trail. By using the parking lot and surrounding sidewalks, he was able to keep the steer circling the bank through the manicured lawn and decorative shrubbery.

Matt’s radio crackled, “Chet’s just pulled into the clinic, could you use some help?”

The steer broke for the high school.

“Send him on,” Matt yelled, “we’re headed for the football field!”

The steer had slowed to a trot by the time Chet wheeled his pickup and trailer

Baxter Black

On the edge of

common sense

Illinois Cowboy “Where were you born?” The reporter asked one of my Colorado cowboy friends.

“Iowa,” he answered.

“Iowa!” she said. “Why did you move?”

“Because it’s hard to be a cowboy in Iowa.”

Well, it might be harder to be a cowboy in the Midwest, but they’ve got a bunch of good ones anyway. No matter how much dependence modern cowmen place on man made mechanical devices, there are times when nothin’ beats a good roper a’horseback.

Illinois is an anthill of bovine activity.

They have an abundance of cow/calf operations, and the state has ranked in the top ten in numbers of cattle on feed. So a “loose cow” is not an unusual occurrence.

That’s when a good cowboy comes in handy.

Dr. Matt has his veterinary clinic in

one of the many small towns that dot the northwestern Illinois countryside. One afternoon he was processing a truckload of feeder steers in the back of his clinic.

Despite good help and good facilities, accidents can happen. A gate was left open, and shore ‘nuf, one of the steers escaped. And, according to Rule #1 in the Guidebook of Loose Cattle, the steer headed straight for the center of town.

Matt leaped to his Toyota Batmobile and took up the chase as the girls in the office cheered him on and wished, not for the first time, they’d had a video camera.

The steer had the advantage. He was able to cut through lawns, across lots filled with farm implements, behind gas pumps, and down sidewalks. He jaywalked with impunity.

He galloped into the bank drive through, raised his tail to the pie eyed teller, and proceeded to circle the bank

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The Carolina Cattle Connection q MAY 2021

into the school parking lot. He unloaded his horse, grabbed his rope, and mounted.

Matt said it was beautiful to watch.

When Chet rode through the goal posts, the steer was on the 20 yard line and pickin’ up speed.

Chet’s horse was kickin’ up big divots, and Chet was leaning forward like an outside linebacker. He sailed his loop and nailed the steer on the 50 yard line.

An amazing catch. The grandstands were empty. Nobody saw it but Matt, and he told me, with a faraway look in his eye, that to this day, he can still hear the crowd.

Beef Improvement Federation

NEWS

Iowa to Host 53 rd Annual Beef Improvement Federation Research Symposium and Convention; Program Now Posted. The 2021 Beef Improvement Federation (BIF) Research Symposium and Convention program is now confirmed. This year’s event will be hosted in-person June 22-25 in Des Moines, Iowa.

The BIF Symposium features two and a half days of educational programming and a full day of tours. The first general session — “Beef Industry: Where is it going?” — will feature presentations by Michael Uetz, Midan Marketing; Jim Pillen, Pillen Family Farms; and Dr. Dan Thomson, Iowa State University Department of Animal Science chair. During the second general session, the theme will be Precision Livestock Technology. Speakers Thursday will include Dr. Alison Van Eenennaam, UC Davis; Justin Sexten, Precision Livestock Analytics; Pat Wall, ISU extension specialist; Reiss Bruning, Bruning Farms; and Cody Jorgensen, Jorgensen Land and Livestock.

The afternoon technical breakout sessions on both days will focus on a range of beef production and genetic improvement topics. The conference also features a Young Producer Symposium on Tuesday afternoon, designed for networking and to equip young cattle producers with essential knowledge as they grow their role in the business. On Tuesday evening, attendees will enjoy an opening reception as well as the National Association of Animal Breeders (NAAB) symposium.

This year’s event is being planned to take place in person. “The BIF Board believes it is imperative to provide ‘faceto-face’ networking and educational opportunities for its members. We

understand that our in person 2021 meetings might look a little different, but we are excited to begin meeting together again,” says Dr. Bob Weaber, BIF executive director.

For more conference details, visit www.BIFSymposium.com. Prior to and during this year’s symposium, be sure to follow the event on social media channels using the hashtag #BIF2021.

Each year the BIF symposium draws a large group of leading seedstock and commercial beef producers, academics, and allied industry partners. The attendance list is a “who’s who” of the beef value chain, offering great networking opportunities and conversations about the issues of the day. Program topics focus on how the beef industry can enhance value through genetic improvement across a range of attributes that affect the value chain.

About the Beef Improvement Federation. The BIF is an organization dedicated to coordinating all segments of the beef industry — from researchers and producers to retailers — in an effort to improve the efficiency, profitability, and sustainability of beef production.

The organization was initiated almost 70 years ago to encourage the use of objective measurements to evaluate beef cattle. Continuing the tradition, BIF is now the clearinghouse for developing standardized programs and methodologies for the recording of performance data for all traits, from birth weights to carcass traits. Its three leaf clover logo symbolizes the link between industry, extension, and research. Information about the organization can be found online at www.

BeefImprovement.org, and coverage of the annual BIF Symposium can be found online at www.BIFSympsium.com.

American Hereford Association Announces Plans for 2022 Cattlemen’s Congress and National West Stock Show. A decision has been made on the recognition of national shows for January 2022.

The American Hereford Association (AHA) Board of Directors met recently during their spring board meeting to make a decision about recognition levels of the Cattlemen’s Congress in Oklahoma City, Okla., and National Western Stock Show (NWSS) in Denver, Colorado. The AHA Board voted to host the 2022 National Show and National Hereford Sale during the Cattlemen’s Congress in Oklahoma City.

The shows and exhibitor surveys were all taken into consideration during this decision. It was decided that Cattlemen’s Congress in Oklahoma City will host the 2022 National Show and National Hereford Sale, junior show, and pen show.

Following Cattlemen’s Congress, AHA will recognize the NWSS as a Regional Point Show. The AHA will share more information and schedules with its membership and interested parties once both venues have been notified and establish final changes.

Hereford Youth Get Up Close Look at Cattle Feeding Industry at NJHA Fed Steer Shootout Field Day. There were 65 National Junior Hereford Association (NJHA) members and their families, along with several industry partners, in attendance at the inaugural NJHA Fed Steer Shootout Field Day hosted by HRC Feed Yards in Scott City, Kan., on April 17. The young cattle feeders who participate in the Fed Steer Shootout program traveled from 13 states as far away as California, West Virginia, and Georgia to learn about the industry and see how their steers entered in this year’s contest are performing.

Lee Mayo, general manager of HRC Feed Yards, welcomed the participants to Kansas and cattle feeding country. Scott County is home to roughly 300,000 head of cattle on feed within ten miles of the feed yard. NJHA’s partners in education, VitaFerm and Merck Animal Health, sponsored the educational program where attendees heard from industry leading speakers, including Kevin Good from CattleFax, who gave participants an overview of the industry across all sectors of the beef production chain, and Dr.

News

Kelly Bruns, Director of the West Central Research and Extension Center for the University of Nebraska, was on hand to discuss evaluating the cattle in terms of yield and quality grades and what type of steers will be the most profitable. This was followed by a pick the steer contest in which six steers were evaluated, and the results will be determined after the cattle are harvested in approximately 30 days.

NJHA member Haley Mouser and her brother Cale traveled from Bemidji, Minn., to take part in the field day. After the field day concluded, Haley said, “It is important to have events like this so young leaders like myself get hands on experience at feedyards and to share this knowledge with our peers at school and ultimately promote agriculture’s mission, which is to feed the world in a healthy, safe, wholesome way.”

There are 133 Hereford and Hereford influenced steers on feed in the 2021 NJHA Fed Steer Shootout. Cattle were delivered to the yard in December, and throughout the feeding phase, contestants collect feed yard performance and carcass data. They are given the opportunity to gain a broad knowledge of the cattle feeding and packing industries through

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The Fed Steer Shootout is exposing junior members to a vital part of the industry and setting them up with the tools and knowledge to be successful when it comes to feeding cattle. Bailey Morrell, NJHA Communications Chairman and participant in the shootout, said, “A lot of our members see the showring and the barn, but don’t see the end product and the hard work that goes into the feeding industry, so a little bit of real world knowledge is what we’ve tried to provide our juniors within this program.”

About the National Junior Hereford Association. NJHA is one of the most active junior programs in the country, with more than 3,800 members. The

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NJHA’s mission is to create and promote enthusiasm for the breed while providing opportunities through leadership, education, and teamwork.

For more information about the NJHA, visit www.JrHereford.org.

About the American Hereford Association. The AHA, with headquarters in Kansas City, Mo., is one of the largest U.S. beef breed associations. The notfor-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. For more information about the Association, visit www.Hereford.org.

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PAGE 21

ANGUS NEWS Bringing Relevance and Value to the Beef Industry. Angus CEO shares how breed associations will evolve. Beef industry organizations will need to evolve in order to continue to bring value in the future. That philosophy is particularly true for breed associations, said Mark McCully, chief executive officer of the American Angus Association.

McCully spoke recently during the Dr. Harlan Ritchie Symposium for the American Society of Animal Science.

“I think it comes down, very simply, to relevance,” he said. “We all understand that you have to maintain relevancy. You have to continue to bring value.”

Fostering the profitability of commercial cattle producers is what brings value to breed associations like the American Angus Association.

Part of that strategy is to guard against complacency — something that can be hard for members of an association

PAGE 22

established in 1883. Seedstock breeders and their breed associations must fight against the tendency to become complacent. Driving for constant improvement is hard when the status quo can be comfortable.

“The pace of change today is so incredible,” McCully said. Any organization today has to stay nimble and make decisions in a fast and efficient way.

If the last year has taught us anything, he said, it is to adjust as needed.

While change is never comfortable, no matter whether you are a breed association, a company, or an individual breeder, it is necessary. Focusing on what will drive the beef industry helps, he said.

“We need to think more about genetic solutions and the commercial industry,” he said. “After all, that’s what we’re here to do.”

One of the ways breeders and their associations can continue to evolve is

The Carolina Cattle Connection q MAY 2021

to adopt disruptive technologies. In the 1950s, artificial insemination was one of those disruptive technologies.

“It was a technology that was very controversial at the time,” McCully said.

“Today it seems kind of silly to think of that as disruptive.”

Being closed minded and looking at technology as a threat will not benefit the industry.

“We have to be very open and quick to embrace and adopt those technologies that may very well change the procedures of what we do,” he said. “We need to make sure that we keep our members relevant to the commercial industry and moving forward.”

The need for data will not change, but the ways we collect and think about it may. Associations will then be charged with making the most of the data.

“I think we have to be very diligent as a breed association to make sure we are building tools that are focused on profitability and biological balance.”

Biological balance is a term McCully uses to describe avoiding extremes that could lead to unintended consequences.

In the beef cattle world, the generation interval is longer than other species.

“When we make a mistake, when we get in the ditch, it takes us an awfully long time to get up out of the ditch.” McCully urged breeders and associations to be thinking about tools that stress optimal production for different environments.

One only has to look back with clarity of hindsight to the 1980s when the industry was seeking the highest frame scores. We know now, there were a lot of unintended consequences to chasing maximums, McCully said.

In addition to providing the right kind of breeding tools to members, other association offered programs are important. In the case of the American Angus Association, marketing programs like AngusLink SM are focused on the commercial cattleman, McCully said.

They benefit members by helping their commercial customers achieve more profit. The American Angus Association’s AngusLinkSM program helps document the value of calves with genetic merit and process verified programs.

“It’s about creating value,” McCully said.

In the ever changing marketplace, making those tools widely available to commercial cattlemen is important.

Where the industry used to describe cattle by hide color and condition, today it is headed toward programs that document the genetic capabilities of groups of cattle.

In the future, McCully also sees the association serving additional needs. As the speed of change continues, Angus breeders

are asking for more education, McCully said. “I believe to stay relevant, we’re going to have to be an educational resource.”

For the Angus breed specifically, education is one of the long range objectives adopted recently. That plan will help guide the association in the future.

“It’s about driving breed improvement.

It’s about enhancing the membership experience and success. It’s about focusing on the commercial cattleman and the consumer that ultimately trusts the product we are producing,” McCully said.

Raising the Bar 2021, Angus in Auburn – An Angus Reunion. Angus juniors from 21 states gather to resume the annual Raising the Bar Conference.

This year junior Angus members had the chance to experience “sweet home Alabama,” Auburn University, Alabama Angus, and Southern hospitality at the 2021 Raising the Bar. There were 46 junior members from 21 states gathered in Montgomery, Ala., for the National Junior Angus Association (NJAA) Raising the Bar Conference on April 8-11.

While the NJAA provides opportunities within the show ring, the opportunities don’t stop there. Many juniors agree leadership conferences offered by the NJAA are another huge highlight of being involved in the Association. Since the 2020 Raising the Bar Conference at Colorado State University had to be canceled due to the pandemic, juniors were more excited than ever to be together again to tour a potential college prospect where they may later further their academic careers.

“Deciding where to attend college can be a stressful decision. We want to make sure juniors are exposed to options, so when the time comes, they can make an informed decision about where they may choose to attend,” said Madeline Bauer, events coordinator at the American Angus Association. “In addition to teaching kids about college opportunities, we want them to expand their networks. A goal of ours is to make sure everyone knows everyone by the end of their career in the NJAA.” The conference was kicked off by Erin Beasley, the executive vice president of the Alabama Cattlemen’s Association, where she set the tone for the weekend ahead. She emphasized how far having a strong work ethic, attitude, and network can take a person.

“Everyone is going to make mistakes, but it’s how you learn from those mistakes that is most important,” said Beasley.

Friday was spent in the shoes of an Auburn student up on Ag Hill. There, students received a tour of the agriculture department buildings from student ambassadors and Dr. Mulvaney, an associate professor in Animal Science at

the Auburn College of Agriculture.

“It [Raising the Bar] provides those experiences and begins to plant those seeds of leadership, and those are the difference makers in peoples’ lives,” said Dr. Mulvaney. “The world is crying out for people that can talk, communicate and be those who are willing to step up.”

It’s young people like Avery Mather, who this year attended her fifth Raising the Bar, who will be one of those difference makers.

“These may not be in order, but I attended Raising the Bar at South Dakota State, Iowa State, Kansas State, Oklahoma State, and now, Auburn,” she says. “To have been able to develop friendships over thousands and thousands of miles has been incredible.”

In addition to visiting the college, juniors had the chance to visit the Alabama Cattlemen’s Association and tour the Mooseum with the director of education and outreach, Ali Cantrell. Later the tour continued at Adams Angus purebred family run Angus operation in Union Springs and later at Creekstand Catfish Farm.

Aside from the tours, students were able to have some fun at Escapology and participate in professional development workshops led by the National Junior Angus Board of Directors.

“We are so grateful for the supporters of these conferences,” Bauer said. “From the Angus Foundation to the Alabama Angus Association, Raising the Bar wouldn’t be possible without their support.”

Now in its 13th year, Raising the Bar continues to foster the development of Angus youth by hosting events in regions across the country. The NJAA, with sponsorship from the Angus Foundation, has conducted Raising the Bar conferences in cities such as Manhattan, Kan.; Oklahoma City, Okla.; Sioux Falls, S.D.; Ames, Iowa; and Baton Rouge, Louisiana. To learn more about how to participate in an upcoming Raising the Bar conference, visit www.njaa.info.

The Grandest Show in Grand Island. The 2021 National Junior Angus Show to be hosted in Grand Island, Nebraska. Although there may not be a big red and white striped tent, a ringmaster wearing a top hat, or any elephants, rest assured because there will be a grand show ring, ringmen wearing their cowboy hats, and the best of the best Angus cattle parading across the grounds in Grand Island, Nebraska. It’s the same thing, right?

Grab your cotton candy, popcorn, and peanuts, and mark your calendars for the Grandest Show on Earth. The National Junior Angus Show (NJAS) is to be hosted on July 10-17 in Grand Island, Neb., and surely will be a week you won’t forget.

The NJAA’s goal is to be a vehicle for

junior success. From youth conferences and online educational opportunities to chances to build your network, the National Junior Angus Show opportunities are endless for those who can step out of their comfort zone and try something new.

“There is no better place to learn new skills and expand your Angus network than at the National Junior Angus Show,” said Caitlyn Brandt, American Angus Association events and industry partnership manager. “Serving our junior members is one of the very best parts of my job and as staff, we truly look forward to NJAS all year around.”

The schedule of events is available online at www.NJAS.info, along with entry forms. In addition to show entry forms, contest sign up will be available online through the AAA Login.

Under the Big Top - You’ve spent the time, put the work in at home, and now, the time has come to head to Grand Island for the main event. On average, more than 1,200 head of registered Angus cattle are exhibited at the NJAS, and there is an opportunity for everyone. At NJAS, owned heifers, bred-and-owned (B&O) heifers, cow/calf pairs, steers, B&O bulls, and again this year, the Phenotype and Genotype show (PGS) are available for juniors to exhibit in. A top five selection of B&O heifers and owned heifers will be chosen at the conclusion of each respective show.

The ownership and early entry deadline is May 15, while the late entry deadline is May 25. The American Angus Association office will be closed, which means new junior membership must be applied for on or before May 13 in order to complete entries online. Otherwise, entries need to be postmarked on or before May 15. Registrations and/or transfers must be postmarked on or before May 15. The late entry deadline is May 25, and entries can only be submitted online. More NJAS entry information can be found under the shows tab on www.NJAA.info.

An Act for Everyone - There is an act for everyone at the circus and the National Junior Angus Show. From the trapeze artists, to lion tamers, to the person who gets shot out of a cannon — there isn’t one act that is everyone’s favorite. Aside from the junior show, NJAS includes competitions for everyone to get involved.

The educational components of the week allow junior members to gain knowledge and confidence to think on their feet, as well as an opportunity to develop professional skills in contests.

Depending on your interest, we have a contest for you! This year, the contests being offered are the NJAA/

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LANE ANGUS Roger & Bundy Lane Gates 252-357-1279 ritalane@embarqmail.com PANTHER CREEK FARMS John C. Smith, Jr. Pink Hill 252-526-1929 JohnSmith3982@embarqmail.com S&J Farms Steven & Julie Lung Nathan Lung - Manager Carthage 910-947-3414 sandjfarms2013@gmail.com

BB ORGANIC FARM NC, LLC Bob & Elissa Miller Louisburg 919-414-7753 BILTMORE ESTATE Kyle Mayberry - Manager Asheville 828-768-1956 livestock@biltmore.com www.biltmorelivestock.com

SMITH CREEK ANGUS FARM Marty & Lynne Rooker Norlina 252-213-1553 mrooker@mrookerlaw.com

BRIDGES BEEF CATTLE Eddie, Cindy, John, & Crystal Bridges Shelby 704-692-2978 bridgesbeefcattle@gmail.com

SPRINGFIELD ANGUS Phil Goodson Alex Askew Louisburg 919-880-9062 (Phil) 910-260-2899 (Alex) philgoodson2@gmail.com www.springfieldangus.com

BRITT FAMILY FARMS James Britt Calypso 919-738-6331 jrb4070@hotmail.com C-CROSS CATTLE COMPANY Duane Strider Asheboro 336-964-6277 ccrosscattle@yahoo.com www.ccrosscattle.com FOUR S FARMS Kim & Connie and Jason & Robin Starnes Luther Lyerly - Manager Salisbury 704-640-5875 kim-4sfarms@carolina.rr.com

TRIPLE LLL ANGUS Greg Little Monroe 704-219-1294 greg.little@ATImetals.com UWHARRIE RIDGE FARMS Mark Wilburn Asheboro 336-953-0521 uwharrieridgefarms@gmail.com VANDEMARK ANGUS Keaton & Janie Vandemark Spring Hope 252-885-0210 keaton@vandemarkfarms.com

G&G FAMILY FARMS Darren & Paul Gore Tabor City 843-458-2970 goreangus1@gmail.com goreangusfarms.com

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

GENTRY HOMEPLACE ANGUS Howard & Donna Gentry King 336-413-6698 whgentry@windstream.net H&H FARMS Buddy & Jennifer Hamrick - Owners Bly Hamrick - Manager Boiling Springs 704-472-1912 jennham@bellsouth.net HILL ANGUS FARM Dr. Gary M. Hill Hendersonville 229-848-3695 gmhill@uga.edu JACK KNOB FARMS Karl, Janet, & Logan Gillespie Franklin 828-371-2220 karl@jackknobfarms.com www.jackknobfarms.com

WINSLOW GENETICS Ben & Kathleen Winslow Halifax 252-578-5487 winslowgen@gmail.com WOOD ANGUS FARM, LLC Russell Wood Willow Spring 919-275-4397 rwood4400@gmail.com www.woodangus.com

Sharon Rogers

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

Continued on the next page The Carolina Cattle Connection

q MAY 2021

PAGE 23

Angus News continued from the previous page Angus Journal Photography Contest, the NJAA Graphic Design Contest, the NJAA Writing Contest, the NJAA Beef Science Poster Contest, the NJAA Public Speaking Contest, the NJAA Career Development Contest, NJAA Extemporaneous Public Speaking Contest, NJAA Cattle Judging Contest, NJAA Skill-a-thon, NJAA Stockman’s Contest, NJAA Team Sales, NJAA Team Fitting, NJAA Quiz Bowl, the virtual coloring contest, the NJAA Best State Herdsman Contest, the sweepstakes contest, and the Angus Mentoring Program (AMP). A few of the contests are evaluated before NJAS to allow those who can’t attend a chance to compete. These contests include photography, graphic design, and creative writing.

You can even test your skills in the kitchen at the annual American Angus Auxiliary sponsored All American Certified Angus Beef Cook-off Contest.

During this contest, teams are challenged to prepare a beef dish and skit that serves both as an educational and promotional opportunity to consumers.

All individual contests must be signed up for through the AAA login contest portal, and all team contests must be signed up by your state advisor prior to

PAGE 24

NJAS. For additional contest information, head over to www.NJAA.info.

Visit the NJAA website for more information on contest deadlines, or contact the Events and Education department at 816-383-5100. There are no exceptions to any of the ownership or entry deadlines.

We can’t wait to see you in Grand Island for the Grandest Show!

Angus Foundation to Host Annual Golf Tournament. Sponsorships and registration are now available for the July 13 event. Attention golf and Angus enthusiasts; after a crazy year resulting in the 2020 Angus Foundation Golf Tournament cancellation, the Angus Foundation is set to host their Annual Golf Tournament in conjunction with the 2021 National Junior Angus Show in Grand Island, Nebraska. The event is to be hosted on July 13, with registration to begin at 7:00 a.m. and the shotgun start at 8:00 a.m. at the Indianhead Golf Club located in Grand Island, Nebraska.

“This year we are more excited than ever to host the 20th Annual Angus Foundation Golf Tournament,” said Thomas Marten, executive director of the Angus Foundation. “Not only will this be a day that supports the Angus breed, but also a day

The Carolina Cattle Connection q MAY 2021

to catch up and reconnect with the Angus family after a year away from normalcy.”

Sponsorship options are available to state and regional Angus associations, individuals, businesses, farms, and ranches. There are different promotional opportunities at eight sponsorship levels. Sponsors will be recognized in the tournament program, tournament luncheon, post event news release, Angus Journal, and the Angus Foundation website. Sponsorship spots include the following: luncheon, beverage/player cart, tournament prizes, clubhouse, hole-in-one tee box, hole, and flag. The sponsorship deadline is June 11.

Player registration is open until July 1. Adult registration is $100, and National Junior Angus Association (NJAA) member registration is $75. Players get 18 holes of golf, golf cart rental, continental breakfast, and Certified Angus Beef brand lunch. Mulligans will be available at the course for $10 each, with a limit of one per player. After the registration deadline, adult players will be $110, and junior members will be $85.

For player registration, sponsorship opportunities, or more information about the golf tournament, contact Kris Sticken

with the Angus Foundation at 816-3835100 or visit www.angusfoundation.org.

About the Angus Foundation.

Established as a 501(c)(3) organization in 1980, the Angus Foundation remains focused on its mission to support Angus education, youth, and research. The organization has distributed more than $3.5 million in youth scholarships since 1998 and has also invested more than $1.3 million in beef cattle research throughout the past decade.

For more information, contact the Angus Foundation at 816-383-5100 or visit www.angusfoundation.org.

Angus Means Business. The American Angus Association is the nation’s largest beef breed organization, serving close to 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.

The Carolina Cattle Connection

q MAY 2021

PAGE 25

Certified Angus Beef News Where Premiums are Earned.

Understanding Beef Carcass Value. A Choice carcass is worth more than Select, but if cattlemen are looking to add value across the entire carcass, only one brand does that.

Cattlemen joining a March webinar hosted by the Certified Angus Beef (CAB) brand learned about that and more while discovering the sources of premiums they earn for their best cattle.

For decades, those who aim to raise high quality cattle have kept an eye on the Choice/Select spread. The CAB/Choice spread? That’s next level.

“The purpose of the brand is to add value to Angus cattle,” said Paul Dykstra, CAB assistant director of supply management and analysis. “The $17.57/ hundredweight (cwt.) premium over Choice is absolutely at the heart and soul of our very purpose and our mission statement.”

Diana Clark, CAB meat scientist, co-

PAGE 26

hosted the webinar where the duo walked through market benchmarks, brand specifications, and the value it adds across the entire carcass.

Last year, it all added up to a CAB wholesale premium value of $154.61 per head above Choice and more than $246 above Select.

The 2020 beef supply - Dykstra said 15.5 million Angus type and eligible cattle were evaluated at licensed packing facilities in 2020, with 35.9 percent certified to carry the brand’s logo.

“That’s been the success story of the industry,” he said. “In the last 20 years or so, the amount of improvement in cattle accepted into the Certified Angus Beef brand, and really the carcass merit that has driven that trend in those eligible cattle.”

With more than 35 licensed partners in North America, CAB penetrates more than 85 percent of the fed cattle packing base, Dykstra said. Overall, 58 percent of fed cattle and 69 percent of beef type

The Carolina Cattle Connection q MAY 2021

cattle were eligible based on hide color in 2020.

Beneath a black hide - Cattle with a predominantly black hide are then marked with blue ink on the hock of the hanging carcass at the packing plant. Later, chilled carcasses are evaluated to see if they can meet ten science based specifications and go into beef boxes that carry the CAB brand logo.

“The goal behind these specifications is to provide high quality beef in a consistent manner for all our customers,” Clark said.

Standing beside a hanging side of beef with the primal cuts outlined in tape, Clark provided in-depth explanations on why each specification matters and how it’s measured for the most consistent quality.

She engaged virtual guests from the CAB Culinary Center and added colorful examples such as the calpain enzyme acting like PacMan on the quest to break down toughness dots so beef gains tenderness while aging.

Weight matters - Looking at the CAB/Choice spread, Dykstra noted the simple formula: Weight x Value spread = $154.61 per head above Choice on the 2020 average carcass weight of 880 pounds (lb.).

The wholesale value advantage

incentivizes packers to pay what has generally been increasing premiums for carcasses that meet the brand’s specifications. Last year, cattle feeders got roughly $45 per head on average for a CAB qualifier over the cash price for the week.

Breaking that CAB/Choice spread down by primal cut, he explained how CAB provides a 7.4 percent premium over Choice.

“When it comes to value distribution, weight matters,” he said. “But where are we driving the most value?” Details provided answers.

The loin is only the third heaviest primal cut at 21.3 percent or 187 lb. in 2020 average weight, but it brings the most value to the carcass, offering a $65.99/head CAB brand premium over Choice.

The round carries 22.3 percent of the weight and adds a $14.95/head CAB premium, while the rib contributes a $29.81/head premium from 11.4 percent of the carcass weight.

“For a brisket, the Certified Angus Beef premium actually adds $10.35/cwt. to the spread over Choice,” Dykstra said. “We sure wish the brisket weighed more with

Continued on page 29

The Carolina Cattle Connection

q MAY 2021

PAGE 27

• 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

THE BARN LOFT

1475 National Highway • Thomasville, NC 27360 Store - 336-886-1737 • Cell - 336-250-0572 www.thebarnloft.com PAGE 28

The Carolina Cattle Connection q MAY 2021

Certified Angus Beef News continued from page 27 that premium. But with 44 lb. and 5 percent of total carcass value, it still contributes almost $5 per head on the cutout.”

Adding value across the carcass, CAB provides premiums to the chuck and plate primals, compared to the Choice grade, which adds nothing.

The chuck carries the most weight in the carcass at 29.6 percent (260 lb.), offering a $30.73/head CAB premium over Choice or Select, he said. Coming in at only 7.1 percent of the carcass weight (62 lb.), the plate earns $7.31 of the $154.61 total CAB premium.

Rounding out the carcass, Dykstra noted the flank, lightest primal at 30 lb. or 3.4 percent of the carcass, still adds $1.43/cwt. to the total average CAB premium carcass value.

As quality continues to trend up and more cattle qualify for the brand, the CAB/ Choice spread may gain ground on the old Choice/Select metric as an industry standard. Along the way, the brand will keep working with all partners from pasture to plate, adding value to every cut and premiums for Angus cattlemen.

To watch more of any of the recent webinars hosted by the CAB Cattleman Connection team, visit www.CABcattle. com/webinars.

Pandemic Underscores Beef Demand Trends. Premium Quality Beef Provides Confident, Support. It’s been a year. A long, arduous year since last March when grocery stores and restaurants around the world had their business plans radically changed in just a few days.

As they adjusted day-to-day operations, one beef industry trend resonated louder: “quality matters.”

David O’Diam saw it unfold from his perspective as vice president of retail for the CAB brand. Retail beef sales during the pandemic displaced much of the trade

usually enjoyed by food service.

It took 2.43 million cattle to supply the 608 million pounds (lb.) of CAB cuts sold by 3,000 retail partners in fiscal 2020. That’s more than the volume of all USDA Select beef.

“Most folks were working from home and had more time,” O’Diam said.

“They were cooking more than they ever had, so they educated themselves on what quality meat is. That helped drive demand for high quality like Certified Angus Beef to all time historic levels.”

For a fraction of the price, their expensive nights out became affordable at home, he said, but sales extended beyond steaks. The chuck and round primal cuts gained value on their middle meat counterparts. Consumers looked for the logo they recalled from their favorite restaurants.

With more entertainment dollars diverted to retail, those who did continue to venture out to dine concentrated on a high quality eating experience.

Restaurants are still struggling.

“There is a big hole to dig out of,” said Sara Scott, CAB vice president of foodservice, but after a long 12 months, optimism has returned to the scene.

“The ones that remain are the best of the best. They are nimble and progressive,” she said.

As seating capacity ramps back up, diners are choosing places based on their pre-pandemic reputation.

“Now is not the time for them to cut quality,” Scott says. “If they’re known for that great eating experience, people will be expecting that.”

During the height of closures, regular demand patterns were upended and middle meats decreased in value in relation to ends, like the chuck and round.

Last winter, ribeyes were more expensive

than tenderloins at one point. It was hard for foodservice meat buyers to predict the market.

“That’s a pretty black-and-white indicator that restaurants drive value to the entire carcass,” she said.

Enjoying more beef at home this past year has greatly educated shoppers, which could sustain higher retail sales of premium beef even as restaurants reopen here and abroad.

On the export front, Cody Jones, CAB vice president of international, said partners around the globe were doubling down on their commitment to quality.

“They’re telling us, ‘yeah, we’re not downgrading at all. We think this is our chance to shine above the competition,’” he said.

Tourism took a hit during the pandemic, as did CAB sales, where there was a less established CAB retail presence like the Caribbean and some parts of Latin America. On the other hand, Taiwan saw an increase in CAB sales, and the brand continued to its ¼ share of all U.S. beef exports to the Middle East.

Four of CAB’s top ten countries are in Asia and expected to anchor 40 percent of the world’s economy by 2030 thanks to

their surging middle class.

Export sales depend on trade policies, market dynamics, and maintaining close relationships.

“Whatever the method, pre- or postCOVID, our job is to help our partners promote the brand, drive demand toward the logo, and seek any opportunities we can,” Jones said.

As tourism begins to reopen, logo recognition from retail stores and restaurants will boost demand across borders.

For some, worldwide lockdowns and quarantines reprioritized the trends in quality that CAB was already watching and helping to promote. What was important a year ago is even more important now.

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.

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

LIVESTOCK VIDEO AUCTION - Tuesdays at 10:00 a.m.

SOUTHEAST LIVESTOCK EXCHANGE Waynesville, NC

John Queen: 828-421-3446 SELEXvideo@gmail.com • www.selex-video.com The Carolina Cattle Connection

q MAY 2021

PAGE 29

H.J. WHITE FARMS Retirement time for Jerry! Entire Herd of H.J. White Farm Cattle for Sale Private Treaty.

PRICED TO SELL! 12 Registered Angus Females • Most with calf at side • Ready to breed • Handpicked for production, marbling, & tenderness • 6 of 12 from Yon Family Farms • 5 Daughters of GAR Prophet - Registration #s: 17851098 • 18413115 • 18146580 • 18769375 • 18507922 • 1 Daughter of Yon South Edisto - Registration # 19643674 • 1 Daughter of Yon Belton - Registration # 19642675 • 1 Daughter of Bubs Southern Charm - Registration # 19526739 • 1 Daughter of Rito 3S10 of 9Q15 Progress - Registration # 19646822 • 1 Daughter of Ten X - Registration # 17948852 • 1 Daughter of Connealy Black Granite - Registration # 18131214 • 1 Daughter of Gardens Cache - Registration # 19642676 • 1 Herd Sire - Yon Advance F239 - Registration # 19144036 Very Good • Slick & Heat Tolerant • Docile • High Marbling & Tenderness DNA • Dam was top selling cow in 2020 sale!

30+ Senepol x Angus Females • Most with calf at side • Ready to breed • Angus influenced comes from VAR Discover 2240, GAR Prophet, and Gardens Cache • Most crossbred cattle are registered with the Simmental 1GS program • Most are slick haired, heat tolerant, and black • 3 very good cross herd sires included “I have been in the cattle business for 65 years, but the last 15 years in the consumer freezer beef business has been my biggest challenge. The consumer wants a pleasurable eating experience from beef. This requires marbling and tenderness. Producing this starts with genetics, followed up by management. I think this herd has the genetics to please and sustain freezer beef customers. We have DNA tested for tenderness for 18 years.” ~ Jerry White

Boyce G. ‘Jerry’ White, Sr. • H.J. White Farms 299 White Farm Lane • Bladenboro, NC 28320 Cell - 910-872-4503 (Do NOT leave message) • Farm - 910-648-6171 • Home - 910-863-3170 (night) Email - bgwsenepol@intrstar.net (Please leave phone #) PAGE 30

The Carolina Cattle Connection q MAY 2021

Calving season surprises — Are you prepared? When unpredictable conditions arise, eubiotics deliver rapid support to calves in need. Fluctuating weather. Muddy, wet conditions. Long days and short nights.

Sound like your calving season? You’re already handling a lot, so when surprises hit, and your calves need extra care, you want to be prepared. Eubiotics are a great way to deliver rapid support to calves after birth and during times of environmental stress.

“Calving season surprises, like a calf that doesn’t get off to a strong start or a dam not mothering up, often call for additional calf support,” says David Mathes, director of sales and marketing at DBC Ag Products. “Eubiotics can help support digestive health and immune function in calves.”

But what are eubiotics? How do they work? Here’s an overview: What are eubiotics? Eubiotics are often described as a class of innovative natural ingredients, including probiotics, prebiotics, essential oils, and organic

acids. They help provide a healthy balance of microbiota in a calf’s gastrointestinal (GI) tract, supporting digestive health and a functioning immune system. Eubiotics can be helpful for animals of any age.

How do eubiotics work? Eubiotics can come in many forms and are most often delivered to calves via feed, drenches, boluses, gel, or paste. Paste forms allow for more convenient anytime, anywhere administration.

“Eubiotics, paired with other novel feed ingredients, work together to create a broad based calf health package,” says Mathes.

“These ingredients support calf health and the immune system to help protect your investment and long term profitability.”

Here’s how common ingredients in eubiotics work: • Probiotics deliver viable microorganisms to help maintain a natural population balance of probiotic microorganisms in the GI tract and support digestive health.

• Prebiotics provide a food source for

naturally occurring microorganisms in the gut to help maintain proper flora and support digestion.

• Organic acids help provide nutritional support for the digestive tract mucosal lining for a healthy, active GI tract microbiome.

• Essential oils offer flavoring for appetite while supporting gut health and digestive function.

Other novel feed ingredients, like egg proteins, specialized whey proteins, MOS (mannan-oligosaccharides), and vitamins can help support a healthy gut. Each ingredient brings something important to the table to help beef calves maintain normal.

When is the best time to use eubiotics?

Including eubiotics as part of your routine tagging or processing protocols is a great way to support calves early on and help maintain normal GI health. About 70 percent of the immune system resides in or around the digestive tract – that’s why maintaining normal digestive health from birth is crucial for long term health.

“By starting calves strong, you’re building a healthy foundation for lifetime productivity,” says Mathes. “Calves that maintain normal digestive health tend to have healthy immune systems, helping them grow fast and reach their genetic potential.”

Eubiotics can also be used later when calves need additional support while

they’re on pasture or during transitions like weaning. Look for a complete eubiotics package in a paste tube for easy transport and administration when you’re checking the herd.

Can eubiotics work alongside antibiotics? Eubiotics are becoming more widely used in livestock rations, especially as more prudent use of feed grade antibiotics is promoted and regulated.

“Using eubiotics as a tool to support maintaining normal and when calves need rapid support will continue playing an important role as we see antibiotic use protocols change,” says Mathes.

Learn more about eubiotics and Last Stand®, a total eubiotics package, at www. dbcagproducts.com.

About DBC Ag Products. DBC Ag Products, a division of the Daniel Baum Company, specializes in innovative biotechnology solutions that utilize practical research and proven technology to meet agribusiness needs using applied microbiology, enzymology, and immunology.

DBC offers a broad range of biotechnology based animal health products for many different species. Products are designed to help maintain a normal digestive system and support a functioning immune system in young animals, including calves, lambs, goat kids, horses, dogs, and poultry. For more information, visit www.dbcagproducts.com.

The Carolina Cattle Connection

q MAY 2021

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You shouldn’t have to have a gun held to your head to take advantage of the expert A.I., superior genetics, the best in purebreds and outstanding farm supplies featured in the Classifieds in this issue!

THE 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 the top Simmental producer with the most registrations.

FSC Ranch is followed by High Ridge Farms in Albemarle, Hardrock Beef Cattle in Granite Falls, Massey Farms in Burlington, and Waco Cattle Company in Waco. For South Carolina, the top Simmental producer is Yon Family Farms in Ridge Spring, followed by Baxley Farms in Georgetown, Nickle N Dime Farm in Six Mile, Wayne Garber in Laurens, and Longview Farm in Anderson. The state of Virginia’s top Simmental producer is Shenandoah Valley Simmentals in Quicksburg, followed by McDonald Farms in

Blacksburg, Smith Reasor of Rural Retreat, Virginia Tech in Blacksburg, and Penley Farm Simmentals in Bland.

Most Used Bulls. The American Simmental Association has published the most used bulls by the number of progeny registered in 2020. The top bull used for the second year in a row was CCR Cowboy Cut 5048Z with 1,912 progeny registered. He is followed by Hook’s Beacon 56B as the number two bull with 1,303 progeny registered. This is the second year Hook’s Beacon has occupied the number two position. The top five bulls are four purebreds and one percentage Simmental bull. The first percentage Simmental bull is number three, TJ Main Event 503B with 1,166 progeny registered. He is a ½ Simmental - ½ Angus and has been number three

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

PAGE 32

The Carolina Cattle Connection q MAY 2021

for two years in a row. The first red Simmental to appear is WS All Aboard B80, which has moved up to number 18 from number 20 last year. This red bull has 491 progeny registered, which is also up from his progeny last year by almost 100 head. The first purebred Angus to appear is number 44. This bull is LD Capitalist 316 with 248 progeny registered.

Interesting Facts from the ASA. The American Simmental Association has

published its Annual Report and mailed it to all active members. There were 75,122 cattle registered last year with the American Simmental Association, which is an increase of over 2,000 head. The Total Herd Enrollment (THE) program had 125,963 active cows enrolled.

There were 12,512 bull transfer papers processed last year by the ASA. There are currently 9,344 active adult and junior members of the ASA, which is a substantial increase from last year.

N.C. Simmental Association - Like us on Facebook!

1341 US Hwy 21 • Hamptonville, NC 27020 336-468-1679 • www.ncsimmental.com • NCSA@yadtel.net

HERD HEALTH

By PATTY SCHARKO, DVM, MPH Clemson University

Biosecurity All producers aim to maintain the health of their herds. Because losses from sickness and death take a toll on cattle and producers alike, it can be helpful to periodically review farm biosecurity practices.

Recently, two farms sent beef cattle for necropsies (autopsies) to the state veterinary diagnostic laboratory (Clemson Veterinary Diagnostic Center) to determine the cause of death.

Farm #1 purchased some cattle and “separated” them from the main resident herd. About one week after arrival, numerous resident cattle became sick — several very sick. Some of these animals became sick overnight and died before treatment could be started. A few days later, several of the recently purchased cattle became sick, and some were lost.

Farm #2 purchased a bull from a known source with a similar good herd health program (vaccinated against blackleg and 9-way [IBR/PI3/BVD/ BRSV/Lepto5]). The bull was placed directly with the cows that had recently calved. About two weeks later, calves displayed respiratory signs “overnight.”

What could have happened to contribute to disease introduction in these two instances? It was realized that the “separation” on Farm #1 was a fence

N.C. Weekly Auctions Report

(Week ending APRIL 8, 2021) Feeder Cattle - Medium and Large 1-2 Kind Avg. Wt. $/lb Steers 300-400 $134.00 - 185.00

400-500 $130.00 - 173.00

500-600 $129.00 - 163.50

600-700 $117.00 - 153.00

700-800 $111.00 - 143.00

800-900 $105.00 - 129.00 Heifers

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

$121.00 - 158.00 $118.00 - 149.00 $110.00 - 140.00 $100.00 - 128.00 $94.00 - 116.00 $82.00 - 98.00

Slaughter Cows: (over 850 lbs) Breakers (70-80% lean) $55.00 - 68.00 Boners (80-85% lean) $50.00 - 69.00 High Dressing (70-85% lean) $57.00 - 80.00

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

that could allow nose-to-nose contact between the new arrivals and the home herd, so it did not provide true isolation.

Also, unfortunately, because there was no vaccination history for either the new arrivals or the home herd, these unvaccinated cattle were not protected from the major viral diseases. Both Bovine Respiratory Syncytial Virus (BRSV) and Mannheimia haemolytica (bacteria that causes severe acute lung damage) were detected in the necropsy case.

Farm #2 purchased from a known and trusted farm but did not take an extra precaution of isolating the newly arrived bull from the resident herd. Although in this instance, the cattle on both farms had been vaccinated against the major disease players, it is important to remember that there are other known viruses and bacteria for which a vaccine is not available. Although this bull appeared healthy, he may have been “subclinical” — incubating a virus and/or bacteria that the resident cattle had not been exposed to or vaccinated against.

The COVID-19 event is teaching all of us the importance of personal biosecurity: avoiding close contact (social distancing), washing hands often, cleaning and disinfecting surfaces, avoiding contact with sick people, and staying home if we’re sick.

In cattle health, the greatest risk is the introduction of new cattle and traffic between farms/operations.

It is a good time for all cattle producers to review biosecurity practices: 1. Keep a closed herd as much as possible, purchasing bulls and all replacement animals from reputable sellers.

2. Quarantine new arrivals for 2130 days before allowing them contact with your cattle. a. Design the quarantine area to prevent cross contamination between cattle. b. Do not share water troughs or other materials between the new animals and with resident cattle during the quarantine period. c. Consider a separate person to care for the new arrivals. If this isn’t possible, then care for the resident animals first, then the new arrivals.

d. Monitor the new arrivals daily for signs of disease.

3. Keep all equipment, vehicles, and clothing clean to decrease the chance of microbial contamination. a. Keep a record of visitors to the farm, including feed trucks.

4. Prevent manure contamination of feed and feeding equipment a. Use different equipment to feed and clean pens. b. Never step in a feed bunk!

5. Develop a routine vaccination program a. Work with your veterinarian to determine what is needed for herd health in your area. b. Keep reminders for vaccines and all preventive care in your calendar.

6. Control Diseases a. BVD (Bovine Viral Diarrhea) many bull sales will test the bulls for BVD Persistently Infected (PI) b. Johne’s Disease - purchase from a

producer who has been actively (annually) testing the herd with negative test results c. Bovine Leukosis - purchase from a producer who has tested the herd with negative test results It is always a good idea to treat new arrivals like they do have a contagious disease! Isolate (quarantine) new arrivals.

This not only helps prevent disease spread but also helps the cattle adapt and be less stressed and less likely to shed.

When you visit other farms or locations with cattle and other animals, be sure to clean your boots/shoes/clothes after coming home and change into farm clothes before visiting your cattle.

Remembering all of these biosecurity steps will help us achieve our goals of having healthy resident herds and successful businesses in the Carolinas.

SOURCES • BQA Chapter 3 Biosecurity - www. bqa.org/resources/manuals • S.C. Ag Watch Manual, 2017 Update

The Carolina Cattle Connection

q MAY 2021

PAGE 33

NEWS Beef Up Your ROI: Consider an Extended Duration Dewormer. Using a dewormer with extended release technology offers advantages across multiple phases of cattle production.

An extended duration dewormer boasts the unique ability to control parasites on both a short and long term basis. Over the course of a grazing season, this means better use of feed and other resources – and ultimately, more weight being gained day in and day out.1,2 “The main difference between an extended duration dewormer and conventional dewormers is the length of targeted parasite control,” said Peggy Thompson, DVM, Boehringer Ingelheim.

“If your cattle are on grass for longer than two months, it’s definitely an option worth considering.”

Studies show that using a dewormer

with extended release technology offers several benefits – improved reproduction, shortened calving intervals, higher average daily gains, and heavier calves at weaning.3,4 “In stocker and cow/calf herds that have a long grazing period, using a dewormer that lasts up to 150 days usually makes a lot of sense for producers. Young animals are the most susceptible to parasites and will likely see the largest return on investment (ROI) from long duration parasite control,” said Dr. Thompson.

Rob Gill, manager of eight cow/ calf operations and an 11,000 head feedlot located throughout Wyoming and surrounding states, decided to put an extended duration dewormer to the test.

“We treated one group of heifers with just a drench and pour-on, and the other group

2021 Spotlight Issues Schedule Most of the breed associations in North and South Carolina have stepped forward and renewed their contracts for Spotlight sections in The Carolina Cattle Connection for 2021. If your breed is not featured as a Spotlight section and you would like to inquire on any open months please feel free to contact me.

Below is the tentative schedule for the upcoming year.

2021 Reserved Spotlight Issues

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

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

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

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The Carolina Cattle Connection q MAY 2021

received an extended duration dewormer.

Heifers that received the longer acting dewormer were about 32 pounds heavier coming off grass in the fall.”

Gill says that while producers may frown upon the initial cost of a longer acting dewormer, there’s a significant payoff between the lower stress levels and added weight gain. “We treat cattle before they go out to pasture, and we don’t have to touch them again until they’re in the feedlot. The dewormer is worth our investment because it keeps parasites out of pastures, resulting in better weight gain that carries through to feedlot performance.”

No matter the type of dewormer you choose, be sure to follow deworming best practices to boost your ROI. Use diagnostics to evaluate parasite populations and product efficacy.

“I recommend evaluating parasite populations and dewormer efficacy through diagnostic testing at least every two to three years,” said Dr. Thompson.

• A fecal egg count reduction test, or FECRT, is a standardized diagnostic tool that can help evaluate the efficacy of your deworming products. Typically, a 90 percent or greater reduction in the fecal egg count indicates that your dewormer is performing the way it’s supposed to.

• A coproculture can help find the species of parasites most prevalent within the herd, so you can implement a targeted approach to parasite control.

Read the product label closely to be sure it offers the protection your herd needs.

Each class of dewormers has its own strengths and weaknesses, and certain classes are more effective against specific parasites. By performing regular diagnostic testing and paying close attention to product labels, you can determine how effective each dewormer will be at controlling the key parasites in your herd.

It’s also difficult for the dewormer to do its job if not administered correctly.

Read the label to be certain the product is stored correctly, the dose you’re administering is accurate for the weight of the animal you’re treating, and that your equipment is properly functioning prior to treating the animals.

Work with your herd veterinarian “We meet with multiple veterinarians and our Boehringer Ingelheim representative on a regular basis to develop, review, and revise deworming protocols,” said Gill.

Every producer ’s situation is unique; no two herds are the same, and neither are their parasite burdens. That’s why consulting your veterinarian is so important. He or she can help evaluate your operation’s needs and recommend

a deworming protocol and product(s) based on the findings. Your grazing season period, the age and class of your animals, your operation type, and the grazing history of the pasture are all considerations to discuss.

“With a well planned, evidence based deworming program, your animals will be better positioned to achieve improved feed and reproductive efficiencies and develop stronger immune systems to fight off other diseases,” concluded Dr. Thompson.

REFERENCES 1 Dependent upon parasite species, as referenced in FOI summary and LongRange (eprinomectin) product label claims.

2 LongRange product label claims.

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

4 Andresen C.E., Loy D.D., Brick T.A., Gunn P.J. Case study: Effects of extended release eprinomectin on cow/calf performance and reproductive success in a fall calving beef herd. Prof Anim Sci 2018;34(2):223–229.

About Boehringer Ingelheim.

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

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

NOTICE

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

HOWEVER, letters that are not signed will not be considered for publication.

The Carolina Cattle Connection

q MAY 2021

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The Carolina Cattle Connection q MAY 2021

ROY COOPER GOVERNOR BEEF MONTH 2021

BY THE GOVERNOR OF THE STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA A PROCLAMATION WHEREAS, according to the 2020 North Carolina Agricultural Statistics Book published by the N.C. Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, there are currently over 800,000 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 2020 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 2020 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 2020 North Carolina Agricultural Statistics Book published by the N.C. Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, cattle farms generate more than $249 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 2021, 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-one, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and fortieth.

The Carolina Cattle Connection

q MAY 2021

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The Carolina Cattle Connection q MAY 2021

BEEF TIPS

Examples of foot problems that can develop over time

By STEVEN E. MEADOWS, Ph.D., Clemson University

Cow Herd Evaluation Time Spring is an exciting time of the year for sure. The weather is warming up, and the grass is growing. Spring also brings weaning time for fall calving cow herds and offers a great opportunity for cattlemen to evaluate their cow herd.

Once the calves are weaned, it is a good time to evaluate which cows did a good job, which ones did an average job, and which ones are below average producers.

Do some of the cows have any problems structurally; did they calve on time, etc.?

To maintain an efficient cattle operation, you need to ask yourself these types of questions. This article will focus on a few basic management criteria that need to be evaluated across the cow herd.

Fertility is our first topic to discuss and paramount to any operation. Frankly, fertility is the most important trait in the cow herd. If the cow did not breed back, then everything else is a moot point.

Weaning time is a perfect opportunity to pregnancy test the herd. Open cows do not make money and should be shipped at this time. Controlled breeding seasons that are 45-90 days allow time for palpation/pregnancy testing at weaning.

A tight breeding season will reward the producer with calves that are closer to age and uniformity and also allows for timely vaccinations and marketing benefits at the end. Also, in the arena of fertility and reproduction, make sure that any cows that prolapsed at calving or “red ball” while bred are culled.

The question as to which cow did a good job for you is an open ended question for sure. The way producers answer that will vary by operation without doubt. To start the evaluation process, I would suggest you first look at the performance of the calf a cow weaned and see what its performance was in comparison to its contemporaries.

Weaning ratios have been around for years but are still very important and useful tools for producers. Poor performing cows need to be culled at this time. Also, pay close attention to your first calf heifers progeny weaning ratios. Poor performing first calf heifers usually do not get better as they grow older. These young cows may have a little heavier calf on the second calf but, on average, will most likely be at the bottom of their contemporary groups as mature

cows.

Now, there are other factors that can cause lower performance, and one certainly is the maternal ability of the cow. A productive cow herd should be made up of adequate milking cows with growth genetics that match the environment. Hopefully, you have identified the cows that have poor udders when the calf was born. I can’t stress enough the importance of udder quality in your cow herd. The udder should be evaluated a day or so after calving to determine a cow’s udder score and quality. Large teats and pendulous udders may pose a problem for the newborn calf. If the teat is large, the baby calf may not be able to nurse and receive needed colostrum. In addition, you can also end up with damaged quarters that no longer function. Pendulous udders, as well as blind quarters, should be culled when weaning time comes around.

Credit - IFAS Extension-University of Florida

Credit - Canadian Cattlemen Beef Magazine

the fall born calf. In addition to feet and leg concerns, cattlemen should check the teeth on the older cattle if other factors are eliminated, as discussed earlier. As cattle get older, the teeth will wear down.

Cows will become smooth mouthed and have difficulty chewing and grazing the necessary amount of forage they require and need to be removed from the herd.

Another management practice is to check all cows for any eye problems.

Cows with the start of cancer eye or show early symptoms should be shipped. Do not allow this disease to progress. The value of the cow could be completely lost if you delay action. I would recommend cattle with advancing cancer eye be culled at any time upon detection, not just when

Over the course of years to come, some of these traits will become less notable as they are genetically heritable. By not keeping calves from cows with feet/ structure problems, cancer eye, or fertility problems, or poor maternal allows you to push the cow herd to improve future generations.

Lastly, the springtime market for cull cows is usually the strongest part of the year for cull cow prices. The weather is warming up, folks are grilling more, and there are typically fewer mature cows on the market than in the fall.

If you need more information and examples of foot scoring, udder scoring, and body condition scoring, you can find these easily on the websites of many beef cattle breed associations. If more training is needed, contact your local Extension Livestock Agent or Specialist.

Teat and udder scoring with pictorial examples

Credit - University of Nebraska-Lincoln

Feet and legs are other issues that need to be evaluated at this time. Cattle with long toes, curled toes, or laminitis should be considered for culling. If a cow has difficulty grazing due to possible discomfort from bad feet or legs, she possibly will not graze as much as she should. If the cow has difficulty harvesting enough forage daily to meet her needs, she will not maintain her flesh, weight, milk at her potential, and may not breed back due to the fact she is not getting the nutrition her body needs to perform the necessary functions.

It is also a good idea to evaluate cows for their fleshing ability at weaning.

Thin cattle in the body score of 4 or less could have several things going on.

Assuming the nutritional levels were met during the winter while she was raising

their calves are weaned.

The last step in evaluation is disposition. Life is too short to put up with a crazy cow. The dangers presented by one or more crazy/mean cows in a herd can ruin the enjoyment of owning cattle. I have had a few occasions in life working with producers who will tell me what a “good calf that crazy cow raises.”

I always throw out, “Is she worth possible injury and a trip to the emergency room”?

Hard to handle cows cause stress to the owner, other animals in the herd, and overall infrastructure.

The management steps that are listed in this article can improve the overall performance and profitability of your herd. For optimum production and herd efficiency, these management steps need to be addressed by all producers.

Y’all have stumbled on the best place to advertise expert A.I., superior genetics, the best in purebreds and outstanding farm supplies. Check the Classifieds in this issue!

The Carolina Cattle Connection

q MAY 2021

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Farm Safety — Considerations for Hay Season

By MARION BARNES Clemson University It seems the older one gets, the more they reminisce or recall days gone by. As a teenager growing up on a small family farm in Colleton County, South Carolina, I could not wait for school to turn out for the summer, even though it meant chores and full time farm work for the next three months. One of the chores I did not look forward to was baling hay. We had a small beef cattle herd of around 20 Angus brood cows and depended on a neighbor and close family friend to bale our hay on shares. My father, who worked a day job and farmed part time, would furnish some of the laborers, our hired man, and myself to help with the baling. Our neighbor had five teenage sons, some hired help, and a large cattle herd. He also sold small square bales to other livestock producers in the area. Back then, neighbors helped each other all the time; they would help bale our hay, and we would, in turn, help them with their hay.

I remember some exciting, amusing, hot, and humid days in the hay field baling square bales before the introduction of round balers. God bless the person who invented round balers! I can still recall the hay trailer emptying its occupants when we rolled over an already disturbed yellow jacket nest in the hay field. A wad of chewing tobacco was administered to the stings on the unlucky victim(s) who could not escape the wrath of the enraged yellow jackets! Occasionally, a small copperhead or black snake would be baled up and deposited in the hay trailer floor, still wiggling in a square bale! Again, the hay trailer occupants would clear the deck until the unwanted visitor could be dispatched or the bale discarded.

As with any farming operation, hay harvest is not without its hazards.

Thanks to mechanization, much of the hand labor of handling small square bales have been eliminated. Farmers now depend on machinery to do most of the work we did during summer break as teenagers. Anytime you work around farm machinery, one runs the risk of

injury. Farm safety incidents occur each year durting hay harvest season.

Unfortunately, some are serious, and a few result in fatalities. The following are a few areas you may consider to make hay harvest season a safer one.

Pre-harvest - As with many hazards on the farm, the perceived risk is often reduced below the level of the actual risk due to familiarity with the operation. The speed at which equipment operates and with which incidents can occur are often underestimated. Many times, the operator overestimates their ability to react to the situation. For instance, a PTO shaft rotating at 540 RPMs has a wrap rate of 7 feet per second. A baler traveling just 3 miles per hour will pull forage in at the rate of 4 feet per second. Belts, chains, and pulleys operating on many pieces of hay equipment have a pull-in rate of 66 feet per second. A person can never win a race with a machine.

Review operator manuals and follow maintenance guidelines. Reading the manufacturer’s operator manual at the beginning of each season and following the safety procedures listed can reduce the chances of an injury or mishap.

Cleaning, lubrication, and replacement of worn parts can also reduce downtime during the season.

Roadway transportation of hay equipment - Make sure equipment is roadworthy before traveling to the field.

Ensure lights, flashers, and turn signals are in working order, and SMV emblems are clean, clearly visible, and in the proper location on equipment. Make sure the extremities (widest part) of the balers, mowers, rakes, etc., have reflectors or reflective tape to alert motorists to the width of the farm equipment traveling on the road. Always return equipment such as balers, hay rakes, or mower conditioners to the roadway position before leaving the field. This position makes equipment as narrow as possible when meeting traffic or pulling to the side to let motorists pass. When transporting

BE A WINNER!

Join your local cattlemen’s association AND your state or regional breed association.

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The Carolina Cattle Connection q MAY 2021

large or wide equipment, it is advisable to use an escort vehicle.

Avoid traveling at dawn or dusk or when conditions limit visibility. Plan your route to avoid peak traffic hours when traveling on congested roadways. Choose a safe alternate route, even if it is a few miles further or requires a few minutes more travel time. Obey all traffic laws and signs.

Mowing and conditioning - Hay harvesting begins with cutting the fresh

forage. Start the season by checking fields for storm debris and other obstacles that may clog mowers or balers. Crop density and condition, as well as the speed of operation of the equipment, will affect mower operation. A heavy crop, poor drying conditions, and operating speeds that are too high can cause plugging or clogging. Each time you leave the operator’s seat to deal with plugging or clogging issues, you are potentially

American International Charolais Association

NEWS

National Search Begins After J. Neil Orth Announces Retirement. After more than two decades of serving as the executive vice president of the American International Charolais Association (AICA), J. Neil Orth has recently announced his retirement. Before taking the helm at AICA, Orth spent more than 30 years as director of field services for the Drovers Journal and executive vice president of the International Brangus Breeders Association.

Throughout Orth’s career, he has been an ardent supporter of young people through his work serving on many livestock show boards and committees and breed association junior programs.

However, his most important contribution is through his mentoring of young men and women who have gone on to become outstanding career beef industry professionals.

As a breed executive, Neil’s ability to work across all demographics, both domestically and internationally, earned respect among his peers and a greater understanding of the complexities of beef production in America. His ability to encourage committees and boards to accept the incumbent fiduciary responsibilities resulted in sound financial positions. Under his leadership, AICA invested in technology upgrades and the implementation of programs that lead to its growth as one of the largest beef cattle breed associations in America.

In notifying the AICA board of his retirement, Orth said, “This breed has value throughout the beef industry after nearly a century of proven

contributions toward quality. The financial commitments that have been made to technology improvements make our ability to service the membership a near real time experience. In other words, I am confident in the position we are in and feel this is the right time for me to step away.”

A national search for the executive vice president position will begin immediately. Industry professionals with proven leadership skills can apply to AICA.EVP.Search@kreagermitchell.com.

About the American-International Charolais Association. The AICA is the official registry for Charolais and Charbray cattle in the United States. In 1957, the American Charolais Breeder Association and the International Charolais Breeders Association merged, forming the present AICA. With more than 2,900 active members, the AICA is one of the most dynamic and innovative breed organizations in the country. For more information, visit www.charolaisusa.com.

putting yourself at risk.

Cutter bar incidents can result in severe lacerations or amputations, particularly to fingers and toes.

These incidents usually happen when unplugging clogs in the field or servicing equipment and not following recommended safety protocols. Always disengage the PTO and shut off the tractor before working on equipment.

Disc type mowers, conditioners, and mower conditioners pose thrown object hazards. Never allow anyone to stand near the back of a conditioner or mower conditioner during operation.

Conditioners and mower conditioners pose pull-in and crushing hazards as well. Never operate equipment when bystanders are present. Cutter bar curtains are very important to reduce the potential for thrown object hazards. Read the operator manual, review warning symbols and labels, and follow all safety recommendations.

Baler operation - Operators must have an in-depth knowledge of the tractor and baler they are using. Hay balers are complex machines with many moving parts that pose numerous potential hazards, including entanglement, pullin hazards, wrap points, pinch and crush points, just to name a few. Make sure all protective devices (shields and guards)

are in place and in working order. Never attempt to clean, lubricate, or adjust a baler unless the tractor engine is turned off and the ignition key removed, the PTO disengaged, and all moving parts have stopped turning. Never try to unplug or clean out a baler while it is operating.

Severe injury or death can result. Wait until all machine motion has stopped before approaching. Do not try to feed material into a baler by hand. Make sure hay is significantly cured to prevent plugging. A wet crop increases the likelihood of plugging.

Make sure there are no bystanders when raising or lowering the rear gate or ejecting round bales. Do not eject round bales on slopes where they can roll. Discharge round bales only on level ground. Never stand under a raised rear gate/bale chamber gate, and always make sure the safety lock is in place when inspecting or working on the baler while the rear gate/bale chamber gate is raised.

Be prepared for a fire. Hot, dry weather conditions, friction from chains, belts or bearings, and combustible hay can lead to baler fires. Have a fully charged dry chemical Class ABC fire extinguisher on hand.

Handling round bales - Large round bales are generally moved with a front end loader. Use an attachment that is

designed for handling round bales such as a grappling hook or bale spear. These attachments, if properly used, will reduce the potential for bales to roll back on loader arms or the operator. When operating front end loaders, be mindful of pinch and crush points and never walk or work under a raised front end loader. When using a front end loader, be aware of overhead power lines. The center of gravity of a tractor changes (moves upwards) when bales are raised, increasing the chances of turnovers.

Use counterweights to improve stability when handling round bales. Remember the watchwords, “Go slow and keep the load low.”

Hauling round bales - Many farmers do not have the luxury of having hay fields adjacent to their livestock operations and must transport hay from distant fields to storage areas. Choose the appropriate size tractor that can handle the weight of the bales and stop the wagon or trailer with the added weight. If using a pick-up or truck to tow the load, make sure it has the necessary braking power to stop the load. Make sure hitch pins and safety chains are of proper size and securely attached. If transporting on public highways, follow all traffic laws regarding wide loads and properly secure

loads. Make sure all SMV emblems are clearly visible and consider the use of an escort vehicle with wide loads.

Operator safety - Hay baling season can be a stressful time of the year. A long hours out in the heat, sun, and dust makes for tiresome work. Wearing the proper personal protection equipment (PPE) can protect your body from hazards you may be exposed to when baling hay, such as dust, ultraviolet rays of the sun, loud noise, etc. Long sleeved shirt and long pants, sunglasses, a broad brim hat, sunscreen, dust masks, and hearing protection (for use when operating open station tractors without cabs) are examples of PPE you may want to consider. Get plenty of rest, eat a healthy diet, stay hydrated, and take frequent rest breaks when baling hay. Reaction times are reduced if your body is stressed or tired. If working alone, let someone know your location and schedule. Keep a positive attitude, focus on the job at hand, avoid distractions and be mindful of the potential safety hazards of baling hay.

Don’t take shortcuts; haste makes waste every time.

For more information on farm safety, contact your local Clemson Extension Office.

S.C. Charolais News

By GEORGEANNE WEBB S.C. Charolais Association

I’m sorry I did not have an article last month. At the time I was supposed to write the article, I found out that one of my very good friends in the cattle business had passed away. I was not able to think straight, much less type. Mark Howard of Tennessee passed away from a heart attack at age 58. He had just become a grandfather and was thrilled with his new granddaughter. I, along with many others, miss him tremendously. I talked to him quite often and really miss our phone conversations. The sales will be so different without Mark there smiling, laughing, and carrying on.

Speaking of sales, we hope to see all of our friends at the Appalachian Classic sale on June 5 in Knoxville, Tennessee. We have consolidated a lot of the smaller sales, and we have consignors from up and down the east coast participating. This will be a huge sale and a great opportunity to visit with a lot of folks. There will be a variety of genetics offered, so you should be able to

find anything you need. Everyone should be vaccinated by that time, so we are expecting a big crowd.

The DeBruycker bull sale just happened, and it was the most profitable sale they have ever had. Charolais bulls are in big demand with corn prices going up, and the feedlots desire bigger calves with lots of growth.

We are all weaning fall calves right now, and as usual, I am weaning a lot of bulls and have a couple of yearlings left.

If you need a Charolais bull, give me a call. If I don’t have what you need, I will find you one somewhere in the three state area.

Hopefully, the rain will hold off this month so we can get the hay cut, but as usual, it looks like it will be a juggling act to cut it, get it dry, and then bale it with dry days. Good luck. Maybe one of these years, there will be a good hay cutting season, and the rain holds off until July or August when we really need it.

Check on your neighbors and friends.

Wilkes Livestock Exchange 106 Armory Road • PO Box 2146 North Wilkesboro, NC 28659 Phone: 336-838-3442 • Fax: 336-838-3591 Weekly Sales - Wednesdays - 1:30 p.m.

Take-up Tuesday Evenings

Catching and Hauling Services Available

Shelmer Blackburn, Jr.

919-270-1522 • shelmerblackburn@hotmail.com

Seth Church

336-927-5370 • sethchurch@charter.net The Carolina Cattle Connection

q MAY 2021

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Ranch Dog Health. Veterinarian covers key health risks our dogs are up against. He went to open the gate toward another pasture on the family’s South Texas ranch, and his dog Hilda, an Australian shepherd, wouldn’t let him take another step — soon, he learned why. Underneath a tumbleweed like shrub, known as Barba De Chivo, was a rattlesnake. “Hilda kept me there long enough that when I made my way to the gate, the rattlesnake was gone. She was protecting me,” recalled President of Valley Vet Supply, Omar Hinojosa. “She was always with me and was my second set of eyes, watching over me — we had some very protective mama cows. Our dogs are always there for us, and we owe it to them to shield them from any potential health risks.”

For key dog health advice, we turned to Paul DeMars, DVM, DABVP, clinical associate professor at Oklahoma State University’s College of Veterinary

NEWS

Medicine, who said especially for our ranch dogs, “The biggest risks are parasites and tick borne illnesses, in which most are preventable. We have some great, easy-to-use and cost effective preventatives for heartworm, flea and tick control, and parasites.”

Risk No. 1: Heartworm disease Transmitted by mosquitoes, heartworm disease is a serious and potentially fatal disease affecting a number of mammals.

Dr. DeMars warns, “With heartworms being spread by mosquitoes, dogs that spend more time outdoors will get more mosquito bites.” Heartworm risk remains throughout the year, as mosquitoes will shelter from the colder months indoors or other protected areas.

Dr. DeMars said, “Every dog should be on a year round heartworm preventative.” Heartworm preventatives can cost an average of $10 per month, compared to heartworm treatment, which can cost more than $1,000 or the priceless

cost of a dog’s life. Make sure dogs never miss an annual heartworm test, and keep them on a heartworm preventative to protect against the risk.

Unlike other worms that are detected in a fecal sample, heartworms are detected through a blood test in a yearly, scheduled veterinary exam. Ensure heartworm testing is included in your pet’s annual exam with your veterinarian, as the earlier heartworm disease is detected, the better the chances for survival, should your dog test positive for heartworms.

Early on, most pets do not demonstrate symptoms, but as heartworm disease progresses, infected dogs may develop a persistent cough, fatigue, decreased appetite, and weight loss. Dogs with increased numbers of heartworms are at risk for cardiovascular collapse, as the worms suddenly block blood flow within the heart.

Risk No. 2: Fleas and ticks - Fleas can transmit harmful bacterial pathogens and tapeworms when ingested during a pet’s self grooming. Fleas also cause anemia and intense itching in pets.

Some dogs may also develop flea allergy dermatitis, which results from an allergic reaction to flea saliva.

Like fleas, ticks also transmit

harmful bacterial pathogens. One of the most dangerous and common tick-borne infectious diseases in dogs includes Ehrlichia Infection, which can cause lameness, eye issues such as blindness, neurological problems, weight loss, and swollen limbs. “The most commonly recognized sign is low blood platelets (colorless blood cells that help blood clot), which then cause bleeding if the platelets are low enough,” warned Dr. DeMars. Among other diseases, ticks also transmit Rocky Mountain spotted fever and Lyme disease.

It could take as long as 21 days for a pet to show signs of disease. In the case of Lyme disease, it can take as many as five months before signs become recognizable.

Watch pets closely for changes in behavior or appetite if there is any concern they have been bitten by a tick.

Common tick or flea borne disease symptoms: • Lethargy • Weakness • Fever • Enlarged spleen or lymph nodes • Weight loss • Gum discoloration • Joint pain • Swelling or stiffness of joints

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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The Carolina Cattle Connection q MAY 2021

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

There are several types of flea and tick control products, including oral or topical medications, powders, and sprays, collars, or shampoos and dips. “While older topical products exist, newer products are even more effective,” said Dr. DeMars.

Risk No. 3: Intestinal parasites There are many different types of worms in the environment that can affect our dogs. Regularly deworming with a wormer that is specifically developed for dogs is the safest option to relieve their parasite burden. Learn about the four most common worms in dogs below.

1. Hookworms attach themselves to a dog’s intestines and generate thousands of eggs within days. Your dog can come in contact with them walking through contaminated grass and soil. Signs can include diarrhea, weight loss, poor coat, slow growth and dehydration.

A m e r i ca n A s s o c i a t i o n o f Vete r i n a r y M e d i ca l C o l l e g e s

2. Roundworms thrive in contaminated soil and feces and are often found in young puppies, as well as adults. Signs include diarrhea, blood in stools, weight loss, poor hair coat, vomiting, lethargy, swollen stomachs, and even colic.

3. Whipworms reside in infected soil and especially present risks when dogs dig in the dirt. Signs can include severe diarrhea, weight loss, bloody or mucus covered stools, blood loss, dehydration, anemia, or worse.

4. Tapeworms can be seen caught in a dog’s fur around their rear. Often, they are transmitted through fleas, as the flea ingests the worm larvae and then the dog ingests the flea; they’re also transmitted through infected soil. Signs can include diarrhea or bloody stool, change in appetite, poor coat, weight loss, abdominal pain, and scooting (less common).

NEWS

AAVMC Changing Its Name. The AAVMC has changed its name from the Association of American Veterinary Medical Colleges to the American Association of Veterinary Medical Colleges.

The wording change, although subtle, now correctly denotes that international members are part of an American based association linked by a common accreditation system. In contrast, the former name described the colleges as American based.

This action was undertaken to recognize the AAVMC’s evolving role as an international organization. AAVMC leaders have been considering the need for a name change ever since international colleges and schools of veterinary medicine became eligible for accreditation by the Council on Education (COE), thereby qualifying for AAVMC membership.

Presently, 22 of the 55 COE accredited schools are outside the United States. In addition, AAVMC includes 12 Collaborative and Provisional Members from outside of the United States that are not yet accredited by the COE. “Our international members told us that they wanted us to retain the word ‘American,’ indicating their association with the American accreditation system,” said AAVMC CEO Dr. Andrew T. Maccabe. “Because of that preference, the term ‘international’ was not included in the new name, even though institutions from throughout the world are eligible to

qualify for membership.”

The new name preserves the existing acronym, which has earned strong brand recognition among internal and external stakeholders, so it will require minimal work in rebranding. The AAVMC conducted a brand refresh following the introduction of the new strategic plan last year, and the graphic “look” of our organization will remain the same.

The name change became official on April 9. The process of fully implementing the new name is expected to take several months. If you have any questions or needs related to this matter, please contact Chief Communications Officer Jeff Douglas at jdouglas@aavmc.org.

About the Association of American Veterinary Medical Colleges. The member institutions of the AAVMC promote and protect the health and well being of people, animals, and the environment by advancing the profession of veterinary medicine and preparing new generations of veterinarians to meet the evolving needs of a changing world. Founded in 1966, the AAVMC represents more than 40,000 faculty, staff, and students across the global academic veterinary medical community. Our member institutions include veterinary medical colleges and schools in the United States, Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean, the United Kingdom, Europe, Asia, Australia, and New Zealand, as well as departments of veterinary science and departments of comparative medicine in the United States.

Dr. DeMars also shared the importance of arthritis acknowledgment and prevention. Watch for signs of arthritis, like limping, abnormal posture, reduced activity or mobility, decreased muscle mass, or abnormal grooming, as arthritic pets often lick, bite or chew on painful areas.

“The older pets get, the more likely they are to have arthritis problems; however, arthritis can occur earlier in life and happen at any age,” said Dr. DeMars.

Do not wait until your dog has a serious arthritis problem to discuss the issue with your veterinarian, urges Dr. DeMars.

“Sometimes, people have a misunderstanding they have to wait, but if an animal is no longer moving or rising as well as they once were, there are effective medications their vet can prescribe to help with mobility issues. Even if they think it’s just normal behavior from aging, like a change of attitude, appetite or mobility – bring it up with your veterinarian. It never hurts to say, ‘What do you think about this, Doc?’” Special joint mobility diets, prescription medications, and supplements also can support aging, arthritic dogs. “We’re lucky to have many

more tools available today than when I was growing up, so we can give our dogs the best in preventative health care,” said Hinojosa. “We can take steps to keep them healthy and happy so they can live out as many days as possible alongside us on the ranch. They are part of the family.”

Visit veterinarian founded www.

ValleyVet.com for more information and to support the health of your pets, livestock, and horses.

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 founding veterinarians and their professional staff. With an inhouse pharmacy that is licensed in all 50 states, and verified through the National Association of Boards of Pharmacy (NABP), Valley Vet Supply is the dedicated source for all things horse, livestock, and pet. For more information, please visit www.ValleyVet.com.

Virginia Herd Health Management Services, PC In Vitro Fertilization (IVF) & Embryo Transfer (ET) * On-farm aspiration of oocytes via Ultrasound Guided Ovum Pick-Up (OPU). * Embyos come back in 8 days for placement or direct thaw freezing on-farm. * Can do on donors aged 8 months and older, up to 120-150 days pregnant.

Doesn’t interfere with pregnancy. * Pregnant cows work really well, so the cow doesn’t get out of her production group. * Can do a donor every 2 weeks.

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

For more information, contact:

PAT COMYN, DVM

P.O. Box 555 Madison, Va. 22727 540-829-3625 (cell) • 540-948-5238 (office/fax) pcomyn@verizon.net Visit us online at www.vhhms.com.

The Carolina Cattle Connection

q MAY 2021

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Alltech ONE Ideas Conference returns virtually in 2021 with exclusive access to insights from agri-food experts. Alltech’s global agri-food conference, the Alltech ONE Ideas Conference (ONE), returns virtually on May 25–27. Now in its 37th year, Alltech’s flagship event continues to be an invaluable industry resource, with unmatched content and innovative ideas, inspiration, and motivation from world class speakers. The virtual platform provides on-demand tracks, streaming keynote presentations, and live Q&A chats with select speakers — and this year, it will also offer an interactive networking experience, allowing attendees to connect with their peers from around the world.

“We are on the cusp of a new golden age of agriculture, a time when our spirit of innovation will inspire an even greener revolution,” said Dr. Mark Lyons, president and CEO of Alltech.

“The Alltech ONE Ideas Conference is a connection point for change makers to exchange ideas that will shape the future of agri-food and our planet.”

Each May, the Alltech ONE Ideas Conference typically attracts over 3,500 attendees from more than 70 countries to Lexington, Kentucky. In 2020, ONE transformed into the Alltech ONE Virtual Experience and brought more than 21,500 registrants from 126 countries together online, with continued registration throughout the year and engaging new content released monthly.

Keynote speaker announcements are coming soon, and this year’s lineup promises to be as dynamic as ever.

Previous ONE keynote speakers include Bear Grylls, General Colin Powell, Steve Wozniak, and Beth Comstock.

Registration for the Alltech ONE Ideas Conference is now open at www. one.alltech.com. Join the conversation across social media with #ONEbigidea.

Alltech ONE Ideas Conference features tracks focused on the most relevant topics in agri-food, business, and beyond. The Alltech ONE Ideas Conference (ONE) will feature tracks that will uncover the challenges and opportunities in the aqua, beef, crop science, dairy, equine, health and wellness, pet, pig, and poultry sectors.

The conference continues to be an invaluable resource, uniting thought leaders and change makers in an exploration of the power of science, sustainability, and storytelling. More than

PAGE 44

NEWS

40 topics* are slated for discussion at ONE, including: Aqua • Can Sustainability Remain Aquaculture’s Unfair Advantage?

• Feeding Your Future: The Changing Face of Aqua Feed • From Sea to Land: The Evolution of Aquaculture • Pick Your Protein: How the Pandemic Shifted Shopping Habits • The Great Global Fish and Shrimp Cook Off Beef • Better Beef, Healthier Planet • High Steaks Investments: Capitalizing on Beef • The Meat You Eat: The Nutritional Realities of Beef Crop Science • Carbonomics: The Economy Beneath Our Feet • Empowering Growers Through Pest Prevention • Natural Solutions, Unparalleled Protection • Selenium: Agriculture’s Secret Weapon • Tiny Microbes, Big Impact Dairy • From Late Gestation to Early Lactation: Managing Transitional Periods • Happy Cows, Happy Farmers: Animal Welfare and Sustainability • Higher Milk Production, Lower Carbon Hoofprint • Opportunities for the Global Milk Trade • Overcoming the Impact of Activists Equine • Equine Trace Mineral Research: The Advantages of Going Organic • Equine Welfare: Hope for Horses Without Humans • Going Green: Sustainable Equine Management • In the Running: The Trends Dominating Equestrian Sport • Making Aging a Breeze: Strategies for Feeding Your Senior Horse • Photo Finish: Marketing to Equine Consumers Health and Wellness • Gut Reaction: Feeding a Healthy Microbiome • Why Smart People Make Bad Food Choices: The Invisible Influences That Guide Our Thinking Pet • Brain Power: Supporting Cognitive Function in Pets • Dog Days Are Over: Beating the Post

The Carolina Cattle Connection q MAY 2021

Pandemic Pet Blues • Minimizing the Environmental Pawprint of Your Brand • What’s in Store for the Future of Brick and Mortar Retail?

Pig • Better Nutrition, Safer Swine • High Rise Pigsties: The Future of Swine Production • Litters With Longevity: Optimizing Piglet Nutrition • Smarter Barns, Healthier Pigs • Leaving a Legacy: Ensuring Lasting Success for the Family Business Poultry • A New Way to Sell Chicken • Future of the Flock: Sustainability in the Poultry Business • Planet of Plenty: Poultry Partner Spotlight • The World of Poultry *Topics are subject to change A Winning Strategy for Calf Gut Health. Your primary focus as a producer is providing your calves with what they

need to grow into healthy adult animals.

To do so, gut health is key. Good gut health allows the calf to efficiently utilize the nutrients in the feed, giving them a strong, stable, and healthy start.

However, helping a calf meet its true genetic potential is often easier said than done when there’s a battle going on at the microscopic level inside the calf’s gut. Understanding gut health in cows and calves and how to be a more proactive producer regarding your herd’s health will impact the overall efficiency and success of your operation.

Understanding gut health in cows and young calves - “An animal’s gastrointestinal tract is made up of billions of bacteria,” said Dr. Shelby Roberts, a postdoctoral research fellow at the Alltech Center for Animal Nutrigenomics and Applied Animal Nutrition. “This bacterial population is

Continued on page 46

International Brangus Breeders Association News Brangus Futurity Pen Show Announcement. The IBBA Show Committee is proud to announce the formation of the 2021 Brangus Futurity Pen Show, held at the 50th Anniversary of the Brangus Futurity in Belton, Texas. The pen show will be held July 31 at 4:00 p.m.

All cattle must be DNA parent verified.

The cattle will show unhaltered, and pens will be comprised of three heifers or bulls no older than May 1, 2019.

Divisions will be held for Brangus, Red Brangus, and Ultrablack/Ultrared. A minimum of three pens of each is required for individual shows. If a minimum of three black and three red are not checked in, black and red will show together. If a minimum of three Ultrablack/Ultrared are not entered by the entry due date, there will not be an Ultra pen show.

The entry deadline is June 1. Entries will be completed with the NJBS and Futurity Open Show show entries online.

Rules and class breaks can be found at www.GoBrangus.com, under Shows, then under IBBA Show Classifications. For more information, contact IBBA Show Coordinator Lori Edwards at ledwards@ gobrangus.com or 210-696-8231.

Progeny Calculator Live on Regstr.

The IBBA staff has been hard at work recreating an old favorite, the progeny calculator, now live on the Regstr platform. A direct link to the progeny calculator can be found at www.brangus. goregstr.com/login.

The progeny calculator allows for members to select multiple dams and multiple sires. Members can select from a drop down of high or low EPD thresholds they desire, and a line graph will be created showcasing each potential mating’s resulting EPD estimates.

About the International Brangus Breeders Association. The International B r a n g u s B re e d e r s A s s o c i a t i o n , headquartered in San Antonio, Tex., strives to provide the commercial cattle industry, domestically and internationally, with the best genetics possible. Founded in 1949 as the American Brangus Breeders, the organization has since evolved into the IBBA. The IBBA’s purpose is to enable its members to produce quality beef for the commercial cattle industry and its consumers. For more information about IBBA, visit www. gobrangus.com.

The Carolina Cattle Connection

q MAY 2021

PAGE 45

Alltech News continued from page 44 comprised of both pathogenic bacteria and other bacteria that are beneficial to the animal. In a healthy gut, these bacteria keep each other in balance. Gut health problems start when this balance becomes offset and the bad bacteria start to outnumber the good bacteria.”

For bad bacteria to cause trouble, they must first attach to the gut, where they start to multiply. Antibiotics kill bad bacteria, but they can also kill good bacteria, so taking a different, more proactive approach when addressing calf gut health can be beneficial.

“Maintaining the good gut bacteria, while ridding the system of the bad bugs, is essential to promoting gut health,” Roberts said.

Good gut health benefits cattle in a few ways, including: • The efficient utilization of feed • Healthy weight gain • Immunity • Gut integrity Taking a proactive approach to gut health - Traditionally, the gut has been thought of as just another part of the digestive system. However, we also

PAGE 46

know that it is an active component of the immune system.

Considering the dual function of the gut, one way to achieve optimum gut health in calves is to use a feed supplement created to promote good bacteria and support natural defenses.

This preventative approach to animal health can help reduce the number of sick calves and, in turn, decrease the amount of antibiotic treatments as well. This can save producers valuable time and money during the busy calving season.

Over the last 20 years, Alltech has conducted research trials that have evaluated management practices that utilize nutritional technologies and the effects of those technologies on calf health and performance. Certain high quality prebiotics, for example, have been proven to positively impact calf gut health. Prebiotics are indigestible food ingredients that selectively stimulate the growth and/or activity of one or a limited number of microbes in the gut.

Establishing strong calf immunity starts with the dam.

• At birth, calves are born with a

The Carolina Cattle Connection q MAY 2021

naïve immune system due to maternal antibodies being unable to pass through the placenta, which leaves calves susceptible to disease.

• Colostrum, the first milk produced at calving, is one of the most important components of calf health. Colostrum is a calf’s initial source of the antibodies essential for protecting young calves until their immune systems are fully developed, which takes one to two months.

• Studies of perinatal mortality indicate that 4–12 percent of calves are born dead or die within 24 hours of birth.

Numerous risk factors contribute to higher perinatal mortality rates, including failed antibody transfer from dam to calf, which only reinforces the importance of colostrum and early nutritional management for calves.

• There are numerous factors that can affect colostrum quality, including the dam’s age, breed, and nutrition.

Making sure that the dam’s nutritional requirements are being met prior to calving allows the dam to pass along quality stored colostrum to the calf.

Better health for improved performance - Producers spend a lot of time and money trying to improve the genetics of their herds. Calves that have both strong immune system development and a healthy gastrointestinal tract will be better able to utilize nutrients efficiently and reach their genetic potential.

“If we can make calves healthier and reduce the energy they spend keeping the bad bacteria in balance, it should result in better performance,” Roberts explained.

The principle of improved gut health for improved performance is best applied during periods of stress, such as weaning and feedlot arrival. These stressful times negatively impact animal health and growth due to exposure to new pathogens and periods of decreased feed intake. Improved performance resulting from increased efficiency can mean more money in the producer’s pocket. This can be achieved through: • Improved animal growth (average daily gains) • Reductions in calf treatments and morbidities Trials have shown that, without a

doubt, enhanced calf health and immunity translate to better growth and gains.

“Being proactive with the use of nutritional technologies and establishing a healthy gut could give a producer’s calves the leg up they need to reach their genetic potential,” Roberts said.

Bio-Mos 2 promotes a healthy gut - Bio-Mos 2 is a second generation feed supplement formulated to feed the gastrointestinal tract in your cattle, optimizing average daily gains, aiding in calf immune system development, and reinforcing a healthy gut microbiome without antibiotics at all stages of production. With a healthy gut, calves can better absorb the nutrients in colostrum, and as they transition to creep feed, they can maximize their potential to achieve big gains and maintain high performance.

Learn more about Bio-Mos 2 at www.alltech.com/bio-mos2.

Global animal nutrition leader Alltech launches human health company Acutia. Backed by research from Alltech Life Sciences, Acutia was cultivated by an internal incubator.

Alltech, a global leader in the animal health industry, is applying its more than 40 years of scientific innovation and proven nutrition expertise to human health. Launched on March 24, Acutia, a wholly owned subsidiary of Alltech, combines science and sustainability to provide high quality supplements that enhance everyday nutrition and improve long term wellness.

“This is an exciting and pivotal moment in Alltech’s long history of improving nutrient value throughout the food supply chain,” said Dr. Mark Lyons, president and CEO of Alltech. “Acutia is a natural extension of our business, allowing us to directly support people in their pursuit of improved wellness. In a time when we are all deeply aware of the importance of our health, this launch is particularly meaningful.”

Acutia’s initial line of products will be rolled out in phases, beginning with Acutia Selenium. This supplement provides immune system support, antioxidant benefits, and essential nutrition and helps maintain healthy thyroid function.

Acutia Brain Health, which will follow later this spring, provides support for cognitive health and brain function, as well as antioxidant benefits and essential nutrients, by combining selenium, vitamin C, and plant based omega-3 DHA. The selenium found in Acutia Selenium and Acutia Brain Health is made from a specialized, high quality strain of brewer’s yeast to optimize the quality, absorption, safety, and efficacy of the products.

Rounding out the initial launch of supplements is Acutia Digestive Health, which will be available later this year.

Acutia products are backed by the Alltech Life Sciences division, which conducts research on digestive health, cognitive health, brain function, and cellular health. In 2019, researchers with Alltech Life Sciences achieved a breakthrough that offers a possible alternative to current insulin treatments for those living with diabetes.

“While people associate Alltech with the provision of products and solutions for the agricultural sector, we have been studying the potential benefits of a number of our products for human health for many years,” said Dr. Ronan Power, vice president and chief scientific officer at Alltech. “Acutia supplements have arisen from part of that work. They have been extensively tested to ensure safety, quality, and efficacy. We firmly believe that consumers will come to value these supplements as a key part of their overall health regimens.”

Acutia’s focus on sustainable wellness extends to its unique packaging and refill system. Upon their first order, customers receive a starter kit, which is packaged in a recyclable box and includes a reusable glass storage jar and a travel container. Subsequent orders are provided in compostable refill packs. To offset carbon emissions from shipping, Acutia partners with Nori to support farming practices that sequester CO2 from the atmosphere.

“Acutia combines nutrition science with a sustainable packaging system that helps reduce waste,” said Nikki Putnam Badding, registered dietitian nutritionist and director of Acutia. “This allows us to support a healthy future for people and the planet we share.”

Acutia represents the continuation of a legacy of innovation that was established by Dr. Pearse Lyons, the late founder of Alltech and father of Dr. Mark Lyons. An avid runner who understood the benefits of proper nutrition, Dr. Lyons sought to create dietary supplements for humans based on Sel-Plex and BioMos — two of Alltech’s flagship organic nutrition solutions.

Enlisted by Dr. Lyons for her vast experience as a dietitian, Putnam Badding played an integral role in building the business from its inception through today’s launch. In 2018, Putnam Badding led the project through the first cohort of Alltech’s internal incubator program.

Reflecting the culture of innovation at Alltech, the incubator provides a pathway to test and develop new business ideas while allowing a diverse group of team members to showcase their talents. As

Acutia continued to evolve, it was later selected for The Pearse Lyons Accelerator (now The Pearse Lyons Cultivator) — a program that provided entrepreneurs with mentorship and resources to help bring their startup companies to market.

What began as a small group project grew to include Dr. Mark Lyons; Dr. Power; Becky Timmons, chief product officer at Alltech; and a team of advisors.

After several iterations, revised business plans, and re-namings, Acutia emerged.

“As a startup that is supported by years of scientific research and dedicated experts within Alltech Life Sciences, we are uniquely positioned to provide high quality, effective supplements to consumers,” said Putnam Badding.

Dr. Mark Lyons, who has a passion for nutrition and physical health, will continue to work closely with the Acutia business.

“It is incredible to see my father’s vision come to fruition,” said Dr. Mark Lyons. “We carry forward his legacy of innovation and his entrepreneurial spirit by connecting science, sustainability, and wellness. This is a significant moment for us as we continue Working Together for a Planet of Plenty™.”

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 additives, 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 world wide 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 www.alltech.com.

December 4, 2021 • 12:00 noon Union County Livestock Market • Monroe, N.C.

704-219-1294 The Carolina Cattle Connection

q MAY 2021

PAGE 47

Beef Checkoff News The 2021 Beef Industry Safety Summit Goes Virtual. The annual Beef Industry Safety Summit was held virtually in early March. This year’s summit marked the 19 th annual event conducted by the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA), a contractor to the Beef Checkoff, in partnership with the Beef Industry Food Safety Council (BIFSCo). The collaboration from industry wide stakeholders was comprehensive, and the event brought together more than 240 attendees representing all sectors of the beef supply chain, including producers, feedlot operators, packers, further processors, retail, foodservice, academic, and government research scientists, and students all focused on improving beef safety.

Though this was the 19 th year of the meeting, the summit continues to reach a new audience in the food safety community. In a post event survey,

more than 60 percent of attendees who responded have attended the meeting fewer than five times. While the meeting reaches new attendees, the summit also remains valuable to individuals who have been attending the meeting for many years.

Participants this year gathered to hear the latest research results, learn about advancements in food safety monitoring and testing methodology, and to openly converse with competitors to seek solutions benefiting the entire industry. The summit continues to be a hallmark event for the industry to gather in a non-competitive spirit and address beef safety challenges.

The first sessions focused on what the beef industry could expect in the next six months from the agencies that provide inspection and oversight to producing safe beef. Perspectives from USDA-FSIS, FDA, and CDC were shared that outlined pending regulatory changes and food

safety investigations that may impact beef. Additional sessions on the first day included an update on an industry wide effort to provide guidance and resource materials for reducing foreign material and an update on potential impacts that new USDA-FSIS regulation on Shigatoxin producing E. coli (STEC) will have for beef processors that harvest, fabricate, or produce ground beef or trimmings.

The second day focused on Salmonella reduction and included an overview of USDA-FSIS’ published present and future vision for Salmonella control in beef and the implications to the industry, an overview of the use of risk assessment and quantification testing that can advance public health as well as a synopsis of the laboratory methods and testing available for Salmonella. Updates from checkoff funded pre-harvest beef safety research projects were shared, followed by a brainstorming session on research gaps, next steps, and calls to action for the industry to continue the commitment to reducing Salmonella in beef.

The final day began with a session featuring short updates on topics including the need for materials outlining food safety steps for producing direct to consumer meals and distribution, the direction of

the Partnership for Food Safety in 2021, virtual food safety audits and preparation, foreign material avoidance education efforts in BQA, new research and potential changes to antimicrobial classifications, and the food safety co-existence of produce and livestock production in proximity. To close the event, two sessions addressed current and future leaders of beef safety.

The sessions focused on food safety talent acquisition and retention needed to address future challenges as well as a vision for the future leadership needs of the beef industry to continue to advance beef safety.

The 20 th anniversary of the Beef Industry Safety Summit is scheduled to be held in Denver on February 28-March 2, 2022. Visit www.bifsco.org/safetysummit for more information.

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.

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The Carolina Cattle Connection q MAY 2021

New NCCA Members for 2021 In 2007, members of the Membership Committee passed a resolution to recognize all NEW members of the NCCA in The Carolina Cattle Connection at the NCCA Annual Conference in Hickory. A new member is defined as someone who has never

been a member or someone who has rejoined after a brief break in membership. The new members are identified in this new members section by name and county of residence.

Below is a list of NCCA’s new members for the last month:

verification is a component of this procedure; thus, any pedigree mistakes can be corrected. The final result will be improved genetics going through the testing program and into North Carolina cow herds.

Johnston County Phil Massengill James Warren Randolph County Luke A. Cox – Cox Livestock

Buncombe County Kindall Edmonds – G & G Livestock Caldwell County Crystal Buchanan – Harvest Time Farm Chris Spears – J-K Cattle Company

N.C. BCIP Implements New Requirements The N.C. Beef Cattle Improvement Program Committee has added genomic testing to the requirements for bulls to enter the bull testing program. All bulls must have tissue/blood samples submitted to their respective breed associations before they are delivered to the test location (see rules for dates). Producers are encouraged to work with their breed associations to determine proper sampling/testing procedures and to use Genomic Enhanced EPDs in selecting bulls to enter the testing program.

There are numerous reasons to adopt this new rule. The primary role of the BCIP is to promote cattle genetic improvement. Using genomic testing to calculate Genomic Enhanced EPDs supports better cattle selection, and GEEPDs are becoming an industry standard.

By using DNA, producers are able to determine the genetic merit of their cattle at a younger age. Table 1 illustrates the number of progeny it would take to equal the prediction value of a genomic test for various traits. The increase in accuracy of genetic predictions will add value to the yearling bulls marketed through the N.C. BCIP Sale. In addition, parentage

Out-of-State Robert Barefield – Texas Patricia DeHond – Harold E. Wesson Farm – South Carolina

Chatham County Kamsky Kilafwasru – Heavenly Sunset Farm Chip Perry Darrell Scott – Emsley Scott Farm Gaston County Ethan Fortner

Robeson County Joe McPhaul Rowan County Wayne Wilson – Big Oak Angus Sampson County J.L. Gainey Gregory Herring – H2 Farms Surry County Mary Shrum – Corner Post Farm LLC

Harnett County James Minor – J & K Farm Henderson County Aaron Barker – Clear Creek Cattle Company It’s bull test time!

Union County Will Simpson Wilkes County Jeff Parker Wilson County Clay & Jessie Hinnant – R.J. Hinnant & Sons Farms

The committee has announced the retirement of program coordinator Gary Gregory. The Committee appreciates Gary’s leadership over many years and wishes him the best in all future endeavors. Johnny Rogers, Extension Associate NCSU Animal Science Department, will oversee the N.C. BCIP. All communications should be directed to him going forward. Johnny is excited about the opportunity to work with North Carolina seedstock producers.

Table 1. Progeny equivalents (PE) — Carcass trait PE equate to actual carcass harvest data not ultrasound scan equivalents.

Trait

PE

Trait

PE

Calving Ease Direct

26

Heifer Pregnancy

17

Birth Weight

23

Calving Ease Material

29

Weaning Weight

27

Milk

36

Yearling Weight

23

Mature Weight

15

Dry Matter Intake

12

Mature Height

9

Yearling Height

17

Carcass Weight

15

Scrotal Circumference

15

Carcass Marbling

11

Docility

12

Carcass Ribeye

17

Claw Angle

10

Carcass Fat

14

Foot Angle

10

Source American Angus Association

The Carolina Cattle Connection

q MAY 2021

PAGE 49

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Age - Calves must have been born within the following dates: • Butner - August 15-November 15, 2020 • Waynesville - August 1-November 15, 2020 On Farm Weaning Performance - Adjusted birth weight and ratio are required. Birth weight EPD will be reported. To be eligible for testing, bulls must be weighed between 160-250 days of age and have a minimum weight per day (WDA) of 2.5 lbs.

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

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

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

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

PAGE 50

The Carolina Cattle Connection q MAY 2021

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

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

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

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

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

Bulls will need to be genomic tested before they arrive at the bull test station.

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

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

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

Reproductive Soundness - All bulls must pass a breeding soundness exam including measurement of scrotal circumference. All bulls will sell under their respective breed association guarantees. Passing the breeding soundness exam in no way infringes upon the guarantee made by the seller that the bull will be a breeder.

Consignor agrees to any minor corrective surgery required.

Bulls eligible to sell will be screened by a committee. Any bulls considered unsuitable for sale will be rejected. The screening committee’s decision is final.

If completed weaning data, pedigree information, and EPDs (if available) for a bull were not reported by the 56 day weigh date in the office, the bull will not be cataloged or included in the sale.

NOTE: SIGNED REGISTRATION PAPERS MUST BE IN THE OFFICE

BY DATE LISTED ON THE TEST SCHEDULE OR BULL(S) WILL NOT BE CATALOGED OR INCLUDED IN THE SALE!

Performance Requirements - Bulls must have a minimum adjusted 365 day weight (adjusted for age of dam) ratio of 93 within breed group. Bulls must have a minimum ratio of 85 for average daily gain on feed test within breed group. If there are fewer than 5 bulls in a breed group, ratios will be computed with the average of all bulls of similar genetic size.

Composite bulls will be grouped by breed according to breed registry.

Frame Size - Minimum adjusted 365 day hip height of 49 inches (5 frame score) according to BIF standards.

Of the animals eligible for sale, each breeder will have the option of retaining one bull of his own consignment. If he desires additional animals from his consignment, they may be purchased at the sale.

Consignor may retain a semen breeding interest in any bull but full possession must be sold.

The sale will be a public auction managed by the N.C. Cattlemen’s Association. Consignors will be given the option of using floor prices. There is a standard floor of $1,750.

Sale order within breed will be based on an index, which gives ⅓ weighting to average daily gain ratio and ⅔ weighting to adjusted yearling weight ratio. The top half of the Angus bulls will sell, followed by other breeds in breed order determined alphabetically in 1994 and rotated thereafter. Then, the remaining Angus bulls will sell.

to local auction markets, they will be emasculated beforehand, and buyers at the market will be notified of this fact.

Consignors who will not have any bulls in the sale must pay a deposit to cover costs incurred before they many pick thier bull(s) up.

COSTS To be paid when bulls are nominated: $15 per bull nomination fee. The fee is non-refundable on bulls that are accepted for the test. MAKE CHECK PAYABLE TO N.C. BCIP. To be PAID when bulls are DELIVERED: FOR BUTNER and WAYNESVILLE - $240 per bull to cover management deposit of $75, $15 insurance, and partial feed cost payment of $150.

CHECK(S) MUST ACCOMPANY BULL(S) IF PRIOR ARRANGEMENTS HAVE NOT BEEN MADE.

Bulls failing to meet the above requirements will not be sold. If arrangements are not made to remove these bulls by the date listed in the letter with the final reports, the bulls will be sent to slaughter. If bulls are taken

Actual management fee will be $1.10 per day. Actual cost of feed is pro-rated by rate of gain. The remainder of the feed cost is due at completion of the test.

Veterinary costs will be pro-rated on a per head basis for treatment required at the station, except for specific treatment of bulls on an individual basis.

2021 Test Schedules for Bull Test Stations 8/15/20 through 11/15/20

8/1/20 through 11/15/02

May 26

May 12

June 16

June 2

June 16

June 2

July 7

June 23

July 19 & 20

July 5 & 6

September 14

August 31

October 12

September 28

September 15

September 1

November 8 & 9

October 25 & 26

December 17, 2021

December 4, 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.

In case a bull is removed during the test, the owner is responsible for all costs until time of removal.

Consignors of bulls not eligible to sell are responsible for all costs except sale costs.

Bulls will be subject to evaluation for age and blood typing for parentage at any time. If a discrepancy in age or parentage appears to exist, the test supervisor reserves the right to take appropriate action.

Sale costs - actual sale costs are prorated on a per head basis. In addition, the sale manager receives two percent (2%) of gross sales (or $20 for bulls that fail to reach the floor price set by the consignor).

Removal of bulls - All bulls must remain for the entire test period unless removal for health or other reasons are authorized by the test supervisor.

Management will notify the consignor immediately in case of severe sickness. A diagnostic statement from the veterinarian will accompany same when warranted.

Wild (unmanageable) bulls will be removed from the station(s).

No producer shall sale a bull at the sale for less than the published floor price at the auction site. Bulls not qualifying for the sale must go to the consignor’s farm or to slaughter.

Anyone not abiding by these rules is subject to disqualification for future test station sales.

Also, the sale manager has been authorized to collect the following fees assessed by breed associations for bulls of the respective breeds: • N.C. Angus Association - 1½% of gross • N.C. Simmental Association - 1% of gross • N.C. Charolais Association - $25 per bull F1 or composite bulls will have the fee taken out according to the breed association they are registered to.

Consignors will be provided an itemized statement of costs and returns and will be paid (or billed) as soon as possible after the sale.

The stations do not assume responsibility for loss of animals, personal injury, or property damage. Each bull is the property of the consignor until sold or otherwise removed from the test station.

Transfer of Registration Consignors are responsible for completing, signing, and sending to the sale manager an application for transfer of registration for each bull they sell. The sale manager will withhold payment for a bull until such application is received.

The Executive Committee of the N.C. Beef Cattle Improvement Program will resolve any questions, problems, or changes not covered by the rules and regulations.

RATIONS Bulls at Butner and Waynesville are fed a corn silage based ration. Protein and energy supplements will be added to obtain a mixture containing 12% crude protein and 70% TDN. The bulls will be fed once daily.

CONSENT AGREEMENT Consigning a bull to these tests signifies that the consignor has read the rules and agrees to abide by them.

CONTACT INFORMATION North Carolina Beef Cattle Improvement Program Johnny Rogers NCSU Box 7621 Raleigh, NC 27695-7621 Email - gary_gregory@ncsu.edu Phone - 919-515-4027 Fax - 919-515-6884

Waynesville BCIP Bull Test N.C. Department of Agriculture Mountain Research Station Kyle Miller, Station Manager 265 Test Farm Road Waynesville, NC 28786 Email - Mountain.ResSt@ncagr.gov Phone - 828-456-3943

Butner BCIP Bull Test Butner Beef Cattle Field Laboratory Greg Shaeffer 8800 Cassam Road Bahama, NC 27803 Email - greg_shaeffer@ncsu.edu Phone - 919-471-6872

N.C. Cattlemen’s Association Bryan Blinson 2228 N. Main Street Fuquay-Varina, NC 27526 Email - bryan@nccattle.com Phone - 919-552-9111 Fax - 919-552-9216

Website - www.cals.ncsu.edu/an_sci/extension/animal/bcip/Ahbcip.html

The Carolina Cattle Connection

q MAY 2021

PAGE 51

BUTNER__________

WAYNESVILLE___________ NC BCIP BULL TEST NOMINATION FORM

FOR OFFICE USE LOT NO._________ PEN NO._________

FARM NAME __________________________________________________________________________ OWNER _________________________________________PHONE_______________________________ MANAGER_______________________________________PHONE_______________________________ ADDRESS_____________________________________________________________________________ CITY___________________________STATE__________ZIP________________COUNTY______________ E-Mail________________________________________________________________________________ Premise ID____________________________________________________________________________ INFORMATION ON THIS BULL CALF: NAME OF BULL_____________________________ REGISTRATION NO.___________________________ TATTOO NO._______________________________ BREED PERCENTAGE__________________________ BIRTH DATE_____________ACT. BIRTH WT.____________ADJ. BIRTH WT._________________________ EMBRYO TRANSFER? (CIRCLE ONE) YES OR NO IF ET BREED OF FOSTER DAM__________________ ACTUAL WEAN. WT___________________________ ACTUAL WEAN. DATE________________________ ADJ. 205 WEAN. WEIGHT_____________________ CREEP FED? (CIRCLE ONE) YES OR NO ADJ. WT RATIO_____________________________ (CIRCLE ONE) POLLED HORNED SCURRED EPD’S ACC.

BIRTH WT.__________ WEAN WT.__________ YEARLING WT.__________ MILK____________ BIRTH WT.__________ WEAN WT.__________ YEARLING WT.__________ MILK____________

INFORMATION ON THE CALF’S DAM: BIRTH DATE OF DAM _______________________ NO. OF CALVES WEANED_______________________ AVE. WEIGHT RATIO OF WEIGHT OF DAM WHEN THIS CALVES WEANED__________________________ CALF WAS WEANED___________________________ PEDIGREE OF THIS BULL CALF: (OR ATTACH A COPY OF PERFORMANCE PEDIGREE)

SIRE:_________________________________ REG. NO.______________________________

DAM:________________________________ REG. NO._____________________________

SIRE:_________________________________________ REG. NO.______________________________________ DAM:_________________________________________ REG. NO.______________________________________ SIRE:_________________________________________ REG. NO.______________________________________

DAM:_________________________________________ REG. NO.______________________________________ ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

To the best of my knowledge the above information is accurate. I agree to verify that all information listed in the sale catalog is complete and accurate. If I do not notify the sale management in writing before sale time of changes to be announced regarding information listed for my bull(s), then I assume full responsibility for the information as listed.

Signed:__________________________________________________________

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The Carolina Cattle Connection q MAY 2021

FOR OFFICE USE NORTH CAROLINA BCIP BULL TEST HEALTH FORM

LOT NO. ________ PEN NO. ________

CONSIGNOR: ________________________________________________________________ BREED: _____________________________________TATTOO: ________________________ HEATH PROGRAM CONSIGNOR-Fill in completely & deliver with bulls. Very Important!! The health of your bull is at stake.

FARM Within 45 days of delivery

Tuberculosis Brucellosis (Negative test results must accompany bulls or list herd certification & accreditation numbers & dates of last test.)

CERTIFICATION/ ACCREDITATION NO.

DATE OF LAST TEST

_________________ _________________

_____________ _____________

PRODUCT Most of these require Two injections-the Second injection Should be given 30 days before Delivery.

IBR-PI3 BVD BRSV 5-way Lepto 7-way Clostridial Haemophilus somnus Pasteurella Haemolytica De-worm Grubicide

________________ ________________ ________________ ________________ ________________ ________________ ________________ ________________ ________________

DATE _____________ _____________ _____________ _____________ _____________ _____________ _____________ _____________ _____________

LIVESTOCK OWNER’S CERTIFICATE The undersigned certifies that, to the best of his/her/its knowledge, as of the date of shipment or delivery, none of the livestock shipped to or delivered to ___________________________________ (Name of Bull Test) will be, on such date, adulterated within the Meaning of the Federal Food, Drug and cosmetic Act (i.e. none of the cattle or other ruminants will have been fed any feed containing protein derived from mammalian tissues, e.g. meat and bone meal, as that term is defined in 21 CFR 589 2000 and none of the livestock will have an illegal level of drug residues). This certificate shall remain in full force and effect until revoked in writing by the undersigned seller and such revocation is delivered to __________________________ (Name of Bull Test) Date: _____________________ Witness: _______________________

Consignor: ___________________________ Name (Please Print)

By: ___________________________ Signature/Title

The Carolina Cattle Connection

q MAY 2021

PAGE 53

NCBA

President’s Report

By JERRY BOHN

National Cattlemen’s Beef Association

NCBA is Working for You In March, NCBA continued its work to protect cattle producers and livestock haulers from the burden of government overreach. Livestock haulers are a crucial part of our business, and without the ability to safely and humanely move cattle around the country, cattle producers and the entire cattle industry would suffer a tremendous burden. That’s why this issue has long been a focus for NCBA and why your association will continue to push for workable solutions for the industry.

Recently, NCBA worked successfully toward the introduction of S. 792, the

Haulers of Agriculture and Livestock Safety (HAULS) Act of 2021, which was introduced with bipartisan support in the U.S. Senate. Livestock haulers are a critical component of the beef supply chain, and the HAULS Act would cut red tape and give them more flexibility.

Right now, livestock haulers are subject to regulations under the current hours of service (HOS) rules. Currently, HOS rules allow for 11 hours of drive time, 14 hours of on duty time, and then a required 10 consecutive hours of rest. These HOS limits may be fine for truck drivers who

deal in consumer goods like shoes or paper towels, but it’s a different story when you’re a livestock hauler working to humanely and safely transport live animals. Livestock haulers cannot simply idle or unload their trucks along the side of the highway or at a truck stop when drive time hours run out because doing so would jeopardize animal health and welfare.

NCBA’s team in Washington, D.C., has been advocating against the one-sizefits-all regulations that have been created for the trucking industry. We know that livestock haulers must be able to deliver the animals being transported in a safe and timely fashion. Livestock cannot sit on the trailer for a 10 hour rest period with zero airflow; this is simply not in alignment with good animal welfare practice. We also continue to educate regulators and lawmakers about the long term safety record of livestock haulers, who have long proven their ability to deliver animals safely and humanely.

Because NCBA continues to build and foster bipartisan relationships with lawmakers on Capitol Hill, we now have a Senate bill that would create some common sense solutions for livestock haulers and producers. If passed, the HAULS Act would add a 150 air mile radius exemption under HOS regulations to the backend of hauls for those transporting livestock or agricultural commodities; eliminate current rules that limit the ag and livestock HOS exemptions to state planting and harvesting periods (making the exemption available year round in all states), and updates and clarifies the definition of an agricultural commodity.

The HAULS Act represents the best long term solution — a permanent

change to existing HOS regulations that protects animal welfare, helps drivers maintain the highest level of safety on the road, and helps keep grocery stores stocked with beef. NCBA continues to tackle Electronic Logging Devices (ELDs) and continued exemptions under HOS due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Since the pandemic began, NCBA has fought each and every month to secure a renewed emergency declaration from the U.S. Department of Transportation, which provides an exemption from HOS regulations for livestock haulers. In the midst of the pandemic, NCBA also continued the fight against ELDs and was able to secure another ELD delay for livestock haulers until September 30 through the congressional appropriations process. The work continues on Capitol Hill to extend that ELD delay until September 30, 2022.

NCBA works on many issues on a daily basis, whether it’s an issue like the one above or one such as increasing market transparency, protecting public land grazing, or creating new opportunities for profitability, NCBA is at work every day in Washington, D.C., and across the country to ensure the interests of cattle and beef producers are met and protected. No matter what size operation you’re running or which segment of the industry you’re invested in, I guarantee we’re working on a state or national issue that impacts your operation. That’s why it’s so important that you are an active, dues paying member of your local, state, and national cattle associations. If you’re not a member of all three, I’d encourage you to join and get involved today. This industry belongs to all of us, so does the responsibility for delivering it to the next generation.

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

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

PAGE 54

The Carolina Cattle Connection q MAY 2021

The Carolina Cattle Connection

q MAY 2021

PAGE 55

CHUCK

SHANK

CHUCK

RIB

BRISKET

PLATE

RIB

LOIN

SIRLOIN

ROUND SHANK

FLANK

LOIN

SIRLOIN

LEAN

LEAN

LEAN

LEAN

LEAN

ROUND

INGEDIENT CUTS

LEAN

LEAN

LEAN

LEAN

LEAN

LEAN

LEAN

LEAN

LEAN

LEAN

LEAN

LEAN

LEAN

LEAN

LEAN

LEAN

LEAN

LEAN

LEAN

LEAN

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.)

PAGE 56

ROAST

STIR-FRY

The Carolina Cattle Connection q MAY 2021

Cattlemen’s Beef Board Update

By GREG HANES, Chief Executive Officer

Beef Checkoff: Who’s Who & How It Works Beef. It seems like the kind of commodity that would be simple, straightforward, easy to understand.

Except…it’s not. The industry’s long history of organizational splits, reinventions, mergers, and aliases — along with the fact that many association names sound similar — is enough to make anybody’s head spin. Even folks from other commodities agree that the beef world is complex, and so is its Checkoff.

For three and a half decades, the beef checkoff has existed to promote beef, but unless you are actively engaged in the program, you may not fully understand its management and oversight. Those duties are clearly assigned to the Cattlemen’s Beef Promotion & Research Board (aka, Cattlemen’s Beef Board/CBB) by the Beef Promotion and Research Act. Even with completely separate boards, staffs and offices, two common misperceptions remain the belief that the National

Clemson Extension 2022 Bull Test Call for Nominations

By STEVEN E. MEADOWS, Ph.D., Clemson Extension Beef Specialist This is to serve as an open call for nominations for the 2022 Clemson University Extension Bull Test. The deadline for all nominations is July 1, 2021. Priority for consignments will be given to those who have consigned in the past two years, then open to new instate 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 2021 and a tremendous sale as well, with bulls selling into five states. Quality genetics are in demand! We look forward to the 2022 test and testing your top quality genetics. We will again be utilizing our GrowSafe 6000 system to measure individual feed intake and calculate the relative 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 that their genetic profile is competitive within the breed.

Updated rules and regulations and nomination forms can be found at www. clemson.edu/extension/bulltest/clemson/index.html. Some of the rules may 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 you have any questions, please let me know at smdws@ clemson.edu.

Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA) oversees the Checkoff — and that CBB and NCBA are one and the same. Nothing could be further from the truth.

Background - The 1985 Farm Bill created the CBB to administer the Beef Checkoff program. Through the $1/ head assessment on the sale of all cattle and equivalent amount on imported beef and beef products, each year, the CBB funds promotion, research, and education proposals presented to the Beef Promotion Operating Committee (BPOC) by established, national, non-profit beef or cattle industry governed organizations.

Once a proposal is approved by the BPOC, the organization becomes a Checkoff “contractor” and conducts the work according to guidelines and program evaluations that ensure proposal objectives are met.

Answering the Big Questions - By law, absolutely no Checkoff funds can be used for policy or lobbying efforts.

That said, the Beef Checkoff’s largest contractor, NCBA, does have a policy division. So, how does that work?

Through closely monitored processes and a “firewall” that keeps policy work and Checkoff funded work separate.

As a trade association representing U.S. cattle producers, NCBA is like a coin with two sides. One side, the Policy Division, works to advance the political interests of its members. Any discussion of NCBA and policy is valid, but that’s NCBA’s Policy Division at play and has nothing to do with the CBB or Checkoff.

The other side of NCBA is qualified to contract with the BPOC to conduct Checkoff promotion, research, and education work as an established, national, non-profit beef or cattle industry governed organization. To be clear, it is not the organization’s policy side that competes in this arena.

Just like any other Checkoff contractor, NCBA must adhere to all rules and processes, and its contract work is managed by the CBB. Each year, it must

submit Authorization Requests (program proposals) that fully outline the project work it wants to do. It must file progress reports, quarterly oversight evaluations, and regular reviews. It can only receive Checkoff dollars on a cost recovery basis, which means it pays expenses upfront and is only reimbursed after the CBB reviews invoices and documentation proving the money was spent appropriately and within the parameters of the Authorization Request. A dedicated compliance officer ensures all provisions of the Act and the Order are followed, that the “firewall” is maintained, and that no Checkoff funds are used for policy or lobbying.

For the current fiscal year, the Beef Checkoff has nine contractors: • American Farm Bureau Foundation for Agriculture (AFBFA)* • Cattlemen’s Beef Board, which manages the Producer Communications program • Foundation for Meat & Poultry Research and Education (FMPRE) • Meat Importers Council of America (MICA) • National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA)* • National Institute for Animal Agriculture (NIAA) • North American Meat Institute (NAMI)* • U.S. Cattlemen’s Association (USCA)* • U.S. Meat Export Federation (USMEF) So, in a nutshell, the CBB oversees the operation of the Beef Checkoff and its contractors, including NCBA. The “beef world” is definitely not uncomplicated, but each organization that does Beef Checkoff funded work on behalf of producers has a unique area of expertise.

In the end, it all contributes to a great big, coordinated effort to drive demand for beef. *Denotes organization with separate policy division; however, no Beef Checkoff funds support policy or lobbying efforts.

Our advertisers are “Champions” too. For expert A.I., superior genetics, the best in purebreds and outstanding farm supplies, check the Classifieds in this issue!

The Carolina Cattle Connection

q MAY 2021

PAGE 57

NEWS

Updated Sustainability Impact Report highlights continued commitment and improvement.

Sustainability remains a shared value between farmers, ranchers, and consumers. Recently, the Animal Agriculture Alliance released its updated Sustainability Impact Report in celebration of Earth Day and the animal agriculture community’s commitment to continuous improvement in environmental stewardship, animal care, responsible antibiotic use, food safety, and nutrition. To access the report, go to www.animalagalliance.org/issues/ sustainability.

The 33 page report covers nine sectors of animal agriculture: dairy, beef, veal, pork, chicken, turkey, egg, sheep, and aquaculture. “Earth Day is a great opportunity to appreciate our planet and our environment, but for farmers and ranchers, every day is like Earth Day,” said Kay Johnson Smith, Alliance president and CEO. “As showcased in our updated Sustainability Impact Report, the

animal agriculture community continues to make advancements in ongoing efforts to reduce its environmental footprint while continuing to safely, efficiently, and affordably produce the nutrients our bodies need to function and feel our best.”

The report contains valuable insights into animal agriculture’s dedication to continuous improvement, including the following environmental stewardship highlights: • Agriculture accounts for roughly 10 percent of U.S. GHG emissions while livestock production is only 4 percent.

• The dairy community contributes less than 2 percent of total U.S. greenhouse gas emissions while supplying the protein requirements of 169 million people, calcium requirements of 254 million people, and energy requirements of 71.2 million people.

• The beef community, through continued sustainability efforts and improved resource use, has reduced emissions per pound of beef produced

by more than 40 percent while also producing more than 66 percent more beef per animal between 1961 and 2018.

• Pig farmers are continually decreasing their carbon footprint through the adoption of renewable energy sources, and some farms are now carbon neutral or negative.

• Over 95 percent of poultry litter is recycled and reused as organic fertilizer to grow crops.

• More than 40 percent of ingredients used in animal feed are recycled byproducts from other industries.

Sessions at the Alliance’s 2021 Virtual Summit will address many of the topics presented in the Sustainability Impact Report, highlighting ways to position animal agriculture as a path forward to climate neutrality, discuss animal protein in a sustainable food system, and more!

Additional sustainability resources are also available within the Alliance’s website and Resource Center, including links to research, social media images, and infographics.

Tools for changing minds, marketing, and messaging will be shared at the 2021 Virtual Summit.

Virtual networking opportunities available for registered attendees.

Social media is the number one source of information today, but what happens when the information presented is wrong or misleading? Join Michelle Miller, better known as the Farm Babe, at the Animal Agriculture Alliance’s 2021 Virtual Summit, where she will share how we can better handle online attacks from activists and communicate factual information while engaging in conversations around negative or harmful food marketing campaigns.

Several exciting networking opportunities are available for attendees to meet and talk with one another at the Virtual Summit. First, attendees are invited to a Virtual Welcome Reception on May 5, where they will be placed at a virtual table with three fellow attendees. After ten minutes, the tables will shuffle, and attendees can meet three new people! After the first day’s programming concludes, there will be a Twitter Chat Happy Hour to unwind and discuss sessions from the comfort of your home. To kick off the second day of the Virtual Summit, attendees are invited to join a Virtual Networking Event to meet virtually with Summit speakers, and

Continued on page 60

S.C. Beef Council News

By ROY COPELAN The S.C. Beef Council office continues to be open and operating.

Plans are well underway for successful beef promotions during the “Summer Grilling” season taking place from Memorial Day through Labor Day. To date, 18 beef promotions have been scheduled around our state, with others awaiting an okay. If you know of food retailers, foodservice operators, or community events in your neck of the woods, please contact them or refer me to them. Hopefully, we can schedule over 30 beef promotional events

during the 100 days of summer. I have scheduled our annual Cinco de Mayo beef promotion with our Hispanic consumers on May 5, as well as a new Mother’s Day beef promotion on May 8.

Sutter Home, in cooperation with the U.S. beef industry, has scheduled their 31st Annual Build a Better Burger Contest. The contest is open through August 31. Everyone is encouraged to submit their favorite beef burger recipe for the opportunity to win $25,000.

PAGE 58

The Carolina Cattle Connection q MAY 2021

Contest rules and entries can be obtained at your local food retailer or on www.SutterHome.com.

A big thank you to all nine of our South Carolina livestock auction markets.

Your collection and submission of monthly beef assessments are very much appreciated by all. Our hats are tipped your way! The market listings are: • Monday sales - Upstate Livestock Exchange in Williamston, Saluda Livestock Market in Saluda, and Harvest Livestock Exchange in Chesnee • Tuesday sales - Chester Livestock Exchange in Chester and Low Country Livestock Exchange in Darlington • Wednesday sales - Orangeburg

Stockyard in Orangeburg and Laurens Livestock in Laurens • Saturday sales - H.S. Stockyard in Ehrhardt on the second and fourth Saturdays, and Springfield Stockyard in Springfield on the first and third Saturdays Please join with me in thanking these businesses for their operations and friendships.

The 2021 S.C. Academy of Nutrition & Dietetics Annual Meeting was held virtually for the second year on April 16. The theme of this year’s meeting was “Thriving in Times of Change.” I participated with about 100 others during the day long event. Jim White, the owner of local Fitness and Nutrition Studios, was the featured speaker. His topic centered around “connecting to communicate science over sensationalism.” The 2022 meeting is scheduled in person on April 22, 2022, here in Columbia.

Enjoy this spring, stay healthy, and check on others. I hope to see you out and about. Until next month…

Beef Promotion and Research Program

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

Information is held confidential (7 CRF 1260.203).

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

Buyer’s Name: ____________________________

Address: _________________________________

Address: _________________________________

City: ________________ State: ____ Zip: ______

City: ________________ State: ____ Zip: ______

Seller’s Signature: _________________________

Buyer’s Signature: _________________________

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

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

Person remitting assessment form:

Seller

o

Buyer

o

* State of Origin of Cattle: ______________________

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

Send Report and Remittance to:

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

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

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

The Carolina Cattle Connection

q MAY 2021

PAGE 59

Animal Agriculture Alliance News continued from page 58 throughout the event, Discussion Chat Rooms will be available for attendees to talk about hot topics. Attendees also have the option to connect with other attendees one-on-one in the Virtual Summit Event Center.

“The 2021 Virtual Summit kicks off soon and will bring together the entire animal agriculture community and each link along the food supply chain for 15 hours of live, dynamic content,” said Hannah Thompson-Weeman, Alliance vice president, strategic engagement.

“We’re excited to be offering several networking opportunities to attendees and providing several sessions that provide tips and tools for putting networking and engagement skills to the test for the benefit of the agriculture community.”

Michelle Miller understands the importance of engaging and building relationships with those in and outside of agriculture. When Burger King released a commercial last year that depicted farmers in a negative light, Miller came to agriculture’s defense. This ultimately led them to release a new ad that highlighted the work of farmers – following several conversations and farm tours with the agriculture community. Miller will provide an optimistic view on responding to issues along with tips on how we can come together to change minds, marketing, and messaging in a preconference session titled “Obstacles to Opportunities: Connecting and Engaging

Have you forgotten something?

Make sure your cattlemen friends are members of your state association!

PAGE 60

Online and Beyond.”

Michelle Miller, better known as the Farm Babe, is an international keynote speaker, writer, and columnist for www.

AGDAILY.com, online influencer, and Florida livestock farmer. She started her social media outreach nearly six years ago as a way to better bridge the gap between farmers and consumers and has made a name for herself as a dedicated “mythbuster” in food and farming. With nearly 200,000 followers and an average social media reach of three million views monthly, she has been featured in Forbes, been a guest on Dr. Drew, and proudly spoken alongside some of the biggest names in food and farming today.

Rethink methane and change the narrative around animal agriculture and the environment at the 2021 Virtual Summit. Positioning animal agriculture as a climate change solution.

Greenhouse gas emissions from livestock and the sustainability of our current food system are generating quite the media buzz, especially with the United Nations gearing up for its Food Systems Summit later this year. University of California, Davis’s Frank Mitloehner, Ph.D., will provide insights into why we should be rethinking methane and animal agriculture’s role in reaching climate neutrality at the Animal Agriculture Alliance’s 2021 Virtual Stakeholders Summit.

Animal agriculture is often villainized as a climate change culprit, but what is viewed as its Achilles’ heel may actually be one of our best climate solutions. That’s because we’ve been looking at methane from livestock all wrong, according to Dr. Mitloehner.

By rethinking methane, Dr. Mitloehner will show that animal agriculture’s impact on global warming has not only been exaggerated, but its ability to capture carbon from the atmosphere is underappreciated. Efficiencies and technology have put the animal agriculture sector on the path to climate neutrality – and likely toward climate change solutions.

“Dr. Mitloehner’s research on the relationship between animal agriculture and climate change is truly fascinating,” said Kay Johnson Smith. “For years, livestock have been targeted and demonized for their methane emissions, and now we have the opportunity to change the narrative and position animal agriculture as a solution to reducing our environmental footprint and improving our planet for generations to come.”

Dr. Mitloehner is a professor and air quality specialist in cooperative

The Carolina Cattle Connection q MAY 2021

extension in the Department of Animal Science at UC Davis. As such, he shares his knowledge and research, both domestically and abroad, with students, scientists, farmers and ranchers, policymakers, and the public at large. Dr. Mitloehner is also director of the CLEAR Center, which has two cores – research and communications. The CLEAR Center brings clarity to the intersection of animal agriculture and the environment, helping our global community understand the environmental and human health impacts of livestock, so we can make informed decisions about the foods we eat while reducing environmental impacts. He is passionate about understanding and mitigating air emissions from livestock operations, as well as studying the implications of these emissions on the health of farm workers and neighboring communities. In addition, he is focusing on the food production challenge that will become a global issue as the world’s population grows to nearly ten billion by 2050. Frank received a Master of Science degree in animal science and agricultural

engineering from the University of Leipzig, Germany, and a doctoral degree in animal science from Texas Tech University.

Overcoming obstacles: farm security and legal updates to be provided at 2021 Virtual Summit.

Animal rights activists continue to create obstacles for farms, processing facilities, grocery stores, animal agriculture companies, and others involved in the supply chain, working to provide consumers with safe, affordable animal protein. Panels at the Animal Agriculture Alliance’s 2021 Virtual Summit will address new activist trends that have emerged and provide best practices to protect farms and facilities.

“Taking advantage of people when they are most vulnerable is a disgrace, but that’s just what animal rights activists have done during the COVID-19 pandemic,” said Hannah ThompsonWeeman. “While the rest of the world was focused on mitigating the effects of the global public health crisis, these groups continued to mercilessly push their vegan

Shorthorn News

American Shorthorn Association Announces 2022 Cattlemen’s Congress as Super National Shorthorn Show.

The American Shorthorn Association (X) Board of Directors met to discuss the Shorthorn breed participation at the 2022 Cattlemen’s Congress and 2022 National Western Livestock Show.

The Board of Directors unanimously approved the 2021-2022 ASA Point Show System recognizing the 2022 Cattlemen’s Congress as a super national Shorthorn show and the 2022 National Western Livestock Show as a regional show.

The approved show system will recognize five regions, each having two regional shows, one super regional show, and one national show. Regional awards will use the four shows in each region for point calculations. The ASA will recognize one national show within each region and two super national shows for a total of seven shows used for national award calculations.

“We are excited to announce Cattlemen’s Congress as a super national show for our membership,” said Montie Soules, Executive Secretary/CEO of ASA. “Our new show system expands the available point shows to allow more

breeders to exhibit across the country.

We look forward to seeing our show participation grow for the 2021-2022 show season.”

The complete ASA point show system will be announced to our membership in the May/June issue of Shorthorn Country and will be available at www.shorthorn.org. The announcement will include participating shows for the 2021-2022 show season and point distribution for each show level.

About American Shorthorn Association. The mission of the ASA is to serve all members and enhance the value of the Shorthorn breed by managing data, maintaining the integrity of the herdbook, educating members, and communicating the value of Shorthorn cattle resulting in the expanded use of Shorthorn genetics in the U.S. beef industry. The ASA is headquartered in Kansas City, Mo., and was founded in 1872, with herdbook records going back to 1822. As one of the oldest American breed associations, the ASA provides services for more than 6,000 junior and senior members who register more than 15,000 cattle annually.

To learn more, contact the ASA office or visit www.shorthorn.org.

and anti-animal agriculture agendas. Our security and legal panels will discuss the obstacles created by animal rights groups over the past year and dive into opportunities to safeguard the future of the animal agriculture community.”

In the “Overcoming Obstacles: Activist Update & Security Advice” panel, speakers will provide an update on animal rights activists’ efforts to capitalize on the COVID-19 crisis, protests outside of company CEO’s homes, trespasses onto farms, and more.

But, most importantly, they will share how attendees can overcome these obstacles by implementing proactive security and crisis planning measures.

The expert panel includes: • John Sancenito, President, INA, Inc. • Jim Naugle, Assistant Sheriff, Sonoma County Sheriff’s Office • Nancy Daigneault, Principal & Founder, On Point Communications Directly following the security panel, legal updates will be provided as part of the “Navigating the Legal Landscape” session. Animal agriculture is on trial in the court of public opinion as animal rights activists spread misinformation about animal welfare, sustainability, and other key issues. However, animal rights activists are also taking their plight to the actual courtroom as they bring coordinated litigation against farms and companies. Attendees will learn about the topics and trends that affect your businesses and organizations, including proactive steps that may be taken to avoid litigation issues and best practices on how to navigate the legal landscape with these groups. Seasoned agriculture law attorneys serving on the panel include: • Michelle Pardo, Partner, Duane Morris LLP • Brianna Schroeder, Partner, Janzen Schroeder Ag Law The 2021 Virtual Summit preconference webinar series set to cover political affairs, how companies can support animal ag, and more. Live preconference webinars as part of the Animal Agriculture Alliance’s 2021 Virtual Stakeholders Summit are set to address opportunities in our nation’s capital and in statehouses across the country with a new administration in office, in addition to discussing how agricultural companies can assist farmers and ranchers in dispelling myths and highlighting accurate information about the animal agriculture community.

“The success of the animal agriculture community is dependent on how well we all work together – both inside and outside of agriculture,” said Casey Kinler, Alliance director of membership and marketing. “Pre-

conference webinars at the 2021 Virtual Summit will address this very issue while providing the tools needed to foster those relationships and safeguard the future of animal agriculture.”

What are agricultural companies’ plans to prepare, protect, and promote animal agriculture in this new age of social media empowerment? What are these organizations doing to support farmers and the bigger agricultural community? Are companies also feeling the heat from activists? In the preconference webinar “Expanding the Base: What Companies and Organizations are Doing to Promote and Protect Animal Ag,” a panel of executives will share how their companies are looking to the future to help the agriculture community correct misinformation and tell the true story of agriculture. Speakers include: • Jane Hillstrom, Vice President, Reputation Management, Filament, session moderator • Sharyl Sauer, Global Business Platforms Communications Leader, Corteva Agriscience • John Brunquell, Ph.D., President & CEO, Egg Innovations • Stewart Leeth, Chief Sustainability Officer, Smithfield Foods • Emily Johannes, Senior Manager, Sustainable Sourcing, Nestle Sponsored by the National Pork Producers Council, pre-conference session “A Changing View from Washington & Statehouses Around the Country: Challenges and Opportunities in a New Administration” panelists will address how the new administration could impact the animal agriculture community’s efforts to protect and promote our livelihoods. Policy experts will bring us up to speed on how animal agriculture has fared since President Biden took office, challenges to come, and how we can take advantage of opportunities to represent animal agriculture in the nation’s capital, at statehouses, and during policy discussions at every level. Panelists include: • Christian Richter, Principal, The Policy Group • Elizabeth Rumley, Senior Staff Attorney, National Agricultural Law Center • Nick Giordano, Vice President and Counsel, Global Government Affairs, National Pork Producers Council, session moderator The Alliance’s annual Summit brings together thought leaders in the agriculture and food industries 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 2021 event,

themed “Obstacles to Opportunities,” is scheduled for May 5-6.

The Virtual Summit agenda featuring the exciting and high caliber speakers you will see at the 2021 event has been posted on the Virtual Summit registration website. Sessions will highlight ways to position animal agriculture as a path forward to climate neutrality, how to elevate the voices of farmers in dialogues surrounding food and agriculture, and strategies for virtual stakeholder and influencer engagement.

Be sure to check the Virtual Summit website at www.whova.com/web/ stake_202105 for the most up-to-date information and to register. You can also follow the hashtag #AAA21 for periodic updates about the event. For general questions about the Summit, please contact summit@animalagalliance.org or call 703-562-5160.

Thank you to our 2021 Summit sponsors: Watt Global Media, Farm Journal, Meatingplace, National Pork Producers Council, National Cattlemen’s Beef Association, Smithfield, National Pork Board, American Feed Industry Association, United Soybean Board, United Egg Producers, Country Folks, Dairy MAX, Farm Credit, National Biodiesel Board, Cobb Vantress, Inc., Protect the Harvest, Progressive Dairy,

The National Provisioner, Kemin, American Farm Bureau Federation, American Veal Association, National Chicken Council, Trans Ova Genetics, Vivayic, Mountaire Farms, North Carolina 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, Midwest Dairy, National Turkey Federation, Nutrien, Provimi North America, Inc., Seaboard Foods, and Tyson Foods Inc. About the Animal Agriculture Alliance. The Alliance is an industry united, nonprofit organization that helps bridge the communication gap between farm and fork. We connect key food industry stakeholders to arm them with responses to emerging issues. We engage food chain influencers and promote consumer choice by helping them better understand modern animal agriculture.

We protect by exposing those who threaten our nation’s food security with damaging misinformation.

THANK YOU

to Chester Livestock Exchange and all the buyers, sponsors, and consignors who helped make this year’s sale such a great success!

We look forward to seeing you all again next year!

MARCH 12, 2022

Chester Livestock Exchange The Carolina Cattle Connection

q MAY 2021

PAGE 61

A Message from the CEO

By COLIN WOODALL

National Cattlemen’s Beef Association

The Science of Sustainability In 2006, the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations published an examination of global livestock production practices in Livestock’s Long Shadow. The 416 page report concluded that greenhouse gas emissions from animal agriculture exceeded all emissions from the transportation sector. Well, that was downright false, and we were not going to allow our business to be insulted like that!

NCBA immediately began to fight back and correct the record.

We worked with several scientists to build our case against Livestock’s Long

Shadow. One, in particular, is Dr. Frank Mitloehner, who leads the Clarity and Leadership for Environmental Awareness and Research (CLEAR Center) at the University of California, Davis. Dr. Mitloehner prepared a report showing the very foundation of Livestock’s Long Shadow was flawed because the U.N. looked at all the emissions created by the global animal agriculture supply chain but only used tailpipe emissions when analyzing the transportation sector.

That comparison just does not give any scientific credence to the claims the U.N. made.

IRM Red Books Are Here The price of the books are again $5.00/each this year.

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

Some highlights of the book are the international year letter designations for animal identification calving records Beef Quality Assurance best practices judicious use of antimicrobials in cattle injection site quality control health records pasture usage cattle sales A.I. breeding records analysis of calving activity and back by producer demand the addresses phone notes pages plus many other record keeping sections.

Simply return the order form below, along with $5.00 for each book to: N.C. Cattlemen’s Association 2228 N. Main Street Fuquay Varina, NC 27526 You can now order them through our website at www.nccattle.com/resources/merchandise/red-book-order-form.

You can also call our office at 919-552-9111 or email us at kim@nccattle.com.

PAGE 62

The Carolina Cattle Connection q MAY 2021

Dr. Mitloehner shared his findings with the U.N., and they agreed that he was right; they were wrong. In fact, during an interview with the BBC in March of 2010, Pierre Gerber, one of the authors of Livestock’s Long Shadow, accepted Dr. Mitloehner’s analysis and said, “I must say honestly that he has a point – we factored in everything for meat emissions, and we didn’t do the same thing with transport, we just used the figure from the IPCC (Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change)…” So, end of story, right? Not so fast. Here we are in 2021, and the environmental extremists still use the original U.N. report to champion their cause, and many policymakers still listen to them.

That is why we need to take a page out of the extremist’s playbook and push our version of the story. The difference is that our version is based on facts. We all know that cattle emit methane, and methane is a known greenhouse gas.

Methane follows a cycle that is about a decade long. As a part of that cycle, methane undergoes a chemical reaction with oxygen and is converted to carbon dioxide. Carbon dioxide is then taken out of the atmosphere by plants and grass that utilize it during photosynthesis for plant growth. Cattle eat the plants and grass and release methane as a result of rumination.

The methane enters the atmosphere and gets converted back to carbon dioxide, which is absorbed by a new round of growing plants and grasses.

In 2018, a new methodology in accounting for methane’s role in climate change was first published by a team of international scientists led by a researcher from Oxford. This new method is called

Global Warming Potential - Star, better known as GWP* and takes into account the methane cycle described above.

GWP* better represents the difference between short lived and long lived greenhouse gasses, and since methane is short lived, we believe this is a game changer for the cattle business. This methodology factors in all the tremendous work we have done over the years to improve the genetics of our cattle and our cattle production practices. Between 1961 and 2018, the U.S. beef industry, through continued sustainability efforts and improved resource use, has reduced emissions per pound of beef produced by more than 40 percent while also producing more than 66 percent more beef per animal. GWP* clearly shows we are a part of the solution, not part of the problem.

Now, even though GWP* is a much better methodology, there are others out there that inaccurately account for methane. That is why we must do more to promote GWP* among the scientific community. Our cattle partners in other parts of the world are embracing this methodology. Well respected scientists like Dr. Mitloehner and Dr. Jason Sawyer at Texas A&M – Kingsville are making the rounds showcasing this methodology and promoting its use. We have to do the same, and that is exactly what NCBA is doing. We are taking GWP* and using it on Capitol Hill and with the Biden Administration. President Biden has made a commitment to using science.

Well, here is science at its best. Yes, cattle produce greenhouse gases, but we need to accurately measure and assess our impact on the climate. GWP* does just that.

NCBA News

A Tax on the Next Generation - Why It’s a Problem and The Need to Engage.

Preparing to transition the farm or ranch to the next generation is a complicated process. Considerations for keeping the operation viable in the immediate term must be taken into account, along with a look into the future as burdensome taxes threaten the farm or ranch a family already owns before it’s passed on. This is a challenging scenario for cattle producers, and NCBA is committed to fighting for the needs of family owned businesses across the country with lawmakers in Washington, D.C. Missy Bonds of Bonds Ranch, a commercial cow/calf, stocker, and feeder cattle operation headquartered in Saginaw, Tex., knows all too well the challenges tax laws present to farms and ranches. From a young age, Bonds knew that she wanted to take over the ranch.

“When I was about eight years old, we were all standing in the kitchen and I looked at my dad and said, ‘I want to be a rancher just like you daddy’,” Bonds reflected.

However, since Missy has taken an active role in the business decisions of the operation, she has experienced firsthand the headache that comes with navigating the extensive list of tax issues that affect her family’s operation daily. One of those tax issues is the Death Tax, also referred to as the estate tax.

The federal estate tax is a tax that applies to property transferred at death when the value of that property exceeds the estate tax exemption limits. While the estate owner is technically responsible for the tax, their heirs are often the ones obligated to make payments when taxes are due after the death of a primary owner. This tax is a familiar burden for farm and ranch families across the U.S. when considering generational transfer.

The situation that Bonds and her family are dealing with is familiar to a vast number of farm and ranch families around the country. It is very clear that the Death Tax creates an uncertain environment for producers when thinking about the future of their operation. This tax is one that causes such financial burden that producers have to make tough decisions to ensure that the next generation is set up for success.

“The Death Tax disproportionately harms cattle producers because with few options to pay off tax liabilities, many farm and ranch families are forced to

make tough choices at the time of death – and in worst case scenarios, must sell off land to meet their federal tax burden,” said NCBA President Jerry Bohn.

In its present form, the estate tax is an obstacle to keeping family owned ranches and farms intact and viable during generational transfers. Ranching is a debt intensive business, forcing cattle producers to rely on a land rich, cash poor business model. According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), 91 percent of farm and ranch assets are illiquid. As a result, families are often forced to sell off land, farm equipment, parts of the operation, or the entire ranch to pay off tax liabilities at the time of death.

In order to avoid the devastating experience of selling the family business, some families have started planning for how they will handle the estate tax well before they actually have to pay it. This process causes families who are already operating on razor thin margins to take on a significant financial burden as a result of having to pay for the legal services to establish insurance policies and a business model that will allow the next generation to experience a smooth farm transfer.

“If you haven’t done the extensive estate planning, the next generation is going to risk losing the operation,” Bonds said. “You need more than just a will; you need a way for the next generation to pay for it. With what we have done, with the amount of money that we have paid to put all of this stuff in place, we could have hired two other employees,” she continued.

With more than 40 percent of farmland expected to transition in the next two decades, Congress must prioritize policies that support land transfers to the next generation of farmers and ranchers.

“As small business owners, environmental stewards, and the economic backbone of rural communities across the country, U.S. cattle producers understand and appreciate the role of taxes in maintaining and improving our nation. However, they also believe that the most effective tax code is an equitable one,” Bohn said.

NCBA believes that the estate tax policy is in direct conflict with the desire to preserve and protect our nation’s family owned ranches and farms. While the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017 (TCJA) temporarily extended estate tax relief by increasing the exemption

amount to $10 million per individual/$20 million per couple - indexed for inflation - and maintained a rate of 40 percent, this increase is only effective until January 1, 2026. The exemption levels will revert to $5 million per individual/$10 million per couple when the legislation sunsets.

Absent full, permanent repeal, the estate tax will continue to be a major burden on cattle producers across the United States. NCBA continues to work with members of Congress to convey the fact that not only does the agriculture industry deserve certainty in the tax code, they need it to ensure the success of the next generation of agriculturists.

The Death Tax Repeal Act of 2021 was introduced to the 117th Congress by

U.S. Senator John Thune of South Dakota and U.S. Representatives Sanford Bishop (D-Ga.) and Jason Smith (R-Mo.). While NCBA stands behind this legislation, full repeal was not able to be achieved in tax reform that happened back in 2017, and there are far more barriers to achieving full repeal in this political climate. However, NCBA is committed to continue the fight on behalf of producers.

“Cattle producers deserve certainty in the tax code. They deserve to be able to make plans for the next generation of producers. The TCJA sunsets and conversations happening currently about

Continued on the next page

Carolina Video and Load Lot Monthly Summary (Weeks ending MARCH 2 & MARCH 16, 2021)

Carolina Video and Load Lot Monthly Summary of Southeast Livestock Exchange and Mid-Atlantic Cattle Sales ending Tuesday, MARCH 2, 2021, and MidAtlantic Cattle Sales ending Tuesday, MARCH 16, 2021. 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 0-3 percent shrink and sold with a 5-10¢ per pound slide on the heavy side only.

Cattle Receipts: 2,160

Last Month: 1,264

Feeders made up 100 percent of the offering. The feeder supply included 48 percent steers and 52 percent heifers. Nearly 92 percent of the run weighed over 600 pounds. Head totals are based on load lot estimate of 49,500 pounds.

Head 42 83 79 30 73 138 133 114 58 58 49

Wt. Range 580-580 590-590 620-620 660-660 675-675 700-725 715-770 850-870 850-850 850-850 990-990

FEEDER STEERS (Medium 1-2) Avg. Wt. Price Range Avg. Price 580 $145.00 $145.00 590 $152.25 $152.25 620 $157.75 $157.75 660 $134.25 $134.25 675 $144.00 $144.00 712 $134.50 - $135.50 $134.99 741 $125.00 - $132.00 $128.63 859 $140.75 - $143.00 $141.89 850 $130.50 $130.50 850 $126.50 $126.50 990 $134.00 $134.00

Head 65 115

Wt. Range 750-750 850-850

FEEDER STEERS (Medium and Large 1-2) Avg. Wt. Price Range Avg. Price 750 $141.25 $141.25 850 $138.00 $138.00

Head 43 82 77 14 126 401 69 58

Wt. Range 565-565 600-600 640-640 640-640 775-775 700-790 710-710 850-850

Head 65 66 64 58

Wt. Range 750-750 750-750 760-760 840-840

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

FEEDER HEIFERS (Medium 1-2) Avg. Wt. Price Range Avg. Price Delivery 565 $133.00 $133.00 Split Loads 600 $140.00 $140.00 Value Added 640 $129.00 $129.00 Guaranteed Open 640 $124.25 $124.25 Split Loads 775 $134.00 $134.00 Value Added 733 $116.50 - $125.50 $121.84 Guaranteed Open 710 $121.00 $121.00 Natural 850 $136.00 $136.00 Value Added FEEDER HEIFERS (Medium and Large 1-2) Avg. Wt. Price Range Avg. Price 750 $133.50 $133.50 750 $118.25 $118.25 760 $134.75 $134.75 840 $133.00 $133.00

Delivery Value Added Guaranteed Open Natural Natural

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

The Carolina Cattle Connection

q MAY 2021

PAGE 63

NCBA News continued from the previous page potential changes in the tax code to volatility has a detrimental impact when you’re talking about generational transfer,” said Danielle Beck, senior executive director of government affairs for NCBA. NCBA is committed to continued work across the aisle to ensure that the needs of farm and ranch families across the country are being understood in Washington.

“We’re going to keep members on record as supporting full, permanent repeal. This is important in terms of messaging as we look at several potential legislative initiatives that may move towards reconciliation. The estate tax and stepped up basis cannot become revenue raisers. We can’t balance the budget on the backs of ranchers,” Beck said.

It is imperative that lawmakers understand how detrimental tax policy, when done wrong, can be for farmers and ranchers. It’s even more important to convey the point that, for those in the agriculture industry, this topic is one that hits close to home.

“I am very fortunate that this is all prevention so far. I am very fortunate that we haven’t lost either one of my parents.

This is all stuff that we have in place right now just in case something does happen, because it’s inevitable. I don’t want it to, but I know one day it’s going to. When that day comes, I don’t want to not only lose my parents, but lose my home as well,” Bonds said.

NCBA stands firm in fighting for increased opportunities for producer profitability and, with that, opportunities for the next generation of farmers and ranchers to be successful. However, politics is local, and producer engagement is incredibly powerful in this discussion.

NCBA is calling on producers to join us in advocating to your elected officials through our comment campaign. Use link www.p2a.co/7XlGhkV to send a letter

PAGE 64

to convey, to your elected official, the importance of sound tax policy for rural America. Take the time to tell your story because, ultimately, the next generation depends on it.

Transportation in the Cattle Industry Requires Additional Flexibility to Lessen Burden Throughout the Supply Chain. Transporting cattle throughout stages of production is a process sometimes overlooked in beef’s journey from gate to plate. Transportation touches on a variety of issues important to farmers and ranchers, from cost to animal welfare, which is why NCBA continues to make this a priority issue in Washington, D.C. Margaret Ann Smith, a sixth generation cattle producer and owner of Southlex Cattle Company coordinates the shipment of cattle across 22 states, from New Mexico to New Hampshire.

“It’s amazing how our product moves, starting with the cow/calf producer to the buying station onto a stocker and then to a finishing yard. From there, cattle are transported to the packer and then the product lands at a grocery store or restaurant. Because the animal is moved several times, livestock haulers are a critical component of the beef supply chain and flexibility in livestock hauling regulations is vital,” Smith said.

Current hours of service (HOS) rules allow for 11 hours of drive time, 14 hours of on duty time, and then require 10 consecutive hours of rest. When transporting livestock, there is a real need for further flexibility beyond the current hours of service. Unlike drivers moving consumer goods, livestock haulers cannot simply idle or unload their trucks when drive time hours run out without jeopardizing animal health and welfare.

Clint Berry, NCBA Livestock Marketing Council chair and Superior Livestock representative, said the hours

The Carolina Cattle Connection q MAY 2021

of on duty time can create a challenging dynamic for livestock haulers.

“The current 150 air mile exemption for livestock and ag commodity haulers really is vital for our haulers within the hours of service regulations. For example, during the big, seasonal runs at sale barns, trucks will often have to pull in line and wait to get loaded after a sale; this wait can sometimes be as long as three or four hours.

Once those livestock haulers are in line, they are technically on duty, but because of the ag exemption their on duty clock of 14 hours does not start until they are loaded and 172 miles down the road,” Berry said.

To deliver much needed flexibility for livestock haulers, NCBA delivered S.792, the Haulers of Agriculture and Livestock Safety (HAULS) Act of 2021, a bipartisan bill introduced in the U.S. Senate.

The HAULS Act would add a 150 air mile radius exemption under HOS regulations to the backend of hauls for those transporting livestock

or agricultural commodities. It also eliminates current rules that limit the ag and livestock HOS exemptions to state planting and harvesting periods (making the exemption available year round in all states) and updates and clarifies the definition of an agricultural commodity.

“The HAULS Act gives us more flexibility to handle a live commodity,” Smith said. “The thing I hear about the most in conversations between cattle producers and livestock haulers is the 150 air mile radius exemption. A driver is leaving a ranch or a buying station with cattle and traveling 1,000 miles – adverse weather or an unforeseen situation along the road may force a change in the delivery destination. Often they are so close – within 50-60 miles – but the way the rules are currently written forces livestock haulers to stop. That is simply not feasible when you just need another hour to get cattle unloaded rather than waiting 10 hours for the driver’s

NEWS

New Cross Clearance Offers Flexibility for Feedlot Heifer Rations.

Producers can now feed MGA with Bovatec and Aureomycin. For cattle producers who are feeding heifers, a recent approval from the Food and Drug Administration now allows cattle producers to feed MGA®, Bovatec®, and Aureomycin® in combination for the first time.

“This approval gives cattle producers, who are feeding MGA and Bovatec to control estrus and enhance growth in fed heifers, the flexibility to add Aureomycin to the ration if they need to control or treat a respiratory challenge,” said Martin Andersen, Ph.D., cattle nutritionist, Beef Strategic Technical Services, Zoetis. “It truly offers more options when it comes to heifer rations.”

The cross clearance gives cattle producers the ability to manage the health and productivity of their feedlot and replacement* heifers by incorporating Bovatec to control coccidiosis in heifers up to 800 lbs, as well as the option to add Aureomycin to treat or control respiratory disease.

For more information on feed additive solutions from Zoetis, visit www.

CattleFeedAdditives.com or consult with your veterinarian or nutritionist.

Do not use AUREOMYCIN in calves

to be processed for veal.

Caution: Federal law restricts medicated feed containing this veterinary feed directive (VFD) drug to use by or on the order of a licensed veterinarian.

Do not use BOVATEC in calves to be processed for veal. Do not allow horses or other equines access to feeds containing lasalocid, as ingestion may be fatal. Feeding undiluted or mixing errors resulting in excessive concentrations of lasalocid could be fatal to cattle and sheep. *Feeding duration of MGA in replacement heifers is limited to 24 days.

About Zoetis. Zoetis is the leading animal health company, dedicated to supporting its customers and their businesses in advancing the care for animals. Building on more than 65 years of experience in animal health, Zoetis discovers, develops, manufactures, and commercializes medicines, vaccines, diagnostics, technologies, and services, including biodevices, genetic tests, and precision livestock farming. Zoetis serves veterinarians, livestock producers, and people who raise and care for farm and companion animals with sales of its products in more than 100 countries.

In 2020, the company generated annual revenue of $6.7 billion with approximately 11,300 employees. For more information, visit www.zoetis.com.

mandatory rest period to expire. It becomes an animal welfare issue, and it’s the right thing to do for the animals to let the driver go another hour or so.”

Berry also said that whether a producer is selling five calves or 500 calves, the transportation sector affects everyone from a cost standpoint.

“Without flexibility, a potential increase in transportation costs ultimately gets passed on to the producer; it’s figured into the breakevens before bid price can be made on cattle. It doesn’t matter what size producer you are or where you market cattle – everyone has transportation costs that are passed on,” Berry said. “We need more flexibility in certain situations, so the producer and the hauler aren’t impacted by situations out of their control, and the HAULS Act addresses some of our industry’s needs.”

Smith agreed and referenced how the industry has been operating under an HOS exemption for the last year due to the pandemic.

“We’ve proven that the beef industry and its haulers are capable of operating safely while keeping animal welfare a top priority.

This piece of legislation helps us bring the pandemic exemption to a reasonable and fair permanent solution,” she said.

NCBA has long advocated against one-size-fits-all regulations for the live haul sector, and the COVID-19 pandemic further highlighted the need for flexibility when it comes to livestock hauling.

“The HAULS Act represents a very positive step in the right direction — a permanent change to existing hours of service regulations that preserves animal welfare as well as safety on our roads, while also making sure producers can keep our grocery stores stocked with beef,” said NCBA Executive Director of Government Affairs Allison Rivera.

We need your help! Please reach out to your senators today and ask them to cosponsor S. 792, the HAULS Act, so that we can provide flexibility for livestock haulers under current HOS regulations.

Embracing the Positives in Sustainable Cattle Production.

Cattlemen and women are the original climate heroes, preserving natural resources for generations while producing safe, affordable, and abundant protein for the world to enjoy. In a presentation during the 2021 Cattle Industry Convention Winter Reboot, speakers discussed how cattle production contributes positively to society.

Dr. Myriah Johnson, senior director of beef sustainability research for the NCBA, started the session by posing a question often seen in media headlines: “How do we feed the planet in 2050?”. Johnson explained the desire that exists to feed people in a way

that is sustainable for generations in the future and how beef plays a critical role in that sustainable food system.

“The fundamental value proposition of beef to the food system is the transformation of lower value resources, such as grasses and plant byproducts, to higher value protein full of micronutrients, which nourishes people,” Johnson said.

Although people often have different definitions of sustainability, responses generally fall into three major pillars, including economic viability, environmental stewardship, and social responsibility. Science based evidence demonstrates how cattle management efforts are making positive contributions to all three pillars.

Johnson provided an overview of the economic and social benefits of the beef industry, including its impact on local, regional, and national economies, tax contributions, job creation, rural development, and food security, among others. According to a forthcoming report on the Economic Contributions of the U.S. Beef Industry, more than 27 billion pounds of beef are produced annually, providing 144 billion 3 ounce servings of beef. In addition, U.S. beef production and processing contributes $167 billion in gross sales and supports a labor force of more than 721,400 workers. “It matters that the beef industry exists, and research shows its impact on communities,” Johnson said.

Dr. Jason Sawyer, associate professor and research scientist with the King Ranch Institute for Ranch Management, focused on beef’s role in the environmental pillar of sustainability. Sawyer suggested the industry focus on the term “climate neutral,” which means implementing systems that have minimal effect on

projected global temperature change.

According to Sawyer, there is a lot of confusion about methane and its actual impact on the environment. “Methane is a natural result of ruminant digestion and can’t be eliminated without forsaking the critical capacity to upcycle human inedible feedstuffs,” he said.

There is 600 times more carbon dioxide in the atmosphere than methane, and unlike methane, which disappears from the atmosphere in 8-12 years, carbon dioxide doesn’t break down.

“Overall, the U.S. beef industry’s contribution to atmospheric methane is very small, but even annual reductions of 0.5 or 1.5 percent in methane emissions can help lead the industry to climate neutrality in the near future,” Sawyer said.

Although often overlooked, the beef industry has positive environmental impacts when it comes to land based carbon removal. Carbon uptake through grazing lands can help offset non-methane emissions currently attributed to beef production, according to Sawyer. If the warming potential of methane is properly accounted for and current levels of carbon uptake are included in the greenhouse gas profile of beef systems, U.S. beef producers might already be approaching climate neutral production.

Both speakers discussed the benefits of grazing to the social and economic pillars of sustainability in addition to environmental.

“Cattle don’t just use the land, they help protect ecosystems, soil health, and wildlife, in addition to protecting public safety by reducing fire risk,” Johnson said. “And, if cattle weren’t grazing on federal lands, more expensive mechanical management would be required.”

Johnson summarized the session and

said, “Beef is good for people, the planet and profit, and it is the complete package across all three pillars of sustainability.”

Sawyer agreed and added, “Beef sustainability is a complex subject, but there is a lot to be excited about.

Production of beef is not degrading the planet, but rather improving the planet while feeding the world.”

Optimism in Beef Industry Fueled

by Strong Demand with Higher Prices Anticipated. Despite pandemic disruptions, consumer demand for beef at home and around the globe remained strong in 2020, a trend that will continue in 2021 and beyond, especially as foodservice operations begin to fully reopen. The strong demand, combined with expected higher beef and cattle prices, signals an optimistic future for the beef industry, according to CattleFax, which presented an outlook seminar during the virtual 2021 Cattle Industry Convention Winter Reboot.

According to CattleFax CEO Randy Blach, cattle numbers will continue to contract in 2021, and producers will gain leverage on packers and retailers, and margin distribution will be more equitable. Packing capacity is expected to increase slowly with the addition of more small scale plants, and U.S. meat exports will continue to grow. Overall, profitability is expected to improve significantly for cow/calf producers.

Lost incomes due to unemployment were replaced by government transfer benefits, and household wealth increased more than $620 billion in 2020, according to Blach. In 2020, total meat sales volume

Continued on the next page

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q MAY 2021

PAGE 65

NCBA News continued from the previous page at retail was up 10 percent and total dollar sales at retail up 18 percent, with beef’s share of the increase in spending accounting for 45 percent or $5.7 billion. Consumers also saved at record levels during the pandemic resulting in U.S. household net worth rising $5 trillion, which bodes well for beef demand going forward.

As beef demand reached record highs in 2020, cattle producers didn’t capture much of the margin with the bottleneck created due to plant closures as a result of COVID-19. According to Blach, the margin exists, and redistribution will lead to improving prices in the second half of 2021 and into 2022 and 2023.

“The bottom line is that things are on the mend, with producers gradually recapturing margin,” he said. “A one percent shift in margin will result in $6 per hundredweight increase on fed price.”

Kevin Good, vice president of industry relations and analysis at CattleFax, reported that 1.2 million head of cattle were liquidated in 20192020 after a 6.3 million head expansion between 2014 and 2018. Even with fewer cattle in the system, beef production still increased. Mild liquidation is anticipated in 2021 due to drought conditions and higher feed costs, said Good, and he estimates a U.S. beef cow inventory of just under 31 million head in 2022.

Good says 2021 is a tale of two halves. “There are more cattle in the system early in 2021 with big supplies on feed and heavy weights; however, the second part of the year will transition to tighter calf crops and tighter slaughter,” he said. In 2021, total slaughter is expected to be up 700,000 head to 33.5 million head, average carcass weights 4 pounds lighter, and beef production up 500 million pounds from 2020 to 27.6 billion pounds.

Per capita beef consumption is expected to grow slightly to 58.6 pounds per person in 2021, up from 58.5 pounds in 2020, although per capita red meat and poultry consumption is expected to decrease to 218.7 pounds per person from 221.7 pounds per person in 2020.

“Over the last 20 years, beef market share increased from 40 to 48 percent, up 2 percent in 2020,” said Good.

“Improvements in genetics, quality, and consistency have created a better product from five or ten years ago and have helped increase demand, taking market share away from pork and poultry.”

Good forecasts the average 2021 fed steer price at $119 per hundredweight, up from $109 per hundredweight in 2020, with a range of $110-$128 per hundredweight throughout the year. All cattle classes are expected to trade higher

PAGE 66

than a year ago, and prices are expected to improve over the next three to four years. The 800 lb. steer price is expected to average $145 per hundredweight with a range of $135-$160 per hundredweight, and the 550 lb. steer price is expected to average $168 per hundredweight, with a range of $160-$180 per hundredweight.

Finally, Good forecasts utility cows at an average of $64 per hundredweight with a range of $52-$74 per hundredweight.

Trade continues to be a hot topic, with U.S. beef prices competitive for Asian markets. According to Good, exports in 2021 are expected to increase by 5 percent, primarily to Asian markets like Japan, South Korea, and China, with declining imports from Australia and New Zealand. Although only 120 million pounds of beef were exported to China in 2020, that market is expected to grow to more than 300 million pounds per year over the next few years.

“The U.S. is the largest beef producer on the planet, producing 75 percent of all high quality fed beef in the world, and our product is different from competitors,” said Blach. “As the global population increases at a rate of 83 million people per year, U.S. agriculture is poised to play a key role with increasing exports.”

Mike Murphy, CattleFax vice president of research and risk management services, estimates that there will be 181 million planted acres of corn and soybeans in 2021, the largest ever combined acres for those two commodities. “That number is likely to be even higher, and in some regards it needs to be larger to balance the demand and build back supply,” said Murphy.

Although corn should be able to balance supply and demand, soybeans will have a tighter supply globally, with a smaller crop expected from South America.

As China rebuilds its pork industry following their battle with African Swine Fever, they are looking for higher quality feed ingredients, such as corn and soybeans, according to Murphy. The U.S. has the supply available to provide the estimated 700 million bushels of corn that China is expected to accept.

Spot prices for soybeans are expected to be $13.50-$16.50 per bushel for the remainder of 2021. “As soybean prices drive higher, soybeans will have a greater influence on the value of corn, bringing corn prices with it,” said Murphy. He noted, however, that any scares from Mother Nature this spring and summer will have concerning impacts.

All session panelists agreed that weather will be a major factor impacting the beef industry and agriculture as a

The Carolina Cattle Connection q MAY 2021

whole in 2021. Although the La Niña weather pattern has leveled off, it will be making a return with warm and dry conditions over most of the United States into the summer, according to Dr. Art Douglas, professor emeritus at Creighton University. Douglas indicated that the southwest U.S. will be warmer than normal, and the western half of the country will be relatively dry. In addition, dry conditions in the Rockies will eventually extend into the central corn belt, causing concerns for corn and soybean growers.

“The Pacific jet stream is positioned far north from normal preventing moisture from reaching the continent,” said Douglas. “The only significant moisture will be in the Ohio Valley and along the Canadian border from northeast North

Dakota into Minnesota.”

Blach concluded the session with an overall positive outlook, expecting beef demand to remain solid, foodservice markets improving significantly, and beef and cattle prices trending higher through 2024. He also noted that plant based protein alternatives will continue to grow market share, but gains will be slow.

Blach indicated that increased consumer interest in sustainability, food safety protocols, animal care, and traceability creates opportunities for producers to differentiate their products if they choose.

“Consumers are voting with their pocketbooks and buying beef,” said Blach. “The industry should take note, stay focused on quality, continue delivering what the consumer desires, and

N.C. Cattle Receipts, Trends, and Prices for the Month of MARCH 2021 Cattle Receipts: 22,315

•

Previous Month: 9,502

Feeder supply - 31% steers • 44% heifers • 23% bulls SLAUGHTER CLASSES

Avg. Wt. Price

Cows - % Lean

Breaker 1,432 $62.06

Boner 1,182 $61.80

Lean 998 $52.45

Bulls - Yield Grade 1-2

1,644

$85.84

FEEDER CLASSES

FEEDER STEERS (Medium and Large 1-2) Wt. Range Avg. Wt. CWT Avg. Price 400-450 425 $153.16 $650.93 450-500 472 $153.98 $726.79 500-550 524 $147.25 $771.59 550-600 572 $143.78 $822.42 600-650 620 $136.44 $845.93 650-700 669 $130.58 $873.58

FEEDER BULLS (Medium and Large 1-2) Wt. Range Avg. Wt. CWT Avg. Price 400-450 425 $152.61 $648.59 450-500 471 $147.27 $693.64 500-550 521 $140.44 $731.69 550-600 570 $136.23 $776.51 600-650 621 $131.31 $815.44 650-700 673 $118.31 $796.23

FEEDER HEIFERS (Medium and Large 1-2) Wt. Range Avg. Wt. CWT Avg. Price 400-450 424 $130.32 $552.56 450-500 471 $128.09 $603.30 500-550 522 $121.13 $632.30 550-600 569 $120.68 $686.67 600-650 620 $113.77 $705.37 650-700 667 $110.35 $736.03

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

tell their great story.”

NCBA Works Multiple Angles to Restore Market Leverage for Producers. Restoring market leverage to cattle producers is one of NCBA’s top policy priorities this year.

“Cattle producers continue to face serious obstacles when it comes to increasing profitability and gaining leverage in the marketplace,” said NCBA Vice President of Government Affairs Ethan Lane. “Leveling the playing field and putting more of the beef dollar in producer pockets remains the top priority of this association.”

While increased opportunity for profitability is a common goal for industry stakeholders, the proposed paths to get there vary widely – and there’s no one silver bullet.

To tackle the problem from every angle, NCBA is working to increase processing capacity and lower the barriers to start up for smaller processing facilities, achieve greater market transparency through improved reporting, and stress test a voluntary framework for negotiated trade.

Legislative Avenues - Market issues are not only on the minds of many in cattle country, but they are also gaining attention in Washington, D.C. Two pieces of legislation were filed in March that attempt to address producer concerns in the cattle market.

Senator Deb Fischer (R-Neb.) introduced the Cattle Market Transparency Act in the U.S. Senate. If enacted, this legislation would direct the Secretary of Agriculture and the Office of the Chief Economist at the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to establish regional mandatory minimums for negotiated trade of fed cattle. It would also direct USDA to establish a library of cattle formula contracts, amend the definition of “cattle committed” to expand the delivery window from seven to 14 days, and clarify confidentiality rules for administering Livestock Mandatory Reporting (LMR).

Senators Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) and Jon Tester (D-Mont.) introduced a bill that would require a minimum of 50 percent of meat packers’ daily harvest of fed cattle be sourced from the cash market and delivered within 14 days of sale.

“The debate within the cattle industry is figuring out the best way to increase price discovery. NCBA is currently working through an industry led, voluntary approach based on the policy our members approved last summer, and we need to go through this process and give it time to work before we consider supporting a mandate,” said NCBA President Jerry Bohn.

While Bohn and NCBA CEO Colin Woodall have both urged caution when it comes to a one-size-fits-all government mandate that neglects to account for the

regional differences of cattle markets, NCBA supports individual elements of some proposed legislation. For example, the creation of a cattle contracts library and clarification of confidentiality rules would provide crucial data to cattle producers as they seek to make informed marketing decisions.

“While we can’t support the Cattle Marketing Transparency Act in its current form, NCBA shares Senator Fisher’s objectives, as do most of our state affiliates and many within the cattle industry. The best way to achieve those objectives, however, continues to be hotly debated by the very cattle producers this legislation would directly impact. We have worked and will continue to work alongside our affiliates, Congress, and USDA toward regionally robust negotiated trade, the establishment of a cattle contract library, and commonsense in USDA’s rules of confidentiality by taking direction from our membership through the grassroots policy process,” Lane said.

Senator Grassley’s bill, however, completely misses the mark.

“The industry – from leading livestock economists to NCBA state affiliates – agrees that any legislative solution to increased price discovery must account for the unique dynamics within each geographic region. As we have seen in other sectors, a one-size-fits-all government mandate rarely achieves the intended goal. Per our grassroots policy, NCBA supports a voluntary approach first to increased negotiated trade. If a voluntary approach is unsuccessful, that same policy provides guidance toward a legislative solution that more closely resembles Senator Fischer’s Cattle Market Transparency Act. We will continue to work toward a more level playing field for producers, and we invite Senator Grassley to join the majority of stakeholders in reaching a collaborative solution,” Lane said.

NCBA Laid Groundwork for Industry Wide Leverage Discussion.

Cattle producers have long witnessed the decline of negotiated trades in the fed cattle complex, and NCBA has been at the forefront of this conversation.

While the use of formulas, grids, and other alternative marketing arrangements (AMAs) help cattle producers manage risk and capture more value for their product, these AMAs depend upon the price discovery that occurs in the direct, buyer-seller interactions of negotiated transactions. Current academic research has shown that more negotiated trade is needed to achieve “robust” price discovery within the industry, but each of the five USDA reporting regions contributes to this price discovery

differently. To truly contribute to an environment with robust price discovery, policies must factor in the unique characteristics of each reporting region.

Last July, at NCBA’s 2020 Summer Business Meeting, the Live Cattle Marketing Committee heard a wide range of disparate viewpoints from producers on this issue and spent hours in debate to arrive at a compromise. The resulting grassroots policy states that, “NCBA supports a voluntary approach that 1) increases frequent and transparent negotiated trade to regionally sufficient levels… and 2) includes triggers to be determined by a working group of NCBA producer leaders.” The policy further states, “if the voluntary approach does not achieve robust price discovery… and triggers are activated, NCBA will pursue a legislative or regulatory solution determined by the membership.”

In August of 2020, then NCBA President Marty Smith appointed a subgroup of the Live Cattle Marketing Working Group to develop the triggers required by the member approved policy.

The voluntary framework — now two

months into the implementation phase — established a series of triggers to evaluate negotiated trade volumes in each region and benchmarks for improvement. The subgroup is led by a group of producers from various regions with wide ranging perspectives and opinions on this issue and still meets regularly to discuss new and innovative solutions to this issue.

NCBA’s grassroots policy process is the tried and true venue for the entire cattle industry, from seedstock producers to cow/ calf operators to cattle feeders, to work together on complex issues toward common goals. Every member has a seat at the table, and all members are welcome to join.

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.

The Carolina Cattle Connection

q MAY 2021

PAGE 67

Amaferm Increases Protein Efficiency During Period of Increased Feed Prices. Protein is critical to the performance of all beef cattle, and like other key nutrients, it is required for bodily functions such as maintenance, growth, lactation, and reproduction.

Given that feed commodity prices, specifically, protein sources like soybean meal, have reached near record high prices in recent months, coupled with the fact that feed costs typically account for more than half of total costs in a typical beef cattle enterprise (Miller et al., 2001), producers should be increasingly concerned with the optimization of their feedstuffs without sacrificing resulting livestock performance. Amaferm is a prebiotic with a research proven mode of action that maximizes the value of feed via improved feed intake, digestibility, and absorption.

Protein requirements in beef cattle differ based on the stage of production.

Young, growing cattle, as well as cows that are in the late stages of pregnancy or lactation, require increased levels of protein. These requirements are expressed in terms of metabolizable protein, and this system effectively accounts for the rumen degradation of dietary protein by the rumen microbiome, as well as the needs of the animal itself. The animal’s requirement includes three parts: microbial protein, ruminally undegradable protein, and endogenous protein. Microbial protein is synthesized by the rumen microorganisms from nitrogen sources and other ruminally degradable carbohydrates; the resulting amino acids are then digested in the abomasum and absorbed in the small intestine. Ruminally undegradable protein is comprised of peptides and specific amino acids and is absorbed in the small intestine as well. Oftentimes, high forage beef cattle diets with sufficient digestibility can supply enough microbial crude protein to supply upward of half to nearly all of the animals’ metabolizable protein requirements. Amaferm has been shown to increase microbial protein synthesized in the rumen by 37 percent in low forage diets and 25 percent in high forage diets (Gomez-Alarcon et al., 1990).

These figures should excite producers who are looking to increase efficiencies within their feeding program.

Producers have options when it comes to adding Amaferm to their herds’ diets. All VitaFerm and Gain Smart vitamin and mineral supplements come

PAGE 68

NEWS

with the Amaferm advantage. In addition, Amaferm can be added directly to a TMR to help maximize the nutritional value of all feedstuff in the diet. To learn more about purchasing Amaferm or any of the VitaFerm or Gain Smart minerals, contact your BioZyme Area Sales Manager.

Amaferm is a management tool that arms producers with the ability to achieve high performance with fewer inputs.

When feed protein prices are relatively high, this technology can pay even bigger dividends. To learn more about Amaferm and how to incorporate this technology into your feeding program or to find the ASM nearest to you, please visit www. biozymeinc.com.

How to Choose the Best Mineral for Your Pasture. When it comes to backgrounding your cattle and keeping them healthy, there are a lot of choices that exist. All of the options might make your head spin but look no further than the Gain Smart line to produce healthy, efficient pounds.

Gain Smart is a line of vitamin and mineral supplements for beef cattle with the Amaferm advantage that promotes economically produced pounds by maximizing the natural energy and protein available in forage. Amaferm is research proven to promote calf health and vigor and stimulate digestion and nutrient absorption of forage for optimum gain.

Within the Gain Smart line, there are options for various management scenarios; here, we have broken it down so you can select the best mineral for your feeding situation.

Cattle on Native Grasses - Gain Smart Stocker is the mineral supplement you’ll want to choose when grazing native grasses. This free choice vitamin and mineral supplement for stocker cattle is designed to balance basic nutrient needs for maximized efficient gain on grass pasture. Gain Smart Stocker contains organic copper and zinc, plus added iodine for maximum bioavailability to the animal to support hoof health and immunity.

The Gain Smart Stocker helps calves get the most from their forage situation and convert those available nutrients to pounds.

Research shows that most cattle will gain an additional 0.25-0.30 pounds per day while getting Amaferm in their diet.

“I’ve run enough tests with minerals that I can tell you if you use the Gain Smart mineral, you’re going to out gain and outperform any mineral out there. I generally have seen anywhere from ⅓-½

The Carolina Cattle Connection q MAY 2021

pound more gain per day on my calves.

That’s the only way you can make money on cattle is grow cattle and get a return on your money. The best way to do that is get weight on them as quick as you can. Gain Smart is money well spent,” said Dakota Dalyrmple with 3D Cattle Company in Alabama.

Cattle on Fescue - Fescue can raise its own challenges, and so can the extremely hot temperatures. For those situations, the Gain Smart Stocker HEAT exists. This formula was designed to be used when grazing during extremely hot temperatures – anytime it is consistently 70ºF and hotter – or on fescue to eliminate unnecessary stress.

In addition to the Amaferm, this formula contains capsaicin, also research proven to support the animals’ ability to maintain normal body temperature and includes garlic to deter insects.

Cattle that are more comfortable will simply be out grazing more, and the more they graze, the more they gain. Tom Carter from North Carolina agrees.

“I believe in minerals. I believe the most problems you have with cattle is with mineral deficiency. I saw the Gain Smart Program on The American Rancher one night, and I thought I could use that.

Since I started feeding Gain Smart, I’ve had less than one percent death loss.

I have virtually no foot rot or pinkeye problems at all. I love the Gain Smart Stocker HEAT that has the garlic in it. It has good fly control; Stocker HEAT does help with the fescue because we have a lot of fescue down here. The cattle are healthy, look good, and I think they are getting a premium.”

Cattle on Wheat Pasture - An ideal free choice vitamin and mineral supplement designed to maximize gains while cattle are grazing wheat or small grain pasture is Gain Smart Wheat. With the same basic nutrients as the Gain Smart Stocker, this formula is designed to help calves convert small grain grasses into pounds of beef.

In addition to putting on pounds of beef, the vitamins and mineral supplements help keep calves healthier, which saves you time and money on treatments. Therefore, you see more return on your investment without spending resources on sick calves that are going backward.

“This is our third grazing season using the Gain Smart Wheat mineral. It seems to me our gains are probably up between a quarter to a third pound a day compared to the past, since switching to the Gain Smart. We’ve run the same style of high risk cattle the past ten years. Our health seems to be substantially better. It seems like our sickness and death loss has

been significantly less the last three years.

The Gain Smart increases digestibility. If they are eating, they stay healthier,” said Gregg Pickens from Oklahoma in the Spring of 2020.

Cattle on Grain Diets - Not everyone has the forage resources to graze their cattle. For those who feed their calves a grain diet, there is Gain Smart Balancer RU 1600. This formula helps convert high grain diets into pounds and can be mixed directly into the ration or hand fed to the cattle.

Gain Smart Balancer RU 1600 contains rumensin for increased feed efficiency. As well, it still contains Amaferm and organic copper, iodine, and zinc for maximum availability and hoof health.

Pounds equal profit, and profit is the ultimate goal. Healthy, efficient pounds, that should be the goal of every person who is backgrounding calves or running yearlings. Reach your goal by choosing the right mineral for your management situation. The Gain Smart line has an option for you.

“We put the Gain Smart HEAT to the test, especially in the summer. We have a lot of drought stressed, heat stressed calves. That’s when we buy a lot of calves when everybody is out of grass, including ourselves. We feed about two percent of their body weight in commodity ration, DDG based feed. I’m a firm believer of the HEAT in the summer. You see the cattle out grazing more, spread out more, they aren’t bunched up under the shade tree panting. It seems like they get out and hustle more and are not as stressed about the heat. They seem to stay cooler, and if we can keep them cooler, we can keep them more comfortable, they will definitely perform better. Anything we can do to keep them comfortable will help them perform,” said Rex Claxton of Oklahoma.

To learn more about the Gain Smart Money Saving Minute or to find a dealer to help you reach your goal or for more information about Gain Smart, visit www. gainsmart.com.

How to Make Fly Control More Efficient, Convenient with More

Don’t get caught napping!

Deadline is 5th of month prior to issue!

Coverage. Fly control is an investment in your herd. Horn flies cost beef producers more than $1 billion annually, and face flies can contribute up to $150 million in losses per year. House flies can be responsible for the transmission of BVD and scours and influence BRD, while stable flies are a huge bite hindrance to feedlot cattle, costing gain and overall performance. So, would you rather control just one of these flies or all of them?

Since January 1, BioZyme Inc. has converted from Altosid, a one fly claim to ClariFly, which carries a four fly claim in its products with IGR. ClariFly is a four fly larvicide that prevents house flies, stable flies, face flies, and horn flies from developing in and emerging from the manure of treated cattle. ClariFly interrupts the lifecycle of the fly through the active ingredient Diflubenzuron that inhibits the synthesis of chitin, according to Casey White, Director of Product Development at Central Life Sciences.

“Chitin is a major component of the exoskeleton of an insect, and as an insect grows and will molt, it will have to reform their exoskeleton. One component is that they deposit chitin to be able to form that exoskeleton. Without

a properly formed exoskeleton, that insect - immature or fully mature, will die,” White explained.

The primary benefit of ClariFly is the four fly claim. White explained that different fly species become pests in different management scenarios. Horn flies and face flies are typically bigger nuisances in the pasture because they seek out fresh, undisturbed manure piles to lay and hatch eggs in. Conversely, house and stable flies are peskier in confinement areas like feedlots, pens, corrals, or barns, where manure build up exists and wet, organic matter like feed or hay is available to lay eggs in and hatch.

According to Gary Felger, Central Life Sciences Regional Sales Manager, research has shown that ClariFly will control up to 96 percent of the fly population when fed 30 days before you expect your first flies to arrive and continue to feed 30 days after your first hard frost. Furthermore, it poses no harmful effects to beneficial insects.

Even if you already are having flies, it is not too late to start feeding a product with ClariFly, Felger said. The life cycle of a fly is about three weeks, and since the product is passed through to the manure where the eggs are laid and hatched, you

should start seeing results in about three to four weeks.

Feeding products with ClariFly is the efficient, economical way to help control flies. In addition to its four fly claim, it is a convenient, labor saving way to control the fly population. You are already feeding mineral, so this is a convenient method of getting fly control into your cattle without the labor of spraying or implementing other external methods.

BioZyme’s newest fly control product just launched April 1: VitaFerm Concept•Aid 5/S HEAT with ClariFly, combining the benefits of Concept•Aid, the HEAT package, and ClariFly. Other products with ClariFly include VitaFerm Concept•Aid 5/S with ClariFly, VitaFerm HEAT with ClariFly, and VitaFerm Concept•Aid 5/S CTC 3G with ClariFly. All these products combine the Amaferm advantage of increased intake, digestion, and absorption with the best internal fly control on the market.

The economic benefits of proactive fly control through a high quality mineral program definitely outweigh the costs.

Think of your cows breeding earlier because they are not swatting flies or standing in the water or shade; they will wean off a heavier calf, leading to

more profit. When you feed a mineral with ClariFly, your calves’ performance will increase, making them gain more efficiently and therefore put more profit in your pocket. A mineral program AND fly control just makes sense.

To learn more about the Amaferm advantage, VitaFerm products with ClariFly, or find a dealer near you, 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.

The Carolina Cattle Connection

q MAY 2021

PAGE 69

...

LASSIFIED PUREBRED C ATTLE BREEDERS BACK CREEK ANGUS

Joe and Robin Hampton

ANIMAL H EALTH

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

345 Withrows Creek Lane Mt. Ulla, NC 28125

704-880-2488

Angus

Black Crest Farm

W.R. “Billy” McLeod

1320 Old Manning Rd., Sumter, SC 29150

803-481-2011

williammcleod@ftc-i.net • www.blackcrestfarm.com

Walter D. Shealy III and Family

20977 US Hwy 76 • Newberry, SC 29108 Walter Shealy • 803-924-1000 Dixon Shealy • 803-629-1174 walter@blackgrove.com • dixon@blackgrove.com www.blackgrove.com

C. A. H.

AUTO • HOME • LIFE BUSINESS • FARM & RANCH

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

Brent Glenn, DVM Lancaster, S.C.

Carolinas Animal Health, LLC

“Cattle with Something Extra”

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

803-789-7000

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

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

QUALITY GELBVIEH, ANGUS, & BALANCER CATTLE

DUANE & WENDY STRIDER, OWNERS

Duane Cell: 336-964-6277 • Wendy Cell: 336-964-5127 Home: 336-381-3640 • Fax: 910-428-4568 ccrosscattle@yahoo.com • ccrosscattle.com

Ernest B. Harris President

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

THE HERD THAT CONSISTENTLY PRODUCES CATTLE WITH PERFORMANCE, CARCASS, AND EYE APPEAL.

Inc. / Auctioneers

REGISTERED POLLED HEREFORDS • EST. 1998 “Quality Cattle For Quality People”

John Wheeler • 910-489-0024 doublejfarm@yahoo.com • www.doublejfarmllc.com Headquarters - 775 Clacton Circle • Earlysville, VA 22936 Cattle located in Traphill, N.C.

328 Fowken Farm Rd. • Jonesville, SC More than 70 years of breeding grass type cattle!

Carcass Data • Fescue Suited • Southern Bred EPDs Breeding Soundness Exam on Two-Year-Old Bulls

Norris Fowler • 864-219-0182 www.fowkenfarm.com

Nationwide

3200 NC Hwy. 58 • Warrenton, NC 27589 NCAL #1468 • NC#C#4264 • VAL #146 • SCAL #3895 Email: ebharris@ebharris.com www.ebharris.com

Agribusiness

James S. Wills • The Wills Agency LLC

MEAT PROCESSING

BEEF • PORK • LAMB • GOAT

APPOINTMENTS AVAILABLE - Call Today!

• Custom Labeling • Value Added Product • Retail Packaging

336-628-4949

PiedmontCustomMeats.com

Primary Agent/Owner Master Farm Certified

555 West Church Street Batesburg, SC 29006

104 Springfield Lane Louisburg, NC 27549

Phil Goodson: 919-880-9062 Alex Askew: 910-260-2889

• Performance Tested • Ultrasound and 50K Evaluated • Registered Angus Bulls

KEEP POSTED FOR UPDATES ON THE RICHARD KIRKMAN, DVM

919-742-5500 • rdkirkman@centurylink.net

Autryville, NC 28318 www.howardbrosfarms.com

Darryl Howard Cell: 910-990-2791

ALL Regular Copy for the

JUNE ISSUE

by MAY 5!

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

Angus • SimAngus • Ultrablacks

FOR SALE

BBU Registered Beefmaster Bulls and Females

WHITEHALL BEEFMASTERS Joe and Ann Logan 214 Cowhead Creek Road Greenwood, SC 29646

Telephone: 864-538-3004

PAGE 70

13 t h A

nnual Sale Novem ber 6, 2 021

Jonathan Massey

336-260-2565 • jonathan.massey2@gmail.com

Johnny Massey

336-214-4144 • johnnymassey.1@gmail.com

The Carolina Cattle Connection q MAY 2021

Telephone: 803-532-3390 Cell: 864-554-4658 Fax: 803-532-0615 james@twainsurance.com

YOUR AD HERE!

SPRINGFIELD ANGUS

2021 Tarheel Angus/4K Farm Production Sale

®

On Your Side®

Cattle Available Private Treaty

CATTLE FOR SALE PRIVATE TREATY AT ALL TIMES!

20416 US 64 West Siler City, NC 27344-0350

2610 Kee Moore Drive Chester, SC 29706

AUCTIONEERING

BLACK GROVE Breeding Registered Angus since 1962

INSURANCE

ALL Spotlight Material for the JUNE ISSUE

by MAY 1!

NDEX OF 13th Annual EBS Farms Select Bull & Female Sale ............................ 22 2021 Cattle Industry Convention & NCBA Trade Show — Rescheduled ......................................................................... 46 2021 IRM Red Books ....................................................................... 62 32nd Annual Virginia Angus Association Genetic Investment Sale ......................................................... 24 4K Farms/Tarheel Angus ................................................................ 70 46th Annual Union County Performance Tested Bull Sale ................ 47 AGCO — Massey Ferguson .............................................................. 36 All Natural Feeder Calf Marketing Options ..................................... 31 American National Insurance — The Josey Agency ........................ 70 Apple Brandy Prime Cuts ................................................................ 18 Back Creek Angus ........................................................................... 70 Barenbrug USA ............................................................................... 17 Beefmaster Breeders United .......................................................... 35 Benton’s Hay Farm ......................................................................... 65 BioZyme Incorporated ................................................................... 69 BioZyme Incorporated — VitaFerm HEAT ....................................... 38 Black Crest Farm ............................................................................ 70 Black Grove Angus .......................................................................... 70 Brubaker Family Angus .................................................................. 70 C-Cross Cattle Company ................................................................. 70 Cargill/Southern States — Fescue EMT ............................................. 7 Carolinas Animal Health ................................................................ 70 Cattlemen’s Top Cut Commercial Female Sale ................................ 54 Conquest Insurance Agency, Inc. .................................................... 70 CPC — Weather Pro ......................................................................... 45 Double J Farms ............................................................................... 70 E.B. Harris Auctioneers, Inc. .......................................................... 70 First Choice Insurance — Donna Byrum ......................................... 19 Fowken Farms ................................................................................ 70 FPL Food ........................................................................................... 3 Fred Smith Company Ranch ........................................................... 70 H.J. White Farms — CATTLE FOR SALE ............................................ 30 Howard Brothers Farms ................................................................. 70 Hunt’s H+ Brangus ......................................................................... 70 Hutton & Sons Herefords ............................................................... 70 Locust Level Farms Complete Package Female Sale ........................ 26

DVERTISERS March Madness Cattle Sale of the Carolinas -- THANK YOU ............ 61 N.C. Angus Association Directory …............................................... 23 N.C. BCIP Bull Test Health Form ….................................................. 53 N.C. BCIP Bull Test Nomination Form ….......................................... 52 N.C. Cattlemen’s Association Membership Application ................. 48 N.C. Hereford Association ............................................................. 21 N.C. Meat Suite .............................................................................. 67 N.C. Simmental Association ........................................................... 32 National Beef Checkoff/North Carolina Cattle Industry Assessment ..................................................... 15 National Cattlemen’s Beef Association 2021 Policy Priorities ....... 55 Nationwide® AgriBusiness Insurance — The Wills Agency ............. 70 Nationwide® AgriBusiness Insurance — The Wills Agency ............. 27 P.H. White Company ......................................................................... 9 Pearson Livestock Equipment ........................................................ 20 Piedmont Custom Meats ................................................................ 70 Premier Select Sires — 2021 Spring Specials ................................. 25 Red Angus Association of the Carolinas Directory ......................... 42 Rusty Thomson & Family Cattle Fencing and Equipment ............... 13 SimAngus Solution ............................. 70 South Carolina Private Treaty Sale Checkoff Investment Form ....................................................... 59 Southeast Livestock Exchange — Upcoming Sale Schedule ........... 29 Springfield Angus .......................................................................... 70 The Barn Loft — Purina Wind & Rain .............................................. 28 The Carolina Brahman Breeders Association 42nd Annual Sale ...................................................................... 10 The Carolina Cattle Connection 2021 Spotlight Schedule ............... 34 The Carolina Cattle Connection Advertising Rates & Sizes ............... 2 Virginia Herd Health Management Services — Pat Comyn, DVM ................................................................... 43 Watauga Butchery ......................................................................... 33 West End Precast — Feed Bunks ....................................................... 5 West End Precast — Feed Bunks & Troughs .................... 48 Whitehall Beefmasters .................................................................. 70 Wilkes Livestock Exchange ............................................................ 41 Yon Family Farms ........................................................................... 70

The Carolina Cattle Connection

q MAY 2021

PAGE 71

VENTS ANGUS May 8 — Springfield Angus Annual Production Sale, Louisburg, N.C. May 15 — Locust Level Farms Complete Package Female Sale, Vernon Hill, Va. Jun. 12 — 32nd Annual Virginia Angus Association Genetic Investment Sale, Chatham, Va. Oct. 9 — 46th Annual Union County Performance Tested Bull Sale, Monroe, N.C. 2022 Jan. 1 — 13th Annual EBS Farms Select Bull & Female Sale, Norwood, N.C. BRAHMAN Jun. 12 — The Carolina Brahman Breeders Association 41st Annual Sale, Laurens, S.C. Commercial May 1 — 1st Joint Sale of the S.C. Hereford Association and the Red Angus Association of the Carolinas, Williamston, S.C. May 15 — Cattlemen’s Top Cut Commercial Female Sale, Washington, Ga. GELBVIEH Dec. 4 — 46th Annual Union County Performance Tested Bull Sale, Monroe, N.C. HEREFORD May 1 — 1st Joint Sale of the S.C. Hereford Association and the Red Angus Association of the Carolinas, Williamston, S.C.

Red angus May 1 — 1st Joint Sale of the S.C. Hereford Association and the Red Angus Association of the Carolinas, Williamston, S.C. Santa Gertrudis May 8 — 48th Annual Breeders of the Carolinas Sale, Chester, S.C. SIMMENTAL Oct. 16 — Fred Smith Company Ranch Extra Effort Bull & Female Sale, Clayton, N.C. Nov. 6 — 13th SimAngus Solution Sale, Burlington, N.C. Dec. 4 — 46th Annual Union County Performance Tested Bull Sale, Monroe, N.C. SOUTH POLL Jun. 25-26 — South Poll Grass Cattle Association 13th Annual Field Day, Tenton, Tenn.

OTHER EVENTS May 4 — Mid-Atlantic Cattle Sales Video Auction May 6 — Non-Weaned Graded Feeder Calf Sale, Norwood, N.C. May 15 — Cattlemen’s Top Cut Commercial Female Sale, Washington, Ga. May 18 — Mid-Atlantic Cattle Sales Video Auction Jun. 1 — Mid-Atlantic Cattle Sales Video Auction Jun. 15 — Mid-Atlantic Cattle Sales Video Auction

Jun.17 — Weaned Graded Feeder Calf Sale, Norwood, N.C. Jul. 6 — Mid-Atlantic Cattle Sales Video Auction Jul. 20 — Mid-Atlantic Cattle Sales Video Auction Aug. 3 — Mid-Atlantic Cattle Sales Video Auction Aug. 5 — Weaned Graded Feeder Calf Sale, Norwood, N.C. Aug. 10-12 — NCBA Cattle Industry Convention and Trade Show, Nashville, Tenn.

Aug. 17 — Mid-Atlantic Cattle Sales Video Auction Sep. 7 — Mid-Atlantic Cattle Sales Video Auction Sep. 9 — Weaned Graded Feeder Calf Sale, Norwood, N.C. Sep. 21 — Mid-Atlantic Cattle Sales Video Auction

IGHTER Four surgeons were talking about the 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.”

*

Be a winner!

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

PAGE 72

The Carolina Cattle Connection q MAY 2021

Oct. 5 — Mid-Atlantic Cattle Sales Video Auction Oct. 19 — Mid-Atlantic Cattle Sales Video Auction Nov. 2 — Mid-Atlantic Cattle Sales Video Auction Nov. 16 — Mid-Atlantic Cattle Sales Video Auction Dec. 4 — 46th Annual Union County Performance Tested Bull Sale, Monroe, N.C. Dec. 4 — N.C. BCIP Waynesville Bull Test Sale, Canton, N.C. Dec. 7 — Mid-Atlantic Cattle Sales Video Auction Dec. 21 — N.C. BCIP Butner Bull Test Sale, Oxford, N.C. 2022 Mar. 12 — March Madness Cattle Sale of the Carolinas, Chester, S.C.

*

*

A man was driving along the highway, and saw a rabbit hopping across the middle of the road. He swerved to avoid hitting the rabbit, but unfortunately, the rabbit jumped in front of the car and was hit.

The driver, being a sensitive man as well as an animal lover, pulled over to the side of the road, and got out to see what had become of the rabbit. Much to his dismay, the rabbit was dead. The driver felt so awful, he began to cry.

A woman driving down the highway saw the man crying on the side of the road and pulled over. She stepped out of her car and asked the man what was wrong.

“I feel terrible,” he explained, “I accidently hit this rabbit and killed it.”

The woman told the man not to worry.

She knew what to do. She went to her car trunk and pulled out a spray can. She walked over to the limp, dead rabbit and

IDE

sprayed the contents of the can onto the rabbit.

Miraculously the rabbit came to life, jumped up, waved it’s paw at the two humans and hopped down the road. About 50 yards away the rabbit stopped, turned around, waved and hopped down the road, another 50 yards, turned, waved and hopped another 50 yards.

The man was astonished. He couldn’t figure out what substance could be in the woman’s spray can!

He ran over to the woman and demanded, “What is in your spray can?

What did you spray on that rabbit?”

The woman turned the can around so that the man could read the label. It said: “Hair spray. Restores life to dead hair.

Adds permanent wave.”

*

*

*

In light of the rising frequency of human/grizzly bear conflicts, the 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.”