The Carolina Cattle Connection - Volume 36, Issue No. 10 (OCTOBER 2022)

attle onnection

on

Director’s

Livestock

Remembering

President

BURON LANIER

2877 Piney Woods Road • Burgaw, NC 28425 Vice Presidents SCOTT WEST 489 Panacea Springs Road • Littleton, NC 27850

RYAN CLARK 5250 NC 772 Hwy. • Madison, NC 27025

BRANDON BOWMAN 2346 Ann Street • Claremont, NC 28610

Immediate Past President

KARL GILLESPIE 860 Corbin Road • Franklin, NC 28734

NCBA Regional Vice President (Policy) FRED SMITH, JR.

NCBA Policy Division Director - JOHN LANGDON N.C. Beef Council Director RALPH BLALOCK, JR.

Beef Board Director - BRIAN WARREN

Secretary/Treasurer - EVERETT JOHNSON

Directors At Large MATT POORE • NEIL BOWMAN • TODD SEE Executive Director - BRYAN K. BLINSON 2228 N. Main Street • Fuquay-Varina, NC 27526

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

S.C. Cattlemen’s Association

Executive Director - TRAVIS MITCHELL

P.O. Box 207 • Saluda, SC 29138

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

Website: www.sccattlemen.wildapricot.org

Executive Committee

President - Timmy Benton

1st Vice President - Joe Oswald IV

2nd Vice President - Gene Crim Secretary - Carol Hendrix Treasurer - Eric Seymour Past President - Roscoe Kyle

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

S.C. Beef Council

P.O. Box 11280 • Columbia, SC 29211

Phone: 803-917-1119 Email: scbeef@scda.sc.gov Website: www.sccattle.org

The Carolina Cattle Connection

Vol. 36, No. 10 OCTOBER 2022

Sales & Publication Office

2228 N. Main Street Fuquay-Varina, NC 27526

Phone: 919-552-9111

Fax: 919-552-9216

Email: mail@nccattle.com

Website: www.nccattle.com

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

Manager, N.C. BRYAN BLINSON Manager, S.C. TRAVIS MITCHELL

Editor & Advertising Director CASEY L. HINNANT

Assistant Editor & Proofreader

KIM BURDGE

N.C. Circulation KIM BURDGE

S.C. Circulation TRAVIS MITCHELL

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

The Carolina Cattle Connection, 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

Director’s report

By BRYAN K. BLINSON Executive Director, NCCA

Collegiate Cattlemen

In my role with the N.C. Cattlemen’s Association, there are days, issues, or events that can be frustrating and can tend to dampen my spirit. However, there are others that wash all of those away and give me new life and abundant enthusiasm. A recent Thursday night happened to be the latter. I wrote earlier this year about our Young Beef Producers Tour, which was one of those special events that I feel will have generational impact due to the relationships and education that were developed and honed on the trip. The most recent was the first meeting of the Collegiate Cattlemen’s Club at N.C. State University.

There have been attempts to get a Collegiate Cattlemen’s Association started before, but there has been limited success. This time feels different. I was asked to speak at this first meeting of the revamped group, and the leaders of the club really were not sure how many students would show up. The response was overwhelming. There were, by my count, 62 students at the meeting, and not only were they there, but they were interested and engaged. Some of the young people were ones who had been through many of the programs we are involved in, while others were new to me and maybe even the industry in general. They asked great questions about the industry, the association, and how they could fit into our mission. Wolfpack students I met were from all over North Carolina and multiple other states. They were from varied majors, mostly within the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, but some who are pursuing

other degrees but still had an interest in learning more about our beloved industry. And, by the way, don’t let the name fool you. Collegiate Cattlemen’s is a name, not a description. The mix of male and female students in attendance was excellent.

I was very enthused with their interest in getting involved with the club not only to help shape its direction, but also to be involved with the industry. They asked how to make a difference and how to meet cattle farmers and others who are involved in cattle and beef production in North Carolina. But the most impressive thing that they seemed to be interested in was how they could help advance what we are all trying to do. It is amazing to have the opportunity to work with young people who don’t have limits based on experience but rather limitless opportunities to do things many of us could not even imagine.

When the night was over, I offered to sign anyone up who would like to become a student member. Quite a few said that they had joined at the N.C. Cattlemen’s Association Annual Conference in

Hickory or had been a member for a while due to BQA training or involvement with our activities. But 29 of them joined that night. In my estimation, that gives us scores of new, energetic, enthusiastic voices and personalities to help us keep the cattle industry in North Carolina going strong.

While I was speaking and ever since the meeting, my mind has been racing with the opportunities that these students aligned with the Young Producers Council and the seasoned veteran leaders of our association can explore and conquer. As with many of the programs that we support that work with youth, we cannot expect all of them to be farmers or even have a career in the beef industry, but the more these young and influential future leaders understand about what

we do, the better the future for them and us. If you know a student at NCSU or one headed that way, I would ask you to encourage them to check out the club and get involved. I am sure that they would also be open to any support you might be able to give them should they call on you for help. You can be excited as well.

2022 Spotlight iSSueS Schedule

Reserved Spotlight Issues

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Caroland Farms — A Southern Charm

By HEATHER SMITH-THOMAS Wagyu World

Caroland Farms is located in Spartanburg County, South Carolina, and Polk County, North Carolina. Caroland Farms was originally owned by the Slater family, who raised Black Angus cattle since the 1950s. In December of 2012, the Slater Family sold their farm to become what is now Caroland Farm Wagyu.

Since January 2013, a lot has changed at Caroland Farms. The new owners purchased the property with a plan of raising Wagyu cattle and row crops to sell in a local market. Since 2013, Caroland has gone from one Aukashi bull and three Wagyu cows to over 350 head of Wagyu cattle. Early on, the plan was to raise Wagyu beef, mainly for restaurants. The COVID-19 pandemic necessitated a few changes.

“In April of 2021, we purchased a new farm location in Roaring River, N.C., that was previously Bowman Farms,” said Matt Rainey, Caroland farm manager. “In October of 2021, we held our first cattle auction at the farm in Landrum, S.C., and sold off all our percentage Wagyu. In December of 2021, we hired Nathan Ireland to run the Roaring River location. In January of 2022, Bob Jordan started Caroland Farms Wagyu and became the sole owner of our operation.”

Bob has been familiar with farming since a young age. “He grew up in

Danville, Va., on a family farm where they raised everything they needed to support their family. Including churning their own butter, which is one thing Bob misses.”

Matt remembers talking to Bob about his family farm and Bob saying the only thing they bought at the store was salt to cure the bacon. Caroland is very much a family farm. Bob and his wife Pat will celebrate 55 years of marriage in 2023. Their two sons, Aaron and Eric, both live close to the farm and enjoy the time there. Aaron has two girls, Taylor and Jenna, and Eric has a son Hunter and a daughter, Ann.

Bob’s interest in Wagyu began when he had the pleasure of eating Wagyu many times throughout his life — and he was hooked. As Wagyu became more popular in the U.S., it was an easy decision to purchase some Wagyu cattle to raise on his new farm.

“If you have ever visited Caroland Farms, you also know that Bob enjoys equipment almost as much as he does his favorite cut of 100 percent Wagyu beef. Bob spent several of the first years of the farm in a row crop field in one of his favorite tractors or combines. The commodity market is a difficult business in general, but even more difficult on a small scale. Bob learned fast that the Wagyu market was trending upward, and he felt

investing more into the Wagyu side of the business was the way to go. So the last several years the focus has shifted to raising the highest quality Wagyu beef possible and producing high quality genetics that anyone would be proud to own,” Matt said.

Today the herd consists of fullblood Wagyu and a number of recipient and surrogate cows supporting the embryo program. “A lot has changed since we first started. Starting a new business is difficult enough, but starting a farm and becoming profitable can sometimes seem impossible. The fact that we started a Wagyu farm added another layer of difficulty. In the beginning, there were no EPDs in the states or overseas. Breeding decisions were based on popularity and hearsay and some of the best were simply gut decisions. As farm manager, I take a lot of pride in what we do, and with the support from Bob we have grown Caroland Farms into a world class Wagyu farm.”

Early on, the goal was to breed up to F2 Wagyu or 75 percent Wagyu, but today the focus is to raise 100 percent fullblood registered animals. “We believe in educating the consumers, teaching them the difference between 100 percent Wagyu and percentage Wagyu, and allowing them to choose the product they prefer. There is a good market for both, but there is a difference, and it should be appreciated,” Matt said.

“These cattle are special; we need to have a cultural mindset about them like the Japanese have. In Japan, these are prized animals that get the ultimate in care — whether it’s giving them a massage if they need it or a cold beer! The Japanese people fought hard to keep Americans from getting any of these cattle because traditionally Americans come up with some way to water down or

tweak something,” he said.

“I have a lot of personal pride in this farm but I did not do this by myself. I could not have done it without the opportunity, business guidance, and financial support of the owners. I try to do everything the way I think is right. I want our herd to be respected across the country and the world. Last fall we sold off our percentage animals. It has taken a lot of time and hard work to get to this point, but we are excited about the future of our farm and the Wagyu breed in general! On October 1, we will have our first fullblood Wagyu auction here on the farm, managed by JDA,” Matt said.

“Our passion and goal is to provide 100 percent Wagyu beef to our customers, either through local restaurants or direct to the consumer. Prior to the COVID-19 shutdown the biggest part of our business was to restaurants. At that time we didn’t have much market to sell our 100 percent Wagyu direct to consumers. For us, one positive that came out of COVID-19 was the relationships and market we developed with consumers. I believe that can be said for a lot of the country that we were all forced to slow down and spend a little more time to know where our essential items came from. We’ve enjoyed meeting customers at the farm, trading recipes, and hearing firsthand how much they enjoyed our 100 percent Wagyu. We especially loved hearing from customers who tried Wagyu for the first time and loved it! Because of our new relationship with consumers, we needed to make our product easier to purchase and more available to our new customers. Our newest and possibly biggest change on the farm is our e-commerce site that went live the first of July!”

One of the changes to the farm is the new location in Roaring River, North Carolina. “We had been looking for

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property closer to our beef processor to eliminate the 2½ hour drive and the stress on our steers. We hated to see Phillip Bowman get out of the Wagyu business and even tried to talk him into staying in and partnering with us in some way, but his farm turned out to be a perfect addition to ours,” Matt said.

It took a little time to figure out how to use the new location to benefit this operation the most, but having two farm locations has allowed each operation to be more efficient and focused. “Our original location in Landrum, S.C., has become our cow/calf operation. Our new location in Roaring River, N.C., has become our stocker and finishing location. Each operation is able to spend more time with the cattle, collect more data, make better breeding decisions, and be more in tune with feeding cattle from weanlings to heifers ready to breed or steers ready to process. So far we have been able to learn a lot more about our herd and what

we can do to maximize its potential. Our goal is to produce the highest quality beef possible and world renowned genetics.”

The Beef - The farm also markets Wagyu beef, striving to sell the highest quality. These animals are born, raised, and finished on the farm. They are pasture raised, along with a proprietary feed ration to promote the highest marbling and flavor possible. The beef is marketed in two ways. One is in individual cuts similar to what you would expect to see in any high end butcher shop or grocery store. The second is in bulk, with wholesale pricing, for customers

who appreciate the quality and want their freezer stocked with fullblood Wagyu.

“Now we have the website set up so people can either have the meat shipped to them or they can pick up meat on certain days here at the farm,” Matt said. “Before COVID-19, about 75 percent of our beef went to restaurants and the rest to individuals. Most of them were buying freezer beef rather than individual steaks or a few pounds of ground beef. When COVID-19 shut down the country, we were sending three or four steers per

month to the butcher and had a standing order for that meat. When the restaurants shut down some of that was just sitting in our freezer. My wife said we need to start a Facebook or Instagram page because people weren’t able to find beef or food in the store — and we had plenty of beef,” he said. “We created a Facebook page and started advertising, and sold more beef to individuals than we ever had before.”

Reprinted with permission from the July/August 2022 issue of Wagyu World/ JDA Livestock Marketing & Promotion

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Wilders Wagyu

Nestled in the heart of agriculture country on the East Coast, we know a thing or two about the challenges of farming, which is why you can count on Wilders Wagyu only ever offering the best in Wagyu breeders genetics. We deliver best in class bloodlines and breeding results you can count on, so you can get back to what matters most.

We believe you get out what you put in, which is why we raise our herd with superior nutrition and mineral programs and a high standard of health and vaccination protocols, all while in a low stress environment. Farming is a team effort though, and our cattle maintain daily gains throughout development, bear strong fertility rates, raise calves appropriately, and retain exceptional disposition. Our cattle have to work for us, and as producers of this breed, we will work for them! We leverage these results through our program that integrates genomics, data, phenotype, and disposition.

Our program is broken into two major approaches. First, we hunker down in the office to make data driven decisions that deliver genetics you can count on.

Genomics - All of our fullblood Wagyu are dual registered in American and Australian associations. We monitor estimated breeding values and utilize planned mating predictors while making breeding decisions. As fullblood breeders, we test our stock for recessive genetic disorders. This rigorous studying of pedigree and bloodline gives our team the knowledge to offer our clients genetics that will prove an investment for generations to come.

Data - There is power in numbers

- both the quality and the quantity. At Wilders Wagyu, we leverage our large herd size to provide as many data points as possible. That data is then ruthlessly analyzed to offer our clients reliable, proven results. We hold ourselves accountable for collecting any and all data to prove our pedigrees and genomics.

While genomics and data are important, we believe at Wilders Wagyu that ranching our cows has just as much of an impact on the sustainability of our herd. We strive to produce a complete cow pedigree as well as good phenotype and disposition. Our environment in eastern North Carolina, with flat topography, plenty of water, and cooler temperatures, provides a peaceful, healthy environment for a thriving herd.

Phenotype - We aim to raise cattle that our customers will be proud to have on their pastures. We understand that confirmation is critical to ensure cattle function and performance. Growth rate is also an important part of phenotype. We weigh our developing herds regularly and track their gains. We understand as producers, our customers are often paid by the pound, and every investment matters. We strive to produce animals that will grow well in our environment and yours.

Disposition - Good disposition is a must, and we work hard to raise calm cattle. We put in the time to work and interact with our cows on a daily basis, and they, in return, have a uniform disposition response. Our team jokingly says, “Life is too short to have to put up with poor disposition.”

WHY - Agriculture is what we do,

not why we do it. We believe these four components deliver a program that our clients can trust. Because at the end of the day, for us, it’s always been about the people. We love delivering high quality genetics and meat, but the best part of what we do is the people we get to serve and impact. This is about so much more than just a farm for us. It’s about being part of a strong agricultural community that invests back into the life that sustains

us. It’s about people and camaraderie. Our mission has always been “to impact and develop people”; Wagyu genetics is just one of the ways we go about that. We take that WILD block seriously - whether we’re wearing it on a t-shirt with pride or stamping it on our products, we are committed to doing business with heart and character you can count on.

Keep reading below for the story of Wilders Wagyu, featured in Wagyu World

Being Wild — Our Story

By HEATHER SMITH-THOMAS Wagyu World

Reid Smith, founder of Wilders, was born and raised in eastern North Carolina and has lived there his whole life. After meeting his wife Jaclyn at Campbell University, the two started a business in real estate, construction, and development and have been entrepreneurs side by side ever since.

The Smiths founded the RiverWild family of brands (the real estate development company in Clayton, N.C.) eight years ago, and their new venture, Wilders, is the organization’s first agricultural venture.

Wilders is a locally owned and operated farm and e-commerce market in Sampson County, North Carolina. When the group launched two years ago, it had a mission to build the local economy through a program that offers products people can count on. “We certainly don’t know everything, but we’re grateful to have some wonderful partners and hard working team members who are committed to this for the long haul,” said Reid.

The name “Wilders” comes from the name of the township Reid grew up in and where the business is located. “With the concept of being local and doing business locally, we thought this would be a good play on words, so we named our agriculture after the small town. It all ties together!”

Reid grew up with Angus and Simmental cattle, where he developed a passion for agriculture. “When the pandemic came along, we had a lot more time on our hands and did a lot of research on various aspects of agriculture, and the Wagyu cattle grabbed our attention. We already had Angus cows on our small farm and added some Wagyu as we learned more about this breed and genetics,” he says.

“We fell in love with Waygu, and so did our team — and they all rallied around this breed. A key thing with our company is that our purpose is to impact and develop people. So from the beginning, we’ve seen the farm as

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an opportunity to bring as many people along for the agriculture ride as possible,’ Reid says.

“This is a big part of what we try to do every day — to try to include people. We are raising cows, but to us, it’s even more important to enjoy doing it and the people we’re doing it with,” he says. It’s an opportunity to introduce people to agriculture in eastern North Carolina and also bring the best beef in the world to people in the local community.”

Since starting this new venture, the Smiths purchased Longhorn Creek Ranch, a 1,200 acre farm in eastern North Carolina. The farm now grows pasture raised livestock, over 350 head of Wagyu cattle, and premium Wagyu genetics.

“We’d been looking at that property for several years, but it just wasn’t the right timing. Then everything lined up just right and we were able to purchase it. This gave us enough acreage to grow and do what we wanted to do with our cattle operation. We moved everything down there on Christmas Eve day of last year — which was exciting. We’ve also made a few other deals to add to our herd, and we’re excited about the future,” says Reid.

In February, Wilders acquired the majority of the animals in the Double 8 Cattle Company liquidation sale in central Ohio. “We purchased 249 fullblood Wagyu directly from Double 8, which immediately gave us the herd size to make an impact in Wagyu genetics.

We’ve been grateful to meet many other Wagyu breeders and we’re excited to be a part of this industry,” said Reid.

Being able to meet and talk with people who have invested so much time, sweat, and tears into these animals has been a great help. “The animals are fantastic, but the people we’ve been able to connect with have been so kind and honest and encouraging. It’s been great to interact with them, and we are learning a lot through their experience and knowledge,” Jaclyn says.

“Having grown up in eastern North Carolina, I have a deep appreciation for the hard working men and women who have made agriculture what it is today,” says Reid. “Feeding your family healthy food shouldn’t be difficult. But, with so many jobs and businesses going overseas, it gets harder every day to find healthy and sustainable products that are grown locally, and fuel the local economy,” he says.

“Our goal is to steward the land, people, and animals in our care to provide the best quality products while maintaining responsible and sustainable business models. This effort to preserve our agricultural heritage has been a long time dream of mine and Jaclyn’s, and we’re excited about what the future holds.”

Family - “Growing our farm and the Wagyu herd over the past two years has deepened our family’s appreciation for agriculture and farming. We work hard to

ensure that our animals receive the best care, from ethical treatment standards to sustainable farming methods to the extra love and attention our kids give the animals on family farm workdays,” Jaclyn says.

She and Reid have three children, and they all participate. Their son helps feed cattle every day and has farm chores. A farm is the best place to raise children, as well as livestock!

Jaclyn didn’t have a farming background, but she and the kids have immersed themselves in this farming venture, and it’s been a lot of fun. “Our daughters love caring for the animals and spending time with them,” says Reid. “Our youngest is five, and she is still taking it all in and learning to realize that a cow is a big animal that could toss her around — but she has no fear of them. We are trying to foster that in a good way.”

The Smith kids love the cattle, especially the babies, because these cattle

are so docile and have a lot of personality and great disposition. Jaclyn says that one of their younger bulls is such a character and runs along the fence line with their dog and children, who have a fun time with him.

Jaclyn feels it’s important for kids to understand the importance of hard work, even at a young age. “Farming is hard work, but it’s not a ‘bad’ hard. There is a lot of reward and excitement too, and they can feel good about it at the end of the day. There is some sweat involved, but it’s good. I really enjoy getting to be outside, and the farm has definitely enabled our family to grow closer. We are finding our roots in nature and learning how to get back the basic life skills,” she says.

“Our society as a whole has gotten too far away from that. Through the pandemic I think we learned a lot about what we can live without and what we can’t. Farming is something our society doesn’t understand very well.” We’re

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now a generation or two away from the majority of people growing up on the land. Many folks don’t really know where their food comes from.

The remedy is more knowledge and education. “ Part of our goal is to help educate the consumer. We are learning, too! Another part of our goal is to do it together as a family and as a husband and wife team,” Jaclyn says.

Reid says they have done everything together since college, starting as cofounders of RiverWild, and now founding Wilders together. “We balance each other out very well in this team effort, and now we are including the kids.”

In a time where many of the older farmers are getting out of the business, it’s important to encourage young folks to stay in agriculture or go into agriculture. “There is a generation that is turning over, and the young generation in many instances isn’t getting into it as much,” Reid says. “It’s a great honor to get to share a passion and appreciation for agriculture with the next generation through our kids and employees.”

The Cattle - “We’ve seen some full dispersals in the Wagyu industry, including Double 8, where people are simply moving on. There are some smaller producers getting into it, but not very many from a big production standpoint with lots of numbers. There is a big demand for the meat, and we see a neat synergy in trying to create as

many animals as possible to select for the best animals, the best dispositions, and the best genetics to advance the breed in general. Our goal is to hopefully add value to the breed as we search for the best animals and the best genetics possible to advance it and make it better. At the same time, we want to provide enough inventory to meet the demand on the beef side. For us, it’s a win-win to have the numbers to try to tackle both missions at the same time,” Reid says.

With their herd of fullblood Black Wagyu, Reid and Jaclyn intend to become a major distributor of Japanese Wagyu genetics for the east coast in addition to their e-commerce meat sales. The purchase of 249 fullblood Wagyu from Double 8 Cattle Company included DECFS3086 Double 8 Cattle Double Down On X (ET). He was sired by Mayura L0010, who has breed leading EBVs. The sale also included heifer Sumo Cattle Co Fuku P526 ET (FB58067/SMOFP0526), which sold in 2020 for $105,000 in the Elite Wagyu

Sale by Sumo Cattle Company. She is also a Michifuku F154 daughter and is currently located in Australia.

“The Double 8 acquisition really helped us expand our numbers,” says Reid. “We want to search for the best genetics we can find, and a line of cattle that can really make a difference in the breed and in the industry. In my opinion, you can only get this through numbers and being able to put as many combinations on the ground as possible, and many peer groups in order to find the best ones. We are really excited about our ability to now put as many fullblood Wagyu on the ground as possible,” he explains.

Marketing - Wilders uses several different avenues for marketing. “On the beef side, we’ve started an e-commerce platform on www.Wilders.com to sell direct to consumers and have really launched into that, and it has been going very well,” Reid Says.

“We are promoting it here locally. We feel eastern North Carolina, between Raleigh and Wilmington, is a good market, with people interested in Wagyu beef. We have invested a lot of time, effort, and energy into this,” he says.

“We are also working with local neighbors to market direct to consumers.” This is becoming a common way to market meat and get the most value for the product.

“On the e-commerce side, our goal is to get as micro as possible, trying to connect the local consumer to the local producer, even if it’s not us. It might mean connecting friends up along the east coast to Vermont Wagyu. We want to return the purchasing power to the local farmer, wherever that might be. We are very passionate about micro-farming and the consumer and connect the two

together. That’s a big goal,” he says.

“On the genetic side, we had a field day to showcase our farm on September 21 before the American Wagyu Association Annual Conference in Charleston, South Carolina. We have also set a sale date for next year — September 30, 2023. This will be our first genetics sale. We’re trying to get our name out there for an annual production sale,” he says.

Coming from five generations of cattle farmers, Reid knows the importance of proven genetics. He and the Wilders crew have been working on an in-house scoring system to offer clients assurance and predictability with their Wilders investment.

“I know from experience how hard ranching can be,” says Reid. “And, while we certainly don’t know everything, our goal is to offer our clients more control and predictability in their genetic investment by combining our in-house PGP scoring system, partner relationships, and best in class herd acquisitions.

Wilders helps producers maximize herd investments through proven genetics.

“As one of the largest fullblood Wagyu producers in the region, our objective is to expand the availability of the breed on the east coast and be a champion for farming success in the industry. We go about that by doing business the WILD way, which stands for our core values: with a Will to win, we Intentionally adapt to Living compassionately with Disciplined execution. We try to live by this every day, regardless of what we are doing — whether in agriculture or in our day to day business.”

Reprinted with permission from the May/June 2022 issue of Wagyu World/ JDA Livestock Marketing & Promotion

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What are Wagyu?

Wagyu - a Japanese beef cattle breed – derive from native Asian cattle. ‘WAGYU’ refers to all Japanese beef cattle, where ‘Wa’ means Japanese, and ‘gyu’ means cow.

Wagyu were originally draft animals used in agriculture and were selected for their physical endurance. This selection favored animals with more intra-muscular fat cells – ‘marbling’ – which provided a readily available energy source. Wagyu is a horned breed, and the cattle are either black or red in color.

Wagyu Breed History in Japan - There is some evidence of genetic separation into the Wagyu genetic strain as much as 35,000 years ago. Modern Wagyu cattle are the result of crossing the native cattle in Japan with imported breeds. Crossing began in 1868 after the Meiji restoration in that year. The government wanted to introduce Western food habits and culture. Brown Swiss, Devon, Shorthorn, Simmental, Ayrshire, and Korean cattle were imported during this period. The infusions of these British, European, and Asian breeds were closed to outside genetic infusions in 1910.

The variation of conformation within the Wagyu breed is greater than the variation across British and European breeds. The three major black strainsTajiri or Tajima, Fujiyoshi (Shimane), and Kedaka (Tottori) evolved due to regional geographic isolation in Japan. These breeding differences have produced a Japanese national herd that comprises 90 percent black cattle, with the remainder being of the red strains Kochi and Kumamoto. For more information on the genetic diversity of the breed, visit wagyu.org/breed-info/wagyu-origins

In Japan, there are four breeds that

are considered Wagyu, and those are the Japanese Black (the predominant Wagyu exported to the U.S.), Japanese Brown (In the U.S. referred to as Red Wagyu), Japanese Polled, and Japanese Shorthorn. There are no Japanese Polled or Shorthorns being bred outside Japan. Wagyu strains were isolated according to prefecture (state), and breeds imported for crossing were not the same in each prefecture.

an unrivaled eating experience. That is why Wagyu beef is finding its way into the repertoires of gourmet cooks and fine restaurants across the United States.

Not only is it a gastronomic delight, but it’s healthy for you too. Health experts have discovered the mono-unsaturated to saturated fat ratio is higher in Wagyu than in other beef, and the saturated fat contained in Wagyu is different. Forty percent is in a version called stearic acid, which is regarded as having a minimal impact in raising cholesterol levels. The profile of marbled Wagyu beef is more beneficial and healthier for human health.

Association headquarters are based in Post Falls, Idaho. The Association has a vibrant membership base and continues to promote and develop a sustainable industry here in the United States.

The opportunities Wagyu beef can offer are endless. This industry caters to the breeder/feeder targeting the high end restaurant trade with highly marbled beef to the bull producer supplying the cow/ calf rearer a crossbred alternative that will offer calving ease ability and premium carcass quality in a single cross which no other beef breed can come close too.

The production of Wagyu beef in Japan is highly regulated, and progeny testing is mandatory. Only the very best proven genetics are kept for breeding. Realizing the value of their unique product, the Japanese government banned the export of Wagyu and declared them a national living treasure. Zenwa is the government held entity in Japan that oversees the Wagyu registry for Japanese Black, Brown, Polled, and Shorthorn.

Wagyu Breed History in U.S.Wagyu cattle were first imported in 1975 when two black and two red bulls were imported by Morris Whitney. In 1989 the Japanese began to reduce their tariffs on imported beef, which encouraged U.S. producers to produce a high quality product for Japan. In the 1990s, there were several importations of quality Wagyu. Most were black, but a few were Red Wagyu. These cattle have the greatest influence on the U.S. herd and those in many other countries.

Most U.S. production was exported to Japan until 2003 when BSE was discovered, and Japan and other countries stopped the import of beef for the United States. However, chefs and others in the U.S. were aware of the superior eating quality of Wagyu and the domestic market then and now utilize much of the U.S. production.

Wagyu Beef — Delicious and Healthy - The unique taste and tenderness of highly marbled Wagyu beef makes for

Wagyu is also higher in a type of fatty acid called conjugated linoleic acid (CLA). Wagyu beef contains the highest amount of CLA per gram of any foodstuff – about 30 percent more than other beef breeds – due to higher linoleic acid levels. Foods that are naturally high in CLA have fewer negative health effects.

U.S. Wagyu Today - The American Wagyu Association was incorporated in Texas on March 14, 1990, and serves to register Wagyu cattle in the U.S., Canada, and other countries. The

The Wagyu breed has a vital role to play in the U.S. to increase the quality of red meat produced in the U.S. that our health conscious consumer of the 21 st century is forever seeking.

Ashley’s Beef Corner T

Beef on the Grill, Fun for All Ages

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

Each year the N.C. Cattlemen’s Beef Council sponsors the 4-H Beef Char-Grill competition. The contest brings together participants from across the state, who are passionate about grilling beef, for a day of learning, fun, and sharing their interest with one another.

The participant’s passion and hard work are on full display, and it truly makes the day special. We had participants as young as eight years old show us their favorite recipe, share their process for preparing their dish, and demonstrate their skills. It’s remarkable in every sense and gives a sense of pride in our youth. It takes a lot to speak with a panel of judges and answer questions, and these youth show us all how it’s done.

Included in their presentations are food safety information, cut choice, grilling temperature, safe handling, and their tips for flavor. As they prepare their recipe, each judge’s scoresheet focuses on safety, knowledge of beef, and speaking skills. Our judges always make it fun and share their tips and tricks to help.

We would like to thank our gracious judges who gave their time and talents. It means a lot to us that these volunteers help develop youth leadership and

life skills. Stacy and Alex Sereno (N.C. Farm Bureau and USDA), Matt Morrison (NCSU Beef Unit), and Jack Nales (NCDA marketing) all helped to make the day the best it could be for the participants.

The winners are:

Jacob Ledford - Gold (Yancey County - 8-10 Division)

Braylen Taylor - Gold (Lenoir County - 11-13 Division)

Riley Jones - Gold (Lenoir County - 11-13 Division)

Jacob Hanlon - Gold (Burke County - 14-18 Division)

John McBryde - Silver (Johnston County - 14-18 Division)

The winning recipe from Jacob Hanlon’s Steak and Chimichurri is included here. After grilling an incredible filet, Jacob used his own chimichurri to make the dish extra special. You could

certainly use this topper on any steak, sandwich, or steak salad. Congratulations to all the winners!

Chimichurri

¼ cups distilled white vinegar

2 jalapenos, roughly chopped 4 cloves garlic

4 bay leaves

½ cup freshly chopped Italian parsley

½ cup freshly chopped cilantro

½ cup freshly chopped oregano

⅓ cup Barnea olive oil

Salt and pepper to taste

Combine vinegar, jalapeno, garlic, and bay leaves. Puree in a food processor until smooth. Transfer the mixture to a bowl and add the herbs.

Whisk in the olive oil. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Mix well.

Serve chimichurri on the grilled steak of your choice.

Recently, the N.C. Junior Beef Round-Up included a graphic design contest. We had two great entries you can see here from Emma Beasley and Laurel Mitchell. Nice work!

By DR. MATT POORE N.C. State University

Frontal Grazing is a Key Grazing Management Technique

I have been learning how to manage grazing with beef cattle on our farms at Virgilina, near the Virginia-North Carolina line, for most of my life. I have seen the rise of great temporary grazing equipment, the dramatic improvement of electric fence energizers, and the wondrous “fault finder” fence tester, among many other great new tools.

Forty years ago, I was using tobacco sticks with insulators wired to them, 18 gauge wire that was rolled on a car rim, and a ParMak weed chopper energizer to allocate new strips of stockpiled fescue. Even then, with those crude tools compared to what we have today, “strip grazing” stockpiled fescue was a lot less expensive and easier on the land than feeding hay. At that time, Alan Savory was the main person in the United States promoting managed grazing.

After going back to school in Arizona in 1982 to get my M.S. and Ph.D., I returned to my current job at N.C. State University in 1990. I met up with Dr. Jim Green and Dr. Paul Mueller, who were our forage extension specialists at the time. They each had recently taken a sabbatical in New Zealand, and they returned with a whole new vision for grazing management, in part because of the improved tools like tread-in posts, geared reels, and polywire that they worked with down there. These technologies were just starting to reach our country when they founded the “Amazing Grazing Program,” and they set about doing grazing demonstrations, pasture walks, and pasture ecology schools across the state. I arrived about three years after they founded Amazing Grazing.

I worked closely with both Jim and Paul and tried what I learned on the farm at home. By 2000 we were moving cattle frequently using temporary fencing, and we have continued to use what is now called “Adaptive Grazing Management” since that time. There are a great many grazing techniques

you can use, and a successful adaptive grazing manager knows when to apply which techniques. One of the mantras of adaptive management is “never say never and never say always.” All practices ranging from very high impact “mob grazing” with multiple moves in a day to continuous grazing at a moderately light stocking rate have a place somewhere, and you need to create your management program based on your own situation.

Grazing “systems” have come and gone, but what these systems are named doesn’t matter that much as there are clear biological principles that apply to all systems. Nearly all grazing management systems are based on the concept of controlled access to plants, such that there are relatively short bouts of grazing and long rest periods. During the rest period, plants regrow both foliage and roots, and major biological forces like earthworms restore porosity. There is also an accumulation of organic matter, all of which contribute to soil health. There are many ways to achieve this improved soil health in your pastures.

Some advisors promote having many permanent paddocks so that animals can be moved very frequently without the need for temporary fencing. In this kind of system, cattle are moved daily or even more frequently, and it has recently been called “Adaptive Multi-Paddock Grazing” (or AMP grazing). Others promote a more flexible system using temporary fencing with large permanent paddocks, giving flexibility in the number and size of subdivisions.

Several years ago, I visited the Birdwell and Clark Ranch in Texas with my friend Dr. Glenn Rogers to see their grazing system, which can be best described as AMP. They run about 5,000 stocker cattle each summer in one group, and they rotate them through 140 permanent paddocks, mostly with single strand high tensile wire with a lot of power. The cattle are moved about 2-6 times a day depending on the amount of

grass present and the size of the paddock. They move the cattle by raising the single strand high tensile about 8 feet off the ground using PVC pipes, and the herd moves under it to the next paddock.

If you visit their website at www. birdwellandclarkranch.com , you will find a link to an amazing video of them moving cattle which looks like an amoeba from the air! Standing by the UTV while those cattle oozed around us for ten minutes was one of the most memorable experiences of my life. It is amazing to think about the dramatic change from the traditional way this ranch was managed just a few decades ago. The quality of their range is improving dramatically, and they are growing a lot more grass and stocking more cattle than they could in the past.

This style of management works well in a very large setting but is not as easy to implement on smaller farms. It is critical that you develop methods to manage your pasture that is consistent with your farm size, your skills, and your availability to work with the animals; that is adaptive grazing management. The Texas ranch has enough revenue to have full time employees that move the cattle, and they do that all day, seven days a week. Small farms often only have the owner and their family to do the work, so you might want something less intensive. Coming up with a farm plan that fits your lifestyle is the key to a long lasting system.

Our main farm in Virginia has about 350 acres of pasture and it is laid out as 24 permanent pastures, each with access to a water source. If we were to subdivide as much as the Texas Ranch, there would only be about 2.5 acres in each cell, and we would have a big job of fence building, water development, and managing around differences in forage availability. Being a cow/calf operation that is finishing many of the cattle, we

also have multiple groups of animals. At any one time, we will have about five groups, so to manage all groups with permanent fencing would be very impractical.

In order to match animal requirements with forage availability, we use temporary fencing, and the technique I most often employ is best called “frontal grazing.” Sometimes this is called “strip grazing,” but it is not quite the same thing in that strip grazing uses a “back fence” to keep animals from going back to areas of the pasture they have already grazed.

Frontal grazing is commonly used when grazing stockpiled fescue, and most readers will be familiar with that system. You enter a pasture that has been cross fenced with polywire such that cattle have access to the water source and a small area of pasture. As that area is grazed down, the manager gives fresh grass in strips, either by setting up another polywire fence ahead of the first one (sometimes called a flip flop system) or by simply moving the fence over a bit. This works especially well when the grazing front is long so the fence doesn’t need to be moved very far.

One of my first experiences working with a farmer on frontal grazing was in Alamance County, N.C., in the early 1990s. The farmer was feeding stocker calves free choice soybean hulls, and frontal grazing stockpiled tall fescue through the winter. The cattle had amazing performance, and he was able to stretch a very limited amount of grass all winter for this large group. Twice a day, as he walked along and moved the fence about 10 feet, all the cattle would line up, and he could easily see any slow or sick ones. The cattle were also accustomed to having him on foot around them, so they were very tame, and he didn’t have trouble getting them in if they needed attention. It made a lasting impression on

Frontal grazing weaned calves on stockpiled Quick-N-Big Crabgrass.

We always have used frontal grazing during the stockpiled fescue grazing season, but I have also found it to be very useful all year round. In our typical management, we will frontal graze and allow animals to back graze up to ten days before moving to a new permanent pasture. You may have been taught that there will be enough regrowth of pasture after 5-7 days to where animals will return to regraze those plants, which weakens them. This is true, but it is not always possible with the size of our pastures to keep it to the “five day rule,” so it is a rule I break from time to time. In situations where I expect an extended period with access to the grazed area, we leave a little more residual forage early on so that if we do see animals grazing in the back graze area, it is generally the residual forage they are after, and we can increase the size of the allocation the next day. As long as they are getting high forage availability and at least moderate quality forage on the front, they will rarely spend much time in the back

grazing area. Then, once we are off to the next pasture, there is a long rest period before we return, so the pasture recovers adequately. We also might put up a back fence after five days in situations where the grass is really growing fast.

When cows are adapted to this system, it is amazing how easy it is to manage. I generally walk along the fence, pulling up the posts, moving the fence over by dragging the wire the distance I want to move it, and then walking back and setting up the posts. As long as the cows are not really hungry and they are in the rhythm of regular moving, they will wait for me to move the wire instead of charging ahead and over the wire on the ground. This is not to say you can never have trouble with that method, and you have to stay on alert and work quickly. Sometimes it makes more sense to set up a new line ahead of the old one, and you have to make that decision as you go.

This approach to allocating grass is especially helpful if I have to be gone for a day or two from the farm. Given the larger pasture size and my sense of

how much area it takes each day, I can allocate 2-4 days of grass so my farm sitter just has to check the water. It is also very helpful during calving as the cows line up on the fresh strip, and those with new calves are generally in the grazed area where they are easy to find and work with.

We have been using this basic rotational grazing technique now for 22 years, and the controlled animal impact is starting to really build soil health and forage diversity on our farm. We had a pretty terrible early summer with little rain in May and June this year. It looked like a bad year to decide not to put out fertilizer! Since that time, we have had good rains, and the pastures have quickly improved. We recently weaned the calves onto a Quick-n-Big crabgrass pasture that had previously been used for winter feeding. We had a great stand of crabgrass, and using frontal grazing to feed the calves twice a day has tamed them down and made them realize that I am the source of their daily feed, even though they are yet to see a bucket.

As you read this, I hope you are also having a good season. I know that for most of us, the rains finally came in July, but I have been to spots that still have had no significant rain all summer. I continue to be amazed at how using the basic concepts of adaptive grazing management over the last two decades has changed our farm. When I look back, I realize that I could not manage this place if I had a high stocking rate, a lot of haymaking, and a long winter feeding season like in the past. I can now easily get around and move fences each day, as I described in just a few hours, and I have the comfort of seeing every group each day and knowing things are really under control.

Over the next few years, the Amazing Grazing Program will be gearing up to teach adaptive grazing workshops focusing on “The Power of One Wire.” We will start this program off with an online introduction to Pastureland Ecology and then follow up with on-farm workshops intended to get you started with adaptive grazing management. We’ll see you somewhere down the road!

Herd ManageMent

By DR. SHELBY ROBERTS, Alltech

Tips for Reducing Stress When Weaning Calves

No matter the segment of the beef system, stress is a natural and unavoidable hurdle that the beef industry must learn to manage. Ironically, it is often the segmentation of the beef system that results in periods of stress. These stressful times often fall around transition intervals, when cattle move from one phase of production to the next. Weaning and feedlot receiving are two transition periods during which calves will experience multiple stressors. Prolonged exposure to stress has negative impacts on calf performance, and these negative effects can result in long term issues.

When you consider the long history of the beef sector, stress is a relatively new issue being examined and discussed by those in the industry. In recent years, scientists and producers have begun to realize the impact that stress can have on calf performance. Fortunately, however, there are solutions for mitigating stress for your cattle during transitions. First, it is important to understand what can cause stress, as well as the consequences of that stress.

Stressors that can occur during weaning and receiving include:

• Separation from the dam - The social stress of being removed from the mother can be significant. One management practice that gradually

weans calves is fence line weaning. This technique involves placing weaned calves and dams in adjacent pastures that allow calves to be able to see their mothers while being physically separated. Make sure you have sturdy fences with no gaps to prevent calves from crawling through to the other side.

• Transportation - It’s inevitable: At some point, cattle will need to be moved. There are many ways that producers can work to reduce stress during transportation — but similar to humans traveling to new locations or making a big move, this major transition will likely lead to schedule changes and disruptions, changes in eating patterns, etc.

• Commingling - When groups of cattle are mingled together, they can expose each other to new pathogens. Even if the animals are on the same ranch but are from different pastures, producers need to consider a commingling strategy.

• Unfamiliar diets - Going from their mothers’ milk to feed might feel like a stark transition to some calves. The tips later in this article explain how to get calves to the bunk and help them transition to a new, healthy, nutrient dense diet.

Stress can have consequences on production, including:

• Impaired growth. Stress causes muscle breakdown and can slow the

growth of your cattle.

• Suppression of immune functions, which can lead to a decreased ability to resist infection and an increased susceptibility to getting sick.

• Altered behavior, like reduced feed intake.

A wholistic view of beef production is necessary to identify where leverage points exist within the production system. Recognizing leverage points allows for a more effective application of management practices to minimize stress and improve performance. In beef production, the most effective approach to minimizing stress is a preventative one. Implement practices that will help you foster and maintain a resilient herd. Resilient calves are going to be able to handle the periods of stress that are inherent within the beef system. The key to building resilient calves is implementing proactive management practices.

Outlined below are five easy and practical management tips that will help you produce resilient cattle.

1. Vaccinate prior to shipping. Work with your veterinarian to establish a vaccination program prior to your animals being commingled and shipped. A vaccination program is essential to building a healthy immune system prior to animals being exposed to novel pathogens in a new place and when surrounded by other animals.

2. Castrate animals as early as possible. Castration is a stressful but generally necessary management practice. Research has shown that animals experience less stress when they are castrated at a younger age. Some producers will castrate at birth when they tag or maybe when they take cattle out to grass. Whatever fits into your management schedule, getting your animals castrated early will allow them to recoup before other stressors manifest throughout the following transition stages.

3. Minimize commingling. Just like with humans, anytime you bring animals from different sources together, you run the risk of exposing them to pathogens. You can reduce this risk of exposure for calves by being strategic about minimizing mixing between sources of cattle. There is also an element of social stress as the newly commingled animals work to establish a pecking order.

4. Expose calves to feed bunks and water troughs. Familiarize your animals with feed bunks and water troughs prior to shipping. This can help reduce stress during feedlot arrival, as getting calves to feed bunks prior to shipping will help them get onto feed quicker. The sooner they get on feed and start consuming water, the better they will bounce back from transportation stress.

5. Proper nutrition is essential. When transitioning cattle, it is important to make sure that their nutritional requirements are being met. Meeting the cattle’s protein, energy, and trace mineral requirements is essential for their immune function and growth. During periods of stress, it is common for animals to reduce their feed intake. In these cases, providing diets that are more nutrient dense to compensate for reduced intake is recommended.

It is unrealistic to think that we can eliminate all stress from the production system, but we can minimize the duration and severity of the stress that animals experience. When utilizing these management techniques, consider a schedule that exposes calves to stressors gradually rather than all at once. When calves feel high levels of stress and no mitigation strategies are used, they can experience critical setbacks. The most important reason to help calves through periods of stress is to set them up for success for the rest of their life — ultimately leaving you with healthy animals, a healthy reputation, and a healthy bottom line.

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 chaplain’s corral

By SKEETER SPAULDING Chaplain, Cowboys for Christ

Being Led by the Holy Spirit

I was reminded of how important it is to be led by the Holy Spirit after reviewing a Sunday School lesson for a second grade class a few years ago. I believe the lesson was for me and not only for seven-year-old children. The lessons have animated artwork and really help bring the story of the passage to life.

The phrase “Being led by God, Jesus, or the Holy Spirit,” as one may say, can have a lot of different meanings. The only

real test is that it will always take us back to the absolute truth of the Bible. I have much to learn about what it means to be listening for the prompting of the Holy Spirit’s leading. In my Christian walk, I hope to be more sensitive to the moving of the Holy Spirit, and I pray it continues to grow.

The Sunday School lesson concerned the disciple Philip and the Ethiopian government official coming down the

road in his chariot. You can find this amazing passage of God’s word in Acts 8:26-40.

It reads, “Now the angel of the Lord said to Philip, ‘Rise and go towards the south to the road that goes down from Jerusalem to Gaza.’ This is a desert place. And he rose and went. And there was an Ethiopian, a eunuch, a court official of Candace, queen of the Ethiopians, who was in charge of all her treasure. He had come to Jerusalem to worship and was returning, seated in his chariot, and he was reading the prophet, Isaiah. And the Spirit said to Philip, ‘Go over and join this chariot.’ So Philip ran to him and heard him reading Isaiah the prophet and asked, ‘Do you understand what you are reading?’ And he said, ‘How can I unless someone guides me?’ And he invited Philip to come up and sit with him. Now the passage of scripture that he was reading was this;

‘Like sheep, he was led to the slaughter and like a lamb before its shearer is

silent, so he opens not his mouth.

In his humiliation justice was denied him.

Who can describe his generation?

For his life is taken away from the earth.’

And then the eunuch said to Philip, ‘About whom, I ask you, does the prophet say this, about himself or about someone else?’ Then Philip opened his mouth, and beginning with this scripture; he told him the good news about Jesus. And as they were going along the road, they came to some water, and the eunuch said, ‘See, here is water! What prevents me from being baptized?’ And he commanded the chariot to stop, and they both went down into the water, Philip and the eunuch, and he baptized him. And when they came up out of the water, the Spirit of the Lord carried Philip away, and the eunuch saw him no more and went on his way rejoicing. But Philip found himself at Azotus, and as he passed through, he preached the gospel to all the towns until

INFLUENCE

& BULL SALE

mile on left at Granville County Livestock Arena. Also from jct. of Hwy. 96 & 56 at Wilton, take Hwy. 96 north 2 miles, turn right on Cannady Mill Rd., arena approximately 6 miles on right. Watch for cattle auction arrows leading way to sale.

more information,

E.B or Shane

he came to Caesarea.”

It’s an eventful account of just what can happen by sharing the Gospel of Jesus Christ. The blessings come when we trust the Holy Spirit for His leading and step out in faith. I don’t think we will have the same experience Philip had, but we can surely affect the lives the Lord allows us to meet with His influence.

Our Heavenly Father cares about a spiritually hungry guy who happens to have a horse or two pulling his chariot.

How many untold numbers of spiritually hungry folks are out there who own livestock of all sorts?

Jesus said the fields are ripe for harvest, as we find in Matthew 9:3738. Then he said to his disciples, “The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few, therefore, pray earnestly to the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into his harvest.”

It may be an opportunity to pray with someone who has a hurting loved

one, or it could be a chance to pay for a veteran’s meal just to thank them for their service, or handing a homeless person a few dollars along with giving each one a Gospel of John. We should always be ready to speak of the hope we have in Jesus to friends and strangers when the Lord gives us the opportunity.

So, what do we do? The answer is to take the opportunities that God gives us. It’s not about planning to be at the right place at the right time and in the right

manner. Ask the Lord to open the doors that you are supposed to walk through. I do believe we please Him by loving Him and being obedient to where He leads us.

Stepping out in faith to pray for a stranger can be a scary deal, but you’ll never know whose heart you may encourage by doing so. Just share the Gospel with a hurting world and then trust Him for the outcome. Well, that’s what Cowboys for Christ and being a believer is all about.

E.B.'s ViEw from thE Cow PasturE

By E.B. HARRIS

Part of the Past That Appeared

I wrote a couple of months back that we were over at the Davis Place working cattle. This is a farm we have been running cattle on for several years. This is a farm owned by the Davis family, which is an original Warren County family name. Around 1990, Landon Davis sold me his cows, rented me the farm, and sold me what equipment he had when he got ready to retire. We have been running cows on the farm ever since.

drain well. Shane and I talked about how we were going to put the feed bunks in the area. It was going to take a little dirt moving. When you are getting around areas like that, you always turn up some artifacts. He found a few plow points, a piece of railroad track that I gather came off the Green Leaf Johnson railroad track that ran through there (this was a logging railroad right after the Civil War), and other odds and ends and metal that was put in the recycle bin.

Shane and Larry came in the other afternoon from working at the Davis Farm, and in the back of the service truck was a buggy hanes. A lot of you know what a buggy hanes is, but for the ones that don’t know, the regular work hanes are used every day for pulling a plow, drag, or wagon with a mule or horse.

The buggy hane, that’s what I call “Sunday Go To Meeting.” I looked at the half hanes and wondered when it went to church, wedding parties, fishing at the creek, to town, to the doctor, went visiting, or even courting. This was an uptown hanes. When you were going to a special occasion and got the buggy out,

this hanes went on the horse that was going to pull the buggy. I do not know what it goes to, and it could have been used in the 1700s or the 1800s, or even the early 1900s.

You can stand there in awe and look and only wonder, if only it could talk, what stories it could tell.

raise hay like I do,

minutes

need

the hood

There was a 1700s house on it. Time had taken its toll on it. The Davis family had previously sold the house, and the person who bought the house was supposed to move it but has never moved it. We took the excavator over and finished taking it down and dug a hole, and buried what needed to be buried like rock and brick.

This house was on the highest spot of the farm, and being the highest spot of the farm made an ideal place to put down feed bunks where the area would

DONNA BYRUM

my pickup,

E.B.

You Decide!

By DR. MIKE WALDEN

William Neal Reynolds Distinguished Professor Emeritus N.C. State University

You Decide: Will We Have the First Full Employment Recession? Debates are still raging over whether the economy is in a recession. While the economy has met one litmus test for a recession of two consecutive quarters of negative growth in GDP, or gross domestic product, doubters point to the still strong job market. In recent months, hundreds of thousands of jobs have been created, and unemployment remains very low.

This situation has raised an interesting question. Could a recession happen, but the labor market doesn’t participate? That is, for the first time in my memory, could we have a recession without big job losses and jumps in unemployment?

It’s an interesting question that has already created differing opinions among leading economists. Some top economists think a recession today will be just like those in the past, where many jobs were lost, and the unemployment rate soared. Excluding the 2020 recession induced by the pandemic, in the recessions since 1980, unemployment jumped an average of three percent, and the jobless rate rose an average of four percentage points. Today, some economists are predicting the unemployment rate may reach seven percent - double the current rate – in a recession brought on by a goal of reducing the inflation rate to two percent annually.

But, not surprisingly, other economists disagree. Currently, there are almost two job openings for every unemployed person. That is unprecedented, especially during what –some claim – is already a recession. The current level of job openings is almost 11 million, equal to seven percent of filled jobs. This is more than enough to allow businesses to cut unfilled jobs rather than filled jobs and meet the job losses that come with the average recession.

Indeed, this is exactly what some economists think will happen. One respected economist predicts we will see, at most, a one percentage point increase in the jobless rate in the coming months. We could therefore have a reduction in economic production – which is one definition of a recession – while experiencing a very, very modest increase

in unemployment.

If this situation happens, would we actually see no recession declared? The National Bureau of Economic Research (NBER), a century old private think tank, makes the official calls on recessions. NBER looks at six measures in deciding if a recession has occurred. They are the change in earned personal income in excess of inflation, the change in personal spending in excess of inflation, the change in nonfarm payrolls, the change in household employment, the change in manufacturing and retail sales in excess of inflation, and the change in industrial production.

Before discussing trends in these measures, let me explain the difference between the two employment measures. The government does two job surveys each month. The payroll survey is based on results from a sample of 400,000 businesses, but not including farms. People on business payrolls are counted as employed.

The household survey relies on a much smaller sample of 60,000 households. However, the household survey is broader, including not only workers on farms but also self employed workers, unpaid family workers, workers in private households, and workers on unpaid leave. The household survey, therefore, captures more types of jobs, but it’s based on a much smaller sample.

The payroll job survey has continued to move higher, but the household survey of jobs peaked in March and has been slightly lower since then. Personal income has continued to rise, but there are signs of leveling off for personal spending. The production index has been gaining, yet manufacturing and trade sales have been dropping.

So, with three (household job survey, personal spending, manufacturing/trade sales) of the six key measures followed by the NBER suggesting some weakness, there is reason to watch the economy for deepening signs of a recession.

But if a recession does occur, will it be a typical recession with all six indicators – and especially the two job indicators – showing significant deterioration? Like so many aspects of our lives impacted by the pandemic, I

think a case can be made that the next recession will be different.

Imagine this scenario. Production, sales, spending, and income trend downward in the next six to nine months as the Federal Reserve raises interest rates to control inflation. But with improvements in the supply chain, falling oil and gas prices, and a more modest inflation rate of 4-5 percent, the Fed will declare victory, stop raising rates, and hint about actually lowering rates over the coming year.

With economic optimism returning, businesses that have stopped hiring new workers will now begin worrying about a return of labor shortages as the economy improves. Hence, they keep their labor staff intact, and few – if any – workers are let go. The unemployment rate barely rises, making the recession the first one on record occurring without a major jump in joblessness.

Is this a fantasy? Perhaps. But it wouldn’t be the only unusual event created by the pandemic. The COVID-19 pandemic has changed the workforce, altered how we buy both products and services, and broadened remote working and remote living. Is our definition of a recession the next post-COVID change? Could we experience a recession without massive unemployment? You decide.

You Decide: Should the Fed Stop Influencing Interest Rates? The Federal Reserve (the “Fed”) is now in the process of increasing interest rates. This is a tactic the Fed uses when it wants to slow the pace of the economy in order to reduce price increases. Stated another way, the Fed is increasing interest rates to reduce the inflation rate.

The Fed followed the opposite interest rate policy during the pandemic. Then the objective was to increase spending and economic growth in order to combat issues from the COVID-19 pandemic. The Fed lowered its key interest rate – the federal funds rate – to almost zero. The policy worked as the economy strongly rebounded and returned to pre-COVID levels by early 2021.

But many economists think the Fed’s policy of extremely low interest rates during the pandemic has led to the high inflation rates we are now experiencing. Extraordinarily low interest rates and the money the Fed effectively created to support those low rates sparked a buying spree by consumers that exceeded the availability of products constrained by supply chain problems.

Hence, the Fed’s policy of low interest rates to deal with one problem – recession – led to another problem –inflation – and caused the Fed to switch to the exact opposite policy of higher interest rates. Does this seem somewhat

counterproductive?

It’s not just recent Fed policy that would cause many to answer “yes” to the question. It’s that we can see the same Fed policy used in previous years. For example, interest rates were very low prior to the subprime recession of 2007-2009. The Fed raised its key interest rate to contain the jump in prices – particularly home prices – which then brought on the recession. To end the recession, the Fed lowered its key rate to almost zero, where it remained for several years. It’s a pattern we’ve seen several times since World War II.

Why does the Fed follow this up and down interest rate policy? The answer goes back to the 1930s when the country experienced the Great Depression. The Fed was a young institution then, and it was roundly criticized for not using its powers to fight the Depression. Worried that the country would face another depression after World War II, Congress told the Fed to use its powers to keep unemployment low and prices stable.

Hence, the real debate is whether the government – particularly the Federal Reserve – should act to smooth out the ups and downs in the economy. That is, should the Fed take action to “cool” the economy when it is running hot, and inflation is surging? Also, should the government move to stimulate the economy when it is down, joblessness is rising, and businesses are failing?

This is an old debate that also began in the 1930s. The argument for stimulating the economy when it’s down is easy to make because people and businesses suffer when economic times are bad. There is pressure for the government to spend money to reduce the suffering of households and to keep as many businesses alive as possible. There is also support for the government to create conditions that will allow the private economy to come back. This is where the Federal Reserve’s policies of low interest rates and ample money creation come in.

But there are several arguments against an active role of government –and particularly the Fed – to influence the macroeconomy. The major complaint is that – rather than smoothing the ups and downs in the economy – the Fed’s actions could actually contribute to those ups and downs.

Critics say to look no further than today for an example. The COVID-19 pandemic generated a deep recession in early 2020. The federal government pumped massive amounts of money –some estimates say over $5 trillion – to support households, businesses, and public institutions. The Federal Reserve was a key player in this effort by using its power to create money and fund a large

part of the $5 trillion by pushing its key interest rate to zero percent.

Now many analysts say we are “paying for” these actions with higher inflation rates, a result of “too much money chasing too few goods and services.” As a result, the Fed has reversed its policies and is raising interest rates, reducing the money supply and creating the conditions for a possible recession.

There are other criticisms of the Fed’s active policies in guiding the economy. One is that its policies of lowering interest rates and creating money most help wealthier households who have financial investments – such as stocks and bonds – that greatly benefit from the policies. Also, when the Fed raises interest rates that could prompt a recession, job losses are concentrated among lower-income workers, with many higher-income jobs protected. Both of these impacts of Fed policies could contribute to greater income inequality.

Recognize that this debate over Fed actions sets up a very difficult choice. Should we let the economy run its course? That is, when the economy weakens – for whatever reason – and unemployment rises, incomes decline, and bankruptcies surge, should the Fed follow a “hands off” policy and let the economy heal itself? Also, should the Fed be passive when high inflation is an issue?

Or, should the Fed take an active role in managing the economy, even if the Fed’s actions actually make the economy more unstable and unequal in income?

These questions have been around for almost a century, and they won’t be resolved overnight. Still, we should periodically revisit them, have a debate, and then decide!

You Decide: Is The Social Safety Net A Spring Board Or A Cushion?

There are few public issues that create more debate than the “social safety net.” By social safety net, I mean the set of government policies, programs, and regulations that provide money, services, and products to households that cannot maintain an acceptable standard of living using their own resources.

There are many pieces to the social safety net. At the federal level, food assistance through the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, medical assistance via Medicaid, and a program that provides cash to households — the Earned Income Tax Credit — are key examples. It’s estimated these, and complementary programs give assistance worth almost $800 billion annually to eligible households. During the COVID-19 pandemic, spending was much higher.

States are secondary to the federal

government in funding the social safety net. States do administer their own unemployment compensation systems and set their minimum wage level.

The social safety net has come under scrutiny in recent years. This is due to the extra federal help to households during the COVID-19 pandemic. The additional assistance came in many forms: supplemental jobless benefits, stimulus checks, expanded food and medical aid, and payments to households with children. Most of this extra funding has stopped, with extra food and medical care being the exceptions.

During the pandemic, a fresh debate over the social safety net emerged. Some thought the generous help made the safety net too broad and claimed it discouraged people from taking jobs when they became available. There are some analysts who think the after effects of the enhanced social safety net continue and are partially responsible for today’s labor shortage.

There’s also a related debate in North Carolina. While North Carolina has received praise for its business climate and is among the state leaders in attracting new firms, some argue this success has come at the expense of the social safety net. Specifically, critics say workers are hurt by the state’s low minimum wage rate, modest jobless benefits, and limited regulations for businesses’ interactions with employees.

The social safety net has always been a hot button topic because competing sides see different approaches to reaching the same goal. The goal is a thriving economy with ample options for workers to have a reasonable income that will enable them to achieve a decent standard of living.

One approach sees this goal best achieved by attracting firms paying good salaries because they like the business climate in the state and they see opportunities for hiring needed workers. Firms like to be in control, and they like to set their salaries and wages without interference from the government. In this approach, it is key for workers to see a distinct financial advantage to work compared to receiving government help.

While the alternative approach certainly welcomes good paying businesses to the state, supporters worry about what happens to workers in the interim before they are trained and prior to the good jobs coming. Hence, this approach supports a more robust social safety net that will provide constant protection to workers.

The debate over the social safety net and the best approach to business recruitment is particularly important for

North Carolina. Few states have witnessed the kind of economic transformation North Carolina has faced in the last half century. Industries that dominated the state economy and provided thousands of middle paying manufacturing jobs — tobacco, textiles, and furniture — have been devastated by international trade. Good paying jobs that replaced them have largely required college degrees. This has left tens of thousands of workers in the state without college training, settling for low wage employment.

North Carolina has tried to rebuild its manufacturing base by attracting new firms to the state. Here, the state has largely followed the first approach of luring jobs by presenting a “business friendly” environment.

At the national level — where most of the social safety net is woven — there are two big questions. The first is: how strong should the safety net be? Should it be strong enough to allow the household to be economically comfortable? Or, should it only provide enough resources for people to “just get by,” therefore giving them a big motivation to improve their skills so they can move on to a better living standard?

The second question is how to adjust

financial help from the social safety net when a recipient does earn more on their own. Should there be a dollar reduction in government help for every dollar gain in earnings? But if this tradeoff is made, then what incentive does a person have to do better on their own?

Unfortunately, research over several decades shows that, on average, a dollar — or even more than a dollar — of government benefits is often withdrawn for every additional dollar a recipient earns. This is particularly the case for households moving from the lowest paying jobs to middle paying jobs. A major reason for this result is that individual government programs often aren’t coordinated. The “big picture” impacts are often ignored.

I think we can all agree this last problem should be fixed. We want people receiving benefits from the social safety net to be better off if they can earn more on their own.

I see the debate about the generosity of the social safety net continuing, particularly here in North Carolina. While we may all agree we want more households to prosper, each of us will have to decide the best way of achieving this result.

had worked his cattle the previous day, and so all we saw of the cattle were black cattle on the hills, but even that was a beautiful sight.

By JENNIE RUCKER Executive Secretary N.C. Simmental Association

ASA Fall Focus. The American Simmental Association, together with the Virginia Simmental Association, hosted the Fall Focus in Roanoke, Va., August 26-30. My husband and I attended the event on Friday and Saturday. Friday, we boarded buses to tour some great farms using Simmental genetics. The first stop was Tim and Kathy Sutphin’s place, Hillwinds Farm, in Dublin, Virginia. They run a commercial operation with both

cow/calf and stockers. They have retained ownership of their slaughter cattle for 34 years and are very pleased with the way Simmental complements their Angus, SimAngus, and even Charolais terminal crosses. They breed using artificial insemination, and Tim Sutphin is very quick to say that his Simmental are much more fertile than the Angus. We were able to see some of his cattle on feed.

Then we went to McDonald Farms in Blacksburg, Virginia. Bill McDonald

We did get to tour Bill’s homestead, which was built in 1790 and is still lived in today.

is a former ASA trustee, and he has been producing bulls for commercial cattlemen for years. His farm has been in the family for eight generations, and we were even able to tour his homeplace, which was built in 1790. His mother currently still lives in the old house, and she was quite amusing to talk with! Unfortunately, Bill

The Virginia Tech meats lab served some of the best brisket ever!

After McDonald Farms, the bus went through the Virginia Tech campus, where we saw the old beef farm and the current horse and sheep facilities. Then it was a good way out of the city limits to the new beef farm, Kentland Farm. There we viewed cattle and even had a foot and leg scoring demonstration that was very educational.

The ASA would like all producers to do feet and leg scoring in the future so that EPDs can be obtained from that data. We were all served the most delicious beef brisket cooked by the Virginia Tech meats lab. It was served by a fun group of Junior Virginia Simmental members. This meal alone was worth the

The home’s original hearth.

Bill’s license plate says it all.

Bill McDonald welcomes everyone to his farm as Wade Shafer from the ASA looks on.

trip to Roanoke! A bluegrass band, New Standard, entertained everyone as we had dinner and socialized. It really was good to meet Simmental producers from across the United States.

the association. Gene Price from Monroe gave the prayer, then President Charlie Thomas opened the meeting.

This year the Fall Harvest Sale was dedicated to former Governor Jim and Carolyn Hunt. Ralph Blalock came and told about how the Hunts had financially helped the association out in the late ‘90s with a dinner at the Governor’s Mansion where they raised money for the Jim Graham Junior Simmental Scholarship and for the association’s treasury. Then Marvin Hutchison talked about how they always brought one of a kind items to the fundraising auction, such as tickets to N.C. State basketball games or football games. Marvin himself purchased some of those items and had such good times with the Hunts that he and his sons will treasure those memories always. Then Preston Cornelius talked about the history of the Simmental breed in North Carolina. Since we have so many new members, it was good to look back at the past so that we, as an association, can plan what we can do for the future.

The Fall Harvest Sale Manager, Doug Parke, talked about the cattle to be sold on Saturday. He said, “This is the most consistent set of cattle we have ever sold, top to bottom.” He recognized the first time consignors: Seth Barkley, Timmy Lucas, and Todd Alford. Jennie Rucker told everyone about our new website under construction and that we should be able to offer classified ads to everyone as another way to market their cattle.

The outgoing directors were recognized with a plaque. They are Philip Watson, Eugene Shuffler, and Zack Moffitt. Both Philip and Eugene are able to serve another term, so they were recommended by the Board along with Anna English. The membership voted for these three to serve as directors. The meeting was adjourned to the auction of donated items.

The next day, Saturday, we were at an educational symposium in the Hotel Roanoke. These were mainly discussions on genomics, and honestly, a good bit of these talks was more in depth than my understanding, but I did learn a lot. The talk on fixed time artificial insemination was especially good for producers. We left after Saturday’s events due to the N.C. Simmental Association’s big events the next weekend, but I commend the Virginia Simmental Association for all they did to put together a really good, fun, and educational event.

Then Charlie recognized Doug Keziah for consigning the top indexing SimAngus bull at Butner and Eugene Shuffler for consigning the top indexing SimAngus bull at Waynesville. Chad Joines from the Virginia Simmental Association talked a little about the ASA Fall Focus held in Roanoke. Then Amy Thomas, the junior advisor, gave a short review of the summer the juniors just had. She really stressed how proud our association is of Mattie Harward of Richfield for winning champion senior showmanship at the AJSA Junior Nationals.

N.C. Simmental Association Annual Meeting. The N.C. Simmental Association held its annual meeting at Shuffler Sale Facility in Union Grove on September 2. There were around 60 people in attendance, and everyone enjoyed a beef dinner prepared by Roy Swisher with cheese, potatoes, green beans, and rolls, followed by a special cake decorated for

This year a new consignor served as our Friday night auctioneer. Matthew Lucas did a great job as auctioneer, and he helped raise $1,272.50 for the adult association and $544.50 for the junior association. Then, after all the raffle tickets were sold, Clara Mitchell helped draw out the winning ticket, and this year the chain saw went to Jonathan Massey of Burlington. This Stihl chain saw was donated by Erin Beth and Preston Pinkston of Pinkston’s Lawn Mowers in Wadesboro, North Carolina. This really helps with our fundraising. Next month there will be a complete report on the Fall Harvest Sale.

The oldest Simmental producer in North Carolina entertained everyone with tales of past Simmental history.

Dessert was some local Homestead Ice Cream.

Years of cattle experience was sitting around this table.

Cooper Joines holds up a beautiful barn quilt that sold for $275.

President Charlie Thomas (middle) presents Philip Watson and Eugene Shuffler with plaques for serving as Directors.

Staunch N.C. Simmental supporter Donald Bangma talks to the crowd.

Darrell, Cayte, and Clara Mitchell enjoyed the Annual Meeting supper.

The Friday night crowd was entertained by the bluegrass band, New Standard.

By SYDNEY SMITH N.C. State University -- ANS 402 Beef Management

Future Success Through Heifer Development

The development of replacement heifers is an extremely important process for beef producers. These heifers are the future of the herd, and they will ultimately determine the profit margin of the operation. It is vital that producers manage them well by providing them with all their needs. These heifers should be managed closely throughout each stage of life, including pre-weaning, weaning, and post weaning. It is important that proper nutrition is provided for each stage of life, target weights are reached, and the heifers are bred early in the breeding season when compared to the cows of the herd. These are practical ways to best develop replacement heifers.

The only way for a heifer to reach her target weight and perform to the best of her

ability is to provide her with proper nutrition. Nutrition should be adjusted to cater to each stage of life, as seen in Figure 1. During pre-weaning, the heifer should be putting on weight, but not to the point where she is losing efficiency. If the heifer gains too much weight during pre-weaning, her milk production later in life will not be able to reach its original capability. Producers should keep watch on her body condition score (5-7 recommended) to ensure that she does not gain excess weight. The goal should be to keep the heifers at a body condition score of about five or six prior to breeding.

The next stage of life, weaning, is a stressful time for the heifer. Stress can cause a loss of appetite and, therefore, loss of weight. The best way to support the heifers and combat

this issue during weaning is by providing them with all their nutritional needs. High quality feed is a must during this stage of life! To prevent the heifers from turning away from feed, give them something palatable. Grain should be fed along with high quality hay (Poore). The producer can feed a sweet feed by adding molasses to the grain (Poore) Sweet feeds are more palatable to the calves. Trace minerals should also be added to the grain. An optional but beneficial additive would be an ionophore. An ionophore is a feed additive such as monensin or lasalocid (Selk). These ionophores are rumen modifiers and help grow the heifers. Studies prove that heifers can also reach puberty at an earlier age if ionophores are utilized. Body weight is a large determining factor in the start of puberty. In most cases, the higher the body weight, the earlier the heifer will reach puberty, as shown in Figure 3. In some studies, ionophores have also been shown to help heifers that are prone to bloat (Selk) This additive, with its long term benefits, can be extremely effective in the development of heifer calves.

Target weights are tangible goals to reach when it is time for breeding. If she meets her target weight, she is a desirable heifer. Each breed has different target weights. Mature body weight predictions should be based on the specific herd as well as the specific breed standards. Once the target weight is determined, the needed average daily gain (ADG) can be calculated. The weight can be put on at a constant rate or gradually depending on the nutrition plan, as seen in Figure 2. Each method has advantages and disadvantages. The constant rate of gain method will use the least amount of energy and supplemental feed (Arthington) The other two methods will use more energy when they are at the levels of increasing gain but may need less supplementation overall (Arthington). If this is the case, feed costs may be reduced depending on the price of the feed utilized. The slow gain method may be beneficial to the growth of the heifer later in life, but it is a risky method. The heifer may not reach her target weight in time and will have a delayed onset of puberty. Each producer should make their decision based on the resources they have. If she reaches her

Figure 1. This is an example of nutritional requirements for growing medium framed heifers that are at different body weights (Rayburn)

Figure 3. Shows how body weight impacts the start of puberty, with both Bos taurus and Bos Indicus breeds being represented (Arthington)

The post weaning period is the time leading up to breeding. The heifers should be at least 65 percent of their mature weight by the time they are bred (Extension). To do this, producers should compare their growing heifers to industry standards but, more importantly, to the mature cows within their herd. This goal helps to ensure that the heifer will be able to carry and sustain a calf. During this growth stage, supplemental feed may be required if pasture is not enough. Forage analysis should be done for pasture and hay on a regular basis. Hence, the producer knows exactly what is being fed to the animal and what supplementation needs to be provided. This is also a great time for the heifer to catch up if she lost weight during the weaning period due to stress. Proper nutrition is critical in each stage! If the heifer is not receiving proper nutrition, then she cannot reach her target weight.

target weight, then she has a better capability of carrying and delivering a calf. The most important thing is that the heifer reaches this target weight by the time she is bred!

The most important piece of replacement heifer development is getting her bred. To be a productive replacement heifer, she must produce a calf. The heifers of the herd should be bred before the cows of the herd. The recommendation is to breed them about 30 days before the rest of the herd (Wells).

When breeding replacement heifers, it is important to select for calving ease and good maternal traits. The effectiveness of your replacement heifer program will be revealed during the breeding season and later during the calving season.

The last step for a producer to have an effective replacement heifer program is to keep detailed records of their heifers. Records should include dates, identification numbers,

Figure 2. Shows the ways in which weight may be gained, each method has advantages and disadvantages (Arthington)

administration of vaccinations, administration of medications, heat detection dates, breeding dates, and any other important information pertaining to the heifers. The heifers should be treated for parasites and provided with the necessary vaccines along with the boosters for those vaccines. Recommended vaccines include high quality modified live viral respiratory, blackleg, vibriosis, leptospirosis, and brucellosis (Wells). Although necessary vaccinations will vary for each herd, it is important to talk with your local veterinarian. Developing replacement heifers with intention will lead to future success within your herd!

References

Arthington, John, and Philipe Moriel. “Targeting ADG of Developing Replacement Heifers Using Age and Body Weight.” AN305/ AN305: Targeting ADG of Developing Replacement Heifers Using Age and Body Weight, 12 October 2021, edis.ifas.ufl.edu/ publication/AN305

Extension, Parker Henley Oklahoma State University. “Heifers Should Reach Target Weight before Breeding Season.” The Eagle, 17 May 2021, theeagle.com/news/agriculture/ heifers-should-reach-target-weight-beforebreeding-season/article_a2cbb9b8-aed811eb-9006-afee0d5c5ecf.html

Poore, M.H.. “Animal Science - Nutrition for Developing Replacement Heifers.” NCSU, projects.ncsu.edu/cals/an_sci/extension/ animal/nutr/mhp96-3.htm

Purinamills.com . “Tips To Build Replacement Heifers: Purina Animal Nutrition.” Purinamills.com, 2 March 2020, www.purinamills. com/cattle-feed/education/detail/tips-to-buildsuccessful-replacement-heifers

Rayburn, Ed. “Nutrient Requirements for Beef Cattle - WVU Extension Service.” Nutrient Requirements for Beef Cattle, West Virginia University Extension Service, September 2013, extension.wvu.edu/files/d/4095370d9c6c-4448-a092-862a676b2713/beef-cattlenutrient-requirements.pdf

“Replacement Beef Heifer Development.” Mississippi State University Extension Service, extension.msstate.edu/publications/publications/ replacement-beef-heifer-development

Selk, Glenn. “Using Ionophores in Replacement Heifer Diets.” Beef2Live, beef2live. com/story-using-ionophores-replacement-heiferdiets-0-119228#:~:text=%22Ionophore%22%20 is%20the%20generalized%20name,programs%20 for%20replacement%20beef%20heifers

Wells, Robert. “Getting First Calf Heifers Ready for the Breeding.” Beef Magazine, 16 December 2011, www.beefmagazine.com/ americancowman/genetics/0219-calf-heifersbreeding

Have You Herd article written as a portion of ANS 402 Beef Management course requirement at N.C. State University Department of Animal Science. The opinions of Sydney Smith are not necessarily those of N.C. State University or Dr. Carrie Pickworth.

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!

Young Beef Producers’ Tour Experience

By LEVI RAMSEY

I had a great experience on the trip to Oklahoma and Kansas. I was able to see some land I had never seen before, as well as an in-depth look at some farming operations. I had not been able to see up that close before, as well as see some historical stuff for the area.

On Monday, we started off watching a live feeder calf sale at the Oklahoma City National Stockyards. We took a tour of the stockyards and learned how they operate, running so many thousands of head per day. We also took a tour of the National Cowboy Museum, which was very interesting because our tour guide was very good at explaining the history of the region. Then we went to Express Ranch and learned about their genetics operation for both livestock and horses. We got to meet the farm manager there, who was a great guy. We also got to hear from the Oklahoma Farm Bureau and Oklahoma Cattlemen’s Association while there. They welcomed us to Oklahoma, and they were explaining issues that affect both the nationwide cattle industry as well as the Oklahoma specific issues.

On Tuesday, we headed north to Kansas. On the way, we stopped off at a feedlot called Buffalo feeders. It was in Buffalo, Oklahoma. This was a very informative experience. We learned some of the ins and outs of how feedlots work on this first stop of the day. The feedlot manager was very good at explaining how his business works and how we would be able to ship cattle to him if we ever thought it would work into our operation.

From there, we went on into Kansas, seeing some of the excellent Kansas high plains cattle country and farmland along the way. Our next stop was Midwest feeders, not too far outside of Garden City, Kansas. This was a large feedlot, the largest of the trip, feeding approx. 65,000 head but expanding to 90,000 head by next year. Their main customers were Tyson and Cargill. We were able to see some North Carolina and Virginia cattle that were in this feedlot. It was very neat to see the massive amounts of corn silage they had stockpiled from local farmers at this feedlot.

From here, we went to Garden City for the night and had a great steak dinner with the excellent folks from the Kansas Livestock Association. I really

enjoyed getting to meet all of them. They welcomed us to Kansas and brought us up to speed on the issues facing Kansas agriculture. They also told us about their own farming operations and stuck around to hear about our North Carolina operations. KLA was very nice to us and gave out free eat beef tags for us to put on our trucks back home.

The next day the group split up. Some went to tour the Tyson Foods Beef Processing facility in Garden City, and the rest of us went to tour a 12,000 head feedlot in Scott City, Kansas. This feedlot was where I learned of a method of storing corn I had never seen before. The manager there said corn is picked with a combine at 30% moisture, then dumped in a silage pit, packed, and covered just like silage. That was the first I had ever heard of being able to store corn for cattle this way. The next and last stop was a smaller family owned feedlot and row crop operation in the central part of Kansas. This operation was a neat one to see. They educated us a lot on how the water situation was in their area since they were located on top of the Ogallala aquifer, and they were explaining how the water practices had changed over the years to conserve water and the current levels of the aquifer were holding up well in the drought.

After this, we headed back through the good grazing land of the western flint hills to Oklahoma City to leave out the next day back to our farming operations in North Carolina.

This was an excellent trip where I learned a lot about a side of the beef industry we don’t see in North Carolina. This trip helped me to make some great future business contacts in Oklahoma and Kansas for the marketing of our stocker calves, the hauling of calves to these places, and the potential for future employment at some of these excellent agribusinesses we visited. I want to very sincerely thank the N.C. Cattlemen’s Association and the N.C. Farm Bureau for organizing and taking us on this wonderful trip.

By BRENT J. JENNINGS N.C. State University

What a Summer!

It feels awesome to have a moment to sit down and write this article, as summer is winding down and we have the anticipation of cooler weather. Over the last several years, we have seen changes that one would have never thought possible. Yet, one thing remains consistent, and that is the future of animal agriculture is bright through an incredible set of young people.

Over the last several months, we have hosted skillathon and judging clinics, showmanship clinics, livestock shows, and the state 4-H livestock events. Each of these had great participation and allowed us the opportunity to reach a diverse audience from across North Carolina. We continue to build new programs annually and try to strive to offer opportunities that will be valuable.

The true highlight of the summer has been and continues to be the state

4-H livestock contests. We did change the schedule slightly from previous years, but the contest was held July 27-29 at N.C. State University. We offered quiz bowl, skillathon, livestock judging, and an awards dinner to wrap up the accomplishments of the week. I would encourage you to look through the winners as you may just recognize someone from your area.

If you have any questions about these events or any of the other youth livestock programs going on across North Carolina, please don’t hesitate to reach out to me. Additionally, if you know any adults that would like to learn more and possibly train youth, we are offering agent and volunteer training to be held December 13-14 at the E. Carroll Joyner Beef Education Unit. More information about this event and others can be found on our website at youthlivestock.ces.ncsu.edu

LIVESTOCK JUDGING CONTEST

Junior Beef Cattle Individual Results

1. Macie Ledford - Buncombe

2. Abby Baldwin - Buncombe

3. Cody Formisani - Johnston A

4. Massey Cassell - Duplin

5. Riley Ballance - Wilson

6. Libby Bryant - Buncombe

7. McKynlee Pittman - Johnston B

8. Carson Norris - Johnston B

9. Addison Revis - Buncombe

10. Tucker East - Stokes/Rockingham

Junior Overall Individual Results

Macie Ledford - Buncombe

Cody Formisani - Johnston A

McKynlee Pittman - Johnston B

Abby Baldwin - Buncombe

Carson Norris - Johnston B

Riley Ballance - Wilson

Massey Cassell - Duplin

Libby Bryant - Buncombe

Lucas Barbour - Johnston A

Tucker East - Stokes/Rockingham

Intermediate Overall Individual Results

Scarlett Denning - Johnston B

Nate Bowman - Stokes/Rockingham

Jada Smith - Edgecombe/Nash

Liza Sullivan - Wilson

Mackenzie Cox - Lenoir

Lyric Miller - Johnston A

Annah Claire Sullivan - Wilson

Lucy Formisani - Johnston A

Taryn Reams - Edgecombe/Nash

Kaylee Pittman - Johnston B

Sullivan

Pittman

Reams

Bowman

Senior Beef Cattle Individual Results

Shelby Candler - Buncombe

Ross Hinnant - Wilson

Rhiley Crabtree - Orange

Addie Dillon - McDowell

Jordan Mitchem - McDowell

Hattie Jo Powell - Johnston

Samantha Durham - Orange

Senior Overall Individual Results

Shelby Candler - Buncombe

Addie Dillon - McDowell

Jordan Mitchem - McDowell

Logan Ballance - Wilson

Jolynna Sundborn - Edgecombe

Emma Raynor - Lenoir

Ross Hinnant - Wilson

Anna Wells - Johnston

Sierra Price - Martin

Mollie Chandler - Martin

SKILLATHON CONTEST

Junior Evaluation Individual Results

Colton Alexander - Union

Macie Keeter - Union

Libby Bryant - Buncombe

Abby Baldwin - Buncombe

Isabella Green - Bladen

Addison Revis - Buncombe

Massey Cassell - Duplin

Zade Jennings - Johnston

Alleigh Alley - Bladen

Tucker East - Stokes/Rockingham

Junior Quality Assurance Individual Results

1.Massey Cassell - Duplin

Isabella Green - Bladen

Macie Keeter - Union

Colton Alexander - Union

Libby Bryant - Buncombe

Alleigh Alley - Bladen

Senior Overall Team Results

McDowell

Wilson

Stokes/Rockingham

Zade Jennings - Johnston

Addison Revis - Buncombe

Tucker East - Stokes/Rockingham

Abby Baldwin - Buncombe

Junior Identification/Written Test

Individual Results

Colton Alexander - Union

Macie Keeter - Union

Libby Bryant - Buncombe

Zade Jennings - Johnston

Massey Cassell - Duplin

Isabella Green - Bladen

Alleigh Alley - Bladen

Intermediate Evaluation Individual Results

Lacie Alexander - Union

Lindsay Van Art - Union

Stephanie Suedbeck - Pitt

Lilli Pilkington - Chatham

Trindle Beaver - Bladen

Mackenzie Cox - Lenoir

Nate Bowman - Stokes/Rockingham

William Morgan - Chatham

Jada Smith - Edgecombe/Nash

Maddie East - Stokes/Rockingham

Intermediate Evaluation Team Results

Bladen

Stokes/Rockingham

Intermediate Quality Assurance Individual Results

Lacie Alexander - Union

Jace Clark - Pitt

Mackenzie Cox - Lenoir

Lindsay Van Art - Union

Stephanie Suedbeck - Pitt

William Morgan - Chatham

Kaylee Revis - Buncombe

Taryn Reams - Edgecombe/Nash

Maddie East - Stokes/Rockingham

Trindle Beaver - Bladen

Intermediate Quality Assurance Team Results

1. Stokes/Rockingham

Bladen

Intermediate Identification/Written Test Individual Results

Stephanie Suedbeck - Pitt

Lacie Alexander - Union

Lindsay Van Art - Union

Jace Clark - Pitt

Trindle Beaver - Bladen

Taryn Reams - Edgecombe/Nash

Phyllis Grace Williamson - Bladen

Mackenzie Cox - Lenoir

Fortino Cruz Castillo - Rockingham B

Kaylee Revis - Buncombe

Intermediate Identification/Written Test Team Results

Bladen

Stokes/Rockingham

QUIZ BOWL CONTEST

Intermediate Team Results

Pitt/Rockingham/Duplin - Stephanie Suedbeck, Jace Clark, Fortino Cruz & Massey Cassell

Union - Lacie Alexander, Colton Alexander & Macie Keeter

Buncombe/Duplin - Libby Bryant, Addison Revis, Abby Baldwin & Fisher King

Senior Team Results

Bladen/Alamance - Luke Barber, Maggie Love, Kayla Norris & Aiden Kernodle

Abby Baldwin - Buncombe

Tucker East - Stokes/Rockingham

Addison Revis - Buncombe

Junior Overall Individual Results

Colton Alexander - Union

Macie Keeter - Union

Libby Bryant - Buncombe

Isabella Green - Bladen

Massey Cassell - Duplin

Zade Jennings - Johnston

Alleigh Alley - Bladen

Abby Baldwin - Buncombe

Addison Revis - Buncombe

Tucker East - Stokes/Rockingham

Stokes/Rockingham

- Coleman East, Michelle Hartman & Amber Shutsky

Buncombe - Shelby Candler, Jackson

Kaylee Revis & Erwin Wilson

Overall Individual Results

Alexander - Union

Stephanie Suedbeck -

Lindsay Van Art - Union

Jace Clark - Pitt

Cox - Lenoir

Trindle Beaver - Bladen

William Morgan - Chatham

Taryn Reams - Edgecombe/Nash

Pilkington -

Grace Williamson

Overall Team

Senior Evaluation Team Results

Bladen

Stokes/Rockingham B

Duplin

Senior Quality Assurance Individual Results

Aubrey Mekus - Union

Emma Raynor - Lenoir

Maggie Love - Bladen

Shelby Candler - Buncombe

Matthew Mobley - Duplin

Luke Barber - Bladen

Oliveah Jackson - Duplin

Kayla Norris - Bladen

Kaylee Keeter - Union

Aiden Kernodle - Alamance

Senior Quality Assurance Team Results

Bladen

Overall Individual Results

Aubrey Mekus - Union

Emma Raynor - Lenoir

Luke Barber - Bladen

Kaylee Keeter - Union

Maggie Love - Bladen

Oliveah Jackson - Duplin

Aiden Kernodle - Alamance

Matthew Mobley - Duplin

Addison Farris - Stokes/Rockingham

Erin Burns -

Barber

Mekus

Duplin

Stokes/Rockingham A

Senior Identification/Written Test Individual Results

Aubrey Mekus - Union

Kaylee Keeter - Union

Emma Raynor - Lenoir

Luke Barber - Bladen

Michelle Hartman - Stokes/ Rockingham A

Oliveah Jackson - Duplin

Aiden Kernodle - Alamance

Matthew Mobley - Duplin

Maggie Love - Bladen

Addison Farris - Stokes/Rockingham

Identification Team Results

Bladen

Stokes/Rockingham

Stokes/Rockingham

Certified Angus Beef news

Four Decades Devoted to Cattlemen. Randy Blach recognized for 2022 Industry Achievement Award at Feeding Quality Forum. In 1980, Randy Blach put his Colorado State University animal science degree to work at CattleFax as a market analyst. It was a way to help bring value back to the family ranch near Yuma, Colo., where he would soon return.

“I thought this would be a perfect opportunity to spend a couple of years learning,” he says. But CattleFax became a channel for his career passion – which has now served the beef industry for more than 40 years. “Honestly, I just fell in love with my work and the rest is history.”

Always focused on the data and how it can deliver solutions, the decades of work earned Blach a second nature understanding of the market, and all that affects it. Intuition, experience, and a growing database gave him the tools to show producers what the market demands. Their bottom line consistently guides his company and personal mission to help beef producers remain profitable, doing what they do best.

That kind of servant leadership earned Blach the 2022 Certified Angus Beef (CAB) Industry Achievement Award.

A product of his environment, mentors and board members guided him along the way.

Blach was an analyst for 21 years until the original CattleFax CEO (and 2014 Industry Achievement Award honoree) Topper Thorpe retired in 2001.

With the new role, Blach searched for ways to expand and improve CattleFax and the results it produced for clients.

The staff went from merely reporting to delivering decision friendly data. After 26 years with CattleFax, Mike Murphy sees the difference in clientele relationships from then to now.

“Randy took us to another level in terms of the intimacy of how we work with our clientele,” says Murphy, chief operating officer. “Everything Randy does is more about the CattleFax brand than it is about him.”

“It was always about the work and being able to help people and support them,” Blach says. “It’s been a love to be able to do that, serve the customer. Hopefully, keep them on the land by helping them make one or two more good decisions on an annual basis.”

He gives much of the credit to his support system at home.

“What’s truly important about Randy is that he’s a teacher,” says his wife, Karen. “He’s able to share his knowledge and help future generations understand what it’s going to take to be successful in the world they’re living in.”

“There’s always another challenge ahead,” Blach says. Always up for that, he recognizes a kindred team and looks toward the future. “I’ve been blessed to work with a very talented staff and the same company all these years. I feel like my tank’s still full.”

Aiming for Excellence. Targeting the Brand™ helps identify quality herd sires. With more data than ever on today’s sire prospects, bull customers expect progress. Decisions Angus breeders made long before the gavel drops provide confidence and deliver on those anticipations.

The use of the Targeting the Brand™ logo in sale catalogs helps both commercial cattlemen and seedstock producers advance their herds and orient them toward the Certified Angus Beef (CAB) brand. To earn the logo, registered Angus cattle must have a minimum Marbling expected progeny difference (EPD) of +0.65 and a +55 Grid Value index ($G). This makes it easy to identify bulls with added carcass value and potentially more dollars for your bottom line.

Missouri Angus breeder Josh Worthington has used Targeting the Brand™ since it launched in 2017. It’s a free and easy tool for his customers to quickly pick out Angus cattle that meet certain carcass quality goals.

“Our program’s built on the same metrics as what Targeting the Brand™ drives,” he says. Last year 71 bulls, or 97 percent of those in the Worthington Angus sale, qualified.

Across the U.S., in the fall 2021 and spring 2022 sale seasons, more than 180 sales used the logo on 6,719 bulls, up from 5,872 a year earlier.

Those results show in the growing CAB acceptance rate, currently at 36 percent of black hided cattle and aiming for 50 percent.

More than just a marketing tool for seedstock producers, the use of the logo ensures commercial customers they’re choosing bulls more likely to meet goals at the feedyard and packing plant.

“This provides comfort to prospective buyers who are looking to purchase calves that will hit a high end grid premium,” Worthington says. “They

have confidence when they know their set of feeder calves are sired by bulls that meet the specs for Targeting the Brand™ and have the genetic potential to make Certified Angus Beef.”

Commercial cattlemen communicate the premium value by marketing Angus sired feeder calves through AngusLink℠ Enrolling them in the program’s Genetic Merit Scorecard ℠ (GMS) conveys a genetic snapshot based on the herd’s breeding history by assigning scores for beef, feedlot, and grid potential. Groups of calves can be marketed using the Targeting the Brand™ logo if they earn a grid score of 125+ and are sired by Angus bulls with a +0.65 marbling EPD or higher.

GMS scores range from 0 to 200, with 100 being the industry average. The higher the score, the greater the potential for any group of calves. This lets buyers consistently choose cattle that have documented information on how calves may gain and grade.

“In the feeder calf world, we’re trying to capture value ahead of harvesting those calves,” Worthington says. “Anything we can do to bring in those cattle and differentiate them within the marketplace helps.”

With a primary responsibility of helping customers realize more value for better carcass genetics, he invests in opportunities for customers to better understand EPDs and the impact of carcass quality.

“We’re not here to just sell them a bull. We’re here to sell them a bull that meets their needs and then recoup the value of that investment in genetics,” Worthington says.

Bull buyers want all the information they can get to back up their decisions. Feeder calf buyers feel the same need for confidence when they bid, he says.

“Targeting the Brand™ provides that security,” Worthington says. “And we are able to build greater trust with our customers.”

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

The Positive Environmental Impact of Beef Cattle

BY CECE BLYTHE Alltech

Sustainability – you have probably been hearing this word a lot lately. It is a hot topic around the globe right now, and beef industry sustainability is at the center of the conversation. As Dr. Jude Capper puts it, “all of us within the industry, regardless of what our role is, have to think about and have to be talking about [sustainability] going forward, because it really isn’t an issue that is ever going away.”

Capper, who has been working in the sustainability space for about 15 years, shared some thought provoking insights into what should be considered going forward in the world of sustainability during the Alltech ONE Conference (ONE). Let’s discuss four key points Capper made in her presentation.

1. We need to define “sustainability” - “There are honestly as many definitions of this word as there are people in the universe, almost,” Capper stated. “But from a scientific point of view, and particularly when we’re talking about

food and farming systems, it’s generally considered to be a balance between three things, environmental responsibility, economic viability, and social acceptability. And all of those things, in the long term, have to balance.”

Right now, however, the global focuses are clear: greenhouse gas emissions, climate change, and net zero. This is demonstrated by companies worldwide regularly announcing some degree of net zero type commitment. However, what this has led to, according to Capper, are graphs and metrics being produced that attempt to measure sustainability. Still, that neglect to accurately represent the global beef industry and its various systems around the world.

“We see a huge variation,” Capper said. “We can’t make global averages, or global commitments or globally say we’re going to implement practice ‘x,’ whatever that might be because there’s so much variation in the system.”

To further this point, she cited some data from Gerber et al. in 2013, showing a global lifecycle assessment of beef systems. The bar chart is partitioned out by region and represents greenhouse gas emissions/carbon footprint in terms of carbon per kilo of deadweight. True representation is difficult here — when

you look at the world average compared to each region, it supports the opinion that we cannot expect the same systems and practices to work globally.

“We can have very clear goals, but the way that we achieve those goals is always going to vary according to the system, the region, the market, the

culture, and the opportunities we have there,” Capper explained. “We should always see if we do it in a carefully considered, well thought out way, the positive correlation between improving efficiency, having lower carbon footprint, lower resource use, and at a lower cost as well. So, there’s a positive correlation between the economics and the environment.

“But the thing that we always have to bear in mind is that just because it’s environmentally beneficial or at a lower economic cost doesn’t always mean that it’s socially acceptable.”

2. Beef producers are utilizing sustainable practices - Capper went on to lay out ways to improve the productivity of our systems and stated that most producers are already actively pursuing these goals. However, she reiterated that there is no “one size fits all” system.

When it comes to system efficiency, Capper touched on a few data points to put it into perspective. In her calculations, one cow in a cow/calf system needs just under 4,000 kilograms of feed, takes in just over 20,000 liters of water, and emits almost 2,500 kilos of carbon dioxide every single year. With this in mind, it could be easy to promote cutting cattle numbers and assume the world would benefit.

But, as Capper states, we must consider all of the positives that we get in terms of biodiversity, landscape maintenance, soil quality, and using land where we simply cannot grow anything else to produce high quality, nutritious food. The opportunity for showing the benefit cattle have on the environment is hard to quantify right now, but it is there. And even so, there are still ways beef producers can improve sustainability (converting cropland to grazing land, focusing on genetics, etc.).

3. Cattle can contribute to global cooling - Capper shared some data from

Oxford University that clarifies some of the differences between methane and other greenhouse gases.

“In the past, we assumed that, as with carbon dioxide and nitrous oxide, any methane that we emitted into the atmosphere just builds up and builds up and builds up over time,” Capper explained. “So that was under a metric called ‘Global Warming Potential,’ or GWP 100.”

GWP 100 got us one step closer to standardizing the effects of greenhouse gases. However, it did not consider the differences between methane (a short lived climate pollutant) and carbon dioxide (a long lived climate pollutant).

GWP*, the new metric, is seen as an improved way to measure the effect individual greenhouse gases have on global warming. This is important as methane emissions from beef production are recycled as part of the biogenic carbon cycle. To keep it simple: the biogenic carbon cycle is when plants take in and store carbon dioxide that is consumed by cattle and released as methane. Then, after a dozen years or so, that methane is converted back into carbon dioxide, and the cycle continues. Because plants need carbon dioxide and cattle can consume plants like grasses, cattle are vital to this cycle. And it is even possible that cattle can contribute to global cooling through this.

“Methane can only contribute to global cooling if methane emissions actually decline over time,” Capper stated. “And it only has to decline by a tiny bit, but they have to keep coming down rather than getting more and more and more every year (…) So that means that if we do things to improve productivity, fertility, pasture management, all of those things that I talked about earlier, such that we can make the same amount of beef, for example, with [let’s say one percent

fewer cattle], then we could have a really positive effect in terms of global cooling.” Even with this approach, it is important to account for beef cattle’s vital role in balancing our ecosystem and utilizing otherwise unproductive lands.

4. We need a standard carbon footprinting tool - A challenge the industry faces is creating a standard carbon footprinting tool. Ideally, one that can transcend across global regions and various production systems. There are tools out there, but we need one that is standardized and more all encompassing. If we can accomplish this as an industry, we can confidently not only contribute to global cooling but also give producers more opportunities to market their cattle as consumers ask for data backed sustainability claims in the meat at the grocery store.

By addressing this and the other points Capper mentioned in her presentation, she believes that the beef industry can accurately represent itself in the global sustainability space and properly demonstrate its positive impact, now and in the future.

How Today’s Cow Nutrition Impacts Next Year’s Calf Crop. It’s well established that the nutritional requirements of cattle fluctuate throughout the year and depend on the production cycle of the cow. Although the nutritional cost for maintenance remains somewhat constant, there are many factors that influence these added nutritional “taxes.” Growing heifers have elevated needs to support their development, yet the lactating cow has extra milk production that’s further competing for nutrients.

Producers tend to focus nutritional management of the cow and her own needs but fail to think about the requirements of the developing fetus. Considering the time from conception to consumption or first service, it’s important to realize that a calf obtains a huge portion of its nutrition from its

mother. Dam nutrition has a huge impact on the future success of her calf.

Maintaining optimum nutrition is important for the cow during late gestation. Cows with a proper body condition score (BCS 5-6) have fewer problems with dystocia because their energy reserves are built up for the intensity of parturition, even though they tend to have heavier, more vigorous calves. Throw in the fact that properly conditioned cows produce higher quality colostrum, and it’s easy to see how gestational nutrition impacts calf immunity and health. Cow condition is a great way to assess the nutritional status of your herd, and it has more implications than just for the benefit of the cow and her calf at parturition.

A pregnancy is the result of a genetic investment in the dam and sire, and reproductive failure is the first observed

outcome when nutritional demands aren’t met. Therefore, it’s important to give that developing fetus every tool to be successful for its production purpose. Gestation is typically divided into trimesters based on time. However, producers should look at gestation from a nutritional sense in the form of early, mid, and late gestation.

The development of the placenta and vital organs occur during the early stages, so inadequate nutrition can lead to intrauterine growth restriction and early embryonic loss. Mid gestation is associated with the lowest nutritional demands for the cow, yet this isn’t the time to cut corners. From months 2-7, the development of muscle fibers occurs in the calf, and energy/protein deficient dams can inhibit their calf’s ability to reach its muscular genetic potential.

Exponential fetal growth and adipogenesis occur in the fetus during the last three months of gestation. Research has proven that dams that can’t meet their nutritional demands deliver smaller calves with more health problems that finish with reduced marbling scores at

harvest. Considering the correlation between birth weight and weaning weight along with a loss in quality grade potential, improper nutrition leading up to calving can severely limit calf value.

The widespread drought has made it challenging for producers to keep their cows in the proper nutritional status, subjecting them to these potential concerns. Feed additives like Amaferm can help improve the digestibility of drought stressed forages, helping producers unlock more energy and protein from their available forage. Keeping these cows in the right condition during this tough time is important, not just in the upcoming calving season but when it’s time to breed or market their offspring in the future.

Amaferm is a prebiotic designed to enhance digestibility by amplifying the nutrient supply for maximum performance. It is research proven to increase intake, digestion, and absorption. When added to feedstuffs or delivered through a mineral program like VitaFerm, it can help your cows maintain the best condition possible while passing those

Discover Exceptional Quality with Our Angus Cattle

nutrients on to their progeny.

VitaFerm makes a variety of products with the producer in mind, from Concept•Aid formulas that promote effective, easy breeding to Cattlemen’s Blend, more of a maintenance mineral to Conserve, a more economical option.

Whatever you feed, remember that the mineral you deliver to your bred cow now will have a significant impact on your calf once it is delivered and even as you take it to market. Skimping on nutrition will impact future generations and your bottom line.

To discover the BioZyme mineral that is right for you and to find a dealer, visit www.vitaferm.com

How to Define the Stocker Sector. It’s the middle child of the cattle business. You’ve likely heard of the stocker operator, but maybe you aren’t really familiar with just what he or she does for the cattle industry. The cattle business is typically broken into three distinct segments: the cow/calf enterprise, stocker operators, and feeders. Most people are familiar with the first and last phases: cow/ calf producers are visible at sales and with their newborn calves along country roads. The feeders are also fairly obvious, with massive feedlots full of cattle growing to become a protein source to feed the world. But what do we know about the stocker operators? Like the typical middle child of the cattle business – we know they exist, but what is their role?

Stocker operators, also known as backgrounders, play a pivotal role in the beef business, growing young, recently weaned calves to the point where they are ready to enter the feed yard. Stocker cattle are fed anywhere from 300 to 850 pounds and can be calves or yearlings when they then ultimately enter the third and final phase – feeding and finishing.

Stockers will typically buy calves at weaning or a few weeks post weaning to background for 2-8 months. During this time, their focus is to grow these young calves as efficiently as possible, either with the use of native pasture, wheat, or other small grain pasture or grain.

Typically, the stockers have ample land resources available but prefer to feed calves for a short turn around rather than produce cattle.

One of three feed resources is usually used during the stocker phase. Grazing forages is the least expensive way to put pounds of gain on a group of cattle.

You can expect calves to gain about 1.5 pounds per day when on grass with proper supplementation. This is especially popular during the late spring through the early fall. However, in some regions like the south and southeast, growing seasons allow for grazing pastures year round.

Throughout the wheat belt, grazing wheat pasture has proven to be an economical source of high quality nutrients during the winter and spring.

Wheat pasture can generally be grazed from November through April, with many calves posting around two pounds of gain per day.

The final method of growing calves is feeding them grain. Although this method is the most labor intensive and cost prohibitive, it does offer its advantages. In areas where forages are limited, as in cases of drought, this is the most effective way to add pounds. It also allows the stockers to divide the feeding groups by weight, breed type or color, and sex, making feeding and, ultimately, marketing more efficient.

Many cow/calf producers realize the necessity and the value of preconditioning their calves before marketing them into the next phase. Preconditioned calves are generally healthier and more efficient gainers during the backgrounding and feeding phases while experiencing less sickness and death loss. Preconditioning is the 45 days from weaning to marketing when the calves are vaccinated, dehorned, bunk broke, and quieted before shipping them to a new environment.

Regardless of your stocker operations’ feeding scenario or if you buy preconditioned calves or freshly weaned calves, nutrition plays an important role in the overall health and performance of your calves’ success during the stocker phase. The Gain Smart Program is a three step approach to keeping your calves healthy and gaining while keeping them on your program.

The first step of the Gain Smart program includes giving calves Vita Charge Cattle Drench upon arrival. The Vita Charge Cattle Drench provides a jump start to the digestive system to protect cattle during stress. This product is formulated to help cattle recover quickly and does not interfere with antibiotics. Like all products in the program, it includes Amaferm.

Next, introduce the Vita Charge

Stress Tub to the calves the first 2-3 weeks after the calves have arrived. The tub will promote feed and water intake and increase digestibility to maximize the energy value of the feed for more gains. In addition to Amaferm, the Stress Tub now contains a heat tolerant probiotic to work synergistically with Amaferm to replenish and stimulate gut bacteria. It also contains MOS, which helps trap bad bacteria limiting their ability to harm the animals.

The final step in the Gain Smart Program is the introduction of one of the four mineral options available. The mineral should be introduced to the calves immediately. It works hand-in-hand with the Stress Tub, and the Stress Tub can be removed once the calves have a healthy eating routine established.

The mineral options include a formula for whatever your management system entails, pasture grazing, wheat grazing, or feeding grain: Gain Smart Stocker, Gain Smart Wheat, Gain Smart Balancer RU 1600, and Gain Smart Stocker HEAT. All minerals are designed to balance basic nutrient needs for maximum efficiency.

Stockers and backgrounders should

not be the forgotten middle child of the cattle industry. They play a pivotal role in growing young cattle and getting them ready to convert feed to muscle, which ultimately becomes protein to feed the world.

To discover more about the Gain Smart program or to locate a dealer near you, visit www.gainsmart.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

ANGUS NEWS

Letter from the President — Jerry Connealy. American Angus Association Members,

The American Angus Association Board of Directors met September 12-15, in St. Joseph, Mo., following virtual committee work leading up to the board meeting. We had lots of lively and important discussions about the future of the Association. Here are a few of the highlights:

• Fiscal Year 2022 projections and FY 2023 budgeting - The Association has been able to maintain a good financial position despite slightly lower registrations, inflation, and a depressed financial market. We passed sound budgets that maintain and expand programs and services without relying heavily on investment income.

• Election of treasurer - Jonathan Perry was elected to serve as treasurer of the Association for 2023.

• 2022 Angus Long Range ObjectivesAs the beef industry changes, it is important

to continue to update long range objectives to help guide the board and staff. A few revisions were made to the prior long range objectives and will be updated shortly on the website for members to review.

• AHIR Inventory Reporting updateTo grow the program, we discussed additional improvements, including the option for two season enrollment, based on feedback from the membership. We also discussed ways to recognize breeders participating in AHIR Inventory Reporting and MaternalPlus. This led to a very robust discussion on phenotypic data collection in general. I was encouraged to see reports indicating weight data submissions are generally holding steady while foot scores, feed intake, and breeding records are increasing.

• Update on functional longevity and fertility research - The research to support improved maternal tools for Angus breeders remains on schedule for release of a functional longevity research EPD this fall, available to

those enrolled in Inventory Reporting. Plans continue to fully release the new EPD and incorporate it into $M (Maternal Weaned Calf Value) by the summer of 2023.

• Research related to heart health in Angus cattle - The board received an update on the research projects surrounding heart health. Staff have led a collaborative effort to raise research funds, and I was encouraged by the commitments to the project.

• AGI strategic planning - Recently, the board and staff have been working on long range planning specifically for AGI. The board approved updated Mission, Vision, and Strategic Intent statements with a goal of best positioning the organization for our Angus members.

• Breeder utilization of mating software - In an effort to keep the board abreast of industry technology, we heard a presentation by an external company describing its program to assist with mating decisions.

• Potential fee structure related to gene editing - The board directed staff to continue research of Association costs and operating procedures related to gene editing to help establish a fee structure.

• eID - In line with the policy changes the board adopted in June, staff provided an update on its progress to enable breeders to use eID as a primary form of identification.

• AngusLink SM - Despite fewer

AngusLink enrollments, likely due to drought, staff reported summer video auction results and strong demand for AngusLink enrolled cattle.

• CAB initiatives with Beef Quality Assurance - As consumer interest in cattle care continues to rise, cattlemen can show their commitment to those initiatives through programs like Beef Quality Assurance. CAB has launched an effort to connect that information back to the consumer by encouraging members to become BQA certified. As a first step, 100 percent of the board members have completed their training.

• 2022 Angus Convention updates and planning - We reviewed plans for the Angus Convention and the 139 th Convention of Delegates in Salt Lake City on November 4-7.

• Angus.org and Angus University projects - Work continues to improve the functionality of Angus.org for both breeder and commercial cattlemen audiences. The board also heard updates surrounding the online learning module project for the juniors.

• Delegate election process - Due to delays with the U.S. Postal Service delivery, the board has approved optional electronic delegate nomination and voting, allowing for a more convenient and timely voting process.

I joined my fellow board members

Alan Miller and Jim Brinkley on The Angus Conversation podcast following the meeting and discussed some of these topics in more detail. If you would like to hear more, listen tomorrow at TheAngusConversation.com

Thank you for your interest and feedback on these important topics for the Angus breed. Feel free to reach out to me or any member of the board with your questions.

Listen in on Discussions and Debates in the Angus Breed. The Angus Conversation podcast launches. A good conversation is worth a lot. Light and easy, or deep and full of meaning, conversations connect people and ideas, making our own worlds a little bigger.

That’s what the Angus Journal team plans to bring you every other week in their new podcast, “The Angus Conversation.” The first full episode went live on August 23. Co-hosted by Mark McCully, American Angus Association CEO; Brett Spader, president of Angus Media; and Miranda Reiman, senior associate editor with the Angus Journal, episodes will feature a variety of guests on everything from technology and breeding philosophies to marketing and traditions.

“As we chart this future, there’s an awful lot of unknowns, and I think the bigger and broader perspective we get, the better decisions we’ll make,” says McCully in the pre-launch segment that dropped last week.

The Angus breed is full of stories to tell and characters ideal for the storytelling.

“I hope it’s going to be thought provoking,” he says. “We plan to bring different perspectives. Maybe we’ll even bring some perspectives that don’t agree or align with one another and bring them on the same show and have that conversation or debate, if you will. I think that’s really, really healthy.”

Looking ahead, it can feel like there’s an overwhelming pace of “the next new thing,” Reiman says, but that’s why staying involved in the discussions can help cattlemen see what applies to their own business.

“So, it’s the idea that we’ve got to keep after some of this stuff and keep learning and keep growing because if you’re not learning and growing, you’re behind,” Reiman says.

The Angus Conversation will showcase the diversity in the breed and its people.

“I feel like there’s an Angus cow for every environment and every production scenario,” Spader says, noting that it can be traced back for generations. “This wasn’t something that has just happened here in the last little bit, but this has been a constant state of evolution of leadership within the industry.”

In its inaugural season, the show can be found almost anywhere listeners get their podcasts, such as Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, and more, or direct from

www.TheAngusConversation.com.

“This business is always evolving, always changing, and we want to have a tremendous amount of transparency,” McCully says. “We work really hard at that, to not only communicate what’s going on within the organization but to hope that being a two way communication to hear what’s on the minds and of our breeders, of our commercial producers, what’s keeping them up at night.”

The team welcomes feedback and ideas. Visit www.TheAngusConversation. com to listen to episodes, contact the hosts, or learn more.

Angus Foundation awards young commercial cattlemen scholarships. Scholarship program supports students using Angus genetics in commercial operations. The Angus Foundation recently awarded the Commercial Cattlemen Scholarship to four outstanding youth in the beef industry. This scholarship is unique from others offered by the Angus Foundation as it aims to support students outside of the seedstock industry. To apply, youth and/ or their parents/guardians must use Angus genetics in their breeding program.

“We’re excited to recognize these four young leaders in the beef industry,” said Jaclyn Upperman, executive director of the Angus Foundation. “We understand the value of young commercial cattlemen who utilize Angus genetics, and we’re happy to support them in furthering their education.”

Young men and women utilizing Angus sires and dams in their commercial operations are eligible to receive the scholarship. The students should be pursuing an undergraduate degree or vocational program at an accredited institution of higher education. Applications are reviewed by the Angus Foundation’s scholarship selection committee, comprised of two Angus Foundation representatives, two Angus industry representatives, and one beef cattle industry leader. Emphasis is placed on the applicant’s knowledge of the cattle industry and their perspective of the Angus breed.

For more information on the Commercial Cattlemen Scholarship, visit AngusFoundation.org. Applications for the next scholarship cycle will be due May 1, 2023. Since 1998, the Angus Foundation has awarded more than $4.2 million in undergraduate and graduate scholarships.

2022 Commercial Cattlemen Scholarship recipients:

Kaitlyn Heaton, Spanish Fork, Utah – Utah State University

Tucker Huseman, Ellsworth, Kan. –West Texas A&M University

North Carolina Angus Association

ANGUS MEANS BUSINESS

Backed by the world’s largest and most reliable genetic evaluation program.

Registered Angus genetics deliver better calving ease, more growth, and superior marbling.

455 GORE FAMILY ANGUS

Mark & Lori Gore

Tabor City 702-401-8005 • 455goreangus@gmail.com www.455farms.com

4K FARMS/TARHEEL ANGUS

Richard D. Kirkman, DVM

Siler City 919-742-5500 • rdk.cefa@gmail.com

BACK CREEK

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

BILTMORE ESTATE

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

CARSON FAMILY FARM, LLC John, Callie, Isaac & J.R. Carson Laurel Springs 336-818-9087 • carsonfamilyfarm@gmail.com

CHAPMAN CATTLE COMPANY Bryant Chapman Taylorsville 828-514-0526

FOUR S FARMS

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

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

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

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

HI-LO FARMS, LLC William & Kate Reichert Fuquay-Varina 919-812-0435 • hilofarmsblackangus.gmail.com

Cortney Holshouser

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

HILL ANGUS FARM

Dr. Gary M. Hill Hendersonville 229-848-3695 • gmhill@uga.edu

JACK KNOB FARMS

Karl, Janet & Logan Gillespie Franklin 828-371-2220 • karl@jackknobfarms.com www.jackknobfarms.com

JENKINS ANGUS FARM

Jaime & Christy Jenkins Marshall 828-206-1345 • jenkinsangusfarm@gmail.com

KNOLL CREST FARM

The Bennett Family Red House, VA 434-376-3567 • knollcrestfarm@knollcrestfarm.com www.knollcrestfarm.com

LANE ANGUS

Roger & Bundy Lane Bundy Lane - Manager Gates 252-398-7705 (Bundy); 252-398-7719 (Miranda) 252-357-1279 (Office) bundylane@hughes.net; laneangusbeef@gmail.com www.laneangusbeef.com

PANTHER CREEK FARMS

John C. Smith, Jr. Pink Hill 252-526-1929 • johnsmith3982@embarqmail.com

S&J Farms

Steven & Julie Lung

Nathan Lung - Manager Carthage 910-947-3414 • sandjfarms2013@gmail.com

SMITH CREEK ANGUS FARM

Marty & Lynne Rooker Norlina 252-213-1553 • mrooker@mrookerlaw.com

SPRINGFIELD ANGUS Phil Goodson Louisburg 919-880-9062 • philgoodson2@gmail.com www.springfieldangus.com

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

VANDEMARK ANGUS Keaton & Janie Vandemark Spring Hope 252-885-0210 • keaton@vandemarkfarms.com

WINDY HILL FARMS, LLC

Michael A. Moss Will Moss - Manager Ramseur 336-460-7451 • windyhillfarmsllc@gmail.com

WINSLOW GENETICS

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

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

Angus News continued from the previous page

Michaela Keller, Valentine, Neb. –Eastern Wyoming College

Abigail Mosley, Hartville, Mo. –Truman State University

Angus/Talon Youth Educational Learning Program internship and host ranch applications now open.

Applications for Talon interns and host ranches now available for 2023. For many, hands-on learning serves as the most engaging, interactive, and practical way to retain information. The Talon internship program provides college-aged students the unique opportunity to spend their summer on an Angus operation, gaining valuable, hands-on experience. Interns will gain extensive ranching knowledge while complimenting their skills as advocates for the beef industry. Host applications for the Angus/Talon Youth Educational Learning Program internship are due October 31, and student intern applications are due December 1.

“We are thankful for the vision of Cam Cooper in preparing the next generation of leaders for Angus and the

cattle industry,” said Jaclyn Upperman, Angus Foundation executive director.

The late Camron “Cam” Cooper of the Talon Ranch in Twin Bridges, Mont., developed the Angus/Talon Youth Educational Learning Program Endowment Fund in 2009 to be a one of a kind educational experience for students.

“It’s exciting to watch this program grow each year as our host ranches mentor students from across the country,” Upperman said.

College sophomores, juniors, seniors, and graduate students under the age of 25 and majoring in an agricultural-related field of study are eligible to apply.

“I always had a love for agriculture and unfortunately in Hawaii there aren’t a lot of ag schools,” said Alexis Camara, Talon intern at Bear Mountain Angus Ranch in Palisade, Nebraska. “I’m super grateful and honored to be able to do this program with Angus.”

Camara hails from Pukalaui, Ha., and attends Northeastern Junior College in Sterling, Colo., with a double major in animal science and crop science. Her family

is the only cattle operation in Hawaii with a feedlot that has pasture on different islands. She grew up traveling the islands to process cattle, but her professors challenged her to apply for the internship and expand her knowledge beyond her home region.

“Being from Hawaii, I never would have thought that I could intern with a breed association,” said Camara. “It’s a great learning experience. You get to experience a different ranch and how they do things, and every ranch has their own style.”

During the internship, recipients visit both the American Angus Association headquarters in Saint Joseph, Mo., and Certified Angus Beef headquarters in Wooster, Ohio. Additionally, interns get the opportunity to participate in numerous Angus and beef cattle activities off the farm, such as educational events, conferences, and field days.

Compensation for Talon interns is provided by the Angus Foundation through the Angus/Talon Youth Educational Learning Program Endowment Fund.

Angus breeders and students interested in participating in the program can learn more and apply at bit.ly/ AngusFoundationTalonProgram

Angus Foundation launches sale lot donation program. Fund the Future program allows breeders to donate proceeds from a designated sale lot to benefit the Angus Foundation’s mission. The Angus Foundation recently launched the Fund the Future program, designed to provide Angus breeders with a new avenue to ensure a bright future for the breed. The initiative gives the breeder a unique and flexible opportunity to give back from their own annual production sale, consignment sale, bull sale, or online genetic sale. Even animals offered through private treaty are eligible. Proceeds will benefit the Angus Fund, which provides unrestricted dollars for the Foundation’s mission of supporting Angus education, youth, and research.

“It’s inspiring to consider the potential impact of our new Fund the Future program,” said Jaclyn Upperman. “Whether a breeder donates 25 percent or 100 percent of their Fund the Future lot, they’re helping continue the Angus legacy.”

The program asks breeders to donate a percentage of their choice on both live or genetic sale lots. The Angus Foundation will provide the program logo and footnote to distinguish a Fund the Future lot in the breeder’s sale book. Participants in the Fund the Future campaign will be recognized in the Angus Foundation Impact Report, the Angus Journal , and on the Angus Foundation website. When

Angus breeders see an offering marked with the Fund the Future logo, they know a portion of its sale will be used to strengthen the breed by investing in its future.

“We hope you’ll consider investing in the future of the Angus breed throughout fall sale season, and as we look ahead to the spring,” Upperman says.

Each dollar generated through the program will allow the Foundation to continue to invest in the breed and its members. From potential scientific breakthroughs to the next generation of beef industry leaders, contributors will play a role in Angus prosperity for years to come.

“This is a phenomenal way for breeders to show their commitment to the future of our breed and membership, from juniors to regular members,” said Richard Dyar, Angus Foundation board chair. “What an opportunity for the Angus family to pay it forward and create a huge, lasting impact — plus, it’s simple and easy to participate in.”

Since 1998, the Angus Foundation has awarded over $4 million in undergraduate and graduate scholarships and invested over $1.4 million in research. The Angus Fund provides the unrestricted dollars needed to underwrite programs like youth leadership conferences, educational programming, and research to advance the beef industry.

For more information or to participate in the Fund the Future initiative, visit Angus.org/Foundation/GetInvolved/ FundTheFuture . For more information about the Angus Foundation, contact Jaclyn Upperman at JUpperman@Angus.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 $3.9 million in youth scholarships since 1998 and has also invested more than $1.3 million in beef cattle research in the past decade. For more information, contact the Angus Foundation at 816-383-5100.

ANGUS MEANS BUSINESS. The American Angus Association is the nation’s largest beef breed organization, serving more than 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

Worker Safety Considerations on the Ranch and While Hauling Cattle

The third week of September was National Farm Health and Safety week, and bringing awareness to the im2portance of human safety on any operation is critical because every day, approximately 100 agricultural workers suffer a lost work time injury.1 In 2019, 410 farmers and farm workers died from a work related injury, resulting in a fatality rate of 19.4 deaths per 100,000 farm workers.1 While many efforts for improving safety and health on farms and ranches are focused on the cattle. It is just as crucial to keep those working and handling the cattle safe and healthy.

When working with large animals and large pieces of equipment, there is always the opportunity for potential harm. Understanding the animals as well as the best handling practices and how to use equipment properly keep those who handle cattle safe. Below is a list of actions to consider doing or avoiding when handling or hauling cattle.

Do’s

1. Renew your BQA certification every three years to stay up to date with the most recent worker safety information.2

2. Consider human safety first when handling cattle.2

3. Wear personal protective equipment such as close toed boots, masks, goggles, and gloves when around poorly ventilated areas, using pesticides, for biosecurity purposes, and for general safety around large animals.2

4. Read the label on any animal health product you are administering and know how to properly dispose of needles and animal health product containers.2

5. Develop an Emergency Action Plan for your operation and have multiple copies in your office and where employees are frequently working.2

6. Effectively communicate needs and instructions between all individuals before and while handling cattle. Doing so reduces the risk of injury to both humans and cattle.2

7. Apply basic sanitation practices to equipment, vehicles, and clothing to decrease the chance of microbial contamination.2

8. Maintained all vehicles and trailers used to transport cattle to ensure the safety of personnel and cattle during loading, transporting, and unloading.3

9. Before transporting cattle, check the weather and route to ensure a safe and uneventful trip.3

Do Nots

1. Risk human safety for the safety of cattle.2

2. Leave exposed animal health products in open areas on your farm or ranch. Always store them in a designated

area that meets product label storage requirements, like a refrigerator or climate controlled closet that minimizes light.2

3. Move cattle through facilities that are not conducive to human safety.2

4. Euthanize an animal with a firearm unless you are trained and understand how and where to properly utilize this tool to carry out euthanasia.2

5. Open an overturned cattle trailer. Be sure to always check the safety of humans first.2

6. Operate heavy equipment unless you are trained and experienced in using the equipment.

7. Haul cattle if you are fatigued.3

8. Stand in between a gate panel and swinging gate. Always give yourself adequate room to exit the space to avoid becoming trapped.3

In addition, consider the younger farm hands, children, and grandchildren that help raise cattle. Youth family members that help on a cattle operation should consider going through the Think F.A.S.T. program offered by the American Farm Bureau Federation. The free program is tailored to a 14 to 17-year-old audience and focuses on general safety, leadership, and critical thinking skills. There are ten modules, and each takes ten minutes to complete. This program is offered online, and there are downloadable, in-person training materials for educators.4

A healthy operation cannot continue to do business without healthy farmers and ranchers. Mental health is directly related to physical health. Remember to take care of your mind while you take care of your body. In need of immediate and effective support services for farm families experiencing crisis, please call 800-FARMAID.5 Or visit www.farmstateofmind.org for state specific resources.

For additional resources for handling cattle safely during hauling, encourage your local law enforcement to go through the Bovine Emergency Response Program (BERP).

“The Bovine Emergency Response Program is about training first responders on how to handle Livestock in an emergency,” said Steve Boyles, BERP trainer, and Ohio BQA state coordinator. To improve stockmanship on your farm, consider attending a Stockmanship and Stewardship Tour in your area. To learn more, visit stockmanshipandstewardship. org. The Beef Checkoff funded Beef Quality Assurance (BQA) program has many tools to train employees and improve human and animal safety. To learn more about worker safety on cattle operations and during cattle hauling, visit bqa.org

References

(Accessed August 15, 2022)

1 Center for Disease Control. Agricultural Safety. www.cdc.gov/niosh/ topics/aginjury/

2Beef Quality Assurance. Manual Resources, BQA National Manual. www. bqa.org/resources/manuals

3Beef Quality Assurance. Manual Resources, BQA Transportation National Manual. www.bqa.org/resources/manuals

4American Farm Bureau Federation.

Think F.A.S.T. www.fb.org/programs/ safety-health/thinkfast/

5Farm Aid. Our Work. www.farmaid. org/our-work/

S.C. CharolaiS NewS

By GEORGEANNE WEBB S.C. Charolais Association

I have lots of news to report this month. First, Wayne and Delores Templeton dispersed their herd at Upstate Livestock. Delores said it was getting to be too much for her dealing with the herd and caring for Wayne. I went to the sale and saw a lot of old friends. The cattle sold really well, and I am sure the buyers were pleased with their purchases. Their granddaughter Casey is keeping and

expanding her herd. Wayne and Delores have been an asset to the Charolais breed for many, many years, and I will continue to keep in touch with them.

Next, Mike King from West Oak, S.C., had major surgery. It took a while and lots of tests for the doctors to find he had a brain tumor. He is home from surgery now and doing fairly well. I will keep you informed of his progress as

it will be slow going for a while. Lots of cattlemen in Oconee stepped up to help him out with his cattle, and many called me for updates on his condition. We appreciate cattlemen helping out a neighbor.

For all cattlemen near the upstate of South Carolina, I have found and used a new slaughter facility in Liberty, South Carolina. Brightest Stars is located on Red Barn Road, right off 178. I took two head to them, and they did a great job. I kept one, and my neighbor bought the other, and she called me having a fit over the great quality of the meat. I don’t

know if it was because of my cattle or the slaughter facility, but we will share the praises. Call Lucas Odom at 864-8431333. I highly recommend it.

I need some of you Charolais breeders in North Carolina to step up and volunteer an article about your farm by December 1 to be published in January for the Spotlight on Charolais. I don’t know why this is as hard as pulling teeth, but it is every year. I can’t believe all of you are doing so well that you don’t need free publicity. Give me a call. All you need is a lot of pictures and a couple of paragraphs. Step up, guys!

NEWS

Zoetis Continues Support of Folds of Honor Mission With Donation. Second quarter donation from Zoetis pushes total contribution to $292,000. Zoetis presented the company’s second donation to Folds of Honor recently, bringing the company’s total first half contribution to $292,000 to help support the work of the nonprofit in honoring America’s heroes. Based in Owasso, Okla., Folds of Honor provides academic scholarships to the families of men and women who have fallen or been disabled while serving in the U.S. armed forces.

Through the continued support of beef and dairy producers purchasing select Zoetis products, Zoetis is able to honor the service of U.S. armed forces members and their families. Jared Shriver, senior vice president of U.S. Cattle and Pork at Zoetis, presented a donation of $170,000 to Ben Leslie, chief impact officer for Folds of Honor, during a ceremony on August 25.

“We appreciate our customers and their belief in our products and our mission. Through this donation, Zoetis is able to help fund scholarship programs for the families of the heroes that help protect our rights and freedoms as Americans,” Shriver said.

Since Folds of Honor was founded in 2007 by Lt. Col. Dan Rooney, an F-16 fighter pilot who served three combat tours of duty in Iraq, the organization has awarded more than $160 million in academic scholarships to 35,000 recipients.

“The support of Zoetis allows us to continue providing more life changing educational opportunities for the families of our military,” said Leslie with Folds

of Honor. “This contribution helps us fund 34 new scholarships for deserving recipients.”

Zoetis is committed to supporting the legacy of leaders in agriculture and communities across the United States. Zoetis will donate $1 per bottle of sales of select cattle anti-infectives through December 31 to Folds of Honor. Qualifying products are Draxxin (tulathromycin injection) Injectable Solution, Draxxin KP (tulathromycin and ketoprofen injection) Injectable Solution, Excede (ceftiofur crystalline free acid), Sterile Suspension and Excenel RTU EZ (ceftiofur hydrochloride) Sterile Suspension.

For more information about Folds of Honor, visit www.foldsofhonor.org If you would like to learn more about how Zoetis will support Folds of Honor, contact your local Zoetis representative or visit www.zoetisus.com/misc/folds-ofhonor-faq.aspx

About Zoetis. As the world’s leading animal health company, Zoetis is driven by a singular purpose: to nurture our world and humankind by advancing care for animals. After 70 years of innovating ways to predict, prevent, detect and treat animal illness, Zoetis continues to stand by those raising and caring for animals worldwide, from livestock farmers to veterinarians and pet owners. The company’s leading portfolio and pipeline of medicines, vaccines, diagnostics, and technologies make a difference in over 100 countries. A Fortune 500 company, Zoetis generated revenue of $7.8 billion in 2021 with approximately 12,100 employees. For more, visit www.zoetis. com

Vytelle Awarded for Global Sustainability. Recently, the Business Intelligence Group named Vytelle a Sustainability Leadership Award winner in the 2022 Sustainability Awards program. The Sustainability Awards honor those people, teams, and organizations who have made sustainability an integral part of their business practice or overall mission.

The global cattle industry is facing what Vytelle calls the triple challenge. Farmers are facing a growing demand for global protein driven by the upsurge of consumers who are demanding meat

and milk be produced sustainably. This means farmers must improve and increase productivity while also improving efficiency by producing with less. Vytelle has built the first integrated livestock technology platform to accelerate genetic progress in cattle. Farmers who use the platform to identify their most valuable and elite genetics will increase the reliability of their intended mating decisions and accelerate their genetic outcomes. It’s through this platform Vytelle is able to help producers with the two high stake decisions to accelerate genetic progress: mating selection and reproduction method.

The state of the art reproduction method now available to farmers to reduce labor, and stress associated with the handling of the animal and increase genetic progress is hormone free in-vitro fertilization (IVF).

“Our mission is clear; we must sustainably deliver more protein, ensuring meat and milk are viable food choices for future generations,” said Kerryann Kocher, Chief Executive Officer, Vytelle. “We’re honored to receive the Sustainability Leadership Award and continue our partnerships with progressive cattle farmers to deliver our mission.”

“We are proud to reward and recognize Vytelle for their sustainability efforts,” said Maria Jimenez, Chief Nominations Officer, Business Intelligence Group. “It was clear to our judges that their vision and strategy will continue to deliver results toward a cleaner, more sustainable world. Congratulations!”

Vytelle Expands Global Network of Bovine In-Vitro Fertilization Laboratories with Opening in Hamilton, New Zealand. Vytelle is progressing on a five year plan, initiated at the conclusion of their Series A funding to provide accessible hormone free bovine in-vitro fertilization (IVF) to producers across the globe. Part of the five year plan included doubling the laboratory capacity to produce bovine embryos through in-vitro fertilization. Announced recently, Vytelle’s opening a laboratory in Hamilton, New Zealand.

Vytelle’s integrated technology platform combines Vytelle ADVANCE, a breakthrough in-vitro fertilization technology, with Vytelle SENSE, an animal performance data capture system, and Vytelle INSIGHT, an artificial intelligence based genetic analytics engine. The platform provides progressive cattle producers the technology to make reliable data driven mating decisions that improve the predictability of genetic progress, replicating the right genetics faster.

The New Zealand based laboratory will utilize Vytelle’s modern hormone free in-vitro fertilization process, including their proprietary media –developed in-house – that results in high quality embryos for producers to implant fresh or frozen into recipient cows.

“New Zealand livestock producers can rely on hormone free IVF technology to replicate the genetics from their elite donors faster than traditional methods we’ve been accustomed to using,” explained Andrew Donoghue, Regional Manager for Australia and New Zealand for Vytelle. He continued, “Since Vytelle produces the media used to culture the oocytes into embryos, producers can be assured embryos are produced

consistently with rigid quality standards.”

New Zealand livestock producers can take advantage of the hormone free IVF process today by scheduling an on-farm ovum pick up. Qualified donors can be open 15 days post calving or up to approximately 100 days pregnant. Heifers as young as six months of age are also eligible.

The Vytelle process is the most accessible, reliable, and predictable IVF process available. Livestock producers can follow the steps below to begin hormone free IVF.

1. Livestock producers are encouraged to contact Vytelle to discuss their reproduction program and schedule an on-farm ovum pick up.

2. Next, select elite donors for collection.

3. A specialized Vytelle technician will come to the farm to collect oocytes.

4. Then, determine an implantation method. Vytelle can deliver fresh or frozen embryos.

5. Finally, the producer will receive a simple invoice only for the Grade 1 embryos produced. As an added benefit, donors used for IVF remain in the conventional breeding cycle for a natural calf.

About Vytelle. Vytelle is a precision livestock company reshaping how cattle producers worldwide optimize their herds. Through Vytelle’s integrated technology platform, generations of genetic gains can be made in just a few years. This allows producers to sustainably deliver more protein with fewer inputs, helping to ensure meat and milk are viable, competitive food choices for future generations.

Don’t put your cart before your horse...advertise that sale ahead of time! You’ll see positive results.

Hereford Genetics Sustain

Through the Dry Season. Hereford cross cattle show better resiliency and feed efficiency in the face of challenging environments. Summer droughts. Limited resources. Only the most resilient cattle make it through such harsh challenges.

Roy Lee Criswell of Pep, N.M., trusts Hereford cross cattle to do it best.

“These Hereford Bulls on these black cows, getting that F1 cross, is putting more feed efficiency along with more hybrid vigor into these calves,” Criswell says. “The longevity of these bulls is in their feet. They don’t break down. Out here in this desert country, they’ve got to have good feet to be able to travel. Getting on top of these cows and coming off on these rocks, we need these bulls to keep going. We don’t want them to need a

News

lot of feed to get them to breed back.”

In the Southwest, where rainfall is scarce, and feed costs are climbing, ranchers and feeders prefer calves that gain weight more efficiently, like Criswell’s F1 cross cattle.

“At the end of the day, the yield grades are a lot higher, which is more beneficial to our pocket and our feeding operation at the yard,” says Chris Adkins of Adkins Cattle Company. “When you get higher yields and better quality carcasses, you get dividends. Here we are, seven months later and they’re weighing 1,350 and 1,400 pounds. That’s what’s fun — when you drive by their pens every morning and see the growth in them.”

Black baldy cows consume two pounds less of voluntary forage intake per day than straight bred black cows.

That’s according to an Oklahoma State University study that shows a $50 savings per cow per year.

“They’re the easiest to work with, the easiest to get on feed, and they’re probably some of the best converting cattle,” Adkins says. “And if you can keep them calm and laying down, especially in times like these where it’s 101 degrees, they’re just going to continue to convert feed and gain. And man, it pays on the back end.”

For more information about Hereford genetics and upcoming sales, visit Hereford.org

Hereford Feedout Programs Offer Valuable Insight to Producers. Feedout programs give producers valuable information, tools to bring back to their operations. Hereford

4B FARMS, LLC Shelby, NC

Bryson, Wren, Beau, Belle, Bonnie & Bennet Westbrook 980-230-4868 brysonw@thewestbrookco.com

4K RANCH

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

AWC CATTLE COMPANY

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

BLINSON

POLLED HEREFORDS

Lenoir, NC

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

DOUBLE J FARM

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

FIVE J’S BEEF & CATTLE COMPANY Clayton, NC

Jody & Angela Standley Kim Prestwood (Manager) 828-320-7317 - Kim jodystandley@gmail.com

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

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

OCTOBER EVENTS

Association will

Check out the North Carolina Hereford Advantage at www.nchereford.com

LOOKABILL FAMILY

LIVESTOCK

Lexington, NC

Reggie, Patty, Tyler & Noah Lookabill 336-240-2142 rlookabill6015@gmail.com

McCOY CATTLE FARM Cove City, NC

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

MITCHEM’S FARM 3C Vale, NC

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

NORTH PINO

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

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

Myron McCoy

N.C. Hereford Association

Secretary/Treasurer 252-637-4995 ncherefordassociation@gmail.com www.nchereford.com

QUAIL RIDGE FARM

Rutherfordton, NC Mark Brewer 828-329-2074 markbrewer65@gmail.com

TAYLOR’S MILL FARM Zebulon, NC J. Brent Creech 919-801-7561 tmfherefords@icloud.com

TERRACE FARM Lexington, NC

Jim, Linda & Chad Davis 336-247-1554 jgdavis101@yahoo.com

TRIPLETT POLLED HEREFORDS

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

W&A HEREFORDS

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

producers stand behind their products by knowing their genetics. The AHA annual feedout programs provide participants with carcass information to keep their operations moving in a positive direction.

“The information that participants gain from the program has really helped them to make better decisions,” says Trey Befort, AHA director of commercial programs. “Whether it’s genetic selection or herd health, the feedout programs have given them a lot of data and information they can set as a benchmark for their operations. If they need to work on carcass weight, ribeye area, or marbling — any of those carcass traits that we can directly measure — they can get that

information.”

The programs also generate unique marketing avenues. Feedout participants gain access to the U.S. Premium Beef (USPB) grid so that cattle can qualify as candidates for the Certified Hereford Beef brand.

“To have access to the U.S. Premium Beef program through National Beef is really a great benefit of the program. It’s an industry leading marketing program that provides extra value for Hereford influenced cattle, and participants can gain a lot from being rewarded for quality,” Befort says.

The Association offers opportunities for both adults and juniors. Adults can

N.C. Cattle Receipts, Trends, and Prices

the Month of AUGUST 2022

Cattle Receipts: 12,284

SLAUGHTER CLASSES

Month: 12,284

participate in the Hereford feedout program, and juniors in the National Junior Hereford Association (NJHA) Fed Steer Shootout. All cattle entered are fed at HRC Feedyards in Scott City, Kan., and both programs offer valuable insight.

“It really gives an opportunity for our members to gain the education and experience in the cattle feeding industry and learn about a different part of the industry that they might not be familiar with,” Befort says.

Ultimately, the feedout programs help establish the advantage of Hereford genetics in the marketplace and give producers tools to improve their operations. AHA Executive Vice President Jack Ward says these improved genetics are moving the breed forward.

“We see commercial producers today understanding the value of heterosis and

the value of adding Hereford genetics to their cow herds, increasing in efficiency, fertility, longevity,” Ward says. “And, of course, you always get a great disposition when you add Hereford genetics.”

For more information about the Association’s feedout programs, visit Hereford.org

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

Cows - % Lean

Avg. Wt. Price

1,500 $84.86

1,173 $79.79

933 $71.23

- Yield Grade 1-2 1,549 $106.72

FEEDER CLASSES

FEEDER STEERS (Medium and Large 1-2)

Wt. Range Avg. Wt. CWT Avg. Price

425 $163.37 $694.32

$170.65 $807.17

$168.04 $882.21

$166.24 $950.89

$160.20 $1,004.45

$157.35 $1,060.54

FEEDER BULLS (Medium and Large 1-2)

Wt. Range Avg. Wt. CWT Avg. Price

$171.57 $725.74

$157.92 $750.12

$152.71 $800.20

$150.52 $860.97

$142.68 $886.04

$137.82 $916.50

FEEDER HEIFERS (Medium and Large 1-2)

Wt. Range Avg. Wt. CWT Avg. Price

$149.03 $628.91

$147.06 $695.59

$143.27 $749.30

$139.94 $801.86

$134.99 $836.94

$131.42 $880.51

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

New NCCA Members for 2022

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

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

Out-of-State

Keaton Crowder – Virginia Lilly Leadingham – Maryland

Ashe County

Elizabeth Martinez – Orfield Farms

Brunswick County Hannah Pelton – Hanovia Farms LLC

Cabarrus County

Alexis Eudy – Rhyneland Farms

Caldwell County Dean Katz

Catawba County Peyton Laney

Chatham County

Bailey Jones Morgan Lineberry – Lineberry Farm Samantha Ritch Jeremy Sessoms – Pine Knot Cattle Co.

Cleveland County Keely Marlowe

Davidson County

Reagan Dunn – Two Sisters Cattle Company

Courtney Tutton

Davie County Rebecca Karriker Sydney Smith

Duplin County

Bobby Britt – Britt Farms

Taylor Dail – Triple D Farms

Tammie Lee/Leslee Thompson – T & C Farms

Durham County

Austen Stinson-Miller

Granville County Maggie Huff

Guilford County Carroll Moseley – Rolling Meadow Farm

Harnett County

Billie Kate Pope Rex Rhyne – R&B Rhyne Farm LLC

Iredell County Gabriel Gomez – West Iredell Cattle Co.

Johnston County Christina Barrow Cherokee Grogg

Lenoir County Emily Johnson

Lincoln County Daniel Wesson David Wesson – Wesson Cattle

Macon County Dakota Collins – DBS Farms

Onslow County Kyleigh Baker Vanessa M. Bigford

Pasquotank County

James Haines – Triple H Cattle

Randolph County

Thomas Dillon – Dillon Farms Tea Turner

Robeson County

Paige Leggett

Rowan County Kevin Fisher – The Double F

Sampson County Christopher Barefoot Katelyn Fann

Stokes County Tanner Bovender

Surry County

Caroline Mills – Mills Diamond M Ranch

Union County Trey Howey

Kaleb Pope – Pope Farms Andy Williams

Vance County

Madison Smith – Triple S Farms of Kittrell

Wake County Caroline Becker Zoe Fisher Caroline Saathoff Ashley Swenson

Wayne County Alexis Garner

A Lifetime with Cattle — Bryan Blinson Honored as CALS Distinguished Alumnus

College of Agriculture and Life Sciences alumnus Bryan Blinson purchased his first cow when he was only six years old. “We went to the bank and took out a small loan,” says Blinson. “My payments were $27 a month. I collected bottles and did odd jobs to pay it.”

As an animal science graduate, Blinson’s involvement with cattle has continued throughout his career. Currently, he’s the executive director of the North Carolina Cattlemen’s Association, a role he has held for nearly two decades.

Creating Agriculture OpportunitiesBlinson grew up on a small cattle farm in Lenoir, North Carolina, where his parents still live and farm today at the ages of 83 and 85. He helped raise cattle locally and also participated in showing and judging competitions, including the first junior heifer show at the North Carolina State Fair in 1974. He was also the chairman of the National Junior Hereford Board. Despite being surrounded by agriculture, opportunities to get involved weren’t always readily available.

“I grew up in a furniture factory town,” says Blinson. “While agriculture

was all around us, it wasn’t something that was front of mind. FFA wasn’t as active as it is in some places, and 4-H wasn’t really available in my county. I had to find ways to get involved.”

Since then, Blinson has been focused on creating local youth programs across the state while also managing his cattle farm with his wife, Beth, in Buies Creek, North Carolina.

Both of their daughters grew up on the farm and showed animals throughout their childhoods. They both were also on the National Junior Hereford Board, with one serving as the chairman, just like

Blinson. Now, his oldest daughter and her husband have a farming operation in Western Kansas. His youngest daughter earned her master’s degree at Oklahoma State and recently began her Ph.D. in animal science at Auburn University.

“We have tried to be involved in the youth programs as much as possible because I feel like there’s an immense amount of importance in those youth programs and teaching young people not just about what the industry’s about, but also how to work and be responsible for another being,” says Blinson. “It’s really been important to us.”

Building Connections - Blinson chose to attend N.C. State University because he already felt connected to its agriculture community, especially because he had already met several faculty members through showing and judging opportunities. He was also excited to meet more students interested in agriculture because many of his hometown friends didn’t share that interest.

“Getting to a place where there were more like minded people from an ag perspective was awesome,” says Blinson.

As a student, Blinson was a member of the livestock judging team, Alpha Gamma Rho Fraternity, and the Animal Science Club.

“Those activities were helpful for understanding more about the industry, but more importantly, becoming acquainted with people that are still friends today even 40 years later.”

He still talks to many of his connections in his role today as executive director of the N.C. Cattlemen’s Association, a non-profit organization that promotes beef and the beef industry. As executive director, Blinson has many responsibilities, but his favorite part is traveling around the state to work with farmers and families. The organization also supports CALS students who are interested in beef production through the N.C. Cattlemen’s Foundation Scholarship.

Blinson received his CALS Distinguished Alumni Award on September 9 at the annual CALS Alumni Awards event. He would like to thank the volunteer leaders and dedicated staff at the N.C. Cattlemen’s Association for their support over the years.

MILE OF

Alamance

College Aggies Online scholarship program. Network and learn from industry professionals and farmer influencers. The Animal Agriculture Alliance’s annual College Aggies Online (CAO) scholarship competition kicked off on September 12. Participants will have the opportunity to network and learn from a variety of industry professionals and farm influencers.

CAO connects college students who are interested in promoting agriculture and gives them the skills they need to effectively engage with key audiences online and on campus. Individual participants engage with their peers on social media by posting information about current and emerging issues facing farmers and ranchers and telling personal stories. Club participants are challenged to host events virtually or on their campus to talk about modern agriculture with their peers. Last year, students reached

four million people on social media and over 5,200 people at club events.

“College Aggies Online has provided me with unique opportunities to strengthen my agricultural communications skills through weekly challenges that pushed me in my professional writing, social media outreach, and graphic design,” said Kylie Scott, 2021 recipient of the second place overall scholarship prize in the graduate student division. “The weekly mentors are an invaluable resource to participants who offer advice from their personal experiences and teach how to best utilize the social media space to advocate for agriculture. This scholarship program has been invaluable in not only financially aiding my academic career but also facilitating the expansion of my professional network and development of employable skills.”

Mentors for the 2022 competition

include:

• Jessica Peters, Pennsylvania Dairy Farmer

• Emily Shaw, Founder, Dairy Girl Fitness

• Lauren Arbogast, Virginia Chicken Farmer

• Allison Fitzgerald, Regulatory and Scientific Engagement Manager, Bayer

• Natalie Kovarik, Nebraska Cattle Rancher

• Katie Hayes, RDN, Director, Nutrition Communications, Egg Nutrition Center

• Joe Proudman, Associate Director for Communications, CLEAR Center at University of California, Davis

• Lacie Dotterweich, Manager, Communications and Social Media, American Feed Industry Association

• Brandi Buzzard Frobose, Kansas Cattle Rancher, Red Angus Association of America

The CAO program would not be possible without the generous support of our 2022 sponsors: Dairy Management Inc., National Pork Industry Foundation, CHS Foundation, Bayer, National Corn Growers Association, U.S Poultry & Egg Association, Institute for Feed Education

and Research, Domino’s Pizza Inc., Ohio Poultry Association, Culvers Franchising System, National Chicken Council, and Pennsylvania Beef Council. To become a sponsor of this year’s program, see our sponsorship opportunities and contact Casey Kinler, director of membership and marketing, at ckinler@animalagalliance.

org

Animal Agriculture Alliance releases 2022 Stakeholders Summit recordings. Save the date for 2023 — May 4-5 in Arlington, Virginia. Select session recordings from the Animal Agriculture Alliance’s 2022 Stakeholders Summit, held May 11-12 in Kansas City, Mo., are now publicly available on the organization’s YouTube channel. The first in-person Summit since 2019, themed “Come Together for Animal Ag: Be Informed, Be Ready, Be Here,” attracted a diverse audience of more than 260 attendees and included an additional 125 registered virtual attendees.

“Each sector of the food supply chain came together for animal ag at the Alliance’s most recent Stakeholders Summit,” said Hannah ThompsonWeeman, Alliance president and CEO.

“While nothing compares to attending

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

COUNTRY BOY FARMS

David Miller

316 Key Road • Edgefield, SC 706-840-3709

the event live, there’s a vast array of key insights and action items to glean from session recordings led by subject matter experts.”

Highlights from the impressive lineup of speakers and sessions include:

• Jack Bobo, CEO of Futurity, pondered if animal agriculture can come together to “save the planet.”

• Three long time agriculture advocates, Brandi Buzzard, Debbie Lyons-Blythe, and Carrie Mess discussed how their advocacy efforts have changed over time and how they have adapted to be more effective in their outreach and engagement.

• Danette Amstein of Midan Marketing and Maeve Webster of Menu Matters shared current consumer trends and how to make the most of them.

• Aaron Putze, senior director of

information and education at Iowa Soybean Association, discussed how we can move forward with a “Mindset Relationship” and focus on the things that matter most.

All available session recordings from the 2022 Summit can be viewed at bit.ly/3AqAE5R . To read a condensed overview of insights shared at the event, check out the highlights report.

The 2023 Summit is set for May 4-5 at the Renaissance Arlington Capitol View Hotel in Arlington, Virginia. Check the Summit website for the most up to date information. You can also follow the hashtag #AAA23 for periodic updates on social media. For general questions about the Summit, please email summit@ animalagalliance.org or call 703-5625160.

Get involved - Show your support for the Alliance’s outreach efforts by becoming an official 2023 Summit sponsor! For more information on 2023 sponsorship opportunities, contact Casey Kinler at ckinler@animalagalliance.org

Thank you again to our 2022 Summit sponsors: Watt Global Media, Farm Journal, Meatingplace, National Pork Producers Council, National Cattlemen’s Beef Association, National Pork Board, American Feed Industry Association, United Egg Producers, Dairy MAX, Adisseo, Progressive Dairy, Kemin, American Farm Bureau Federation, Empirical, American Veal Association, National Chicken Council, Edge Dairy Farmer Cooperative, N.C. Farm Bureau, and Eggland’s Best.

The Alliance also thanks the following members for their continued support of Summit and other Alliance programs: U.S. Poultry & Egg Association, Zoetis, Merck Animal Health, C.O.nxt, Diamond V, Genus PLC – PIC/ABS, Aviagen Group, Boehringer Ingelheim, Cargill, Dairy Farmers of America, Hendrix Genetics, Hy-Line North America LLC, Iowa Soybean Association, Midwest Dairy, National Turkey Federation, Nutrien, Provimi North America,Inc., Seaboard Foods, and Tyson Foods Inc.

About the Animal Agriculture Alliance. The Alliance safeguards the future of animal agriculture and its value to society by bridging the communication gap between the farm and food communities. We connect key food industry stakeholders to arm them with responses to emerging issues. We engage food chain influencers and promote consumer choice by helping them better understand modern animal agriculture. We protect by exposing those who threaten our nation’s food security with damaging misinformation.

Remembering Dan Williams

Submitted by CLINT REESE

Dan Williams, who died much too young, was destined to become a livestock auctioneer. Dan was born on February 10, 1951, in Boone and was a lifelong resident. He died on August 10, 2022, at Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center.

His granddad, Ed Williams, was a livestock auctioneer and sold livestock at the Boone Livestock Market when the facility was located in Town. His dad, Hite Williams, was a noted livestock auctioneer and sold livestock at the Asheville Livestock Market for many years, as well as other locations in North Carolina, Tennessee, and Virginia. Dan, with a business degree from Appalachian State University, was to inherit the talents of his forefathers and also apply his business training in his livestock endeavors.

Dan was no ordinary auctioneer. He was a world class auctioneer who won the World Livestock Auctioneering contest in Regina, Saskatchewan, Canada, in 1982. To date, he is the only person to hold that title from the great state of North Carolina. His sponsor for the competition was the Horney brothers, who operated the Siler City Livestock Market in Chatham County and the Turnersburg Livestock Market in Iredell County, where Dan was an established auctioneer for both markets.

Livestock auctioneers are loosely classified into two categories; those who sell mostly purebred livestock and those who sell commercial cattle that normally come through regular sales at livestock facilities. Dan initially started selling commercial cattle and later sold purebred sales. He also expanded into selling automobiles and a variety of other sales where bids are taken at whatever kind of sale. Dan was talented and flexible and able to adjust to almost any situation or kind of sale.

Morris Fannon, an auctioneer from Virginia, was probably the first auctioneer to sell cattle directly off the farm in North Carolina. The buyers would have been onsite where the cattle were located. Later, as producers and cattle buyers became more comfortable with this type of sale, telephones were used to connect buyers with the sale and auctioneer. Some auctioneers did not adjust easily to taking bids over the phone while also taking bids from buyers who were present. Dan was one who could really handle the phone professionally.

Later, as tele-auctions became more prevalent and buyers trusted the description of the cattle on the farm, many chose to stay at home and purchase cattle by phone. Several sales were conducted later, where the telephone conference

call was set up at the N.C. Cattlemen’s Association office with the buyers and auctioneer at their respective locations. Dan handled many of these sales.

Growing up around the stockyard and his family’s involvement in the cattle business, he continued this love by raising cattle in North Carolina and Tennessee. He developed many lifelong friendships with farmers and producers throughout the Southeast and beyond. He was an instructor, a mentor, and a trusted advisor to many through the years. He took great pride in doing the very best job he could do, not only for the seller but also for the buyer.

His greatest joys were found in sharing life with his wife, his children, his grandchildren, and extended families and friends. He was very much a “people person” but found peace in the simple pleasures like watching the cattle grazing in the cool of the afternoon or the hummingbirds whizzing around the feeder on the back porch.

He is survived by his wife of 46 years, Nancy G. Williams, son, Ben Williams of Boone, son, Dr. J. Tyler Williams and wife Christy of Savannah, Ga., daughter, Hannah W. Phillips and husband Matt of Boone, and four grandchildren, Isaac Franklin-Williams of Boone, Ada, Elliott and Cash Williams of Savannah, Georgia. Brothers and sisters by marriage; Skip and Dee Greene; Ted and Connie Greene; and beloved nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his beloved parents, Hite and Reba Williams, and his in-laws, Perry and Theresa Greene.

In lieu of flowers, at Dan’s request, any memorial gifts can be made to:

Mount Lawn Cemetery Association P.O. Box 1787 Boone, NC 28607

NCBA PresideNt’s rePort

By DON SCHIEFELBEIN National Cattlemen’s Beef Association

The Enemy Within Our Industry

Six months into my tenure as the president of the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association, I have had the opportunity to travel and visit with fellow cattle producers from coast to coast. A couple of months ago, at the Florida Cattlemen’s Convention, I had the opportunity to meet fellow cattle producer Kevin Escobar. Kevin mentioned that he had heard me visit with the Florida attendees and that the U.S. Cattlemen’s Association (USCA) officers and I, an NCBA officer, appeared to share so much in common.

The following week, Kevin asked if I would be willing to jump on a call with three additional USCA officers. We visited for more than an hour, and to the surprise of some, we almost unanimously agreed on what the real threats to our industry were. It was on that phone call that the group challenged me to share my thoughts.

Like many of you, I come from a family farming, cattle feeding, and ranching operation. Our large all family operation includes my father and mother, their nine sons (I am son number seven), eight daughters-in-law, 32 grandchildren, and their 15 spouses and 32 great grandchildren. Our massive family group adds up to more than 80 members. Like any family operation, the key to our success is being able to work together for the benefit of us all. From my perspective, the beef community I serve has so many similarities to my large family.

Don’t Focus on Wedge Issues - As a family operation, we would not survive if we focused on the issues that our family is not in agreement on. The term I use to describe these non-consensus items is “wedge” issues. Every industry and every family has wedge issues. These are typically complex subjects where smart people on both sides simply disagree. Typically, these wedge issues bring about strong emotions, and, if truth be told, the solutions are neither obvious nor easy.

In our current beef business, a few of these wedge issues include price

discovery, use of Checkoff funds, and mandatory country of origin labeling. In each of these sensitive issues, good cattlemen disagree.

On the wedge issue of price discovery alone, our industry invested almost two years of precious time, spent lots of valuable dollars, and groups on both sides of the issue used a tremendous amount of political clout. No consensus was reached…just lost opportunities.

Similarly, on the critical issue of the national Beef Checkoff and state beef council led Checkoff programs, our industry spent millions of dollars fighting amongst ourselves in court, only to have the Supreme Court affirm the legality of the Beef Checkoff and affirm that USDA has appropriate oversight of the state beef councils and Checkoff programs.

Our Enemies Win - The only winners on these wedge issues are the lawyers and those that want to put us out of business. Our enemies have figured out that the best way to take down the beef industry is not by attacking us directly but by fostering hatred and disagreement within our ranks. It should not come as a surprise to anyone that a huge sum of the litigation expense against the Beef Checkoff was gladly funded by the likes of allies and partners of the Humane Society of the United States (HSUS), an organization with the primary goal of eliminating animal agriculture. As well, you should be alarmed to learn that Senator Cory Booker, a vegan who is not a friend of agriculture, has now become a member of the Senate Ag Committee and routinely supports the introduction of bills that further wedge our industry.

Let’s Focus on the 90% of Issues Where We Agree - There’s no shortage of issues that pose real and immediate danger to the long term success of our industry. While our enemies remain focused on the wedge issues that divide us, large issues are quietly growing. They are not being addressed proactively, like foreign animal diseases and cell cultured fake meat.

If COVID-19 taught us anything, we should have learned that in the face of a disease crisis, our government can overreact and substantially disrupt the marketplace. Imagine if a cattle virus hit our nation. You can be assured that overnight our export market would cease, along with it, the loss of at least $500 of value per head of every fed beef animal processed. You could also anticipate that the enemies of our beef industry would take advantage of this terrible situation by attempting to completely shut down our domestic market. The result would be a disruption so large that it could cripple our industry.

Another huge, looming issue is cell cultured fake meat. This is not the fake meat we see in the store or on a menu. Cell cultured fake meat is grown in a petri dish. I am concerned that the beef community has been lulled to sleep with the recent failures of fake meat companies. While not perfected yet, estimates suggest a product rollout within the next five years of cell cultured fake meat that may mimic the look, texture,

and even the flavor of our beef. Our industry cannot afford to lose focus on this potential game changing product. Now is the time to work together to put into place effective safeguards to preserve our future.

Foreign disease and cell cultured fake meat are just a couple of issues our beef community faces. Our industry routinely defends producers on taxes, WOTUS, environmental overreach, death tax, endangered species, burdensome regulations, etc., etc., etc.

For the sake of the future of our business, we must work together as an industry. We need, as leaders, to find common ground on the 90 plus percent that will likely determine our long term fate and avoid the death trap of wedge issues that place our industry groups in the circular firing squad where we inflict damage to each other as our enemies gleefully watch. Just as my father reminds our family, our industry needs to heed that same advice — the only way we lose is by attacking each other, BUT if we stand united together, we are unstoppable.

A MessAge froM the Ceo

By COLIN WOODALL National Cattlemen’s Beef Association

The Power of Influence

Sometimes you recognize it. Sometimes it just makes its way into your daily life. Regardless, you are inundated each day with somebody trying to influence what you buy, what you eat, what you wear, how you vote, and more. Influence is big business in America which shows just how successful it is as a tool in helping some people make decisions. It is also fueled by some amazing technology.

Influence comes at us through many different mediums. Television commercials, radio ads, and video ads on your phone are all examples of the daily effort to influence your purchasing decision. In our work as a contractor to the national Beef Checkoff, NCBA is trying to influence consumers and get them to buy more beef. One of the biggest sources of influence these days comes through social media. Now, I realize that not everybody reading this column uses Facebook, Instagram, or various other social media platforms, but a lot of people

do, and social media is powerful.

To help put this power in context, think back to the comments Oprah Winfrey made about beef during one of her shows in the spring of 1996. On that show, her guest was an animal activist vegetarian talking about the BSE outbreak in Great Britain. While we were not using the term “influencer” at the time, that is exactly what Oprah was and still is. If Oprah said she was not going to eat any more hamburgers, then many of her viewers were not going to eat any more hamburgers either. Modern influencers can have the same impact. Elon Musk can move financial markets by simply Tweeting out his comments or thoughts.

not surprisingly, called “influencers” and can make a solid living off simply sharing their ideas or opinions. As part of our Checkoff funded work, we find influencers who are saying great things about beef and promoting our product. Once we identify these influencers, we approach them about becoming partners and sharing even more information about beef. Over the past several years, we have built a network of influencers that range from celebrity chefs to young moms. We take these influencers to cattle operations to expose them to what really goes on in the production of cattle and beef. We bring them to our Denver office to discuss nutrition, food safety, and sustainability, and we give them cutting and cooking demonstrations in the Checkoff funded NCBA Culinary Center. When they get

back home and start posting about beef, we follow up with additional facts and figures to help them be as influential as they can. These social media influencers have helped change the game for our industry and correct a lot of the misinformation that is out there regarding beef. One Instagram post promoting an easy to prepare a beef dish for supper can help a lot of consumers decide what they are going to go home and cook that night.

The same goes for the Checkoff funded e-commerce work we do with retailers such as Sam’s Club and Kroger. Beef. It’s What’s For Dinner. banner ads showing a steak on a retailer’s website can spark a craving that is only satisfied by purchasing beef.

Who or what will influence you today?

S.C. Cattle Receipts, Trends, and Prices for the Month of AUGUST 2022

SLAUGHTER CLASSES

Avg. Wt. Price

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 technology that drives influence evolves daily. Television commercials, newspaper ads, radio ads, and billboards still have a place in modern influence, but advanced advertising is where we see some amazing opportunities. By now, you are well aware that whatever you search for on the internet results in ads for those products or services showing up on every subsequent webpage you look at. There is even technology that uses your location to tailor ads for nearby stores you might be interested in. That same geo-targeting technology can tell when you get close to the meat case or other part of the grocery store and send you ads for items you would find nearby. My wife and I just purchased our first Google assistant. I did not really want it, but it came as part of the system to have Wi-Fi in our house. I joked that now the people at Google will know more about us than our own families do. I laughed, my wife laughed, Google assists laughed, and Siri laughed on our phones. A bit of an exaggeration, but the point does not miss the mark by much.

One way we capitalize on the power of influence is by seeking out and partnering with individuals, organizations, and companies that consumers listen to. In the social media world, the individuals who drive discussions and trends are,

- % Lean Breaker

$87.39

1,229 $86.08

1,022 $76.97

- Yield Grade 1-2 1,581 $102.17

FEEDER CLASSES

FEEDER STEERS (Medium and Large 1-2)

Wt. Range Avg. Wt. CWT Avg. Price 400-450 420 $178.24 $748.61 450-500 475 $175.59 $834.05 500-550 528 $168.06 $887.36 550-600 572 $167.16 $956.16 600-650

$162.04 $1,007.89 650-700

$155.49 $1,043.34

FEEDER BULLS (Medium and Large 1-2)

Wt. Range Avg. Wt. CWT Avg. Price 400-450 420 $172.97 $726.47 450-500

$167.46 $783.71 500-550

$157.38 $816.80 550-600

$155.95 $892.03 600-650

$151.48 $936.15 650-700

$141.31 $936.89

FEEDER HEIFERS (Medium and Large 1-2)

Range Avg. Wt. CWT Avg. Price 400-450 424 $152.57 $646.90 450-500

$150.75 $711.54 500-550

$146.88 $765.24 550-600

$145.07 $831.25 600-650

$139.20 $864.43 650-700

$134.23 $895.31

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

NCBA News

NCBA Urges Senate Committee to Pass Livestock Regulatory Protection Act. Recently, the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA) urged the Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works to approve the Livestock Regulatory Protection Act.

“American cattle producers’ commitment to reducing their environmental footprint while simultaneously improving efficiency makes our farms and ranches the most sustainable in the world. Unfortunately, overregulation and excessive permitting would jeopardize the cattle industry’s progress towards greater sustainability,” said NCBA Chief Counsel Mary-Thomas Hart. “NCBA strongly supports the Livestock Regulatory Protection Act, which protects farmers and ranchers from onerous regulation. We thank Senators John Thune (R-S.D.), Kyrsten Sinema (D-Ariz.), John Boozman (R-Ark.), and Mark Kelly (D-Ariz.) for

their sponsorship and we urge all senators to support this bill.”

The Livestock Regulatory Protection Act aims to prevent the Environmental Protection Agency from issuing Clean Air Act Title V permits for emissions like carbon dioxide, nitrogen oxide, water vapor, or methane that result from livestock production.

These emissions are naturally occurring due to cattle’s biological functions, and cattle producers continue to employ innovative practices to mitigate the impact of these emissions on the environment. Overall, emissions from cattle production represent only a very small portion of total U.S. greenhouse gas emissions. For example, methane emissions from cattle account for just two percent of total U.S. emissions.

“SDCA thanks Senators Thune and Sinema for working to prevent the

EPA from requiring unnecessary air quality permits for livestock producers,” said Eric Jennings, president of the South Dakota Cattlemen’s Association (SDCA). “America’s beef producers, like consumers and regulators, are focused on continuous improvement in environmental conservation and sustainability. Creating burdensome permitting requirements that aren’t firmly backed by sound science aren’t an effective solution to improving the environment; incentivizing good environmental management is.”

The Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works heard testimony on the legislation. The committee will now need to vote on the bill before sending it to the full Senate for consideration.

NCBA Calls for Limited SEC Greenhouse Gas Rule Following Senate Hearing. Recently, NCBA reiterated the need for a limited version of the Securities and Exchange Commission’s (SEC) greenhouse gas disclosure rule following SEC Chairman Gary Gensler’s testimony before the U.S. Senate Committee on Banking.

“The SEC’s proposed greenhouse gas disclosure rule is aimed at large publicly traded companies but would lead to unintended consequences for small businesses like farms and ranches. The rule would require data that simply does not exist at the farm or ranch level and increases the regulatory burden on individual cattle producers,” said NCBA Chief Counsel Mary-Thomas Hart. “We urge the SEC to limit their proposed rule to avoid unintentional impacts to farms and ranches.”

Background - The SEC’s greenhouse gas disclosure rule, proposed earlier this year, would require publicly traded companies to disclose their direct (scope 1), indirect/energy use (scope 2), and supply chain (scope 3) greenhouse gas emissions. The requirement to include scope 3 emissions would place a disproportionate burden on cattle producers whose beef is part of the supply chain for publicly traded restaurants and retailers. Additionally, the rule exposes individual producers to additional levels of legal liability.

NCBA previously submitted technical comments on the rule, and individual cattle producers sent over 7,406 emails to SEC commissioners and members of Congress expressing concern with the rule. NCBA has encouraged the SEC to remove the requirement to disclose scope 3 emissions, which would lessen the burden on cattle producers.

NCBA Seeking Summer Public Policy Interns for D.C. Office. NCBA, in conjunction with the Public Lands Council (PLC), is now accepting applications for

public policy internships in the NCBA Washington, D.C., office for summer 2023.

Interns will have the opportunity to engage with NCBA and PLC staff on several fronts, including policy, communications, and membership. They will work closely with the D.C. lobbying and regulatory teams to advance policies important to the beef and sheep industries.

Key responsibilities for public policy interns include participating in lobbying efforts, communicating with NCBA and PLC members, reviewing Federal Register notices, participating in meetings with federal agencies, collaborating with Congressional and agency staff, and other duties as assigned.

Applicants must be a junior or senior undergraduate student or a graduate student. A background in agriculture or the beef industry is preferred. Applicants must have a minimum GPA of 3.0 and be available for the duration of the internship (May 2023 – August 2023). Successful applicants will also have excellent research, writing, and communications skills.

NCBA and PLC are affiliate organizations working on behalf of cattle producers and ranching families across the country. NCBA represents cattle producers and advocates for federal policy, while PLC specifically represents livestock producers that hold federal grazing permits. Together, NCBA and PLC represent the cattle and sheep industries and producers who operate on both public and private lands.

Interested students should apply at https://jobs.keldair.com/ncba/jobs/50850/ public-policy-internship-summer-2023 or visit the careers page of ncba.org. Questions about the internship program may be directed to Justyn Tedder at jtedder@beef.org

NCBA Member Testifies Before House Agriculture Committee Regarding Value of Conservation Programs. Recently, Iowa cattle producer and National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA) member Shayne Wiese testified before the House Agriculture Committee regarding the implementation of the conservation title of the 2018 Farm Bill.

“USDA’s voluntary conservation programs have been a great asset to cattle producers,” Wiese testified. “It is important that these programs are implemented in a practical, producer friendly, and voluntary manner for years to come to ensure that cattle producers will continue to have the ability to do what we do best – produce the world’s safest, most nutritious, abundant, and affordable protein while operating in the most environmentally friendly way possible.”

Wiese shared his experience utilizing the Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) and the Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP). Additionally, Wiese highlighted his concerns with the staffing shortage at the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) that has led to agency delays, additional paperwork burdens, and less time for local officials to meet with the agricultural producers they serve.

“NCBA communicates with members of Congress and their staff every day but hearing directly from a cattle producer outside of Washington is extremely beneficial,” said NCBA Vice President of Government Affairs Ethan Lane. “We hope Congress carefully considers Shayne’s testimony as they evaluate the last Farm Bill and begin crafting the next one.”

Shayne Wiese is a fifth generation cattle producer, currently operating Wiese & Sons: Good Doin’ Bulls along with this older brother in West Central Iowa. Wiese & Sons are advocates for conservation and utilize cover crops, CRP, water filtration buffers, and erosion reduction practices as part of their comprehensive commitment to environmental stewardship. In addition to being a member of NCBA, Wiese is involved with the American Hereford Association, Iowa Beef Industry Council, Iowa Beef Breed’s Council, and Iowa Cattlemen’s Association.

”Producer feedback is vital to improving conservation programs outlined in the Farm Bill, and we appreciate Shayne for sharing his personal experiences,” said Bob Noble, president

of the Iowa Cattlemen’s Association.

“Livestock producers take pride in being stewards of the land and natural resources and would benefit from additional support from the U.S. Department of Agriculture. We seek to maximize the impact of programs like the Conservation Reserve Program and Environmental Quality Incentives Program to further achieve our conservation goals and solidify cattle as climate smart solutions.”

To view the testimony, visit https://agriculture.house.gov/calendar/ eventsingle.aspx?EventID=2617

NCBA Urges Senate to Confirm Key USDA Nominees. Recently, NCBA urged the Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry to confirm key nominees for Under Secretary for Food Safety and Under Secretary for Trade and Foreign Agricultural Affairs in the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA).

“Cattle producers need strong, stable leadership in top positions at USDA and we urge the Senate to move quickly on confirming these highly qualified nominees,” said NCBA Vice President of Government Affairs Ethan Lane.

For the position of Under Secretary for Food Safety, the President nominated Dr. Jose Emilio Esteban, who currently serves in USDA’s Food Safety and Inspection Service.

“NCBA has worked closely with Dr. Jose Emilio Esteban in his role as Chief Scientist of USDA’s Food Safety and Inspection Service and as Chair of the Codex Alimentarius Commission Committee on Food Hygiene,” said NCBA Director of Animal Health and Food Safety Policy Chase DeCoite. “Dr. Esteban’s decades of experience in food safety, epidemiology, and public health make him an extremely qualified candidate for USDA Under Secretary for Food Safety and NCBA enthusiastically supports his nomination.”

For the position of Under Secretary for Trade and Foreign Agricultural Affairs, the President nominated Alexis Taylor, who currently serves as Director of the Oregon Department of Agriculture.

“NCBA has worked closely with Alexis Taylor in her previous roles at USDA and on Capitol Hill. She is a proven advocate for farmers and ranchers,” said NCBA Executive Director of Government Affairs Kent Bacus. “NCBA urges the Senate to swiftly confirm Alexis Taylor as USDA Under Secretary for Trade and Foreign Agricultural Affairs so she can get to work advocating for expanded trade opportunities for America’s cattle producers.”

The Senate Agriculture Committee will need to vote in favor of these nominees before the full Senate casts the final confirmation vote. NCBA has previously submitted letters of support for both nominees.

NCBA Statement on Cattle Contracts Library Pilot Program Notice to Trade. NCBA released the following statement in response to a Notice to Trade published today by the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) related to the Cattle Contracts Library (CCL) pilot program:

“The Cattle Contracts Library is designed to be a tool for cattle producers, making information accessible which may in turn allow them to capture unrealized value for their livestock,” said NCBA Vice President of Government Affairs

Ethan Lane. “We are pleased to see the pilot program progressing and note the important decision to use the Livestock Mandatory Reporting statutes as a basis for any subsequent rule makings. We look forward to continuing to work with staff at AMS to ensure the success of this tool as well as the protection of our members’ proprietary business information.”

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.

Cattlemen’s Beef Board Update

By GREG HANES, Cheif Executive Officer

Isn’t that what we are all working toward?

It’s no secret that we are in challenging times right now. Inflation is unsettling the economy, droughts and floods are causing havoc throughout the U.S., supply chain issues and other lingering impacts from COVID-19 have no doubt caused many Americans – beef producers included – to have to reassess their business, financial and personal decisions. Organizations are not insulated from this and, in fact, find it more necessary than ever to take a hard look at themselves.

Here at CBB, we strive for constant evolution and change, especially when it leads to more effective and efficient programs. That “hard look” for continuous improvement happens frequently here, especially since Checkoff programs are reviewed and funded annually. Yet there are times that call for further introspection, and this year we were able to create and begin the execution of a five year strategic plan for the Cattlemen’s Beef Board.

A strategic plan is vitally important as it sets clear direction and identifies priorities for the organization. I am particularly proud of the opening statement of the CBB’s plan, outlining a simple and

encompassing belief for our organization:

We believe that: The beef industry working together will make beef the most popular protein for everyday use in the U.S. and globally, based on the taste, convenience, nutritional benefits, value, safety, and versatility of beef.

At the end of the day, isn’t that what we are all working toward?

There have been several recent calls in the ag trade media for beef industry collaboration and support; several organizations have laid out common ground upon which to strengthen our industry relations with one another. Nowhere is that more important than in the producer and importer led Cattlemen’s Beef Board, and it is very present in the newly outlined plan. As always, we continue to encourage your dialogue, questions, and feedback on the Beef Checkoff and its programs and will continue to lead and support collaboration, communication, and transparency within arguably one of the best industries in the world.

To view the newly adopted five year CBB Strategic Plan, visit DrivingDemandForBeef.com

and Research

Beef CheCkoff News

Beef Promotion Operating Committee Approves Fiscal Year 2023 Checkoff Plan of Work. The Cattlemen’s Beef Board (CBB) will invest approximately $38.5 million into programs of beef promotion, research, consumer information, industry information, foreign marketing, and producer communications during fiscal 2023, subject to USDA approval.

In action at the end of its September 7-8 meeting in Denver, Colo., the Beef Promotion Operating Committee (BPOC) approved Checkoff funding for a total of 13 “Authorization Requests” – or grant proposals – for the fiscal year beginning October 1. The committee, which includes ten producers from the Cattlemen’s Beef Board and ten producers from the Federation of State Beef Councils, also recommended full Cattlemen’s Beef Board approval of a budget amendment to reflect the split of funding between budget categories affected by their decisions.

Nine contractors and three subcontractors brought 14 Authorization Requests worth $48 million to the BPOC this week, nearly $9.5 million more than the funds available from the CBB budget.

“Producers are behind all the decisions that the BPOC makes during these meetings each September,” said CBB and BPOC Chair Norman Voyles, Jr. “We carefully consider every Authorization Request to determine how to use Checkoff dollars to drive beef demand and provide producers with the best possible return on their Checkoff investments.”

“As we expected, the proposals we reviewed this week were remarkably innovative, containing many thought provoking ideas and concepts. Our challenge is balancing the budget while also distributing our limited amount of Checkoff dollars in a manner that we believe will best drive beef demand. I’d like to thank all our contractors and committee members for their hard work and careful consideration as we all work together to advance the entire beef industry.”

In the end, the BPOC approved proposals from nine national beef organizations for funding through the FY23 Cattlemen’s Beef Board budget, as follows:

• American Farm Bureau Foundation for Agriculture - $900,000

• Cattlemen’s Beef Board - $1,850,000

• Foundation for Meat and Poultry Research and Education - $450,000

• Meat Import Council of America/ Northeast Beef Promotion Initiative$550,000

• National Cattlemen’s Beef Association - $25,720,000

• National Institute for Animal Agriculture - $70,000

• North American Meat Institute$360,000

• U.S. Cattlemen’s Association$450,000

• U.S. Meat Export Federation$8,200,000

Broken out by budget component –as outlined by the Beef Promotion and Research Act of 1985 – the FY23 Plan of Work for the Cattlemen’s Beef Promotion and Research Board budget includes:

• $9,400,000 for promotion programs, including beef and veal campaigns focusing on beef’s nutritional value, eating experience, convenience, and production.

• $9,000,000 for research programs focusing on pre- and post-harvest beef safety, scientific affairs, nutrition, sustainability, product quality, culinary technical expertise, and consumer perceptions.

• $7,470,000 for consumer information programs, including Northeast influencer outreach and public relations initiatives; national consumer public relations, including nutrition-influencer relations. And work with primary and secondary school curriculum directors nationwide to get accurate information about the beef industry into classrooms of today’s youth. Additional initiatives include outreach and engagement with food, culinary, nutrition, and health thought leaders; media and public relations efforts; and supply chain engagement.

• $2,630,000 for industry information programs, including dissemination of accurate information about the beef industry to counter misinformation from anti-beef groups and others, as well as funding for Checkoff participation in the annual national industrywide symposium about antibiotic use. Additional efforts in this program area include beef advocacy training and issues/ crisis management and response.

• $8,200,000 for foreign marketing and education, focusing on 13 regions, representing more than 90 countries around the world.

• $1,850,000 for producer communications, which includes investor outreach using national communications and direct communications to producers and importers about Checkoff results. Elements of this program include ongoing producer listening and analysis, industry collaboration and outreach, and continued development of a publishing strategy and platform and a state beef council content hub.

The full fiscal 2023 Cattlemen’s Beef Board budget is approximately $42.7 million. Separate from the Authorization Requests, other expenses funded include $270,000 for program evaluation; $585,000 for program development; $200,000 for Checkoff communications resources; $550,000 for USDA oversight; $210,000 for state services; $270,000 supporting services and litigation; and $2.1 million for CBB administration. The fiscal 2023 program budget represents a decrease of slightly less than 1 percent, or $350,800, from the $38.9 million FY22 budget.

For more information about the Beef Checkoff and its programs, including promotion, research, foreign marketing, industry information, consumer information, and safety, contact the Cattlemen’s Beef Board at 303-220-9890 or visit DrivingDemandForBeef.com

Beef. It’s What’s For Dinner. 300 Returns to Daytona International Speedway. NASCAR beefs up the Xfinity Series season opener for a third consecutive year. For the third year in a row, Daytona International Speedway announced its partnership with Beef. It’s What’s For Dinner to sponsor the 42 nd season opening race for the NASCAR Xfinity Series – The Beef. It’s What’s For Dinner. 300. The race is scheduled to kick off the season on February 18 at Daytona International Speedway, the day before the 65th Annual DAYTONA 500.

Beef. It’s What’s For Dinner. is an iconic brand funded through national and state support of beef farmers and ranchers as part of the Beef Checkoff program and managed by the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA).

“The partnership we have with the Beef Checkoff and NCBA is unique to our sport, and our fans love it,” said Daytona International Speedway President Frank Kelleher of the Beef. It’s What’s For Dinner. 300. The race has given beef farmers and ranchers the perfect platform to reach consumers and tell the tasty story of beef. We have had two incredible Beef. It’s What’s For Dinner. 300 events and again can’t wait to smell beef on the grills of our campers in February.”

The fan favorite DAYTONA Speedweeks, presented by AdventHealth, kicks off with the Bluegreen Vacations Duel, followed by the Beef. It’s What’s

For Dinner. 300 and the iconic DAYTONA 500. Fans of all ages from across the country will gather to tailgate and fire up their grills as the drivers start their engines.

From the love for race day tailgating to a shared sense of legacy, NASCAR and beef have always gone hand in hand.

“We’re honored to be back for a third year and once again sponsor the Beef. It’s What’s For Dinner. 300 on behalf of beef farmers and ranchers,” said Clark Price, Federation Division Vice Chair for the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association.

“What better way to celebrate beef as a race day food favorite than at one of the most famous racetracks in the country.”

In addition to the race name, the Beef. It’s What’s For Dinner. brand and logo will appear throughout Daytona International Speedway as well as on the winner’s trophy and in victory lane. For race fans and beef fans not attending the race, beef will be promoted on national radio ads and through additional promotional support provided through NCBA’s Beef Checkoff funded work.

During the 2022 Beef. It’s What’s For Dinner. 300, Austin Hill took the checkered flag. Join us in February to see who will take home the trophy and the beef in 2023.

Fans can get all of the race day related news and tailgating recipes at BeefItsWhatsForDinner.com or by following Daytona International Speedway.

About Daytona International Speedway. Daytona International Speedway is a state of the art motorsports facility and was awarded the SportsBusiness Journal’s prestigious Sports Business Award for Sports Facility of the Year in 2016. Daytona International Speedway is the home of The Great American Race – the DAYTONA 500. Though the season opening NASCAR Cup Series event garners most of the attention – as well as the largest audience in motorsports – the approximately 500 acre motorsports complex, also known as the “World Center of Racing,” boasts the most diverse schedule of racing on the globe. In addition to at least nine major event weekends, the Speedway grounds are also used extensively for events that include concerts, civic and social gatherings, car shows, photo shoots, production vehicle testing, and police motorcycle training.

About the Beef Checkoff. The Beef Checkoff 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.

federation of state Beef CoUnCils Update

Producer’s Story Comes Full Circle. Marvin Frink, an Army veteran and cattle producer in North Carolina, is an open book, willing to share his story of pain, mental health, and perseverance not only with other producers but also with consumers. His service and advocacy efforts were initially highlighted in the November 2021 Federation Page of National Cattlemen . What started as a story to honor cattle producers who served in the military, Frink’s message of hope and healing through cattle has now made it to mainstream newsstands.

In May, Marvin and his wife, Tanisha, welcomed a dozen veterans with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) to their farm for a weekend to experience what Frink calls “agri-therapy,” working with the land and animals to help heal invisible wounds. A reporter for People magazine made the trip as well, documenting Frink’s work for a story featured in the July 25 issue.

In addition to the print circulation of 2.5 million readers, People online has a potential reach of more than 45 million. People also posted a link to the story on their Twitter page, where they have more than 7.7 million followers.

Combine People’s outreach with Beef Checkoff funded Beef. It’s What’s For Dinner. social networks, and Frink’s message is reaching consumers across the country. The Beef. It’s What’s For Dinner. Facebook page has more than 980,000 followers, and the post about Frink’s story received the second most engagement of any post this year. The post has been “liked” more than 515 times and shared more than 160 times.

State beef councils from coast to coast also shared the article with their followers, and the story received more engagement than other posts typically receive. Wounded Warrior Project posted a link to the People story on their Facebook page, where they have more than three million followers. More than 5,400 Wounded Warrior Project Facebook followers “liked” Frink’s story.

This is an example of how one producer makes a powerful impact by sharing with others what he does to help his country, his family, his fellow veterans, and his industry.

Link to People article - https:// people.com/human-interest/how-a-herdof-cattle-helped-iraq-war-veteran-withptsd-find-healing/

Early Bites With Beef. Beef is an important complementary food for infants and toddlers during the first few years of life when rapid growth and development occur. Health authorities like the Dietary Guidelines for Americans, the World Health Organization, and the American Academy of Pediatrics recommend animal source foods, like beef, to ensure nutrient needs – such as iron and zinc –are met. Proper nutrition is critical during this time, particularly since by six months of age, iron stores are depleted, and breastmilk alone can no longer meet all the infant’s nutrient requirements.1-4

Introducing meats, like beef, has a purpose beyond simply meeting essential nutrient needs. Beef offers new and different flavors and textures that not only support oral and motor development but also enhance discovery and learning, helping toddlers accept new and healthy foods as they grow and develop healthy eating habits.

To educate both health professionals and parents about beef as an early complementary food, the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA), a contractor to the Beef Checkoff, continued the Early Bites With Beef Campaign in 2022. Campaign goals included advancing awareness and increasing health professional recommendations that beef can (and should) be a safe complementary first food for babies starting at around six months of age and continuing throughout childhood and providing consumers with information about how to effectively and safely feed babies beef.

Funding from the Federation of State Beef Councils and individual states extended outreach efforts to health professionals nationwide. More than 3,000 toolkits, complete with posters, fact sheets, and newsletters, were distributed to pediatric health care offices in 32 states. Health professional response to toolkits was very positive, with nearly 9 in 10 professionals recommending or intending to recommend beef to parents and caregivers. In addition, 75 percent of respondents reported being more knowledgeable about beef as an early complementary food after receiving the information. On the consumer side, half of the respondents reported that receiving the information from their pediatric professional made them more likely to feed beef to their child.

Peer to peer education efforts were further enhanced with a live webinar featuring Katie Ferraro, MPH, RDN, CDE. The Self Feeding from Baby’s First Bites event reached nearly 3,000 attendees, including pediatricians, registered dietitians, and other health professionals. Following the event, 93 percent of attendees agreed that beef could safely support babies’ developmental needs and serve as the foundation for lifelong healthy eating patterns. Based on what attendees learned during the webinar, 70 percent indicated that they would make changes to their nutrition practice.

Advertisements promoting beef as an early complementary food were placed in publications targeting health professionals, including the American Academy of Pediatrics, American Academy of Family Physicians, Contemporary Pediatrics, Journal of the American Academy of Physician Assistants , and Healthy Children Magazine . Articles written by fellow health professionals also shared information about how beef’s iron matters in the first two years and how meat helps make every bite count.

For consumers, recipes were developed with early years eaters in mind to make it easy for families to serve dishes everyone at every age can enjoy. The recipes were included in a special section of the Checkoff funded www. BeefItsWhatsForDinner.com website, as well as in materials shared with consumers. New videos, social posts, and display ads were also developed to reach parents with information about family friendly meals and the health benefits of beef. A partnership with popular parenting website, Cubby provided creative ways to incorporate beef into kids’ diets as well as other beef centric information over a six week social campaign and newsletter

sponsorship.

Rural consumers were also specifically targeted through YouTube video ads and native advertising. In addition, four states extended the message at the local level with their investments. The messaging reached more than two million consumers in rural areas across the country.

Feeding babies beef at six months of age is still a relatively new concept for both pediatricians and consumers. Providing these audiences with information about beef’s role as an early complementary food influences how health professionals talk about beef with their patients and drives demand for beef. Overall, the successful Early Bites With Beef campaign generated more than 76.5 million impressions, including 6.5 million digital video views and 9.5 million audio ad listens. Learn more at www. beefitswhatsfordinner.com/nutrition/beefin-the-early-years

References

1American Academy of Pediatrics. Pediatric Nutrition Handbook. 7 th ed. Elk Grove, Ill.: American Academy of Pediatrics, 2014.

2 Dietary Guidelines Advisory Committee. 2020. Scientific Report of the 2020 Dietary Guidelines Advisory Committee: Advisory Report to the Secretary of Agriculture and the Secretary of Health and Human Services. U.S. Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service, Washington, D.C.

3 Schwarzenberg S.J., et al. Advocacy for improving nutrition in the first 1000 days to support childhood development and adult health. Pediatrics 2018;141:e20173716.

4U.S. Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service. FoodData Central, 2019. www.fdc.nal.usda.gov/fdcapp.html#/food-details/170208/nutrients

Government Needs to Get Out of the Way; Allow Auction Owners to Drive Packing Capacity and Competition. The cattle industry and policy makers agree - we need to increase U.S. beef packing capacity, ideally by adding new competitors to the marketplace. Livestock Marketing Association is leading the charge to change an outdated rule keeping livestock auction owners from investing in small and regional packing plants. LMA is pleased to have great congressional partners in this effort, as well as the support of the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association, U.S. Cattlemen’s Association), American Sheep Industry Association, National Pork Producers Council, and many state based groups.

Livestock auction markets like mine are in the competition business. We take pride in working for our consignors. It is our job to get the top dollar possible for the livestock our customers trust us to sell on their behalf.

However, auctions can only serve the best interests of their consignors if there are multiple active bidders and buyers. Many auctions have fewer packer buyers than they once did due to consolidation. Some want to be part of the solution by investing in new or expanding packing facilities that can compete with other packers for livestock. In an auction, an additional buyer drives up competition and prices.

Unfortunately, an outdated regulation (9 CFR 201.67) prohibits livestock auction owners from owning or investing in meat

packing businesses.

In today’s environment, where the cattle industry is focused on wanting more packers to compete for livestock, we should be encouraging investment in packing businesses, not prohibiting it. In fact, the public nature and competitive environment of a livestock auction make procurement of cattle through the auction an ideal scenario, although unlikely to be the main procurement method for a large fed cattle plant.

The Amplifying Processing of Livestock in the United States (A-PLUS) Act (H.R. 7438) would help address this issue by allowing livestock auction owners to also own or invest in small and regional packing plants. The Senate companion bill is the Expanding Local Meat Processing Act (S.4709).

To understand why the prohibition existed in the first place, you need to think about the industry structure at the time. The Packer & Stockyards (P&S) Act, which turned 100 last year, dates back to the terminal stockyards of the early 1900s and issues with a lack of separation between buying and selling agents in this environment. At that time, many producers sent livestock to terminal markets on railcars and were not present when they were sold. The market agency selling on commission in that context was an individual who represented livestock to the big packers, who all had slaughter facilities located alongside the terminal stockyards.

This predates the current, transparent method of selling livestock at an open

auction to the highest bidder. Unlike the terminal stockyards of days gone by, sales at livestock auctions today occur in a sale ring with an auctioneer driving price up between competing bidders. Sellers and buyers both attend the auction and can raise concerns if they do not like the way the sale is conducted. In many cases, these auctions are also broadcast online for viewers and recorded.

In addition to the natural openness, an auction environment brings, P&S Act regulations, such as 9 CFR 201.56, further require transparency. For example, P&S mandates livestock auctions sell consigned livestock openly, at the highest bid. The same regulation also requires disclosure to the seller when someone affiliated with the auction buys livestock out of the sale. These rules function well in other classes of livestock, such as calves or feeder cattle, where it is common for a buying business to have a common owner with the livestock auction, and often the result is higher prices for the consignors.

Allowing livestock auction owners to invest in small and regional packers will create competition against large packing entities that already exist. Large packers will not be able to operate livestock auction markets as there is a threshold cutoff of 2,000 head of cattle/ day or 700,000 head of cattle/year in the bills. This would keep the prohibition, so livestock auctions could not invest in a packer greater than that size. At the same time, the current ten largest beef packers would be prohibited from also owning or investing in an auction market. We’ve had LMA member auctions interested in owning local locker plants or being part of an investment group building a regional facility. In the case of a regional facility, we need to allow it to be a large enough scale to be successful. Balancing this with the desire to keep the largest packers from growing in market share is how the

threshold cutoff was developed.

At the end of the day, perhaps the fundamental question is whether the government should control who is permitted to invest in packing capacity. Under current rules, USDA excludes a large group of knowledgeable and passionate livestock industry participants from creating more competition for slaughter livestock. I know many livestock auction owners who would rather not get involved in the packing industry, which is fine. The problem is they do not currently have a right to choose how to invest their funds and knowledge back into the industry.

It does not seem right that this prohibition exists. At the same time, packers can currently buy and shut down livestock auctions and then use the facility as a buying station, which is a fixed facility drop off point for livestock in the country. These buying stations lack the benefit of a transparent auction setting to arrive at true price discovery. Producers are paid what that packer is willing to give that day, and that price becomes less competitive over time. Packers are also able to buy packing facilities from others and continue to operate them as packing plants, subject to DOJ review, whether or not these bills pass.

Regardless of how you feel about it, packers today can also legally own, finance, or align themselves with feed yards. However, a livestock auction owner or manager cannot own or invest in a packing facility regardless of size or scope, if the auction owner is active in packer business decision making, or if the livestock processed are procured at the auction business or not. In one situation, we had an LMA member auction that also had a local meat marketing business. They were having cattle custom harvested in an unrelated facility and selling the meat. USDA went after them, claiming the definition of packer is so broad that they were in violation of the rule having these two complementary businesses. In that case, the family had to separate the two businesses.

You can’t tell me that doesn’t feel like a double standard, with livestock auctions being subject to a different set of rules than other businesses in our industry.

This bill may not fix every issue the industry has with packing capacity and fed cattle marketing. It does not claim to. However, it is a big step in the right direction. In today’s environment, where the cattle industry is focused on additional shackle space and wants more packers to compete for livestock, the benefit of new packers entering the marketplace far outweigh the risks contemplated by the dated regulation currently on the books.

Anyone with questions or ideas about these bills is encouraged to reach out to Livestock Marketing Association Vice President of Government and Industry Affairs and Legal Chelsea Good at cgood@lmaweb.com or 816-305-9540.

Quality cattle management recognized through value added program. Marketing calves through a value added program shows real results for a Missouri family farm. On the rolling fescue covered hills of eastern Missouri, just a few miles off the Mississippi River, the Karl family works hard to raise quality cattle.

The fourth generation family farm is owned and operated by brothers Davey and Ronnie Karl and Ronnie’s son, Ryan. All three work off the farm full time but spend just as much time in the evenings, weekends, and time off caring for their cattle and the land as they do working their day jobs.

“I tell everybody, once I’m back from my town job, I’m out until dark 30… seven days a week,” says Davey. “We all stick together until the work gets done.”

Davey and Ronnie’s grandfather started Karl Farms near Weingarten, Missouri. Their father later maintained the business with just a few beef cows for many years. Then, nearly 40 years ago, as teenagers, the brothers wanted to have a herd of their own and bought two cows from a neighbor and subsequently bought heifers from their father.

“We bought those two pet cows and continued to grow through the years to more than 300 cows now,” says Ronnie.

Throughout those 40 years of growth, Davey and Ronnie grew their herd of commercial Angus, Simmental, and Hereford influenced cows by raising quality replacements and making timely purchases when neighbors were scaling back.

Marketing ups and downs - Karl Farms runs spring and fall calving herds, helping maximize their bull power and optimize their marketing windows.

Having a few different times each year to market calves has let Karl Farms implement different marketing strategies. In the early days, Davey and Ronnie sold calves at various local sale barns in their region.

“We’ve always given our calves two rounds of shots off of the cow and weaned them for 60 days. But, we didn’t have a way to verify our work,” says Ronnie.

About 20 years ago, a value added program became regionally available. It lasted for a few years, and then the local support for the program went away, so Karl Farms was back to square one.

“We had to go back to playing the

market with whichever sale barn we thought would have better results,” says Ronnie.

Adding value - Even selling without a value added program to back up their production practices, Karl Farms built a reputation for quality calves.

“Despite not finishing a lot of their cattle out, they still want the next guy to have a good product,” says Tod Wideman, a local sales representative with Purina dealer Gateway FS, Inc. “And they have a really good reputation.”

Karl Farms routinely marketed their heifers to other local farmers through private treaty sales as replacement females and still do today. Still, the sale results for steers and non-replacement heifers weren’t what the family thought they could be.

In 2015, Wideman began a pilot project with Gateway FS, Inc. to market calves fed Purina starter feeds through a value added program. One of the first farms to get involved was Karl Farms.

“We jumped on board, and we’ve been selling high ever since,” says Ryan. “We’ve had nothing but a good experience with it.”

This pilot project would one day become the Purina Plus value added program, which rolled out nationally in 2021 and is one of the first programs of its kind to marry industry leading nutrition and health protocols. Program requirements include feeding Purina starters with RX3 Immune Support Technology at weaning, vaccinating with approved products, and utilizing program approved dewormers.

Seeing success - Karl Farms has marketed 15 sets of calves through the value added program at a regional sale barn.

“Back when we marketed them ourselves, we always did good,” says Ronnie. “But with the current value added program, it just went from beyond good to excellent. There’s just no comparison.”

Something the Karl family believes helps set apart their current marketing through a value added program from their previous experience is the support of their local feed dealer.

“The best thing about going to these programs is when you’ve got a guy like Tod, he’s right there for you,” says Ryan. “Our experience has been nothing but excellent. Even marketing. Tod goes above and beyond to help market those calves.”

When asked if they plan to continue marketing calves with the value added program, Davey says, “That’s a big Y-E-S. Yes. Yes. Yes.”

Cut cattle feed costs; don’t cut corners. Maximize efficiency and minimize waste to help cut feed costs without impacting production. Whether you’re in an area suffering from drought or not, cattle feed cost is the single largest expense in the cow/calf sector, and prices are still on the rise. Although the future looks strong, with a recent CattleFax report predicting the gap between calf prices and cash cow costs to narrow in 2022, the current situation has producers asking, “Where can I cut?”1

“Decisions made today can affect calf weaning weights this year, how quick a cow will rebreed and calve next year, and even the weight of her next year’s calf,” reminds N.T. Cosby, Ph.D., senior consulting nutritionist with Purina Animal Nutrition. “Producers looking for cost savings should choose strategies to save money now, without losing advantage in strong markets later.”

“Utilizing tactics to cut waste and inefficiencies when feeding cattle can have an impact on an operation’s bottom line,” says Cosby. “The goal is to cut costs without sacrificing performance.”

Explore management strategies to help reduce cattle feed costs:

1. Maximize stored cattle feedWhen cattle feed is not stored properly, it loses volume and nutritional value. Avoid shrink loss and packing issues by harvesting haylage and silage at the right moisture level. Ensure proper fermentation by storing in an anaerobic environment and utilizing inoculants.

Inside storage for hay is ideal, but when not feasible, store on a surface that allows for drainage, such as gravel, tires, or railroad ties, to keep the underside of bales dry. Proper spacing between bales allows air movement and improves drying when the weather does impact bales.

Be aware of storing timelines when feeding wet byproducts. Distillers’ grains and gluten must be fed within four days in summer and within a week in winter.

2. Take advantage of grazing opportunities - In areas with available pastures, a strategic grazing program can help increase your operation’s carrying capacity, extend grazing days and reduce dependence on harvested and stored feed.

Design a cattle grazing program to make the most of your available forages:

• Grazing programs can include strategic fencing, water placement, herding, pasture rotation and rest, forage species variation, and more.

• Consider strip grazing crop aftermath, like corn stalks.

• Encourage cattle grazing in underutilized pasture by limiting them to certain pasture sections and slowly adding and removing sections over time.

• Supplements such as blocks, protein tubs, or liquid supplements can promote cattle grazing in underutilized pasture or range areas, potentially increasing grazing days.

3. Monitor mineral intake - “A well balanced mineral supplement is the cornerstone of a nutrition program that can impact reproduction, health, longevity, soundness, and efficient energy utilization,” Cosby emphasized.

The biggest factor affecting mineral cost is consistent intake.

“If a mineral isn’t being consumed, the rancher has paid for something that is giving no return,” says Cosby. “If the mineral is over consumed, the cost per day may exceed the value returned.”

Monitor mineral intake and adjust the number of mineral feeders and the location of feeding stations to achieve your goal consumption rate.

4. Avoid hay waste - According to the University of Nebraska, feeding hay to cattle with 24 hour free choice access can result in 25-45 percent hay waste due to sorting, trampling on, and soiling the hay. Feeding hay in smaller amounts and in well drained areas can reduce waste. Also, research the most efficient hay rings or utilize “hay traps” that reduce access time. Operations in drier climates or range settings may consider unrolling hay or processed forages.

“The cow/calf business is more of a marathon than a sprint,” shares Cosby. “Cutting extra input costs from waste and inefficiency can allow you to make your feed dollars work harder now and keep your operation on track for long term goals.”

Reference

1CattleFax weekly bulletin. June 3, 2022, Issue 26.

About Purina Animal Nutrition LLC. Purina (www.purinamills.com) is a national organization serving producers, animal owners, and their families through more than 4,700 local cooperatives, independent dealers, and other large retailers throughout the United States. Driven to unlock the greatest potential in every animal, the company is an industry leading innovator offering a valued portfolio of complete feeds, supplements, premixes, ingredients, and specialty technologies for the livestock and lifestyle animal markets. Purina Animal Nutrition LLC is headquartered in Arden Hills, Minn., and is a wholly owned subsidiary of Land O’Lakes, Inc.

Carolina Video and Load Lot Monthly Summary

(Weeks ending AUGUST 2, AUGUST 9, & AUGUST 16, 2022)

Carolina Video and Load Lot Monthly Summary of Mid-Atlantic Cattle Sales ending Tuesday, AUGUST 2, 2022; WNC Livestock Exchange Cattle Sales ending Tuesday, AUGUST 9; and Mid-Atlantic Cattle Sales ending Tuesday, AUGUST 16, 2022. All cattle in this report are located in North Carolina and South Carolina. Prices FOB the farm or local scale and many weighed with a 0-2 percent shrink and sold with a 5-10¢ per pound slide on the heavy side only.

Cattle Receipts: 3,183

Last Month: 2,362

Feeders made up 100 percent of the offering. The feeder supply included 65 percent steers and 35 percent heifers. Nearly 96 percent of the run weighed over 600 pounds. Head totals are based on load lot estimate of 49,500 pounds.

FEEDER STEERS (Medium and Large 1)

Head Wt. Range Avg. Wt. Price Range Avg. Price Delivery

82 600-600 600 $187.00 $187.00

35 695-695 695 $182.00 $182.00 Value Added

73 675-675 675 $170.50 $170.50

40 730-730 730 $183.25 $183.25 Split Loads

Head Wt. Range Avg. Wt. Price Range Avg. Price Delivery

63 775-775 775 $180.00 $180.00 Natural

59 820-820 820 $170.75 $170.75

Head Wt. Range Avg. Wt. Price Range Avg. Price Delivery

95 510-510 510 $201.00 $201.00 Natural

86 565-565 565 $178.25 $178.25 Natural

139 575-580 578 $188.75-$192.00 $190.71 Value Added

88 550-550 550 $204.50 $204.50

114 640-640 640 $192.50 $192.50 Natural

620-620 620 $181.00 $181.00

130 660-680 669 $191.75 $191.75 Natural

140 650-680 662 $170.25-$186.25 $177.39 Split Loads

31 650-650 650 $186.25 $186.25 Split Loads

145 660-675 667 $193.00-$193.25 $193.12 Value Added

75 650-650 650 $191.25 $191.25

75 650-650 650 $171.00 $171.00

61 720-720 720 $165.50 $165.00 Natural

66 735-735 735 $177.50 $177.00 Natural

318 700-740 724 $164.00-$188.75 $180.68 Split Loads

36 720-720 720 $184.50 $184.50 Split Loads

204 700-735 711 $185.25-$190.25 $199.21 Value Added

69 700-700 700 $172.00 $172.00

Head Wt. Range Avg. Wt. Price Range Avg. Price Delivery

90 550-550 550 $173.50 $173.50

680-680 680 $183.25 $183.25 Split Loads

Head Wt. Range Avg. Wt. Price Range Avg. Price Delivery

510-510 510 $165.50 $165.50 Value Added

565-565 565 $178.25 $178.25 Split Loads

550-550 550 $166.25 $166.25 Natural

620-620 620 $176.25 $176.25 Split Loads

620-625 624 $160.25-$180.75 $169.08 Split Loads

610-610 610 $171.00 $171.00 Value Added

600-615 609 $155.00-$175.50 $163.91

650-650 650 $162.50 $162.50 Natural

650-680 663 $154.00-$179.00 $169.53 Split Loads

650-660 655 $170.00-$172.25 $171.11 Value Added

675-675 675 $180.00 $180.00 Value Added

675-675 675 $172.50 $172.50 Value Added

690-690 690 $172.75 $172.75 Value Added

Head Wt. Range Avg. Wt. Price Range Avg. Price Delivery

725-735 730 $165.00-$169.50 $167.23

885-885 885 $173.50 $173.50 Value Added

850-850 850 $165.75 $165.75

Head Wt. Range Avg. Wt. Price Range Avg. Price Delivery

880-880 880 $165.00 $165.00

Head Wt. Range Avg. Wt. Price Range Avg. Price Delivery

750-750 750 $176.00 $176.00 Natural

760-760 760 $168.75-$184.00 $176.38 Split Loads

750-750 750 $185.25 $185.25 Value Added

765-775 770 $185.00-$185.50 $185.25 Value Added

775-775 775 $174.50-$183.00 $178.75 Value Added

750-750 750 $164.00 $164.00

750-775 762 $166.75-$169.50 $168.10

800-800 800 $181.00 $181.00 Natural

825-825 825 $170.00 $170.00 Natural

825-825 825 $181.50 $181.50 Split Loads

61 800-800 800 $178.25 $178.25 Value Added

800-800 800 $178.00 $178.00 Value Added

800-825 812 $178.75-$181.75 $180.28 Value Added

61 800-800 800 $169.75 $169.75

825-825 825 $164.00 $164.00

880-880 880 $178.50 $178.50 Split Loads

875-875 875 $175.50 $175.50 Value Added

900-900 900 $175.00 $175.00 Split Loads

Head Wt. Range Avg. Wt. Price Range Avg. Price Delivery

650-650 650 $159.50 $159.50

Head Wt. Range Avg. Wt. Price Range Avg. Price Delivery

675-675 675 $157.50 $157.50

725-725 725 $160.00 $160.00 Natural

700-700 700 $184.50 $184.50 Split Loads

710-740 721 $156.50-$176.00 $168.22 Split Loads

715-715 715 $174.25 $174.25 Value Added

730-730 730 $173.50 $173.50 Value Added

740-740 740 $175.50 $175.50 Value Added

760-760 760 $166.00 $166.00 Natural

775-775 775 $169.25 $169.25 Value Added

750-750 750 $152.75 $152.75

765-765 765 $151.00 $151.00

815-815 815 $178.50 $178.50 Split Loads

850-850 850 $167.00 $167.00 Split Loads

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

Success Through Sustainability: A Proactive Approach to Deworming.

“It’s important to recognize that producers are doing so many things right,” said Dan Cummings, DVM, Boehringer Ingelheim.

“A sustainable approach to deworming isn’t about correcting wrongs. It’s really about stewardship and building toward a sustainable future.”

Updating your deworming protocol could help combat parasite resistance and set your operation up for long term success. Dr. Cummings shared four pillars of a proactive approach:

Pillar one: Diagnostics - Routine diagnostic testing is an essential part of parasite control. Diagnostics can be used to monitor the efficacy of products, assess herd health, and determine the presence of resistant parasites.

“Diagnostics are critical to understanding what products and protocols work for your individual farm,” stressed Dr. Cummings. “The use of testing allows producers to ensure the best possible approach moving forward.”

Dr. Cummings recommends speaking with a veterinarian about fecal egg count reduction testing (FECRT) as part of a diagnostic strategy.

Pillar two: Combination treatment - All commercially available dewormers control parasites. Where they differ is the spectrum of parasites covered as well as the duration of their ability to control parasites.

Commonly used cattle dewormers can be divided into two categories, depending

on their chemical structure: benzimidazoles (white dewormers) and macrocyclic lactones (endectocides). Combination treatment is an approach that requires using dewormers from each category.

“Using the same product over and over again can open the door for more parasites to survive,” explained Dr. Cummings. “Using a white dewormer and an endectocide targets the parasites in different ways, and could potentially reduce the amount of parasite survivors.”

Pillar three: Refugia - “The simplest way to think about refugia is to start with the root word, refuge,” said Dr. Cummings. “The goal is to create a population of parasites that are in ‘refuge’ from the drug.”

Refugia is recognized as one of the most important factors in delaying the onset of parasite resistance. The idea is to have a population of parasites that are not exposed to selection pressure. This is accomplished by selectively choosing not to deworm a percentage of your herd. Consult a veterinarian for help in determining the appropriate number of animals to leave untreated.

Pillar four: Pasture management

Good management practices are key to slowing the development of antiparasitic resistance in livestock and can help to ensure current treatment options remain effective.1

Limiting overgrazing, maintaining appropriate forage heights, and rotating pastures are all ways to reduce parasite loads in your pastures and limit the

number of infective parasite larvae ingested by cattle.

“Pasture management is crucial,” expressed Dr. Cummings. “We’ve learned that most infective larvae are found in the bottom two inches of pasture.2 If cattle are allowed to overgraze, parasite transmission increases due to the likelihood of ingesting infective larvae because they’re grazing lower to the ground.”

With spring parasite season just around the corner, it’s the perfect time to consider your deworming goals and refresh your practices if needed. “Implementing these four strategies could help to maximize productivity in your herd, reduce the risk of parasite resistance, and, ultimately, contribute to a sustainable future for our industry,” concluded Dr. Cummings.

References

1 FDA’s Center for Veterinary Medicine – Helpful Information for Veterinarians: Antiparasitic resistance in cattle and small ruminants in the United States: how to detect it and what to do about it. Available at www. fda.gov/downloads/AnimalVeterinary/ ResourcesforYou/UCM347442.pdf .

Accessed November 15, 2021.

2 Paras K.L., Kaplan R.M.. Assessment, management, and control of internal parasites in beef cattle production systems, in Proceedings. Annu Am Assoc Bovine Pract Conf 2019;55-59.

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.

a Virginia Herd Health Management Services, PC

In Vitro Fertilization (IVF) & Embryo Transfer (ET)

*

AVAILABLE

Ruminant Laparoscopic

Figure 1. Classes of beef cattle dewormers

Latest John Deere self propelled forage harvesters offer improved performance and uptime with lower ownership costs. John Deere has added three new Deere powered self propelled forage harvesters to its lineup – the 9500, 9600, and 9700. Each model addresses the needs of contractors, customer harvesters, and dairy and livestock producers challenged by increased operating costs, shorter harvesting windows, and a smaller pool of skilled workers.

“John Deere expanded the horsepower offerings for our wide body forage harvesters that include the 9500 to 9900 models to provide improved performance and made updates to maximize machine uptime and reduce cost of operation,” said Chase Milem, marketing manager with John Deere. “Customers now have more choices than ever when it comes to selecting a new John Deere forage harvester.”

The 9500 (755 max hp), 9600 (775 max hp), and 9700 (813 max hp) feature the new John Deere Power Systems JD18X, 18L engine. The new engine provides market leading productivity with up to 13 percent higher efficiency due to the diesel only innovation of the engine that does not require DEF fluid.

The JD18X features a 750 hour service interval – an improvement of 33 percent compared to the previously used 13.5L engine. Since no DEF fluid is required, ownership costs are kept low, and machine reliability is increased. For customers with higher horsepower requirements, John Deere still offers the 9800 (855 max hp) and 9900 (956 max hp) models equipped with the Liebherr 24L engine.

“The ideal performance characteristics of the John Deere engine decrease fuel

consumption and are perfectly aligned and synchronized for outstanding crop flow through the machine,” Milem said. “This is partly due to our industry exclusive HarvestMotion™ Plus engine technology. HarvestMotion Plus provides a unique torque rise curve and extra power at low engine rpm, which increase power so operators can push through tough conditions while maintaining crop harvesting quality.”

In addition, each 9000 Series comes equipped with a new spout that provides better operator visibility while unloading and boosts machine reliability compared to previous models. Thanks to the addition of more clean outs and a change in the geometry of the spout, customers can run in “sticky” crop conditions for longer periods of time without plugging. This helps make the forage harvester easier to load while providing more comfort to the operator than in previous models.

“Contractors and custom harvesters will appreciate the constant maximum throughput these forage harvesters provide, along with a cab that features enhanced operator visibility and comfort,” Milem said. “Reliability, low cost of operation, increased quality of completed work, minimized daily maintenance requirements and reduced total fluid consumption were key improvements John Deere made that will benefit customers.”

One way dairy and livestock operations can take full advantage of the improved forage quality and kernel processing of the 9000 Series is by using John Deere Premium or XStream KP™ kernel processors. “Each delivers exceptional corn silage processing scores regardless of cut length,” Milem said.

test unit that can analyze up to seven constituents. These constituents include NDF, crude protein, moisture, sugar, starch, crude fiber, ash and ADF. Using the documented information, farmers can quickly analyze data from worked fields, adjust fertilizer use, select optimal varieties for the upcoming season, and improve water management.”

When it comes to staying connected to their forage harvesters, Milem said John Deere makes it easy by including JDLink™ hardware in base equipment on the 9000 Series and the ability to turn on the JDLink Connection in John Deere Operations Center™ for free. A JDLink connection allows field and machine data from the cab to be sent wirelessly to Operations Center. The Operations Center mobile app gives access to that field and machine data from anywhere, anytime. Custom harvesters can set up work

plans before harvesting and send them wirelessly to the Gen 4 display in the cab, monitor harvest progress, and analyze results and machine data. Having access to this data can support operators, saving owners time and money.

About John Deere. Deere & Company is a global leader in the delivery of agricultural, construction, and forestry equipment. We help our customers push the boundaries of what’s possible in ways that are more productive and sustainable to help life leap forward. Our technology enabled products, including John Deere Autonomous 8R Tractor, See & Spray™, and E-Power Backhoe are just some of the ways we help meet the world’s increasing need for food, shelter, and infrastructure. Deere & Company also provides financial services through John Deere Financial. For more information, visit www.JohnDeere.com

Carolina Cooking

Easy Roast Beef Potluck Rolls

Total Time - 30 minutes

1 pound thinly sliced reduced sodium deli roast beef 1 package Hawaiian rolls (12 count)

¼ cup cream style prepared horseradish 6 slices reduced fat provolone cheese

⅓ cup butter, melted 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce

1 tablespoon dried parsley leaves 2 teaspoons packed light brown sugar ¼ teaspoon onion powder

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

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

John Deere offers integrated technology for self propelled forage harvesters, with fully integrated AutoTrac™ RowSense™ guidance, Active Fill Control with rear unloading, and the Generation 4 Universal Display. “These are industry leading features that are available as options from the factory,” Milem said.

Another option Milem highlighted is John Deere HarvestLab™ 3000, which provides on the go constituent sensing and documentation. “Customers have told us for years how much they appreciate the versatility of HarvestLab 3000,” Milem said. “It can be used as a manure sensing tool and as a stand alone stationary

Preheat the oven to 350°F.

Coat a 9x13 inch baking dish with cooking spray. Cut rolls in half horizontally. Place bottom half in prepared baking dish; spread horseradish on the cut side. Top with deli roast beef and cheese. Close sandwiches. Using a paring knife, cut into 12 sandwiches.

Cook’s Tip: You may substitute Dijon mustard for prepared horseradish.

Combine butter, Worcestershire sauce, parsley, sugar, and onion powder in a small bowl; mix to combine. Pour butter mixture evenly over prepared sandwiches. Cover and refrigerate for 1 hour to overnight.

Bake sandwiches, uncovered, in 350°F oven for 15-20 minutes or until cheese is melted and rolls are golden brown.

Makes 12 servings.

Easy Roast Beef Potluck Rolls

Management Tip – How to Get More Out of Your Forage. Allowing cattle to graze pastures and crop fields has traditionally been the cheapest way to feed and maintain these animals. However, that old paradigm may have recently changed. Whether you are growing and harvesting more forages to feed to cattle, continuing the tradition of allowing cattle to do the harvesting through grazing, or a combination of both, the truth is feed has gotten a lot more expensive. Because of this, it will pay extra in the long run if you manage forage to maximize quality and tonnage regardless of how you are utilizing it.

1. Understand how forage quality and yield change - Forages contain nutritional components that are quite digestible, including sugars, starch, soluble carbohydrates, and some lipids (fats). The digestibility of the fiber components of forages can differ substantially. As the plant matures, it adds more lignin and becomes less digestible for the rumen. Additionally, some of the protein present will be bound and unavailable to the rumen bugs or the animal.

Armed with that knowledge, it might be logical to conclude that you should just always graze or harvest forages when they are young and vegetative. Yet, any producer knows that trying to harvest any crop at exactly the right time is logistically impossible. Weather, manpower, breakdowns, and in the case of grazing, a lack of fencing or the ability to move cattle to different pastures are all formidable challenges. Secondly, although the plant’s fiber quality and protein content are highest when it is young and vegetative, its tonnage production is at its lowest. Harvesting forages (whether that is a pasture, hayfield, or cover crop) is

always a balancing act of maximizing quality and tonnage with the limitations of your resources and mother nature.

2. Make sure to match your forage to your animal production needsEnvironmental conditions will dictate how well forages grow during different seasons and how fast they will mature. The two main categories that forages are broken into are cool season and warm season. Cool season grasses are most productive in the spring and fall because they respond well to cooler temperatures and higher soil moisture. Warm season grasses are specifically triggered by the length of the day and are most productive during the warmer summer months. It is important to recognize what kind of forage a producer is dealing with when trying to balance and maximize forage quality and yield.

The goal of a producer should be to match your class of livestock to your forage resources. Younger, growing cattle require a more energy dense forage with a high level of protein. Lactating cows with calves at side require larger amounts of forage with moderate levels of energy and protein. Dry, pregnant cows can maintain themselves fairly well on quite low quality forages if the crude protein of their total diet stays adequate.

3. Provide a suitable supplement to help improve performance - In addition to providing suitable forage, do not neglect the mineral and vitamin needs of cattle. Forages, in general, are a poor source for both. Make sure you are providing a high quality and well fortified mineral supplement (phosphorous, calcium, magnesium, zinc, copper, manganese, selenium, and salt) with vitamins. It’s also beneficial to incorporate additional feed additives with your

that can improve the digestibility

Some newer feed additives have also been shown to improve animal digestive health and immunity. When it comes to choosing additional feed additives, make sure you are choosing a product that can be stored under various conditions and will not lose its effectiveness under different temperature and environmental extremes. It is important that those feed additives have research that can back them up.

About Diamond V. Diamond V is a leading global animal health business

based in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. Diamond V conducts research in many species and manufactures natural (as defined by the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO)) immune support products for animal health, animal performance, and food safety worldwide. Global headquarters and all Diamond V manufacturing is located in Cedar Rapids. More than 75 years of science, innovation, technology, and quality have earned Diamond V the reputation of The Trusted Experts in Nutrition and Health®

UPDATES!

Cattle Industry Convention Looking for New Talent. Applications Open for National Anthem Contest and Talent Round-Up. The National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA) is looking for new talent to perform during the 2023 Cattle Industry Convention & NCBA Trade Show in New Orleans on February 1-3. Applications for the National Anthem Contest, sponsored by Norbrook, and the Talent Round-Up are now being accepted.

If you can sing, this is your time to shine. The 10 th annual NCBA National Anthem Contest is accepting entries through October 15. The contest winner will perform the “Star Spangled Banner” at the convention’s opening general session as well as the Friday night NCBA event. The winner will also receive round trip airfare to New Orleans, a hotel room for three nights, free convention registration, plus a pair of boots, jeans, and a shirt from Roper or Stetson.

Any member of NCBA, American

2022 South Carolina Sale Barn Cattle Receipts

National CattleWomen, Cattlemen’s Beef Board, or family member are eligible to participate in the contest. Previous NCBA National Anthem Contest winners are not eligible. The top four finalists will be chosen by October 25, and videos will be posted to the convention website at convention.ncba.org. Voting will be open to the public from November 1-18 (one vote per person per day), and the winner will be announced on November 21.

Solo singers, bands, and others with unique talents are also encouraged to enter the Talent Round-Up by November 11. Selected acts will receive a complimentary registration, will be invited to perform on the Beef’s Got Talent stage during the convention, and will be recognized through social media. One Talent RoundUp winner will also perform at the opening of the Friday night event.

For more information and to enter, visit convention.ncba.org . Convention registration and housing opens October 3.

Darlington

Laurens

Orangeburg

Saluda

Williamston

McLeod

BLACK GROVE

FOR SALE

WHITEHALL BEEFMASTERS

Health,

A

Inc.

ANGUS

The Josey Agency, Inc. Douglas Josey

ANGUS

Oct. 8 — Edisto Performance Tested Bred Heifer Sale, Blackville, S.C.

Oct. 8 — Oliver Angus 8th Annual Bull & Female Sale, West Point, Ga.

Oct. 15 — Fred Smith Company Ranch Extra Effort Fall Sale, Clayton, N.C.

Oct. 23 — High Ridge Farms Genetic Opportunity Sale, Albemarle, N.C.

Oct. 28 — 28th Annual Hokie Harvest Sale, Blacksburg, Va.

Oct. 28 — Yon Family Farms Fall Female Sale, Ridge Spring, S.C.

Oct. 29 — Yon Family Farms Fall Bull Sale, Ridge Spring, S.C.

Nov. 5 — Barnett Angus Ranches 3rd Annual Bull Sale, Washington, Ga.

Nov. 5 — TJB Gelbvieh & Balancer

Maternal Magic Annual Bull Sale XI, Chickmauga, Ga.

Nov. 5 — Châtel Farms Fall Bull Sale, Reidsville, Ga.

Nov. 5 — Craven Angus Farm Open House Bull & Female Sale, Seagrove, N.C.

Nov. 5 — Locust Level Farms Bull & Female Sale, Vernon Hill, Va.

Nov. 5 — 14th SimAngus Solution Sale, Burlington, N.C.

Nov. 12 — 21st E.B. & Shane Harris Influence Female & Bull Sale, Oxford, N.C.

Nov. 12 — Gibbs Farms 17th Annual Generations of Progress Bull & Replacement Female Sale, Ranburne, Ala.

Nov. 12 — Lane Angus Farm Angus Bull Sale, Rocky Mount, N.C.

Nov. 12 — McMahan Farm & Hancock Angus Annual Registerd Angus Bull Sale, Mocksville, N.C.

Nov. 17 — Chessie Creek Farm & Partners Inaugural Online Bull Sale

Nov. 19 — 11th Annual Southeast Bull Expo & Sale, Asheboro, N.C.

Dec. 2 — Knoll Crest Farm Total Performance Bull Sale, Red House, Va. Dec. 3 — The Pounds & Profit Sale, Snow Camp, N.C.

Dec. 3 — 47th Annual Union County Performance Test Bull Sale, Monroe, N.C. Dec. 10 — Springfield Angus Bull Sale, Louisburg, N.C.

2023

Jan. 7 — 14th Annual EBS Select Bull & Heifer Sale, Norwood, N.C.

Feb. 9 — 30th Annual UGA Focus on Genetically Enhanced EPDs Sale, Athens, Ga.

Feb. 11 — Black Crest Farm Annual Bull & Female Sale, Sumber, S.C.

Feb. 18 — Yon Family Farms Spring Sale, Ridge Spring, S.C.

Apr. 8 — Knoll Crest Farm’s Spring Bull & Female, Red House, Va.

VENTS

Dec. 1 — Knoll Crest Farm Total Performance Bull Sale, Red House, Va.

Black Hereford

Dec. 10 — 20th Annual Charolais Source Bull Sale, Shelby, N.C

Brahman

Oct. 15 — Circle F Farms Fall Sale, Baxley, Ga.

Brangus

Oct. 28 — Yon Family Farms Fall Female Sale, Ridge Spring, S.C.

Oct. 29 — Yon Family Farms Fall Bull Sale, Ridge Spring, S.C.

Nov. 5 — Barnett Angus Ranches 3rd Annual Bull Sale, Washington, Ga.

Charolais

Oct. 8 — Southern Connection Sale, Knoxville, Tenn.

Oct. 13 — JMAR Genetics “Quality Over Quantity” Charolais Bull & Heifer Sale, via DVAuction.com

Oct. 28 — 28th Annual Hokie Harvest Sale, Blacksburg, Va.

Dec. 3 — The Pounds & Profit Sale, Snow Camp, N.C.

Dec. 10 — 20th Annual Charolais Source Bull Sale, Shelby, N.C.

GELBVIEH

Oct. 8 — Edisto Performance Tested Bred Heifer Sale, Blackville, S.C.

Oct. 29 — Yon Family Farms Fall Sale, Ridge Spring, S.C.

Nov. 5 — TJB Gelbvieh & Balancer Maternal Magic Annual Bull Sale XI, Chickmauga, Ga.

Nov. 19 — Leachman Cattle Company East Coast Stabilizer Sale, Wytheville, Va. Dec. 2 — Knoll Crest Farm Total Performance Bull Sale, Red House, Va. Dec. 3 — 47th Annual Union County Performance Test Bull Sale, Monroe, N.C. 2023

Jan. 18 — Locust Hill Cattle Company 2nd Annual Production Sale, Pelham, N.C. Feb. 18 — Yon Family Farms Spring Sale, Ridge Spring, S.C. Apr. 8 — Knoll Crest Farm’s Spring Bull & Female, Red House, Va. Dec. 1 — Knoll Crest Farm Total Performance Bull Sale, Red House, Va.

HEREFORD

Oct. 8 — Edisto Performance Tested Bred Heifer Sale, Blackville, S.C.

Oct. 17 — White Hawk Ranch Herd Sire Prospect Sale, Buchanan, Ga.

Oct. 28 — 28th Annual Hokie Harvest Sale, Blacksburg, Va.

Nov. 19 — Leachman Cattle Company East Coast Stabilizer Sale, Wytheville, Va. Dec. 2 — Knoll Crest Farm Total Performance Bull Sale, Red House, Va. 2023

Apr. 8 — Knoll Crest Farm’s Spring Bull & Female, Red House, Va. Dec. 1 — Knoll Crest Farm Total Performance Bull Sale, Red House, Va.

RED ANGUS

Oct. 13 — Bieber Fever in the Southeast, Swainsboro, Ga.

Nov. 19 — Leachman Cattle Company East Coast Stabilizer Sale, Wytheville, Va.

santa Gertrudis

Oct. 8 — Edisto Performance Tested Bred Heifer Sale, Blackville, S.C.

SIMMENTAL

Oct. 15 — Fred Smith Company Ranch Extra Effort Fall Sale, Clayton, N.C. Oct. 23 — High Ridge Farms Genetic Opportunity Sale, Albemarle, N.C. Oct. 28 — 28th Annual Hokie Harvest Sale, Blacksburg, Va.

Oct. 28 — Yon Family Farms Fall Female Sale, Ridge Spring, S.C. Oct. 29 — Yon Family Farms Fall Bull Sale, Ridge Spring, S.C. Nov. 5 — 14th SimAngus Solution Sale, Burlington, N.C. Nov. 12 — 21st E.B. & Shane Harris Influence Female & Bull Sale, Oxford, N.C. Nov. 12 — Gibbs Farms 17th Annual Generations of Progress Bull & Replacement Female Sale, Ranburne, Ala. Nov. 19 — Leachman Cattle Company East Coast Stabilizer Sale, Wytheville, Va. Dec. 3 — The Pounds & Profit Sale, Snow Camp, N.C. Dec. 3 — 47th Annual Union County Performance Test Bull Sale, Monroe, N.C. 2023

Feb. 9 — 30th Annual UGA Focus on Genetically Enhanced EPDs Sale, Athens, Ga.

WaGyu

Oct. 1 — Caroland Farms Inaugural Production Sale, Landrum, S.C. Oct. 15 — Vermont Wagyu 4th Annual Production Sale, Springfield, Ver. Nov. 12 — 21st E.B. & Shane Harris Influence Female & Bull Sale, Oxford, N.C.

Livestock market sales

Oct. 3 — Harward Brothers Livestock Market Weekly Sale, Statesville, N.C. Oct. 4 — Mid-Atlantic Cattle Sales Video Auction, via macsvideo.com Oct. 5 — Stanly County Livestock Market Weekly Sale, Norwood, N.C.

Oct. 10 — Harward Brothers Livestock Market Weekly Sale, Statesville, N.C. Oct. 12 — Stanly County Livestock Market Weekly Sale, Norwood, N.C. Oct. 17 — Harward Brothers Livestock Market Weekly Sale, Statesville, N.C.

Oct. 18 — Mid-Atlantic Cattle Sales Video Auction, via macsvideo.com

Oct. 19 — Stanly County Livestock Market Weekly Sale, Norwood, N.C.

Oct. 24 — Harward Brothers Livestock Market Weekly Sale, Statesville, N.C. Oct. 26 — Stanly County Livestock Market Weekly Sale, Norwood, N.C. Oct. 31 — Harward Brothers Livestock Market Weekly Sale, Statesville, N.C. Nov. 1 — Mid-Atlantic Cattle Sales Video Auction, via macsvideo.com

Nov. 2 — Stanly County Livestock Market Weekly Sale, Norwood, N.C.

Nov. 7 — Harward Brothers Livestock Market Weekly Sale, Statesville, N.C. Nov. 9 — Stanly County Livestock Market Weekly Sale, Norwood, N.C. Nov. 14 — Harward Brothers Livestock Market Weekly Sale, Statesville, N.C. Nov. 15 — Mid-Atlantic Cattle Sales Video Auction, via macsvideo.com

Nov. 16 — Stanly County Livestock Market Weekly Sale, Norwood, N.C. Nov. 21 — Harward Brothers Livestock Market Weekly Sale, Statesville, N.C. Nov. 23 — Stanly County Livestock Market Weekly Sale, Norwood, N.C. Nov. 28 — Harward Brothers Livestock Market Weekly Sale, Statesville, N.C

Nov. 30 — Stanly County Livestock Market Weekly Sale, Norwood, N.C.. Dec. 5 — Harward Brothers Livestock Market Weekly Sale, Statesville, N.C. Dec. 6 — Mid-Atlantic Cattle Sales Video Auction, via macsvideo.com

Dec. 7 — Stanly County Livestock Market Weekly Sale, Norwood, N.C. Dec. 12 — Harward Brothers Livestock Market Weekly Sale, Statesville, N.C. Dec. 14 — Stanly County Livestock Market Weekly Sale, Norwood, N.C. Dec. 19 — Harward Brothers Livestock Market Weekly Sale, Statesville, N.C. Dec. 21 — Stanly County Livestock Market Weekly Sale, Norwood, N.C. Dec. 28 — Stanly County Livestock Market Weekly Sale, Norwood, N.C.

OTHER EVENTS

Oct. 12-23 — S.C. State Fair, Columbia, S.C.

Oct. 13-23 — N.C. State Fair, Raleigh, N.C. Nov. 1 — The Last of the “Over the Counter” Antibiotics Online Webinar Nov. 15-18 — EuroTier 2022, Hanover, Germany

Nov. 17 — Weaned Feeder Calf Sale, Norwood, N.C.