The Carolina Cattle Connection - Volume 35, Issue No. 10 (OCTOBER 2021)

CC C

arolina attle onnection OCTOBER 2021 •

Vol. 35, Issue No. 10

Spotlight on

YOUTH

ONNECTION 2021 South Carolina Sale Barn Cattle Receipts ..................................................................... page 69 2022 Clemson University Bull Test On Test Update, by Steven E. Meadows, Ph.D. ......... page 65 A Message from the CEO — 35 Years of Beef Promotion and Research,

by Colin Woodall .................................................................................................................... page 75 Amazing Grazing — Triple Creek Journal - Weaning Late on Pasture Can Work,

by Matt Poore …...................................................................................................................... page 22 American Angus Association News ....................................................................................... page 36 American Hereford Association News .................................................................................. page 61 American Maine-Anjou Association News ........................................................................... page 78 American Shorthorn Association News ................................................................................ page 69 Animal Agriculture Alliance News ......................................................................................... page 52 Ashley’s Beef Corner — Fall, Fairs, and Fun, by Ashley W. Herring .................................... page 20 Beef Checkoff News ................................................................................................................... page 83 Beef Cuts and Recommended Cooking Methods ................................................................ page 82 Beef Tips — Tips for Reducing Stress When Weaning Calves,

by Dr. Shelby Roberts ….......................................................................................................... page 30 Beefmaster Breeders United News ....................................................................................... page 75 BioZyme Incorporated News .................................................................................................. page 76 Boehringer Ingelheim News .................................................................................................... page 64 Carolina Cooking — Cheesy Bourbon Hot Brown Skillet Dip .......................................... page 72 Carolina Video and Load Lot Monthly Summary ................................................................ page 42 CLAAS News ............................................................................................................................... page 28 Diamond V News ....................................................................................................................... page 60 Director’s Report — Invitation, by Bryan K. Blinson ............................................................ page 3 E.B.’s View from the Cow Pasture — An Optimist Working Cattle Chute Side,

by E.B. Harris ........................................................................................................................... page 24 Farm Credit News ...................................................................................................................... page 67 Federation of State Beef Councils Update ............................................................................ page 62 From the Desk of the SCCA President, by Roscoe Kyle ........................................................ page 59 Gazda Inducted Into Livestock Marketeers Hall of Fame ................................................... page 39 Gone to Texas Update! .............................................................................................................. page 84 International Brangus Breeders Association News ............................................................ page 47 N.C. Forage & Grassland Council Forage Spotlight — Regenerative Grazing Farm Tour - A HOT Topic, by E.B. Harris ............................... page 25 N.C. Weekly Livestock Report ................................................................................................ page 79 National Cattlemen’s Beef Association News ..................................................................... page 68 National Cattlemen’s Beef Association President’s Report — Optimism Abounds at the Cattle Industry Convention, by Jerry Bohn .......... page 72 New NCCA Members for 2021 ................................................................................................. page 3 North Carolina Cattle Receipts, Trends, and Prices ............................................................ page 14 On the Edge of Common Sense — Excuses for Keeping Culls, by Baxter Black ............... page 26 Public Lands Council News ....................................................................................................... page 40 Reinke Recognizes Brock Equipment Technicians .............................................................. page 55 S.C. Beef Council News, by Roy Copelan ................................................................................ page 80 S.C. Beef Council Officers for 2021 ......................................................................................... page 80 S.C. Charolais News, by Georgeanne Webb ……….......................................................…….. page 65 South Carolina Cattle Receipts, Trends, and Prices ............................................................. page 19 The Simmental Trail, by Jennie Rucker ……….......................................................……........….. page 54 Understanding Anaplasmosis Risk, by Bob Larson, DVM, Ph.D. ......................................... page 35 You Decide!, by Dr. Mike Walden ............................................................................................. page 26

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

Vice Presidents BURON LANIER 2877 Piney Woods Road • Burgaw, NC 28425

The Carolina Cattle Connection Vol. 35, No. 9 SEPTEMBER 2021 Sales & Publication Office

SCOTT WEST 489 Panacea Springs Road • Littleton, NC 27850

2228 N. Main Street Fuquay-Varina, NC 27526

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

Phone: 919-552-9111 Fax: 919-552-9216 Email: mail@nccattle.com Website: www.nccattle.com

Immediate Past President JEREMY LEE 5153 Battle Run Drive • Catawba, NC 28609 NCBA Policy Division Director - FRED SMITH, JR. NCBA Federation Division Director RALPH BLALOCK, JR. Beef Board Director - ROBERT CRABB Secretary/Treasurer - EVERETT JOHNSON Directors At Large MATT POORE • NEIL BOWMAN • TODD SEE

The Carolina Cattle Connection

is printed on 30 lb recycled newsprint

by BN Printing in Benson, N.C.

Manager, N.C.

STAFF

BRYAN BLINSON

Manager, S.C. TRAVIS MITCHELL Executive Director

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

S.C. Cattlemen’s Association

CASEY L. HINNANT

Assistant Editor & Proofreader

KIM BURDGE N.C. Circulation

KIM BURDGE

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

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

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

S.C. Beef Council

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

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

A complementary subscription is included with membership to each state’s association. Nonmember subscriptions are $30 per year.

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

YOUTH 2021 LEAD Conference — Life in the Angus Lane,

by Hannah Vanhoy … page 17 2021 National Junior Angus Show,

by Cortney Holshouser & Christy Perdue … page 19 2021 N.C. 4-H Livestock Program Contest Results,

by Brent Jennings … page 4 2021 N.C. Junior Beef Round-Up Results … page 12 2021 National Junior Hereford Expo … page 16 2021 S.C. Junior Beef Round-Up Results, by Abbie Carnes … page 8 Becoming Involved in 4-H, by April Bowman … page 10 Eastern Regional Junior Angus Show 2021 Reflections … page 18 The Carolina Cattle Connection

q OCTOBER 2021

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The Carolina Cattle Connection q OCTOBER 2021

Director’s Report

By BRYAN K. BLINSON Executive Director, NCCA

Invitation There is not one among us that can say that the last 18 months have been anything other than strange and challenging. We have dealt with and continue to deal with issues and problems that we have not had to face before. We have all had to deal with the uncertainty of markets, supply of items we need to keep our homes and farms running, worry about family and friends who have had to deal with health issues, whether from COVID-19 itself or from having to put off treatment for other injury or health concerns. We have never before had to worry about keeping a mask in our pocket in case we need it to go into a gas station, store, or other place of business. Through it all, the cattle industry and agriculture, as a whole, have continued to work every day to feed ourselves and the other 98 percent of the population, and for that, my hat is off to you and your families who

continue this valiant service.

I contend that one of the things that has helped us all through these difficult and unprecedented times has been talking with family and friends who share the same challenges and frustrations. We have had to cancel or alter many of the events that bring us together. This ranges from family gatherings, school, church, athletic events, and even cattlemen’s meetings. Thankfully, many of these activities are beginning to have a slightly more normal feel. I am not sure when we will be fully back to normal, but I sure am looking forward to it.

Fortunately, we have begun to have some of the county cattlemen’s meetings in person again, and I am grateful to have been invited to speak at a few of them.

These meetings are an invaluable source of information and education, thanks to the hard work of the livestock agents and

county association leaders who work hard to provide programs that are designed to help farmers enhance management and marketing skills. While the programs are important, I have always contended that the meetings provide an equally important opportunity for farmers to get together and learn from each other, encourage each other, or just be a group that has similar challenges and concerns that they can discuss and work out together.

We are planning to go full force with our N.C. Cattlemen’s Association Annual Conference in Hickory on February 25-26 so that as a state association, we can get together once again to learn new things but, more importantly, to get to see each other, shake hands, and maybe even hug friends that at best we may have only seen on a little screen through a Zoom meeting. We are working with our friends at NCSU Cooperative Extension to plan a great educational program. We are again going to have our young producers reception to embrace the enthusiasm and fresh ideas of our great young members.

We look forward to Saturday morning, when we are going to focus on many of the aspects and opportunities that the

local beef market brings both now and in the future.

As we think back over the last year and a half, I know that it gives us some comfort to have had people around us with similar interests and concerns. It is my hope that The Carolina Cattle Connection has not only helped with education and updates throughout this time but has also helped to keep you connected to your fellow producers, if not in person, at least in print. My ask to you is that as meetings and gatherings start to come back to some sense of normalcy, that you INVITE your fellow producers who are not members and therefore do not get this publication each month to join and be part of this family that we call the N.C. Cattlemen’s Association. Just like family, we may not always agree on everything but what we can agree on is our common interest in the beef cattle industry.

There is a membership application on this page that you can use to INVITE a fellow producer to join the family. I look forward to seeing many of you this fall and winter in person to talk cows and catch up.

New NCCA Members for 2021 In 2007, members of the Membership Committee passed a resolution to recognize all NEW members of the NCCA in The Carolina Cattle Connection at the NCCA Annual Conference in Hickory.

A new member is defined as someone who has never been a member or someone who has rejoined after a brief break in membership. The new members are identified in this new members section by name and county of residence.

Below is a list of NCCA’s new members for the last month: Out-of-State Robert Durr – Straightstone Angus – Va.

Franklin County Jason Brown – First Fruits Farm Kellen buck – Buck Family Farm Iredell County Robin Bell Moore County Paul Ross – Carthage Cattle Company Nash County Philip A. Lucas – Lucas Farms Transylvania County Dennis Mather – Tow Arrows Union County Josh Eudy – Triple E Farms

Chatham County Michael Buckner

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e Special

Spotlight on

YOUTH

Section f

2021 N.C. 4-H Livestock Program Contest Results

By BRENT JENNINGS N.C. State University Folks, first, let me apologize for my absence from The Carolina Cattle Connection. I would like to tell you some grand excuse but to be honest, much like all of you, I have just been busy and found other places to use up my time.

However, when I was asked to put some information together for a youth spotlight issue, I thought, what better time to break my silence. For the past 18 or so months since we began the battle with COVID-19, I have seen programs delayed, moved to a virtual platform, or just simply canceled.

To be honest, it has been a struggle from the word go. However, as I thought about canceling programs and then quickly

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realized that youth are only youth for a short period of time, we have found ways to continue to offer as many educational opportunities as possible. Through this article, I would like to highlight some of the programs and, in particular, the young people involved.

The first thing we started with in the spring of 2020 was a virtual livestock show we called “Showing from Home.”

After so many shows were canceled, this allowed youth an opportunity to take pictures and compete against kids from across North Carolina. In addition to offering your traditional market classes, we also had a showmanship essay contest,

The Carolina Cattle Connection q OCTOBER 2021

best fitted contest, costume contest, barn tour, and TikTok (short video of the kid dancing with their animal) contest. This event went off with a booming success, and we had multiple youths recognized through different media venues for their creative efforts with their animals. If you would like to check out any of those videos of the virtual shows, please check out the N.C. 4-H Livestock YouTube page. In addition to the virtual show, we offered several virtual learning opportunities. After the virtual shows, we started some Livestock Judging and Skillathon clinics offered by NCSU Faculty and County agents to youth across North Carolina. These clinics were hosted via zoom and allowed youth from anywhere to participate and learn more about their animal husbandry skills.

Additionally, all of these educational opportunities can still be found on our YouTube page.

One of the most important things that we felt fortunate to be able to continue in person since the late summer of 2020 through today is holding livestock shows in person. With the help of the N.C. Cooperative Extension Service, the N.C. Department of Agriculture, and countless individuals and commodity groups youth have been able to continue with exhibiting animals at local, regional, and the state fair. I would personally like to thank all of those individuals that have continued to help make these opportunities available for youth across North Carolina.

In 2021 we have been able to see more of a normal in regards to events at the University, and despite having the youth wear masks, we have been able to not only hold educational clinics in person but also the state contest.

Additionally, you can see the list of winners from the recent N.C. State 4-H Livestock contests. If you have a moment, browse through all of those winners, and please make sure you congratulate any youth in your area that have participated in these events.

A special thanks to the parents, agents, ag teachers, volunteers, or anyone who continues to help these youth find

opportunities to learn more about animal agriculture. In an ever changing society it is important as ever to get youth involved, and I truly cannot think of a better program that teaches them habits to become successful adults. As always, if you have any questions or concerns regarding any of the programs going on across North Carolina, please don’t hesitate to reach out. Make sure to check out our website at youthlivestock.ces. ncsu.edu and stay up to date on programs in your area. In the meantime, we are excited about seeing many of you at the 2021 N.C. State Fair!

LIVESTOCK JUDGING CONTEST Junior Beef Cattle Individual Results 1. Jada Smith - Edgecombe/Nash 2. Charlotte Payne - Rockingham 3. Tenley Barbour - Johnston 4. Macie Ledford - Buncombe 5. Ansley Garris - Rockingham 6. Addison Garris - Rockingham 7. Lucas Barbour - Johnston 8. Lexi Barbour - Johnston 9. Madison Lackey - Sampson 10. Addison Revis - Buncombe Junior Overall Individual Results 1. Jada Smith - Edgecombe/Nash 2. Ansley Garris - Rockingham 3. Macie Ledford - Buncombe 4. Charlotte Payne - Rockingham 5. Tenley Barbour - Johnston 6. Lucas Barbour - Johnston 7. Madison Lackey - Sampson 8. Addison Garris - Rockingham 9. Bryana McGhee - Rockingham 10. Lexi Barbour - Johnston

e Special Intermediate Beef Cattle Individual Results 1. Nate Bowman - Stokes 2. Annah Claire Sullivan - Wilson 3. Jordan Mitchem - McDowell 4. Andrew Roberts - Johnston 5. Lucy Formisani - Johnston B 6. Kaleigh Revis - Buncombe 7. Mollie Chandler - Martin 8. Avery Hatfield - Chatham 9. Logan Ballance - Wilson 10. Kate Hinnant - Wilson Intermediate Beef Cattle Team Results 1. Wilson - Logan Ballance, Annah Claire Sullivan, Liza Sullivan, & Kate Hinnant 2. Johnston - Anna Wells, Scarlett Denning, Andrew Roberts, & Kennedy Lee 3. Stokes - Coleman East, Maddie East, Nate Bowman, & Parker Smothers 4. Rockingham - Addison Farris, Mallary Walker, Fortino Cruz, & Eloisa Cruz 5. McDowell - Jordan Mitchem, Ellie Shuping, Eli Dillon, & Ethan Laws

Intermediate Overall Individual Results 1. Lucy Formisani - Johnston B 2. Jordan Mitchem - McDowell 3. Nate Bowman - Stokes 4. Annah Claire Sullivan - Wilson 5. Anna Wells - Johnston 6. MacKenzie Cox - Lenoir/Greene 7. Avery Hatfield - Chatham 8. Sadie Jackson - Duplin 9. Logan Ballance - Wilson 10. Kate Hinnant - Wilson

Spotlight on

YOUTH

Intermediate Overall Team Results 1. Wilson - Logan Ballance, Annah Claire Sullivan, Liza Sullivan, & Kate Hinnant 2. Johnston - Anna Wells, Scarlett Denning, Andrew Roberts, & Kennedy Lee 3. Stokes - Coleman East, Maddie East, Nate Bowman, & Parker Smothers 4. Madison - Davis Metcalf, Madison Edwards, Walker Willis, & Elizabeth Hendrix 5. Rockingham - Addison Farris, Mallary Walker, Fortino Cruz, & Eloisa Cruz Senior Beef Cattle Individual Results 1. Colton Cox - Buncombe 2. Shelby Candler - Buncombe 3. Addie Dillon - McDowell 4. Sierra Everhart - Orange 5. Lauren Hoesli - Orange 6. Ross Hinnant - Wilson B 7. Sierra Price - Martin 8. Daisy Brown - Johnston 9. Madeline Chandler - Martin 10. Marisa Suedbeck - Pitt Senior Beef Cattle Team Results 1. Buncombe - Shelby Candler, Colton Cox, & Cole Gillespie 2. Martin - Sierra Price, Noah Abel, Madeline Chandler, & Landon Mizell 3. Wilson B - James Gardner, Ross Hinnant, Bryson Ingram, & Avery Bissette 4. Johnston - Erin Burns, Daisy Brown, & Hattie Jo Powell 5. Orange - Sierra Everhart, Lauren Hoesli, & Courtney Watkins

Section f

Senior Overall Team Results 1. Buncombe - Shelby C&ler, Colton Cox, & Cole Gillespie 2. Lenoir/Greene - Travis Cox, Kalen Barwick, & Emma Raynor 3. Wilson B - James Gardner, Ross Hinnant, Bryson Ingram, & Avery Bissette 4. Martin - Sierra Price, Noah Abel, Madeline Chandler, & Landon Mizell 5. Orange - Sierra Everhart, Lauren Hoesli, & Courtney Watkins

Senior Team Results 1. Union - Caleb Pope, Cade Stegall, Trey Howey, Elijah Williams, & Isaac Williams 2. Alamance - Hope Andrews, Aiden Kernodle, & Lane Whitfield 3. Bladen - Amelia Harris, Luke Barber, Maggie Love, & Kayla Norris 4. Duplin - Matthew Mobley, Oliveah Jackson, Cadence Gosnell, & Sierra Dolengo 5. Wilson - T Sharp, John Hinnant, Bryson Ingram, & James Gardner

QUIZ BOWL CONTEST Intermediate Team Results 1. Lenoir/Greene/Pitt - Mackenzie Cox, Nicholas Wade, Wyatt McCoy, Ashlyn Coxe, & Stephanie Suedbeck 2. Stokes - Coleman East, Maddie East, Nate Bowman, & Parker Smothers 3. Madison - Davis Metcalf, Madison Edwards, Walker Wallis, & Elizabeth Hendrix 4. Union - Aubrey Mekus, Kaley Keeter, Cianna Delia, & Lacie Alexander 5. Rockingham - Addison Farris, Mallary Walker, Fortino Cruz, & Eloisa Cruz

Senior Overall Individual Results 1. Colton Cox - Buncombe 2. Addie Dillon - McDowell 3. Ross Hinnant - Wilson B 4. Shelby Candler - Buncombe 5. Erin Burns - Johnston 6. Travis Cox - Lenoir/Greene 7. Sierra Everhart - Orange 8. Lauren Hoesli - Orange 9. Kalen Barwick - Lenoir/Greene 10. Marisa Suedbeck - Pitt

SKILLATHON CONTEST Junior Evaluation Individual Results 1. Lacie Alexander - Union 2. Carson Leonard - Franklin 3. Colton Alexander - Union 4. Zade Jennings - Johnston 5. Jada Smith - Edgecombe/Nash 6. Copper Mills - Bladen 7. Phyllis Grace Williamson - Bladen 8. Madison Lackey - Sampson 9. Destiny Davis - Sampson 10. Joleen Windsor - Rockingham Junior Quality Assurance Individual Results 1. Lacie Alexander - Union 2. Jada Smith - Edgecombe/Nash 3. Madison Lackey - Sampson 4. Colton Alexander - Union 5. Bryana McGhee - Rockingham 6. Copper Mills - Bladen 7. Phyllis Grace Williamson - Bladen 8. Zayden Crews - Duplin 9. Aleigha Alley - Bladen 10. Zade Jennings - Johnston Junior Identification/Written Test Individual Results 1. Lacie Alexander - Union 2. Colton Alexander - Union 3. Copper Mills - Bladen 4. Jada Smith - Edgecombe/Nash 5. Charlotte Payne - Rockingham 6. Bryana McGhee - Rockingham 7. Zayden Crews - Duplin

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e Special 8. Phyllis Grace Williamson - Bladen 9. Zade Jennings - Johnston 10. Carson Leonard - Franklin Junior Overall Individual Results 1. Lacie Alexander - Union 2. Colton Alexander - Union 3. Jada Smith - Edgecombe/Nash 4. Copper Mills - Bladen 5. Bryana McGhee - Rockingham 6. Phyllis Grace Williamson - Bladen 7. Charlotte Payne - Rockingham 8. Zade Jennings - Johnston 9. Zayden Crews - Duplin 10. Aleigha Alley - Bladen

Intermediate Evaluation Individual Results 1. Stephanie Suedbeck - Pitt 2. Kaley Keeter - Union 3. Tia Iverson - Franklin 4. Walker Willis - Madison 5. Mackenzie Jordan - Franklin 6. Nate Bowman - Stokes 7. Aubrey Mekus - Union 8. Coleman East - Stokes 9. Fortino Cruz - Rockingham 10. Elizabeth Hendrix - Madison

Spotlight YOUTH

Intermediate Evaluation Team Results 1. Franklin - Chaney Leonard, Tia Iverson, & Mackenzie Jordan 2. Stokes - Coleman East, Maddie East, Nate Bowman, & Parker Smothers 3. Madison - Davis Metcalf, Walker Willis, & Elizabeth Hendrix 4. Lenoir/Greene - Mackenzie Cox, Wyatt McCoy, & Nicholas Wade 5. Rockingham - Addison Farris, Mallary Walker, Fortino Cruz, & Eloisa Cruz Intermediate Quality Assurance Individual Results 1. Sadie Jackson - Duplin 2. Stephanie Suedbeck - Pitt 3. Coleman East - Stokes 4. Cianna Delia - Union 5. David Metcalf - Madison 6. Chaney Leonard - Franklin 7. Aubrey Mekus - Union 8. Kaley Keeter - Union 9. Nathan Barbour - Chatham 10. Nate Bowman - Stokes Intermediate Quality Assurance Team Results 1. Union - Aubrey Mekus, Kaley Keeter, & Cianna Delia 2. Franklin - Chaney Leonard, Tia Iverson, & Mackenzie Jordan 3. Madison - Davis Metcalf, Walker Willis, & Elizabeth Hendrix 4. Lenoir/Greene - Mackenzie Cox, Wyatt McCoy, & Nicholas Wade 5. Stokes - Coleman East, Maddie East, Nate Bowman, & Parker Smothers

Regular copy deadline is SEPTEMBER 5 for the OCTOBER issue Spotlight material is due SEPTEMBER 1 for the OCTOBER issue PAGE 6

on

The Carolina Cattle Connection q OCTOBER 2021

Section f

Intermediate Identification/Written Test Individual Results 1. Aubrey Mekus - Union 2. Stephanie Suedbeck - Pitt 3. Nate Bowman - Stokes 4. Wyatt McCoy - Lenoir/Greene 5. Addison Farris - Rockingham 6. Kaley Keeter - Union 7. Cianna Delia - Union 8. Ashlyn Coxe - Pitt 9. Coleman East - Stokes 10. Mackenzie Cox - Lenoir/Greene Intermediate Identification/Written Test Team Results 1. Union - Aubrey Mekus, Kaley Keeter, & Cianna Delia 2. Lenoir/Greene - Mackenzie Cox, Wyatt McCoy, & Nicholas Wade 3. Stokes - Coleman East, Maddie East, Nate Bowman, & Parker Smothers 4. Madison - Davis Metcalf, Walker Willis, & Elizabeth Hendrix 5. Rockingham - Addison Farris, Mallary Walker, Fortino Cruz, & Eloisa Cruz

Intermediate Overall Individual Results 1. Stephanie Suedbeck - Pitt 2. Aubrey Mekus - Union 3. Sadie Jackson - Duplin 4. Coleman East - Stokes 5. Kaley Keeter - Union 6. Nate Bowman - Stokes 7. Cianna Delia - Union 8. Addison Farris - Rockingham 9. Elizabeth Hendrix - Madison 10. David Metcalf - Madison

Intermediate Overall Team Results 1. Union - Aubrey Mekus, Kaley Keeter, & Cianna Delia 2. Stokes - Coleman East, Maddie East, Nate Bowman, & Parker Smothers

3. Madison - Davis Metcalf, Walker Willis, & Elizabeth Hendrix 4. Lenoir/Greene - Mackenzie Cox, Wyatt McCoy, & Nicholas Wade 5. Franklin - Chaney Leonard, Tia Iverson, & Mackenzie Jordan Senior Evaluation Individual Results 1. Cade Stegall - Union 2. Hope Andrews - Alamance 3. Trey Howey - Union 4. Maggie Love - Bladen 5. Aiden Kernodle - Alamance 6. Seth Henderson - Pitt 7. Elijah Williams - Union 8. Sierra Dolengo - Duplin 9. Isaac Williams - Union 10. Sarah Holder - Madison Senior Evaluation Team Results 1. Alamance - Hope Andrews, Aiden Kernodle, & Lane Whitfield 2. Union - Caleb Pope, Cade Stegall, Trey Howey, & Elijah Williams 3. Bladen - Amelia Harris, Luke Barber, Maggie Love, & Kayla Norris 4. Wilson A - T Sharp, John Hinnant, & Bryson Ingram 5. Wilson B - James Gardner, Avery Bissette, & Rachel Thomason Senior Quality Assurance Individual Results 1. Isaac Williams - Union 2. Hope Andrews - Alamance 3. Caleb Pope - Union 4. Lane Whitfield - Alamance 5. Trey Howey - Union 6. Travis Cox - Lenoir/Greene 7. Cade Stegall - Union 8. Luke Barber - Bladen 9. Aiden Kernodle - Alamance 10. T Sharp - Wilson A Senior Quality Assurance Team Results 1. Union - Caleb Pope, Cade Stegall, Trey Howey, & Elijah Williams 2. Bladen - Amelia Harris, Luke Barber, Maggie Love, & Kayla Norris 3. Alamance - Hope Andrews, Aiden Kernodle, & Lane Whitfield 4. Lenoir/Greene - Kalen Barwick, Travis Cox, & Emma Raynor 5. Wilson A - T Sharp, John Hinnant, & Bryson Ingram Senior Identification/Written Test Individual Results 1. Caleb Pope - Union

e Special 2. Isaac Williams - Union 3. Cade Stegall - Union 4. Trey Howey - Union 5. Elijah Williams - Union 6. Hope Andrews - Alamance 7. Luke Barber - Bladen 8. Amelia Harris - Bladen 9. Maggie Love - Bladen 10. T Sharp - Wilson A Senior Identification Team Results 1. Union - Caleb Pope, Cade Stegall, Trey Howey, & Elijah Williams 2. Bladen - Amelia Harris, Luke Barber, Maggie Love, & Kayla Norris 3. Wilson A - T Sharp, John Hinnant, & Bryson Ingram 4. Alamance - Hope Andrews, Aiden Kernodle, & Lane Whitfield 5. Duplin - Matthew Mobley, Oliveah Jackson, Cadence Gosnell, & Sierra Dolengo

Spotlight on

YOUTH

Senior Overall Individual Results 1. Caleb Pope - Union 2. Isaac Williams - Union 3. Cade Stegall - Union 4. Trey Howey - Union 5. Hope Andrews - Alamance 6. Elijah Williams - Union 7. Amelia Harris - Bladen 8. Luke Barber - Bladen 9. Maggie Love - Bladen 10. T Sharp - Wilson A

Section f

Senior Overall Team Results 1. Union - Caleb Pope, Cade Stegall, Trey Howey, & Elijah Williams 2. Bladen - Amelia Harris, Luke Barber, Maggie Love, & Kayla Norris 3. Alamance - Hope Andrews, Aiden Kernodle, & Lane Whitfield 4. Wilson A - T Sharp, John Hinnant, & Bryson Ingram 5. Duplin - Matthew Mobley, Oliveah Jackson, Cadence Gosnell, & Sierra Dolengo

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

The Carolina Cattle Connection

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e Special

Spotlight on

YOUTH

Section f

2021 S.C. Junior Beef Round-Up Results

By ABBEE CARNES The S.C. Junior Beef Round-Up was held August 6-8 at the T. Ed Garrison Arena in Pendleton, South Carolina.

Over 95 youth from five southeastern states exhibited over 150 head of beef cattle at the annual event. Competitions were held for sales talk, essay, junior cattlemen’s knowledge, showmanship, and breed shows. This year’s competition awarded $8,250 in scholarships to nine outstanding youth exhibitors. Judges for this year’s event were Emily Griffiths of Kendallville, Ind., and Lydell Meier of Clinton, Tennessee.

Contest winners were: Sales Talk Junior grand champion - John Mark Challancin of Troy, Ala. Junior reserve champion - Hunter Wilkins of Blacksburg, S.C. Intermediate grand champion - Amberlyn Christenbury of Starr, S.C. Intermediate reserve champion - Bradleann Willis of Fountain Inn, S.C. Senior grand champion - Morgan Marlett of Laurens, S.C. Senior reserve champion - Hailee Campbell of Moore, S.C. Showmanship Novice grand champion - Lillian Wilkins of Blacksburg, S.C. Novice reserve champion - Audrey-Kate Bolt of Anderson, S.C. Junior grand champion - John Mark Challancin of Troy, Ala. Junior reserve champion - Easton Smith

Intermediate grand champion - Landon Clark of Gainesville, S.C. Intermediate reserve champion - Amberlyn Christenbury of Starr, S.C. Senior grand champion - Mary Gullatt Senior reserve champion - Mattie Harward of Richfield, N.C. Cattlemen’s Educational Junior champion - MacKenzie Evans Intermediate champion - Bradleann Willis of Fountain Inn, S.C. Senior champion - Ellie Harman of Leesville, S.C. Ma & Pa champion - Raymond Prescott of Gray Court, S.C. Scholarships $2,000 - Derk Simpson Memorial - Ellie Harman of Leesville, S.C. $750 - T. Ed Garrison - Mattie Harward of Richfield, N.C. $500 - S.C. Association of Ag Agents - Jewel Thompson of Auburn, Ala. $500 - Weems Creek – Hannah Wooten of Iva, S.C. $1,000 - Greenwood County Farm - Morgan Marlett of Laurens, S.C. $1,000 - Junior Beef Leadership - Marcie Harward of Richfield, N.C. $1,000 - Junior Beef Leadership - Victoria Thompson of Auburn, Ala. $1,000 - Olson Cattle Research - Anslie Yoder of Jackson County, Fla. $500 - Jason Dobbins Memorial - Whitnie Yoder of Jackson County, Fla.

Our breed Spotlight special sections are excellent forums to reach producers and cattle industry insiders in the Carolinas and throughout the Southeast.

Advertisers also receive a special discount for placing their message in the Spotlight.

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The Carolina Cattle Connection q OCTOBER 2021

CATTLE SHOW WINNERS

Grand champion All Other Breeds heifer Colton Cox of Spruce Pine, N.C. Reserve champion Charolais heifer - Ethan McMichael of Monticello, Ga.

Reserve champion All Other Breeds heifer Kendall Harper of Alapaha, Ga. Grand champion Commercial/Crossbred heifer - Cody Clary of Saluda, S.C.

Grand champion Angus heifer and fifth overall champion - Mattie Harward of Richfield, N.C. Reserve champion Commercial/Crossbred heifer - Madison Peppers

Reserve champion Angus heifer - Ashlyn Floyd of Hart County, Ga. Grand champion Gelbvieh/Balancer heifer and supreme champion - Cody Clary of Saluda, S.C.

Grand champion Charolais heifer and reserve supreme champion - Mattie Harward of Richfield, N.C.

e Special

Reserve champion Gelbvieh/Balancer heifer - Cody Clary of Saluda, S.C.

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Grand champion Shorthorn heifer - Ethan McMichael of Monticello, Ga.

Section f

Reserve champion Simmental heifer - Lillian Wilkins of Blacksburg, S.C.

Grand champion Zebu heifer - Christian Fehr

Reserve champion Zebu heifer - Easton Fehr

Grand champion Hereford heifer and third overall champion - Marcie Harward of Richfield, N.C.

Reserve champion Shorthorn heifer - Jewel Thompson of Auburn, Ala.

Grand champion Fullblood Simmental heifer - Jace Smith

Grand champion market steer - Summer Edwards of Perry, Ga.

Reserve champion Hereford heifer - Ted Bourne III of Greenwood, S.C.

Grand champion Shorthorn Plus heifer Ellie Harman of Leesville, S.C.

Reserve champion Fullblood Simmental heifer - Kaylee Wilson

Reserve champion feeder steer - Taylor McClellon of Habersham, Ga.

Grand champion Red Angus heifer - Morgan Marlett of Laurens, S.C.

Grand champion High % Simmental heifer Marley Brevard of Cornelia, Ga. Reserve champion Shorthorn Plus heifer Alainey Breaux Grand champion feeder steer - Cliff Certain of Lavonia, Ga.

Reserve champion Red Angus heifer Bradleann Willis of Fountain Inn, S.C.

Reserve champion High % Simmental heifer - Hannah Wooten of Iva, S.C. Grand champion Simmental heifer and fourth overall champion - Landon Clark of Gainesville, Ga.

Reserve champion market steer - James McNeal of Perry, Ga.

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SCHOLARSHIP WINNERS

Derk Simpson Memorial Scholarship - Ellie Harman

S.C. Association of Ag Agents Scholarship Jewel Thompson

Greenwood County Farm Scholarship Morgan Marlet

Junior Beef Leadership Scholarship - Marcie Harward and Victoria Thompson

Olson Cattle Research Scholarship - Anslie Yoder

Jason Dobbins Memorial Scholarship Whitnie Yoder

Weems Creek Scholarship – Hannah Wooten

T. Ed Garrison Scholarship - Mattie Harward

Becoming Involved in 4-H

By APRIL BOWMAN Participating in cattle shows is a lot of fun. There are lots of lessons learned along the way, too. As a parent whose children both participate in livestock shows AND as an Extension Agent, it’s easy to say that raising and showing livestock teaches responsibility, setting goals, relationship building, and more. These thoughts were verified through a graduate thesis paper at Texas Tech. The top six themes they identified are “social relationships, character (including responsibility, confidence, sportsmanship, and how to deal with loss), family togetherness and family values, exposure to competition, exposure to cultures, and knowledge and care of animals” (Williams).

If your children are involved in showing cattle but aren’t a member of 4-H, you should consider enrolling them. In North Carolina, the 4-H year follows the calendar year, and membership in 4-H is FREE. Meanwhile, South Carolina operates September 1 through August 31, and membership is $15. Once they are a member of 4-H, they can become involved in numerous other activities and projects, including photography contests, talent, craft shows, presentations, and so much more. They can even use their cattle as the topic and focus for all these contests.

Over a hundred years ago, County Extension Agents shared the latest research from the Universities with farmers, but most farmers weren’t willing to try any new growing methods. The Extension Agents discovered that if they taught the information to the farmers’ children that they were more receptive. The youth started meeting together in groups to learn more about raising pigs in their “Pig Club” or corn in their “Corn Club.”

Clubs are led by volunteers and typically meet at least once a month at a safe location with at least five youth from three families. The best part is that your local Extension Center can provide resources and tools to use for the educational portion of your meeting, as well as agendas to get you started.

North Carolina and South Carolina both utilize the 4HOnline system to enroll both youth members and volunteers. 4HOnline is designed so that each family has a family profile, and every youth and volunteer has an individual profile under their family profile. Sign up today and get involved! Visit v2.4honline.com and select “Don’t have an account?.” You will select your state and the county you live in. Once you have selected the county, you will enter a “family” email address - this will be the email address you use when you log into your account.

Learn more about 4-H in North Carolina at nc4h.ces.ncsu.edu. Click on the “youth” link to see 4-H Opportunities and explore the 4-H project areas most active in North Carolina. Learn more about 4-H in South Carolina at www.clemson.edu/extension/4h.

Finally, find the direct links to the 4-H Livestock Projects at youthlivestock.ces.ncsu.edu or www.clemson.edu/extension/4h/programs/ag-animals/livestock/index.html.

Resources National 4-H History Preservation Team, History of 4-H in Brief. 4-hhistorypreservation.com/History/Hist_Nat Williams, K.B. (1998). Validation of the Perceived Benefits of Competitive Livestock Exhibition by Texas 4-H Members: A Qualitative Study. ttu-ir.tdl.org/bitstream/ handle/2346/17615/31295012833702.pdf?sequence=1

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2021 N.C. Junior Beef Round-Up Results The N.C. Junior Beef RoundUp was held August 6-8 at the WNC Agricultural Center in Fletcher, North Carolina. Over 70 youth exhibited over 140 head of beef cattle at the annual event. Competitions were held for graphic design, photography, skillathon, livestock judging, showmanship, and breed shows.

The judge for this year’s event was Barry Wesner of Chalmers, Indiana.

Contest winners were: Graphic Design Intermediate - Jordan Mitchem Photography Junior champion - Animals - Kaylee Revis Intermediate champion - Animals - Jordan Mitchem Senior champion - Animals - Regan Mitchem Junior champion - Landscape - Kaylee Revis Intermediate champion- Landscape - Nate Bowman Senior champion - Landscape - Lynae Bowman Intermediate champion - People - Jordan Mitchem Senior champion - People - Regan Mitchem

Skillathon Junior champion - Colton Alexander Intermediate champion - Isaac Miller Senior champion - Cade Stegall Livestock Judging Junior champion - Kaylee Revis Intermediate champion - Shelby Candler Senior champion - Wyatt Kendall Showmanship Novice grand champion - Allie Pitts Novice reserve champion - E.B. Carpenter Junior grand champion - Macie Ledford Junior reserve champion - Cooper Joines Intermediate grand champion - Shelby Candler Intermediate reserve champion - Evie Jones Senior grand champion - Schyler Crocker Senior reserve champion - Shane Kendall

Grand champion Commercial heifer and third overall champion - Shane Kendall Grand champion All Other Breeds heifer and fourth overall champion - Rex Howard

Jim Butler Award Junior champion - Cooper Joines Intermediate champion - Jordan Mitchem Senior champion - Shane Kendall Overall champion - Shane Kendall

Reserve champion Commercial heifer - Cole Williams

Reserve champion All Other Breeds heifer Rex Howard

Grand champion Gelbvieh heifer - Abigail Williams

Be a winner!

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

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CATTLE SHOW RESULTS

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Grand champion Angus heifer and supreme overall champion - Logan Ball

Reserve champion Gelbvieh heifer - Molly Anderson

Reserve champion Angus heifer - Shane Kendall Grand champion Hereford and reserve supreme cow/calf pair - Lillee Bissett

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CATTLE SHOW RESULTS

Grand champion Hereford heifer - Jordan Mitchem

Grand champion % Simmental heifer and reserve supreme champion - Cooper Joines Grand champion steer - Amber Shutsky

Reserve champion steer - Emma Beasley

Reserve champion Hereford heifer - Regan Mitchem Reserve champion % Simmental heifer Hagan Jones

Grand champion Shorthorn and supreme champion cow/calf pair - Rylea Suddreth Grand champion Simmental heifer and fifth overall champion - Cooper Joines

Grand champion Shorthorn heifer - Greyson Peeler

Reserve champion Simmental heifer - Cullen Joines

Reserve champion Shorthorn heifer - Rylea Suddreth

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CONTEST RESULTS

Senior skillathon winners.

Senior judging contest team winners.

Intermediate showmanship winners.

N.C. Cattle Receipts, Trends, and Prices for the Month of AUGUST 2021

Novice showmanship winners.

Cattle Receipts: 19.564

•

Previous Month: 12,613

Feeder supply - 33% steers • 42% heifers • 25% bulls

Intermediate judging contest winner.

SLAUGHTER CLASSES Avg. Wt. Price

Cows - % Lean

Breaker 1,360 $68.66

Boner 1,197 $68.06

Lean 995 $57.45

Junior showmanship winners.

Bulls - Yield Grade 1-2

1,580

$95.82

FEEDER CLASSES Intermediate judging contest team winners.

Junior judging contest winner.

Senior showmanship winners.

Junior judging contest team winners.

Junior skillathon winners.

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Senior judging contest winner.

The Carolina Cattle Connection q OCTOBER 2021

FEEDER STEERS (Medium and Large 1-2) Wt. Range Avg. Wt. CWT Avg. Price 400-450 423 $147.88 $625.53 450-500 474 $149.44 $708.35 500-550 521 $147.63 $769.15 550-600 575 $143.91 $827.48 600-650 623 $140.09 $872.76 650-700 670 $136.54 $914.82

FEEDER BULLS (Medium and Large 1-2) Wt. Range Avg. Wt. CWT Avg. Price 400-450 422 $148.79 $627.89 450-500 471 $141.27 $665.38 500-550 524 $132.87 $696.24 550-600 569 $132.41 $753.41 600-650 620 $125.24 $776.49 650-700 671 $116.12 $779.17

FEEDER HEIFERS (Medium and Large 1-2) Wt. Range Avg. Wt. CWT Avg. Price 400-450 424 $132.59 $562.18 450-500 474 $131.13 $621.56 500-550 522 $129.28 $674.84 550-600 572 $126.46 $723.35 600-650 618 $122.71 $758.35 650-700 669 $121.53 $813.04

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

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2021 National Junior Hereford Expo In July, 13 North Carolina Hereford juniors traveled to Kansas City for the 2021 Hereford Spectacular. The weather was beautiful, and we celebrated Independence Day with amazing fireworks throughout the city!

A few highlights of the week long Hereford Junior National Expo: • Jordan Mitchem placed 8th overall in junior showmanship • Amber Shutsky placed 3rd in class and 2nd born and bred with her home raised steer • Josie Correll represented as the N.C. Hereford Queen • Skylar Murray was selected as the Outstanding Junior Member from North Carolina

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• Regan Mitchem placed 3rd in the Hereford cattle category and 2nd in the Hereford people category in the photo contest senior division • Jordan Mitchem placed 3rd in the Hereford people, Hereford cattle, and enhanced categories in the photo contest junior division • Josie Correll participated in the photo contest and the Future Professionals competition • Jordan Mitchem, Regan Mitchem, and Skylar Murray participated in the judging contest.

The juniors and their families enjoyed dinner at several legendary Kansas City restaurants and lots of great fellowship together!

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2021 LEAD Conference — Life in the Angus Lane

By HANNAH VANHOY Secretary, NCJAA My first time at LEAD was this year in Indianapolis, Indiana. The LEAD conference, which stands for Leaders Engaged in Angus Development, is a conference that helps the next generation of cattle enthusiasts to make connections, learn more about all the Angus industry has to offer, and grow as people. Lilly Blume from South Dakota, a good friend I made at LEAD, says she loved networking during the conference.

“Meeting people is a good way to make connections, and it’s great to know everyone.”

Finally, at Fair Oaks Farm, LEAD attendees got to see firsthand how Fair Oaks Farm mass produces milk every day. Juniors were able to see the dairy cows in their typical routine and see Fair Oaks’ pigs through every stage of life.

There were lots of interactive displays full of facts about animal production and the agriculture industry.

Hannah Vanhoy and Lilly Blume Erin Driscoll at Fair Oaks Farms

Baylee Wulfkuhle, Hannah Vanhoy, and Lilly Blume

During our four day stay in Indiana, juniors from all around the country were mentored by National Junior Angus Association board members through icebreakers, workshops, and fun activities.

During these workshops and events, juniors learn important skills like surrounding themselves with beneficial people, how to be a good friend, etc. Additionally, at LEAD, juniors have the awesome opportunity to meet lots of folks who have been successful in the cattle industry.

This year, attendees toured Sankey Angus, Sunrise Sunset Farm, Fair Oaks Farm, and Horstman Cattle Company.

At Sankey Angus, juniors met Cody and Lindsay Sankey, along with their family, and learned about Cody and Lindsay’s careers in ag. The Sankey’s had some bred heifers on display and their highly decorated show bull, Silveiras Forbes 8088. It was a great opportunity to ask questions and learn more about getting started raising quality Angus cattle.

Hannah Vanhoy, Mattie Harward, and Emma Vanhoy

Hannah Vanhoy, Kady Figge, and Rosalind Kidwell with Forbes

At Sunrise Sunset Farm and Horstman Cattle Company, juniors viewed several show prospects, learned about embryo transfer from Dr. Larry Horstman, and talked to a professor from Purdue University about majors and opportunities at the college. There was a lot to learn about genetics and marketing cattle.

Mary Wood, Hannah Vanhoy, Shane Kendall, and Emma Vanhoy

In addition to all the previous opportunities, representatives from Elanco, Cargill, and Corteva Agriscience shared their experience in agriculture and how they secured jobs in the field through these major companies with presentations about the companies. Juniors received lots of cool swag like tote bags and phone chargers, but also priceless advice from

people who have made a living working in the industry.

On the last night, after two days of fun, LEAD conference attendees partied hard at Horstman Cattle Company at the annual LEAD dance. It was a night of loud music, dancing, and making those last impactful memories.

A friend I made at LEAD, Baylee Wulfkuhle, shared her LEAD experience, “I had a total blast meeting Angus juniors from across the country, visiting different Angus operations, listening to industry speakers, and hanging out with my Angus family. It was a busy four days but the memories made were priceless. I look forward to attending the conference in years to come.”

On the plane ride back to North Carolina, I was tired and ready to be home, but I arrived back with tons of friends, memories, and more knowledge about Angus cattle and the agriculture industry.

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!

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Eastern Regional Junior Angus Show 2021 Reflections The N.C. Junior Angus Association hosted the 2021 Eastern Regional Junior Angus Show (ERJAS) at the Western North Carolina Ag Center in Fletcher on June 2528. The show hosted 140 junior members and almost 190 head of cattle from over 15 states!

Cattle judging officials at Biltmore Estates - Noah Henson, Bryan Blinson, and Joe Hampton.

Cattle judging contestants Lynae Bowman, Schyler Crocker, Logan Ball, and Cole Williams.

The N.C. Junior Angus Association worked closely with Madeline Bauer, the events coordinator for the American Angus Association, to plan the event. Maddie shared, “The best part about this event, in particular, is working with a community of others who are just as passionate about making an event a success. We start communication with the host state years in advance to start the planning process.

A year out from the event is when boots really hit the ground and ideas start to become real. It is a team effort between the association and the host state to see this event come to fruition. There are many

zoom calls that walk through the schedule, and many committees that meet to make sure a piece of the event is coming together.

My role in this is to give guidance to the host state on things they are responsible for, such as decorations, facilities, promotion, awards, etc. It is a great feeling to see an event come to fruition after months of planning!” Maddie reflected back on the 2021 ERJAS saying, “It was a huge success. My favorite part of the event was opening ceremonies. It was great to see everyone back together and under one roof, who were all there for one reason: Angus cattle. It was refreshing to have a sense of normalcy back into events again.”

North Carolina was lucky enough to have our own Justin Wood as one of the 12 National Junior Angus Association Board Members. Maddie said, “The junior board plays a huge role in the success of ERJAS. They serve as role

Front (holding the flag) - Sloan Hinnant, Jonathan Scarlett, and Isaac Carson. First row - J.R. Carson, Chelsie Bobbit, Caroline Scarlett, Marcie Harward, Kadence Overby, Mary Wood, Charlotte Wood, Maddie Carpenter, Lydia Crocker, Annah Claire Sullivan, Ava Wood, Anna Brown, and Charleigh Birdsell. Back row - Emma Vanhoy, Lynae Bowman, Riley Wood, Schyler Crocker, Greyson Peeler, Shane Kendall, Cole Williams, Mattie Harward, Logan Ball, and Justin Wood.

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The Carolina Cattle Connection q OCTOBER 2021

models for juniors throughout the week as they plan icebreakers and other activities to get to know juniors from all over. They help to keep the show moving by working the ring and announcing the show. They play small parts by helping set up awards in the morning, passing out class breaks, and helping check in the cattle. We couldn’t do this without their help!

Ava Wood exhibiting her heifer.

Cara Smith had many roles in planning the show, including being the co-chair of the Welcoming, Showmanship, and the Food Committees. She stated that she “really enjoyed being a part of the planning for the ERJAS. Getting ready for the show took a lot of communication and planning amongst all committees.” Part of her job duties included reaching out to companies about donating or purchasing items from them, talking with the food vendor about different meal options, pricing, and a head count. Unfortunately, she was unable to attend the ERJAS because she had to be at the Simmental National Classic on the same dates, but she did a great job putting in more than her share of the work before the show. Cara said, “I am thankful for the rest of the association to help out and handle everything for my committee at the show.”

Unfortunately, Cara is aging out. She said, “Aging out is something that we all know

Reserve champion owned female shown by Marcie Harward.

happens eventually, but when it actually gets to that point it doesn’t seem like there has been enough time. It feels weird to have aged out, but I have so many wonderful memories to look back on and friendships that I have made over the years.” Even though she is aging out, Cara hopes that the next time that we host the ERJAS, she can give back and support the N.C. Junior Angus Association any way that she can.

Marcie Harward was the grand champion senior showman, and Mattie Harward earned fifth place.

Lynae Bowman said, “The show wouldn’t have been possible without the many sponsors and volunteers. I would especially like to thank the Ball family and crew from Appalachian Sitework, Inc. for all their help getting the grounds ready for the show. Also, a special thank you to Kyle Mayberry and Biltmore Estates for hosting both our cattle judging contest and the Queens Luncheon.” The events at Biltmore seemed to be a real treat for our out of state guests and North Carolina folks alike. Jera Pipkin, Communications

State group/best five head - Shane Kendall, Greyson Peeler, Ava Wood, Caroline Scarlett, Lynae Bowman, and Mattie Harward.

e Special Specialist with the American Angus Association, said, “It was an excellent opportunity for our membership to experience agriculture at the Biltmore.

We appreciate their partnership and, more importantly, appreciate the avenue

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to experience one of North Carolina’s historical sites. The tour and activities off the grounds were a great way for attendees to learn practical application pieces, leverage previous knowledge, and experience a unique perspective to Angus and agriculture in general.”

The 2022 Eastern Regional Junior Angus Show will be the 50th show and will be held June 16-20 in Chatham, Va., at the Olde Dominion Ag Complex (ODAC). We would love for you to join us for “50 & Fabulous.”

Photos by Next Level Imaging

Sloan Hinnant was the grand champion junior showman.

S.C. Cattle Receipts, Trends, and Prices for the Month of AUGUST 2021 Cattle Receipts: 14,574

•

Previous Month: 7,478

Feeder supply - 37% steers • 40% heifers • 23% bulls SLAUGHTER CLASSES

Avg. Wt. Price

Cows - % Lean

Breaker 1,468 $69.41

Boner 1,216 $70.62

Lean 975 $65.33

Bulls - Yield Grade 1-2

1,520

$94.23

FEEDER CLASSES

FEEDER STEERS (Medium and Large 1-2) Wt. Range Avg. Wt. CWT Avg. Price 400-450 424 $155.63 $659.87 450-500 482 $151.94 $732.35 500-550 518 $151.65 $785.55 550-600 570 $145.22 $827.75 600-650 630 $138.55 $872.87 650-700 667 $134.23 $895.31

FEEDER BULLS (Medium and Large 1-2) Wt. Range Avg. Wt. CWT Avg. Price 400-450 425 $136.01 $578.04 450-500 474 $132.17 $626.49 500-550 523 $126.79 $663.11 550-600 568 $121.87 $692.22 600-650 622 $116.75 $726.19 650-700 675 $113.93 $769.03

FEEDER HEIFERS (Medium and Large 1-2) Wt. Range Avg. Wt. CWT Avg. Price 400-450 421 $135.67 $571.17 450-500 474 $133.05 $630.66 500-550 522 $131.83 $688.15 550-600 563 $130.56 $735.05 600-650 625 $124.61 $778.81 650-700 667 $121.59 $811.01

Section f

2021 National Junior Angus Show

By CORTNEY HOLSHOUSER & CHRISTY PERDUE The N.C. Junior Angus Association had a great week in Grand Island, Neb., for the 2021 National Junior Angus Show! North Carolina may be small in number but represented well, and we couldn’t be more proud!

North Carolina placed first in the Herdsman contest for states exhibiting 15 head of cattle or less! Thank you to all who had a part in this. It was a group effort!

Justin Wood represented North Carolina in the showmanship contest, an honor that each junior only has once in their entire lifetime! Justin also completed his term on the National Junior Angus Association Board as the Leadership Director. North Carolina is still represented on the National Junior Angus Board of Directors, as Marcie Harward was elected to serve for the next two years.

Congratulations to Mary Wood, who was selected as one of the five young women competing for the title of 2022 Miss American Angus during the American Angus Association Annual meeting in November. Good luck, Mary!

Nate Bowman won first place in the Junior B extemporaneous speaking contest.

Lynae Bowman placed first in senior skillathon and second in senior cattle judging, which, when combined with her written test score from the quiz bowl competition, gave her enough points to take home the title of senior stockman.

Youth in their final year of junior Angus association participation may apply for their Gold Award. North Carolina is proud of both Taylor Glover and Thomas Smith for their well deserved awards.

We have several youth enrolled in college who were blessed with college scholarships. Justin Wood received the DeEtta Wood Memorial Scholarship, Mattie Harward the Angus Foundation Richard L. Spader Scholarship, and Lynae Bowman and Marcie Harward both received an Angus Foundation Undergraduate Scholarship.

We are so proud of all of our juniors!

Visit ncangus.org/juniors.html if have are a young person ages 21 and under and would like to join the N.C. Junior Angus Association. As you can see, we have many activities other than shows that we participate in! Mark your calendars for the 2021 National Junior Angus Show to be held in Kansas City, Mo., on July 2-9.

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

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Ashley’s Beef Corner

T

Fall, Fairs, and Fun

By ASHLEY W. HERRING Director of Consumer Information N.C. Cattlemen’s Beef Council Eat. Drink. Burger Week. When more than 20 restaurants create a burger masterpiece with diners voting for the best, you know there will be an all out display of culinary greatness! The one week only event was September 19-25, and patrons could vote online for their favorite burger, with the winner receiving a trophy and bragging rights.

Burger Week was organized by the Winston-Salem Journal and Greensboro News & Record to celebrate culinary creativity, increase visibility and engagement with the food and beverage community, and dine-in and carry out orders with a little healthy competition.

The restaurants worked hard to create “off the menu” burger concepts priced at $10.

We are eager to share their ideations next month, along with results and photos.

Categories included the Best of High Point, Winston-Salem, Greensboro, and Lexington. Radio coverage for the event was across the state, so diners from all parts of North Carolina could participate.

We are gearing up for “Worth the Wait,” the 2021 N.C. State Fair. In our exhibit space, we try to educate fair attendees about the beef industry and agriculture in general. As is the case on our farms with multiple commodities raised together, our space is incorporating the N.C. Farm Bureau, N.C. Soybean Growers Association, and N.C. Pork

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Council. We are excited to share the story of North Carolina farms and how we work together to provide food on the table for so many.

On a recent farm visit, I was reminded of the symbiotic relationship with photos taken in preparation for a backdrop at the fair. We hear so much about carbon neutrality, sustainability, climate change, and so on. With the population so far geographically removed from farms, no wonder the finger pointing goes to “over there, where those farms are.” But once you see the picture up close, you start to ponder.

The farm we visited is like many in our state. Multiple commodities are raised together with their benefits to each other, keeping nature’s balance. The cattle grazing on lush pastures fertilized with the nutrients leftover from raising swine or poultry. Hat’s off to mother nature for designing such an amazing system!

Now, we share our story with the world to forge an understanding. The animals have already done it; let’s follow suit!

The Beef Sustainability Campaign has been working hard in reputation management. Each year in September, Climate Week is held in New York City.

Climate Week is an annual event with

The Carolina Cattle Connection q OCTOBER 2021

a focus on fulfilling and increasing commitments made by businesses, governments, and organizations. It is the time and place where the world gathers to showcase leading climate action and discuss how to do more, fast.

Hosted annually by international non-profit The Climate Group in conjunction with the United Nations and in partnership with the COP26 and the City of New York, Climate Week NYC is a global opportunity to come together to accelerate climate action and assess progress ahead of COP26. COP26 is a summit that will place attention on the well being of the planet and of people – meaning cutting fossil fuels, reducing air pollution, and improving health worldwide. There will be a focus on phasing out coal worldwide and stopping deforestation.

I’ve included images here so you can see how the ads appeared on websites, driving traffic to Beefitswhatsfordinner. com for more information.

The national sustainability awareness campaign for consumers ran through the end of September. This campaign included both digital and print pieces in Washington Post, Wall Street Journal, and New York Times. There were also audio components on the New York Times ‘The Daily’ Podcast. For the month of August, we reached more than four million people with this work, for less than 7¢ per impression. The Beef. It’s What’s For Dinner. landing page, which all of these campaign elements drive back to, had more than 3,000 visits in August, and the bounce and exit rate indicates that visitors are doing exactly what we hoped they would – they are coming to the site and staying to visit other pages and learn more about beef. By the end of the campaign, we expect to have reached at least 12 million people with this highly targeted work. ​

There is likely to be increased coverage about beef’s role in sustainability surrounding Climate Week NYC 2021 and the United Nations (UN) Food Systems Summit. The good news is that this also provides a great opportunity for you to proactively share beef’s sustainability story and positive information about its role in healthy, sustainable diets. NCBA, on behalf of the Beef Checkoff, has developed a variety of resources and has deployed a variety of tactics to spread positive information, including:

• Hosting an event as part of the official Climate Week NYC 2021 schedule that features a panel with a rancher, environmental scientist, chef, and nutritionist • Monitoring media coverage and social media conversations • Partnering with both chefs and producers to author and place op-eds • Partnering with TimeOut New York to share facts about beef’s role in a healthy, sustainable diet and engage urban consumers • Hosting a radio media tour, which featured a celebrity chef sharing the importance of keeping beef at the center of the plate • Publishing an audio news release featuring a cattle producer with an accompanying Times Square billboard • Launching a letter to the editor campaign in which producers and nutritionists across the country were encouraged to share their sustainability story in local media.

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By DR. MATT POORE N.C. State University

Triple Creek Journal — Weaning Late on Pasture Can Work Author’s Note: This is a reissue of an article written for Novel Notes, the newsletter of the Alliance for Grassland Renewal. The newsletter is devoted to forage and grazing management with an emphasis on novel endophyte tall fescue.

I am serving as chair of that group for the next four years, so I decided to write a monthly column based on my activities at Triple Creek Ranch, where I have farmed with my family for nearly my whole life.

I used to write Amazing Grazing monthly for The Carolina Cattle Connection, but in recent years have been sharing that opportunity with my colleagues Johnny Rogers and Deidre Harmon. I miss the monthly schedule, and I have heard from many of my readers that they miss my regular writing too. So, to get a monthly copy of Novel Notes and my Triple Creek Journal, visit www.grasslandrenewal.com and request the newsletter.

We have weaned our calves since I was a little kid, and we started improving our cows. In our area of southern Virginia, tobacco has dominated farm activity, so most of the calves from our neighbors have been weaned on the trailer on the way to the stockyard. Many of the problems with animal health in the beef industry result from calves managed that way. The problem is compounded when the calves have been grazing on toxic tall fescue. Implementing a good weaning program is one of the best ways to improve productivity of calves, especially in the tall fescue belt.

Our goal for weaning at Triple Creek is to give calves a chance to get used to life away from their mothers and to get them started on non-toxic feed. We calve in October and November, so our weaning has traditionally been in May. We still have about ½ the farm with toxic KY-31 tall fescue, so most of these weaning age calves carry a load of toxin in their bodies.

We learned early on that keeping these newly weaned calves on KY-31 would result in very poor gains. So, starting on weaning day, they are introduced to very

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high quality, non-toxic hay (ryegrass or novel endophyte tall fescue) and some dry concentrate feed. After the calves are over their moms, they will graze annual forages, either sudangrass or crabgrass, or a complex mix (Ray’s Crazy Mix) for the rest of the summer.

We have always used abrupt pen weaning as our management approach.

Our system and our pen gradually evolved with occasional “breakouts” that most folks that have weaned calves will understand. We participated in a cost share program in 2004 that helped us build a really nice weaning pen with a good heavy use surface. Having the good pen really helped…although we still had one epic breakout (the Mother’s Day Breakout of 2009) when 110 calves broke out and left the farm. Despite that one time, we learned how to make pen weaning work well for us, although I always found it a stressful and noisy experience.

Recently, there has been increasing interest in different weaning systems, including using “nose clips” that prevent suckling for a week before weaning, the use of pasture weaning where calves are kept on pasture across a fence from their mothers during weaning, and late weaning where the calves are weaned 60 days later than the usual seven month age. We have done research on each of these systems, and there appears to be little difference between the systems in terms of calf performance and subsequent performance in the feedlot. However, many aspects of each system are quite different.

Using the nose clips greatly reduces bawling in the weaning pen. These cattle are remarkably silent because they got over losing their access to milk before being removed from their moms.

However, in our research, they also had slightly reduced gains during the period right after weaning and also showed some sores in their noses from the clips.

Pasture weaning works better

The Carolina Cattle Connection q OCTOBER 2021

than many producers would perceive, especially those that like the security of confinement in a pen. However, both the cows and calves remain calm during pasture weaning, especially if the grass in their pastures is really high quality. They lay across the fence from each other, but if they are well trained to the electric fence, they stay where they are supposed to be.

In our studies, late weaning didn’t reduce bawling or change other behaviors at weaning, but the performance of the calves during the 60 days they were still on the cow was better than the calves that had been weaned and were eating feed and hay. Reduction in the total amount of feed would be a great benefit as long as cows remain in good body condition.

When we measured milk production in the cows with these calves, we found that they were still producing a lot of milk, and they didn’t get as fat as their herd mates whose calves were weaned at the traditional time.

This year we decided to do late pasture weaning at Triple Creek Ranch.

Our weaning pen is still in good shape, but last year there were several times when my helper Barry and I nearly got hurt loading out all those calves to haul to the weaning pen. The pen now also has limited shade due to the loss of several trees, so we have to be careful about the weather. We adopted late weaning several years ago, so the calves are now weaned in mid-July when they are 7-9 months old. We have found that this helps them deal with heat and also helps us identify the really good cows as the calves continue to spread out in weight as they get older. Our plan was to separate the 84 pairs as we normally would but then wean them on good quality crabgrass behind a four strand temporary electric fence near the working pen. We put up a pretty stout temporary fence and then made sure we had a lot of power

(4,500 volts) with a good, strong spark when you grounded it out.

The pasture was Quick-n-Big crabgrass that had been growing three weeks, and that was about 6-10 inches tall. As soon as we put the calves out on their side and then put the cows on the other side, they all went to grazing and didn’t even realize they had been separated. By the end of the day, they did realize they had been separated, but they behaved well, keeping about a foot distance from the fence. We had no breakouts, and by day four, the cows were ready to go to the next pasture and leave the calves behind. The calves had access to good hay in addition to the crabgrass, which worked out to last them a week.

Today, five weeks after weaning day, the calves are doing very well and grazing piper sudangrass with iron and clay cowpeas. Not having to deal with the messy pen, having the calves in a better location on the farm (with easier access to annuals), and a reduction in the stress on Barry and me were the biggest benefits.

These calves still show some signs of fescue toxicosis, but their hair coats are improving, and they are not suffering from the heat as much as they did earlier in the summer. We sold the bottom end of the calves this week, and the remaining calves are destined to become replacement heifers and steers and heifers for the beef program.

Weaning on non-toxic forages is the best way to prepare calves from the fescue belt for their future in the beef industry, whether that is to become cows or feedlot steers or heifers. However you wean, find a system that reduces stress on the calves and on you.

Results of some of the recent research on weaning can be found at academic.oup.com/tas/article/5/1/ txaa231/6046446?login=true.

Weaning 84 pairs on pasture at Triple Creek Ranch in Virgilina, Va., in July 2021.

The Carolina Cattle Connection

q OCTOBER 2021

PAGE 23

E.B.'s View from the Cow Pasture

By E.B. HARRIS

An Optimist Working Cattle Chute Side Recently, Anne and I went to a celebration for Clint Reese. He was 90 years young. It was a very nice event held in Garner, N.C., at the Optimist Club. A little bit about Clint – I probably met him in the late ‘60s or early ‘70s. The first time I heard his name, he was a professor at State College. He taught my brother, Jimmy. He knew a lot about livestock. He was a sheep shearing champion and taught

119 HEAD

Jimmy some sheep shearing techniques.

Jimmy went on to be state champion sheep shearer with some of Clint’s techniques.

Shortly after, Clint took over the rim of being executive secretary of the N.C. Cattlemen’s Association and that brought our worlds closer together. We worked together with feeder calf sales and other cattle events across the state. Clint retired after 23 years with the N.C. Cattlemen’s

Association.

At the party, people told stories about how they had known Clint, and everyone enjoyed hearing these stories. I thought I would share one story that Barry, Clint’s son, told about Clint working cattle. Clint was always an optimist, no matter what.

That’s what put Clint at the forefront of a lot of things in this country as far as leadership.

Barry and his family and Clint were working cattle on this particular day.

I think Clint was keeping the records, Barry was working the head gate, and the other family members were sending the cattle up the chute. They were doing their annual herd health maintenance. It was getting toward the end of the cattle work, and the chute and alleyway were getting muddy, to put it in polite terms.

This one particular cow came in.

Barry caught her, and they recorded all the information and did the work. Barry went to release her, and instead of the cow going forward, she decided they were not

going to catch her again and backed up.

Barry walked around to her rear end and tapped her on the hip. When he did, she backed up even further, and her rear end went against the tail gate. When her rear end went against the tail gate, she had been on good grass, and you all know what good grass will do to cattle. It makes the back end like green soup.

At the same time she hit the back gate, she protruded some soup. Barry was in the right position to get a good application of the mud on his face. When he turned around and looked at his daddy, Clint looked up at him and thought for a moment. He came up with the best answer I have ever heard. He said, “Son, if you had kept your mouth open, you would not have gotten so much on your face.”

Remember, when you are working cattle and it’s that time of year for green grass, think about Barry and Clint. If want to save some tomato fertilizer from getting all over your face, you can leave your mouth open.

20th ANNUAL E.B. & SHANE HARRIS INFLUENCE FEMALE & BULL SALE

NOVEMBER 13, 2021 • 10:00 AM • OXFORD, NC All forage based cattle • Fall and winter calving • All cattle EID

This is a sale with a readily available guarantee service year after year. Longest continuing commercial sale in the country and it continues.

Buyer has option to sell first-year offspring back to E.B. and Shane with a $50 premium on heifers and a $25 premium on steers.

• 20 First Calf Heifers with October Calf at Side - Angus, BWF, and Simmental X - all bred to CE bulls • 50 Fall & Winter Calving Angus Based Bred Heifers - all bred to CE bulls • 26 ‘14 Model Proven Commercial Matrons Coming with 6th Calf - consists of Angus, SimAngus, Couple Eared X, and Profit or Prestige - the highest percentage body weight weaned for percentage of cow weight that we own - all bred to Springfield bulls • 5 11-Month-Old Commercial Bulls - Purebred Angus, Purebred Hereford, Purebred Red Angus, and SimAngus • 1 3-Year-Old Jenny • 1 2½-Year-Old Jack * All mature cows and heifers to start calving the week after the sale *

The sale will be held at the Granville Livestock Arena 4200 Cannady Mill Rd • Oxford, N.C.

All Cattle Sell With a Guarantee the Buyer Will Like!

Directions: From I-85, take Exit 204, go south on Hwy. 96 for 1.1 mile, turn left on Fairport Rd., go 2.4 miles, right on Cannady Mill Rd., sale ¼ 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.

For more information, call E.B or Shane 252-257-2140 • 252-430-9595 • 919-497-7990 or visit www.ebharris.com for live online bidding NCAL 1468

PAGE 24

The Carolina Cattle Connection q OCTOBER 2021

N.C. Forage & Grassland Council Forage Spotlight

By ALLISON BROWN

Regenerative Grazing Farm Tour – A HOT Topic You know you are serious about forages and grazing when you are willing to attend a field day on THE hottest day of the year. That was the case for the recent farm tour that the N.C. Forage and Grasslands Council held at Running T Farms in the piedmont of North Carolina.

Thankfully, an afternoon storm cooled the 95ºF day down to a more tolerable but VERY humid evening. However, it was worth it to see the regenerative grazing practices that Josh and Brandi Teague have implemented on their grass fed beef operation.

Josh shared with us the story of how their farm came to be. They were not always regenerative graziers. They began with a conventional start up beef operation. Quickly realizing they were not making money this way, they began to look at alternatives to commercial fertilizer and chemical weed control.

These were two of the most costly areas when taking an in depth look at the farm expenses.

Fast forward to now. We were able to see how controlling his grazing and frequent rotations have allowed him to stop using commercial fertilizers (the cows do all the fertilizing) and chemical weed control. Are there weeds on the farm? Sure, there are! At Running T Farms, your eye is not immediately drawn to the weeds as they would be in an overgrazed pasture with 5 foot tall dogfennel everywhere (you know you have seen that pasture). Josh shared how the cows will consume some of the weeds when grazing if the weeds are smaller and not mature. Of course, there are some pesky weeds that no animal wants to eat, like dogfennel or spiny amaranth. To deal with these, he will run the bush hog over

the pastures immediately after the cows rotate out.

Both winter and summer annuals are utilized to extend the grazing season and provide a more nutrient dense diet for finishing their grass fed animals.

Once again, no chemicals or commercial fertilizers are utilized to grow these annuals. That truly is amazing. Speaking of amazing! Johnny Rogers, with Amazing Grazing, spoke about using temporary fencing and the “power of one wire” to move cattle easily and restrict grazing for maximum plant performance.

Josh demonstrated how easy it was to move his finishing animals to a new strip of Rays Crazy Mix (summer annual mix) using temporary fencing. Dr. Matt Poore, N.C. State Extension Ruminant Nutrition Specialist, discussed the different plant species that make up Rays Crazy Mix. He pointed out the benefits of planting multiple plant species versus a monoculture and how important summer annuals are for animal performance during hot weather and soil health.

Josh and Brandi have put a great emphasis on producing a natural, wholesome grass fed product. Their

passion for producing a 100 percent grass fed product and their love for grazing shines through. You can catch Josh moving cows at least a couple of times a week on Facebook or Instagram under Running T Beef. Check them out; you will definitely learn something.

To sum up the evening, it was beyond fulfilling to have an in person event again and to see so many folks excited and

interested in learning more about grazing and doing things differently. The NCFGC would like to thank Josh and Brandi Teague for welcoming us all to their farm and for sharing their grazing experiences with us. Check out the N.C. Forage and Grasslands Instagram page by searching “ncforagegrassland” so you can keep up with NCFGC activities and forage production across the state!

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

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

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The Carolina Cattle Connection

q OCTOBER 2021

PAGE 25

You Decide!

By DR. MIKE WALDEN

William Neal Reynolds Distinguished Professor Emeritus N.C. State University You Decide: Is Round Two of the COVID Recession on the Way? Just when we thought things were getting better, could they go the other way and get worse? For most of the year, we were optimistic about the economy. Growth was surging, jobs were being added, and optimism was lifting. A big reason was the retreat of COVID-19.

But in recent weeks, COVID-19 has made a comeback. The Delta variant of COVID-19 is raging across the country with record infection rates.

To give some perspective to the concerns, here’s a summary of where we’ve been with COVID-19 and the economy. Once COVID-19 spread rapidly in early 2020, business shutdowns and stay at home orders became common around the country. With normal economic interactions interrupted, the economy tanked in the spring, and a deep recession took hold. The national unemployment rate soared to almost 15 percent.

But success in “flattening the curves” of both cases and deaths allowed restrictions to be eased. As a result, the economy grew in the third quarter of 2020 by almost as much as it dropped in the second quarter. Indeed, using the definition that recessions end once the economy resumes expanding, the COVID-19 recession no longer existed in the third quarter.

Growth continued, but at a much slower pace, in the winter as the virus resurged. But with vaccinations beginning in early 2021, the virus was significantly curtailed. In fact, by the summer of 2021, aggregate economic production was back to pre-pandemic levels, and aggregate employment had recovered all but four percent of its losses.

Then the COVID-19 Delta variant began spreading in July, and it continues today. Cases have been rising all over North Carolina, and in some areas, hospital beds have become scarce.

This situation sounds eerily similar to where we were in early 2020. Will we need to react in the same way and have business lockdowns and stay-at-home orders? And if so, will another serious pandemic recession be the result?

In addressing these questions, we

PAGE 26

do have the benefit of seeing what’s transpired in other countries that contracted the delta variant before we did.

Both the United Kingdom and India had the Delta variant weeks before it came to us. Just as we have experienced, both countries had a rapid run up in new cases.

But – encouragingly – both countries also have had a rapid reduction in new cases after a peak was reached. In India, the new case peak came in early May, and now new cases are back to pre-peak levels. In the U.K., the top in new cases came in July, and although new cases have been declining, they have still not returned to pre-Delta variant levels.

Medical experts are still trying to determine what has caused the rise and fall of the Delta variant. But the fact the variant did subside in India and the U.K. is encouraging for us.

The immediate future of the economy will depend on two factors – how the Delta variant progresses and how we react to it. If the Delta variant new cases peak and then subside – for whatever reasons – within the next four to six weeks, then the economy should continue to expand and improve. Growth may be slightly slower than it has been, but no “negative growth” – meaning a recession – will occur.

Conversely, if new cases climb with no obvious end in sight, then a more uncertain outlook is ahead. More communities would institute restrictions, like mask mandates. In-person gatherings would be postponed, and outdoor events could be canceled or controlled.

Furthermore, even without the imposition of public regulations, individuals on their own would curtail activities like shopping, eating out, and vacationing. Studies of individual behavior during the pandemic have confirmed these reactions.

The result would be a more significant slowdown in the economy. Still, I don’t believe these reactions would be enough to put us back into a recession. Households, businesses, and institutions such as education and healthcare learned to cope with the pandemic last year. Households worked remotely, businesses stayed afloat using cyber buying and delivery, and education and healthcare accessed students

The Carolina Cattle Connection q OCTOBER 2021

and patients via the internet.

The coping mechanisms weren’t perfect and not without costs, but they did soften the economic blow of the pandemic. If the Delta variant puts us into a similar situation, I think the lessons we learned last year will improve our coping techniques and reduce the costs.

Many hoped and maybe expected COVID-19 to be banished this year. Others pointed to the pandemic of a century ago – the Spanish flu of 1918-1919 - which killed more Americans than COVID-19, as a reason to be more cautious. That pandemic had several waves, something we’ve now unfortunately experienced with COVID-19.

We’re going through another challenging time with the pandemic.

Like everyone, I want COVID-19 to be

gone. The virus and the economy are still intertwined. While economic conditions have adapted to the virus, we won’t be able to freely engage in economic interactions until we are free of the virus. Like you, I hope we can someday absolutely decide when that is.

You Decide: What Made Today’s North Carolina Economy? During one of my recent early morning workouts at the local YMCA in Raleigh, I met an impressive young person. He is a senior at NCSU’s textile college. We talked about the textile industry and his occupational goal. I mentioned that the textiles industry was once one of the dominant economic sectors in the state for many decades.

That statement surprised him.

I don’t blame my new friend for not knowing the history of textiles in North

Baxter Black

On the edge of

common sense

Excuses for Keeping Culls I try not to make this column too educational, but sometimes there is a need that can’t be ignored. When ranchers and cowmen work their cow herd, they are often under pressure to cull cows that they have developed a peculiar fondness for. Their excuses for keepin’ the ol’ darlin’ can be pretty feeble.

I present to you a list of excuses which can be used as a handy reference while yer standin’ there at the chute.

- “I always keep the roan cows. They’re good luck.”

- “She’s a good marker.”

- “She’ll be good as new once the hair grows.”

- “She can see just as well with one eye. Saw that horn off.”

- “We can turn her out on the J.P. That’ll wear off those long toes.”

- “My sister had a C-section and we didn’t ship her.”

- “It just takes a little time for a knocked down hip to heal.

- “I read Playtex has a new cross yer heart veterinary bra for swing bags.”

- “So she’s a little thin…it’s just the Jersey comin’ out in her.

- “I admit her head’s not too feminine, Ma, but that never kept you from settlin’.”

- “Since when do you have to have all yer teeth to be a good mother?”

- “She weaned the biggest calf on the place in ‘14.

- “My horoscope told me ten was my lucky number and she turned ten last spring.”

- “I know she’s slunk her last two calves but this year might be different.”

- “She’s always had a snotty nose and watery eyes. I think it’s hay fever.”

- “You can’t cull one just because she can’t walk as fast as the others.”

- “Her mother was a good cow.”

- “If she had brucellosis, I’d know it.

- “You gotta admit she knows the range.”

- “She’s not weak, just gentle.”

- “So what, even I have arthritis.”

- “But she was Wava Dean’s first 4-H project.”

- “I say as long as three out of four work, she’s worth keepin’.”

Carolina. Most of us focus on today and not the past. And if we do know about the past, it’s the past we’ve lived through. At age 70, I’ve lived through more time than my 20-year-old new friend.

When most people think about history, the focus is on big events like wars, elections, and inventions. But equally important – at least in my opinion – is economic history, which tracks changes in industries, companies, and occupations.

North Carolina has a long and dynamic economic history. When I arrived in the state in the 1970s, the “Big Three” industries of tobacco, textiles, and furniture dominated the economy, accounting for almost 1/4 of all economic production.

Today, the Big Three accounts for less than ten percent of the state’s aggregate economic production. In place of the Big Three is the new “Big Five” sectors of technology, pharmaceuticals, banking, food processing, and vehicle parts.

The shift from the Big Three to the Big Five occurred in the span of less than half a century, which in historical time is the blink of an eye. How did it happen?

There were five key causes: globalization,

the rise of higher education, national banking, the transformation of agriculture, and the movement of new companies and people to North Carolina.

Since the end of World War II, the world has been moving toward free and open trade between countries. But two trade agreements in the 1990s and 2000s, NAFTA (North American Free Trade Agreement) and the WTO (World Trade Organization), really put a capstone on globalization. The result was economic production gravitated to locations with the lowest costs.

For North Carolina, globalization meant large parts of the state’s manufacturing base in textiles, apparel, and furniture departed to foreign countries. However, one upside was growth in the state’s vehicle parts industry supplying auto assembly factories operating in South Carolina.

As the economy shifted in the late th 20 century from relying on “brawn power” to using “brain power,” higher education expanded everywhere. North Carolina had already developed a strong public university system to complement its high profile private universities and colleges. Hence, the state was ready to expand its college training. One factor

helping the state was the high level of state support for higher education, thereby allowing North Carolina to be among the states with the lowest public university tuitions and fees.

As early as the 1950s, farsighted state leaders in North Carolina recognized economic change was on the way. Efforts were made to attract new companies in technology and pharmaceuticals, the most prominent being developing Research Triangle Park (RTP), the first of its kind in the country. North Carolina combined this effort with growing numbers of college graduates, a relatively low cost of living, attractive natural amenities, and a sunny climate to grow these sectors just at the time traditional manufacturing was waning.

In the 20 th century, most states restricted banks to one location. Both North Carolina and South Carolina were exceptions, allowing banks to have branches across their states. Hence, when nationwide banking was approved

by Congress in the 1990s, banks in the Carolinas had the experience to rapidly expand. The result was Charlotte – on the border of the two states – became the second largest financial center in the country.

As tobacco’s importance in North Carolina declined, farmers looked for substitutes. One alternative was meat – specifically hogs – which led to rapid expansion in the state’s food processing sector.

Last, as the nation became more economically and culturally linked in the late 20 th and early 21 st centuries, the relocation of both businesses and households increased. North Carolina has consistently been on the positive side of these relocations, with many more companies and people moving to the state than moving out. These movers have come from the two ends of the age spectrum – retirees enjoying their golden years and young people beginning their careers.

These five forces have remade North Carolina - economically, socially, and culturally – within the span of five decades. This demonstrates the lesson that change can occur rapidly. Some futurists believe the pandemic has put us at the beginning of another set of forces creating widespread change in the upcoming decades. Are they correct? What kind of changes will occur? And do we have the ability to mold the changes, so they provide the most benefit to the largest number of people? You decide.

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q OCTOBER 2021

PAGE 27

NEWS CLAAS of America Announces Nine New Additions to Its Portfolio of LINER Rakes and New DISCO Mower. New models provide a wider range of working widths and proven feed quality. CLAAS has launched the next generation of center delivery rakes with various models ranging from 20 feet 4 inches to 49 feet 2 inches and a completely new 13 foot 9 inch rear mounted mower. The distinctive features of this new range include a low transport height, excellent ground contour following, and ease of handling.

CLAAS is a leading supplier of rotary rakes and disc mowers. The portfolio features nine new rake models and one new mower designed from the ground up with innovative features and unique functions to make life easier for users while guaranteeing premium forage quality at high work rates.

New Four Rotor Center Delivery LINER Rakes - In the BUSINESS models, the swath width can be hydraulically adjusted by ISOBUS

PAGE 28

operation, and several swath widths can be stored in the terminal for optimum convenience. In the TREND models, the swath width can be adjusted in transport position without tools using a spring loaded lever and hole matrix. All four rotors are driven mechanically and thus efficiently and directly by PTO. This increases the raking force by up to 50 percent compared to hydraulic drives. All rotors are fitted with individual friction clutches to protect against overload — they respond more smoothly than cam clutches and allow work to continue nonstop even during load peaks. The shaft speed in the two Y-gearboxes on the main frame has been reduced from 540 to 350 rpm to protect the drivetrain.

Large in the Field, Compact on the Road - The telescopic arms are fully retracted and folded up at 90 degrees to the main frame for road travel. Once the main frame has been hydraulically lowered, the 13 foot transport height is achieved without having to remove the

The Carolina Cattle Connection q OCTOBER 2021

tine arms. This reduces setup times since the machine can be folded into transport position and unfolded into working position in a matter of seconds without having to step down from the tractor.

The front rotor suspension automatically locks in transport position for smooth road travel. The telescopic arms have an automatic transport lock which unlocks hydraulically in the BUSINESS models.

New Two Rotor Center Delivery LINER Rakes - Like their predecessors, the latest generation LINER dual rotor rakes offer excellent ground contour following for clean gathering with low ash contamination. The GRASS CARE rotor guidance system ensures that the rotors are actively suspended during operation.

The BUSINESS model is equipped with individual rotor lift that is preselected on the terminal as standard; this function is optionally available for direct spool valve operation in the TREND models. With the LINER 2900 BUSINESS, the height of each rotor can be controlled separately using the preselection function on the ergonomic CEMIS 10 control unit and by actuating the tractor spool valve. As an option, the TREND version of the LINER two rotor rake can be supplied with hydraulic rotor height adjustment with direct spool valve control. The LINER 3100, 2900, and 2800 adjust working widths and swath widths hydraulically and synchronously using the telescopic arms. On the LINER 2700 and 2600, it is adjusted mechanically.

ACTIVE FLOAT for LINER 2900 BUSINESS - ACTIVE FLOAT hydraulic rotor suspension is available exclusively on the LINER 2900 BUSINESS. This functions in a similar way to the suspension of the same name in the DISCO CONTOUR disc mowers. ACTIVE FLOAT is easily adjusted directly on the machine, with a gauge on the main frame indicating the pressure in the hydraulic circuits.

The ground pressure of the rotor can be adapted precisely to the forage quantity and ground conditions by adjusting the suspension pressure. This ensures faster operating speeds and reduces ash contamination in the forage.

Completely New Rear DISCO 4400 CONTOUR Mower - Rear mounted mowers with large working widths used in front rear combinations can be an effective alternative to triple combinations, depending on the application. CLAAS has responded to many customers’ calls for a rear mower with a working width of more than 13 feet with the launch of the new DISCO 4400 CONTOUR. The mower features innovative diagonal 120º folding for safe, vertical road transport at a height

of less than 13 feet and a space saving storage position combined with powerful performance.

New 120° Vector Folding A highlight for the DISCO 4400 CONTOUR is the unique vector folding: this allows the mower to be folded vertically to 120º for transport position like the other models in the CONTOUR series. The unique part is that the mower can be folded backward slightly using the hydraulic break back ram, which allows the mower, when folded for transport, to lean backward and reduce the transport height. So, despite having a working width of 13 feet 9 inches, the mower unit achieves a transport height of less than 13 feet for road travel. This gives the driver the choice of a vertical transport folding or leaning the mower backward when folding to be under 13 feet high. At the same time, it is positioned diagonally behind the tractor and supported by the headstock, thereby shifting the center of gravity to the tractor’s longitudinal axis.

When compared with mowers that pivot to the rear, this solution reduces the load on the tractor front axle by around 50 percent, which greatly improves transport handling. Furthermore, in transport position, the DISCO 4400 CONTOUR hardly swings back, making it easier to get into the field gate from a narrow road.

For more information about the LINER rake or DISCO mower, visit the company website at www.claas.com.

About CLAAS of America, Inc. CLAAS offers a wide variety of technologically innovative tractor, combine, forage harvester, baler, and hay tool products to provide growers optimum performance in the field. These premium equipment lines are designed by a dedicated engineering staff located at numerous factories worldwide and focused on the production and design of harvesting equipment. The design, performance, and reliability of this equipment have made CLAAS an international market leader. For more information, visit www.claas.com.

NOTICE

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

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

The Carolina Cattle Connection

q OCTOBER 2021

PAGE 29

BEEF TIPS

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

PAGE 30

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

The Carolina Cattle Connection q OCTOBER 2021

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 similarly 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.

Don’t get caught napping!

Deadline is 5th of month prior to issue!

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The Carolina Cattle Connection q OCTOBER 2021

Understanding Anaplasmosis Risk

By BOB LARSON, DVM, Ph.D. Anaplasmosis is a serious disease that affects cattle in an increasingly larger area of the country. A tiny organism called Anaplasma marginale attaches to red blood cells, which leads to the destruction of those cells and a decrease in the ability of affected cattle to carry oxygen in their blood. If more red blood cells are destroyed, then the animal can replace with new cells – the blood becomes watery, the animal becomes anemic, and other signs of infection can occur, including fever, depression, dehydration, rapid or difficult breathing, and yellow discoloration of the mucus membranes of the gums, around the eyes, and the vulva. Sometimes affected animals become excited and aggressive when not enough oxygen reaches the brain. Young animals are often able to recover because they can make new red blood cells very quickly, but older animals do not produce new cells very fast, and they can quickly become very anemic and have very low oxygen levels in the blood leading to severe illness or death.

Anaplasmosis is primarily carried from cattle to cattle by ticks, but the movement of blood from infected cattle to susceptible cattle can also be accomplished by biting flies such as horseflies or by human activities such as via blood contaminated needles, dehorning instruments, tattoo pliers, or palpation sleeves. The disease has historically been a problem in the southern parts of the United States but has now spread north so cattlemen in many important beef producing areas need to be aware of the problem. In herds that become exposed to the organism, cattle of any age can become infected, but the severity of illness is usually mild in young cattle and increases with age.

In cattle that become infected when they are three years of age or older, 30-50 percent of animals showing signs of the disease are likely to die. If infected cattle are able to survive, they are not likely to have severe problems due to the disease in the future, but they remain carriers for the rest of their life. In some cases, these carrier infections can be eliminated using antibiotic treatment.

The first sign of anaplasmosis in a herd may be the sudden death of adult cattle. If anaplasmosis is identified as a cause of death and disease in a herd, cattle that are obviously sick should be kept as quiet as possible and treated with an appropriate injectable antibiotic to kill the organism. In addition, tetracycline can

be fed in the mineral mix or supplement to provide additional protection to the herd as directed by a veterinarian through a VFD document.

For carrier cattle that don’t appear sick but are infected with the anaplasma organism, your veterinarian can plan a treatment protocol using approved antibiotics administered over several days to clear the organism. However, treatment with antibiotics is not effective for all cattle, and those animals that are cleared of the organism become susceptible to reinfection.

The best plan to minimize disease loss due to anaplasmosis depends greatly on a farm’s or ranch’s geographic location and the number of cattle in the area that is infected. In parts of the country where anaplasmosis infection is rare, a strategy to find and treat and/or remove any carrier animals is recommended. In contrast, in areas of the country where many cattle are infected, an attempt to remove all carriers from a herd will result in a herd that is susceptible to re-infection, and the herd may have greater losses than if other strategies had been used to minimize the disease’s effects.

If infected cattle are found in a herd in a part of the country where anaplasmosis is rare, one strategy to minimize disease loss is to test the herd for anaplasmosis infection and to treat any test positive animals with an appropriate antibiotic as directed by your veterinarian. This treatment should be at a time of year when the local tick and fly population is the lowest. Because the treatment does not clear infection from every animal, the animals should be tested again about six months after the treatment, and if an animal tests positive at this time, it should be considered a treatment failure and removed from the herd, either by slaughter or by being sold to a herd in an area where anaplasmosis is common.

In contrast, in herds located where anaplasmosis is common, rather than trying to avoid infection, some producers may want to allow infection to occur while the cattle are young in order to minimize obvious sickness and death loss. In some countries, young animals are purposefully exposed to the organism allowing them to build immunity at a time in their life when the disease is mild. Although they will be infected for life, they are not likely to suffer severe illness. In some states in the U.S., your veterinarian may be able to obtain an experimental anaplasmosis

vaccine that does not prevent infection but is reported to reduce the risk of clinical signs and death. Producers may also elect to feed tetracycline under the direction of a veterinarian when the disease is most prevalent to control active infection and to use insecticides to control tick and fly populations.

Because the best anaplasmosis control strategy for a particular farm or ranch depends on how likely that herd is to come into contact with the organism, an important component of a control strategy is a plan to deal with replacement animals. If your herd is free of anaplasmosis and the risk of exposure is low, any replacement animal should be tested before being brought into contact with the herd. A test positive animal should either be culled or isolated and

treated and then re-tested six months after treatment. In contrast, if your herd is infected with anaplasmosis and the organism is common in your area, a test positive replacement animal is desired, and the greatest health risk is in replacement animals that are not infected with the organism but that will be placed in direct contact with carrier animals. In this situation, one option is vaccination (if available) with close monitoring for clinical signs of the disease and quick treatment if disease is detected.

Anaplasmosis control requires a good working relationship with your veterinarian to determine your level of risk and best control strategies. The best control strategy for your herd may be very different from that of your neighbors or cattlemen in other parts of the country.

McMahan Farm & Hancock Angus Annual Registered Angus Bull Sale November 20, 2021 • 12:00 noon at the farm in Mocksville, N.C.

FFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFF

Sons from these A.I. sires: Black Hawk • Way Up Dark Fire • Peyton

*All bulls will have passed a BSE exam before the sale* * Bulls are forage fed with little supplement*

FFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFF

McMahan Farm

Steven • Becky • Cassidy • Taylor • Blake 299 Applewood Road • Mocksville, NC 27028 336-998-2695 (home) • 336-909-1494 (cell)

Hancock Angus

Mark Hancock • 336-909-1082 (cell) The Carolina Cattle Connection

q OCTOBER 2021

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ANGUS NEWS Letter From the President Dear Angus Breeders, The American Angus Association Board of Directors recently met in St. Joseph, Missouri. The last few weeks have been filled with committee meetings, and we had great discussions on several important topics.

• Financial Matters - With the conclusion of the fiscal year, the board reviewed year end financial statements and approved budgets for the coming year for the association and each entity.

We are proud to share that each entity is financially sound and to compliment the staff on managing costs to stay in line with revenue. Looking ahead to the next fiscal year, the board approved the first balanced operating budget without the use of investment income in over 20 years.

• Guest Speaker - We had the pleasure of hearing from Dr. Kee Jim from Feedlot Health Management and GK Jim Group of Companies. Dr. Jim is one of the most respected feedlot veterinarians in the world and shared his very valuable perspective into future opportunities for genetic improvement and the Angus breed.

• L o n g Te r m S t r a t e g y a n d Competitive Landscape - Continuing our discussions regarding the competitive landscape, we talked about growing or emerging threats to the association and our members. We continue to work on ways to keep the Angus evaluation the gold standard in the industry while staying focused on future improvements and driving value for the registration paper.

• Gene Editing Policy - After an in-

4th Annual Bull & Heifer Sale November 6, 2021 12:00 Noon at the Farm

• 10 Big, Stout, Performance Tested, Fertility Tested, and Genomic Tested Yearling Bulls • 12 Open Heifers, Ready to Breed SIRES REPRESENTED Enhance • Growth Fund • Exclusive

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HENRY & BAMBI CRAVEN Home - 336-879-2500 Cell - 336-257-0112 6197 Little Beane Store Rd. Seagrove, NC 27341 PAGE 36

The Carolina Cattle Connection q OCTOBER 2021

depth discussion, the board approved a policy that would allow registration of genome edited animals while protecting the association and the purebred population and simultaneously supporting innovative breeders utilizing new technology. The rule framework allows for the consideration of gene edits deemed beneficial to the breed. At this time, no specific edits have been approved.

• 2021 NJAS - The Board reviewed the success of the event in Grand Island, evaluated future locations, and reviewed the rules and policies that govern our junior shows. A few changes were made to some rules that had created confusion or misunderstandings with exhibitors in the past, specifically surrounding the owned cow/calf show.

• Building Update - The board had previously approved capital expenditures to make necessary improvements to the Association home office, specifically updating the member services area and employee lunchroom. The remodel is underway, and we got to see the progress firsthand. We are excited to make these needed building investments to be sure we are providing a comfortable and inviting workspace for the Association staff.

• National Angus Convention and Trade Show - We are excited to be able to have a full convention and trade show this year in Fort Worth. The agenda promises a great weekend of education, networking, and entertainment, in addition to conducting the business of the association.

• Growth in Maternal Plus and Inventory Based AHIR - Angus breeders have done a great job of enrolling in Inventory based AHIR, with over 121,000 females enrolled. That includes 35,000 new females and 86,000 females enrolled in Maternal Plus.

• AGI - The AGI team provided updates on various research projects surrounding the genetic evaluation. An update and timeline were presented around the development of a sustained fertility EPD and a strategy to introduce that tool to breeders. Full details of the plans and timeline will be shared at the National Angus Convention in Fort Worth.

• Age of Dam and Age of Calf Adjustment Research - After ongoing research, plans are underway to update both age of dam and age of calf adjustments. While this should have negligible impact on EPDs, it will improve the overall quality of our genetic evaluation.

• Powered by Angus Strategy Continuing the path of differentiating “registered” Angus from generic Angus

or black hided cattle, a new program will be launched at The National Angus Convention and Trade Show that will allow breeders to use the Powered by Angus logo on their own catalogs and advertising. The program will drive demand at the point when commercial cattlemen are making purchase decisions.

• AngusLink SM - We have seen significant growth in enrollments for the AngusLink program year to date. Over half of the enrollments utilize the Genetic Merit Scorecard (GMS). Awareness within the industry continues to grow, highlighted with GMS scores being displayed on Superior Livestock Auction this summer. Partnerships are being established with several allied companies, including A.I. and nutrition companies.

By the end of this fiscal year, premiums paid on enrolled cattle will exceed $10 million.

• Angus-on-Dairy - The Board continues to stay abreast of this market segment. The Angus breed has expanded its market share in the beef-on-dairy segment over the last two years. While we are committed to not letting this market distract from our efforts to serve the commercial cow/calf producer, Angus-on-dairy continues to drive value for registered Angus bulls and may also provide opportunities to capture valuable data on carcass merit, health, male fertility, and other important traits.

• Creative Media and Angus Media Future Landscape - As media platforms evolve, Angus Media continues to offer additional ways for Angus breeders to advance their marketing strategies. In particular, new advancements in digital, audio, and video are being used for both content and advertising. We are excited about these new marketing tools and encourage members to visit with their Regional Managers to learn more.

• Certified Angus Beef Collaboration with Ducks Unlimited - In maintaining a leadership position in the branded beef marketplace and responding to customer demands, we are working on sustainability initiatives that would establish working grassland stewardship projects for Angus ranchers.

• Certified Angus Beef Brand Strategic Plan - A strategic plan for CAB was reviewed. The plan will lead the brand in the future with initiatives to increase supply, drive sales, cultivate loyalty, become invaluable, brand to win and grow and diversify revenue. While our foodservice partners are still dealing with COVID and labor issues, brand sales are on pace to post one of the best years in history.

• Board Treasurer - Dr. Barry Pollard was elected to serve as the Treasurer of

the Board for the coming year. 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.

Respectfully, David Dal Porto Angus Foundation raises more than $11,300 at NJAS. The annual silent auction brings in unrestricted funds to be used throughout the year. During the 2021 National Junior Angus Show (NJAS) held in Grand Island, Neb., the Angus Foundation held their annual silent auction to raise unrestricted funds to be used for its mission of funding and supporting education, youth, and research within the Angus breed and agricultural industry. The Foundation uses the money raised for numerous scholarships, conferences, and research projects.

“It is amazing to see the incredible assortment of items so many members donated to be part of the return of the silent auction. In fact, we had our second highest number of items since the silent auction began in 2005,” said Thomas Marten, Angus Foundation executive director. “Not only do the funds raised grow the Angus Fund which provides financial support for key programs like LEAD, the silent auction is fun. Many families enjoy perusing a menagerie of treasures from handmade quilts and artwork to historical Angus items and gift baskets.”

The silent auction was open from Monday to Saturday and had 157 items this year. From home decorations to

Have you forgotten something?

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

those of historical significance to the Angus breed, there was something for everybody. NJAS attendees filtered in and out of the silent auction booth all week, checking on their items, placing bids, and pledging their support for the betterment of the Angus breed. Items were donated from across the country and prompted several bidding wars over who would take home the prize.

Angus/Talon Youth Educational Learning Program internship and host ranch applications now open. Hands-on experience is arguably the most valuable way to learn; just ask the four young people who all interned this summer with the Talon Internship Program. The Talon Internship is a learning opportunity for college students from coast to coast to gain new experiences while spending the summer working and learning on an Angus host ranch. Interns will learn about the industry while being molded into advocates for the entire beef and agricultural industry. Angus breeders can host an intern over the summer or fall and welcome them to work alongside them on their operation.

“The Angus Foundation is proud to assist in carrying on Camron Cooper’s legacy by giving young aspiring cattlemen and women the chance to work and gain experience on a working operation,” said Thomas Marten, Angus Foundation executive director. “The Talon internship is a unique opportunity for students to work on seasoned operations and learn from some of the best in the business.”

The internship honors the legacy of the late Camron “Cam” Cooper of the Talon Ranch in Twin Bridges, Montana.

Cooper developed the Angus/Talon Youth Educational Learning Program Endowment Fund in 2009 to be a holistic educational experience for students.

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

“I would definitely recommend and have been recommending this internship to any college student interested in a career in the agriculture industry and particularly in the beef industry,” said Denny Atchley, a 2021 Talon intern placed at TD Angus from Las Cruces, New Mexico. “The magnitude of everything I learned over the last few months cannot be understated, nor can the value of the connections I had the privilege of making and the relationships which I am sure will last far past this summer.”

Throughout Atchley’s internship at TD Angus at Rishel Ranch in North Platte, Neb., he said he learned about the

Angus breed, genetics, and marketing and could not have been paired with a better operation to serve as an example.

“The Wasserburgers could not have been a better family to spend my summer working with,” he said. “They, as well as the rest of the employees of TD Angus, took me under their wing and made me feel right as home as they did everything they could to ensure I learned as much as possible during my time there.”

Interns also had the opportunity to visit the American Angus Association headquarters in Saint Joseph, Mo., as well as visit Certified Angus Beef LLC in Wooster, Ohio. They also had the chance to participate in other Angus and beef cattle educational events and activities off the farm, such as conferences, field days, and so on.

The Talon intern is compensated by the Angus Foundation through the Angus/Talon Youth Educational Learning Program Endowment Fund.

Youth interested in applying for the internship program can find the application at www.angus.org/Foundation/ Files/TalonStudentApplication.pdf until applications are due December 1.

For more information on the Talon Internship program, contact Thomas

Marten, Angus Foundation executive director, at TMarten@Angus.org or visit www.angusfoundation.org.

About the Angus Foundation.

Established as a 501(c)3 organization in 1980, the Angus Foundation remains focused on its mission to support Angus education, youth, and research. The organization has distributed more than $3.1 million in youth scholarships since 1998 and has also invested more than $1.3 million in beef cattle research throughout the past decade. For more information, contact the Angus Foundation at 816-383-5100 or visit www.angusfoundation.org.

Angus Means Business. The American Angus Association is the nation’s largest beef breed organization, serving 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 nearly 300,000 animals each year. The association also provides programs and services to farmers, ranchers, and others who rely on Angus to produce quality genetics for the beef industry and quality beef for consumers. For more information about Angus cattle and the American Angus Association, visit www.angus.org.

SPRINGFIELD ANGUS Bull Sale December 11, 2021 • 12:00 noon Featuring:

40 Yearling Bulls 30 Two-Year-Old Bulls Performance Tested • Ultrasound and 50K Evaluated Registered Angus Bulls

SPRINGFIELD ANGUS

104 Springfield Lane • Louisburg, NC 27549

Phil Goodson - 919-880-9062 (cell) Email - philgoodson2@gmail.com For a complete listing or additional information, contact Springfield Angus. Please visit www.springfieldangus.com .

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Gazda Inducted Into Livestock Marketeers Hall of Fame American Angus Association Regional Manager, David Gazda, honored by Livestock Marketeers.

Throughout his tenure, many individuals both in and out of the Angus family have experienced the kindness, respect, and true cowboy humility of the southeast American Angus Association regional manager, who is most easily recognized when sporting his cowboy hat, wire rimmed glasses, starched jeans, and soft smile. David Gazda, American Angus Association director of field services and regional manager, was inducted into the Livestock Marketeers Hall of Fame on June 15.

The Livestock Marketeers, an informal fraternity of livestock fieldmen, auctioneers, sale managers, and related livestock business leaders, recognized Gazda at their 56th Annual Banquet in Saint Joseph, Missouri.

“David was recognized as an inductee for the Livestock Marketeers Hall of Fame due to his exceptional passion for the Angus breed and its membership, his willingness to help members of every size and scope, and his professionalism in advancing the interests of the Angus breed,” says Brett Spader, Angus Media president and member of the Livestock Marketeers.

Spader says Gazda is a true role model to fellow livestock marketing professionals, as he selflessly serves cattle producers and pushes the entire cattle industry forward.

Gazda began his career with the Association in 1988 as regional manager serving Georgia, Florida, North Carolina, and South Carolina. As territories have

been restructured, Gazda has also worked with Angus breeders in Alabama and Mississippi. In 2016, he was named director of field services, managing the Association’s 12 other regional managers.

“There’s no better position for someone who wants to be in the livestock industry,” Gazda says. “The only way I’ve been able to do what I have done is through faith, family, and friends. That’s what is really responsible for having brought me through the last 33 years.”

Today, after more than 30 years now spent in the role, he manages the entire team of regional managers and is the longest standing member of the current group. His territory includes Florida, Georgia, and South Carolina.

Gazda resides in Athens, Ga., and today he still covers Florida, Georgia, and South Carolina. The Gazdas raised two daughters, Katie and Taylor, in the Angus breed. They also have one grandson, David Hudson Stipe.

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

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.

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

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

BILTMORE ESTATE Kyle Mayberry - Manager Asheville 828-768-1956 livestock@biltmore.com www.biltmorelivestock.com BRITT FAMILY FARMS James Britt Calypso 919-738-6331 jrb4070@hotmail.com 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) H&H FARMS Buddy & Jennifer Hamrick - Owners Bly Hamrick - Manager Boiling Springs 704-472-1912 jennham@bellsouth.net HARWARD SISTERS Brooke, Marcie, & Mattie Harward Richfield 704-322-9770 (Brooke) 704-322-5201 (Marcie); 704-322-0831 (Mattie) harwardsisters@gmail.com www.harwardsisters.com HILL ANGUS FARM Dr. Gary M. Hill Hendersonville 229-848-3695 gmhill@uga.edu JACK KNOB FARMS Karl, Janet, & Logan Gillespie Franklin 828-371-2220 karl@jackknobfarms.com www.jackknobfarms.com

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

PANTHER CREEK FARMS John C. Smith, Jr. Pink Hill 252-526-1929 JohnSmith3982@embarqmail.com S&J Farms Steven & Julie Lung Nathan Lung - Manager Carthage 910-947-3414 sandjfarms2013@gmail.com SMITH CREEK ANGUS FARM Marty & Lynne Rooker Norlina 252-213-1553 mrooker@mrookerlaw.com SPRINGFIELD ANGUS Phil Goodson Alex Askew Louisburg 919-880-9062 (Phil) 910-260-2899 (Alex) philgoodson2@gmail.com www.springfieldangus.com 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 336-549-0070 (Mike); 336-460-7451 (Will) michaelmoss@rtmc.net WINSLOW GENETICS Ben & Kathleen Winslow Halifax 252-578-5487 bensbulls@gmail.com WOOD ANGUS FARM, LLC Russell Wood Willow Spring 919-275-4397 rwood4400@gmail.com www.woodangus.com

Sharon Rogers

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

The Carolina Cattle Connection

q OCTOBER 2021

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PUBLIC LANDS COUNCIL NEWS NCBA and PLC Denounce the Administration’s Misguided Focus on Wilderness Designations. Recently, the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA) and Public Lands Council (PLC) denounced the administration’s elevated focus on federal wilderness designations as an overly broad tool for reaching climate goals and targets laid out under the America the Beautiful conservation campaign.

President Biden’s proclamation named September 2021 as National Wilderness Month and outlined the president’s clear support for

expanded use of the Wilderness Act of 1964. Designations made under this act prohibit the use of motorized vehicles or mechanical tools, in many cases effectively banning the active management that is necessary to curb the risk of catastrophic wildfire, eradicate invasive species, maintain healthy habitat and water sources for wildlife, and more.

“President Biden’s proclamation calling for increased utilization of the Wilderness Act of 1964 is incredibly out of touch at a moment when catastrophic wildfires are threatening populations across the West and 4.8 million acres have

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The Carolina Cattle Connection q OCTOBER 2021

already burned this year,” said NCBA Executive Director of Natural Resources and PLC Executive Director Kaitlynn Glover. “Since the America the Beautiful campaign was announced, we have worked with the administration in good faith to educate on the dangers posed by hands off, overreaching prohibitions and preservation focused designations that prevent active conservation of our natural landscapes. We appreciate the President’s support for the open, wild spaces that are conserved by cattle and sheep producers every day, but holding wilderness areas up as the gold standard for natural landscapes is misguided. When federal agencies prioritize blanket designations over targeted, active conservation, they send the signal that they only care about the name of the area — not the condition of the resources. Conservation is an action verb. Public lands ranchers have a wealth of skill and knowledge in successful conservation, and we welcome continued opportunities to work with the Biden Administration to share that knowledge.”

“The call for increased designation of wilderness areas is troubling for a variety of reasons, not the least being that it won’t actually result in improved land health,” said NCBA Vice President of Government Affairs Ethan Lane. “The White House cannot acquire, designate, or prohibit their way into nationwide conservation. If they pursue this approach, they will not be able to achieve the goal of truly conserving 30 percent of lands and waters, and they will alienate agricultural producers who make up the bulk of Americans actually performing conservation work every day.”

Both NCBA and PLC have actively engaged with the White House and federal agencies on the America the Beautiful Interagency Working Group to make clear what ranchers support, what they oppose, and how ranchers’ extensive knowledge and experience on the ground is critical for the administration to reach their conservation goals.

NCBA and PLC Confident That FWS Review Will Find Western Gray Wolves Recovered. Recently, NCBA and PLC said they are confident that the newly announced review by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) will confirm what conservation groups, scientists, and ranchers across the West have already observed for years — gray wolves are not endangered.

“We’re disappointed to see the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service move forward with a 12 month status review for the gray wolves in the western United States. It is unacceptable for the Service to continue to be held hostage by groups

who want nothing more than to turn the Endangered Species Act into a permanent management tool,” said NCBA Executive Director of Natural Resources and PLC Executive Director Kaitlynn Glover.

“We are confident that the review will confirm what we’ve known to be true for years: gray wolves are recovered and no longer need or meet the requirements for listing under the Endangered Species Act. It is appropriate for the Service to continue to monitor state management of these recovered populations, but we urge them to dedicate resources to species that are truly imperiled. We will continue to defend delisting of these clearly recovered gray wolf populations.”

Following recent petition findings, FWS will conduct a 12 month status review to determine whether or not to issue a designation for the gray wolf in western North America under the Endangered Species Act. NCBA and PLC Condemn BLM Headquarters Move in the Middle of Historic Crises. Recently, NCBA and PLC condemned the Bureau of Land Management’s (BLM) decision to relocate its headquarters to Washington, D.C., amid multiple, historic environmental crises in the western United States.

“More than 5.5 million acres of land have burned in catastrophic wildfires so far this year. From Arizona to Minnesota, 14 states are experiencing extreme drought that has thrown thousands of rural communities into crisis. In a normal season, we would find this relocation decision disappointing — in the middle of immense and immediate threats to public lands ecosystems, wildlife, businesses and residents, it is dangerously irresponsible,” said NCBA Executive Director of Natural Resources and PLC Executive Director Kaitlynn Glover.

“Unfortunately, the BLM’s operations suffered as a result of their move to Grand Junction, Colo., and the subsequent uncertainty due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Implementing another move now, when the time and attention of the BLM staff is more needed than ever, is a step western communities cannot afford.

The BLM should be prioritizing time sensitive land management improvements, not playing political football with their mailing address.”

About the Public Lands Council.

PLC represents 22,000 cattle and sheep producers who operate with federal grazing permits in the West. The PLC advocates for these western ranchers who preserve our nation’s natural resources while providing vital food and fiber to the nation and the world. Learn more at www.publiclandscouncil.org.

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Carolina Video and Load Lot Monthly Summary (Weeks ending AUGUST 3, AUGUST 17, and AUGUST 24, 2021)

Carolina Video and Load Lot Monthly Summary of Mid-Atlantic Cattle Sales and Southeast Livestock Exchange ending Tuesday, August 3, 2021, Mid-Atlantic Cattle Sales ending Tuesday, August 17, 2021, and WNC Livestock Exchange Cattle Sales ending Tuesday, August 24, 2021. All cattle in this report are located in North Carolina and South Carolina. Prices FOB the farm or local scale and many weighed with a 0-2 percent shrink and sold with a 5-10¢ per pound slide on the heavy side only.

Cattle Receipts: 5,582

Last Month: 5,114

Feeders made up 100 percent of the offering. The feeder supply included 62 percent steers and 38 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 1)

Head 65

Head 40 120 79 50 78 72 266 55 142 71 67 70 191

Wt. Range 750-750

Wt. Range 520-520 600-615 615-615 625-625 625-625 675-675 650-685 660-660 680-685 685-685 725-725 700-710 720-730

Avg. Wt. 750

Avg. Wt. 520 605 615 625 625 675 672 660 683 685 725 705 726

Price Range $165.75

Price Range $170.00 $160.00-$166.50 $165.00 $155.50 $158.25 $157.00 $140.00-$165.00 $139.75 $169.00-$175.50 $157.00 $163.00 $162.00-$166.75 $163.50-$170.75

Avg. Price $165.75

Avg. Price $170.00 $164.39 $165.00 $155.50 $158.25 $157.00 $155.56 $139.75 $172.25 $157.00 $163.00 $164.31 $168.31

Delivery

FEEDER STEERS (Medium 1-2)

Delivery Split Loads Natural Value Added

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

Head 202 67 61 50 65 65 64 86 180 61 118 61 57

Wt. Range 700-740 725-725 790-790 760-760 750-750 750-750 760-760 800-840 800-825 800-800 815-840 800-800 850-850

Avg. Wt. 721 725 790 760 750 750 760 819 808 800 827 800 850

Price Range $164.00-$170.00 $159.75 $161.25 $159.75 $170.50 $160.25 $163.50 $152.25-$168.25 $166.50-$170.00 $162.00 $162.00-$166.25 $141.00 $160.25

Avg. Price $167.13 $159.75 $161.25 $159.75 $170.50 $160.25 $163.50 $162.76 $168.85 $162.00 $164.09 $141.00 $160.25

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

Avg. Wt. 795 820 875 875 915 985

Price Range $148.00 $137.75 $151.75 $145.00 $138.75 $139.75

Avg. Price $148.00 $137.75 $151.75 $145.00 $138.75 $139.75

Delivery

Avg. Wt. 655 660 700 700 727 700 712 703 767 750

Price Range $154.00-$158.75 $159.25 $140.00 $140.00 $152.75-$160.25 $151.50 $150.00-$151.75 $158.50-$159.50 $135.25-$137.75 $144.25

Avg. Price Delivery $156.56 Split Loads $159.25 Value Added $140.00 Guaranteed Open $140.00 Guaranteed Open $154.44 Split Loads $151.50 Value Added $150.89 Value Added $159.00 Value Added $136.46 Guaranteed Open $144.25 Split Loads

Avg. Wt. 700 700 715

Price Range $129.50 $144.00 $147.00

Avg. Price Delivery $129.50 Split Loads $144.00 Guaranteed Open $147.00 Guaranteed Open

Value Added

FEEDER STEERS (Medium and Large 1-2)

Head 40 73 71 55 70 69 66

Wt. Range 610-610 675-675 695-695 700-700 700-700 710-710 750-750

Avg. Wt. 610 675 695 700 700 710 750

Price Range $157.25 $159.25 $160.25 $144.50 $148.25 $159.00 $154.75

Avg. Price $157.25 $159.25 $160.25 $144.50 $148.25 $159.00 $154.75

Delivery Split Loads Split Loads

Head 62 65 168 56 54 50

Wt. Range 795-795 820-820 875-875 875-875 915-915 985-985

HOLSTEIN STEERS (Medium and Large 1-2)

Head 59

Wt. Range 820-820

Avg. Wt. 820

Price Range $112.00

Avg. Price $112.00

Delivery FEEDER HEIFERS (Medium 1-2)

Head 53 56 14 154 76 81 78 73 75 134

Wt. Range 510-510 560-560 580-580 620-640 600-630 600-600 625-625 660-660 650-650 650-680

Avg. Wt. 510 560 580 630 611 600 625 660 650 667

Price Range $155.00 $132.50 $139.75 $146.00-$148.25 $137.25-$158.00 $147.50 $146.75 $145.75 $147.00 $130.00-$160.75

Avg. Price Delivery $155.00 Split Loads $132.50 Unweaned $139.75 Split Loads $147.14 Natural $149.68 Split Loads $147.50 Value Added $146.75 Value Added $145.75 Guaranteed Open $147.00 Natural $150.85 Split Loads

Head 65 73 69 70 62 69 136 138 128 15

Wt. Range 650-660 660-660 700-700 700-700 700-735 700-700 700-725 700-705 750-785 750-750

FEEDER HEIFERS (Medium and Large 1-2)

Head 36 79 152 73

Wt. Range 550-550 625-625 650-650 675-675

Avg. Wt. 550 625 650 675

Price Range $145.25 $153.50 $149.50 $142.00

Avg. Price $145.25 $153.50 $149.50 $142.00

Delivery Split Loads Guaranteed Open Guaranteed Open Guaranteed Open

Head 15 70 69

Wt. Range 700-700 700-700 715-715

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

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International Brangus Breeders Association News IBBA Announces Major Update to REGSTR. A major upgrade to the REGSTR software has been completed, which will significantly enhance the user experience and should dramatically reduce the number of failed registrations which require extra effort from members and staff to reconcile.

Where appropriate, IBBA has produced tutorial videos that illustrate the use of the new features. The links to the videos can be found in this document and are also easily found within REGSTR. SUMMARY Basic Registration of a New Calf • Visit vimeo.com/592896594 to watch the tutorial on how to use the new registration feature.

• A new page layout that is more intuitive and easier to use.

• A convenient way to validate all your new registrations and see them on the screen in “draft” form before submitting them for final registration.

• A convenient “print all new registrations” feature that allows you to create a black and white copy of the registration certificates immediately after submitting for registration.

• All IBBA rules and safeguards are now integrated with the system.

• A convenient quick link to the screen for weaning data submission – convenient if you are registering calves and entering weaning data at the same time.

New Breeding Log Feature • Visit vimeo.com/578697098 to watch the tutorial on how to use the Breeding Log • A convenient way to create multisire breeding groups • Enormous long term value in creating truly useful fertility data to drive genetic improvement for the most economically important traits.

Updated Prefix Rules • The major prefixes such as R, RR, UB, UR, C are unchanged.

• The BP prefix is replaced by BB (Brangus Built) • The BO prefix is redefined • All other breeds will have a CM (commercial) prefix Time for IBBA Board Candidate Nominations! It is that time of year, and we are in nominating season for board members

who will be seated in the first quarter of 2022.

Five new board members will be elected; • 2 from Texas, • 1 from the East region, • 1 from the West region • 1 At-Large.

President Goode has appointed four nominating committee chairs as follows: • Mike Weathers (Texas) mikeweathers@msn.com • Chris Heptinstall (East) - cgstall@ yahoo.com • Vern Suhn (West) - vern@ geneplusbrangus.com • Randy Schmidt (at-Large) doctorrand@me.com Nominations are due by October 10.

The Science of Brangus. Science of Brangus brochures are in high demand.

Members are placing them in local feed stores, vet clinics, and sale barns. IBBA also wants to get them in the hands of university Extension personnel. Can you think of a local extension person who advises cattle producers who could use a refresher course on Brangus?

If so, order some extras and get them in the hands of people who influence cow/ calf producers in your area. Get yours by calling the office at 210-696-8231 or emailing info@gobrangus.com.

The International Brangus Breeders Association announces the launch of the Brangus® Vigor Feeder Calf Program. Commercial producers with calves sired by Brangus, Red Brangus, and Ultra bulls are eligible to participate in a marketing program organized by the International Brangus Breeders Association (IBBA). Brangus Vigor is a Process Verified Program (PVP), utilizing the services of IMI Global, a leading provider of PVP services to the cattle industry. Cattle enrolled in the program will be third party verified for Age/Source, Genetics, and Health.

“We have listened carefully as feedlot operators have told us what they want in the feeder cattle they buy,” said Craig Green, Chairman of the IBBA Commercial Marketing Committee, adding, “they are unambiguous. They want cattle that take to the feed bunk, stay healthy, grow rapidly and efficiently to a profitable finish weight, and hang up a high quality carcass. That’s exactly what

we will offer them through this program.”

All cattle offered to feedlots with the Brangus Vigor tag will be verified to have received two rounds of vaccinations and have been weaned at least 45 days.

Calves from producers who cannot fill a full semi-load (50,000 lbs) will be accumulated at participating grow yards and subsequently offered in load lots or multi-load lots to discriminating feedlots.

The Brangus, Red Brangus, and Ultra bulls that are the sires of the program calves are registered bulls with the IBBA. Participants will be supplied with “840” tags, which are recognized by all states, so interstate shipment identification requirements are covered.

“Genuine Brangus feeder cattle are not the same thing as a generic eared crossbred,” said Dr. Darrell Wilkes, Executive Vice President of the International Brangus Breeders Association. “Through 70+ years of selection, Brangus breeders have created a truly unique breed. We’ve studied the genomic profile – analyzed the DNA – of modern Brangus, and it tells a fascinating story. We’ve locked in Angus DNA where we want it, and we’ve kept Brahman DNA where we need it. The DNA profile of modern Brangus explains why they’ll grade 90 percent Choice and Prime in the packing plant but can still handle the harsh environment in the southern tier, the fescue belt, and the western deserts.”

“In cattle breeding, you get what you select for,” according to Dr. Randy Schmidt, Chairman of the IBBA Breed Improvement Committee, adding, “as

a breed, we have been aggressive users of ultrasound to identify Brangus cattle with extra marbling and muscling. We’ve watched as our marbling and muscling scores have steadily improved over the past 20 years. Now, we look at our DNA profile and it confirms what we have been witnessing. It’s high time that the marketplace see Brangus, red ones or black ones, as different from a generic eared crossbred. It’s apples and oranges.”

IBBA seeks relationships with grow yards that can accumulate smaller groups of Brangus Vigor calves into load lots and, in many cases, complete the vaccination protocols required for the program.

“Our goal is simply to get better prices for these good Brangus cattle because they’re worth it. The first step is to differentiate them in the marketplace, and that’s what the Brangus Vigor program is designed to do,’ Wilkes added.

For more information, please visit www.gobrangus.com or call the IBBA office at 210-696-8231.

About the International Brangus Breeders Association. The International Brangus Breeders Association, headquartered in San Antonio, Tex., strives to provide the commercial cattle industry, domestically and internationally, with the best genetics possible.

Founded in 1949 as the American Brangus Breeders, the organization has since evolved into the IBBA. The IBBA’s purpose is to enable its members to produce quality beef for the commercial cattle industry and its consumers.

For more information about IBBA, visit www. gobrangus.com.

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

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The Carolina Cattle Connection

q OCTOBER 2021

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NEWS

Alliance releases report from 2021 Farmed Animal Conference E-Summit.

Animal ag community urged to be aware of discussions among animal rights activists at virtual conference. The Animal Agriculture Alliance recently released a report detailing observations from the Farmed Animal Conference E-Summit held virtually August 2-8. The event was organized and hosted by California based animal sanctuary Animal Place, which advocates for a vegan lifestyle.

The key claims and takeaways from this virtual event included the following: people within positions of wealth and power need to put both their personal and professional resources toward working on behalf of animals; the animal rights movement allegedly would be decades behind their current status without sharing “graphic” content as promotional tools; activists need to focus on aquaculture and push for federal legislation to protect aquatic species from supposed animal cruelty, and people need to move away from animal products completely.

“An important part of the Alliance’s mission to safeguard the future of animal agriculture is monitoring the activities of animal rights activist organizations,” said

Kay Johnson Smith, Alliance president and CEO. “It is important for everyone to be aware of just how far activists are willing to go to achieve their goals of ending animal agriculture and moving people - and even pets - to vegan diets.

Our conference reports help our members learn more about the strategies and tactics being employed by these organizations so they can take steps to protect their animals, their operations, and their livelihoods.”

Activists attending the conference were encouraged to share more animal rights content on social media. Nina Jackel of Lady Freethinker, a non-profit promoting social media animal rights activism, stated, “Any online activism is good.” Jackel continued by stating she believes that animal rights activists need to continue sharing “graphic” images and videos on social media as she believes “the animal rights movement would be decades behind where we are right now if there weren’t these undercover videos… those images are what get people to pay attention and see that there’s a problem.”

Several sessions called for public acknowledgment of aquatic animals as “sentient beings” and the need to elevate

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The Carolina Cattle Connection q OCTOBER 2021

them to the same status as humans and other animals. Mary Finelli, president of Fish Feel, stated, “tragically, fishes comprise by far the largest category of functionally exploited vertebrate animals. They’re subjected to some of the worst abuse, and they receive the least public concern or legal protection.”

Kathy Hessler of the Animal Law Clinic, a partner of the Animal Legal Defense Fund, stated her clinic has been working with Animal Equality and Mercy for Animals to draft a humane aquaculture slaughter bill, claiming that “aquatic animals don’t get even the benefit of the minimal protections offered to these other animals that we raise and kill for food.”

The animal agriculture community as a whole was attacked in multiple sessions throughout the event. Karen Davis, president and founder of United Poultry Concerns, claimed that animals are “individuals and have feelings.”

Sean Thomas, international director of investigations at Animal Equality (and former undercover “investigator” for the Humane Society of the United States), claimed that the entire animal agriculture community is full of widespread cruelty.

“It’s not just one bad farm. It’s the entire industry model,” he argued. The dairy community was criticized by several speakers, including Philip Wollen of Winsome Constance Kindness Trust, a venture capital firm focused on “social justice” issues. “I studied the dairy industry, and I concluded that it is the filthiest, nastiest, most egregious form of cruelty in animal agriculture,” he claimed. His final point was that meat and dairy have “no place in civilized society” because “the animal industrial complex is actually a criminal cartel, and if they had to pay for their externalities, they would go broke.”

Several sessions called for more focus on animal agriculture and climate change. Jane Velez-Mitchell, founder of JaneUnchained News, stated, “By eliminating animal agriculture, we can reforest land, and it will begin to absorb carbon and immediately reverse the Earth’s temperature.” Christopher Eubanks, founder of APEX Advocacy, stressed the concept of only having one earth and argued going vegan can help the environment. He added, “Consuming animal products is one of the biggest contributors to climate change.” Wollen echoed Eubanks’ statement by claiming, “Greenhouse gas emissions from livestock now vastly exceed those of transport.”

Pet food was also a focus of the event, with Shannon Falconer, CEO of Because, Animals, stating that animal agriculture would not exist without the pet

food industry purchasing the “unsellable meat” for human consumption. She further claimed that “[pet food] is a white space that needs to be addressed if we’re going to look at and try to eliminate the factory farming industry as a whole.”

She continued by pushing the vegan pet food agenda, claiming that antibiotic use would decrease with plant based and cell cultured meat used for pet food instead.

As with most animal rights conferences, speakers demonstrated their real agenda is not about animal care but rather ending the consumption of meat, poultry, dairy, and eggs altogether, as evidenced by several speakers calling for everyone to consume a vegan diet.

Wollen claimed, “Every morsel of meat we eat is slapping the tear stained face of a hungry child,” and explained, “We are trying to get people off the meat and dairy drug.” In Jackel’s session, she argued, “The healthiest diet is one that doesn’t have meat.” Plant based and lab grown alternative proteins were positioned as key to ending animal agriculture, with Arturo Elizondo, CEO, Clara Foods (a company working on ‘creating the world’s first animal free egg white’), stating, “We’re all trying to ultimately create a world where we don’t need animals to eat them.”

The 2021 Farmed Animal Conference E-Summit Report, which includes personal accounts of speaker presentations and general observations, is available to Alliance members in the Resource Center on the Alliance website. The Alliance also has reports from previous animal rights conferences accessible to members on its website. Media wishing to obtain copies of the full report, or for all other inquiries, please contact Emily Solis, communications specialist, at esolis@ animalagalliance.org.

Animal Agriculture Alliance advocacy scholarship competition underway. Twelve $100 gift cards available to clubs and individuals who sign up. The Animal Agriculture Alliance’s annual College Aggies Online (CAO) scholarship competition kicked off on September 13. Undergraduates, graduate students, and collegiate clubs are competing for more than $20,000 in scholarships throughout the nine week program.

Help us spread the word about College Aggies Online! If you refer a friend to sign up for the 2021 CAO scholarship competition and they list your name as the person who recommended them when they sign up for the competition, you’ll both be entered in a drawing to win a $100 gift card! Each referral will count as one entry, and there is no limit on the number of entries for

referrers. We will give away two $100 gift cards during the CAO kickoff event one drawing for referrers and one drawing for those who were referred. Clubs and classes have the special opportunity to win one of ten $100 Domino’s gift cards by being one of the first to sign up. For more information or to sign up, visit collegeaggies.animalagalliance.org.

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 receive training from experts and 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. Events include “Scary Food Myths,” where students hand out candy with myths and facts about food and agriculture; “Undeniably Dairy,” where students host a booth on their concourse

about dairy farming; and “Newbies on the Farm” where students invite their peers to tour a local farm. Last year, students reached 4.6 million people on social media and at club events.

“The College Aggies Online program is the ultimate resume building ‘agvocacy’ program for collegiate students and clubs looking to grow their consumer engagement skills,” said Emily Solis, Alliance communications specialist.

“As a former participant, I was able to grow my communication skills through the program and find new ways to advocate for agriculture while networking and engaging with students and mentors that I’m still connected with to this day.”

Mentors for the 2021 competition include: • Don Schindler, Senior Vice President, Digital Innovations, Dairy Management Inc. • Rebecca Hilby, Wisconsin Dairy Farmer • Jenell Eck, Maryland Chicken, Grain and Beef Farmer, Thompson Ag Consulting • Casey Kinler, Director, Membership,

and Marketing, Animal Agriculture Alliance • Lexi Marek, Iowa Pig Farmer, Pig Improvement Company • Liz Wilder, Idaho Sheep Farmer, Idaho Wool Growers Association • Chandler Mulvaney, Director of Grassroots Advocacy and Spokesperson Development, National Cattlemen’s Beef Association • Natalie Kovarik, Nebraska Cattle Rancher • Beth Breeding, Vice President of Communications and Marketing, National Turkey Federation • Emily Shaw, Founder, and Personal Trainer, Dairy Girl Fitness • Alexander Strauch, DVM, Poultry Veterinarian • Kylie Epperson, Missouri Pig, and Grain Farmer • Joe Proudman, Associate Director for Communications, CLEAR Center at University of California, Davis • Brandi Buzzard Frobose, Kansas Cattle Rancher, Red Angus Association of America

CAO would not be possible without the generous support of our sponsors.

The 2021 sponsors include Dairy Management Inc., CHS Foundation, Iowa Pork Producers Association, National Corn Growers Association, Institute for Feed Education and Research, Domino’s Pizza Inc., Ohio Poultry Association, and Culver’s Franchising System. To become a sponsor of this year’s program, contact Casey Kinler, Director, Membership, and Marketing, at ckinler@animalagalliance. org.

About the Animal Agriculture Alliance. The Animal Agriculture Alliance is an industry united, nonprofit organization that helps bridge the communication gap between farm and fork. We connect key food industry stakeholders to arm them with responses to emerging issues. We engage food chain influencers and promote consumer choice by helping them better understand modern animal agriculture. We protect by exposing those who threaten our nation’s food security with damaging misinformation.

13 th A nnual B ull & R eplacement F emale S ale

November 6, 2021

12:00 noon • At the Farm in Burlington, NC

For more information or to request a sale catalog, contact:

Jonathan Massey

Johnny Massey

jonathan.massey2@gmail.com

johnnymassey.1@gmail.com

336-260-2565

336-214-4144

The Carolina Cattle Connection

q OCTOBER 2021

PAGE 53

THE SIMMENTAL TRAIL

By JENNIE RUCKER Executive Secretary N.C. Simmental Association N.C. Junior Beef Round-Up. The N.C. Junior Beef Round-Up was held in Fletcher, N.C., on August 7-8. The judge for the event was Barry Wesner of Indiana. There were ten purebred Simmental heifers, and TX Nightingale was selected as grand champion heifer.

She was shown by Cooper Joines of

champion heifer is a daughter of OBCC CMFM Deplorabull D148. The calf champion was CRJ Melia H030, shown

by Cullen Joines of Virginia and sired

by OMF Epic E27. The reserve calf champion was TX Raquel, shown by Cooper Joines and sired by LLSF Vantage Point F398. The reserve junior champion was shown by Colt Thomas of Virginia and is named 3CK Sleek As Silk and is a daughter of JASS On The Mark 69D. Evie Jones of Shelby, N.C., exhibited the reserve senior champion heifer with CRSS Riley, sired by Profit.

The Percentage Simmental Show had 13 heifers, and Judge Wesner selected CRJ Dana H025 as his grand champion Percentage heifer. This heifer was shown

Reserve champion Simmental heifer, shown

by Cullen Joines

Grand champion Simmental heifer, shown by Cooper Joines

Blacksburg, Virginia. TX Nightingale is sired by W/C Relentless 32C and was also the senior champion heifer. The reserve champion heifer was BESH Ms Trish HA29 shown by Cullen Joines of Blacksburg, Virginia. This junior

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

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The Carolina Cattle Connection q OCTOBER 2021

Grand champion Percentage Simmental heifer, shown by Cooper Joines

Reserve champion Percentage Simmental heifer, shown by Hagan Jones

by Cooper Joines and is a daughter of LLSF Vantage Point F398, and was also the champion senior calf champion. The reserve champion was J41, shown by Hagan Jones of Shelby, N.C., and this heifer was the junior calf champion.

Cullen Joines exhibited the reserve junior calf champion with TX Hey Hoalina, sired by HILB Oracle C033R. Hagan Jones exhibited the reserve senior calf champion with H37. The intermediate champion heifer was Seldom Rest Sandy, shown by Emma Vanhoy of Catawba,

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

North Carolina. Seldom Rest Sandy is sired by SC Pay The Price C11. The reserve intermediate champion heifer was GHC Blackcap Fergie 91H1, shown

by Shelby Candler of Weaverville, N.C., and she is a daughter of Profit. The junior champion heifer was shown by Hannah Vanhoy of Catawba, N.C., and this heifer is Seldom Rest Renegade 0079H and sired

by GCC CM Stockbroker B005. Another Catawba resident, Rylea Suddreth, exhibited the reserve junior champion heifer with Halls Rose H05. Rose is a daughter of FHEN Halftime A127.

When it came to the supreme championship drive, Cooper Joines had the reserve supreme champion heifer with his Percentage Simmental champion, CRJ Dana H025, and he also had the fifth place supreme champion with his Purebred Simmental champion, TX Nightingale.

Simmental juniors also did exceptionally well in showmanship.

Cooper Joines was the reserve champion junior showmanship winner. Shelby Candler was the grand champion intermediate showmanship winner, and Evie Jones was the reserve intermediate champion. Congratulations to all these juniors, and good luck in your fall shows!

Reinke Recognizes Brock Equipment Technicians Brock equipment technician earns PLUS Program Longevity Award. Reinke Manufacturing, a global leader in irrigation systems and technology, has recognized Brock Equipment’s Lee Finch with a five year PLUS Program Longevity Award.

Finch received the award in recognition of his dedication to maintaining a PLUS Program certification for five years.

The Reinke PLUS (Proven Leaders in Unmatched Service) Program is a service training program that’s offered to full service Reinke dealers and includes a series of six courses and a testing process that qualifies them as a PLUS or Platinum PLUS certified technician.

“At Reinke, our mission is to exceed our customers’ expectations of quality, service and innovation,” said Jennifer Craig, technical training and documentation administrator for Reinke. “By dedicating themselves to continuous training, Finch has shown that he is ready to serve the growers in his area. Maintaining this level of certification for five years is a big accomplishment and Reinke is proud to honor their commitment as they continue to care of our systems and customers.”

To maintain certification, 16 service training credits must be earned each year, either through online or in-class training.

Certified Reinke PLUS and Platinum PLUS technicians are trained to deliver the most advanced technical service and support to customers.

Brock equipment technician earns PLUS Service Award. Reinke announces that Patrick Leslie with Brock Equipment has earned the Platinum PLUS (Proven Leaders in Unmatched Service) Certified Technician Award. The award is the most elite technical service designation awarded by Reinke.

“Earning the Platinum PLUS Certified Technician title is a significant achievement and qualifies him to provide the highest level of service available to growers,” said Ken Goodall, Director of North American sales, Reinke. “Patrick has completed the most extensive technical service training offered to Reinke dealers and we’re proud to recognize his hard work.”

The Platinum PLUS Certified Technician Program consists of a series of six technical service training classes and tests. Christensen received the Platinum PLUS award by scoring more than 90

The Carolina Cattle Connection

percent on all six tests.

“Qualified service technicians are extremely important to growers when they make their buying decisions,” added Goodall. “That’s the focus of our technical service programs, to consistently educate dealers across the country to the highest levels of service capabilities possible all in an effort to further our commitment to the growers we serve.”

About Reinke Manufacturing. With hundreds of dealers in more than 40 countries, Reinke Manufacturing is the world’s largest privately held manufacturer of center pivot and lateral move irrigation systems. Family owned since 1954 and headquartered in Deshler, Neb., Reinke develops products and technology designed to increase agriculture production while providing labor savings and environmental efficiencies. Reinke is a continued leader in industry advancements as the first to incorporate GPS, satellite based communications, and touchscreen panel capabilities into mechanized irrigation system management. For more information on Reinke or to locate a dealership, visit www.Reinke.com.

q OCTOBER 2021

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The Carolina Cattle Connection q OCTOBER 2021

From the Desk of the SCCA President

By ROSCOE KYLE Dear Fellow Cattle Producers, I would first like to ask everyone to take a moment and say a prayer for all our men and women who are currently and have been serving in the U.S. Armed Forces. The entire U.S. needs our thoughts and prayers as we get through some rough times.

I take it that everyone has had a safe and enjoyable summer as we prepare for the fall season. I have had the good fortune to be able to attend several county meetings as of late, along with the SCCA Annual meeting in early August. The last time I wrote, we were planning on having the cow/calf class in Clemson in early November, but now I have been advised it will revert back to the virtual via Zoom.

This is disappointing but is out of our control. I really hope we can get back on track this coming year with some kind of normal schedule.

As everyone knows, we do not know what the current administration is going

to come up with next. Now they are trying to rewrite the WOTUS act that I thought had been put to bed once and for all. I can assure everyone that NCBA is already preparing for the fight. Hopefully, we come out on the winning end. Remember, if you are not an NCBA member, it is never too late to join. As a group, we have a larger voice with whatever administration is in power. The old saying, “The squeaky wheel gets the most grease,” is true even in this day and time.

With real fall weather approaching and the last part of hurricane season, we all need to be prepared for safety reasons, be it in the field, at home, or in the workshop. It only takes a split second for something to happen that could have been prevented by either a quick check or phone call. Make sure all smoke detectors are working, have the heating system checked out by a professional, and ensure there are enough batteries for emergency light during a power failure. Also, this is

the beginning of big game season, so it is important to ensure all your property boundaries are appropriately marked for No Trespassing! If you need guidance, contact your local DNR Agent. Also, there are purple plastic markers that fit T-posts or round posts available from Agri-Supply.

I hope everyone had a safe and fun filled Labor Day holiday and do the same

for Halloween.

Please remember the words of the late President John F. Kennedy, “Ask not what your country can do for you, but what you can do for your county.” If he was alive today, I feel he would tell us all to VOTE. As always, if I can be of assistance, please get in touch. I remain respectfully yours.

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

The Carolina Cattle Connection

q OCTOBER 2021

PAGE 59

Check out the

North Carolina Hereford Advantage at

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

TERRACE FARM Lexington, NC Jim, Linda & Chad Davis 336-247-1554 jgdavis101@yahoo.com

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

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

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

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

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

NCHA Secretary/Treasurer

LOOKABILL FAMILY LIVESTOCK Lexington, NC Reggie, Patty, Tyler & Noah Lookabill 336-240-2142 rlookabill6015@gmail.com PAGE 60

Myron McCoy

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

The Carolina Cattle Connection q OCTOBER 2021

NEWS Management Tip – How to Reduce Stress When Weaning and Moving Cattle. Now is the time of year when many producers are weaning calves, and new cattle will be entering feedlots.

During this stretch, stress is the number one issue that will influence performance.

How you decide to act in the upcoming hours and days will have an immense impact on how well calves perform.

Getting them acclimated to their new environment and starting them on a correct nutritional program will significantly affect their health, thus impacting performance and, ultimately, profitability.

Here are three things to keep in mind to help cattle make a smooth transition to their new setting: 1. The most stressful period is when animals are moved from a known environment to a new location - Cattle can suffer significant weight loss, often losing half a percent of body weight for every 100 miles of transport. Animals that lose a substantial amount of weight are at a high stress level and are at higher risk of sickness, which can also have a negative effect on rumen function. During transport, a lot of the weight they’re losing is water weight, which is why cattle finding the waterer and rehydrating after arrival is so important. Not only do the different tissues need to be rehydrated, but the rumen contents are more than 85 percent water.

Therefore, water intake drives feed intake.

Acclimating cattle to their pen can be beneficial, especially if it is a relatively large pen. Ideally, we would like the pen to be wider than it is deep so that the bunk is always closer to the animal. Spending a few minutes after initially placing them in the pen can pay dividends in cattle finding the waterer or feed bunk quicker. Moving cattle with some simple body pressure to each corner and then releasing that pressure will help cattle become at ease throughout the pen.

2. There are several steps to be taken - A good rule of thumb is to let calves rest one hour for each hour they spent on the truck before they are run through a chute again for processing. To get rumen function moving in the right direction, start at processing by drenching calves with an immune health support product. Use a product designed to naturally balance rumen microbiota and optimize the rumen environment.

Providing high quality forage or hay will entice calves to the bunk since it’s a familiar feedstuff. This should be readily available to help get their rumen going again. You want enough bunk space so that all calves can come to the bunk at the same time (generally around 18-24 inches per head). The easier you make the transition for young calves, the better they will grow and perform throughout their time in the feedlot.

3. Nutrition plays a key role in a smooth transition, especially with products that enhance rumen function New arrivals may eat poorly for the first few days until they become accustomed to their new surroundings, their new pen mates, and a new ration. Work with your nutritionist to ensure a nutrient dense diet that contains adequate energy, protein, vitamins, and minerals to overcome their low intake.

The condition of the ration is very important. Wet feeds and fermented feeds will help condition the ration to help minimize the amount of sorting that the cattle are able to do. A good rule of thumb is that the receiving diet should be between 55-65% dry matter. Consider including an immune support feed additive to help restore the microbial population and promote rumen health. Not only can this help with consistent feed intake, but it can also improve rumen function and the overall health and well being of the cattle.

All incoming cattle will experience stress of some kind. The steps you take to lessen this stress are critical in newly received calves. By minimizing their stress upon arrival, helping them with a smooth transition, and providing a proper nutrition program, you can help get these animals started off right.

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®.

News Remember to Order AllFlex Tags and TSU Products Early. With fall processing time just around the corner, we wanted to remind everyone that orders for Allflex products placed through AHA can take three to four weeks to get to you.

So be sure to place your order in plenty of time to get your items needed for fall processing. There is also the potential for an additional delay due to a system conversion that Allflex is going through at the beginning of October. That could extend the turn around time for receiving orders by an additional week or more.

Save the Date for the AHA Annual Meeting and Educational Forum.

Each year, progressive cattlemen gather in Kansas City, Mo., for the American Hereford Association’s (AHA) Annual Membership Meeting and Conference.

Held in conjunction with the national Hereford show at the American Royal, this two day conference features an industry trade show and educational forum to provide informational and networking opportunities for members and industry representatives.

The annual meeting and conference will be held October 22–24 at the Loews Kansas City Convention Center in Kansas City, Missouri. Educational sessions will feature established speakers to discuss relevant industry topics, including Tom Field, Ph.D., Paul Engler Chair of Agribusiness Entrepreneurship Program at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln; Kevin Good, Vice President of Industry Relations and Analysis at CattleFax; Scott Bennett, Director of Congressional Relations for the American Farm Bureau

Federation; and Dr. Scott Nordstrom, Director of New Product Development for Merck Animal Health. Attendance at the educational forum and trade show is free for AHA members and guests.

Each year the AHA, National Junior Hereford Association (NJHA), and Hereford Youth Foundation of America (HYFA) are pleased to honor those making a significant impact in the breed and industry. During the event, Hereford Hall of Fame and Merit inductees, Golden and Century Breeders, as well as youth scholarship and award winners, will be honored in special awards ceremonies.

“The AHA looks forward to hosting the annual meeting and conference to help our members stay connected with industry leading information and recognize those who are contributing greatly to the Hereford breed,” says Jack Ward, AHA Executive Vice President.

This year’s trade show and educational forum will bring together members and allied industry partners. This is a can’tmiss opportunity for breeders, industry leaders, and organizations looking to connect with the most progressive

cattlemen in the beef industry.

The annual meeting and conference will conclude Saturday morning after the annual membership meeting where three new board members will be elected and Mark St. Pierre, El Nido, Calif.; Nate Frederickson, Spearfish, S.D.; and Joe Waggoner, Carthage, Miss.; will retire from their positions on the AHA board of directors.

Stay up to date with all information regarding the Annual Meeting and Educational Forum at hereford.org/events/ annual-meeting. To register for the event, please fill out the form by October 15.

About the American Hereford Association. The AHA, with headquarters in Kansas City, Mo., is one of the largest U.S. beef breed associations. The notfor-profit organization along with its subsidiaries — Certified Hereford Beef (CHB) LLC, Hereford Publications Inc. (HPI), and American Beef Records Association (ABRA) — provides programs and services for its members and their customers while promoting the Hereford breed and supporting education, youth, and research.

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Norris Fowler • 864-219-0182

(17 miles south of Spartanburg)

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www.fowkenfarm.com The Carolina Cattle Connection

q OCTOBER 2021

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Federation of State Beef Councils Update Foodservice Partnership Bridges Gap Between Pasture and Plate. In a typical year, food service comprises approximately 60 percent of beef demand. Although more beef sales shifted to retail during the COVID-19 pandemic, restaurant partnerships were critical to keeping beef at the center of the plate. For the second year, the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA), a contractor to the Beef Checkoff, is partnering with Texas Roadhouse to promote beef to consumers.

Since Texas Roadhouse first opened its doors in 1993, the steakhouse has grown to more than 580 locations across the U.S. and 22 international locations in nine foreign countries. The restaurants, which serve more than 300,000 meals a day, are known for their hand cut steaks, which account for 44 percent of their menu.

In 2020, Texas Roadhouse first

approached NCBA to develop a plan to share the benefits of beef with their customers and to educate their employees about the cattle industry. The messaging also evolved to share the industry’s sustainability story.

“As leaders in the steak industry, it seemed to make perfect sense to work with NCBA and an iconic brand like Beef. It’s What’s For Dinner.,” said Travis Doster, senior director of public relations with Texas Roadhouse. “The beef industry is so critical to our success, if we can help educate folks about beef – it’s a win-win for everyone.”

Texas Roadhouse shares information about beef ’s nutrition, taste, and sustainability primarily through their digital platforms, social media, website, and through their direct to customer emails reaching loyal patrons. Producers are also often pleased to see Beef. It’s What’s For Dinner. signage in Texas

Roadhouse restaurants’ meat display cases housing the hand cut steaks.

In addition to consumer outreach, Texas Roadhouse actively engages with its employees to share information about the cattle industry’s role in preserving natural resources for future generations.

Employees become ambassadors of the cattle industry, sharing producer stories with their customers on a daily basis.

According to Texas Roadhouse, their employees and customers like to know they are being responsible in the ways they procure, prepare, and serve their product. Partnering with NCBA and including Beef. It’s What’s for Dinner. helps showcase that commitment.

“I have been really impressed with the social media response to our posts showcasing the cattle industry’s sustainability efforts. Guests care that the brands they love are focused on the environment,” Doster said. “Being able to share the commitment NCBA and our providers have for preserving resources has been a great opportunity.”

Texas Roadhouse has also expanded beyond their restaurant locations to develop the Texas Roadhouse Butcher Shop (TRButcherShop.com), their

new mail order steak business. This concept was created as a result of guests’ excitement and adoption of the Ready to Grill Steak campaign during the pandemic. Add the power behind the Texas Roadhouse brand to that quality, and it is a winning combination.

“We want to position ourselves as the steak experts, both in our restaurants and at home – partnering with the Beef.

Its What’s for Dinner. brand to share great recipes, was again, the perfect pairing.”

The goal of the co-branded partnership is to share the beef community and beef sustainability, share Beef. It’s What’s For Dinner. recipes, and ultimately drive customers back into these restaurants to order more beef and support the foodservice segment. In the first year alone, more than 100,000 guests were directed to the Beef. It’s What’s For Dinner. beef community and sustainability web pages and Facebook posts promoting beef reached 426,962 people.

“Texas Roadhouse has been a great partner, and their desire to promote the U.S. cattle and beef industry and help producers tell their stories is unmatched,” said Mark Johnson, NCBA director of

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

HARDROCK BEEF CATTLE Ronnie & Donna Holman 4613 Hickory Nut Ridge Road • Granite Falls, NC 828-302-8659 ronnie@hardrockbeefcattle.com JK RED ANGUS Jeff Banfield & Madison Adams 331 Tee Jay Farm Road • Aberdeen, NC 910-315-3821 jkredangus@gmail.com LANGDON RED ANGUS & SIMMENTAL John & Eileen Langdon 7728 Raleigh Road • Benson, NC 919-796-5010 johnlangdon5@gmail.com ROGERS CATTLE COMPANY Johnny & Sharon Rogers 945 Woodsdale Road • Roxboro, NC 336-504-7268 rccbeef@gmail.com PRESNELL RED ANGUS Jonathan & Jacob Presnell 368 Whitaker Road • Shelby, NC 704-473-2627 (Jonathan) • 704-616-8775 (Jacob) BULL HILL RANCH Jim & Alvina Meeks • Raymond Prescott, Manager 1986 Trinity Church Road • Gray Court, SC 864-682-3900 • 864-682-2828 bullhill2@mindspring.com

Terry Boyles, President - twinbfarm1@gmail.com

PAGE 62

The Carolina Cattle Connection q OCTOBER 2021

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

foodservice engagement.

The partnership between Texas Roadhouse and NCBA, on behalf of the Beef Checkoff, strengthens the connection between ranchers and consumers. The effort also educates the next generation of consumers by including information about cattle and beef nutrition in the restaurants’ kids’ menus.

“NCBA and the Beef Checkoff are great partners to help us represent our brand, our standards, and the hardworking individuals working in the beef industry,” concluded Doster. “We are working hard to feed America and could not do it without great partners like this.”

Research Drives Beef Promotion.

The National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA), a contractor to the Beef Checkoff, presented with other Checkoff contracting organizations during the “Checkoff Highlights” session at the 2021 Cattle Industry Convention.

From nutrition and e-commerce to advertising and public relations, it is clear that research and science drive campaign development.

All activities NCBA does on behalf of the Beef Checkoff are based in science.

Whether educating consumers and health professionals about incorporating beef into young diets or sharing producer stories about beef sustainability, research guides messaging and outreach.

“Scientific research provides a solid foundation for us to promote beef’s benefits in the early years,” said Executive Director of Nutrition Science, Health & Wellness at NCBA, Shalene McNeill, Ph.D., RDN. “The Beef Checkoff nutrition research program

is the only research program dedicated solely to understanding beef in healthy diets and for decades, here at NCBA, we have focused on understanding beef’s benefits across the lifespan — from babies all the way through aging.”

Research has shown that the early introduction of beef can help increase growth in infants without excessive gain in weight. And current research is looking at the acceptability of beef — not just how much babies like it, but also evaluating barriers parents might have about serving it.​ This research drives how information is communicated to both parents and health professionals.

Given that introducing beef as an early complementary food is relatively new guidance, NCBA targeted pediatricians and family physicians through advertorials in medical journals, ultimately reaching more than 350,000 health professionals. In a coordinated effort with state beef councils, educational brochures were also placed in more than 2,200 pediatrician and childbirth centers across the country.

On the consumer front, creative and engaging videos showing babies enjoying beef were viewed nearly 16 million times.

In total, efforts to share beef’s benefits for young families reached 65 million consumers.

Another successful campaign rooted in research is the sustainability campaign which started in the spring of this year and will continue through the fall.

Before developing content, consumer market research was conducted to dig deep into what consumers think about

sustainability. Focus groups provided insights into what consumers know and don’t know about sustainability and the cattle industry’s role in the climate conversation.

This knowledge led to the development of an interactive map on BeefItsWhatsForDinner.com that connects consumers with stories from producers about their conservation efforts. Overall, the campaign was built to bring a complex issue to consumers, address their questions, and share topics they were interested in learning more about. Based on a good foundation built on research, the sustainability campaign has generated nearly 13 million video views, 1.4 million audio ad listens, and 90,000 clicks on digital content.

Understanding consumer behavior is also the driving force behind this summer’s grilling campaign. Research shows that consumers are grilling more

this year, up to twice per week in some households. Using a variety of platforms, including audio and video ads, Google search ads, websites, cable television, influencer outreach, satellite media tours, and e-commerce promotions, the campaign is keeping beef top of mind and meeting consumers where they watch, listen, learn and shop.

To date, the campaign has generated 83 million impressions, 11 million video views, and six million audio ad listens.

In addition, the e-commerce partnership with Sam’s Club has resulted in 4.5 million impressions and a 4.8 percent lift in beef sales.

In order to effectively reach various audiences with messages that resonate, planning and research are critical. NCBA will continue to use research and science to drive programs that leverage Checkoff funds and have the biggest benefit for producers.

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

Below is the tentative schedule for the upcoming year.

2021 Reserved Spotlight Issues

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

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

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

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

q OCTOBER 2021

PAGE 63

NEWS The Real Cost of Shipping Fever and What You Can Do About It. Shipping fever, or bovine respiratory disease (BRD), costs the cattle industry up to $900 million annually. 1 But what does that number really mean to producers? “It’s hard for me to appreciate $900 million worth of losses spread out across the whole industry,” said Mike Nichols, DVM, Boehringer Ingelheim. “But it’s a cost that impacts every operation — it hits profitability, competitiveness, and sustainability.”

According to Dan Stafford, DVM, feedyard and stocker consultant in south central Texas, BRD is the No. 1 cause of disease for his producers. “It’s almost impossible to put a number to how each animal is impacted adversely,” he stated. “Initially, when producers think about costs associated with BRD, they think about up front, tangible losses like mortality or how much it costs to give antibiotics, but that’s just the tip of the iceberg.” Dr. Nichols and Dr. Stafford agree that the most costly aspect of BRD is often the long term losses: 1. Chronic cases - A chronic case is an animal that survives BRD but doesn’t respond well to treatment and becomes chronically ill. A chronic animal will never be able to catch up to healthy pen mates or reach peak performance.

2. Reduced feed efficiency and lower carcass value - Infected animals are going

PAGE 64

to take longer to reach target weights and are going to have lower carcass values at market.

3. Employee morale and turnover - “When animals are healthy, they’re enjoyable for employees to care for, but when we have significant BRD issues, it’s really tough on employee morale,” said Dr. Stafford. “It can and does contribute to employee turnover, which of course is a big cost.”

4. Psychological health - “There’s an emotional aspect of BRD that we don’t often talk about,” added Dr. Nichols. “It’s demoralizing to constantly treat BRD. I’ve seen it become a major driver for producers to make a change, even more so than financial reasons.”

Managing treatment costs - “The most common complaint I get from clients about BRD is that we continue to get more expensive, new and improved antibiotics, but it feels like we’re still getting the same results,” said Dr. Stafford. “I try to remind producers that to manage the cost of antibiotics and BRD, we need to make sure that we’ve got a well thought out treatment protocol in place.”

• Recognize the signs of disease early - “Identifying signs and diagnosing BRD early, almost when the animal is on the verge of getting sick, is when you’ll get the best response out of any antibiotic,” Dr. Stafford explained.

The Carolina Cattle Connection q OCTOBER 2021

• Find the specific cause of BRD Discovering the specific BRD causing pathogen can determine whether producers are implementing the correct vaccination and treatment protocols.

Diagnostics could include conducting a necropsy or performing a deep nasopharyngeal swab on live calves with the guidance of a veterinarian.

• Use a long lasting, fast acting antibiotic - “We want our antibiotic to have a quick response so we can get the animal back with its pen mates,” noted Dr. Stafford. “We also want long lasting antibiotics when possible, so we don’t have to bring animals back up and handle them several times.”

• Follow the label - “Some producers will treat an animal, come back the next day, and want to treat again if the animal isn’t looking better,” said Dr. Nichols.

“The producer’s intentions are good.

They see the animal is still suffering and want to help. However, if the product label states it is effective for ten days, we need to refrain from re-treating too quickly and give the animal sufficient time to respond to the antibiotic. Giving another dose in that situation increases cost without increasing effectiveness.”

• Following the label is also an important part of judicious antibiotic use. “We want to use these antibiotics thoughtfully, so we can use them for years to come,” emphasized Dr. Stafford.

• Keep records - A basic set of records that track the animal, health problem, treatment day, and product can help determine whether a treatment protocol is working. Review these records with a veterinarian to evaluate whether a different antibiotic needs to be chosen or if more attention needs to be paid to

earlier diagnosis and more aggressive treatment.

• Use your veterinarian - “There are still a lot of producers who don’t work with a veterinarian,” said Dr. Stafford.

“Instead, they rely on advice from relatives or neighbors, and often wind up with misinformation. They’ll be using products that they don’t fully understand how to use correctly, and end up spending time and money on the wrong treatment.”

Prevention offers the most value Drs. Nichols and Stafford stress that the best way to manage the cost of BRD is through prevention. Every herd is going to be different, so work with a nutritionist and veterinarian to implement the following elements: Vaccination - “Unknown vaccination history is the biggest obstacle my feedyard producers face when dealing with BRD,” said Dr. Stafford. “Ideally, my clients wouldn’t buy an animal unless it already had at least one round, if not two rounds, of vaccinations. My dream scenario would be for them to buy cattle that are vaccinated once at branding, and again at weaning before shipment. Then, when cattle arrive at the feedyard, they’d get a booster. If all my producers did that, it might put me out of work.”

Nutrition - Nutrition is a major management component in avoiding BRD wrecks. “When we optimize a nutrition program, we are also going to optimize immune function and help prevent disease,” explained Dr. Nichols. “Animals on a proper nutrition program are also going to respond better to vaccinations and to treatments if they do get sick.”

A solid nutrition program includes providing plenty of fresh, clean water, as well as giving animals a balanced ration at consistent times with adequate protein, energy, and trace minerals.

Stress Management - “I think we’ve made very efficient systems for handling and moving cattle, but as we’ve done that, we’ve put extra stress on animals,” remarked Dr. Stafford. “Cattle are now expected to move hundreds of miles in the blink of an eye, meet new pen mates and face all the other stressors that go along with moving.” Stress can compromise an animal’s immune system and make them susceptible to disease. Producers can manage stress in these ways: • Shield cattle from harsh weather conditions and give them plenty of bunk space.

• Avoid overcrowding, as it causes stress and promotes the spread of disease.

• Practice low stress handling to ensure the moving process goes smoothly for both producers and the cattle. Low stress handling techniques include presenting a calm disposition, avoiding

loud noises, reducing the use of cattle prods, and removing visual distractions.

• Administering a metaphylaxis treatment, or a group antibiotic treatment, for at risk animals in a timely manner can help reduce morbidity and mortality on beef operations. “Your antibiotic should protect against all four of the BRD causing pathogens Mannheimia haemolytica, Pasteurella multocida, Histophilus somni, and Mycoplasma bovis,” Dr. Nichols pointed out.

A BRD success story - “I have a feedyard client who has been struggling with increasing mortality, morbidity, and medicine costs associated with BRD for the last ten years,” said Dr. Stafford. “It was getting to where they couldn’t bear it anymore, so they tried two approaches.

First, they sought out and bought more cattle from a determined origin. The animals were not commingled and were not run through a sale barn. These animals came in less stressed and had a vaccination history.

“Second, they reduced the number of cattle that they were willing to take in at any one time, especially during the big fall runs. The manager always said, ‘I can control BRD. All I have to do is close the front gate.’ So, they went from processing 800 new animals a week to 250. They were no longer overloading their system, and they saw incredible results. The cowboy crew could finally catch their breath, and they were able to do a better

job. That operation wound up making more money — they saved eight to ten fold on medicine, and had a significant reduction in mortality and morbidity.”

Bringing back the art of animal husbandry - “Animal husbandry is an art, and, in some cases, it’s the missing piece for the very best care we can give animals,” said Dr. Nichols. “Not the difference between bad care and good care, but the very best care.”

“We need to put ourselves in the situation of the animal,” agreed Dr. Stafford. “What do you want? You want clean water, something good to eat, protection from the elements, and to be comfortable. Good animal husbandry is about focusing on those basics, while leveraging the antibiotics we have available. That’s what’s really going to save us on BRD costs in the long run.”

Reference 1 Chirase N.K., Greene L.W. Dietary zinc and manganese sources administered from the fetal stage onward affect immune system of transit stressed and virus infected offspring steer calves. Anim Feed Sci Tech 2001;93:217-228.

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

2022 Clemson University Bull Test On Test Update

By STEVEN E. MEADOWS, Ph.D., Clemson University The 2022 Clemson Bull Test has officially started with a great set of very uniform bulls. Consignors from South Carolina, North Carolina, and Georgia delivered their bull consignments on August 3. The bulls were fed a low energy, warm up diet for two weeks and monitored closely. Bulls were officially weighed on test August 17 and are doing well. This year’s test features a balanced set of EPDs on the individual bulls across the board. The breeds included on this year’s test include Angus, Balancers, Hereford, Red Angus, Simmental, and SimAngus in both the senior and junior divisions, respectively.

On test weight per day of age (WDA) for each breed and division are as follows: Angus (senior), 3.06 WDA, Angus (junior), 2.99 WDA, Red Angus (senior), 2.66 WDA, Red Angus (junior), 2.83 WDA, Hereford (senior), 2.61 WDA, SimAngus (senior), 3.18 WDA, SimAngus (junior), 3.55 WDA, Simmental (senior), 3.39 WDA, Simmental (junior), 2.99 WDA, Balancer (senior), 3.00 WDA and junior Balancer bulls posting a WDA of 2.93.

A minimum of 2.5 lbs. (WDA) is required for entry into the Clemson University bull testing program each year. This is only one of the requirements, but one can see that these bulls rang the bell on performance when you analyze the weight per day of age (WDA) across the board. I encourage you to follow the performance reports that are posted on the Clemson University Bull Test website at www.clemson.edu/ extension/bulltest/clemson/2022-files/2022-on-test-report.pdf.

The 46th Annual Clemson University Bull sale will be held at the T. Ed. Garrison Arena in Pendleton, S.C., on February 5, 2022!

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.

S.C. Charolais News

By GEORGEANNE WEBB S.C. Charolais Association

This article will be short as we are really busy getting cattle ready for the Southern Connection Sale on October 9. If you receive this issue of The Carolina Cattle Connection before October 9, you should make plans to be in Knoxville for the sale.

We will have over 90 live lots, including over 20 bulls, in the sale, so you should be able to take some quality cattle home.

On a sad note, for those who don’t know, the cattle industry lost a great cattleman on September 1 with the death of Lloyd Henry DeBruycker. His funeral was on September 21. This was a great

loss to the Charolais breed.

The AICA has made the recommendation to hire a new Executive Vice President. The search committee has recommended Dr. Clint Rusk. The Board of Directors approved Dr. Rusk’s appointment, and he will begin his new position on November 1. Dr. Rusk is the current Department Head of the Animal and Food Sciences Department at Oklahoma State University.

We are also busy here cutting and getting up hay, so I have to run and get busy helping.

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Farm Credit News The Farm Credit Associations of North Carolina Support FFA and 4-H Through Sporting Clays Events.

AgCarolina Farm Credit, Cape Fear Farm Credit, and Carolina Farm Credit are proud to be hosting the fifth annual Pull for Youth Sporting Clays events benefitting North Carolina 4-H and FFA. Join us for a fun day of sporting clays shooting at one of four great courses in our state. By taking part as a participant, you are helping Farm Credit support the future of agriculture and rural America by giving back to North Carolina 4-H and FFA. Lunch will be provided, and there will also be raffles with great prizes.

AgCarolina Farm Credit - October 22 Hunters’ Pointe - Washington, N.C. Carolina Farm Credit - October 22 Cleghorn Gun Club - Rutherfordton, N.C. Cape Fear Farm Credit - November 19 (Two events) Drake Landing - Fuquay-Varina, N.C. Low Country Preserve - Tabor City, N.C. Agriculture is the number one industry in North Carolina. By providing funds to North Carolina 4-H and FFA, the Farm Credit Associations of North

Carolina are working together to make sure tomorrow’s leaders in agriculture have a bright future. Join us as we work together to honor the contributions of these organizations and enable opportunities for young people in our rural communities.

Since the inception of the Pull for Youth Sporting Clays Events, the Farm Credit Associations of N.C. have raised $415,000 for North Carolina 4-H and FFA. The events are made possible by the support of hundreds of sponsors, shooters, and volunteers.

Individual shooter registrations are $100. Pre-registration is required to participate in each of the sporting clays events. Please visit farmcreditofnc.com/ pullforyouth or contact pullforyouth@ agcarolina.com for more information.

AgCarolina Farm Credit Announces Grant Deadline. AgCarolina Farm Credit is accepting grant applications through October 15 for programs benefitting farmers and rural residents in its 34 county service area in eastern North Carolina. Grants are available up to $5,000 per organization for programs in one of four focus areas: Education, Environment, Technology, or the Quality of Rural Life.

Grants are made available through

BE A WINNER!

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

AgCarolina’s corporate giving program.

AgCarolina has given back over $476,000 in grants through the corporate giving fund since 2005 and is proud to serve and support the farms and communities of eastern North Carolina.

“Providing access to grant funds is a commitment from AgCarolina Farm Credit to invest in, and improve rural North Carolina,” states President and CEO Dave Corum. “The AgCarolina corporate giving fund illustrates our dedication to being active in the communities we serve.”

To learn more about AgCarolina’s corporate giving and to obtain guideline criteria, visit the AgCarolina website.

Grant applications are available and will be accepted through October 15.

The Carolina Cattle Connection

Proposals will be reviewed and grants awarded as early as possible, after October 15.

About AgCarolina Farm Credit.

AgCarolina Farm Credit is a farmer owned financial cooperative with headquarters in Raleigh. They are the leading provider of credit to farmers in central and eastern North Carolina.

AgCarolina Farm Credit has over $1.5 billion in loans and commitments outstanding to nearly 3,000 North Carolina farmers. Loans are made to finance land, homes, farm buildings, operating expenses, livestock, and equipment, as well as other purposes.

Credit life insurance, appraisal services, and leasing are also available through AgCarolina Farm Credit.

q OCTOBER 2021

PAGE 67

NCBA News

NCBA Secures Extension of Critical Exemption for Livestock Haulers. Recently, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) announced an extension of the exemption from hours-of-service (HOS) requirements for livestock haulers.

Livestock haulers continue to need this flexibility for the well being of livestock during hauls and to keep grocery stores stocked with beef during the continued disruption of COVID-19. This extension comes after consistent advocacy by the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA).

Thanks in part to NCBA’s continued push on this issue, livestock haulers have been operating under an HOS exemption since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic while maintaining a strong safety record.

PAGE 68

“We are grateful to FMCSA for the extension of this exemption, which will provide livestock haulers continued flexibilities under hours-ofservice regulations. I believe FMCSA’s continuation of this exemption indicates their confidence in our producers to keep doing their work safely and effectively, while keeping the grocery store shelves stocked with beef. NCBA will continue to work toward additional, more permanent flexibility under HOS, and we appreciate FMCSA’s open dialogue on this issue,” said NCBA Executive Director of Government Affairs Allison Rivera.

The most recent extension will continue through midnight on November 30.

Current HOS rules allow for 11 hours of drive time, 14 hours of on-duty time, and then require 10 consecutive hours

The Carolina Cattle Connection q OCTOBER 2021

of rest. When transporting livestock, there is a real need for further flexibility beyond the current hours-of-service.

Unlike drivers moving consumer goods, livestock haulers cannot simply idle or unload their trucks when drive time hours run out without jeopardizing animal health and welfare.

NCBA Condemns Court Decision Striking Down Navigable Waters Protection Rule. Recently, the U.S. District Court in Arizona struck down the 2020 Navigable Waters Protection Rule (NWPR), a regulation that corrected the disastrous 2015 Waters of the United States (WOTUS) rule and provided key protections to farmers and ranchers.

“The Navigable Waters Protection Rule limited federal overreach and provided regulatory certainty to our nation’s cattle producers,” said NCBA Chief Environmental Counsel Scott Yager. “The NWPR was a solution to the far overreaching 2015 WOTUS rule, but the court decision adds further confusion to an issue that has been complicated by decades of activist driven litigation. NCBA is disappointed in this decision and will continue advocating for regulations that protect the ability of cattle producers to invest in their land and care for their cattle.”

The Biden Administration had previously announced its intent to repeal and replace the NWPR. While NCBA discouraged the repeal of NWPR, the Biden Administration pursued a deliberative, transparent outreach strategy, allowing for American cattle producers to have a voice in the process.

Background - Earlier this year, the Biden Administration announced its intent to repeal and replace the NWPR. The Administration planned a three phase process including listening sessions with the Environmental Protection Agency and Army Corps of Engineers, a repeal rule for NWPR, and a new WOTUS rule.

The first public comment phase began in August, and NCBA, state affiliates, and numerous cattle producers submitted comments to the Agencies.

In July, the U.S. District Court in South Carolina dismissed a similar case, which allowed the NWPR to remain in effect until a repeal rule was finalized by the Biden Administration. That decision ensured regulatory certainty for cattle producers while the Biden Administration moved through the rule making process.

This court decision is the first time a federal court has vacated the NWPR. NCBA Statement on BSE Cases Detected in Brazil. Recently, NCBA Chief Executive Officer Colin Woodall issued the following statement regarding the two atypical cases of bovine

spongiform encephalopathy (BSE) detected in Brazil: “Over the weekend, the Brazilian Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock, and Food Supply confirmed two atypical cases of BSE. Atypical cases are very rare and are believed to occur spontaneously.

These cases occurred outside the United States and do not pose a risk to American consumers — U.S. beef is safe.

“Given Brazil’s history of failing to report BSE cases in a timely manner, we must remain vigilant in enforcing our safeguards and holding them accountable.

The U.S. has the highest animal health and food safety standards in the world.

We must make sure that all countries wishing to export beef to the U.S. continue to meet our standards—even a country with a small footprint like Brazil. We have full faith and confidence in the abilities of the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and Office of the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) to enforce our safety standards and trade rules to protect America’s cattle producers and consumers.

“NCBA encourages USDA to examine Brazil and to continue implementing science based safeguards that ensure all imported beef meets the same rigorous science based food safety and animal health standards as American beef.”

Continuing the Fight for Sound Tax Policy. With more than 40 percent of farmland expected to transition in the next two decades, Congress must prioritize policies that support land transfers to the next generation of farmers and ranchers.

When doing this, it is imperative that lawmakers take into consideration the complexity of family owned businesses and the implications changes to federal tax policy would have on them long term. Helping lawmakers understand the complexity of family owned agricultural businesses, specifically farms and ranches, is a top priority for NCBA’s Government Affairs team.

In April, President Biden announced his American Families Plan. Through this plan, Biden proposed changes to several provisions of the tax code to raise approximately $1.5 trillion in revenue over the next ten years. Long standing tax provisions being threatened include stepped up basis and like kind exchanges – both critical tools that farmers and ranchers utilize when planning for generational transfer. After Biden announced his plan, there was legislation introduced by members of Congress that, again, called for the elimination of stepped up basis, a decrease in the estate tax (Death Tax) exclusion limits, and an increase in the death tax rates.

The proposals are misguided and would be disastrous for family owned businesses in rural America. From the beginning, NCBA has said that a budget cannot be balanced on the backs of farmers and ranchers. We, along with members of Congress and trade groups

representing rural America, have led efforts to oppose changes to federal tax policy that would adversely affect family owned businesses. NCBA has been at the forefront of many of these efforts.

While we have been aggressive in our efforts since these misguided

Shorthorn News

American Shorthorn Association Announces Release of Shorthorn and the American Cattle Industry. Shorthorn and the American Cattle Industry will be released on October 23 as the American Shorthorn Association kicks off their Sesquicentennial year as America’s first beef breed association. Written by Dr. Bob Hough and Dr. Bert Moore, this coffee table style book is unique without a doubt.

“Writing this book was a labor of love for Dr. Bert Moore and me.” Said Dr. Bob Hough, “We had the time, curiosity and backing of the Association to dig deep into all aspects of the breed and our industry to reveal the important, but often forgotten events and people that have made the cattle business what it is today.”

Comprised of 26 chapters, 270 pages, and over 800 photos, the commissioned book exemplifies the American Shorthorn Association’s prestigious position in the history of the animal breeding industry.

Andy Frazier, author, livestock historian, and host of the United Kingdom podcast “Top Lines and Tales,” was “Amazed at the depth of research the authors have gone to in order to underpin the origins of the Shorthorn Breed.”

He adds, “The opening chapters of this book are as equally fascinating to the non-agriculturist as they are to the cattle

enthusiast in general.”

“This book depicts not only Shorthorn, but the American cattle industry as a whole.” states Executive Secretary/CEO of the American Shorthorn Association, Montie D. Soules.

Soules goes on to say, “This becomes a must read for anyone who has ever had an interest in the purebred cattle industry.

I doubt there will ever be another book written with as much detail as Dr. Hough and Dr. Moore have done. The authors did a great job.”

Limited edition books are available now at shorthorn.org for ordering, with multiple pickup or shipping options to meet your needs.

About the American Shorthorn Association. The mission of the ASA is to provide quality service and support to its members by promoting the value of Shorthorn cattle in all aspects of the beef industry while maintaining the integrity of the herd book and performance database.

The ASA is headquartered in Kansas City, Mo., and was founded in 1872 with herdbook records going back to 1822.

As one of the oldest American breed associations, the ASA provides services for more than 6,000 junior and senior members who register more than 15,000 cattle annually. To learn more, contact the ASA office or visit www.shorthorn.org.

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proposals were announced, fighting for sound tax policy for America’s cattle producers is something that NCBA has been doing long before these proposals.

The Government Affairs team in D.C. has worked for years to build relationships on Capitol Hill with members of Congress and their staffers, so NCBA is seen as a trusted partner in the industry and a reliable source for information. In addition, the team has worked quickly to build relationships with the Biden administration. We understand the importance of having an open dialogue with the administration and have been part of numerous conversations with Biden’s team regarding the needs of cattle and beef producers in regard to sound tax policy.

NCBA Backed Research - NCBA is on the steering committee of the Family Business Estate Tax Coalition (FBETC) – a coalition comprised of associations representing rural Americans and family owned businesses. Last summer, we began to have conversations regarding the need for research about the importance of stepped up basis for family owned businesses. As a result of that, last spring, FBETC released an EY study quantifying the impact a repeal of stepped up basis would have on family businesses. The study proved what NCBA had been saying for a long time — family owned businesses and the local economies they support would be hit hardest by a repeal. The data from this study has been a critical tool in NCBA’s efforts to educate lawmakers on how repeal would adversely affect a vast number of their constituents.

In addition, NCBA has excellent relationships with both the House and Senate Agriculture Committee. After the Biden administration claimed that a majority of family farms would not be affected by the changes to long standing tax provisions, NCBA knew that simply was not true and had extensive

2021 South Carolina Sale Barn Cattle Receipts March

April

May

June

July

August

308

1,104

919

726

1,454

651

2,076

1,090

581

2,432

1,283

866

1,433

915

1,584

1,194

1,325

1,964

1,593

1,373

1,892

1,461

1,731

830

786

1,123

1,187

959

1,066

651

1,583

Saluda

2,056

1,355

3,094

2,482

2,324

3,099

1,761

3,256

Williamston

2,812

1,313

2,792

2,255

1,949

1,884

2,033

2,880

Orangeburg

September

conversations with committee staffers regarding the need to combat that misinformation. Ultimately, Ranking Member of the Senate Agriculture Committee John Boozman and Ranking Member of the House Agriculture Committee G.T. Thompson requested a study through Texas A&M that proves the negative impact of transfer taxes on family owned businesses. The study found that if stepped up basis was to be eliminated and the estate tax exemption was decreased (to $3.5 million per individual and $7 million per couple), 98 percent of the representative farms used in the study would have seen an average tax increase of $1.4 million. This information has been critical in the education efforts our team has been a part of.

Legislation Introduced to Protect Farms and Ranches - In March, NCBA worked closely with Senator John Thune (R-S.D.) and Representatives Sanford Bishop (D-Ga.) and Jason Smith (RMo.) to secure introduction of The Death Tax Repeal Act of 2021. This bicameral legislation held members of Congress accountable to maintain a public record of support for full, permanent repeal of the Death Tax. NCBA also secured reintroduction of the Preserving Family Farms Act. This bipartisan legislation, introduced

by Representatives Jimmy Panetta (Calif.-20) and Jackie Walorski (Ind.2), would allow cattle producers to take advantage of the Special Use Valuation and protect family owned businesses from the devastating impact of the federal estate tax, commonly referred to as the Death Tax. Letter Campaigns - NCBA has spearheaded grassroots advocacy efforts to help members of Congress understand

Continued on the next page

October

The Carolina Cattle Connection

November

December

q OCTOBER 2021

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NCBA News continued from the previous page how changes to the federal tax code would adversely affect their constituents in rural America. Through our grassroots letter campaign, we drafted a letter for NCBA members to send to their elected officials in Congress. This letter outlined the importance of federal tax policy that facilitates generational transfer. A total of 688 letters were sent to members of Congress!

We also worked with our state affiliate associations to send sign-on letters to their state’s delegation from agricultural groups within the state. We hosted a briefing call to inform state executives on recent policy developments and provided them with communications materials, including a draft letter, social media graphics, a press release, and an op-ed for them to place in local newspapers.

Letters to Congress and the Biden Administration - In addition to our grassroots campaign, NCBA has directly sent letters to lawmakers, and D.C. staff have worked with members of Congress to draft and secure support for numerous letters that were sent to Congressional leadership and the administration.

Immediately after President Biden announced his American Families Plan, we worked with Representatives Adrian Smith (R-Neb.) and Michelle Fischbach (R-Minn.) to draft a letter opposing changes to stepped up basis. More than 130 GOP House members signed on to that effort.

We worked with Senators John Thune (R-S.D.) and Steve Daines (R-Mont.) to draft a letter to President Biden regarding preservation of stepped up basis. We played a significant role in circulating that letter to garner support from other Senators. The letter was signed by every single member of the Senate GOP caucus. This sent a strong message to the administration, as it indicated overwhelming support for preservation of this critical tax provision.

“Tax Talks” Podcast - In an effort to inform staffers on Capitol Hill about the importance of sound, federal tax policy for rural Americans, we launched the “Beltway Beef: Tax Talks” podcast.

Through interviews with tax experts and NCBA members, we share the real life stories of cattle and beef producers as well as the devastating impacts that the

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The Carolina Cattle Connection q OCTOBER 2021

President’s proposal would have on rural America. To listen to the podcast, visit soundcloud.com/beltway-beef/tracks.

NCBA urged the Biden administration to maintain an open dialogue with experts in agriculture as the President recently announced the Global Methane Pledge as part of an international effort to curb global methane emissions by 30 percent by 2030.

To achieve this goal, the administration will need the voluntary participation, scientific research, and practical knowledge of U.S. cattle producers. The industry stands ready to continue leading the American agricultural community — and the rest of the world — on responsible resource management.

“We are proud of the U.S. cattle industry’s track record of continual innovation to improve environmental outcomes, and we are committed to writing the next chapter in that history of stewardship with the voluntary, industry led goal of demonstrating climate neutrality by 2040,” said NCBA Vice President of Government Affairs Ethan Lane. “We’ve engaged with the Biden administration since day one to ensure the U.S. cattle industry is recognized for our strong record of environmental stewardship and that our voice, and our priorities, are heard loud and clear. The administration cannot accomplish lasting conservation without the buy in of cattle producers.”

Cattle emit methane when they digest their food. This happens due to the cow’s specialized ruminant digestive system, which allows cattle to consume grasses that grow on marginal land that would be otherwise unusable for growing food.

The gas breaks down in the atmosphere in 9-12 years, is sequestered in soil and grasses, and then consumed by ruminant animals as part of a natural grazing cycle.

In recent years, GWP100 — the default method for calculating greenhouse gas emissions — has come under criticism in the global scientific community for failing to accurately account for the impact of short lived emissions like methane. GWP* is gaining support among scientists as a more appropriate measure of methane’s actual effect on the climate. NCBA has long advocated for the use of the most up to date science and data as the foundation of federal climate policy. As the GWP* methodology is adopted around the globe, NCBA supports the United States’ adaptation of its policy to reflect the best available science.

The administration has not announced any policies or directives to

restrict beef consumption in the United States.

Cattle Industry Commits to Climate Neutrality by 2040. The National Cattlemen’s Beef Association solidified U.S. cattle ranchers’ commitment to environmental, economic, and social sustainability with the release of U.S. cattle industry sustainability goals during the 2021 Cattle Industry Convention & NCBA Trade Show.

Beef producers in the United States are already the global leader in sustainable beef production. The setting of these goals will further enhance the sustainability of the U.S. system and set targets that demonstrate to the world that producers are committed to continued improvement. The goals for the U.S. cattle industry include: • Demonstrate climate neutrality of U.S. cattle production by 2040.

• Create and enhance opportunities that result in a quantifiable increase in producer profitability and economic sustainability by 2025.

• Enhance trust in cattle producers as responsible stewards of their animals and resources by expanding educational opportunities in animal care and handling programs to further improve animal well being.

• Continuously improve our industry’s workforce safety and well being.

“Cattlemen and women have demonstrated their commitment to sustainability for generations,” said Marty Smith, a Florida cattleman and NCBA past president.

“They work tirelessly to protect the land, water, and air resources in their care. Through countless improvements in genetics, grazing management, manure handling, and the adoption of many other technologies, this is just the next step on our industry’s path. Producers deserve recognition for their use of cutting edge practices and technologies that minimize environmental impact. By setting goals, we’re publicly committing to continuous improvement and setting targets that allow us to measure and document those efforts.”

“These goals are the culmination of a grassroots, rancher led process. As part of its strategic plan, NCBA set up a task force on sustainability to counter news reports and messaging to consumers that the beef industry is responsible for greenhouse gas emissions. After questions from producers, NCBA leadership needed to step up to take the lead on the topic,” Smith added.

The task force evaluated the current state of U.S. beef cattle sustainability

to determine which improvements are most critical and help share the story of progress. Members of this working group – cattle farmers and ranchers from across the U.S. – led the process and made all decisions, including setting the sustainability goals.

“Sustainability is, and will continue to be, an incredibly important part of what we do, and I’m proud that my fellow leaders across the cattle industry have taken these important steps,” Smith said.

“As our country and the world examine risks associated with climate change and other sustainability challenges, our commitment to sustainability positions us to play an even bigger role in mitigating these risks in the future.”

The sustainability goals are built around “three pillars” that include environmental goals, economic goals, and social goals.

Environmental Pillar - The goal, environmentally, is to “demonstrate the climate neutrality of U.S. cattle production by 2040.” The U.S. already produces the most sustainable beef in the world through decades of improvement and innovation. In fact,

beef production in the U.S. has a carbon footprint 10-50 times lower than other regions of the world, and according to the Environmental Protection Agency, greenhouse gas from beef cattle only represents two percent of emissions in the United States.

“The focus here is demonstrating climate neutrality, which means minimal or no effect on acceleration of warming in the atmosphere,” said Jason Sawyer, an associate professor and researcher at the King Ranch Institute at Texas A&M. “Managing methane along with ways ranchers can reduce emissions and sequester carbon become the priorities within the goal.”

A point regarding the environmental goal that members of the task force stressed is it’s rooted in science and based, in part, on modeling conducted by Sawyer. The 2040 target is based on an annual methane reduction of 1.5 percent.

Sawyer noted that methane emissions from livestock cannot be completely eliminated, and cattle have an advantage over other proteins by taking forage and converting it into high quality protein.

“Methane cannot go to zero without

removing beef production totally,” he said. “So, elimination of methane is not the goal; managing it is the goal.”

While the metrics used to determine climate neutrality are still being determined, and there is still a need for research in this space, Sawyer said that current technologies producers employ, like feed additives and improved genetics, can mitigate methane emissions, and advancements in these technologies will increase. Continued efforts to increase carbon sequestered over the landscape of grazing lands will also make a positive impact.

Economic Pillar - A second pillar of sustainability also relies on economic goals. NCBA is seeking to boost producer profitability and economic sustainability by 2025. NCBA leaders stressed the importance of producers being profitable, even in changing climate conditions.

Social Pillar - NCBA’s third pillar focuses on social goals, which include increasing trust in cattle producers as stewards. That means demonstrating strong animal welfare practices and expanding programs such as the Beef Quality Assurance (BQA). The industry

also needs to show that the well being of its workers is important.

United States cattle producers already grow bigger cattle that produce more meat, more humanely and more efficiently than anywhere else, said Mike Williams, a task force member and cattle producer from California.

“The goals show that U.S. cattle producers are committed and accountable,” Williams said. “I am a BQA certified producer and know that our responsibilities to the animals in our care is vital. BQA’s guidelines, in combination with experience and environment specific needs, help farmers and ranchers ensure animal welfare through daily husbandry and animal care.

This is key for our first social sustainability goal.”

An additional social sustainability goal was set that focuses on continuously improving the industry’s workforce safety and well being.

“The success of U.S. cattle production is largely dependent on our workforce – owners, ranch managers, livestock haulers, pen riders, veterinarians, animal handlers, and everyone who has a hand in the success

The Carolina Cattle Connection

q OCTOBER 2021

PAGE 71

NCBA

President’s Report

By JERRY BOHN

National Cattlemen’s Beef Association

Optimism Abounds at the Cattle Industry Convention This month, I am pleased to report that the annual Cattle Industry Convention & NCBA Trade Show was a great success. We welcomed more than 6,000 cattle producers, industry partners, corporate leaders, policymakers, and guests to Nashville, Tenn., to attend to the business of the association and enjoy some much needed fellowship. After a chaotic and challenging year, the event was a great achievement for our members and affiliates.

In policy committee meetings, our grassroots, member driven process ran smoothly and ensured that our efforts in Washington are guided directly by the wishes and input of producers on the ground. Committees convened to consider a wide range of pressing topics for the industry, including potential tax increases; the need for fair, competitive, and transparent markets; private property rights; conservation and environmental management; access to export markets; continued research on animal health and genetics; and more.

Beef Checkoff committee meetings allowed NCBA to showcase our great work promoting beef as a contractor to the Checkoff. Our team was on-site hosting producer forums that equipped farmers and ranchers to advocate for the industry at the state and community level. Meetings and producer forums also reinforced our industry’s deep commitment to animal health and well being, as well as our exceptional record of food safety and the continued need for producers to become Beef Quality Assurance certified.

In addition to our policy, advocacy, and education work, the industry gathered to recognize and celebrate the achievements of our producers. The national 2020 Environmental Stewardship Award, recognizing outstanding environmental management and conservation practices, was awarded to Beatty Canyon Ranch in Colorado. Beatty Canyon Ranch is owned and operated by Steve and Joy Wooten and Brady and Arin

PAGE 72

Burnham. 2021 Beef Quality Assurance Award winners included Deseret Cattle & Citrus of Florida, Willow Behrer Farms of Pennsylvania, Imperial Valley Feeders of California, The Livestock Exchange of Colorado, and Dr. Steve Boyles of Ohio State University. Heartfelt congratulations, once again, to all our honorees.

From the main stage of our convention, CattleFax delivered some overdue optimism for the markets. Beef prices are near record high, and demand at home and around the globe is expected to remain strong into 2022. While drought and extreme weather remain significant concerns for the Northern Plains and West, strong demand, combined with higher cattle prices, signals better business conditions ahead for producers.

CattleFax CEO, Randy Blach, reported that the cattle market is still dealing with a burdensome supply of market-ready fed cattle. The influence of that supply will diminish as three years of herd liquidation gradually reduce feedyard placements.

As this occurs, the value of calves, feeder cattle, and fed cattle will increase several hundred dollars per head over the next few years.

Kevin Good, CattleFax vice president of Industry Relations and Analysis, forecasted the average 2022 fed steer price at $135/cwt., up $14/cwt. from 2021, with a range of $120 to $150/cwt. throughout the year. All cattle classes are expected to trade higher, and prices are expected to improve over the next three years. The 800 lb. steer price is expected to average $165/cwt. with a range of $150 to $180/cwt., and the 550 lb. steer price is expected to average $200/cwt., with a range of $170 to $230/cwt.

Another popular general session was the rollout of NCBA’s sustainability goals for the industry. Developed through the leadership of cattle ranchers, environmental scientists, and agriculture economists, these benchmarks will provide a roadmap for keeping our industry economically, environmentally,

The Carolina Cattle Connection q OCTOBER 2021

and socially sustainable for generations to come. Being able to demonstrate climate neutrality in the U.S. cattle industry by 2040 is an ambitious goal – but one I am confident we will meet.

The new set of goals we have put forward to keep our industry economically strong and environmentally sustainable encapsulate a lot of the qualities I saw all around me at convention, and which I know you see around you on your operations each day.

Without straying too far from the plot here, I believe it’s safe to say that the American people – from all walks of life

– are hungry for authentic leadership and real solutions for our future. People are tired of being told to pack it in and give up. I am very proud to be able to look at our producers and see that leadership, vision, innovation, practicality, and a commitment to hard work are still alive and well. We demonstrate every day the very qualities that folks outside of cattle country are craving to see.

Ranchers and farmers have always been integral to American history and culture, and I believe our values and continual improvement will cement our place in the nation’s story for generations to come.

Carolina Cooking Cheesy Bourbon Hot Brown Skillet Dip Total Time - 1 hour, 15 minutes 8 ounces deli roast beef 8 ounces cream cheese 6 ounces white cheddar cheese, shredded ½ cup Romano cheese, shredded ½ cup sour cream 4 strips cooked bacon, finely chopped 2 Roma tomatoes, diced 2 tablespoons bourbon 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce 1 tablespoon Dijon style mustard ¼ cup fresh parsley, finely chopped ¼ teaspoon paprika 2 teaspoons freshly ground black pepper 2 teaspoons granulated garlic Pre-heat oven to 350°F. Set aside 1 tablespoon parsley, 1 tablespoon chopped bacon, and 1 tablespoon diced tomatoes for garnish.

In a standing mixer, combine cream cheese, white cheddar cheese, bacon, deli roast beef, sour cream, Romano cheese, tomatoes, paprika, garlic, mustard, parsley, Worcestershire sauce, bourbon, and pepper until well incorporated.

Remove bowl from mixer and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or until ready to bake.

Spread the dip into a 8” cast iron or oven proof skillet. Bake in a 350°F oven for 25 minutes or until golden brown and edges are bubbling. Remove from oven

and top with remaining bacon, parsley, and tomatoes. Serve warm with crackers, toasted bread, or celery and carrots.

Makes 16 servings.

Cheesy Bourbon Hot Brown Skillet Dip

The Carolina Cattle Connection

q OCTOBER 2021

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The Carolina Cattle Connection q OCTOBER 2021

A Message from the CEO

By COLIN WOODALL

National Cattlemen’s Beef Association

35 Years of Beef Promotion and Research The national Beef Checkoff is celebrating 35 years of helping the beef industry improve and sell more beef, and NCBA has been there every step of the way. At the time, it was the National Cattlemen’s Association that led the charge to get legislative language establishing the Beef Checkoff included in the 1985 Farm Bill. We followed that up by working diligently to ensure the producer referendum passed so the program could get up and running. Since day one, NCBA, and our predecessor, Beef Industry Council of the National Livestock and Meat Board, has been a proud contractor doing the work on behalf of the Beef Checkoff.

Indeed, we are extremely proud of the high quality work we do. The Beef, It’s What’s For Dinner. brand is one of the most iconic brands in America. With over 70 percent of Americans recognizing the brand, it is no wonder that hearing those first few notes of “Hoedown” from Copeland’s “Rodeo,” or hearing someone say “beef, it’s what’s for dinner,” causes mouths to water as we are overcome by cravings for steaks, hamburgers, and more. We are in the fun business. You do not celebrate the team’s big win by eating a boneless, skinless chicken breast. You do not celebrate a new job with a pork chop drowning in sauce. You celebrate and have fun with beef.

The work we do is not just about marketing. Thanks to the work NCBA has done on nutrition, beef is part of a daily diet, not just for celebrations. Checkoff funded nutrition research has kept beef in the center of the plate in USDA’s Dietary Guidelines for Americans and has helped sway doctors into appreciating the nutrient-dense value beef provides.

Our food safety research has made our product safer. Sustainability research continues to showcase the benefits beef production provides to the quality of the land. Our meat profiling research gave our industry the flat iron steak. None of this would have happened without the Beef Checkoff.

We are often asked, “What is my dollar doing for me?” I have a great example that illustrates the value of the Beef Checkoff. In the lead up to summer grilling season, we entered a partnership with Sam’s Club to promote beef on their website. Each time you went to Sam’s Club online, you would see the Beef. It’s What’s For Dinner. brand and scrumptious photos of beef. For every dollar we spent on that advertising campaign, we sold an additional $34.36 worth of beef. That is a return every one of us would like to see in our own businesses. Not bad for a $1 checkoff that has less buying power than it did 35 years ago. It takes over $2.50 to have the same

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

buying power as one dollar did in 1985.

While we love the work we do, please remember that NCBA is NOT the Checkoff. We are a contractor that is accountable to the Cattlemen’s Beef Board, and each September, we must compete with other contractors to get approval for the work we do. Who decides whether we get funded? Cattle producers do. Cattle producers make up the Beef Promotion Operating Committee, and it is their job to look at the proposals from all the contractors and decide who gets the green light to move forward. For the record, you do not have to be an NCBA member to be on the Operating Committee. That is one of many misperceptions of how the Checkoff works.

For NCBA, there is more to the Checkoff than being a contractor. We are committed to the Beef Checkoff and have policy to support the program. Of

all the contractors, NCBA is the only one that has a track record of defending and protecting the Beef Checkoff. NCBA’s team in Washington is constantly battling attacks on the Checkoff, and we have been successful every time in keeping the program safe. When the Checkoff was threatened during the last Farm Bill, it was NCBA that kept it intact. When other groups sue the Checkoff, it is NCBA that steps up to hire the attorneys and defend this great program. None of this work in D.C. is funded by the Checkoff. It is funded by policy dollars because we believe in what the Beef Checkoff does.

To get 35 more years of this great program, we all must talk more about the great work it does. Tell your neighbors about what you have read here and help us clear up the misperceptions about the Beef Checkoff. It is a great program, and NCBA is proud to be a part of it.

NEWS Fall 2021 Genetic Evaluation Posted. The 2021 Fall Genetic Evaluation is now available at beefmasters.org/ genetic-evaluation. This summary compiles the massive amounts of data collected by Beefmaster breeders, as well as the more recently collected genomic results, into the best possible predictions of each animal’s genetic merit.

For more information on the 2021 Fall Genetic Evaluation, please visit beefmasters.org/commercial/geneticevaluation.

D o n ’ t M i s s T h i s Ye a r ’s Convention! We are excited to share that our 2021 60th Annual Beefmaster Convention Agenda is now available!

This year’s convention will take place on October 28-30 at the Omni Fort Worth Hotel-Downtown in Fort Worth, Texas.

We Want Your Input. Is there a Beefmaster cattle topic that you would like to learn more about? For example, $T, $M, or HD Genotyping. Let us know what you would like to learn about, and BBU may take your idea to create an educational seminar online! Please send and share your topics/ideas to Jeralyn at jnovak@beefmasters.org.

Help Build The Beefmaster Future! The Beef Development Group invites you to participate in the collection of feed intake data used to build the new Beefmaster RFI (Residual Feed Intake)

The Carolina Cattle Connection

EPD and $FE (Feed Efficiency) index.

We are opening our doors to progressive Beefmaster members who would like to test their genetics and help support the growth of the new efficiency measures. As the breed continues to progress, there is always a need for more data to help support Beefmaster genetic evaluations.

We are currently only accepting heifers, and it is encouraged to have a minimal contemporary group of five or more head to help build meaningful and accurate data. The test site is centrally located in Evant, Tex., and uses the original GrowSafe technology, now owned by Vytelle. Post test development, carcass ultrasound, and A.I. are available.

Please contact us today for more information and pricing.

• PX Feeders - Gayla Hodges - 254857-3604 • Derek Frenzel - 254-541-4643 • Larry Meacham - 713-829-2606 About Beefmaster Breeders United.

Beefmaster Breeders United, located in Boerne, Tex., is a not-for-profit breed registration organization that provides programs and services for its members.

Beefmaster, Beefmaster Advancer, and E6 cattle are selected on the “Six Essentials” of disposition, fertility, weight, conformation, milk production, and hardiness.

q OCTOBER 2021

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NEWS Making Weaning More Profitable.

In a time of unpredictability in the cattle market, one thing remains predictable.

The fewer days you have a calf on feed, the lower your input costs will be.

With a great percentage of cow country covered by drought, higher feed costs, and a volatile market, finding profit in the cattle business is on top of mind for all producers.

One way to help mitigate the feed costs for your herd is to explore the option of early weaning, simply defined as weaning earlier than you might in a typical year. Some producers will wean their calves at 60-90 days of age, often a huge benefit to the cow if she is no longer lactating. It’s not uncommon to wean at 120 days, still earlier than the traditional weaning age. However, it is important to weigh out both the advantages and disadvantages of early weaning for the cow and her offspring before making that decision.

“It is cheaper to feed a calf than it is to feed a cow to feed a calf,” said Dan Shike, University of Illinois Associate Professor of Animal Science, “But, will it pay?”

Some of the key advantages of early weaned calves include better quality grades and more higher graded Choice carcasses. Early weaned calves also tend to post higher average daily gains than those calves traditionally weaned that are on creep feed or only grazing pasture.

Advantages for the cows include a better body condition score (BCS) at their next gestation and calving and decreased forage intake.

Disadvantages of early weaning include increased management, the need for tighter facilities and lowered water and feed sources, increased labor for monitoring calves’ health, and initial increased feed costs for the calves.

Regardless of if you early wean or traditional wean, you can jump start your calves’ nutritional needs with the Gain Smart program from BioZyme. The three step program starts with Vita Charge Cattle Drench, a drench that supports digestive health and promotes feed and water intake during times of stress and recovery. Designed to be administered within the first 48 hours of weaning or shipping, the cattle drench is conveniently designed for processing large groups of cattle.

Step two includes the Vita Charge Stress Tub or Vita Charge Stress Tub

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HEAT, recommended for the calves for the first two weeks post weaning. Both the Vita Charge Cattle Drench and the Stress Tubs include Amaferm, a precision based prebiotic designed to enhance digestibility by amplifying nutrient supply for maximum performance. It is research proven to combat stress and maintain performance by supporting the animal’s own immune system, significantly increasing intake and nutrient utilization.

The Stress Tubs HEAT also contains capsaicin to support animal performance and gain in heat stress situations.

The third and final step of the Gain Smart Program is feeding one of the four Gain Smart mineral formulas to your calves to achieve healthy, efficient gain. The Gain Smart mineral is powered by the Amaferm advantage, research proven to promote digestion and nutrient absorption of forage for optimum gain.

Post Weaning Marketing Strategies - Once your calves are weaned, you want to maximize their profit potential. Ron Gill, Associate Department Head and Extension Program Leader for Animal Science with Texas A&M AgriLife Service, offered several pieces of advice to producers looking to get the most profit at sale time during the recent Cattle Industry Convention.

Producers have several opportunities to add value to their calves at sale time; however, they need to take the next step and market the value that they add. They can do that through several venues. They can enroll in a value added program, coordinate with their local auction market to seek help promoting their calves, but most simply produce what the buyer is looking for.

“Are we marketing what we do?

Adding value is one thing, but are we marketing that value,” Gill challenged producers.

He suggests three strategies to increase profits at sale time.

Produce What is in Demand - Gill said producers should focus on what the market is dictating. For example, in many areas, beef on dairy has created some high quality feeder cattle. The more beef on dairy steers you can sell, the more dollars you will bring in. If this scenario meets your management and marketing plan, this is one consideration.

If your production scheme and marketing plan are more dictated by replacement females, consider the types of females that your buyers are looking

The Carolina Cattle Connection q OCTOBER 2021

for. They likely desire highly maternal, structurally sound females that will wean off a big calf. However, Gill said producers shouldn’t forget to look the number one criteria that buyers look at when buying replacement females, and that is docility.

“If you can show them off easily, and the cattle are curious, they are typically easy to market,” Gill said.

Market through a Value Added Program - If you raise quality cattle, provide them with good nutrition and health protocols and know anything about their genetic make up, there is likely at least one value added program for you to receive premiums on for your calves.

Verifying the source, age, genetics, health, and nutrition practices are all ways to add value, and where there is value, there are usually added dollars.

Most value added programs are recognized at sale time either by a tag, an emblem, or shield. Special sales might be held for groups of calves that meet specific program requirements, or individual buyers might seek out cattle enrolled in certain value added programs endorsed by specific companies or associations.

“The market is being set from value added calves. The more verification you have, the more premiums you will receive,” Gill said.

BioZyme offers two nutritional value added opportunities to market calves through Superior Livestock. The Gain Smart Program recognizes stocker calves that have been fed the Gain Smart Mineral program outlined above for a set number of days prior to sale through delivery. The VitaFerm Raised Program pays premiums on calves who have been raised by cows fed the VitaFerm minerals for 45 days prior to sale through delivery or calves that have been fed the VitaFerm minerals for the same time period. Buyers recognize that good nutrition found through the Amaferm in these minerals is tied to increased health and increased gains, ultimately leading to increased performance.

Practice Good Stockmanship - Good stockmanship and handling practices are likely part of your everyday operation.

But did you know they can also help you increase your bottom line? Gill said things like proper cattle handling, identification, weaning, and vaccination are all ways to see more return on your investment.

“Use stockmanship to improve psychological well being of your herd,” he encourages.

For example, he said producers will lose profit by selling calves directly from the cow because the shrink (the

amount of weight lost from weaning to market) is lost and not managed correctly.

Roughly 10-12 percent shrink will be lost; however, if those calves are weaned and straightened out before weaning, the shrink will be minimized, and the amount of profit lost will be less.

Vaccinations and identification are other considerations. Often, these two happen at the same time and for good reason. It allows for one time of calf handling, which lessens the stress on the calf. And once the calf is tagged, the buyer assumes it is vaccinated, which typically adds 2-3¢ per pound to the price, according to Gill. He adds that many times producers spend too much on over vaccinating, and calves only need two rounds of vaccines.

Following thoughtful, responsible cattle management like that outlined in BQA principles is a good way to keep your cattle safe and performing to their optimum potential to get the most profit post weaning.

In a time of uncertainty, one thing is still certain: pounds pay. Make sure to keep your calves healthy, gaining, and performing to the best of their ability to get the most pounds at weaning to capture the most profit on sale day. Keep them healthy and gaining with Amaferm. Keep them on your program with our program.

Prepare for Fall Calving. Although the summer heat makes it hard to think about fall, those producers who utilize fall calving as a management option likely already have calves on the ground.

Fall calving cows are known to calve earlier than expected, and with this year’s soaring temps, those calves might even have arrived earlier than usual.

There are definite benefits to fall calving. A key advantage is that cows will spend their last days of gestation grazing summer pastures and will typically calve at a higher body condition – something to keep in mind when developing a feeding program for those lactating mama cows.

Other rewards include more manageable feed costs associated with resources available in the fall like cool season grasses and crop residues/ aftermath that are available post harvest.

Additionally, grazing situations like cover crops and winter wheat might be an option, depending on the location where you’re operating.

More marketing opportunities generally exist if you fall calve. If you calve in both the spring and fall, your bulls can cover more cows over two breeding seasons. Fall born calves weaned in the spring can be retained through the feedlot, or you can graze them on your own grass. Marketing opportunities are again dependent on

location.

Mother Nature can be more tolerable for fall calving herds. Calves won’t suffer from frozen ears, tails, or hypothermia.

Weather patterns are typically more predictable in the fall, and the cooler temperatures are more appealing for rebreeding – both for semen production in the bull and fertility in the female.

Although the list of benefits is plentiful, there are also challenges that come with fall calving. Yes, you might not have frozen ears or tails, but especially with this year’s heat, you can battle temperatures on the other end of the spectrum. Calves can get overheated and run fevers with the heat indexes that many regions of the country have been experiencing lately.

Flies are another challenge that producers face with fall calving. These little pests can cause big problems for a newborn calf. Biting flies like stable and horn flies are especially attracted to the embryonic fluid on newborn calves and will gather on their toplines or around their naval and bite away at the fresh flesh. If fly populations are heavy, this can result in death. A good mother will get the calf cleaned off promptly; otherwise, you

need to keep a close eye on your calf for bites.

Prepare Proactively - Calving time is always exciting, so make sure you are ready for your fall calves to arrive. As mentioned earlier, it is normal for the fall calves to come early, so start checking on the cows about two weeks before due dates, especially in the heat.

Provide plenty of shade for your cows to calve under – either natural or man made structures, so the cows and calves are not out in direct sunlight. It is not necessary to calve indoors, as that will typically not offer enough airflow, and that is where sickness occurs. Also, try to keep the area clean and dry to help control flies.

Provide plenty of fresh, clean, cool water to your cows. Labor, delivery, and beginning lactation are stressful. She is going to need more water than normal to keep hydrated and provide adequate nutrition for her new calf.

It is easy for a calf to get overheated, especially in the late summer and early fall days. Normal body temperature of calves is about 101.5ºF. If your calf does have a fever, try soaking it in a water bath to cool off. If that doesn’t work, you may

need to consult your veterinarian.

Good nutrition is at the root of your herd’s well being. BioZyme makes products to help mitigate heat stress while controlling flies in both the cows and their progeny.

Vitaferm Concept•Aid 5/S HEAT with ClariFly would be an ideal vitamin and mineral supplement to feed during fall calving. This free choice vitamin and mineral package is specifically designed for reproductive success when fed 60 days pre-calving through 60 days post breeding and contains HEAT to help prevent heat stress during temperatures of 70ºF and above, or anytime cattle are grazing fescue and includes ClariFly to stop flies in their larval stage, including both horn flies and stable flies. The HEAT package also contains garlic, considered a natural insect deterrent.

Another product that can be useful for calves is a Vita Charge Stress Tub HEAT. Many producers put these in their creep feeding pens for calves to get a jump start on their nutrition and to help mitigate heat stress and help naturally repel insects. Both the VitaFerm and Vita Charge products contain Amaferm.

The temperatures might feel like

The Carolina Cattle Connection

summer, but it’s time to plan for fall calving. Make your fall calving as stress free as possible for you, your cows, and their new babies with proper shade, plenty of water, and good nutrition with the Amaferm advantage.

How to Make Early Weaning Work in your Operation. The concept of early weaning in beef cattle has long been considered a management strategy that can potentially benefit cattle producers and their cow herds. However, there are several considerations to make when deciding whether or not to implement this strategy. The goal of this article is to discuss some of the relevant historical research on the topic as well as point out some of the potential benefits and concerns that can be realized by implementing this strategy.

First of all, early weaning can vary greatly as there are many different management styles across the country.

For the sake of this discussion, early weaning is considered anytime a producer weans calves earlier than their operation

Continued on the next page

q OCTOBER 2021

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BioZyme News continued from the previous page would typically do on a normal year, although historically, 205 days of age is considered standard for weaning age in beef cattle. If forage availability is limited, as is the case for many in the 2021 production year, removal of the calf from the side of the dam will improve performance for both the weaned calf as well as the dam, although the benefits of early weaning to the cow can be realized only if weaned calves can be successfully and economically raised with minimal facilities, labor, and feed costs.

There have been countless research trials conducted to learn more about the dynamic nutrition of beef calves at the side of the dams. A trial conducted

by Rutledge et al. (1971) indicated that approximately 60 percent of weaning weight variation in non-creep fed calves is the result of differing milk yields among dams. However, during the latter months of calf life, dam’s milk production plays a declining role in growth. In fact, Boggs et al. (1980) found that milk intake declined by 45 percent as a result of the normal lactation curve of the cow from

birth to six months of age. However, in order for that calf to meet its nutrient requirements for growth, it would have to consume other sources of nutrients.

This is confirmed by Maddox (1965), who reported that by the time a calf is three months of age, greater than half of its energy is derived from sources other than milk. Therefore, it is reasonable to believe that it could be in a producer’s best interest to raise said calves by other means, which could ultimately prove to be more feasible depending upon feedstuff availability and pricing. Creep feeding grain has been extensively reviewed, as well as creep grazing and feeding calves in a dry lot situation utilizing a total mixed ration. Ultimately, local feedstuff availability and pricing is going to be the major driver as to what is the best choice of supplementation for each producer from an economic standpoint.

Performance benefits of early weaning to the calf are often seen as it is widely considered more efficient to feed a calf directly rather than feeding a cow

to lactate and provide nutrition for a calf at side. Loy et al. (1999) conducted an experiment to evaluate early weaning at 60-70 days vs. 147 days using 120 steer calves sired by Angus or Simmental bulls to evaluate feedlot performance and carcass characteristics. Although early weaned calves entered the feedlot at heavier weights, weaning age had no effects on daily gain, dry matter intake, feed efficiency, or harvest weights. Early weaned calves did, however, achieve a higher percentage of intramuscular fat relative to normal weaned steers (5.7 percent vs. 5.1 percent), resulting in cattle that achieved more desirable quality grades with 38 percent USDA Choice or higher and 10 percent USDA Prime as compared to 14 percent USDA Choice or higher and 0 percent Prime for normally weaned steers.

Fluharty et al. (2000) evaluated the effects of weaning age on growth and carcass characteristics in steers over the course of two experiments. In their first experiment, they utilized 78 Angus crossbred calves weaned at either 103 days or 203 days, at which point they were transitioned onto finishing diets.

In agreeance with several other studies on the topic, the early weaned group of calves had greater average daily gains

from day 103 to day 203, allowing them to reach a final market weight 33 days sooner, part of which authors attributed the efficiency in conversion of feed to gain early in the feeding period. There were, however, no measurable differences in carcass characteristics. In the second experiment conducted by Fluharty et al.

(2000), they utilized 64 Angus crossbred steers that were weaned at either 93 days or 210 days. Similar to their other findings, early weaned calves were heavier at the time of normal weaning (210 days), and early weaned calves also had greater backfat thickness at this time.

This may be in part the reason authors noted frame size and genetics should be further analyzed to determine cattle that are best suited for early weaning, especially when fed a high concentrate diet. These studies clearly show that early weaning can have a positive impact on calf performance and ultimately industry stakeholders at several levels of the beef value chain, from increased performance through the time that normal weaning age would occur to advantages in final carcass merit.

There is also research that demonstrates the benefits of early weaning to dams and potential carryover to the following production cycle. This

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The Carolina Cattle Connection q OCTOBER 2021

Board of Director Nomination Form Open. Board of Director’s candidate profiles are due October 20.

A complete listing of the profiles will be available in the November/December issue of The Voice and on the MaineAnjou website. The nomination form can be found online at amaaajmaa.formstack. com/forms/amaa_board_of_director_ nomination.

A ballot will be available online and in The Voice. AMAA ballots will be due December 1. Any ballot that is postmarked on or before December 1 but not received on or before December 17 will be void.

Rules for Voting - Members will vote ONLY in your region for regional directors, and ALL members may cast an At-Large vote. ONLY current ADULT AMAA members are allowed to vote.

Mailed, faxed, hand delivered, or

ballots sent via federal air courier are accepted. Facsimile votes must be dated on or before December 1. Fax ballots to 913432-3447. The individual member must sign ballots. Forged entries will be subject to legal action. All ballots must include NAME, BREEDER #, and SIGNATURE. If you plan to mail your ballot, please mail to: Walsh & Stverak, LLC 6750 Antioch Road, Ste 103 Merriam, KS 66204 About the American Maine-Anjou Association. AMAA is a registered cattle association based out of Platte City, Missouri. The primary function of the AMAA is to provide quality service, support, and knowledge to its membership by promoting Maine-Anjou genetics and upholding the integrity of the membership. For more information, visit maine-anjou.org.

improved cow performance can be characterized by improving reproductive efficiency if the weaning takes place before or during breeding season, as well as restoring body condition and body weight to the cow’s reserves.

Neville and McCormick (1981) evaluated the effects of weaning calves at 67 days of age or 230 days of age on dam performance. There were no reproduction differences between the two treatments in this particular trial.

However, dams of early weaned calves had 0.34 kg per day greater ADG than cows with a normal weaned calf. What is particularly interesting is that in the year following treatment, cows from the early weaned treatment calved 6-7 days later than dams from the normal wean treatment. Calves in year two resulting from dams that had been part of the early wean treatment also had higher 205 day weights than the progeny of dams that had weaned their calves normally in year one. This suggests that perhaps there is an intrauterine effect on the fetus as a result of decreased nutrient requirement due to the cessation of lactation and increased dam performance.

Ultimately, the key to profitability for beef cattle producers is maximizing product output while optimizing cow herd inputs. Producers attempt to do this while maintaining cow herd body weight, body condition, and reproductive efficiency.

In order to achieve this, producers must ensure cow nutrient requirements are met while potentially also applying different management and nutritional strategies depending on environmental conditions.

While early weaning is certainly a management consideration that can be effective for a lot of producers, additional

N.C. Weekly Auctions Report

(Week ending SEPTEMBER 09, 2021) Feeder Cattle - Medium and Large 1-2 Kind Avg. Wt. $/lb Steers 300-400 $130.00 - 176.00

400-500 $130.00 - 161.00

500-600 $130.00 - 154.00

600-700 $120.00 - 149.00

700-800 $110.00 - 146.00

800-900 $112.00 - 134.00 Heifers

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

$119.00 - 145.00 $120.00 - 145.00 $114.00 - 139.00 $105.00 - 132.00 $90.00 - 130.00 $88.00 - 96.00

Slaughter Cows: (over 850 lbs) Breakers (70-80% lean) $62.00 - 73.00 Boners (80-85% lean) $58.00 - 75.00 High Dressing (70-85% lean) $67.00 - 87.00

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

supplementation can also be considered as a tool to maintain performance.

To learn, visit www.vitaferm.com.

How to Share Your Food Production Story — 2nd in a 3 Part Series. Young livestock exhibitors wear many hats.

Not only do they provide the daily care for their animals, feeding, washing, exercising, and monitoring their health and well being, but these young exhibitors become spokespeople for the industry they are passionate about. With a fraction of the population engaged in production agriculture, livestock enthusiasts make up a minute percentage of the people who must share the story of how safe, nutritious, delicious protein is raised.

Most people agree there is no one better to share agriculture’s story than the youth who are passionate about the daily care of animals. It is best when those individuals share their stories with others not familiar with agriculture and work to ensure the future of the industry.

Oklahoma Commissioner of Agriculture Blayne Arthur is one leader who grew up through the ranks of youth programs like 4-H and FFA and is now instilling the values she learned into her own children, Kelton, 13, and Kennedy, 9. Blayne and her husband Jerrod also own and operate a successful cattle operation outside of Stillwater, Oklahoma, and enjoy watching their kids and their customers’ kids succeed in and out of the show ring.

“We’ve been lucky to work with some families that have been very successful, and our kids have been fortunate to have some success in the showring too. The other piece that I think is important is all the other pieces that our kids learn about hard work and responsibility, learning how to win but certainly learning how to lose as well, so we don’t think there’s any better place for our kids to be spending their time at the barn or at a livestock show,” Arthur said.

Sharing their Story at the Show And while the Arthur kids are attending the shows throughout Oklahoma and the U.S., they have the ideal platform to educate the consumer about where and how their meat is raised safely and humanely. Arthur said with such a small percentage of the population involved in the ag industry; we must not be afraid to share our story.

“Only two percent of us are involved in production agriculture, and yet we have so many more decision makers that are from urban areas and several generations away from the family farm. I don’t think there’s any better voice to share about ag and to share about the livestock industry than our youth, because they are very immersed in the industry and their story certainly resonates with all of

our urban friends. It’s really important to share with people about the ag industry because when we really open that barn door, we can explain to people why we do what we do and why it’s important that we’re working to feed the world, and we’re working to teach young people to continue to feed the next generations,” she said.

Although the Arthur family shows cattle in their home county that might be considered somewhat rural to their peers in the ag industry, it does have a very sizable urban population that includes Stillwater, home to Oklahoma State University. She has always encouraged her children to be polite to the fair goers who comment on their cattle and take time to explain their animals’ purposes to those who ask them questions knowing that the population is so far removed from agriculture. She describes one of her prouder moments from a recent county fair when observing her son, Kelton.

“There was a mother who asked my son what he would do with his steer. He explained that he had a market show he was heading to, and then we will eat him

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or someone else will eat him, and you could tell the mother was kind of taken aback by that. But my son was very confident in explaining that’s what we do. We raise beef cattle for people to eat.

That’s an important part of the process. So certainly, it was nice to see him be able to have that conversation. We absolutely do care about our animals, that is our number one priority, but we also know that at the end of the day they’re going to be heading to somebody’s dinner plate.”

Beyond the Show Barn - Not only does Arthur praise youth programs like 4-H and FFA for teaching work ethic and responsibility, but she also said she learned valuable skills like public speaking, leadership, and career development through her involvement in the Oklahoma 4-H and FFA programs while growing up. She is watching Kelton and Kennedy gain the same skills in those youth programs, as well as their participation in junior breed associations.

Continued on the next page

q OCTOBER 2021

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BioZyme News continued from the previous page In addition to talking to people at shows or even through presentations at school, social media is another valuable resource available to young people to share their story. However, Arthur advises that parents should always have the final say as to what is posted online for both the protection of the youth and the industry.

Sometimes simply sharing routine happenings on your farm or ranch on social media can be educational for the urban community that might not be aware how its food is raised, according to Arthur. Consider the “responsibilities” you take part in daily and explain that to your audience, so they gain a better understanding of the practices and terminology.

“A lot of what we would call responsibilities of taking care of livestock are really interesting to the general public, and you can explain that online.

For example, this is weaning, and we do fence line weaning at our house. Or, we are castrating all the bull calves this time of year, and this is why we do that. I think the general public has a real interest and would like to have a conversation about the facts,” she said.

Take Time for Tomorrow - Arthur

S.C. Beef Council Officers for 2021 The S.C. Beef Council elected new officers at their quarterly directors meeting on August 19 in Columbia.

The new chairman will be John Fogle of Columbia. Eddie Evans of Liberty will serve as Vice Chairman and Edsel Williams of Britton’s Neck as Secretary-Treasurer. Thanks to each of these men for serving the S.C. Beef Council along with the other ten board members.

Also, thanks to Darren Carter of Ninety-Six for serving as chairman for the past seven years.

PAGE 80

said one of the audiences that don’t get reached often enough is the legislative branch of government. As the policy decision makers, most general lawmakers are glad to hear from their constituents and like to know how their decisions will ultimately impact the voters and their livelihoods, especially if it involves a topic like ag, where they might not be well informed.

“All producers have a real voice as a constituent and make a huge difference for legislators. Legislators are elected to be responsive to their constituents. And a lot of times when they go to vote on any issue, whether it’s an ag issue or not an ag issue, they may not hear from anyone at their district about it. So, when they have voices coming from their district, voicing either support or opposition, I can assure you that makes a difference in how they’re going to view an issue, and a lot of times that makes a difference in how they’re going to vote,” she said. “I really encourage young people to know who represents them at the local level, the state level, and at the federal level because those are their voices. Especially our young adults – high school, college age – them sharing their personal story and their desire to have an ag industry to go back to is very important for legislators.”

Make sure you know how to access your local, state, and national legislators’ contact information, which can be found online. If there is a piece of legislation you are passionate about, be sure to contact your lawmaker by phone or email to share your story and let them know how his or her vote today will have an impact on your tomorrow.

Arthur says it best when she encourages young people to simply share their story. Regardless of if you are talking to an urban mom at the county fair who is wondering how you can eat the steer you raised all spring and summer or if you are encouraging a lawmaker to loosen regulations on production agriculture. Share your story. It’s your way of life. You’re raising food for the world, and you’re doing it with a small group of peers. Speak up, speak proudly, and share the story of why you do what you do every day.

To view the first story in this series, visit surechamp.com/advocacy-startswith-sharing-your-story.

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

The Carolina Cattle Connection q OCTOBER 2021

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, Mo., the company reaches a global market of customers that stretches into countries across five continents. For more information about BioZyme, visit www. biozymeinc.com.

S.C. Beef Council News

By ROY COPELAN Welcome October with cooler weather, shorter days, and many activities.

Beef promotions at retail and foodservice increase each month. Your beef story continues to be presented to consumers everywhere. Beef demand holds steady in our U.S. markets and has increased in our international markets.

Quality Choice and Prime grade beef are requested at both levels.

The S.C. Beef Council has financed the placement of six new billboards around our state on I-85, I-26, I-77, I-20, and I-95. The message is to “Enjoy Beef” these fall months with a flame grilled ribeye steak. Be on the outlook for a beef billboard during your travels on the interstates for the next six months.

Also, the S.C. Beef Council will be co-sponsoring youth beef shows in the South Carolina counties of Laurens, Union, and Saluda, as well as participating and sponsoring a hamburger meal for the youth at the S.C. State Fair in mid-October. Both of these major projects are possible because of your Checkoff dollars at work here in South Carolina. Thanks to our great beef producers!

The 2022 Cattle Industry Convention and Trade Show has been scheduled for February 1-3, 2022, in Houston, Texas. Mark your calendar and plan on participating.

A new fiscal year begins this month for NCBA. Our S.C. Beef Council directors have renewed their NCBA national memberships.

I mailed mine last month. Have you written the check and joined NCBA for a new and exciting year? Please consider this very important task for your grassroots beef organization. Act today!

I will be placing the order for our new Holiday Beef Roast brochure. If you would like one, please contact me. Four new beef roast recipes will be featured. I will use them during our Holiday Roast promotions from November through the New Year.

I hope to see you out this fall.

Until next month…

Beef Promotion and Research Program

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

Information is held confidential (7 CRF 1260.203).

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

Buyer’s Name: ____________________________

Address: _________________________________

Address: _________________________________

City: ________________ State: ____ Zip: ______

City: ________________ State: ____ Zip: ______

Seller’s Signature: _________________________

Buyer’s Signature: _________________________

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

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

Person remitting assessment form:

Seller

o

Buyer

o

* State of Origin of Cattle: ______________________

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

Send Report and Remittance to:

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

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

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

The Carolina Cattle Connection

q OCTOBER 2021

PAGE 81

CHUCK

SHANK

CHUCK

BRISKET

RIB

PLATE

RIB

LOIN

SIRLOIN

ROUND SHANK

FLANK

LOIN

SIRLOIN

LEAN

LEAN

LEAN

LEAN

LEAN

ROUND

INGEDIENT CUTS

LEAN

LEAN

LEAN

LEAN

LEAN

LEAN

LEAN

LEAN

LEAN

LEAN

LEAN

LEAN

LEAN

LEAN

LEAN

LEAN

LEAN

LEAN

LEAN

LEAN

LEAN

BRISKET LEAN

LEAN

PLATE & FLANK LEAN

LEAN

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

BRAISE/ POT ROAST

LEAN

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

ROAST

INDIRECT GRILLING

SKILLET TO OVEN

* MARINATE BEFORE COOKING FOR BEST RESULTS

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

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STIR-FRY

The Carolina Cattle Connection q OCTOBER 2021

Beef Checkoff News Beef Promotion Operating Committee Approves Fiscal Year 2022 Checkoff Plan of Work. The Cattlemen’s Beef Board (CBB) will invest approximately $38.9 million into programs of beef promotion, research, consumer information, industry information, foreign marketing, and producer communications during fiscal 2022, subject to USDA approval.

In action at the end of its September 9-10 meeting in Denver, Colo., the Beef Promotion Operating Committee (BPOC) approved Checkoff funding for a total of 13 “Authorization Requests” – or grant proposals – brought by nine contractors and subcontractors for the fiscal year beginning October 1, 2022. 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 15 Authorization Requests worth $47.4 million to the BPOC this week, nearly $8.5 million more than the funds available from the CBB budget.

“I know I speak for all of the cattlemen and women on the BPOC when I say we take our roles on this committee very seriously,” said CBB and BPOC Chair Hugh Sanburg. “We examine all of the Authorization Requests very carefully to determine which proposed initiatives and activities will provide the greatest return on Checkoff investments.

“Each year, we’re incredibly impressed by the amount of thought and innovation that our contractors put into their new plans. Our biggest challenge is determining how to allocate our limited amount of Checkoff dollars to these contractors so that we can make optimal progress toward our primary goal: driving beef demand. I personally thank all our contractors and committee members for their remarkable efforts and careful consideration as we make decisions that will propel the beef industry forward.”

In the end, the BPOC approved proposals from nine national beef organizations for funding through the FY22 Cattlemen’s Beef Board budget, as

follows: • American Farm Bureau Foundation for Agriculture - $926,000 • Cattlemen’s Beef Board - $1,850,000 • Foundation for Meat and Poultry Research and Education - $500,000 • Meat Import Council of America/ Northeast Beef Promotion Initiative $494,760 • National Cattlemen’s Beef Association - $26,010,440 • National Institute for Animal Agriculture - $79,160 • North American Meat Institute $430,440 • United States Cattlemen’s Association - $210,000 • United States Meat Export Federation - $8,400,000 Broken out by budget component – as outlined by the Beef Promotion and Research Act of 1985 – the FY22 Plan of Work for the Cattlemen’s Beef Promotion and Research Board budget includes: • $9,558,830 for promotion programs, including beef and veal campaigns focusing on beef’s nutritional value, eating experience, convenience, and production • $8,810,000 for research programs focusing on pre- and post harvest beef safety, scientific affairs, nutrition, sustainability, product quality, culinary technical expertise, and consumer perceptions.

• $7,654,780 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.

• $2,627,190 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.

• $8,400,000 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 2022 Cattlemen’s Beef Board budget is approximately $42.7 million. Separate from the Authorization Requests, other expenses funded include $244,000 for program evaluation; $470,000 for program development; $200,000 for Checkoff communications resources; $550,000 for USDA oversight;

The Carolina Cattle Connection

$270,000 supporting services and litigation; and $2.1 million for CBB administration. The fiscal 2022 budget represents a decrease of approximately one percent, or $386,000, from the $43.1 million FY21 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.

About the Beef Checkoff Program.

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.

q OCTOBER 2021

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!

S E T A UPD Same Time New City for 2022 Cattle Industry Convention. Annual event is “Gone to Texas.” The 2021 Cattle Industry Convention may have just wrapped up after moving to August, but the 2022 event is returning to its regularly scheduled time slot in February. The 2022 Cattle Industry Convention and NCBA Trade Show will be held February 1-3, in Houston, with the theme of “Gone to Texas.” With only a few short months until the next convention, planning is already underway to create a unique experience in a new host city.

“This is the first time the convention will be held in Houston, and we are extremely excited about offering new opportunities for attendees,” said Kristin Torres, NCBA executive director of meetings and events. “The city has

amazing facilities, making it convenient for everyone to fully enjoy all activities.”

The annual convention continues to be one of the industry’s largest events where thousands of cattlemen and women gather to learn, conduct business, network, and have fun. The 2022 convention marks the 124th anniversary of the legendary event and one that will offer a variety of activities that are appropriate for all ages.

Cattlemen’s College, which immediately precedes convention, will bring thought provoking, stimulating sessions that provide producers with information they can put to work on their farms and ranches. The convention’s world class NCBA Trade Show will feature more than seven acres of indoor and outdoor displays as well as live cattle

a

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

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

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

For more information, contact:

PAT COMYN, DVM

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

PAGE 84

The Carolina Cattle Connection q OCTOBER 2021

handling demonstrations, educational sessions, and entertainment. Trade show booths are already 95 percent sold out, and exhibitors will offer products and services such as animal health products, equipment, irrigation technology, software, trailers, and so much more.

Registration will open on November 1. Additional information will be available soon at convention.ncba.org.

NCBA Looking for Singing Star to Perform National Anthem. Contest Winner to Sing at 2022 Cattle Industry Convention in Houston. One of the greatest thrills (and fears) for any singer is to perform the National Anthem before an event. NCBA is looking for the next singing star to open the 2022 Cattle Industry Convention & NCBA Trade Show in Houston. The 9th annual NCBA National Anthem Contest, sponsored by Norbrook, is accepting entries through October 15.

The contest winner will perform the “Star Spangled Banner” at the convention’s Opening General Session on February 1, as well as the Thursday night NCBA event on February 3. The winner will also receive round trip airfare to Houston, 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, the American National CattleWomen, the Cattlemen’s Beef Board, or family member is 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 1-19 (one vote per

person per day), and the winner will be announced on November 22.

For more information or to enter, visit convention.ncba.org/generalinformation/get-involved.

Young Cattle Producers Needed for 2022 Convention Internships.

Opportunity for college students to gain experience in cattle industry. NCBA is offering college students a unique behind the scenes experience through its annual convention internship program.

Up to 18 interns will be selected and will be responsible for setting up the indoor arena, assisting at committee meetings and Cattlemen’s College, posting on social media, and contributing in the NCBA booth. NCBA will strive to provide students time to maximize industry networking.

Student interns must be able to work January 29-February 5, 2022, provide their own transportation to Houston, and be at least a junior level college student at an accredited university at the time of the event. Applicants must have a minimum 3.0 GPA, should be well versed in all areas of social media, and preferably have a background in or working knowledge of the cattle and/or beef industry.

This one of a kind opportunity offers college students the ability to network with industry stakeholders throughout the beef industry and gain valuable experience. Students will also receive a one year NCBA student membership.

Interested students must complete an online application at jobs.keldair. com/ncba/jobs/22566/conventioninternship-2022 and submit college transcripts, two letters of recommendation, and a resume. The application deadline is October 16. For more information, contact Grace Webb at gwebb@beef.org.

The Carolina Cattle Connection

q OCTOBER 2021

PAGE 85

...

LASSIFIED PUREBRED C ATTLE B REEDERS BACK CREEK ANGUS

Joe and Robin Hampton

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

345 Withrows Creek Lane Mt. Ulla, NC 28125

704-880-2488

Angus

Black Crest Farm

W.R. “Billy” McLeod

C. A. H.

AUTO • HOME • LIFE BUSINESS • FARM & RANCH

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

Brent Glenn, DVM Lancaster, S.C.

Carolinas Animal Health, LLC

“Cattle with Something Extra”

REGISTERED POLLED HEREFORDS • EST. 1998 “Quality Cattle For Quality People”

Cattle Available Private Treaty

1320 Old Manning Rd., Sumter, SC 29150

John Wheeler • 910-489-0024 doublejfarm@yahoo.com • www.doublejfarmllc.com

williammcleod@ftc-i.net • www.blackcrestfarm.com

Headquarters - 775 Clacton Circle • Earlysville, VA 22936 Cattle located in Traphill, N.C.

803-481-2011

INSURANCE

ANIMAL HEALTH

803-789-7000

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

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

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

Nationwide

®

Agribusiness

AUCTIONEERING Ernest B. Harris President

2610 Kee Moore Drive Chester, SC 29706

On Your Side®

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

James S. Wills • The Wills Agency LLC Primary Agent/Owner Master Farm Certified

555 West Church Street Batesburg, SC 29006

Telephone: 803-532-3390 Cell: 864-554-4658 Fax: 803-532-0615 james@twainsurance.com

Inc. / Auctioneers

BLACK GROVE

3200 NC Hwy. 58 • Warrenton, NC 27589 NCAL #1468 • NC#C#4264 • VAL #146 • SCAL #3895 Email: ebharris@ebharris.com www.ebharris.com

Breeding Registered Angus since 1962

Walter D. Shealy III and Family

20977 US Hwy 76 • Newberry, SC 29108 Walter Shealy • 803-924-1000 Dixon Shealy • 803-629-1174 walter@blackgrove.com • dixon@blackgrove.com www.blackgrove.com

MEAT PROCESSING

LAND W ANTED

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Young, motivated couple seeking cattle pasture and/or hay land to buy or rent.

Larger (200+ acre) tracts preferred.

Experienced, responsible, and ambitious.

Have a history of leaving things better than we found it. References available.

Clean background/credit report.

Autryville, NC 28318 www.howardbrosfarms.com

Darryl Howard Cell: 910-990-2791

704-389-0885

BEEF • PORK • LAMB • GOAT

APPOINTMENTS AVAILABLE - Call Today!

• Custom Labeling • Value Added Product • Retail Packaging

336-628-4949

PiedmontCustomMeats.com

KEEP POSTED FOR UPDATES ON THE 2021 Tarheel Angus/4K Farm Production Sale RICHARD KIRKMAN, DVM 20416 US 64 West Siler City, NC 27344-0350

919-742-5500 • rdkirkman@centurylink.net

FOR SALE

BBU Registered Beefmaster Bulls and Females

WHITEHALL BEEFMASTERS Joe and Ann Logan 214 Cowhead Creek Road Greenwood, SC 29646

Telephone: 864-538-3004

LET THIS SPACE MAKE $$$ FOR YOU! PAGE 86

The Carolina Cattle Connection q OCTOBER 2021

ALL Regular Copy for the

OCTOBER ISSUE

by SEPTEMBER 5!

ALL Spotlight Material for the

OCTOBER ISSUE

by SEPTEMBER 1!

NDEX OF 3rd Edition Vermont Wagyu Production Sale .......................................... 23 6th Annual The Pounds & Profit Sale ....................................................... 58 10th Annual Southeast Bull Expo & Sale ................................................. 67 13th Annual EBS Farms Select Bull & Female Sale ................................... 30 20th Annual E.B. & Shane Harris Influence Female & Bull Sale ............... 24 27th Annual Hokie Harvest Sale ............................................................. 50 2021 Edisto Forage Bull Test & Heifer Sale ............................................ 51 4K Farms/Tarheel Angus ....................................................................... 86 46th Annual Union County Performance Tested Bull Sale ....................... 68 American Angus Association ................................................................. 38 American National Insurance — The Josey Agency ............................... 86 Apple Brandy Prime Cuts ....................................................................... 65 Arrowquip ............................................................................................. 15 Back Creek Angus .................................................................................. 86 Barnett Angus Ranches 2nd Annual Bull Sale .......................................... 32 BioZyme - VitaCharge ............................................................................ 77 Black Crest Farm ................................................................................... 86 Black Crest Farm 24th Annual Production Sale ....................................... 28 Black Grove Angus ................................................................................. 86 Brubaker Family Angus ......................................................................... 86 C-Cross Cattle Company Fall 2021 Female & Bull Sale ........................... 48 Cargill — Right Now® Mineral ................................................................ 46 Carolinas Animal Health ....................................................................... 86 Châtel Farms Fall Bull Sale 2021 ............................................................ 34 Childers Concrete Company, Inc. ........................................................... 59 Conquest Insurance Agency, Inc. ........................................................... 86 Craven Angus Farm 4th Annual Bull & Heifer Sale .................................. 36 Double J Farms ...................................................................................... 86 Dura•Cast ............................................................................................. 16 E.B. Harris Auctioneers, Inc. ................................................................. 86 First Choice Insurance — Donna Byrum ................................................ 25 Fowken Farms ....................................................................................... 61 Fred Smith Company Ranch .................................................................. 86 Fred Smith Company Ranch 5th Extra Effort Fall Sale ............................. 57 Gibbs Farms 16th Annual Bull & Replacement Female Sale ..................... 56 Hay-B-Gone Hay Mover/Un-Roller ......................................................... 79 High Ridge Farms Angus & SimAngus Sale ............................................ 55 Howard Brothers Farms ........................................................................ 86

For Your Advertising Needs, Contact: The Carolina Cattle Connection 919-552-9111 The Livestock Advertising Network 859-278-0899

DVERTISERS Hunt’s H+ Brangus ............................................................................... 86 Hutton & Sons Herefords ...................................................................... 86 Kuhn Equipment Company ..................................................................... 7 Knoll Crest Farm Total Performance Bull Sale ....................................... 11 Madison Livestock Field Day .................................................................. 4 McMahan Farm & Hancock Angus Annual Registered Angus Bull Sale ................................................. 35 Mountain Laurel Classic Santa Gertrudis Sale ...................................... 71 N.C. Angus Association Directory …...................................................... 39 N.C. Cattlemen’s Association Membership Application .......................... 3 N.C. Hereford Association Directory ..................................................... 60 N.C. Meat Suite ..................................................................................... 83 N.C. Simmental Association .................................................................. 54 National Beef Checkoff/ North Carolina Cattle Industry Assessment .................................... 21 National Cattlemen’s Beef Association 2021 Policy Priorities & Membership Application .......................... 74 National Cattlemen’s Beef Association Membership Benefits .............. 73 Nationwide® AgriBusiness Insurance — The Wills Agency .................... 86 Nationwide® AgriBusiness Insurance — The Wills Agency ...................... 2 Pearson Livestock Equipment .............................................................. 47 Performance Livestock & Feed Company .............................................. 44 Piedmont Custom Meats ....................................................................... 86 Premier Select Sires — 2021 Fall Specials ............................................. 29 Red Angus Association of the Carolinas Directory ................................ 62 Ritchie .................................................................................................. 43 Rusty Thomson & Family Cattle Fencing and Equipment ...................... 85 SimAngus Solution 13th Annual Bull & Replacement Female Sale ......... 53 South Carolina Private Treaty Sale Checkoff Investment Form ............. 81 Southeast Livestock Exchange — Upcoming Sale Schedule .................. 78 Springfield Angus Bull Sale .................................................................. 37 Straightstone Angus Online Production Sale ........................................ 31 The Barn Loft — Purina Wind & Rain ..................................................... 66 The Carolina Cattle Connection 2021 Spotlight Schedule ...................... 63 The Carolina Cattle Connection Advertising Rates & Sizes .................... 41 TJB Gelbvieh & Balancer Maternal Magic Annual Bull Sale X ................ 49 Vandemark Angus Fall Bull Sale ............................................................ 40 Virginia Herd Health Management Services — Pat Comyn, DVM ........... 84 WANTED — Land to Buy or Rent ............................................................ 86 Watauga Butchery ................................................................................ 13 Wax Company — Nelson ....................................................................... 45 West End Precast — Feed Bunks ............................................................ 52 West End Precast — Feed Bunks & Troughs ........................................... 29 Whitehall Beefmasters ......................................................................... 86 Wilkes Livestock Exchange ................................................................... 70 Yon Family Farms Fall Sale .................................................................... 33 The Carolina Cattle Connection

q OCTOBER 2021

PAGE 87

VENTS ANGUS Oct. 14 — Straightstone Angus Online Production Sale, via DVAuction.com Oct. 16 — Fred Smith Company Ranch 5th Annual Extra Effort Fall Sale, Clayton, N.C. Oct. 29 — 27h Annual Hokie Harvest Sale, Blacksburg, Va. Oct. 30 — Yon Family Farms Fall Sale, Ridge Spring, S.C. Nov. 1 — Châtel Farms Fall Bull Sale, Reidsville, Ga. Nov. 1 — Barnett Angus Ranches 2nd Annual Bull Sale Nov. 6 — Craven Angus Farm 4th Annual Bull & Heifer Sale, Seagrove, N.C. Nov. 6 — TJB Gelbvieh & Balancer Maternal Magic Annual Bull Sale X, Chickmauga, Ga. Nov. 13 —20th Annual E.B. & Shane Harris Influence Female & Bull Sale, Oxford, N.C. Nov. 13 —Gibbs Farms 16th Annual Bull & Replacement Female Sale, Ranburne, Ala.

Nov. 20 — 10th Annual Southeast Bull Expo & Sale, Asheboro, N.C. Nov. 20 — McMahan Farm & Hancock Angus Annual Registered Angus Bull Sale, Mocksville, N.C. Nov. 27 — High Ridge Farms Angus & SimAngus Sale, Norwood, N.C. Dec. 3 — Knoll Crest Farm Total Performance Bull Sale, Red House, Va. Dec. 4 — 6th Annual The Pounds & Profit Sale, Snow Camp, N.C. Dec. 4 — 46th Annual Union County Performance Tested Bull Sale, Monroe, N.C Dec. 11 — Springfield Angus Bull Sale, Louisburg, N.C. 2022 Jan. 1 — 13th Annual EBS Farms Select Bull & Female Sale, Norwood, N.C. Feb. 12 — Black Crest Farm 24th Annual Production Sale, Sumter, S.C. Feb. 19 — Yon Family Farms Spring Sale, Ridge Spring, S.C.

IGHTER He loved his job. Driving a train had been his dream ever since he was a child. He loved to make the train go as fast as possible. Unfortunately, one day he was a little too reckless and caused a crash. He made it out, but a single person died. Well, needless to say, he went to court over this incident. He was found guilty, and was sentenced to death by electrocution. When the day of the execution came, he requested a single banana as his last meal. After eating the banana, he was strapped into the electric chair. The switch was flown, sparks flew, and smoke filled the air - but nothing happened. The man was perfectly fine.

Well, at the time, there was an old Bulgarian law that said a failed execution was a sign of divine intervention, so the man was allowed to go free. Somehow, he managed to get his old job back driving the train. Having not learned his lesson at all, he went right back to driving the train with reckless abandon. Once again, he caused a train to crash, this time killing two people. The trial went much the same as the first, resulting in a sentence of execution. For his final meal, the man

PAGE 88

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requested two bananas. After eating the bananas, he was strapped into the electric chair. The switch was thrown, sparks flew, smoke filled the room - and the man was once again unharmed.

Well, this of course meant that he was free to go. And once again, he somehow managed to get his old job back. To what should have been the surprise of no one, he crashed yet another train and killed three people. And so he once again found himself being sentenced to death. On the day of his execution, he requested his final meal: three bananas.

“You know what? No,” said the executioner. “I’ve had it with you and your stupid bananas and walking out of here unharmed. I’m not giving you a thing to eat; we’re strapping you in and doing this now.” Well, it was against protocol, but the man was strapped in to the electric chair without a last meal. The switch was pulled, sparks flew, smoke filled the room - and the man was still unharmed. The executioner was speechless.

The man looked at the executioner and said, “Oh, the bananas had nothing to do with it. I’m just a bad conductor.”

The Carolina Cattle Connection q OCTOBER 2021

BRANGUS Oct. 30 — Yon Family Farms Fall Sale, Ridge Spring, S.C. Nov. 6 — Brands of Recognition Sale, Columbia, Tenn.

Charolais Oct. 9 — Southern Connection Sale, Knoxville, Tenn.

Oct. 16 — JMAR Genetics “Quality Over Quantity” Charolais Bull & Heifer Sale, Wardensville, W.Va. Oct. 29 — 27h Annual Hokie Harvest Sale, Blacksburg, Va. Nov. 6 — Brands of Recognition Sale, Columbia, Tenn.

Dec. 4 — 6th Annual The Pounds & Profit Sale, Snow Camp, N.C. GELBVIEH Oct. 23 — C-Cross Cattle Company Fall 2021 Female & Bull Sale, Snow Camp, N.C. Oct. 30 — Yon Family Farms Fall Sale, Ridge Spring, S.C. Nov. 6 — TJB Gelbvieh & Balancer Maternal Magic Annual Bull Sale X, Chickmauga, Ga. Nov. 13 —20th Annual E.B. & Shane Harris Influence Female & Bull Sale, Oxford, N.C. Dec. 3 — Knoll Crest Farm Total Performance Bull Sale, Red House, Va. Dec. 4 — 46th Annual Union County Performance Tested Bull Sale, Monroe, N.C. 2022 Feb. 19 — Yon Family Farms Spring Sale, Ridge Spring, S.C. HEREFORD Oct. 18 — White Hawk Beef Maker Bull Sale, Buchanon, Ga. Oct. 29 — 27h Annual Hokie Harvest Sale, Blacksburg, Va. Dec. 3 — Knoll Crest Farm Total Performance Bull Sale, Red House, Va. 2022 Mar. 26 — 54th Annual N.C. Hereford Classic Sale, Statesville, N.C. red ANGUS Oct. 14 — Bieber Fever in the Southeast, Swainsboro, Ga. Nov. 6 — Brands of Recognition Sale, Columbia, Tenn.

Nov. 13 —20th Annual E.B. & Shane Harris Influence Female & Bull Sale, Oxford, N.C. SANTA GERTRUDIS Nov. 6 —Mountain Laurel Classic Santa Gertrudis Sale, Calhoun, Ga. Nov. 13 —20th Annual E.B. & Shane Harris Influence Female & Bull Sale, Oxford, N.C. 2022 May 7 — Santa Gertudis Breeders of the Carolinas Sale, Chester, S.C.

SIMMENTAL Oct. 16 — Fred Smith Company Ranch 5th Annual Extra Effort Fall Sale, Clayton, N.C. Oct. 29 — 27h Annual Hokie Harvest Sale, Blacksburg, Va. Oct. 30 — Yon Family Farms Fall Sale, Ridge Spring, S.C. Nov. 6 — 13th SimAngus Solution Sale, Burlington, N.C. Nov. 13 —20th Annual E.B. & Shane Harris Influence Female & Bull Sale, Oxford, N.C. Nov. 13 —Gibbs Farms 16th Annual Bull & Replacement Female Sale, Ranburne, Ala. Nov. 27 — High Ridge Farms Angus & SimAngus Sale, Norwood, N.C. Dec. 4 — 6th Annual The Pounds & Profit Sale, Snow Camp, N.C. Dec. 4 — 46th Annual Union County Performance Tested Bull Sale, Monroe, N.C Wagyu Oct. 23 — 3rd Edition Vermont Wagyu Production Sale, Springfield, Vt. OTHER EVENTS Oct. 5 — Mid-Atlantic Cattle Sales Video Auction Oct. 8-9 — Laurens County Youth Livestock Show, Laurens, S.C. Oct. 9 — 2021 Edisto Forage Bull Test & Heifer Sale via DVAuction.com Oct. 13-24 — S.C. State Fair, Columbia, S.C. Oct. 14-24 — N.C. State Fair, Raleigh, N.C. Oct. 19 — Mid-Atlantic Cattle Sales Video Auction Oct. 23 — Madison Livestock Field Day, Marshall, N.C. Oct. 29 — 27h Annual Hokie Harvest Sale, Blacksburg, Va. Nov. 2 — Mid-Atlantic Cattle Sales Video Auction Nov. 6 — Brands of Recognition Sale, Columbia, Tenn.

Nov. 13 —20th Annual E.B. & Shane Harris Influence Female & Bull Sale, Oxford, N.C. Nov. 16 — Mid-Atlantic Cattle Sales Video Auction Dec. 3 — Knoll Crest Farm Total Performance Bull Sale, Red House, Va. Dec. 4 — 46th Annual Union County Performance Tested Bull Sale, Monroe, N.C Dec. 4 — N.C. BCIP Waynesville Bull Test Sale, Canton, N.C. Dec. 7 — Mid-Atlantic Cattle Sales Video Auction Dec. 21 — N.C. BCIP Butner Bull Test Sale, Oxford, N.C. 2022 Feb. 5 — 46th Annual Clemson University Bull Sale, Pendleton, S.C. Mar. 12 — March Madness Cattle Sale of the Carolinas, Chester, S.C.