The Carolina Cattle Connection - Volume 38, Issue No. 9 (SEPTEMBER 2024)

Spotlight on SANTA GERTRUDIS

ONNECTION

2024 South Carolina Sale Barn Cattle Receipts ................................................................................... page 85

A Message from the CEO — Here We Go Again, by Colin Woodall .................................................. page 70

Alltech News .............................................................................................................................................. page 65

Amazing Grazing — Strategic Culling of the Cow Herd in Drought Situations, by Dr. Matt Poore & Becky Spearman .................................................................................................. page 16

American Angus Association News ....................................................................................................... page 36

American Brahman Breeders Association News ............................................................................... page 46

American Gelbvieh Association News .................................................................................................. page 52

American Hereford Association News ................................................................................................. page 43

American Simmental Association News .............................................................................................. page 40

Animal Agriculture Alliance News ........................................................................................................ page 89

Ashley’s Beef Corner — Fox Charlotte Burger Week, by Ashley W. Herring .................................. page 14

Beef Cuts and Recommended Cooking Methods ............................................................................... page 88

BioZyme News ............ page 82

Carolina Cooking — Spicy Cajun “Boudin” Meatballs ....................................................................... page 83

Case IH Agriculture News ....................................................................................................................... page 60

Cattle & Carbon — Introduction & Basics, by Alan Franzluebbers ..................................................... page 20

CattleCon 2025 — San Antonio Updates! ............................................................................................ page 90

Certified Angus Beef News ..................................................................................................................... page 30

Certified Hereford Beef News ................................................................................................................ page 43

Director’s Report — Looking Forward to Fall, by Travis Mitchell ......................... page 3

E.B.’s View from the Cow Pasture — Water, by E.B. Harris ............................................................... page 19

Federation of State Beef Councils Update ........................................................................................... page 87

Graduate Students Advancing Beef Industry Eligible for Scholarship ........................................... page 76

Have You Herd — Antibiotics on the Farm - Navigating Regulations and Rural Realities, by Maggie Jane Love ............................................................................................................................... page 24

Inaction on Tracesbility is Unacceptable, by Mark Eisele .................................................................... page 79

John Deere News ......... page 45

Learn More About Antibiotic Use Survey Today!, by Jennifer Halleran ........................................... page 52

Merck Animal Health News — Is Your Deworming Program Working, by Dr. Grant Crawford .......................................................................................................................... page 92

N.C. Angus News — N.C. Juniors Excel at NJAS, by Cortney Holshouser ........................................ page 28

National Cattlemen’s Beef Association News ..................................................................................... page 76

National Cattlemen’s Beef Association President’s Report — Summer Business Meeting Showcases Our Grassroots Policy Process, by Mark Eisele .......................................................... page 75

National Farm Safety and Health Week — September 15-17 ........................................................... page 84

New NCCA Members for 2024 ............................................................................................................... page 60

North American Limousin Foundation News ...................................................................................... page 54

North Carolina Cattle Receipts, Trends, and Prices ........................................................................... page 78

Pasture Management Systems, Inc. “Mile of Fence” Program Update .......................................... page 62

Performance Livestock Analytics News ............................................................................................... page 59

Public Lands Council News ...................................................................................................................... page 79

Purina News ................. page 67

Red Angus Association of America News ............................................................................................. page 57

Ridley Block News — Beat the Summer Heat with Blueprint Shade, by Mark Robbins ............... page 89

S.C Charolais News, by Georgeanne Webb ............................................................................................. page 51

South Carolina Cattle Receipts, Trends, and Prices ............................................................................ page 83

The Chaplain’s Corral — Wisdom From On High, by Skeeter Spaulding ......................................... page 20

The Cow — Should She Stay or Should She Go?, by Stan Smith, P.A. ................................................. page 85

The Simmental Trail, by Jennie Rucker .................................................................................................... page 38

Trending in Food and Media .................................................................................................................... page 87

Understanding Beef Quality Grades .................................................................................................... page 90

USDA Offers Disaster Assistance to Producers in North Carolina ................................................. page 68

You Decide, by Dr. Mike Walden .............................................................................................................. page 27

N.C. Cattlemen’s Association

President RYAN CLARK

5250 NC 772 Hwy. • Madison, NC 27025

Vice Presidents BRANDON BOWMAN

2346 Ann Street • Claremont, NC 28610

JIM LEDFORD

260 Mulberry Lane • Otto, NC 28763

JOEY CARTER

250 Penny Road • Beulaville, NC 28763

Immediate Past President SCOTT WEST

489 Panacea Springs Road • Littleton, NC 27850

NCBA Policy Division Director - JOHN LANGDON N.C. Beef Council Director BROOKE HARWARD

Beef Board Director - BRIAN WARREN

Secretary/Treasurer - EVERETT JOHNSON

Directors At Large

MATT POORE • NEIL BOWMAN • TODD SEE

Executive Director - MILO LEWIS 2228 N. Main Street • Fuquay-Varina, NC 27526

N.C. Cattlemen’s Beef Council

Director of Consumer Information

ASHLEY W. HERRING

Administrative Assistant - KIM BURDGE

S.C. Cattlemen’s Association

Executive Director - TRAVIS MITCHELL

P.O. Box 207 • Saluda, SC 29138

Phone: 803-609-2828

Email: twmitch@clemson.edu

Website: www.sccattlemen.wildapricot.org

Executive Committee

President - Joe Oswald IV

1st Vice President - Gene Crim

2nd Vice President - Ashley Mills

Secretary - Carol Hendrix

Treasurer - Eric Seymour

Past President - Timmy Benton

John Lewis, Chester • Joe Oswald, IV, Allendale

Ryan Whitehead, Union • Terry Kirkland, Batesburg

Lloyd Baxley, Georgetown • Joe Davis, Westminster

Michael Hall, Abbeville • Richard Sox, Lexington

Carol Hendrix, Westminister • Jamie Driggers, Hamer Bonnie Cann, Abbeville • Ashley Mills, Blair

Haskel Sexton, Sparanburg • Gene Crim, St. Matthews

Al McClain, Anderson • Eric Seymour, Columbia Timmy Benton, Walterboro

S.C. Beef Council

Executive Director - ERIN DOLL

P.O. Box 11280 • Columbia, SC 29211

Phone: 803-734-9806

Email: edoll@scda.sc.gov

Website: www.sccattle.org

The Carolina Cattle Connection

Vol. 38, No. 9 SEPTEMBER 2024

Sales & Publication Office

2228 N. Main Street

Fuquay-Varina, NC 27526

Phone: 919-552-9111

Fax: 919-552-9216

Email: mail@nccattle.com

Website: www.nccattle.com

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

STAFF

Manager, N.C. MILO LEWIS

Manager, S.C. TRAVIS MITCHELL

Editor & Advertising Director

CASEY L. HINNANT

Assistant Editor & Proofreader KIM BURDGE

N.C. Circulation KIM BURDGE

S.C. Circulation TRAVIS MITCHELL

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

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

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

All address changes for NCCA members to: The Carolina Cattle Connection 2228 N. Main Street • Fuquay-Varina, NC 27526

All address changes for SCCA members to: The Carolina Cattle Connection P.O. Box 207 • Saluda, SC 29138

SANTA GERTRUDIS

2024 Santa Gertrudis Breeders of the Carolinas Annual Membership Meeting, by Scott Sherrill … page 6

America’s Original Beef Breed … page 4 Breeders of the Carolinas Sale Results … page 6

Garcia Receives SGBI 2024 President’s Award …

Director’s report

By TRAVIS W. MITCHELL, Executive Director, SCCA

Looking Forward to Fall

As the summer season winds down, we find ourselves shifting our tasks towards fall again. This summer has been quite challenging for those of us in the beef cattle industry. Many of us saw little to no rain throughout June and a portion of July. Then came tropical storm Debby, which dumped large amounts of rain across the state. For some of us, the rain caused damaging flooding. For others, it was a drought buster. However, our producers in the upstate saw very little precipitation from this storm. As I write this, we are currently dealing with one of the worst widespread fall armyworm outbreaks we have seen in a long time. While we have had our challenges, we are still enjoying a pretty strong cattle market. Cattle producers are resilient. They are optimistic even in the most challenging times, making our industry the best on earth.

The S.C. Cattlemen’s Association mourns the loss of one of our past

presidents, Roscoe Kyle. Roscoe served as president of SCCA in 2020 and 2021. He was passionate about the S.C. Cattlemen’s Association and the beef cattle industry. Roscoe did a great job leading our association as a board of director and his track through the executive committee. He will be greatly missed. One of Roscoe’s greatest passions was the S.C. Cattlemen’s Foundation scholarship program. He worked very hard to secure items for the silent auction each year so the Foundation could award as many scholarships as possible to deserving young people. The Kyle family asked that memorials be made to the S.C. Cattlemen’s Foundation instead of flowers to further his work in scholarship funds.

If you would like to send a memorial, please send a check to: S.C. Cattlemen’s Foundation P.O. Box 207 Saluda, S.C. 29138

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Spotlight on SAntA gERtRUDiS

America’s Original Beef Breed

Santa Gertrudis cattle, named for the Spanish land grant where Captain Richard King first established the King Ranch, were developed to thrive, prosper and gain weight on the native grasses of the South Texas brush country. The first and perhaps most enduring efforts to produce the rugged breed began in 1910 when King Ranch decided to systematically cross its Shorthorn and Hereford cattle with Brahman. After a few crosses, the Brahman-Shorthorn cross showed the most promise, and the ranc h headed toward a cross of ⅜ Brahman and ⅝ Shorthorn as the optimum blend of the two breeds.

In 1920, an outstanding bull calf, Monkey, was produced. With a distinctive red color and an exceptionally deep and well muscled body, Monkey was the most impressive calf of any breed ever born on King Ranch. In 1923, Monkey was used in a breeding herd of first cross BrahmanShorthorn red heifers. His offspring were superior cattle that were well adapted to the harsh environment where they were developed.

Most important, the calves made

money for the ranch. Highly prepotent, Monkey became the foundation herd sire for the Santa Gertrudis breed. Through many generations, his descendants have retained the rapid and efficient growth, solid red color, hardiness, and good disposition Monkey was known for.

In 1940, the cross received official recognition when the U.S. Department of Agriculture recognized ⅜ Brahman and ⅝ Shorthorn as a distinctive beef breed. Cattlemen throughout the United States, Mexico, South America, Australia, and other countries took an interest in the breed and started using them in commercial herds and/or establishing seedstock operations. Today, Santa Gertrudis are still referred to as America’s original beef breed.

Adaptable Cattle - Santa Gertrudis were developed for survival and are adaptable to most climates, environments, and terrains. They thrive in the hot, humid weather along the coastal regions of Texas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, and Florida. They also perform well in more arid regions, such as those found

in South Texas, Arizona, and New Mexico. Purebred Santa Gertrudis herds are located as far south as Argentina and as far north as Canada. Santa Gertrudis are very disease resistant and are hardy animals that will travel long distances in search of forage and water.

Exceptional Mothers - Santa Gertrudis females are known for their exceptional maternal traits; they are fertile and give birth to calves that are small at birth, eliminating most calving difficulties. The females are also known for their strong mothering instincts. Under normal management and with adequate nutrition, Santa Gertrudis females will breed at 12-14 months of age and produce their first calf as a two-year-old. Santa Gertrudis females are also above average producers of milk, which allows females to wean heavier calves.

Profitable Feeders - Santa Gertrudis have also proved to be one of the world’s leading and most efficient producers of quality beef. Purebred Santa Gertrudis steers are exceptional feeder calves that gain rapidly and efficiently while producing

a consumer pleasing product. Santa Gertrudis steers, purebred or crossbred, prove they can gain above and beyond the national average when in the feedlot.

As part of the 2018 SGBI Steer Feedout, purebred Santa Gertrudis steers representing 25 different sire groups were fed at AzTx Feeders in Hereford, Tex., through the winter and spring and harvested at the Tyson beef plant in Amarillo, Tex., on June 29, 2018. The Santa Gertrudis cattle graded 96 percent Choice, with 51 percent hitting the Premium Choice mark. The steers’ average USDA Yield Grade was 2.98, with 50 percent of the carcasses scoring Yield Grade 1s and 2s. The ribeye area (REA) average was 14 square inches, and the cattle gained 3.51 pounds per day during the feeding period.

Industry data collected and released in 2017 on 3,800 head showed Santa Gertrudis steers grading 70.9 percent Prime and Choice, surpassing the plant average of 62.3 percent Choice by 8.6 percent. This information is valid and is proof that Santa Gertrudis feeders efficiently hit endpoint targets, producing a profitable animal for all beef industry members. Most important, the results of numerous association, university, and industry feeding trials and harvest data collection activities show that the final product pleases consumers.

Santa Gertrudis, horned or polled, possess traits that purebred and commercial cattlemen demand. Whether you are producing purebred, commercial, or feedlot animals, Santa Gertrudis combine all the traits needed for performance and profitability.

NOTICE

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

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

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The Value of Heterosis

By CHRIS McCLURE Executive Director, SGBI

Often, it is a challenge to get the prices we hope to achieve for the cattle we market. This is especially true in geographic areas that have historically been labeled with fine boned or health challenged calves. Proper preconditioning of calves can help offset one part of that stigma, but rarely is it recognized if we simply sell our calf crop at the local auction market. There is normally no distinction in the price paid for pre-conditioned or backgrounded cattle vs. those weaned straight off the cow if they are sold one at a time.

Graded sales are one way to derive a better return on weaned calves than would normally be achieved by selling them at the local auction. Such sales typically attract a different set of buyers – those who recognize the value of pre-conditioning and sorting that goes into creating more uniform groups for marketing.

One thing that is often overlooked – whether selling at the local auction or through a graded sale – is the heterosis effect (also known as hybrid vigor) of crossbreeding cattle. The greatest impact comes from crossing a Bos Taurus (British type) animal with a Bos Indicus (Brahman influenced) animal. The

Spotlight on SAntA gERtRUDiS

resulting calves are usually growthier and will increase the number of pounds weaned per acre. They are also frequently thriftier and more resistant to disease and other environmental challenges.

Many may argue that too much “ear” on calves significantly hurts the prices paid for them. Feeder calf buyers may offer less for “eared” cattle, but the fact that you are selling more pounds will generally more than offset that slightly lower price. One other thing to keep in mind is that many of the Bos Indicus influenced breeds have, through selective breeding, significantly reduced the “ear” of their cattle and have also cleaned up their underlines. Because of this, their cattle are not hit with the types of discounts that have been historically encountered. While changing the appearance of these animals, some breeds, such as Santa Gertrudis, have also increased their marbling and ribeye size. The ribeye is an indicator of muscling, which is easily visible when an animal walks into the sale ring.

A quick example is in order. If a typical British x British mating results in a 500 lbs weaned calf that will bring $275/ cwt, the resulting check would be $1,375 before commissions, etc. Due to the impact

of heterosis, mating a Santa Gertrudis bull with a British cow could easily result in a 575 lbs weaned calf under the same conditions. To break even with the previous British x British calf, the crossbred calf could bring as low as $240/cwt. If that weaned calf weighed 600 lbs – which is very much in the realm of possibility –breakeven would be as low as $230/cwt.

Market discrimination against eared cattle is real, but increased pounds from

heterosis can yield an unexpected bonus in the check received. Not only in pounds, but frequently due to better health, more calves will be weaned and fewer lost due to a failure to breed, pregnancy losses, or sickness after birth.

The emphasis on hide color in recent years has caused us to lose sight of many of the benefits of crossbreeding. It is time to remember those lessons and start marketing more pounds during these high prices.

The Santa Gertrudis female is a productive momma cow, no matter if she’s got a fullblood or crossbred calf at side.

Santa Gertrudis sired calves in a Texas feedlot show all the characteristics of productive, profitable fed cattle.

Today’s Santa Gertrudis bull is a heterosis meat wagon that throws calves with hybrid vigor enhanced growth, health, and vitality.

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Spotlight on SAntA gERtRUDiS

2024 Santa Gertrudis Breeders of the Carolinas Annual Membership Meeting

By SCOTT SHERRILL

On the evening of May 10, the Santa Gertrudis Breeders of the Carolinas held their annual membership meeting and pre-sale dinner at the Union County Agricultural Center in Monroe, North Carolina.

Outgoing President Josh Bowman presided over the meeting. Bowman recognized outgoing board members Thomas Cameron, Joe Graham, and himself. The membership elected new board members Al Jackson, Stephen Perry, and Mickey Bowman to new three year terms.

Bowman recognized Nathan Barlowe as the Breeder of the Year for his efforts at representing and promoting the Santa Gertrudis breed at as many shows around the country as possible and presented Scott Sherrill with the President’s Award for his engagement and service to the association.

A special presentation was made to junior exhibitors from Northwest Cabarrus and Northwood in Chatham County who showed Santa Gertrudis around the state over the course of the previous year.

Santa Gertrudis Breeders International Director Mickey Bowman provided a brief summary of the SGBI Annual Meeting hosted in Myrtle Beach in April. The annual meeting featured tours of the area, strategic planning sessions, and a presentation of the research project N.C. State University is working on that includes the use of Santa Gertrudis genetics, show season awards, and Hall of Fame inductions. The annual meeting ultimately had one of the largest attendances in recent memory and was greatly enjoyed by the attendees.

Attendance at the Friday night dinner/annual membership meeting.

Upcoming events from the Santa Gertrudis Breeders of the Carolinas include the affiliate Field Day on September 7 at Creech Farms in Zebulon, N.C., and the breed will be represented

at the North Carolina and South Carolina State Fairs. Of course, mark your calendars for the weekend of May 9-10, 2025, for next year’s sale. Follow us on Facebook for updates.

Breeders of the Carolinas Sale Results

The 51st Annual Breeders of the Carolinas Sale was sponsored by the Breeders of the Carolinas Association on May 11. The sale, held in Monroe, N.C., was auctioned by E.B. Harris and managed by Darren Richmond.

The high selling lot was a pair consigned by Creech Farm in Zebulon, N.C., and sold for $10,250 to Craig and Tanya Bram of Louise, Tex.; MC Ranch in Alpharetta, Ga.; and Old Agency Reserve in Reynolds, Georgia. The high selling bred heifer was consigned by Grandview Farm in Hamilton, Ala., and sold to Rocking L Farm in Siler City, N.C., for $7,500. The high selling bull was consigned by Creech Farm and sold to Bar M Farm in Lenior, N.C., for $4,500. The high selling open heifer was consigned by Flatwillow Farm in Statesville, N.C., and sold to K&C Farm in Staley, N.C., for $3,000.

The volume buyers were Emily and Ann McNerney of Chester, South Carolina.

Sale Averages

• 31 Registered Lots - $3,590

• 39 Star 5 Lots - $2,820

Josh Bowman presenting Nathan Barlowe with the Breeder of the Year award.

Josh Bowman presented certificates to juniors.

Mickey Bowman provides an update and summary of the SGBI Annual Meeting.

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Spotlight on SAntA gERtRUDiS

The Right Fit for Any Environment

By MACEY MUELLER

From the rolling hills of Indiana, down to the river bottoms of Louisiana, and out to the foothills of Colorado, the Santa Gertrudis breed continues to prove its adaptability and profitability for producers everywhere.

Originally developed to withstand the harsh brush country of south Texas, Santa Gertrudis cattle are now found thriving in a myriad of environmental conditions. Three cattlemen – with operations in varying climates and landscapes –describe how Santa Gertrudis genetics are adding value to the cattle industry.

Bob Hiss – Indiana - Bob Hiss, a dairy farmer turned cattleman from Columbia City, Ind., wasn’t exactly sure what he was buying when he purchased a set of red, crossbred heifers at the auction

barn nearly 25 years ago, but he knew he liked their look and was especially excited when they turned out to be excellent mama cows in his new beef cattle business.

After discovering they were Santa Gertrudis influenced, he and his late wife, Margie, bought their first Gert purebreds from a herd dispersal in Texas. With the help of his three grown daughters and other family members, Hiss has since developed a successful seedstock operation on his 250 acre Hiss Family Farms, where he uses rotational grazing practices on fields of alfalfa, clover, brome, and orchardgrass.

Hiss markets his replacement quality females to other seedstock producers, primarily through sales in Alabama and South Carolina, where he recently consigned the highest selling yearling heifer. He also

sells bulls to commercial cattlemen looking to capture the value of hybrid vigor and improve maternal instinct in their herds.

With an abundant supply of corn silage, corn, and alfalfa, Hiss conditions his steers and culled females to market as freezer beef, which he says “sells itself.”

“I haven’t had to advertise any of our freezer beef for sale,” he says. “We have many repeat buyers who have spread the word about the quality, tenderness, and

taste of our beef, and we usually always have customers waiting.”

Although not extremely common in his neck of the woods, Hiss says his Santa Gertrudis cattle are well adapted to northern Indiana, where seasonal climate conditions are somewhat erratic. Hiss has seen winters that average 25-30 inches of snow and others with only a few nights below freezing. Summer temperatures can reach more than 100ºF but tend to average

Hiss Family Farms

e Special Section f

in the 80s and 90s. He has been especially impressed with the hardiness of the Santa Gertrudis breed, whether it’s during a hot and dry season or during a polar vortex storm like they saw a few years back.

“We had two days at -20ºF and didn’t lose a single animal; they weren’t even shivering,” Hiss says. “And likewise in the summer, they have very little shade and still manage very well in the heat.”

In addition to climate variability, Hiss says flies can be a major nuisance in his area, but with their characteristic insect resistance, his Santa Gertrudis cattle have very few problems.

“We don’t have to fight pink eye with our cattle like other breeds around us do,” he says. “I am just always amazed at how well these cattle can do in even the harshest conditions. It doesn’t seem to matter what nature throws at them, they stay hardy, stay healthy, and just keep doing their job. Their versatility has really been profitable for our operation.”

Erik Wiley – Louisiana - When Deville, La., producer Erik Wiley and his father, Kim, looked to diversify their row crop operation in 2009, they were especially interested in cattle that would thrive in their hot and humid summers while adding value to their family farm. They found success with the Santa Gertrudis breed.

“Brahman cattle work well in our area, but we didn’t really like their temperament,” he says. “We chose Santa Gertrudis based on their docility, superior mothering ability, and adaptability to the central Louisiana climate.”

Today, Wiley Ranch is home to nearly 500 Santa Gertrudis cows that run on a combination of native grass, ryegrass, and clover. The family has divided nearly 1,800 acres into 50 acre paddocks and utilizes an intensive rotational grazing

Spotlight on SAntA gERtRUDiS

program to maximize forage quality.

With an annual rainfall of 50-60 inches, Wiley says his area often sees 100ºF summer days, 50-60 percent humidity, and some very muddy winters, but his cows remain tolerant of the conditions.

As the largest Santa Gertrudis seedstock producer in Louisiana, Wiley Ranch genetics can be found in herds across the country and internationally. The family uses both a production sale in September and private treaty sales to market purebred and commercial females and approximately 25 bulls each year. Most of their bulls are used in commercial operations to take advantage of heterosis, and Wiley says many of his customers also retain their Gert influenced heifers to improve maternal characteristics within their herds.

As both a breeder and Santa Gertrudis Breeders International (SGBI) Board member, Wiley says targeted trait improvements being made to meet industry demands, coupled with natural adaptability, have fueled the breed’s growth and popularity with producers across the country.

“All breeds are noticing what we’re doing, especially how we’ve moved from a large frame cow to a more moderate size and how we’ve really cleaned up the underlines,” he says. “The packers are also noticing that these cattle grade well on the grid.

“Their improved performance and ability to thrive in a variety of conditions can really add value to a herd.”

Rafael Miranda – Colorado - As manager of Cherokee Ranch, Sedalia, Colo., Rafael Miranda has had the unique opportunity to develop Santa Gertrudis seedstock that works especially well in the rugged terrain and semi-arid climate of central Colorado and beyond. The ranch was established in 1954 when pioneer cattlewoman Tweet Kimball

became the first rancher to introduce the breed in Colorado.

“Tweet used to remind everyone that the breed is ⅝ Shorthorn and should not have any problem taking the cold weather, especially if they are acclimated at the right time,” Miranda says. “We try to introduce new animals during the warmer summer months to give them a chance to adapt, and they do a really good job.”

Miranda says the area annually experiences four seasons, with warm temperatures in the summer that often lead into an Indian summer, where temperatures can be abnormally warm for early fall before it begins to cool down. Average winter temperatures are in the 40s, but March and April usually bring several inches of snow.

“We can get a foot of snow and still see our cows with their noses on the ground, looking for grass,” he says. “They just figure it out, and the younger calves learn from watching their mamas.”

Despite the snow, Miranda says the average annual precipitation is only 17 inches, and forage is often limited, but the cattle are hardy and willing to travel through the rocky landscape to find food.

“Our elevation goes from 5,800 feet up to 7,000 feet and there are very few meadows,” he says. “It’s really pretty rugged, but the cows still thrive and do very well here.”

Cherokee Ranch markets bulls, semen, and embryos, and Miranda says his Santa Gertrudis females are always in high demand.

While his market has traditionally been stronger in southern states, he has seen increased interest from cattlemen in the North and has recently sold bulls into Iowa,

Nebraska, and Wyoming. Many of his newer customers are kin to original ranch customers who are looking to reintroduce the breed back in their operations.

“Some of our original customers kept detailed records of their success with Santa Gertrudis genetics, and the younger generation is really excited about the feed conversion and other performance traits they’re finding as they go back over them,” he says. “As the climate gets warmer and warmer, some northern producers want to inject the Brahman influence in their cattle to get along better in the feedlots, and they’re turning to Santa Gertrudis because they can adapt and perform so well in different environments.

“We use GrowSafe Systems to measure feed efficiency in individual animals and then select for that trait so our cattle can make more beef with less feed, and our customers are seeing a real improvement in the feedlots.”

Miranda, who currently serves on the SGBI Board of Directors, was also involved with the leadership back in the early 2000s when the breed began taking drastic measures to improve performance data and phenotype. Using his background as a commercial cattleman, his interest in DNA sampling and ultrasound, and his expertise in artificial insemination, he has continued that focus at Cherokee Ranch.

Santa Gertrudis were developed for survival and are adaptable to most climates, environments, and terrains, and cattle producers from across the country are starting to take notice.

Reprinted from the July 2021 issue of Santa Gertrudis USA

Cherokee Ranch

Wiley Ranch

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Spotlight on SAntA gERtRUDiS

Square Pegs, Round Holes? No More

By CALLIE CURLEY

A six year trial in collaborative heterosis is shattering misconceptions and catapulting the market power of the Santa Gertrudis breed in the Intermountain West to new heights.

Matthew Garcia, Ph.D., former associate professor/department head at the Utah State University Department of Animal, Dairy, and Veterinary Sciences, specializes in beef cattle genomics and led the initial phase of the research project, which got its start in January 2017.

Back to Basics - Garcia’s goals for the project were twofold: First, to provide data and scientific evidence that the Santa Gertrudis breed could help with some major production issues that producers in the Intermountain West are facing, and second, to remind producers of the extreme benefits of hybrid vigor.

Since the project began with its pilot group of 40 cows in early 2017, it has been repeated and broadened each year. As of this spring, all heifers in the project group are artificially inseminated to Red Angus bulls, as are all Santa Gertrudis influenced cows. The entire group is live covered with Santa Gertrudis bulls.

Crossbreeding - The value of crossbreeding is in the resulting improvements in traits like fertility and survivability in hybrid cattle over

purebreds – this improvement is defined as “hybrid vigor.”

“Basically what we’re saying is, this hybrid animal would be better in the production system than the individual purebred parents would be,” Garcia said.

Breed Complementarity - Breed complementarity, a mating where the crossbred offspring should perform better than the individual purebred parents, involves crossing breeds of different – but complementary – biological types.

“We have found ourselves at a huge advantage because the Santa Gertrudis breed brought a lot of breed complementarity with our Angus based herd,” Garcia said.

No Shorthorn genetics and no Brahman genetics in the herd meant the Santa Gertrudis x Angus offspring could realize 100 percent hybrid vigor and create clear increases in performance in several key traits.

Project Inception - Those key traits were identified in no uncertain terms. They included:

• Birth weight and mature size: Based on documented evidence showing that breeding Bos indicus influenced sires to Bos taurus influenced dams brings higher birth weights, sires were selected on the basis of calving ease and mature size.

“We really didn’t want to increase the mature size of our cattle, especially in the Intermountain West and this semi-arid environment, because increasing animal size also increases milk production and nutrient demand,” Garcia said. “We didn’t want this problem in our production environment.”

• Carcass quality and composition: Because the Angus breed is well known for its carcass characteristics, the goal was to maintain or even improve those characteristics going forward.

• Milk production: Selected sires had very low milk production traits, as increased milk production and increased nutrient demand go hand-in-hand and were not a fit for the production environment.

• Scrotal circumference: Sires were selected very heavily for scrotal circumference, as the longer term goals involved incorporating some of the females of the cross into the herd to make further improvements on existing issues and allow the USU team to further the research into other related topics in the future.

A laser focused approach on this handful of traits has allowed the research team to identify existing problems and carve out solutions otherwise unavailable to producers.

Solving the Square Pegs in Round Holes Problem - Hybrid vigor and heterosis are certainly not new concepts. So, why invest in this project with Santa

Gertrudis cattle in Utah?

“Part of the reason we wanted to incorporate the modern Santa Gertrudis capabilities into our herds here in Utah was because we’re seeing very specific issues,” Garcia said.

One of those challenges? The results of the Certified Angus Beef (CAB) program – a double edged sword in the broader beef industry.

“Certified Angus Beef has been a great marketing tool for the beef industry,” Garcia said. “But over time, adopting CAB has decreased genetic variability in our herds. This decreases our potential to make changes.

“The Angus breed now really isn’t the breed it was when CAB was initiated,” Garcia said. “Before it was a maternal breed, carcass driven…now it’s a heavy growth breed and has become the largest mature sized breed in the industry today.”

Especially in the Intermountain West and other semi-arid environments, these changes are not always for the better. Symptoms of the larger problem include a decrease in longevity of females in the herd and less generational improvement, which means there is an environmental production system compatibility problem.

Garcia summed it up simply. “We’ve basically been trying to fit square pegs in round holes,” he said.

When larger animals have higher nutrient demands and females are culled earlier, often missing their most profitable

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Spotlight on SAntA gERtRUDiS

window, producers lose money.

The project results provide a round peg solution that can fit into a wide array of production environments and eliminate unnecessary losses due to poorly fit cattle in environments they weren’t designed to succeed in.

Producer Perceptions - In conversations with producers, the team found that many northern Utah producers had used Santa Gertrudis genetics in the past. While they loved the females, they experienced a poor market for calves in the 1990s.

Other key concerns were keeping cattle black due to available premiums; mature size and milk production; varying desires regarding temperament; and ultimately – How are these Brahman influenced cattle going to perform in the colder climates of northern Utah.

“Especially in agriculture, when someone has a misconception, we tend to brush it off rather than risk it and try to get them new information that would alleviate the misconception,” Garcia said. “With this project, we’re helping to

break down those misconceptions with data driven examples that really make a difference in producers’ herds.”

Compatible for Commercial - It’s been important to Garcia that the team not lose sight of commercial cattlemen’s ultimate goals.

Increased weaning weights, increased calf survivability, productivity, longevity, and stress capacity of female replacements have all become markers of the value hybrid vigor can bring to the industry. Proving the marketable value in cross calves and the ability to produce seedstock that can be compatible in multiple production environments continue to be key topics in conversations with commercial cattlemen.

“We’ve seen the results of hybrid vigor time and again,” Garcia said. “We continue to prove marketability and compatibility across numerous production environments.”

Why Not? This multi-year, collaborative effort has opened new doors for the Santa Gertrudis breed in the commercial cattle industry.

The project has resulted in published

data showing that Santa Gertrudis incorporation in commercial operations works, as more than 50 bulls have entered Utah in the past two years.

“Commercial cattlemen are realizing the value that Santa Gertrudis cattle bring to their operations in terms of resiliency, productivity and marketability,” Garcia said. “These results, especially in the current market, are primed for SGBI to take market share.”

As much of the United States comes out of drought conditions this year, there are key opportunities for repopulation and herd building that the Santa Gertrudis breed can capitalize on. Garcia predicts the possibility of two repopulation events:

one in the Intermountain West and one in Texas, the Midwest, and the southeastern United States.

“Why not?” Garcia asked. “Why not use this data to influence fellow producers to continue crossbreeding? We see adaptability, marketability, production capability, and the modernization of the Santa Gertrudis breed…We see our unique ability to address the issues producers are facing. Be willing to produce animals like these that can help propel the Santa Gertrudis breed forward and take market share.”

Reprinted with permission from Santa Gertrudis USA.

2024 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 2024. 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.

2024 Reserved Spotlight Issues

JANUARY CHAROLAIS FEBRUARY FORAGES MARCH ANGUS APRIL PIEDMONTESE MAY BRAHMAN JUNE HEREFORD JULY GELBVIEH AUGUST SIMMENTAL SEPTEMBER SANTA GERTRUDIS OCTOBER WAGYU NOVEMBER BRANGUS DECEMBER 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

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Spotlight on SAntA gERtRUDiS

Garcia Receives SGBI 2024 President’s Award

Matthew Garcia, Ph.D., director of the Texas Christian University (TCU) Ranch Management program, received the Santa Gertrudis Breeders International (SGBI) President’s Award during the association’s 73 rd Annual Meeting in Myrtle Beach, S.C., on April 27.

Prior to his appointment as TCU Ranch Management Director, Garcia served as the Utah State University (USU) Extension Beef Specialist, where he spearheaded a multi-year heterosis project utilizing Santa Gertrudis cattle ( Square Pegs, Round Holes? No More. found on page 10) Garcia was recognized for his work in the area of heterosis, and in particular for the leadership he provided to the USU heterosis project.

“Dr. Garcia was the best fit for the

2024 SGBI president’s award,” says Adolfo Sanchez, SGBI president. “His contributions to the Santa Gertrudis breed have been tremendous to both seedstock producers and commercial cattlemen. His willingness to study the impact of heterosis with Santa Gertrudis on Angus genetics was a bold move in today’s beef industry climate. Such research is needed to advance cattle production in environments not suitable for crop production and to enhance net profits for the next generation of commercial cattlemen.”

The project, a collaborative effort between SGBI and USU, is now in its seventh year and is recognized as one of the most comprehensive studies of hybrid vigor conducted in the United States. The project has dispelled many

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of the misconceptions associated with Bos indicus genetics and specifically demonstrated that Santa Gertrudis influenced genetics are capable of adapting to northern environmental conditions, that they are capable of reaching Choice quality grades at a level similar to their Angus influenced counterparts and that they are as efficient, if not more so, than their Angus counterparts, in feed conversion.

“Prior to the implementation of the USU heterosis study, there were a limited number of Santa Gertrudis bulls and Santa Gertrudis genetics in herds across Utah,” Sanchez said during his presentation of the award to Garcia. “Following six years of the project, the

number of Utah producers utilizing Santa Gertrudis bulls in their operations has increased from 1 to approximately 15.”

Currently, USU based researchers are focused on evaluating longevity, heat tolerance, and resilience in Santa Gertrudis F1 females being retained as replacements.

About Santa Gertrudis Breeders International. SGBI provides progressive leadership, services, programs, and technology to promote and broaden the long term profitability of Santa Gertrudis influence within the beef industry by being member driven and consumer focused. For more information about Santa Gertrudis cattle and Santa Gertrudis Breeders International, visit www.santagertrudis.com

Matthew Garcia, Ph.D., left, receives the President’s Award from Adolfo Sanchez.

Ashley’s Beef Corner T

Fox Charlotte Burger Week

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

The N.C. Cattlemen’s Beef Council (NCCBC) recently had an opportunity to participate in a Burger Week promotion through Fox Charlotte. A brand new show, Positively Charlotte, featured beef as a premier segment, which included an interview, social media posts, and a homepage takeover.

The interview portion of the promotion highlights grilling tips and a nutritional overview. It is available for viewing online and through our social media. Take advantage of prime grilling season, tips and tricks for getting perfect grill marks, and the methods of selecting beef for an optimal eating experience.

We are excited to share the metrics from this promotion because the Charlotte

market is a desirable one for us to reach. We are pleased with the impressions and engagement that have happened, and the great part is that we can continue to utilize these assets.

The NCCBC also sponsored the annual N.C. 4-H Beef Chargrill contest. Participants from around the state, aged 8-18, brought their grilling expertise and presentation skills to our judges. This year’s judges included our own 4-H Alumnus Milo Lewis, grillmaster Alex Sereno, and NCSU beef unit manager Matt Morrison. With the daunting challenge of discerning whose presentation skills and grill knowledge were the best, they were so impressed with the quality of young grillers.g

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!

By DR. MATT POORE & BECKY SPEARMAN N.C. State University

Strategic Culling of the Cow Herd in Drought Situations

Deciding which cows to cull can be a difficult and emotional decision, but it must be done as a normal part of a good beef cattle management system. Beef cow profits are tied directly to the number and pounds of calves sold. Culling management is very important in ensuring that each cow on your farm has a high chance of producing a good calf with a high market value. The goal of a beef operation is for each cow to have a high quality calf every year. Cows not meeting that goal are not making you money but rather are costing you money to feed and manage.

As total input costs increase, beef producers must make good decisions on culling to improve their efficiency. During times of drought and high feed costs, culling becomes an even higher priority because it can help you target your resources into higher value animals and prevent you from wasting resources on feeding unproductive animals.

To have a good culling program, it is important to have records of your cattle. Some common information would be cow identification number, cow age, calving dates, calf information including weaning weights, and other observations you make about a cow (i.e., “wild in the working chute,” or “mean when you approach her calf”). Your records can be as simple as a written record on a cow notecard created for that purpose, a simple computer spreadsheet, or a more advanced computer record system.

However, if you keep track of your records, you will want to keep the information from year to year organized to help you prioritize which animals to cull. More advanced computer record keeping programs are available for maintaining cow herd records and are highly recommended. Consult with your Cooperative Extension Livestock Agent for help in developing or improving your cow identification and record keeping program. Having your cow records on

your smart phone is a game changer!

One very important thing to consider is how many cows you want to maintain on your farm. Determining the ideal number of brood cows for your farm, or the correct “stocking rate,” will help you decide how many cows you need to cull each year to maintain that ideal number. One thing to keep in mind here is that the stocking rate should actually be thought of in pounds rather than cows, because as cows increase in size, the same piece of ground can support fewer cows.

During times of drought, you may need to cull down to fewer than that average ideal.

An optimally stocked farm should be grazing for about 240-300 days with about 60-120 days of winter hay feeding. If you are consistently feeding hay longer than that, you are probably considerably overstocked. Decreasing the stocking rate or improving your grazing management can turn a 120 day hay feeding season into a 60 day hay feeding season, which will improve your farm efficiency.

The first step in the strategic culling process is working the cows and assigning them to a culling priority group so that culling can be an organized process. When working cattle, make sure you look closely at the cow’s eyes, feet, teeth, and udder and record any defects you find. Haltering the cow or using a “hook doctor” will help you inspect her teeth with a low risk of injury to you. If you have never “mouthed” your cows, it is a key management tool every cow/calf producer should be skilled at.

If you are unfamiliar with aging cattle by their teeth, look at one of the many guides on the web. Keeping up with this kind of detail about your animals will prove beneficial even in times when there is no drought stress on your system.

A culling priority grouping system of 1-4 is suggested:

1. Cows that you are not going to sell no matter what. These are likely young,

productive cows with good feet, legs, udders, and disposition. Bred replacement heifers would usually be in this group. Over half your herd may be in this category.

2. Cows with a score of 2 have some minor defect such as being increasing in age, minor tooth problems, minor foot or udder problems, or somewhat ill disposition. These high cows have potentially high value because there is demand for middle age bred cows.

3. Cows with a score of 3 have more significant defects like advancing age, wearing or broken teeth, lameness, or bad disposition. Some of these cows are bred and sound, and their calf will be valuable at weaning, so they may be more valuable marketed as bred cows on a case-by-case basis.

4. Cows with a score of 4 would be culled immediately and would normally be culled in any year. This group would include all open cows and any cows with major defects.

Following are criteria that should be considered as you make a culling priority list:

1. Pregnancy status – Pregnancy check all cows. The three main ways to pregnancy check are rectal palpation, ultrasound, or blood tests. Cows that will not raise calves are not going to make you money and should be at the top of the cull list. This would include any replacement heifers that are not pregnant but that have been exposed to a bull and had the opportunity to breed. These animals would be in group 4 and should be culled immediately.

2. Major defects – Major defects would include very bad temperament, chronic lameness, eye problems (early

signs of cancer eye), or severe udder problems. These cows should also be in group 4 and should be culled as soon as possible.

3. Age - Inspect the teeth of cows so that you know the number of effective years each cow has left. Cows with broken or badly worn teeth should be high on the culling list with a score of 4. If their teeth are somewhat worn, indicating they are getting old but have a few years left in the herd, they should get a score of 3. Cows with early signs of tooth wear (middle age cows) should receive a score of 2.

4. Feet and legs – To be productive, the cow must be able to walk. Foot structure is currently a problem in most cattle because of the selection of many production traits without much concern about feet. Look at the angle of the foot and the claw structure. Is the foot angle overly steep so that the cow’s heel nearly hits the ground when she walks, or is the angle too shallow so that she is walking on her tippy toes? Are the claws normally shaped, or are they curved or uneven? Is the set of the claws wide, or do they point forward normally? Are there any corns or other obvious defects? How well does the cow walk? A cow with some minor foot issues goes in group 2 with structural problems going in group 3. Cows with severe structural problems or chronic lameness should go in group 4.

5. Poor production – Consider culling cows that produce calves with very low weaning weights. These cows may calve every year, but their calves are small enough to where they are probably not making you much money. Cows with extremely light weaning weights should be in group 3. Cows with less

than average weaning weights (but not extremely low) should be in group 2.

6. Late calving cows – For farms with a defined calving season, consider selling any cows that will calve late or out of your calving season. These cows have a higher likelihood of coming up open or producing a lightweight calf. These cows might end up with a high priority for culling due to low weaning weight, but even if they do produce a pretty good calf, they still should be considered for culling when you are culling deep. Pregnant cows in this category would be marketed differently than open, defective, or old cows. These cows may be out of line with your calving season, but they might work for someone else. They would typically be in group 2 or 3, depending on quality.

7. Poor doers – These are the cows that are always thin no matter what you do. They might get a high culling priority due to weaning a poor calf, or they might be old cows with short teeth. Even if they don’t end up with a high culling priority due to one of the criteria discussed above, they should be considered for culling during a drought year because there is a

higher chance that they might not breed back or that they might have underlying health issues that would come out during times of stress. These cows would be in group 2 or 3.

8. Extremes – A deep culling due to drought might be a good time to consider selling any cows that are extreme in terms of frame size or muscling in your herd. These may be very small or very large cows that produce calves that are not uniform with the rest of your calf crop, or perhaps dairy cross or off color cows. Anything you can do to increase the uniformity of your herd will help you with future marketing plans. These cows would generally be in group 2 or 3.

Once a preliminary score has been put on the cow at chuteside, spend additional time studying records to determine a final culling group for each cow. During drought situations, producers must make difficult decisions about culling, and they usually cull some cows that they would normally keep. Making an informed decision will make you feel better about having to sell those cows when you need to.

Depending on the severity of the drought and your feed situation, you can use your culling priority list to sell cows in an orderly fashion. Having a score on paper will help make the culling decision without the emotional constraints that can happen at chuteside or at the door to the livestock trailer.

Sell the number 4 cows as soon as possible after weaning calves. Consider early weaning calves and then culling the cows earlier than typical. If the drought is severe or feed is very short, sell the number 3s. If the drought continues and feed is expensive, sell your number 2s. The cows in group 2 may be marketed most effectively through private treaty or a special bred cow sale.

Instead of being depressed about selling off productive cows to deal with a drought, you should think of deep culling as an opportunity to improve your herd, and you can generate funds to help feed the core of your genetic resource. Culling early will relieve the demands on the pasture, improving conditions for all the other cattle that remain. With high cattle prices, selling early will really help

the farm to feed the remaining cows. When you cull in response to drought, regardless of how you decide to market the cows, make sure you do it before they lose body condition and a lot of their potential value.

Nearly every producer will do some extra culling as part of their drought management plan. As you make these difficult culling decisions, it is important that you get the best price for your cows. Carrying your cows to the sale barn without talking to a marketing specialist is probably not the best approach, especially for young and middle aged cows that are bred or that have a calf at side.

Culling strategies based on sound facts and decision making will benefit your farm in the long run. Gathering information on the cows and then deciding which to sell and which to keep is a key tool in drought management. Keeping young and productive cows and selling old or defective cows will allow you to grow back into a greatly improved herd once the drought is over.

E.B.'s ViEw from thE Cow PasturE

By E.B. HARRIS

Water

The other day, we were on one of the farms doing a little cleanup around an old home place there, and I can’t remember it standing there, but I guess it was probably there until the early 1950s. The remains of the doorsteps, chimney, and part of the foundation were there. Bushes had grown up around it. I told Shane that I did not remember seeing a well, but it should have been one to service the people who lived at the house. Then I went into investigating, and there was no well.

The closest well was probably a quarter of a mile away, and it was a rock lined well. I got to thinking and thought water back then was a precious commodity. Either one or two things happened - you brought a bucket full

when you came by the well, or you probably took the mule and wagon and went to the well and drew up a bucket full at the time, put the water in a barrel, then took it to the house and put it in whatever container you had. You dipped all the water or toted all the water, and a quarter

mile away is a long way in the night to get up and get a drink of water. You made sure that that water was at the house in that era, whether it was for bathing, cooking, drinking, or washing clothes.

In today’s world, when you turn on the spigot, there is an abundance of cold water or hot water for bathing, showering, washing the car, watering the lawn, washing the dog, or washing the windows. Just think about how many times a day we drink it and take it for granted. Everywhere we go, there is water.

Who would have ever thought we would pay more for a bottle of water today than a gallon of gasoline? (Price it in the store the next time you buy a single bottle.) I look back at that old home place and that well a quarter mile away and think about how they made plans for what was going to happen the next day or week because that water was a special commodity. Whatever they did with it, it took labor or horsepower or mule power to get that water from the well back to the house. They guarded that barrel or bucket of water and used it sparingly. It’s no wonder they took a bath only on Saturday night, sometimes they probably skipped Saturday night.

Next time you turn on the spigot, think about how our ancestors did not have this convenience. Speaking of spigots,

my granddaddy, in 1916, before we had electricity at the house, took a water tower down in Franklin County and brought it to the house in Warren County. He cemented in a spring across the road, which is about a quarter mile away, and had running water for the mules and the house. He also had what was called a water ram to pump the water back to the tank located on the tower. In the wintertime, he would forget it, and it would overflow, and the water tower would be an icicle. He was thinking about his water that was a precious commodity and convenience for his livestock and house. He had running water before he had electricity.

Rock lined wells before concrete pipe.

CATTLE & CARBON

By ALAN FRANZLUEBBERS USDA-Agricultural Research Service

Introduction & Basics

Life is precious! And yet, we as people on this planet consider it normal and go about our business from day to day, year to year, generation to generation. This routine is good because then we can focus on the reasons why we love to work, play, and enjoy each other. But scientifically, have you considered that life is really made of carbon? When you think about it, everything living contains carbon! Carbon is in us, our bones, our muscles, our blood. Yes, carbon is in protein, too! Carbon is in the food we eat, whether meat, dairy, eggs, leafy greens, or rice. Carbon is in the grass that feeds our cattle. Carbon is in the air, and if not, plants wouldn’t grow. Carbon is in the soil that nourishes the grasses and forbs that feed the rumen of beef cattle, turning carbon in plants into tasty beef products. Carbon on this planet is everywhere – well, almost. Carbon is not in pure water, but carbon is in fruit juice, tonic water, sodas, your morning coffee, your afternoon tea, and your evening cocktail. So, can we live without carbon? The answer must be a definitive NO! Carbon comes in many forms, and this series of articles will focus on how cattle and carbon go together in the next few months.

People cannot live without consuming food. Food is produced starting with the production and harvest of plants. Those plants might be the leafy spinach or collards that you grow in the winter, carrots or turnips that we pull from the ground, or forage grasses that need to be converted by rumen organisms like cattle into protein-rich milk and meat. Therefore, we might consider the cycle of life beginning with the sun that shines on the diversity of plants throughout the world, which we harvest for food, shelter, and medicine. Life can only continue, though, if the carbon contained in this variety of grasses, forbs, vegetables, and trees returns to the soil where a mostly hidden community of organisms live. Those organisms are the small insects, spiders, earthworms, and microorganisms that consume dead plant and animal remains and return much of the carbon back to the atmosphere as carbon dioxide.

Plants are capable of living because of the energy in sunlight, the air that contains carbon dioxide, the water that falls to the ground from rainfall, and soil that supports rooting and a valuable supply of nutrients. We, as people, cannot live without plants. Plants provide the chemically bound energy needed for all

animals to live. We rely on plants for an abundance and diversity of foods. We rely on plants for wood and fibers to house and clothe us. We rely on plants for medicinal compounds that stimulate our brains, activate our muscles, and allow us to reflect on our place in nature.

Photosynthesis is one of the miraculous features of life that is provided to us daily. Photosynthesis is the process of capturing carbon dioxide from the air and converting this inorganic carbon from the air into organic carbon compounds, starting as simple sugars. Different plants have mechanisms to convert these simple sugars into more biochemically diverse substances, such as complex carbohydrates, proteins, fatty acids, flavonoids, hormones, and many more. Grasses consumed by cattle can contain a variety of these organic compounds. A key feature of grasses and forbs is their high concentration of cellulose and other structural carbohydrates like hemicellulose. These compounds are found in plant cell walls, giving them strength and rigidity to withstand the harshness of the environment in which they grow. People are not able to digest these structural carbohydrates, but cattle can because of microorganisms (bacteria, archaea, protozoa, and fungi) present within the rumen. These rumen microorganisms are provided an anaerobic environment (i.e., fermentation) that allows them to

break down structural carbohydrates into volatile fatty acids, microbial protein, and B vitamins that the cattle can use to gain energy and grow.

Microorganisms in the rumen of cattle thrive without oxygen, and they are provided this environment daily. Because of the fermentative environment in which they live, these organisms release methane as a product of their respiration rather than carbon dioxide. Although carbon dioxide is the most abundant greenhouse gas, methane has nearly 30 times greater heat trapping capacity than does carbon dioxide. Therefore, cattle production is often targeted in the discussion of global warming due to this emission of methane. However, methane is a relatively short lived greenhouse gas with a lifetime of about ten years in the atmosphere, whereas carbon dioxide has a lifetime of 120 years. Nitrous oxide is an even more potent greenhouse gas with the heat trapping capacity of about 300 times greater than carbon dioxide. It has an average lifetime in the atmosphere of about 130 years. Nitrous oxide is released into the atmosphere, typically following large applications of nitrogen containing inorganic and organic fertilizers to soil.

The cycle of life continues when plants and animals die and are consumed by soil microorganisms. The biochemical energy contained in dead tissues is used as food for their growth by bacteria, fungi, and actinomycetes living in soil.

Richard Terrell farm in Randolph County

Jerry Hilton with big bluestem hay in Davidson County

Much of the carbon contained in these organic compounds of now dead plants and animals is converted to carbon dioxide and returned to the atmosphere, where future plants can use it for growth. Carbon is cycled from the atmosphere to plants to animals to people to feces to soil microorganisms and back to the atmosphere. This is the simple flow, and yet nature is complex, and there are many other pathways that are occurring simultaneously. For example, plants, animals, and people get their energy for growth and respire some of the food carbon (i.e., carbohydrates) back into the atmosphere as carbon dioxide even

before soil microorganisms complete the final phase. Also, carbon dioxide can be transformed into carbonate minerals in the presence of water, leading to large reservoirs of carbon that accumulate deep in the soil profile or in the ocean.

In summary, cattle and carbon are natural pairings of life. Carbon is in cattle, carbon is in you, and carbon is in our environment. Life is a balance of all the elements that sustain it. Disruptions of the carbon cycle, therefore, can disrupt life. One of the pressing issues of concern today is the rising carbon dioxide concentration in the atmosphere. Elevated carbon dioxide in the atmosphere

creates an invisible blanket (greenhouse effect) that blocks energy from the sun radiating back to the cosmos. If we had no atmosphere, Earth would be very cold and uninhabitable. Because we have a delicate balance of water vapor and carbon dioxide in the atmosphere, Earth is a blessed planet that is full of life. The greenhouse effect is threatening our existence with rising temperatures because of too much carbon dioxide in the atmosphere. Nature tries to keep balance but is being challenged by our choices. The issue is that we are burning fossil fuels that are natural but that have been buried away millions of years ago.

The carbon contained in these burned fuels is being returned to the atmosphere at a much more rapid rate than current plant communities can utilize. Indeed, we need to grow more plants!

In the next article of this series, expect to read about how much carbon can be stored in the soil of the Carolinas. “If Earth is the mother of all living things, then soil must be its womb, bearing richness beyond comprehension. Then too, carbon in soil should be considered the blood energizing the entire body, enabling the Earth to provide a multitude of ecosystem services.”

~ Alan Franzluebbers

Micky Bowman farm in Randolph County

Tim Kelley farm in Haywood County

the chaplain’s corral

By SKEETER SPAULDING Chaplain, Cowboys for Christ

Wisdom From On High

The greatest rancher of all time in the Bible was King Solomon. His kingdom stretched many places surrounding Israel. He had the command of the entire region and a multitude of personal staff that no other ever achieved. How would you like to manage and feed that bunch?

Let’s have a look at how he did it. We find it in 1 Kings 4:22-26 - “Solomon’s daily provisions were 30 cors (5½ tons) of the finest flour and 60 cors (11 tons) of meal, 10 head of stall fed cattle, 20 of pasture fed cattle and 100 sheep and goats, as well as deer, gazelles, roebucks, and choice foul. For he ruled over all the kingdoms west of the Euphrates River,

from Tiphsah to Gaza, and had peace on all sides. During Solomon’s lifetime Judah and Israel, from Dan to Beersheba, lived in safety, everyone under their own vine and under their fig tree. Solomon had 4,000 stalls for chariot horses, and twelve thousand horses.”

That’s a lot of livestock, not to mention the waterfowl! Plus, all wheat and corn are used to refine flour and meals. Solomon was a ranching and farming mogul. It would have been a sportsman’s paradise. He both grew/raised the daily provisions and imported them from the countries under his influence. The definition of daily is what really struck me.

But what really made Solomon such a great man? This guy was about 20 years old when King David placed him on the throne. And now King Solomon was in charge before David passed. There are some indicators in scripture that Solomon was not David’s first choice for his replacement. Being 20 years old with the world setting on his shoulders, does not exactly breathe confidence. This young king knew this as well. Solomon had a dream when God asked him a question. 1 Kings 3:5-15 says”At Gibeon, the Lord appeared to Solomon during the night in a dream, and God said, “Ask for whatever you want me to give you.” Solomon answered, “You have shown great kindness to your servant, my father David because he was faithful to you, righteous, and upright in heart. You have continued this great kindness to him and have given him a son to sit on his throne this very day. Now, Lord my God, you have made your servant king in place of my father, David. But I am only a child and do not know how to carry out my duties. Your servant is here among the people you have chosen, a great people, too numerous to count or number. So give your servant a discerning heart to govern your people and to distinguish between right and wrong. For who is able to govern this great people

of yours?” The Lord was pleased that Solomon had asked for this. So God said to him,” Since you have asked for this and not for long life or wealth for yourself, nor have asked for the death of your enemies but for discernment in administering justice, I will do what you have asked. I will give you a wise and discerning heart so that there will never have been anyone like you, nor will there ever be. Moreover, I will give you what you have not asked for - both wealth and honor – so that in your lifetime, you will have no equal among kings. And if you walk in obedience to me and keep my decrees and commands as David, your father did, I will give you a long life.” Then Solomon awoke, and he realized it had been a dream.”

This is what made King Solomon so great! He wanted wisdom from Almighty God above anything else. I want my heart and attitude to be like this, and I hope you are as well. Wouldn’t this attitude be great for every government official?

But let’s start with ourselves today. The first thing is to have a relationship with Almighty God through faith in Jesus Christ, to read the Bible daily, and to find a good fellowship to live with. All of this will lead to the wisdom we need to live a life pleasing to God.

By MAGGIE JANE LOVE N.C. State University -- ANS 402 Beef Management

Antibiotics on the Farm

— Navigating Regulations and Rural Realities

In North Carolina, we are considered a top food producing state, ranking nationally as a top producer for many products, as seen in Figure 1. The beef cattle industry in our state is small but mighty. The bird’s eye view of the North Carolina beef cattle industry is that the majority of beef operations here in North Carolina will have less than 40 cows, and many producers work other jobs while also running their cattle operation.

date and are all tested at the plant. The current issue at hand has nothing to do with residue in the meat, as many may believe. Recent changes have been made in hopes of combating the buildup of antibiotic resistance in bacteria within both animals and humans. In a webinar given by Dr. Van Dyke, North Carolina’s Extension Beef Veterinarian, he comments that the food animal agriculture industry gets a lot of the blame for these issues; and that there

The most important part of the entire beef industry chain is the consumers.3 We want our consumers to have a positive dining experience no matter their preferences. Many consumers are becoming more and more aware of the finer details of how their food is produced. They now want to know where it came from, what it was fed, what medicine it received, what breed it was, and many other facts about the life of the animal. As producers, we have to adjust our operations and marketing to please the desires of the consumer in order to be both successful and sustainable.

Of the many topics of concern for consumers, antibiotics may be one of the most popular. Many do not realize the reality behind food animal antibiotic use and are solely searching for the label indicating that the animal is “antibiotic free.” For years, it has been illegal to send any animal to processing with remnants of antibiotics in their system. All medications given to a food animal have a withdrawal

All of this being said, over the past 20 years, many things have been done to work towards preventing this issue. Beginning in 2003, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) defined medically important antibiotics.3 In 2012, they began to exhibit judicious use of these antibiotics, especially those used in both humans and animal populations.3 Beginning January 1,

2017, Guidance for Industry (GFI) #213 was enforced.1 This GFI was the beginning of the Veterinary Feed Directive (VFD) through the means of a veterinarianclient-patient relationship (VCPR). A VCPR is most commonly defined as a veterinarian having visited the farm within a year, but it can be defined at the federal, state, or individual levels. 3 This VFD

is no evidence that antibiotic resistance is coming mainly from use in food animals.3

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), “antibiotic resistance happens when bacteria change and become resistant to the antibiotics used to treat the infections they cause.5” As seen in Figures 2 and 3, this idea of antibiotic resistance can happen in many different ways ranging from bad hygiene to overuse of antibiotics in food animals. While not the sole cause of antibiotic resistance, food animal use of antibiotics has been put in the spotlight. An example of this happening in food animals is the behavior of the remaining bacteria within an animal after being treated with antibiotics for a disease, as seen in Figures 3 and 4. Not only will these remaining bacteria build resistance and reproduce other resistant bacteria, but they are also able to transfer this resistance to unexposed bacteria, causing them to gain resistance, as seen in Figure 4. If these same bacteria are also prevalent in humans, this can cause large issues in the entire chain.

Figure 1. Diversity of food products in North Carolina.4

Figure 2. Causes of Antibiotic Resistance.5

Figure 3. Antibiotic Resistance - How it Spreads.6

puts restrictions on all feeds containing antibiotics as well as any water additives. In order to purchase these products, they must obtain a VFD from a veterinarian with whom they have a VCPR. The most recent and talked about in the industry is the GFI #263, officially implemented in June of 2021.2 This GFI restricted any remaining over-the-counter antibiotics on the market requiring a veterinary prescription. This change in the food animal industry has affected all food animals, specifically our small, rural cattle producers who are not vertically integrated like poultry and swine. These producers are often hours away from a food animal veterinarian because of the shortage of those who specialize in

food animal medicine in North Carolina.

In order to use the antibiotics that have been purchased previously by producers, they must now obtain a prescription from the veterinarian with whom they have developed a VCPR. While it seems like an easy task, for many small producers in the industry, they are restricted by location, time, and money. Some producers may think that the input to obtain these drugs is not worth the return, so they may decide not to treat their animals with antibiotics at all.

Although this new law poses some challenges for rural producers, it also has the potential to generate positive outcomes. Increasing the need for veterinarians in the food animal industry

may lead to a higher demand for these types of veterinary jobs to be created. This hopefully will result in more accessible food animal veterinarians in our state and, potentially, a healthier, more productive food animal population. Another positive outcome would be access to better medications. Before this regulation, producers would go to the feed store, purchase their favorite antibiotic, and administer it to the sick animal on their own. Now that veterinary directives are required, producers are forced to seek professional advice, possibly resulting in more appropriate treatment for their herd.

After hearing all of this overwhelming information, what can producers do? Beef Quality Assurance (BQA) has provided an antibiotic stewardship guide for producers. This document gives guidelines for the producer on all aspects of antibiotics in the beef industry, from residue management to correct needle usage and storage instructions, and even includes the outline of some of the current regulations.1

All of these regulations will have both positive and negative impacts across the entire beef industry, all the way from the calves on the ground in rural North Carolina to the packing plants in Kansas. Remembering that we are all in this as a community, working for the betterment of our industry is extremely important in overcoming challenges faced

by the beef industry, which feeds our world, nation, state, and hometowns. References

1Beef Quality Assurance. “Antibiotic Stewardship for Beef Producers.” www. bqa.org

2 Food and Drug Administration. “Recommendations for Sponsors of Medically Important Antimicrobial Drugs Approved for Use in Animals to Voluntarily Bring Under Veterinary Oversight All Products That Continue to be Available Over-the-Counter.” (2021) www.fda.gov

3Van Dyke, Thomas. “The Last of the OTC Antibiotics.” (2022) NCDA Webinar.

4Stovall, B. “North Carolina’s Diverse Agriculture.” (2016) www.farmflavor.com

5 World Health Organization. “Causes of Antibiotic Resistance.” www. aidsdatahub.org

6 World Health Organization. “Antibiotic Resistance How It Spreads.” www.aidsdatahub.org

7Knapp, S. “Treponema Pallidum.” (2020) www.biologydictionary.net

Have You Herd is written as part of the ANS 402 Beef Management course requirement at N.C. State University’s Department of Animal Science under the instruction of Dr. Carrie Pickworth. The opinions of Maggie Love are not necessarily those of N.C. State University or Dr. Carrie Pickworth.

Figure 4. Bacteria Antibiotic Resistance.7

You Decide!

By DR. MIKE WALDEN

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

You Decide: Did COVID-19 Permanently Change the Labor Market? I doubt that anyone alive during the COVID-19 pandemic will forget it. Many of us are reminded of it every day. Certainly, many remember being ill or mourning friends or family who passed due to the disease. We still see people wearing masks, and this time of year, we’re already hearing reminders to get the latest COVID-19 vaccine later in the year.

But some of us remember COVID-19 in other ways because it has had so many

lasting impacts on numerous aspects of our lives. For example, remote work and virtual meetings have become lasting fixtures in the workplace. It is now expected in many settings, such as gyms, to wipe surfaces and equipment after use. Knuckle bumps are still competing with handshakes for greetings.

In this article, I want to focus on the labor market, how COVID-19 changed it, and whether we can determine if the changes are permanent.

I already mentioned two changes in the labor market: remote work and virtual

meetings. I’ve addressed these topics in other columns, so suffice it to say experts see both as permanent, with the only question being how common they will become.

More broadly, COVID-19 had three other impacts on our work lives. COVID-19 caused a restructuring of where people work, affected how much workers are paid, and accelerated the development of machines and technology that could replace humans in the workplace. All three of these elements emerged from something that was unique in our modern economy: a massive labor shortage.

We can see the linkages by reviewing what happened. The business shutdowns early in the pandemic furloughed millions of workers. Employment dropped everywhere, but especially in firms largely dependent on labor. For example, employment in restaurants dropped an amazing 40 percent. However, workers survived due to a variety of federal assistance, like augmented unemployment assistance, stimulus checks, expanded benefits from the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), and other programs.

Then came the surprise, at least to many. As the economy reopened, the “Great Resignation” emerged. At its peak, over four million workers were leaving their jobs each month. With federal help still supporting them, many workers decided to leave their jobs and search for other work. This was particularly the case for lower paying jobs, such as those in the leisure and hospitality sectors. Many workers found higher paying jobs in technology and related sectors, which had rapidly expanded during the pandemic. The result was a labor shortage in industries like restaurants, hotels, construction, and health care.

How did these industries react to the shortages? They reacted the way economists would expect. They made their jobs more attractive to workers, especially by increasing the pay. For example, in North Carolina, between 2019 and 2024, compared to the average job, average hourly wage rates rose three times faster in leisure/hospitality and construction and two times faster in education/health care and general service jobs. Importantly, these increases have also outpaced price increases (inflation) over the same time period.

The tactic worked. Economic sectors like restaurants, which suffered the worst job shortage, now have more employees than prior to the pandemic, and the same has occurred for other sectors. Labor force participation of prime working age adults — defined as ages 25-54 — is also

back to its pre-pandemic level. And while we hear of labor shortages in certain areas, this is not unusual for a growing and changing economy.

Someone could conclude that the pandemic actually had some good results for the labor market, particularly for those at low pay scales. It gave workers some time to reevaluate their current jobs, possibly upgrade their skills, and move to higher paying employment. At the same time, economic sectors facing a labor shortage were prompted to increase pay, benefiting workers who stayed in those jobs.

Now, let me address the question posed in the column’s title. Will these changes in the labor market prompted by the pandemic be permanent? I see two future forces that will determine the answer, with one force taking the labor market in one direction and the other moving the labor market in the opposite direction.

The two forces guiding the future labor market will be the aging workforce and labor replacing technology.

With a declining birth rate and longer lifespans, our population is becoming older. For example, the North Carolina population aged 65 and older is projected to increase almost three times faster than the population under age 17 between now and 2050. Another big difference is expected between growth in the 65 and older population and the prime working age population between 25-54. So unless a surge in migration to North Carolina from other states or nations occurs, workers may be relatively harder to find in the future. This would motivate businesses to improve wages and working conditions to attract workers, solidifying the labor market changes prompted by COVID-19.

At the same time, businesses facing relatively more expensive labor will be motivated to find ways to reduce labor costs. The major way to do this is to use more labor saving technology. Interestingly, we are now on the cusp of new labor saving technology in the form of artificial technology (A.I.). It is certainly plausible that A.I.’s success could eventually create labor surpluses, which would lower worker pay and make the impacts of COVID-19 temporary.

Hence, as is often the case when trying to predict the future, there is not a clear answer to today’s question of whether COVID-19 permanently changed the labor market. In the anticipated battle between workers and technology, which will win? You decide.

You Decide: What Will AI Mean for North Carolina Jobs? A.I. — short for “artificial intelligence”— is the

technology wiz of the moment. One-third of businesses are now using A.I., with the number expected to rapidly climb. A.I. programs can now be accessed online, with mobile phone versions to follow. Within a decade, almost everything will have been touched by A.I.

But what exactly is A.I.? Some view it as a machine that can think like a human. Others see it as an easy way to find answers to questions. Some students see A.I. as a computer program that can write term papers for them!

The commonality is thinking, as implied by the word “intelligence.”

Many consider A.I. as a supermachine that can do thinking for us and, in many cases, that can do thinking we can’t do. So, A.I. is a supermachine with superhuman qualities.

But is it? A.I. involves three components: significant amounts of data, computer programs to analyze the data and identify patterns and relationships, and conclusions based on analysis of the data. The term “artificial intelligence” was coined in the 1950s when mathematicians and statisticians began developing concepts that would allow them to use large amounts of information to derive predictions. Only recently, with the availability of large data sets and high capacity and high speed digital computers, has A.I. become a reality.

The “machine learning” of A.I. mimics human learning. Humans learn and make decisions by gathering information, looking for relationships and links in the information, and then making conclusions that help with decisions. The difference is that machines can do the same process much faster, more comprehensively, and more frequently than humans.

Let’s give a quick example. A physician is examining a patient and attempting to decide if the patient’s symptoms are predicting a stroke. The physician would use knowledge that was learned in medical school about stroke symptoms, perhaps updated by recent articles the physician read in medical journals.

However, by using A.I., the physician can feed the patient’s symptoms into a computer program and let A.I. use access to millions of patient cases that are much more specific and current about symptoms specifically applied to the patient’s demographics. Additionally, the analysis can be done in minutes. The result is the physician has a much more comprehensive and reliable diagnosis for the patient.

The expectation is that A.I. will improve the quality of our lives, just like previous technological innovations

did. I’ll never forget my late paternal grandmother telling me about the day the “lights came on,” as she termed it, meaning electricity had come to the farm. Not only did electricity provide her farmhouse with constant light, but it also allowed her to replace the old “ice box” with a refrigerator and to ultimately throw out the hand powered washboard for a washing machine.

Most new innovations impact the labor market. Often, new kinds of jobs are created, such as electricians when electricity was created and installed. But, just as often, some types of jobs are hurt by a new innovation. For example, the whale oil and candle industries experienced reduced sales when electricity became the common power source for lighting.

The adverse impact on segments of the labor force is what many worry about with A.I., and there’s good reason for concern. A.I. directed robots and machines will likely replace some jobs in warehousing, manufacturing, administration, and perhaps ultimately – even transportation. However, the ability of A.I. to replace humans in some cognitive tasks may be the game changer. With A.I.’s potential to examine data and information and make decisions means that jobs in areas like finance, accounting, banking, and legal matters could be vulnerable to replacing humans with A.I. technology.

I have applied analysis completed by other economists to North Carolina and concluded that A.I. could eliminate almost 500,000 jobs in the state, approximately 10 percent of all jobs. The biggest losses would be in office support, retailing, manufacturing, and food services.

Still, if economists are correct that our economy will grow faster as a result of A.I., there should ultimately be new jobs available for those who lost their jobs because of A.I.

But here’s the rub. First, the job losses will likely occur before new economic growth creates new jobs. So, there could be a lag when the unemployment rate rises. Indeed, some economists predict the jobless rate could rise by several percentage points as A.I. is increasingly deployed. During this time period, more resources would be needed to help the unemployed.

Yet even when the new jobs resulting from a larger economy are here, the jobs will likely require different skills than the skills the A.I. created jobless currently have. As a result, North Carolina will need a massive retraining effort, likely directed at individuals who are much older than typical college students. Think

of 500,000 individuals suddenly requiring new work skills. How will they be accommodated? Where and how will they learn? What will be the roles of public colleges and universities and private companies in meeting the educational need?

My conclusion is that A.I. is already here, and it will soon be everywhere. For the most part, I think A.I. will have positive impacts on our living, on our

productivity, and even on job creation over time. The challenge is the transition from our pre-A.I. life to our life with A.I. During this transition, there could be significant job losses, the need for support of the jobless, and the task of retraining the jobless for new jobs. If we develop plans for these challenges now, maybe A.I. will ultimately be celebrated, just like my grandmother celebrated electricity. But, you decide.

By CORTNEY HOLSHOUSER, NCAA Executive Secretary

N.C. Angus Juniors Excel at NJAS

The National Junior Angus Show (NJAS) is a unique experience for junior Angus members from across the country. A time to exhibit their cattle, compete in contests, and work as a team to learn valuable life skills. The 2024 National Junior Angus Show was held June 29July 6 in Madison, Wis., and the N.C. Junior Angus members who made the trip represented us well. Maddie Grace and E.B. Carpenter, Ellie Shuping, Emma and Hannah Vanhoy, and Mary and Ava Wood participated in the week long event.

Angus exhibitors from across the country led 963 entries at the 2024 NJAS. Lydell and Holly Gamble Meier of

Clinton, Tenn., judged the owned heifers; Tim Fitzgerald of Sullivan, Ind., judged the bred & owned heifers, cow/calf pairs, and bulls; Brian Fitzgerald of Kansas City, Mo., assisted with the bred-and-owned heifers; Chris Effling of Highmore, S.D., judged the steers; and Alan Miller of Gridley, Ill., judged the phenotype and genotype females and bulls.

There were many highlights of the week for team North Carolina. One of the most memorable was Mary Wood being named chairman of the National Junior Angus Association Board of Directors. Mary will lead over 4,000 Junior Angus members from around the country in the

McMahan Farm & Hancock Angus

coming year.

An ambitious group of young cattlemen and women from across the U.S. were awarded scholarships from the Angus Foundation. To be awarded one of these scholarships is a true accomplishment. Since 1998, the Angus Foundation has awarded more than $4.9 million in undergraduate and graduate scholarships to Angus youth. Mary Wood received a $2,000 general scholarship.

Ava Wood received the DeEtta Wood Memorial $1,500 Scholarship in memory of DeEtta Wood. DeEtta (Jones) Wood served as president of the N.C. Angus Auxiliary and advisor of the N.C. Junior Angus Association. At the Wood family’s 2015 annual production sale, an Angus heifer was sold, raising more than $20,000 towards starting the

DeEtta Wood Memorial Scholarship and Achievement/Leadership Awards Endowment Fund. A scholarship is given to an undergraduate student in her honor each year. Priority is given to students from North Carolina, as it was DeEtta’s passion to see Angus juniors from North Carolina succeed on the national level.

One of the most prestigious showmanship competitions in the country is the National Junior Angus Showmanship Contest. A once in a lifetime chance to represent your state, it is a competition years in the making for juniors. This year, Mary Wood represented North Carolina in the contest and placed in the Top 15.

NORTHCAROLINAANGUSASSOCIATION

Mary Wood received an Angus Foundation Scholarship.

Mary Wood placed in the Top 15 of the National Showmanship Contest.

N.C. Junior Angus members during opening ceremonies.

Ava Wood received the DeEtta Wood Memorial Scholarship.

Junior Angus breeders translated their knowledge in the barn to the plate during the 2024 All American Certified Angus Beef Cook Off. The competition has a four decade history at the NJAS and is an event favorite. The cook off, put on by the American Angus Auxiliary, encourages young beef enthusiasts to learn more about the end product they are producing for consumers.

North Carolina juniors won second place in the senior roast division with their “Instant Pot Chuck Roast.” E.B. Carpenter, Maddie Grace Carpenter, Hannah Vanhoy, Emma Vanhoy, Ellie Shuping, and Ava Wood were part of the award winning team.

Ava Wood, E.B. Carpenter, and Maddie Grace Carpenter found success in the PGS (Phenotype and Genotype) Show. Ava won her class, E.B. placed second in his, and Maddie Grace placed third in hers. Other activities the North Carolina juniors participated in included the judging contest, extemporaneous speaking contest, and the tailgate/family night.

Maddie Grace Carpenter represented North Carolina at the Angus Royalty Breakfast as the N.C. Angus Princess.

Ava Wood and Hannah Vanhoy represented North Carolina as voting delegates at the National Junior Angus

Association Annual Meeting.

One of the most rewarding presentations at the NJAS is the Gold Award, presented to National Junior Angus Association members in their last year of eligibility. It is a culmination of years of cattle competitions, contests, and leadership experiences. It is a perfect end to a junior Angus career. Mary Wood received her Gold Award this year.

There is no doubt that the future of the Angus breed in North Carolina is in good hands with hard working and dedicated youth representing us.

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

Richard D. Kirkman, DVM Siler City 919-742-5500 • rdkirkman@spectrum.net

BACK CREEK

Joe & Robin Hampton Mt. Ulla 704-880-2488 (Joe); 704-880-3572 (Robin) robinbackcreek@att.net

Facebook: Back Creek Angus

BILTMORE ESTATE

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

CARSON FAMILY FARM, LLC

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

CHAPMAN CATTLE COMPANY

Bryant Chapman Taylorsville 828-514-0526 https://.m.facebook.com/chapmancattleco

FOUR S FARMS

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

GENTRY HOMEPLACE ANGUS

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

GRAGG FARMS

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

H&H FARMS

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

HI-LO FARMS, LLC

William “Monty” & Kate Reichert Fuquay-Varina 919-717-1903

HILL ANGUS FARM

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

JACK KNOB FARMS

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

JENKINS ANGUS FARM

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

KNOLL CREST FARM

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

LANE ANGUS

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

N.C. State University - E. Carroll Joyner Beef Unit Matt Morrison - Manager Raleigh 716-720-0227 • mdmorri8@ncsu.edu

PANTHER CREEK FARMS

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

S&J Farms

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

SMITH CREEK ANGUS FARM

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

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

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

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

WINDY HILL FARMS, LLC

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

WINSLOW GENETICS

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

WOOD ANGUS FARM, LLC

Russell Wood Willow Spring 919-275-4397 • rwood4400@gmail.com www.woodangus.com

The Angus Cook Off team.

Mary Wood received her NJAA Gold Award.

Maddie Grace Carpenter at the Royalty Reception as the N.C. Angus Princess.

Certified Angus Beef news

Raised with Respect Cattle Care Campaign Continues into Second Year. Certified Angus Beef and Sysco note first year successes, further initiative supporting the beef community. Increasing consumer confidence in how beef is raised may seem like a tall task, but due to ranchers investing time in Beef Quality Assurance (BQA) training, progress is being made one certification at a time. Raised with Respect, a campaign launched in 2023 by Sysco and Certified Angus Beef (CAB), uses BQA as the conduit to talk about cattle care efforts with chefs and consumers purchasing beef.

“We set out to support the work being done by farmers and ranchers to care for their cattle and raise high quality beef,” says Joe Don Eilers, vice president of merchandising – center of plate proteins at Sysco, the global leader in foodservice distribution. “We’re excited about the

impact this campaign has had on the beef community and extending it into another year.”

The campaign and partnership between Sysco and CAB originated to support producers, equipping them with continuing education to stay current on best management practices and helping to increase consumer confidence in beef production. During the first year, they worked collaboratively in key cattle production states to host a series of dynamic educational opportunities for thousands of cattlemen and women. Each of the ten workshops were customized and coordinated with state entities who also had a vested interest in BQA and cattle care initiatives.

Through the in-person events and promotion of an online education and training opportunity, more than 1,500 ranchers earned their BQA certification in

BALANCED EFFICIENT GENETICS

VANDEMARK ANGUS

BULL SALE

Balancer Bulls

the first year of the Raised with Respect campaign.

• 2-year-olds

- Forage developed - pasture hard and ready

• Crossbreeding at its best

- Leading Simmental and Gelbvieh lines crossed with OCC Ohlde Angus

• Are powerful with predictable performance for both growth and calving ease sire groups

• Are moderate-framed, thick, deep bodied, and functional

• Will balance the economics of growth, carcass quality, and efficient production

• Are attractive, structurally correct, have gentle dispositions, and will produce super replacement females

Cattle Care Initiatives Roll into Year Two - Building on the first year of success, another year of BQA promotions and trainings aim to reach new audiences and encourage live or online certification. Recognizing the importance of the next generation for sustainability of the beef industry, Raised with Respect campaign plans include increased focus on providing education for young farmers and ranchers. Additionally, the campaign will provide a feedyard centric BQA training with simultaneous Spanish interpretation.

To kick off the second year, CAB and Sysco hosted a BQA training at the 2024 National Junior Angus Show, where more than 160 Angus youth and adults from 20 states participated. Throughout the next year, Sysco and CAB will host three additional trainings that will coincide with CAB’s Feeding Quality Forum, Angus Convention, and a final signature event in 2025.

BQA, a nationally recognized education and certification program, encompasses the best practices for cattle care, including animal handling, nutrition, and responsible use of antibiotics.

According to research from NCBA (on behalf of the Beef Checkoff), 70 percent of consumers agreed that BQA certification increased their confidence in knowing the beef they eat is safe, and 67 percent agreed that it increased their confidence that cattle are humanely raised. Prior to learning about the program, 44 percent of consumers had positive perceptions about cattle production, and that increased to 70 percent after learning about the BQA program.

Cattle producers and feedyard employees interested in completing BQA training but not able to attend an in-

person event are encouraged to complete the free course online. More information about Raised with Respect™, including details of BQA events and a direct link to online BQA education and training, can be found at www.cabcattle.com/ RaisedWithRespect

More than a Meat Scientist. Glen Dolezal’s efforts to improve meat science applications earn 2024 Industry Achievement Award. On the surface, he’s a meat scientist. Others know him as a meats judging coach. Some call him “the father of instrument grading.” To those who’ve worked most closely with him, Dr. Glen Dolezal is much more. The hard nosed, fierce competitor and brilliant researcher with a knack for explaining science in layman’s terms is a trusted counselor and prankster.

He deflects credit to others while letting his own success speak for itself. And it has. With notable contributions to academia and trade, Dolezal left his mark on the meat science world – its people, the science, and implications for all sectors of the beef industry. He was presented the 2024 Certified Angus Beef Industry Achievement Award at Feeding Quality Forum.

Stepping Stones - Born into a family with its own packing plant in Hallettsville, Tex., Glen Dolezal was brought up in the trade. That gave him a personal familiarity with protein processing, the kill floor as an early memory.

One stepping stone in a lifelong path. His family’s farm, ranch, and packing interests helped open doors to educational opportunities. In high school FFA, Dolezal judged everything from dairy

Continued on page 35

Certified Angus Beef News

cattle to poultry, livestock, and meat.

But it was the latter that really captured his imagination.

Dolezal looked to Texas A&M University for collegiate judging.

Dean of Agriculture, Dr. Richard Potts, advised Dolezal to match his judging interest with an education in science – and to work with legendary meat scientist Gary Smith. Another stepping stone.

Dolezal began undergraduate studies while on the meats team under coach Daryl Tatum, who would go on to an iconic career in the field. Following meats, Dolezal joined the livestock judging team, then graduated and asked, “What’s next?”

Still at A&M, he worked with Smith and department head Zerle Leon Carpenter on a master’s degree while coaching the meats team.

On the academic path, he continued to Colorado State University to work with past judging coach Tatum and begin work on a doctorate. Not long into that program, Oklahoma State University (OSU) called in need of a faculty member to teach meat science and coach the judging team. An agreement was forged, and after completing his doctorate, Dolezal was Stillwater bound.

That was the stepping stone to a 16 year career there.

Doc - Dolezal considers the boxed beef calculator his chief accomplishment at OSU. From cutting tests on a great many cuts with known percent yield and yield grade, his team back calculated a price. The result? A calculated carcass value different than values seen in the cash market or any other form of trade.

At Cargill Meat Solutions, Dolezal’s team still relies on the formula daily, proving the enduring value of that research and the scientist’s foresight in creating a much needed tool.

Outside of packing, Dolezal collaborated with Nebraska Angus rancher Bill Rishel on additional realworld use for the boxed beef calculator.

The rancher wanted to evaluate his own sire evaluation program, but he needed Dolezal’s help. Using Rishel’s progeny information that included carcass merit, Dolezal ran ribeye area, yield grade, back fat thickness, marbling, and quality through the boxed beef calculator. The results were favorable, pointing to sires with the potential to sire calves that would yield more dollars in a value based marketing system.

The scientist has certainly earned his stripes in the beef community, especially

its ranchers. With the drive to study what matters on the ranch— and the skillset to explain results, Dolezal became a fixture at producer events. Often speaking on trends and current research, he keeps putting those educator skills to good use.

And though he’s years past his actual professor days, colleagues still call him “Doc.”

Quality on Top - Quality has always been at the top of Dolezal’s career interests. Research on tenderness and palatability led to a “snip and shock” process to improve the eating experience. As a result, Cargill became the first major processor to earn USDA tenderness certification on the heels of its groundbreaking offer of “guaranteed tender” beef for retailers. Cargill launched brands with Kroger and Harris Teeter in 2002, followed by a guaranteed and certified tender program with 13 divisions at Safeway.

Alongside Cargill, Dolezal patented new processes and worked with USDA to change quality grades, upgrading a high quality “hard bone” carcass to the greater value it deserved.

“Glen Dolezal is an icon in the industry,” Rishel says. “And one of the main reasons is that Glen is always about proving something to be really valuable,” not just for packers but as a meat scientist to all.

In the late 1980s to early ‘90s, Dolezal pioneered instrument grading at OSU, testing it in labs and figuring out how to make it work at line speeds. Once at Cargill, he pressed for instrument grading because of variation in calls between graders. He led Cargill’s move as one of the first companies to make the switch.

“I think it’s created better brands, a more consistent product within those brands, and I think Doc’s done an excellent job of pushing the industry to move toward these cameras,” says Bill Thoni, beef industry consultant and Cargill’s former vice president of cattle procurement.

Camera grading has become an industry standard, he adds, largely thanks to Dolezal’s foresight and efforts to create a more consistent system.

It doesn’t stop there. Dolezal leads as a voice for animal welfare and sustainability, advocating for Beef Quality Assurance and BQA Transportation. It all ladders up to quality beef production.

“We’re more focused on carcass quality than ever before, and it’s a good thing,” Dolezal says.

According to Brad Morgan, vice

president of research and development at iQ Foods, quality means something a bit different to Dolezal. Morgan nods to weight and efficiency as anyone in packing would but says Dolezal expects more. It’s not just pounds, but “quality pounds.”

“He wants something that, from a carcass weight standpoint, can be merchandised at retail or food service,” Morgan says.

That’s his leadership style: setting the example, doing more than just punching the clock, ultimately influencing change.

Legacy Forward - Dolezal’s professional pedigree shows he’s been surrounded by industry greats, stepping stones laid by family, teachers, coaches, advisors, and colleagues.

It’s come full circle.

“Doc” places a lot of weight on developing the next generation of meat scientists, drawing passion from what’s mattered to him. His pride is in those he’s mentored, educated, or coached. Seeing their successes, jumpstarted by an extracurricular like competitive judging,

is a bright spot in Dolezal’s own long list.

The positive difference in students’ lives is part of Dolezal’s legacy, alongside his own lasting contributions to meat science, packing, and the greater beef industry.

“You contributed, and you contributed in multiple ways,” he says. “It could be human resources; it doesn’t have to be science. It’s just to make a difference in someone’s life.”

Legacy doesn’t live in any award. It lives where you make a lasting difference.

Who is Certified Angus Beef? At Certified Angus Beef, we know people want to put great meals on the table. Our employees work across the beef supply chain to ensure chefs and home cooks find and prepare the best Angus beef. Led by our culinary, beef, and marketing experts, our team provides consultation, marketing materials, training, market insights, and tools that help businesses like grocery stores and restaurants thrive. Our team is also dedicated to sharing the story of family farmers and ranchers who supply the brand.

ANGUS NEWS

New Teat and Udder research EPDs and report released by the American Angus Association and Angus Genetics Inc. New research EPDs add to the selection tools available to Angus producers prioritizing. The American Angus Association and Angus Genetics Inc. (AGI) released two new research expected progeny differences (rEPDs) on August 22. The rEPDs characterize teat size and udder suspension traits and are based on phenotypic data collected by Association members, pedigrees, and genotypes in a single step genetic evaluation model.

Good udder structure plays an important role in beef production. It contributes to calf survival, calf growth, and cow longevity. Teat size (TEAT) and udder suspension (UDDR) rEPDs expand the suite of selection tools available to Angus breeders to improve maternal function and the productivity of their herds.

“We know these are two traits of interest to the membership and are excited to be releasing the research EPDs after a multi-year research project that would not be possible without member data,” said Esther Tarpoff, director of performance programs for the Association. “Members have quickly embraced collecting these phenotypes, as evidenced by the number of records for each trait used to build the research EPDs.”

More than 148,000 phenotypic records for each trait were collected from 87,000 cows to contribute to the dataset for the rEPDs, with more to be added each calving season. The records are collected by members within 24 hours of a calving event. Females are given an individual score for both teat size and udder suspension using scales from 1-9. Detailed scoring guides can be found on www.angus.org

“Over the past several years, we have been focused on validating the Angus breed’s impact as the matriarch of the U.S. beef industry, as it has been historically known,” said Kelli RetallickRiley, president of AGI. “From an AGI perspective, it means objectively characterizing maternal traits of economic importance, so the users of Angus genetics have the selection tools needed to make genetic change.”

Submitted scores range from 1-9,

representing the entire scoring scale. Analysis of the nearly 300,000 records showed overall good udder structure among reported Angus cows. The average score was 6.6 for both traits, indicating intermediate to small teats and intermediate to tight udders. Additional results of the TEAT and UDDR research are available on angus.org in the full report.

“We know the pace of genetic change is moving faster than ever with the frequent changeover of sires in many seedstock operations,” RetallickRiley said. “In some cases, young bulls are being replaced before most of their daughters are in their second year of production. Because of that, maternal traits like udder conformation become even more important to ensure we are promoting sound breeding decisions.”

The release of TEAT and UDDR follows that of the Functional Longevity (FL) rEPD, which measures the ability of a cow to produce a calf year after year. The three rEPDs are currently available to members who have been a part of early phenotypic data collection for the respective traits, allowing rEPDs to come to fruition. A list of A.I. sires for each of the rEPDs is available to members on the corresponding research pages on www. angus.org.

The three rEPDS are anticipated to be released as weekly production EPDs during the annual evaluation updates in late spring of 2025. Research on how these three new traits should be incorporated into the Maternal Weaned Calf Value Index ($M) is currently ongoing, with potential updates to the index likely to be made during the spring update.

New education platform launches for Angus juniors. BEEF Academy, a new online learning platform hosted by Angus University, teaches juniors about the beef industry through interactive, ten minute modules. A new online learning platform, BEEF Academy, was launched in July for members of the National Junior Angus Association (NJAA). In the future, the platform will be available to other young people interested in learning more about the beef industry.

“I hope to see this program thrive within the ag industry,” said NJAA member Lyle Perrier of Eureka, Kansas. “I think this program can do a

phenomenal job of giving people a good overview of the beef industry. It shows the information in a way that makes sense.”

BEEF Academy was created with support from the Angus Foundation, Ingram Angus, and the American Angus Association.

“The academy blends these organizations’ missions into an online learning experience built especially for young people interested in our industry,” said Jaclyn Boester, executive director of the Angus Foundation.

The launch was celebrated all week long at the National Junior Angus Show (NJAS) on July 1-6 in Madison, Wisconsin. Exhibitors were encouraged to “Take the Pledge” and commit to taking advantage of BEEF Academy’s online learning modules. There was also a fun display in the trade show area that attendees of NJAS used for a selfie backdrop and for a chance to win prizes. Then, a ceremonial ribbon cutting was held on July 6 with representatives from supporting organizations.

“It was a really rewarding experience growing up in the junior Angus association,” said Jason Upchurch, a managing partner at Ingram Angus who took part in the ribbon cutting. “It was just an honor to be able to stand there and give back to the program that built the Angus relationships I have today.”

Upchurch said their decision to support the project was truly a team effort.

“Orrin [Ingram], David [Cagle] and I all work as a team at everything we do,” he said. “Orrin is very giving person, who loves youth and loves hardworking kids that put forth effort to make something out of themselves. With that combination along with Dave and I’s background, being part of the Angus juniors as we grew up, we felt like it was important to combine forces. We put our minds and resources together to have the ability to do something like this that gives junior members another tool to be able to gain knowledge about our industry.”

In the first set of modules, junior members learn about the five beef industry segments and how they both compete and work together as part of our dynamic beef industry. Later this year, new topics will be added, including beef breeds and genetics and beef science.

Perrier, who helped pilot the program in the spring of 2024, said the content easily builds connections with learners.

lecturing. It’s actually graphic models, facts and stuff that shows regions it affects, which I think even amplifies the ties it builds with the people using it.”

Beef industry professionals help ensure the platform’s information is relevant and uniquely tailored to be a go-to resource. Experts, including meat scientists, geneticists, and animal science professors, continue to aid in the development of additional courses.

“It’s a great way to learn and do more and become more involved in the Angus breed or cattle business,” said NJAA member Cooper Murnin of Pompeys Pillar, Montana. “I enjoyed the imagery of it. It all tied in really well.”

The online learning experience caters to youth ages 8-21 and breaks content into 10-minute modules within three age categories.

Briella Humpert of Windthorst, Tex., participated in the pilot test in the youngest age category. She said she thinks it is important for her and her peers to know about the beef industry for themselves, and the interactive knowledge checks were her favorite.

“I like how you had to match what you heard,” Humpert said.

All National Junior Angus Association members can now access BEEF Academy free-of-charge using their AAA login information at www. beefacademy.com

“The BEEF Academy platform is really fulfilling a need for high quality beef industry education targeting juniors,” said Caitlyn Brandt, director of events and junior activities. “It is complimentary to the events and in-person education we offer through the National Junior Angus Association and adds value to all of our members.”

To learn more about BEEF Academy, visit qrco.de/about-beefacademy.

Nearly $16,000 raised for Angus Foundation. Annual silent auction raises funds to support Angus Foundation’s mission. Education, youth, and research — the principles of the Angus Foundation — will be furthered thanks to another successful silent auction held in conjunction with the 2024 National Junior Angus Show.

The auction raised nearly $16,000 in unrestricted funds to aid the Foundation’s mission. Funds raised will support numerous scholarships, conferences, and research projects.

“There’s a lot of visual parts within the program that do a good job of catching your eye and giving you something that sticks with you,” he said.

“It’s not just a bunch of quizzes or

“We greatly appreciate everyone’s support and dedication towards the silent auction,” said Jaclyn Boester, Angus Foundation executive director. “The great items offered this year helped the Angus Foundation have a very successful fundraiser for the Angus Fund to support

mission.”

Open from July 1-5 in person and online via the auction platform Angus Live, the auction featured 120 sale lots, ranging from gift baskets of state themed products and a vintage Angus ad and catalogs to a fire pit and corn hole set.

Angus supports Ronald McDonald House Charities of Madison. Junior Angus members and Association staff collected pop tabs, and junior board members volunteered to support families in the greater Madison, Wis., area.

National Junior Angus Association members rallied behind the mission of supporting families and took part in the 2024 Angus Impact project, where pop tabs, meals, and gift cards were donated to the Ronald McDonald House Charities of Madison, Wisconsin. Eighteen states collected 652 pounds of pop tabs, totaling $326, the single largest donation to ever be made by one organization at the Madison Ronald McDonald House.

National Junior Angus Board (NJAB) vice chairman Lauren Gilbert led the Angus Impact project this year and said she was in awe of the amount of pop tabs collected by the NJAA.

“It was incredible to see how many people had turned up with so many pop tabs,” Gilbert said.

Prior to the start of the 2024 National Junior Angus Show, NJAB members served 35 meals donated by Certified Angus Beef to residents on June 28.

“Food brings people together and that’s huge, especially during times of need,” Gilbert said. “It was really awesome to be able to help prepare and serve a nice, healthy, nutritious and tasteful meal during a time that they really need it.”

On July 2, during the NJAS, the Illinois Angus Auxiliary coordinated a 5K “Glow Run,” raising another $500 for the Ronald McDonald House. Additionally, 35 $10 Subway gift cards were donated.

“We really can’t keep our house doors open without people doing generous acts like the NJAA did,” said Sophia Melgar, volunteer and operations manager at Ronald McDonald House Charities of Madison. “Really, we can’t say thank you enough.”

The goal of the Angus Impact project is to help better the lives of others through acts of kindness to families staying at the Ronald McDonald House.

Melgar said that within her time as a staff member at the House, she could not think of another organization that has gone above and beyond quite like the NJAA did.

Pollard Farms to donate 2025 Heifer Package. The sale of Pollard Rita 4012 will support Angus Foundation’s

mission of education, youth, and research. Pollard Farms of Waukomis, Okla., will donate the 2025 Angus Foundation Heifer Package in support of furthering education, youth, and research. The heifer, Pollard Rita 4012 (AAA* 20875621), is a daughter of EXAR Cover the Bases 0819B and out of a productive, young two-year-old that is on her way to the donor pen; she stems from the PF W34 Rita 4139, a long time donor in the Pollard program.

The heifer will sell at the National Angus Bull Sale on January 10 at the 2025 Cattlemen’s Congress in Oklahoma City. “I am honored to donate the Angus Foundation Heifer Package this year,” said Dr. Barry Pollard of Pollard Farms. “I think it is an excellent opportunity for me to offer a fine animal for sale to help raise money for the Angus Foundation and the junior program.”

He continued, “The Angus Foundation plays an important role in our industry as it is our gateway to the youth. The Foundation is the vehicle to better themselves, grow, and excel in our world. That is what it is all about, so I am happy to support it.”

Pollard Farms is owned by Pollard and his wife, Roxanne. Together, they have five children and ten grandchildren.

“It is a huge honor to have Pollard Farms as donors of the 2025 Heifer Package,” said Jaclyn Boester, Angus Foundation executive director. “Dr. Pollard and Roxanne have been huge supporters of the Angus Foundation and advancing its mission.”

Pollard says his passion for agriculture began in Hennessey, Oklahoma, where he was raised and where he worked alongside his father and family.

“Growing up, I always envisioned spending more time in agriculture,” he said. “All of my family are farmers and ranchers. I grew up showing animals and in agriculture. My upbringing was an important part of my life, and I loved that part of my life.”

Pollard always desired to return to agriculture, but first, he pursued a career outside of the industry. He attended Oklahoma State University and Oklahoma University to become a boardcertified neurosurgeon. In 1982, Pollard moved to Enid, Oklahoma, where he opened a medical practice.

“Moving to Enid for my practice allowed me to get back to an agriculture community and allowed me to raise my children in rural America,” Pollard said. “It was important to me as we started to think about raising a family that we raised them in agriculture.”

In 1992, the Pollards started building

their Angus herd by purchasing several bred heifers and yearling females. Today, Pollard Farms has an extensive donor battery consisting of 30 elite donor cows and 400 performance females and calves out 400-500 spring and fall calves yearly. Pollard says their goal is to produce quality cattle that are complete both phenotypically and genotypically. They strive to produce bulls and females that will be profitable to purebred and commercial cattlemen by emphasizing marbling and $Values indexes. They also focus on maintaining a strong maternal base and a great phenotypic look across their progeny.

“When Dr. Pollard mentioned he would be interested in donating the heifer package, it was a true testament of his unwavering commitment to the Angus breed and sustaining its future legacy,” Boester said. “Whether they are watching their grandchildren show cattle through youth involvement or helping advance the Angus breed through research projects, they are always willing to support in any way they can.”

The heifer package sale benefits the Angus Fund, which provides unrestricted funding for a variety of programs supported by the Angus Foundation, including Beef Leaders Institute, the Leaders Engaged in Angus Development (LEAD) conference, and Angus University. Again, the Angus Foundation Heifer Package will be sold on January 10, 2025, at the 86th National Angus Bull

Sale during the Cattlemen’s Congress. The sale will start at 2:00 p.m. at the Oklahoma State Fairgrounds in Oklahoma City.

For more information about the package, contact Boester at JBoester@ Angus.org or visit www.angus.org/ foundation

About the NJAA. The NJAA promotes the involvement of young people in raising Angus cattle while also providing leadership and self development opportunities for more than 4,500 active members nationwide.

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 $4.2 million in youth scholarships since 1998 and has also invested more than $1.3 million in beef cattle research in the past decade.

Angus Means Business. The American Angus Association® is the nation’s largest beef breed organization, serving nearly 22,000 members across the United States, Canada, and several other countries. It’s home to an extensive breed registry that grows by more than 300,000 animals each year. The Association also provides programs and services to farmers, ranchers, and others who rely on Angus to produce quality genetics for the beef industry and quality beef for consumers.

“DESIGNED FOR CATTLEMEN BY CATTLEMEN”

50th N.C. Simmental Celebration. September 6-7 marks the 50 th N.C. Simmental Association consignment sale. It began back in 1974 in November at the State Fairgrounds in Raleigh. It has been held in the spring and in the fall and has been called many different names, but the Fall Harvest Sale has definitely been in place as long as I have been employed by the association, which is 31 years! Since this is the BIG 50th event, we are holding a field day beginning on September 6 at 12:00 noon. We have many great speakers and vendors for a great educational and fun event.

One of our speakers is Dr. Ruffin Hutchison, who will be explaining the benefits of breeding soundness exams for both bulls and heifers. Marcus and Brooke

By JENNIE RUCKER Executive Secretary N.C. Simmental Association

Harward, from Mid-Atlantic Cattle Sales, will be talking about the advantages of Simmental Influenced Cattle in the Commercial Industry. Sydney Tuckwiller from Neogen Corporation will be talking about Genomic Testing and answering any questions you may have about genomics. Fred Smith of Fred Smith Company Ranch and Jonathan Massey of SimAngus Solution Sale will be talking about Bull Development and Marketing. Dr. Rodringo Marques from Virginia Tech will be discussing a new product, FerAppease, and the benefits of using it on beef cattle. There will also be a chance to view the excellent offering of sale cattle led by our sale manager, Doug Parke, from Paris, Kentucky. This event is totally free and paid

for by our many sponsors. There will be many agricultural vendors on site to help you with any needs you may have, such as livestock handling equipment, tractors, or vaccines. Then, a delicious beef dinner with beef provided by Fred Smith Company Ranch and sides provided by Bear Creek Beef. The meal is catered by Sherry Duncan of Cowboy Café fame. (That should bring in people just for her food!)

Our guest speaker for the meal is Dr. Wade Shafer from the American Simmental Association and Lane Geiss, also from the ASA. Following the meal, we will have a round table discussion with all prominent speakers, including Gordon Hodges, the current Vice President of the Beef Improvement Federation. If you are interested in the cattle industry at all, this is the place to be! So many powerful speakers at one event at no cost to everyone attending!

Saturday will be this historic 50 th consignment Simmental Sale. I believe that North Carolina is the only state that has held such a long running sale. The

cattle offered this year are some of the absolute best in the southeast! We have both reds and blacks, open and bred heifers, and cow/calf pairs, along with heavy bred cows. We have a few lots of commercial Simmental influenced cattle. For a sale catalog, visit www. ncsimmental.com or call 336-468-1679 or ncsa@yadtel.net

National AJSA Classic. Shelby Candler of Weaverville, N.C., represented North Carolina very well at the National Classic held in Tulsa, Oklahoma. She ended up placing as the 8th overall senior with her points gained from all the contests. Her heifers placed very well. JSF3 Gossip Girl 322L ended up being the 9th overall bred & owned purebred Simmental and was a class winner and 4th of the Division IV Owned Show. GHC Royal Blackbird 32L3 was a class winner and was 3rd of the Division III Owned Show.

Shelby was also the high individual in the senior sales talk, which is a great accomplishment! She placed 10th in senior livestock judging and was 15 th in the cattlemen’s quiz. Congratulations Shelby!

Shelby Candler with her game face on.

JSF3 Gossip Girl 322L

Simmental News

American Simmental Association Invites Applications for Executive Vice President. The American Simmental Association (ASA) is currently accepting applications for the Executive Vice President position. Dr. Wade Shafer, current Executive Vice President, recently announced his retirement, effective July 1, 2025.

The Executive Committee of the American Simmental Association is the hiring committee for the Executive Vice President position and will meet during the August ASA Board meeting to review all applications received to date.

The committee intends to move forward with selected applicants’ initial interviews soon after their meeting in August. Letters of inquiry and resumes will continue to be accepted until the next Executive Vice President is hired.

The detailed position description,

which provides comprehensive information about the role’s responsibilities and qualifications, can be found at www.simmental.org Letters of inquiry and resumes should be sent to the ASA Board of Trustees Executive Committee and ASA’s legal counsel. Contact information and further instructions for applying are included in the detailed position description.

About the American Simmental Association. Founded in 1968, the American Simmental Association is headquartered in Bozeman, Montana. ASA is committed to leveraging technology, education, and collaboration to accelerate genetic profitability for the beef industry. In keeping with its commitment, ASA, along with its partners, formed International Genetic Solutions — the world’s largest genetic evaluation of beef cattle. Learn more at www.simmental.org

Even Leadership is Bigger in Texas for Hereford Juniors. “Don’t let the speed bumps become stop signs,” is how Matt Rush, Levelland, Tex., set the tone for National Junior Hereford Association (NJHA) members attending the 2024 Faces of Leadership conference in Fort Worth, Tex., on July 28-31. Rush, a professional motivational speaker and artist, comes from a Hereford ranching background in New Mexico and has a passion for bringing the next generation of leaders to the forefront.

The Faces of Leadership conference is designed to help NJHA members hone communications, team building, and other skills essential to becoming effective leaders. This year, 115 members from 25 states attended.

“Good leaders know how to lead themselves first. Don’t let that perfect hat cloud your vision of being where you are,” explained Haley Mouser, NJHA vice chairman, in her keynote presentation. “The hat that you should never take off, in all of life, is living every day with a purpose.”

Conference participants enjoyed several unique learning opportunities during the event, including:

• An up close look into Allflex USA Inc. and how their technology and data driven solutions are shaping the industry.

• Livestock handling and processing presented by the Texas Christian University (TCU) Ranch Management program.

• Beef Quality Assurance and vaccination protocols presented by Merck Animal Health USA.

For the first time, the conference included Bridging the Gap, a unique career learning and networking event that takes place during the annual Junior National Hereford Expo. It included representatives from 14 agricultural companies and universities.

“Faces of Leadership is a tool to not

News

only build leaders but to get these young people started on a successful career path. We hope they stay in agriculture, but whatever industry they land in after college, we want them to be armed with the knowledge and the skill sets to be successful,” says Amy Cowan, American Hereford Association Director of Youth Activities and Foundation.

Participants also had ample opportunity for fun, including time in the historic Fort Worth Stockyards, a visit to the Cowboy Channel studio, and a customized tour of Globe Life Field, where the Texas Rangers play.

“It was easy to see the excitement in each participant,” says Salem Sifford, NJHA communications chair. “We had several new attendees, and they felt welcomed and included in every event. It was awesome to see all the new friendships formed and to watch as kids come out of their shells throughout the event.”

The annual Faces of Leadership conference — for NJHA members 1421 years old — is made possible by the Coley-Malir Leadership Endowment and the Hereford Youth Foundation of America. The 2025 conference will be hosted at the innovative Purina Research Facility near St. Louis, Missouri. Watch for more information at Hereford.org/ youth/njha/faces-of-leadership

About the National Junior Hereford Association. The NJHA is one of the largest, strongest, and most active junior cattle programs in the country. Over the years, members of this association have gone on to earn international and domestic respect as models for youth organizational success. The NJHA, through its extensive educational programs, continues to lay the foundation for the beef industry’s future leaders. The traditions of the past, coupled with the energy of today’s board of directors, have created a progressive approach to further develop a meaningful and educational association focus.

About the American Hereford Association. AHA, with headquarters in Kansas City, Mo., is one of the largest U.S. beef breed associations. The notfor-profit organization, along with its subsidiaries — Certified Hereford Beef (CHB) LLC, Hereford Publications

Inc. (HPI), and American Beef Records Association (ABRA) — provides programs and services for its members and their customers while promoting the Hereford breed and supporting education, youth, and research. For more information, visit www.hereford.org

CERTIFIED HEREFORD BEEF NEWS

Davis Named Certified Hereford Beef CEO. Ernie Davis Jr. was recently named Certified Hereford Beef (CHB) president and CEO. He brings three decades of merchandising experience to his new role across all animal proteins. Much of his experience revolves around developing premium branded opportunities to help producers add value to production and retrieve added value for their efforts.

“I view Certified Hereford Beef as the best kept secret in the marketplace,” Davis says. “It is a great eating experience with great marbling and a great story behind it. I like selling a premium product with a producer based story that resonates with consumers.”

“We’re excited to welcome Ernie and his many years of value added experience to the Hereford team,” says Jack Ward, executive vice president of the American Hereford Association (AHA). “We look forward to seeing his efforts help elevate CHB demand.”

Certified Hereford Beef was established in 1995 and is owned by the ranching and farming members who comprise the AHA. Cattle qualifying for CHB must grade USDA Choice and higher. Cattle qualifying for Premium CHB must grade in the upper ⅔ of Choice and Prime.

“My experience has been that consumers of premium products will sacrifice in other areas of spending to remain in the premium category because it is important to them,” Davis says. “You see that demonstrated by long time Certified Hereford Beef customers and the growing interest of consumers who

have yet to enjoy the unique premium experience the brand offers.”

Davis was most recently president and CEO of Capra Foods.

“We are extremely excited about Ernie Davis joining the AHA team,” says Wyatt Agar, AHA president. “His relationships and experience within the industry will greatly aid the growth of CHB. His vision for the program and plan of execution will bring a breath of fresh air to the program.”

Learn more about CHB at www.

certifiedherefordbeef.com.

Who is Certified Hereford Beef?

Certified Hereford Beef is a premium branded beef program built on the tradition of family farmers and ranchers across the United States. Established in 1995 by a group of Hereford producers, the Certified Hereford Beef brand is the only Hereford beef brand in the industry owned by an alliance of local Hereford farmers and ranchers. Their dedication to raising high quality Hereford cattle results in a superior beef product for an unforgettable dining experience.

Yearling Bulls Available Private Treaty

Farm Location - 2296 N. Lomax Road • Traphill, NC

Home - 775 Clacton Circle • Earlysville, VA

4B FARMS, LLC

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Bryson Westbrook Ed Soto (Manager) 980-230-4868 - Bryson 704-974-1407 - Ed brysonw@thewestbrookco.com

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Keith & Peggy Blinson - 828-310-4526

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DOUBLE J FARM

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

E. CARROLL JOYNER

BEEF UNIT

Raleigh, NC

Matt Morrison 716-720-0227

FIVE J’S

BEEF & CATTLE COMPANY

Clayton, NC

Jody & Angela Standley

828-320-7317 - Kim jodystandley@gmail.com

HEREFORD HILLS

Greensboro, NC

Bill Kirkman III 336-382-9635 ST Genetics Representative

McCOY CATTLE FARM

Cove City, NC

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

MITCHEM’S FARM 3C

Vale, NC

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

NORTH PINO

LAND & CATTLE COMPANY Mocksville, NC Kevin Robinson 336-399-9884 kevrob1@aol.com

LOVE FARMS

Blowing Rock, NC Jim Love 828-266-1458 cell • 828-295-4236

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

PRESTWOOD BEEF CATTLE

Lenoir, NC

Kim & Lori Prestwood 828-320-7317 - Kim 828-432-7434 - Lori brownloriclyde@yahoo

QUAIL RIDGE FARM

Rutherfordton, NC

Mark Brewer 828-329-2074 markbrewer65@gmail.com

TAYLOR’S MILL FARM

Zebulon, NC

J. Brent Creech 919-801-7561 tmfherefords@icloud.com

TERRACE FARM

Lexington, NC

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

TRIPLETT POLLED HEREFORDS

Statesville, NC

James Triplett 704-902-2250 triplettmarble@bellsouth.net

www.nchereford.com

W&A HEREFORD FARM

Providence, NC

George, Tammy, William, & Andy Ward 434-251-3637 gwwardjr@comcast.net

WHITEHEAD

CATTLE COMPANY

Lewiston Woodville, NC

Austin & Jodie Whitehead Austin - 252-370-5647

Jodie - 252-642-3435 austinlwhitehead@yahoo.com

WILL-VIA

POLLED HEREFORDS Mooresville NC

Lavette Teeter 704-662-5262 Check

NEWS

Let’s Get to Work. New John Deere Gator XUV 845 and Gator XUV 875 utility vehicles offer a helping hand to get jobs done faster and easier. John Deere recently announced the launch of the new gas Gator XUV 845 and diesel Gator XUV 875 utility vehicles designed to assist farmers and ranchers improve productivity by helping with a variety of jobs around the farm. The new Gator XUV 845 and Gator XUV 875 utility vehicles include a larger, more customizable cargo box and additional comfort and convenience elements – all adding a helping hand to getting jobs done around the farm.

“The Gator XUV 845 and Gator XUV 875 are built with farmers for farmers,” said Eric Halfman, John Deere’s go-to-market manager for Gator utility vehicles. “We worked with farmers across the U.S. and Canada to make this machine more versatile for all the work they do on the farm.”

Standard of Reliability - The Gator XUV 845 and Gator XUV 875 utility vehicles improve upon the reliability of previous models, which have made them essential pieces of equipment for the farm. The new models have a noticeably improved sound quality due to a new exhaust system, providing a more pleasant ride.

Other improvements on the Gator XUV 845 and Gator XUV 875 include a

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!

new location for the air intake, raising it by 12”, drawing air from the best location to protect the engine. In addition, there is a new CVT air intake and exhaust to help pull cleaner air and protect the system from debris, water, and mud.

Versatility in Overdrive - “One of the most desirable traits of a Gator is the versatility it offers all over the farm,” Halfman said. “The new Gator XUV 845 and Gator XUV 875 include a redesigned cargo box that provides 13 percent more space than our previous models, making it a class leader in cargo box volume* and allowing you to carry more in one trip.”

Additional features of the new cargo box include:

• Added width to increase capacity and reduce mud sling

• 12V SAE power port in the cargo box to easily run small tank sprayers and rear mounted spreaders

• Five divider slots on the side and three at the front of the box to hold items in place and allow for easy configuration changes

• Ability to create a second level of storage, keeping fence posts and wire easily separated

• Redesigned tailgate with a flat work surface, ruler, v-groove for cutting pipe, anti-gravity pockets, bump stops, and cup holders

• Integrated clamping points to help secure items in place

• Fold flat tie downs in the front middle and four corners of the bed

• Tie down pockets, providing a dedicated place for straps when securing loads that obstruct access to the D-rings on the inside of the box

• Four stake pockets on each side to work with stake pocket clamps to hold tools

• Mountable utility rack option

“The cargo box is designed to be the extra hand we all need when we’re out in the field or pasture, trying to get things done,” Halfman said. “Whether it is extra ways to secure a load to get it all in one trip to the job site, or the new power port to make running small tank sprayers easier, the Gator XUV 845 and Gator XUV 875 cargo box has been designed for getting work done.”

Precision Ag Ready - With the new Ga45tor XUV 845 and Gator XUV 875 utility vehicle HVAC models, each can be customized to include a factory installed

GreenStar Ready option, giving owners the ability to quickly add a StarFire receiver and universal display to the machine. All of the needed brackets and wiring to support the installation of the receiver and the display are included from the factory. The JDLink modem will also be included, enabling the Gator to be integrated into the John Deere Operations Center. Farmers will find this makes it easier to accomplish tasks around the farm, such as boundary mapping. With the JDLink modem, data is wirelessly sent to the John Deere Operations Center or to the cab of the machine.

A new bracket for the integrated technology offers more control and less effort for the operator. An added switch bank features switches for the AutoTrac resume, ISO implement connector on/ off, and display on/off. The new on/off switches provide more integrated control of implements such as sprayers and displays.

“For customers adopting autonomy of some type on their farms, including hay operations, they will need to create autonomy boundaries,” Halfman said. “Mapping these boundaries with the

integrated precision ag technology features on the Gator XUV 845 and Gator XUV 875 make either a go-to machine for farmers.”

To learn more, visit www.JohnDeere. com

*Disclaimer: Class defined as full size/ heavy duty crossover UTVs with a sub-100 inch wheelbase powered by a gas engine in the 750-900cc engine range. Comparisons made by calculating volume using published cargo box dimensions.

About Deere & Company. Deere & Company is a global leader in the delivery of agricultural, turf, construction, and forestry equipment. We help our customers push the boundaries of what’s possible in ways that are more productive and sustainable to help life leap forward. Our technology enabled products, including the John Deere Autonomous 8R Tractor, See & Spray, and E-Power Backhoe, are just some of the ways we help meet the world’s increasing need for food, shelter, and infrastructure. Deere & Company also provides financial services through John Deere Financial. For more information, visit www.JohnDeere.com

BRAHMAN NEWS

New Hire - Registrations and Transfers. Please join us in welcoming the newest member of the ABBA team, Kylie McIntosh! We are excited to have her joining us as the registration and transfers coordinator!

Kylie is originally from Boerne, Tex., and studied at Tarleton State University. She has a deep rooted passion for the beef industry. Having interned for the Brahman Foundation and served as the Membership Coordinator and B.E.E.F Liaison for the Beefmaster Breeders United, Kylie has garnered extensive experience in her field with Digital Beef and registrations and transfers. She currently resides in College Station, Tex., with her fiancé and two dogs and is happy to be a part of the Brahman breed!

From the Desk of the DNA Coordinator. As summer winds down and we close out July, we are now over halfway through Year 2 of the five year DNA plan. I encourage all of our members to keep this document on their refrigerators and save it to their favorites on their computers and phones so that they can stay informed about all things DNA.

For Year 2, it is important to remember that all 2024 born embryo transfer calves must have DNA on file before being registered. Keep this in mind and collect samples from these

calves, submitting them for testing as early as possible. The labs currently have a processing time of 4-6 weeks, so please plan accordingly and submit samples early.

Zoetis has implemented a new online management system, but ordering through Digital Beef remains the same for all of your registered animals. All Zoetis orders must go through the ABBA office, as orders now have to be created through Zoetis’s new online system. This means that the old Zoetis form for sending in samples is no longer applicable. There is a new order template that the office will use to create orders within the new system. If you have any questions, please call or email Megan Mullins at mmullins@brahman.org

DNA Products

DNA Fingerprint/DNA Profile - A compilation of 100-200 SNPs used to compare relationships between animals. For reciprocity animals, these can be collected to compare offspring to the animal. The relationship between the animal and their sire/dam will not be verified when there is only a profile.

Parent Verification - The process of verifying the relationship between the animal and their sire/dam. In order to complete this process, the animal, their sire, and their dam must all have an

Regular copy deadline is SEPTEMBER 5 for the OCTOBER issue

Spotlight material is due SEPTEMBER 1 for the OCTOBER issue

existing DNA profile. A DNA profile and parent verification are typically ordered together.

50K/100K Genotype - A compilation of 50,000 or 100,000 SNPs used to compare relationships between animals to a much deeper degree, as well as used to capture common variation within the population. This allows animals with similar genetic profiles to be compared, even if they are distantly related. The benefit of this is that EPDs are calculated with much greater accuracy.

Horn/Polled Test - A genetic test conducted to determine whether cattle carry the genes for being horned (having natural horns) or polled (naturally hornless). This test identifies the presence of specific alleles associated with the horned or polled condition, helping breeders make informed decisions about

breeding strategies and herd management.

ABBA Summer Board of Directors and Committee Meetings. The ABBA Summer Board of Directors and Committee Meetings are scheduled for September 12-13 and will take place at The Stella Hotel in Bryan, Texas. We warmly invite and encourage all members to attend these important meetings. Your participation is vital as we discuss key issues and make decisions that impact our organization.

We look forward to your valuable input and collaboration.

2024 World Brahman Congress. We are pleased to announce that the highly anticipated 2024 World Brahman Congress is set to take place at the Brazos Valley Expo Center in Bryan, Texas. Mark your calendars for an unforgettable experience from November 6-13.

Don’t miss the chance to be part of this extraordinary gathering of Brahman enthusiasts and witness the pinnacle of excellence in the Brahman breed. Visit brahman.org/shows-and-events/ world-brahman-congress/ to stay up-todate on detailed information regarding registration, accommodation, and additional activities. Get ready for an unforgettable experience at the 2024 World Brahman Congress in Bryan, Texas!

About the American Brahman Breeders Association. The American Brahman Breeders Association is the world registry for Brahman cattle, the #1 beef breed for efficiency, hybrid vigor, and environmental adaptability. ABBA provides an array of member services, educational opportunities, and a wide array of programs to assist the profitability of its members. For more information about the American Brahman breed or the many opportunities offered by the ABBA, visit www.brahman.org

S.C. CharolaiS NewS

By GEORGEANNE WEBB S.C. Charolais Association

There isn’t too much to report this month. We are all getting ready for the Southern Connection Sale on October 5 in Knoxville, Tennessee. There will be a breeding age Tank son, Jehu calves, and a Jefferson flush. I hope to see everybody there. The weather should be cooler, hopefully.

I am sitting here typing this while Debby is right outside showing out, but considering how dry it has been, I am not sad to see her here. She is unloading plenty of rain that we need.

Things have been busy here with weaning calves, and somebody dumped another dog here. Naturally, it came up my driveway, like they always do. They never go up anybody’s driveway in this area but

mine. It’s the second one this month. She is part Corgi, and I have been busy getting her acclimated to living on the farm.

I am happy to report that Knockout Butchery has broken ground on a new beef processing facility in Roebuck. Travis Howard is a great guy, and by this spring, the facility will help us all out.

The only good news I have is that Wayne Bennett had been awfully sick, but he is better now and on the mend. The sad news is that Roscoe Kyle, past president of the S.C. Cattlemen’s Association, has passed away. I always had a lot of fun talking to Roscoe. He will be greatly missed. Check on each other and help each other out. We are losing a lot of cattlemen.

Dennis Adams P.O. Box 10590 • College Station, TX 77842 979-229-4472 • outfrontcattle@gmail.com

GELBVIEH NEWS

Registration Open for 54 th Annual American Gelbvieh Association Convention. Registration is open for the 54th Annual American Gelbvieh Association (AGA) Convention to be held on December 4-6 at the Crowne Plaza Kansas City Downtown in Kansas City, Missouri.

The convention will feature annual AGA committee meetings, the Bull Pen Session, Cattlemen’s Profit Roundup educational symposium featuring industry leading speakers, industry tours, and the awards banquet honoring individuals for their outstanding contribution to the breed.

AGA members are encouraged to attend and exercise their right to vote at the AGA Annual Meeting. During the meeting, the election of five members to the AGA board of directors will take place, along with other important association business.

The AGA and American Gelbvieh Foundation (AGF) will host an evening awards banquet to celebrate the achievements of the membership and customers. Awards will be presented to

the newest AGA Hall of Fame inductee, Breeder of the Year, and Commercial Producer of the Year.

“We have a great convention planned that will engage members and expand their knowledge of the beef industry,” says Harold Bertz, AGA executive director.

“It is a great opportunity to network with other progressive breeders and participate in shaping the growth and direction of the American Gelbvieh Association.”

Continue to watch the AGA Facebook and Instagram pages for convention news and speaker announcements. Register today to reserve early bird pricing at www.gelbvieh.org

For questions regarding the event, please contact the AGA office at 303-465-2333 or email info@gelbvieh.org

About the American Gelbvieh Association. AGA is a progressive beef cattle breed association representing 1,100 members and approximately 40,000 cows assessed annually in a performance oriented total herd reporting system.

Learn More About Antibiotic Use Survey

By JENNIFER HALLERAN N.C. State University

Would you be interested to learn more about antibiotics? Would you be interested in taking a survey about antibiotic use in your herd?

Antimicrobial resistance is a growing global threat. According to the CDC, antimicrobial resistance was associated with five million deaths in 2019. It is when an infectious agent, like a bacteria, is no longer affected by an antibiotic. That antibiotic may have worked previously, but the bacteria is now able to protect itself from the antibiotic. Antimicrobial resistance is a huge public health concern; human healthcare, veterinary medicine, and the environment are affected by antimicrobial resistance. Bacteria naturally will develop resistance to protect themselves; however, we have learned over the past decade that the increased use of antibiotics in human, veterinary, and environmental medicine all have led to the growing rate of antimicrobial resistance. This hinders our ability as producers and food animal veterinarians to effectively treat our animals. It also puts our animals and us at risk for exposure to bacteria that will be resistant to different antibiotics.

Different organizations have been working together, both nationally and globally, to help combat this growing concern. One tactic to overcome this growing threat is to implement surveillance strategies to track antimicrobial resistance in human medicine, veterinary medicine, and environmental sciences. In 2021, the U.S. Department of Agriculture Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (USDA-APHIS) investigated what current ongoing research was available and implemented surveillance systems to track antimicrobial resistance. In this effort, USDA-APHIS funded some organizations to conduct more research to improve the surveillance programs. Fortunately, N.C. State University was one such organization that received funding to carry on this important research.

Over the last year, a research team at N.C. State University College of Veterinary Medicine has been working with NIAMRRE, the National Institute of Antimicrobial Resistance Research and Education, to help understand producers’ concerns regarding antibiotic resistance and sharing antibiotic use information.

NIAMRRE has been working diligently to create a website that would collect data from veterinary diagnostic labs across the United States. The data obtained from the veterinary diagnostic labs would include bacterial culture results,

where bacterial culture samples were obtained, and what antibiotics would work against the cultured bacteria. The collection of this data in one place would allow veterinarians and producers to make better antibiotic decisions when selecting an antibiotic treatment. For example, a veterinarian would be able to learn if a certain antibiotic would be the most appropriate medication to treat a respiratory disease outbreak based on the susceptibility of bacterial culture results in that geographic area. This tool could be very useful in ensuring our herds and animals receive the best care possible!

While there are some clear advantages to collecting this data in place, there are some problems that need to be solved. One major issue is the lack of feedback from producers in regards to how comfortable producers would feel sharing bacterial culture results and antibiotic use from their herd. In previous research, a small number of producers were surveyed; these producers expressed concern regarding data sharing. They did not want the data to hinder their respective commodity or their individual farm. The research team at N.C. State University is very interested in learning what data producers would feel comfortable sharing through a tool like this and what security should be put into place. To investigate this, the research team has been organizing events to speak with local veterinarians and extension agents from the different commodity groups. The research team would love to meet and speak with you, your local extension agent, and any local cattleman’s meetings! The research team would be happy to explain the project in more detail and discuss your interests and reservations about data sharing. If you are interested, please contact your extension agent and me at jlhaller@ncsu.edu to set up a meeting for the fall! Thank you!

Don’t get caught napping! Deadline is 5th of month prior to issue!

The Limousin Female

Limousin cattle have a deep history and, like many breeds, have seen change along the way. More often than not, herdsires are in the spotlight for this breed’s influence. Across the board, there’s no denying the uptick of Limousin genetics in the mainstream beef industry with the popularity of Lim-Flex sires.

But it’s time to take a closer look at the Limousin female and discuss all she brings to the table, shaping not only the breed but also the American beef industry.

Today’s Limousin Cow - As the American appetite has grown, so has the need for larger females with substantial mature weights. And

while a larger mature size can be appealing due to potentially bigger calves, the Limousin cow is a textbook demonstration that moderation is key for long term profitability. Clocking in at a moderate 1,500 pounds, the Limousin female strikes the perfect balance – a commercially viable frame and finishing weight of terminal offspring that don’t break the bank with feed costs.

“It’s so impactful…having a higher mature cow weight (because) people often know how big their calves are when they sell them,” explains Matt Spangler, beef genetics specialist at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. That is because

there is a correlation, and farmers know how much feed it takes to get them to that point.

There’s a growing emphasis on maternal traits like milk production, mature size, and reproductive lifespan. Spangler notes that this likely reflects producers’ recognition of rising operational costs.

Profitability requires a focus beyond just revenue. Lower costs are also essential. Breeds with a moderate size, lower feed intake, and longer productive lives offer a solution.

This not only keeps heifer development costs down but also combats cow depreciation by keeping them productive for a longer period. And more beef producers are becoming more strategic in their selection based on these cost saving traits.

The Lim-Flex Influence - The LimFlex program has helped commercial producers leverage the power of Limousin and Angus heterosis in one neat package. These genetics have opened a new revenue stream for dedicated purebred Limousin breeders and offered commercial cattle feeders and producers the ability to experience the value of heterosis.

The Place’s She’ll Go - The story of the Limousin matriarch doesn’t end here.

“A lot of Limousin breeders overlook the fact that they have a tool in a stayability EPD (expected progeny difference) to actually select for females that do stick around longer, and I think that’s a huge advantage compared to some other organizations that don’t have that tool available. So, they can, with forethought, create females that are intended to stick around longer,” says Spangler.

The Limousin female can make a significant impact on the herd, offering many key quality traits that benefit commercial producers.

However, it’s important to recognize that the breed has evolved over time, and understanding these changes is crucial as it continues to develop. As Spangler reminds us, it can be tempting for commercial producers to classify breeds based on characteristics from 20 or more years ago.

“The reality is the nation’s cow herd. If you look in the northern plains, that is comprised of a lot of Angus germplasm and a lot of black cows,” says Spangler. “(One of) the benefits of getting a crossbred cow is the fact that she remains in the herd for about a year and a third longer than purebred contemporaries. Then there’s also an opportunity for Limousin breeders to sell either Limousin bulls to breed Angus cows to produce F1 replacements or to sell Lim-Flex replacement bulls to produce crossbred females as replacements.”

Growth or carcass merit starts with the bull. For commercial producers, that bull purchase is going to influence all traits, even maternal traits, for the daughters he leaves in the herd.

“It really starts with getting the bull right even for maternal traits,” Spangler highlights.

The benefits of crossbred cows are undeniable. Limousin seedstock breeders can significantly aid their commercial customers by simplifying access to these advantages.

The North American Limousin Foundation’s Lim-Flex program exemplifies this approach. By purchasing a Lim-Flex bull, commercial producers can expect their calves to be crossbred from the very beginning. This simplifies the process of exploiting heterosis and streamlines operations for large scale commercial producers.

He advises, “I would encourage commercial producers, as they think about any beef breed, to remember that breeds change over time. To truly determine whether or not a breed works for you, you need to compare them the way they are today.”

This perspective underscores the importance of evaluating the current traits of the Limousin female to make informed decisions about their role in modern herds.

The future of the Limousin female is bright and brimming with potential. The breed’s longtime emphasis on maternal traits and longevity underscores the practical benefits that Limousin females bring to the table, making them a valuable asset in today’s competitive beef industry.

It’s vital that commercial and purebred producers alike recognize the evolution of the breed and assess its contemporary characteristics rather than relying on outdated perceptions. By doing so, they can fully appreciate the strengths and versatility of the Limousin female, ensuring her rightful place at the forefront of modern cattle breeding.

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

RED ANGUS NEWS

Commercial Cattlemen’s Symposium to focus on technology trends to enhance value. The Commercial Cattlemen’s Symposium hosted by the Red Angus Association of America will be held on September 13 during the National Red Angus Convention in Lincoln, Nebraska.

This year, the Commercial Cattlemen’s Symposium will address building the future of the feeder cattle industry with a focus on using technology to help enhance value in the current marketplace. Barrett Simon, auctioneer and friend to the Red Angus breed, will emcee the event.

The symposium will kick off with a presentation by Derrell Peel, Ph.D., Oklahoma State University professor of agricultural economics and Extension specialist for livestock marketing, regarding the status and opportunities existing in the current marketplace, as well as the outlook and challenges of beef cattle economics.

Matt Spangler, Ph.D., University of Nebraska professor of animal science and Extension beef genetics specialist, will offer his expertise on the importance and utilization of genomics in bull buying and selection practices.

A panel consisting of Abram Babcock, president of Adams Land and Cattle LLC; Joe Klute, partner in Phelps County Feeders LLC; Sara Cover, supplier relations with Greater Omaha Packing Company; and Perry Harrison of Harrison Harvesting, will host a discussion regarding how technology is being used within the feedlot and packing sectors of the industry.

Doug Stanton, senior vice president of sales and business development of Where Food Comes From, Inc., will give an overview of third party verified programs and how these programs can be used to enhance value in the feeder cattle market.

Gregg Barfield, president of LedgerSpace LLC, will give an overview of the new platform, titled “Clear View,”

and how it can be used as a marketing tool for Red Angus influenced cattle.

Kelly Smith, RAAA’s director of commercial marketing, will also give an update on the commercial marketing team’s involvement in promoting the value of Red Angus influenced cattle. Tanner King, feedlot business manager for Neogen, will discuss the use of genomics in feeder cattle. Attendees will have the opportunity to tour Neogen’s facilities in Lincoln, Nebraska. Shuttle services will be provided.

New to the agenda, the Commercial Cattleman of the Year and Grid Master awards will be presented during lunch. The trade show will be open and accessible for all attendees. The ladies symposium will also be hosted during the event.

The Commercial Cattleman’s Symposium is a free event for all who wish to attend, but RAAA requests attendees pre-register at www.redangus.org

Red Angus Association of America strengthens team with new hires. The Red Angus Association of America is pleased to announce several strategic additions to its team: a membership and receivables specialist, an office receptionist, a digital media specialist,

and a written content specialist.

“We are excited to welcome these talented individuals to the Red Angus Association,” said Tom Brink, RAAA CEO. “Their combined experience and expertise will be instrumental in supporting our members, enhancing our digital presence and effectively communicating the value of Red Angus cattle to a wider audience.”

Christi Mangusso, a Colorado native from Arvada, joins RAAA as the membership and receivables specialist. Leveraging 18 years of office management experience and a Bachelor of Business Administration from Colorado Mesa University, Mangusso will manage member accounts and ensure exceptional customer service. She is also actively involved in agriculture, volunteering as a 4-H leader and raising livestock with her daughters.

“I’m ecstatic to become part of the amazing RAAA team and I look forward to contributing to the collective success of

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Red Angus News continued from the previous page

our members,” shared Mangusso.

Tabitha Romero, from Brighton, Colo., brings more than 20 years of experience in office administration and will serve as the RAAA office receptionist. Romero is enthusiastic about contributing to the member experience and said, “I’m so excited to join the RAAA team and to have a hand in this positive experience for our valued members.”

Trisha Klement Glassinger, Aledo, Texas, is a 2000 graduate of Oklahoma State University with a double major in agricultural communications and animal science. With more than 23 years of experience in digital media marketing, Glassinger joins RAAA as the digital media specialist after assisting RAAA since August 2023 as a part time contractor. In her new role, she will be responsible for creating engaging content and expanding RAAA’s digital reach to promote the Red Angus breed and the association’s mission.

“I’ve grown up with cattle and love promoting the beef industry at every opportunity,” said Glassinger. “I’m excited to help promote the Red Angus

breed and RAAA to a new generation of cattle producers.”

Maclaine Shults-Mauney, from Lubbock, Tex., joins the team as the written content specialist. She attended Texas Tech University, where she was a member of the 2016 National Champion Livestock Judging Team and received a bachelor’s degree in agricultural communications with a minor in animal science. With experience from the International Brangus Breeders Association and her own creative agency, Shults-Mauney will develop compelling material that effectively communicates the benefits of Red Angus cattle.

“I’m excited to join the RAAA team and to help promote the Red Angus breed,” said Shults-Mauney. “I believe that Red Angus cattle offer a unique combination of performance and efficiency that can benefit cattle producers of all sizes.”

These strategic additions to the RAAA team will further strengthen the association’s ability to support its members, enhance its digital presence and communicate the value of Red Angus cattle to a wider audience.

About the Red Angus Association of America. The RAAA serves the beef industry by enhancing and promoting the measurable advantages of Red Angus and Red Angus influenced cattle. The RAAA provides commercial producers with

objectively described cattle by implementing new technologies and using scientifically sound principles that quantify traits of economic importance to beef producers in all segments of the beef industry. For more information, visit www.redangus.org

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

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

Cole Maness, President - scmaness3@gmail.com

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 864-981-2080 bullhill2@prtcnet.com • www.bullhillredangus.com

COUNTRY BOY FARMS

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

Have Better Conversations with Your Banker — A Q&A With Three Ag Lenders. For those looking to expand opportunities with their lender, here are a few strategies. Your relationship with your lender dictates a lot - whether you have the financial backing to get started, expand, diversify, and more. For those looking to have more productive conversations with their banker, here are a few ideas from ag lenders themselves.

• Thad Tharp, Senior Loan Officer, Land O’ Lakes Finance Company - The core of what Tharp does is livestock lending, but if you can call it agriculture, he can finance it. He has customers across cattle country, from Idaho to Florida. Thad is a first generation cattle producer based in Illinois. He and his wife run cow/calf pairs and stocker calves.

• Beth Luebbering, Vice President, FCS Financial - Luebbering serves the southwest counties in Missouri. She specializes in ag loans and risk management tools and works with many livestock operations. Luebbering lives on a small part time cow/calf operation in Lawrence County, Missouri, with her two girls.

• Colton Long, Senior Market President of Agribusiness Lending, Ag Texas - Long lives and works in the heart of cattle country in Amarillo, Texas. He leads the lending side of Ag Texas’s agribusiness department and primarily works with cattle feeders, grow yards, and dairy operations. Long grew up with livestock, and today, he and his family run some cattle of their own.

For those who don’t have an established relationship or are considering other options, what’s your advice for finding the right lending partner?

Tharp - Look around because there are options out there besides the local bank in the world we live in. If you’re looking for financing in the cattle world, find someone who understands the cattle industry.

Luebbering - Being an ag cooperative, the thing I can say is that we handle ag loans that are very specific to agriculture because we understand them. We are the experts in agriculture financing, so I feel like that’s different than a bank, and sometimes, they don’t look at it from a cash flow perspective. They look at it from a collateral

NEWS

perspective.

Long - Get to know your lender and your lending institution. That’s critical to finding a mutual benefit. If you’re desiring to grow and you don’t know how your lending institution is going to feel about it, for example, you may want to ask yourself, ‘Is this the lender that you want to be with long term?’

Once you’ve landed on the right lender for you, how can you prepare for a productive conversation?

Tharp - Have your numbers (balance sheet, tax return/profit loss) up to date and ready to share when you are comfortable. Next, understanding your own numbers is important. When someone can show me what their historical cost of gains are on their fed cattle and/or they’re feeding custom placement trends, what they can generate that way as far as the net margin, that’s very important from a cash flow standpoint. I like working with people who can rattle off their cost of gain, ‘feeders 84 cents, fats $1.22,’ and then can back it up with documentation. That is very valuable for them to know as it easily changes from week to week.

Luebbering - Maintaining accurate records overall is going to be the biggest help. That goes from the performance of the herd to balance sheet income statements and cash flow. When you have that down on paper, you know for sure that you have that number to go back to versus trying to figure out where the notes might be or how you even obtained the notes.

As a loan officer, I’m trying to capture what my customer sitting across the desk is telling me. When they hand me a printout that has all that breakdown on it, I can go straight to my credit team for them to review and analyze and then put it into our credit system for historical analysis.

Long - One of the first things that we’ll do is we’ll take that monthly borrowing base, and check the collateral margin in it, and see if that’s healthy enough to support the line of credit increase if that’s what they’re requesting.

Growth has to be supported not just by what you’re projecting a lot of times but also by where you’re currently at. So we like to look at your historical trend. The past is going to tell you a lot about how they’re going to perform in the future. If you have a murky past, growth

might be slow. If you have a pretty decent track record, you might receive the benefit of the doubt. In agriculture, everybody understands that commodities are cyclical in nature, but there’s volatility, and we’re not just producing widgets at a fixed margin here. Losses do occur, and it’s difficult to find the right balance. But for growth, I really think that you need an adequate liquidity position.

What’s the difference between someone who comes in prepared with historical numbers versus someone who has more scattered information?

Tharp - The guy or gal that’s going to bring you their analytical numbers that they know the whole process is going to be half the time. Because if they’re that good on the day-to-day feeding, they’re probably going to be that good on updating a balance sheet and filing their tax returns on time. And there’s no doubt in my mind that they will be a more profitable entity in the long run because they understand the numbers.

Luebbering - Well, the difference is going to be just having effective financial reporting that allows them to monitor their progress. Whenever you have all the scattered information, it just doesn’t show good trends and accurate financials, so it makes it difficult for us to support financial decisions. Having organized records allows us to have crucial conversations because we have all of the numbers, and there’s no guessing. It makes us all better decision makers.

Long - I think when a customer has their stuff together financially versus not, number one, it indicates that he or she’s an organized individual with good reports for managing their business. It indicates that they have graduated from just focusing on production to thinking like a business owner, too.

From there, it’s going to save us lenders time in the underwriting, and it’s going to allow us to reach a point of loan approval and loan closing quicker. It’s probably going to result in better terms on the loan, too. Now, it’s not uncommon that people have their stuff in disarray, and we’re willing to work through that as long as they are because sometimes you don’t know what you don’t know, and we’re willing to help there, but they have to see the benefit of it.

What’s your best advice for someone looking to expand what they’re doing with their ag lender?

Tharp - That can be one of the harder parts about being a producer. You have to be good at husbandry, technology, bookkeeping, capital allocation, analytics, marketing and don’t forget your family. The market moves every day, and there is a lot of noise coming from it. Being

able to sort through all that and make a decision can be daunting. So, to me, it’s about putting together a good team to help carry the load. Utilize an accountant, hedging company, and LRP insurance, as well as your vet and lender. Accurate communication is key! I have done more increases in the last 12-18 months than I’ve ever done before. Those increases come from how your working capital is doing. Are you gaining ground in an equity position and cash flow? What is your current hedging or LRP coverage on the inventory? Those are the major drivers. A management software like Performance Beef forces you to actually see if you truly made money on a pen of cattle.

Luebbering - Obviously, accurate record keeping from the balance sheet and cash flow statements. Understand your operation, and then run those through all the various scenarios. Risk is inherent; it’s agriculture. And so if you utilize a form of risk management such as livestock risk protection, that’s going to help protect yourself in those declining markets. And then be open and honest with your lender. Talk to them about what you want to do, talk to them about where you’re at, and then work together with them to make decisions so that you can have the best outcome.

Long - Not all lending institutions are the same, so I think if you’re negotiating with someone, it’s helpful if you kind of understand the other party’s position, what’s important to them, and what bothers them. The more you can understand that, the better you can negotiate and find a mutual benefit.

Building a team of experts, consultants, and tools will help you streamline all the information lenders request. It will also likely uncover ways to run your operation even better.

Learn more about software like Performance Beef and how it has helped many cattle producers grow and improve their operations.

About Performance Livestock Analytics. Performance Livestock Analytics is a technology company that simplifies data and analytics for the livestock industry. Our team used practical insights from producers and data engineers to create the industry’s first cloud based platform. We provide livestock producers with powerful analytics to make better marketing and management decisions, improve sustainability, and boost profitability.

New NCCA Members for 2024

In 2007, the NCCA Membership Committee passed a resolution to recognize all NEW members, defined as someone who has never been a member or has rejoined after a break in membership, in The Carolina Cattle Connection. Below are NCCA’s new members for the last month:

Out-of-State

Maggie Graham – Graham Cattle – Georgia

Bladen County

Coates King – 5K Arena

Brunswick County

Luke Boldt – Boldt Farms

Cherokee County

Samuel Newton – Newton Farms

Cleveland County

Franklin Harrill – Harrill Farms

Gaston County

Parker Riley – 4R Farm

Halifax County

Cody Gornto – Gornto Cattle Company

Haywood County

Dewayne Rhinehart – Rhinehart’s Limousins

Johnston County

Emily Oberman – H&P Farm

Pamlico County

Michael Padilla

Rutherford County

Albert McKinstry – McKinstry Farms

Surry County

Tasha Barbour – Barbour Farms

Watauga County

Philip McNamara

Case IH Expands Product, Tech Offerings to Enhance Operator Experience and Accuracy. The addition of Soil Command factory fit on select VTFlex 435 and Speed Tiller 475 and release of Case IH Active Implement Guidance kits provide farmers with more data and automation to boost productivity. Case IH announces new precision tech offerings that help limit the physical wear and tear of manual, in-field corrections and offer greater accuracy, consistency, and data insights to streamline operations.

For Model Year 2025, Soil Command will be factory fitted on select sizes of Case IH Speed Tiller 475 and VT-Flex 435 tillage equipment and work on any ISO compatible tractor equipped to handle hydraulic needs. Additionally, with the launch of Case IH Active Implement Guidance, farmers now have access to an easy-to-use, plug-and-play system to correct implement drift while navigating planting, tillage, and side dressing.

These latest offerings are tailored to meet the precise demands of an operation and the preference of the farmer.

“Technology is about more than data; it should also make farmers’ lives easier,” said Kendal Quandahl, precision technology segment lead at Case IH. “Whether it’s fewer in-and-out cab trips to adjust tillage machinery or taking soil management to the next level with prescription tillage, we are providing flexible technology solutions to meet the individual needs of farmers and their agronomic goals.”

Soil Command Simplifies In-Field Adjustments, Addresses Soil Concerns - Soil Command delivers flexible tillage solutions with on-the-go, in-cab, single button controls to manage depth, track corrections, and lift to full transportation height, reducing physical stress and time lost, making manual tillage adjustments. Additionally, Soil Command offers customizable presets to deliver consistency within a tillage program, helping farmers achieve their preferred soil health goals.

“Soil Command is purposefully designed to simplify adjustments and increase peak performance, which is why it’s a great addition to the Speed Tiller 475 and VT Flex 435,” said Ken Lehmann, crop production segment lead at Case IH. “Regardless of operator skill level, farmers can have confidence that their tillage program will run accurately and efficiently to address any soil

concerns, such as compaction, large clod sizing or erosion.”

Soil Command adoption is interoperable as well as scalable, from basic functionality and compatibility with an existing fleet to upgrading one’s tillage program to user defined prescription tillage.

Case IH Active Implement Guidance Improves Accuracy, Yield Potential - As part of its expanded offering of accessible, easy-to-use technology solutions – both built-in and aftermarket – Case IH now offers Active Implement Guidance.

Case IH Active Implement Guidance is a plug-and-play solution that significantly reduces or eliminates implement drift, enhancing yield potential while protecting against crop damage and operator stress. The system ensures implement accuracy in a wide variety of field conditions and operating environments.

The implement guidance system shares guidance line data between the implement and the tractor, ensuring planting, strip till, side dress, and specialty windrow applications, such as potato production, are executed with precision. The system was purposefully designed to be plug-and-play, with a simple single display set-up that is compatible with select Case IH Early Riser Planters and select third party applications.

About Case IH. Case IH is a global leader in agricultural equipment, committed to collaborating with its customers to develop the most powerful, productive, and reliable equipment — designed to meet today’s agricultural challenges. With headquarters in the United States, Case IH has a network of dealers and distributors that operates in over 160 countries. Case IH provides agricultural equipment systems, flexible financial service offerings, and parts and service support for professional farmers and commercial operators through a dedicated network of professional dealers and distributors. Productivity-enhancing products include tractors, combines and harvesters, hay and forage equipment, tillage tools, planting and seeding systems, sprayers and applicators, and site specific farming tools. Case IH is a brand of CNH Industrial N.V.

Pasture Management Systems, Inc.

MILE OF FENCE PROGRAM

New Members

County in 2024

1 MILE OF PASTURE MANAGEMENT FENCING SUPPLIES AWARDED TO THE NCCA COUNTY CATTLEMEN’S ASSOCIATION

RECRUITING THE MOST NEW MEMBERS IN 2024

CONGRATULATIONS TO THE MACON COUNTY CATTLEMEN’S ASSOCIATION

2023 MILE OF FENCE WINNER

NEWS

Alltech awards young leaders in agricultural communications at 2024 Ag Media Summit. Texas Tech student honored with 2024 Forrest Bassford Student Award. During the 2024 Ag Media Summit (AMS), held on August 3–6 in Kansas City, Mo., four students currently studying agricultural communications were honored for their excellence, professionalism, and leadership. The Livestock Publications Council (LPC) Student Award Program, sponsored by Alltech, provides travel scholarships for four students to attend AMS.

“Alltech is proud to support the next generation of agricultural communicators as the ambassadors and voice of our industry,” said Jenn Norrie, Alltech’s communications manager for North America and Europe. “These young leaders are playing an instrumental role in sharing stories of farmers and ranchers and are helping to educate the urban population on where and by whom their food is produced.”

The finalists for this year’s Forrest Bassford Student Award, presented by the LPC, included:

• Allie Herring, Texas Tech University

• Ryan Hess, Texas Tech University

• Hannah Hudgens, Texas Tech University

• Breanna Selsor, Iowa State University

Following a competitive application and interview process, the award was presented to Herring, a senior studying agricultural communications and agribusiness at Texas Tech.

“I am incredibly proud to represent Texas Tech here at Ag Media Summit and am very grateful to my professors for encouraging me to apply — but I am even prouder to continue Forrest Bassford’s legacy of excellence in agricultural communications,” Herring said.

Among her many other accomplishments, Herring has completed a spring internship in Washington, D.C., with the House Committee on Agriculture. She has also worked as a communications intern with the lobbying firm Combest, Sell & Associates and as a student assistant in the external relations department of the Texas Tech University Libraries.

The Forrest Bassford Student Award was established in 1992 to honor Bassford’s contributions to the Livestock Publications Council and his passion for supporting young people in the field of agricultural communications.

To learn more about this award and its previous recipients, visit www. livestockpublications.com/students/ forrest-bassford-award

Hubbard Feeds introduces Recharge, a new product line for beef cattle. Hubbard Feeds, an Alltech company, has introduced Recharge, an innovative solution for beef cattle designed to optimize intake, enhance performance, and increase profitability. Recharge utilizes advanced nutritional technologies that promote cattle well being and support performance during challenging periods. This product helps cattle cope with stress, contributing to their overall vitality and productivity. Recharge provides a proactive approach to herd management, focusing on holistic nutrition strategies for cattle wellness.

The line of products includes:

• Recharge 0.5 Pellet

• Recharge Micro 6g Premix

• Recharge Drench

• Recharge Block

“Recharge uses unique nutritional technologies to enhance cattle health. Keeping cattle healthy is the key to optimizing intakes, performance, and ultimately, profitability,” said Dr. Mark Klemesrud, ruminant nutritionist at Hubbard Feeds. “Feeding Recharge to cattle during stress events can enhance health and improve feed intakes and performance.”

Feedlot results have shown:

• Optimizes dry matter intake

• Improved ADG and Feed Efficiency

• Higher % cattle qualifying for drug free program

“We fed the Recharge pellet to approximately 300 head of calves, and the intake increase was significant in just a three to four day period. We saw fewer sick calves and it helped to even out intakes,” said Recharge customer Steve Beeson of Dante, South Dakota. “The 0.5 pound inclusion rate was very simple. Calves are more active and ready to eat. Even when the weather fluctuated, they stayed at a consistent feed intake. Buy it, it works.”

To learn more about the Recharge product line, visit www.hubbardfeeds. com/brand/recharge

About Hubbard Feeds. Hubbard Feeds, an Alltech company, stands as a beacon of excellence in providing cutting edge nutrition solutions for animals. With a legacy spanning over a century since 1878, Hubbard Feeds remains committed to enhancing animal health,

performance, and overall well being through meticulously designed programs fueled by the latest technology and a world class team.

Central to our ethos is a deep rooted passion for animals and unwavering dedication to customer satisfaction, encapsulated in our motto, “Products and Answers that WORK.” Our relentless pursuit of innovation is driven by a desire to improve customer profitability and competitive advantage, reduce risks, and simplify their operations.

Through continuous scientific advancement and a focus on improved nutrition, Hubbard Feeds strives to elevate the value and quality of feedstuffs, enabling animals to realize their inherent genetic potential. Ultimately, our efforts are geared towards supporting producers in delivering plentiful, safe, and nutritious food for a sustainable future. For more information, visit www.hubbardfeeds.com

About Alltech. Founded in 1980 by Irish entrepreneur and scientist Dr. Pearse Lyons, Alltech delivers smarter, more sustainable solutions for agriculture. Our diverse portfolio of products and services improves the health and performance of plants and animals, resulting in better nutrition for all and a

decreased environmental impact.

We are a global leader in the agriculture industry. Our team produces specialty ingredients, premix supplements, feed, and biologicals backed by science and an unparalleled platform of services.

Strengthened by more than 40 years of scientific research, we carry forward a legacy of innovation and a unique culture that views challenges through an entrepreneurial lens. As a private, family owned company, we adapt quickly to our customers’ needs and focus on advanced innovation.

We believe agriculture has the greatest potential to shape the future of our planet. Our more than 5,000 talented team members worldwide share our purpose of Working Together for a Planet of Plenty. Together, we can provide nutrition for all, revitalize local economies, and replenish the planet’s natural resources.

Headquartered just outside of Lexington, Ken., Alltech serves customers in more than 140 countries, has five bioscience centers, and operates more than 75 manufacturing facilities across the globe. For more information, visit www.alltech.com

Help transform nutrition into profit in today’s robust cattle market. Calves fed quality nutrition help meet the needs of cattle buyers, allowing you to generate additional value. Demand for high quality beef and a tight cattle supply has experts predicting historically high cattle markets for the next several years. 1 Widespread liquidation, primarily driven by drought, has resulted in the smallest U.S. cow herd since 1962; tighter supplies of cattle favor strong calf prices at this point in the cattle cycle.

“Progressive cattle producers strive to optimize production efficiency through strategic management and marketing decisions,” says Clay Burson, Ph.D., cattle nutritionist for Purina Animal Nutrition. “These investments can pay dividends now and into the future by providing calves buyers seek.”

Take advantage of the strong cattle markets this year and capture the most value for your calf crop with these three tips:

1. Produce quality cattle - Ultimately, the profitability of your calves begins long before you market them.

Something as simple as consistently feeding a high quality mineral throughout the breeding cycle can impact the overall performance of your calves. In a recent study by N.D. State University, calves gained 36 more pounds by weaning when the dams and calves were consistently fed a high quality mineral, resulting in more pounds to sell.2

“High value calves start with high quality, healthy cows,” says Burson. “Cows pass on quality nutrition to calves through fetal programming and continue through their milk supply after calving.”

While it may be tempting during this economy to cut back on input costs, remember the old saying, “You can’t starve the profit out of a cow.” Nutrition is one area where high return producers don’t cut corners. As a result of their continued investment in nutrition, along with animal health and genetics, the percentage of calves weaned and pounds of calf weaned per cow exposed favors the high return producer.3

“More calves weaned and more pounds-per-calf can translate to a significant boost in your bottom line with strong calf prices,” says Burson.

2. Add value to your calves - The excitement of high calf prices can lure you into wanting to sell calves quickly. But as calves approach weaning age, slow down and evaluate the most efficient value of ownership. Do you want to wean and sell immediately? Wean and take advantage of a 45 day precondition stage? Background

NEWS

calves and market at a heavier weight? Retain ownership through the end?

“Take a hard look at market conditions and the marginal value of weight gain to determine how long you should own your calves and the potential benefits of preconditioning or value added programs for your calves,” says Burson.

Calf health impacts feedlot performance. According to industry research, calves preconditioned for 45 days before entering the feedlot experience ⅓ of the morbidity and half of the mortality of non-preconditioned calves. 4 Preconditioning programs are also designed to reduce losses in weight gain and increase feed efficiency once cattle arrive at their next destination.

As a result, buyers are normally willing to pay a premium for preconditioned calves. Research shows that, conservatively, preconditioning may capture $50-$75 per head of additional value.5 These premiums, on top of already strong calf prices, can potentially provide a good return on investment for your time and money spent on preconditioning.

Purina offers two value added programs:

• The Purina Wind and Rain Mineral Value Added Program promotes calves fed Wind and Rain mineral and raised from dams fed Wind and Rain mineral prior to conception through weaning. The high quality, complete mineral program helps set calves up for optimal health and performance into the next phase.

• The Purina Plus program provides a foundation for optimized performance from research proven nutrition via starter feeds and calf health strategies, such as dewormers and vaccinations. This program also has the allied support of animal health leaders, like Boehringer Ingelheim, Elanco, Merck, Zinpro, and Zoetis.

“Take the extra steps to qualify calves for value added programs to help ensure you aren’t leaving any additional money on the table,” says Burson.

Value added programs have shown their ability to generate additional premiums for calves beyond traditional preconditioning programs. New research shows that by participating in the Purina Wind and Rain Mineral Value Added Program, you could see sizable premiums up to $31 per head.6

“There are several options available, so you can choose the program that best fits your operation,” says Burson. “Don’t forget to consider conventional technologies, such as implants and ionophores, and evaluate their potential value compared to the

natural programs available.”

To get the most benefit, enroll in a program that aligns with your management practices and market to buyers looking for the type of calves you produce.

3. Establish strong relationshipsRelationships are vital in the cattle industry.

“Building a relationship with a representative from your local sale barn or video auction team can help ensure your calves are marketed to their full potential,” says Burson. “Their marketing team can help sell the added value from the time and effort you’ve put in.”

Connect with buyers to gather information on how your cattle perform. Share that performance data with potential buyers and use the data to make adjustments that improve the quality and performance of your cattle in the future.

“Reputation cattle are well known. When your cattle consistently do well for buyers, you become a sought after source for calves,” says Burson. “And when the cattle cycle continues and prices aren’t as strong, that reputation may help you remain profitable.”

Set your strategy - You work hard to raise quality cattle. Don’t overlook the impact the right management and marketing strategies can have on your bottom line. Take advantage of strong prices to invest in the profitability of your herd for the short and long term.

References

1 Livestock and Poultry Outlook. Agricultural Outlook Forum. United States Department of Agriculture, 2024. www.usda.

gov/sites/default/files/documents/2024AOFlivestock-poultry-outlook.pdf

2Hurlbert, J. 2023. Trace Mineral Supplementation in Beef Cattle During Gestation. Master of Science, NDSU. 3 CattleFax Trends+ Cow/Calf Webinar. 2023. youtu.be/h4X2cO-nfgA

4Bremer, M. Preconditioning calves: can it add value for you as a cow-calf producer? University of Nebraska-Lincoln. Retrieved June 30, 2024, from beef.unl.edu/ preconditioning-calves-can-it-add-value

5Lalman, D. and Mourer, G. Effects of preconditioning on health, performance and prices of weaned calves. Oklahoma State University. Retrieved June 30, 2024 from pods.dasnr.okstate.edu/docushare/dsweb/ Get/Document-2013/ANSI-3529web2014.pdf

6Tonsor, G. and Renter, D. 2023. Superior Livestock Auction Data. Kansas State University.

About Purina Animal Nutrition. Purina is a national organization serving producers, animal owners, and their families through more than 4,700 local cooperatives, independent dealers, and other large retailers throughout the United States. Driven to unlock the greatest potential in every animal, the company is an industry leading innovator offering a valued portfolio of complete feeds, supplements, premixes, ingredients, and specialty technologies for the livestock and lifestyle animal markets. Purina Animal Nutrition LLC is headquartered in Arden Hills, Minn., and a wholly owned subsidiary of Land O’Lakes, Inc. For more information, visit www.purinamills.com

USDA Offers Disaster Assistance to Producers in North Carolina

Agricultural operations in North Carolina have been significantly impacted by Hurricane Debby and related weather events. The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has technical and financial assistance available to help farmers and livestock producers recover from these adverse weather events. Impacted producers should contact their local USDA Service Center to report losses and learn more about program options available to assist in their recovery from crop, land, infrastructure, and livestock losses and damages.

USDA Disaster AssistanceProducers who experience livestock deaths in excess of normal mortality or sell injured livestock at a reduced price may be eligible for the Livestock Indemnity Program (LIP). To participate in LIP, producers will have to provide acceptable documentation of death losses or evidence of reduced sales resulting from an eligible adverse weather event and must submit a notice of loss to the USDA Farm Service Agency (FSA) no later than the annual program payment application date, which is 60 calendar days following the calendar year in which the loss occurred. The LIP payment application and notice of loss deadline is March 3, 2025, for 2024 calendar year losses. Livestock producers who experience losses related to hurricanes should check with their local FSA office for LIP eligibility criteria.

Meanwhile, the Emergency Assistance for Livestock, Honeybees, and Farm Raised Fish Program (ELAP) provides eligible producers with compensation for feed and grazing losses. For ELAP, producers are required to complete a notice of loss and a payment application to their local FSA office no later than the annual program application deadline, January 30, 2025, for 2024 calendar year losses.

Additionally, eligible orchardists and nursery tree growers may be eligible for cost-share assistance through the Tree Assistance Program (TAP) to replant or rehabilitate eligible trees, bushes, or vines. TAP complements the Noninsured Crop Disaster Assistance Program (NAP) or crop insurance coverage, which covers the crop but not the plants or trees in all cases. For TAP, a program application must be filed within 90 days of the disaster event or the date when the loss of trees, bushes, or vines is apparent.

“Once you are able to evaluate the impact on your operation, be sure to contact your local FSA county office to timely report all crop, livestock, and farm infrastructure damages and losses,” said Bob Etheridge, State Executive Director

for FSA in North Carolina. “To expedite FSA disaster assistance, you will likely need to provide documents, such as farm records, herd inventory, receipts, and pictures of damages or losses.”

FSA also offers a variety of direct and guaranteed farm loans, including operating and emergency farm loans, to producers unable to secure commercial financing. Producers in counties with a primary or contiguous disaster designation may be eligible for low interest emergency loans to help them recover from production and physical losses. Loans can help producers replace essential property, purchase inputs like livestock, equipment, feed, and seed, cover family living expenses, or refinance farm related debts and other needs.

Additionally, FSA offers several loan servicing options available for borrowers who are unable to make scheduled payments on their farm loan programs debt to the agency because of reasons beyond their control.

The Farm Storage Facility Loan Program (FSFL) provides low interest financing so producers can build, repair, replace, or upgrade facilities to store commodities. Loan terms vary from three to 12 years. Producers who incurred damage to or loss of their equipment or infrastructure funded by the FSFL program should contact their insurance agent and their local USDA Service Center. Producers in need of on-farm storage should also contact USDA.

Risk Management - Producers who have risk protection through Federal Crop Insurance or FSA’s NAP should report crop damage to their crop insurance agent or FSA office. If they have crop insurance, producers should provide a notice of loss to their agent within 72 hours of initial discovery of damage and follow up in writing within 15 days. Additionally, producers with hurricane and tropical storm coverage through RMA’s Hurricane Insurance Protection –Wind Index will receive payments within a few weeks if their county qualifies. Please check with your crop insurance agent for more information and updates.

For NAP covered crops, a Notice of Loss (CCC-576) must be filed within 15 days of the loss becoming apparent, except for hand harvested crops, which should be reported within 72 hours.

“Crop insurance and other USDA risk management options are offered to help producers manage risk because we never know what nature has in store for the future,” said Alexander Sereno, Director of USDA’s Risk Management Agency (RMA)

Regional Office that covers West Virginia. “Times of disaster can be a trying time for producers, and they should stay in close contact with their crop insurance agent. Producers can be assured that the Approved Insurance Providers, loss adjusters and agents are experienced and well-trained in handling these types of events.”

Conservation - FSA’s Emergency Conservation Program (ECP) and Emergency Forest Restoration Program (EFRP) can assist landowners and forest stewards with financial and technical assistance to restore fencing, damaged farmland or forests, and remove debris from feedstocks, water supplies, and feeding areas.

USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) is always available to provide technical assistance during the recovery process by assisting producers to plan and implement conservation practices on farms and working forests impacted by natural disasters. The Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) may be available to help producers implement conservation practices on land impacted by natural disasters.

“The Natural Resources Conservation Service can be a very valuable partner to help landowners with their recovery and resiliency efforts,” said Timothy Beard, NRCS State Conservationist in North Carolina. “Our staff will work one-on-one with landowners to make assessments of the damages and develop approaches that focus on effective recovery of the land.”

Assistance for CommunitiesAdditional NRCS programs include the Emergency Watershed Protection (EWP) program, which assists local government sponsors with the cost of addressing watershed impairments or hazards, such as debris removal and streambank stabilization.

The EWP Program is a recovery effort aimed at relieving imminent hazards to life and property/structures caused by floods, fires, windstorms, and other natural

disasters. All projects must have and be managed by an eligible project sponsor. NRCS may bear up to 75 percent of the eligible construction cost of emergency measures (90 percent within countywide limited resource areas as identified by the U.S. Census data). The remaining costs must come from local sources and can be in the form of cash or in-kind services. EWP is designed for the installation of recovery measures to safeguard life and property/ structures as a result of a natural disaster. Threats that the EWP Program addresses are termed watershed impairments. These may include, but are not limited to:

• Debris clogged waterways

• Unstable streambanks

• Severe erosion jeopardizing public infrastructure

• Wind borne debris removal

Eligible sponsors include cities, counties, towns, or any federally recognized Native American tribe or tribal organization. Sponsors must submit a formal request (by mail or email) to the NRCS state conservationist for assistance within 60 days of the natural disaster occurrence or 60 days from the date when access to the sites becomes available. For more information, please contact the state office at 919-873-2100.

More Information - Additional USDA disaster assistance information can be found on www.farmers.gov, including USDA resources specifically for producers impacted by hurricanes. Those resources include the Disaster Assistance Discovery Tool, Disaster-at-a-Glance fact sheet, Loan Assistance Tool, and Natural Disasters and Crop Insurance fact sheet. Additionally, FarmRaise offers an FSA educational hub with LIP and ELAP decision tools as well as farm loan resource videos. For FSA and NRCS programs, producers should contact their local USDA Service Center. For assistance with a crop insurance claim, producers and landowners should contact their crop insurance agent.

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A MessAge froM the Ceo

By COLIN WOODALL National Cattlemen’s Beef Association

Here We Go Again

What do the Obama and Biden Administrations have in common? You are correct in saying many things, but for the purpose of this article, they both had Tom Vilsack as Secretary of Agriculture and put forth a proposal to strip away your right to market your cattle the way you want to. In June, USDA published its “Fair and Competitive Livestock and Poultry Markets” rule in the Federal Register. It is another effort by the federal government to insert themselves into the free market and tell you how you can or cannot run your business. For those of you who have been NCBA members for a while, you will recall a similar effort by Obama and Vilsack we called the “GIPSA rule.” This is the same thing.

It is amazing how many old issues we must still fight. We were successful in killing the old GIPSA rule and maintaining your freedom to market cattle in a way that works best for you. Tom Vilsack doesn’t like to lose, so he returned to USDA the second time

with this item on his list of unfinished business. On top of that, he created a new position at USDA known as the Senior Advisor for Fair and Competitive Markets. This person’s only role is to dig up perceived problems as a way to justify their job. This is another great example of your tax dollars hard at work. Create a position, give it a wide swath of responsibility, and turn it loose with very little oversight. That is how government manufactures bad ideas, or you could say this is the way the government finds solutions for problems that don’t exist.

President Biden and Secretary Vilsack have been talking about competition in the market since Inauguration Day. Many times, they have invoked their charge to help with producer profitability. Wouldn’t fair and competitive livestock markets help with producer profitability? On the surface, you might think that to be the case, but remember, we’re talking about Washington, D.C. Nothing is ever as it

seems. If you don’t pop the hood, kick the tires, and crawl under any legislation, law, rule, or regulation to fully understand what it does, you can find yourself hoodwinked by federal agencies. This proposed rule is not really about fair and competitive markets. It is about bringing everybody down to the lowest common denominator.

During the Cattle Industry Summer Business Meeting, there was much discussion about the continued strong demand for beef. Speaker after speaker said that the quality of our beef is driving that demand. The improvement of beef quality is the result of years of effort by all of you to improve your herd genetics, implement improved production practices, and benefit from programs such as Beef Quality Assurance, or BQA. Many of you have made decisions to take your high quality cattle and market them through any number of existing

value-added programs. Some of you have created your own brands to capture the value of your cattle and the resulting beef. You expect to be paid for your efforts, and many of you have been. NCBA’s producer passed policy supports your right to do that.

Under this proposal, though, all of you who differentiate your cattle and beef will be in violation of the rule. It is clear that any work that results in you getting a different price than your neighbor runs afoul of what USDA wants. They want everybody to get similar prices, regardless of the quality of the cattle. That’s the lowest common denominator I mentioned earlier. The proposal takes your right to do what is best for you and chunks it out the window. That is wrong, and it is why we are fighting back.

If President Biden and Secretary Vilsack are serious about producer profitability, they would encourage opportunities for producers to market their cattle and beef in new and innovative ways, not take those opportunities away. If they are serious about producer profitability, they would make an effort to fully staff the Packers and Stockyards Division at USDA so there are enough personnel in D.C. and the field offices to fully enforce the Packers and Stockyards Act. This agency currently has close to a 50 percent staff vacancy rate. You can’t be an effective regulator and law enforcer when you barely have enough people to turn the lights on. I am currently working with an NCBA member who has been waiting since November to get paid for cattle he delivered to a regional packer. USDA’s answer was to encourage him to get a lawyer. Nope, that’s not an acceptable answer. So, instead of dreaming up ridiculous new regulations that USDA doesn’t even have the staff to enforce, simply find the staff to enforce the rules already on the books. Protecting producers and getting them paid will go a long way in producer profitability.

NCBA

PresideNt’s rePort

By MARK EISELE National Cattlemen’s Beef Association

Summer Business Meeting Showcases Our Grassroots Policy Process

When I talk to cattle producers across the country about NCBA, the term “grassroots” is how I describe our organization, and there is no better example of grassroots leadership than our Summer Business Meeting.

The Summer Business Meeting is a time for policy work. Before we even get to the meeting, cattle producers are discussing policies in their home states. State affiliates bring policy to the national level, and the volunteer leaders that make up our policy committees debate and vote on the policy resolutions brought forward. At the end of the Summer Business Meeting, our Board of Directors votes on the policy resolutions passed by the committee, sending them on to every NCBA member to vote on individually through a ballot sent out next month. This process may sound time consuming, but it ensures each policy position at NCBA is scrutinized by cattle producers from every part of the country and every segment of the industry so that only the best policies come forward.

This grassroots policy process is what sets us apart in Washington, D.C. When NCBA is fighting for you on Capitol Hill, we can point to our policy process to prove that our position reflects the cattle industry’s perspective — not the ideas of any one individual.

At this year’s Summer Business Meeting, we renewed several policies already on the books, but members also passed several new policies. One of these policies addresses the Corporate Transparency Act. This new law requires businesses to report the identity of their owners to the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN), a division of the U.S. Department of the Treasury. Although the law is well intended, farmers and ranchers are caught in the middle of a new regulation that requires us to reveal ownership information to the government or face steep financial penalties. I strongly encourage you to do some research on the Corporate

Transparency Act and visit the website www.fincen.gov/boi to see if your farm or ranch will be impacted. The deadline to file these FinCEN reports is coming up, so I hope you will do the research now to avoid unwanted surprises later.

Our members also passed a policy directing us to focus on reducing taxes. This is a key part of strengthening producer profitability and ensuring our farms and ranches are not taxed out of existence as we try to pass these operations to the next generation. Similarly, we need supportive risk management programs that help us navigate challenging market and weather conditions. Another policy passed at the Summer Business Meeting directs NCBA to evaluate the effectiveness of the Pasture, Rangeland, and Forage program at the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and ensure that it keeps working for producers.

One of the topics we continue to hear about is traceability and the USDA’s rule

to switch from visually readable ear tags to electronically and visually readable tags for certain classes of cattle moving interstate: intact cattle 18 months of age or older, rodeo and exhibition cattle, and dairy cattle. This rule will take effect on November 5, but the time to prepare is now. NCBA previously secured $15 million in funding for ear tags to help defray the cost facing producers, and many state departments of agriculture allow producers to receive low cost or free tags. NCBA is also working with U.S. CattleTrace, an extremely important partner in the efforts to increase the adoption of EID tags and overall herd traceability. I encourage you to use CattleTrace as a resource if you are

interested in implementing a traceability program for your herd.

As we discuss all these issues impacting the cattle industry, I hope you remember every position this association takes is set through our grassroots policy process. You, as an NCBA member, have a voice and a vote on every issue we consider. Next month, you will have an opportunity to exercise your vote through a ballot included in your September issue of National Cattlemen. Please use this opportunity to share your perspective on the issues facing us and the policies passed at the Summer Business Meeting. Thank you for your NCBA membership, and thank you for being a grassroots leader in this industry.

“As president of the Duplin County Cattlemen’s Association and a fellow cattleman, I encourage you to take five minutes of your time to speak with Donna Byrum. She introduced me to a program that I knew nothing about, and within six months she was on my doorstep with a check. The PRF program has been a blessing amid the changing climate and different extremes that all our farming operations have experienced.”

~ Joey Carter

NCBA News

Department of Defense Backs Off Feeding Lab Grown Protein. The National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA) recently confirmed that efforts to prevent ultra processed, lab grown protein from showing up in the diet of the American armed forces were successful, following news that the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) is not pursuing lab grown protein projects for human consumption.

“NCBA was the first and only cattle group to uncover this stream of DoD funding that could go toward lab grown protein projects, and we were the first and only group to fight back,” said NCBA President and Wyoming rancher Mark Eisele. “After weeks of engaging with Congress and speaking out against this plan, we are thrilled to have DoD confirmation that lab grown protein is not on the menu for our nation’s service members. These men and women make the greatest sacrifices every day in service to our country, and they deserve high quality, nutritious, and wholesome food like real beef grown by American farmers and ranchers.”

NCBA has worked with agriculture allies in Congress to secure the

introduction of several amendments to the Fiscal Year 2025 Defense Appropriations Bill, National Defense Authorization Act, and Fiscal Year 2025 Agriculture Appropriations Bill, aimed at preventing lab grown protein from ever showing up on the plates of American servicemembers. Cattle producers appreciate the leadership of Representatives Don Bacon (R-Neb.), Zach Nunn (R-Iowa), Warren Davidson (R-Ohio), RMary Miller (R-Ill.), Senators Roger Marshall (R-Kan.), Cynthia Lummis (R-Wyo.), and Deb Fischer (R-Neb.) in standing up for farmers, ranchers, and our military. NCBA also issued a statement drawing attention to these DoD grants, and NCBA members also discussed their concerns about this plan in the national media.

“The Department of Defense can and should be on the cutting edge of science, and we respect their work to investigate defense applications for new tools and technology. However, there’s a big difference between industrial or defense applications and the food we put in our bodies. United States farmers and ranchers are more than capable of meeting the military’s need for high quality protein,” said NCBA Senior Director of Government Affairs Sigrid Johannes. “NCBA appreciates the DoD’s responsiveness on this issue, and we thank our allies in Congress, including Senator Fischer, Congressman Davidson, and Congressman Bacon, for quickly acting to ensure that only the most wholesome and unprocessed products end up on the plate for our service members.”

NCBA Reminds Cattle Producers to Review Corporate Transparency Act and Avoid Costly Penalties. Farms and Ranches Structured as Certain Legal Entities Are Required to File Beneficial Ownership Information Reports Under New Law. NCBA is reminding cattle producers to consult with their tax attorneys regarding the Corporate Transparency Act, with key deadlines approaching at the end of 2024. NCBA’s grassroots members recently passed policy at the 2024 Summer Business Meeting directing the association to take action on the Corporate Transparency Act, including outreach and education to cattle producers.

The Corporate Transparency Act was passed by Congress in 2021 and

requires companies to report beneficial ownership information to the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN), a division of the U.S. Department of the Treasury. The goal of the legislation is to reduce financial crime, but the new mandate will impact farmers and ranchers whose operations have fewer than 20 employees and are structured as corporations such as limited liability companies (LLCs) or companies that are registered with the secretary of state.

“Farmers and ranchers need to speak with their tax attorneys to make sure they are not in violation of this new law, and to submit necessary information to FinCEN before the December 31 deadline,” said NCBA Tax and Credit Committee Vice Chair Jeff Magee, a Mississippi cattle producer and former Internal Revenue Service agent. “I strongly encourage you to review the resources on www.fincen. gov/boi to determine if the Corporate Transparency Act applies to your business.

Deadlines are coming up soon and failing to comply with the law can carry a fine of $500 per day and possible jail time. For more information, contact FinCEN and consult your attorney or tax professional.” Farms and ranches that are structured as corporations, LLCs, or other entities that file with the secretary of state may be subject to the Corporate Transparency Act and required to file a “beneficial ownership” report with FinCEN, identifying the individuals who own or manage the operation. For companies registered and operating before January 1, the deadline to file this report is the end of 2024. Companies registered or created in 2024 have 90 days from the date of registration or creation to file their beneficial ownership report. In 2025, the reporting period will be reduced to 30 days. These reports require basic identifying information like legal name, date of birth, and home or business address. Resources, including a frequently

Graduate Students Advancing Beef Industry Eligible for Scholarship

Deadline for W.D. Farr Scholarship Program is September 20. Applications are now being accepted for the annual W.D. Farr Scholarship program. Established in 2007 by the National Cattlemen’s Foundation (NCF), the scholarship recognizes outstanding graduate students pursuing careers in meat science and animal agriculture.

Two $15,000 grants are awarded to graduate students who demonstrate superior achievement in academics and leadership and are committed to the advancement of the beef industry. Previous scholarship recipients recognize that the program not only benefits their work but also the entire industry

“One day I’d like to share my knowledge, experiences, and research findings related to meat science with future students, colleagues and industry professionals; receiving this scholarship gets me closer to that aspiration,” said 2023 recipient and West Texas A&M University doctoral candidate Megan Eckhardt.

Graduate students must apply online by submitting a cover letter, curriculum vitae, description of applicant’s goals and experience, a short essay, statement of belief in the industry, as well as a review of the applicant’s graduate research and three letters of recommendation by September 20. The 2024 scholarship recipients will be recognized at CattleCon 2025 in San Antonio, Texas.

The scholarship honors the successful career of the late W.D. Farr, a third generation Coloradan, pioneer rancher, statesman, and banker who was known for his extraordinary vision. His dedication to improving agriculture, livestock, and water development resulted in significant changes in farming methods that have influenced the practices of ranchers and farmers throughout the nation. Farr was the first president of the NCF and served as president of the American National Cattlemen’s Association, which would later become the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA). Farr died at age 97 in August 2007.

The NCF advances the future of the beef industry by assisting in the education of the next generation of beef industry professionals. For more information and to apply for the scholarship, visit www. nationalcattlemensfoundation.org

asked questions document, a Small Entity Compliance Guide, and the filing form, are available online at www.fincen.gov/ boi. Producers with additional questions should contact FinCEN by calling 800767-2825 toll free or 703-905-3591.

Every producer’s situation is different, and this information should not be construed as professional advice. Always consult your attorney and/or tax professional to determine how the Corporate Transparency Act impacts you.

Cattle Industry Leaders Disgusted With Targeted Persecution of Family Ranchers. Leaders of the NCBA and the Public Lands Council (PLC) recently issued statements in response to news of the indictment of Charles and Heather Maude, multi-generational family ranchers in western South Dakota, by U.S. Forest Service law enforcement officers and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of South Dakota:

“I am deeply disgusted by the Forest Service’s persecution of family ranchers Charles and Heather Maude,” said NCBA President and rancher Mark Eisele. “The Maude family has been ranching in South Dakota for five generations and Charles and Heather have spent their lives protecting natural resources, investing in their land, and raising their children. The U.S. Forest Service and U.S. Attorney’s Office have maliciously targeted and prosecuted these family ranchers, and it’s clear that if this can happen in South Dakota, government overreach can happen anywhere.”

“The Maude family are public lands permittees in good standing, and they have always been the first to step forward as constructive partners in federal land management,” said PLC President Mark Roeber, a public lands grazing permittee. “This case is a prime example of what can happen when federal agencies view ranchers as enemies rather than partners. I urge the U.S. Forest Service to rethink their plan to slap handcuffs on these hardworking ranchers and instead pursue an alternative resolution to this issue.”

“The Forest Service’s actions in this case — especially the deference they’ve given to a heavy handed special agent with a long history of abusing permittees — is absolutely unconscionable,” said NCBA Vice President of Government Affairs Ethan Lane. “NCBA is actively engaged with Congress to address this situation and find an outcome that protects this family. The Forest Service has a long, shameful history of creating confrontation with ranchers in South Dakota, and their escalation to imprisonment over a century old fence line has shaken the confidence of permittees nationwide. Secretary Vilsack and the White House must engage now to get control of the Forest Service

and the Department of Justice.”

“As active partners with federal agencies, public lands ranchers rely on open, transparent communication with the government. In this case, the U.S. Forest Service apparently decided to abandon decades of collaborative partnership with the Maude family, threatening their family, their ranch, and their land,” said PLC Executive Director Kaitlynn Glover. “This kind of law enforcement behavior should never have been allowed to result in criminal charges. PLC is committed to a resolution to this situation that protects the Maude family and ensures the Forest Service is a good partner to ranchers, not a looming threat over every range management decision.”

Background - Charles and Heather Maude operate a diversified ranch in

western South Dakota, raising cattle, hogs, and crops. On June 20, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of South Dakota indicted the Maudes on charges of theft of government property related to a small piece of Forest Service land surrounded by the Maude’s private land — land the Maude family has stewarded for generations. The Forest Service law enforcement officer who targeted the Maudes and the U.S. Attorney’s Office have both acted far beyond their scope in pursuing the Maudes, which is why NCBA and PLC are both engaged in protecting the rights of these ranchers.

North American cattle industry leaders meet to discuss common challenges facing producers across Canada, the United States, and

Mexico. The Canadian Cattle Association (CCA) hosted the third triannual trilateral meeting of 2024 with its North American counterparts, NCBA and the Confederación Nacional de Organizaciones Ganaderas (CNOG), on the sidelines of the Canadian Beef Industry Conference. The trilateral meeting gives an opportunity for leadership to discuss the challenges and opportunities facing beef producers across Canada, the United States, and Mexico. Topics at this year’s trilateral focused on trade policy, the upcoming review of the Canada-United States-Mexico Agreement (CUSMA/USMCA/T-MEC) in 2026, and

Continued on the next page

international engagement on antimicrobial resistance.

“The beef industry is highly integrated across North America, and with the upcoming review of CUSMA in 2026, it is crucial for us to have these trilateral meetings with our friends to the south. With the challenges that our sector is facing globally, we are stronger working together to push back against non-tariff barriers and other unscientific international policies that impact beef producers.” –Nathan Phinney, CCA President

“NCBA greatly values our relationships with our Canadian and Mexican counterparts and our ability to come together as allies to tackle issues facing cattle producers across North America. In addition to discussing international trade and animal health concerns, I am also encouraged that CCA, CNOG, and NCBA continue standing together to push back against lab grown proteins. These lab grown protein companies are trying to capitalize on the incredible reputation of real beef in their efforts to sell ultra processed products created in bio-reactors. Together, we are working to ensure lab grown proteins are properly regulated and transparently labeled to avoid consumer confusion about our products, which are made with only one ingredient, beef.” - NCBA President Mark Eisele.

Through CUSMA, beef producers across all three countries benefit from the market based demand for our product. As we approach the 2026 review, the combined leadership of CCA, NCBA, and CNOG are emphasizing the success that it continues to bring to our industry.

At the same time, we’re looking at opportunities to work together against global challenges, including non-tariff barriers we’re facing in other jurisdictions and international commitments that impact the cattle sector. Despite recognizing antimicrobial resistance as an urgent global one health threat, the North American beef sector is aligned and pushing back against unfounded antimicrobial reduction targets without considering sector specific needs. Responsible antimicrobial stewardship is essential to supporting the health and welfare of cattle, which includes increased access to veterinary products.

CCA, NCBA, and CNOG leadership determined a unified approach to address international challenges facing the countries’ producers and will continue to work on these files together, in lead up to the next trilateral meeting in San Antonio, Tex., in 2025.

ASI and NCBA Release Video

on Public Lands Movement Criteria During FMD Outbreak. The American Sheep Industry Association (ASI) worked with NCBA and other stakeholders to develop movement decision criteria guidance addressing unique scenarios that would arise for federal lands grazers in the event of a foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) outbreak. A five minute video describes the project and its resources. It can be viewed on the Secure Sheep and Wool Supply (SSWS) and Secure Beef Supply (SBS) websites under the Public Land Grazing pages. This has resulted from a multi-year cooperative project funded by a grant from the USDA National Animal Disease Preparedness and Response Program (NADPRP).

“ASI appreciates the time and effort put in by the Advisory Group as well as Dr. Danelle Bickett-Weddle, consultant with Preventalytics, in the creation of materials. This effort had multiple groups contribute to unique resources for sheep and cattle producers to prepare for, respond to, and enhance their resiliency for an FMD event,” said ASI Executive Director Peter Orwick. “This collaboration across the sheep and cattle industries with state and federal partners demonstrates impactful results for business continuity and a secure food supply.”

“An FMD outbreak on U.S. soil is expected it would cost the U.S. economy hundreds of millions of dollars. For years, the resources we have prepared have focused on mitigating losses on private land. Now, with the help of a wide spectrum of organizations including USDA, the Public Lands Council, State Animal Health Officials, and many more, we have comprehensive resources to help public lands ranchers whose livestock may be far from any infected herd have predictability for their operations in the event of an FMD outbreak,” said NCBA Executive Director of Government Affairs Kaitlynn Glover. “Livestock producers in the West are now more prepared than ever to work with federal lands agencies and animal health officials to make movement decisions with the development of this collaborative guidance.”

These resources are in addition to the enhanced biosecurity plans found on the SSWS and SBS websites. Industry input and participation was critical to identifying gaps for federal lands grazers and establishing the need for these specialized documents. The sheep and beef industries continue to work together to provide educational resources to best prepare producers, veterinarians, and other industry stakeholders before an FMD outbreak occurs.

Background - The U.S. is currently

free of the FMD virus. The Secure Sheep and Wool Supply (SSWS) Plan and Secure Beef Supply (SBS) Plan for continuity of business provide opportunities for industry partners to voluntarily prepare before an FMD outbreak. If FMD were found in U.S. livestock, regulatory officials will limit the movement of animals and animal products to try and control the spread of this very contagious animal disease. Control areas will be established around infected premises, and movement restrictions will be implemented. Given the nature of federal lands grazing, containment of livestock and mitigation of risk will require different strategies than private land containment measures. When

the control areas encompass part or all of a public land grazing allotment in one or more states, there are unique challenges for sheep and cattle producers to mitigate disease exposure risks. FMD is not a threat to public health or food safety.

About the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association. NCBA has represented America’s cattle producers since 1898, preserving the heritage and strength of the industry through education and public policy. As the largest association of cattle producers, NCBA works to create new markets and increase demand for beef. Efforts are made possible through membership contributions. To join, contact NCBA at 866-BEEF-USA or membership@beef.org

N.C. Cattle Receipts, Trends, and Prices for the Month of JULY 2024

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

PUBLIC LANDS COUNCIL NEWS

NCBA and PLC Praise Passage of House Interior Appropriations Bill. The National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA) and Public Lands Council (PLC) recently issued statements following the House passage of H.R. 8998, the Department of the Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act of 2025:

“This Interior appropriations bill protects the rights of public lands grazing permittees, reels in overreaching BLM regulations, addresses Endangered Species Act challenges, defends local communities against Presidential land grabs under the Antiquities Act and recognizes the important role of ranchers — America’s original conservationists — in the stewardship of our nation’s public lands,” said Public Lands Council President and grazing permittee Mark Roeber. “The Public Lands Council is very thankful for the work of key partners on the House Appropriations Committee, House Natural Resources Committee, and Western Caucus for crafting this legislation that supports our western ranchers.”

“Whether you’re a cattle producer on public lands or private lands, overregulation from the federal government is a serious challenge,” said Mark Eisele. “The National Cattlemen’s

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

Beef Association is extremely pleased with this Interior appropriations package that supports American agriculture, protects farms and ranches from burdensome rules, and protects the rights of public lands ranchers, who represent an important part of the cattle industry and a driving force in rural economies. We appreciate the House passing this critical bill and we urge the Senate to back this legislation and send it to the President’s desk.”

PLC Highlights USDA Study Showing the Value of Livestock Grazing. A study from the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Agricultural Research Service (USDA-ARS) has once again confirmed the value of livestock grazing as a tool to protect western rangelands from devastating wildfire. The Public Lands Council, which represents ranchers who hold federal grazing permits, hailed this research as more proof of the important role livestock grazing plays in protecting our natural resources.

“In a year where wildfire has run rampant across the West, this study is a great reminder that livestock grazing must be an integral part of land management and wildfire mitigation. We continue to see the scientific community confirm what generations of ranchers have demonstrated: managed livestock grazing is the best, most nimble tool to support biodiversity, protect wildlife habitat, and stabilize ecosystems plagued by fire and invasive species,” said Mark Roeber. “This study should be heeded by media outlets and environmental activists who have wrongly called for the end of livestock grazing because if you don’t have grazing in the West, you don’t have conservation.”

According to USDA-ARS, the study demonstrated that grazing supports the reduction of fine fuels that pose huge risks in sagebrush ecosystems that are prone to fire. By applying targeted grazing in these landscapes, managers are able to create effective fuel breaks to slow fire activity and improve suppression efforts.

Conversely, when grazing is excluded, invasive annual grasses run rampant, resulting in a higher fire risk, lower biodiversity, and lower utilization from wildlife.

“USDA’s research clearly demonstrates that stakeholders like the Bureau of Land Management, Fish and

Wildlife Service, and Forest Service should be confident in their partnership with public lands ranchers,” said PLC Executive Director Kaitlynn Glover. “Public lands ranchers invest in careful management of hundreds of millions of acres to make landscapes more resilient to risks like fire and invasive species. As we look in the future, it is clear that grazed landscapes will increasingly be held as prime examples of healthy, well managed

public lands, and we’ll all have federal lands ranchers to thank.”

About the Public Lands Council. The 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

Inaction on Traceability is Unacceptable

By MARK EISELE President, NCBA

The future of the U.S. cattle industry hinges on our ability to swiftly respond to disease outbreaks. Yet, some groups and individuals continue to fight the tools that could protect our livelihoods. The most recent rule to come under fire is USDA’s animal disease traceability regulation.

In the face of a potential FMD outbreak, every minute counts. The choice between outdated methods and advanced technology could mean the difference between a controlled situation and a nationwide catastrophe. Imagine the chaos of an FMD outbreak, with markets shuttered and producers frantically searching for nearly illegible metal bright tags in the pouring rain. This is not a future we can afford. Some argue that these changes are unnecessary or burdensome, but the reality is that clinging to outdated ideas, practices, and technology puts our entire industry at risk.

USDA’s new rules call for the use of an electronic identification (EID) tag in breeding cattle 18 months of age and older being transported across state lines. This class of cattle has required an ID tag for more than a decade. USDA is simply changing the technology from a metal bright tag to an updated EID tag.

Innovation has always been the backbone of American agriculture. The use of EID tag technology is not just a step forward; it’s a necessity for an industry that must be prepared for anything in a time of porous borders and uncertain global politics. USDA’s rule will allow cattle to be tracked more quickly in the event of foot and mouth disease (FMD) or similar emergency when time is critical. We all know that the metal clips in the ears of cattle are nearly impossible to read after a year or two. We also know that reading them, writing down the information from the tag, and

transferring it to a database is slow, cumbersome, and subject to human error. These issues can be alleviated by simply running a wand over an EID tag, making traceability faster and less error prone.

There are still issues and concerns with USDA’s effort to upgrade technology. One of the issues that must be addressed is how data is gathered and stored. Producer privacy is paramount to this effort. NCBA has long advocated for tag data to be held by private, third party companies, like CattleTrace, rather than USDA. A third party holder of information helps protect producer privacy while also allowing the rapid traceback required in the event of a disease outbreak. Cost is the other factor that NCBA has worked to alleviate. To help lower the costs of USDA’s rule, NCBA was able to secure $15 million in funding for the purchase of EID tags to ensure that cattle producers aren’t saddled with added compliance costs.

None of us in the agricultural community desire more government intrusion in our businesses or our lives. NCBA has stood on the front lines fighting, and might I say winning, many of those issues for decades. We have always stood for industry solutions to industry problems and worked to be proactive in creating those solutions. Those whose only answer is “no” and those individuals and groups who would allow perfection to be the enemy of good have created a vacuum that the government is more than happy to fill. It is past time for us, as cattle producers, to create an industry led and industry controlled solution to disease traceability. Our current system and the ability to rapidly respond to a real disease outbreak is insufficient to protect each of us and our livelihoods. Now is the time for the cattle industry to lead, not lag.

BioZyme Launches Premium Cattle Mineral for Reproductive Success. BioZyme Inc. is excited to announce its newest option for cattle producers to help fuel their reproductive success: VitaFerm ReproMaxx.

VitaFerm ReproMaxx products provide high vitamin and mineral fortification and research proven components. The new line of products is designed to Maximize Reproductive Success by leveraging the benefits of AO-Biotics Amaferm and Zinpro Performance Minerals. It became available to the BioZyme dealer network on August 1. ReproMaxx:

• Contains AO-Biotics Amaferm, a prebiotic research proven to enhance digestibility.

• Includes verified, research proven levels of Zinpro organic zinc, copper, and manganese.

• Maximizes reproductive success of the herd while supporting colostrum quality and bull soundness and fertility.

NEWS

“ReproMaxx is our way of combining two leading technologies together to make one unique mineral to maximize reproduction and animal health,” said Chris Cassady, Ph.D., BioZyme Director of Beef Technical Sales. “When people think about organic trace minerals, they think Zinpro, and when they think about fermentation leaders, they think BioZyme. We’ve combined our resources to bring producers one incredible mineral.”

VitaFerm Is Here for Your HerdVitaFerm is a renowned brand of nutritional supplements for beef cattle that maximize energy and forage utilization for successful production. The products support beef cattle producers looking to maximize their operations. Best of all, VitaFerm products offer performance that pays.

VitaFerm is part of the BioZyme Inc. family of brands. BioZyme is a leading fermentation company pioneering advancements in animal nutrition and

health. Through innovative research and high quality manufacturing, BioZyme creates undeniable impact for animals and our partners using the motto, “Care that comes full circle,”

ReproMaxx - VitaFerm’s new product line, ReproMaxx, will be one of few designated as Zinpro Verified. Through the Verified program, Zinpro has partnered with customers to ensure producers know their feed products and mineral supplements are providing research recommended rates of Zinpro Performance Minerals. By using a product that has been Zinpro Verified, producers can trust the claims and research proven benefits.

“Perhaps the most exciting parts of ReproMaxx are the absorption pathways and the fortification levels of zinc, at 6,000 parts per million. Zinc is linked to immune function, spermatogenesis, hoof health, reproductive success and so much more that research shows that these increased levels will offer a boost in performance,” Cassady said.

“At the same time, the Amaferm will continue to help the cattle get more nutrients from feed and forage, like it

always has, making VitaFerm ReproMaxx a real game changer.”

Global Leaders Form Partnership - As part of the Zinpro Verified program, VitaFerm ReproMaxx contains at or above the research proven inclusion level of organic trace minerals, including manganese, copper, and zinc.

A partnership between BioZyme and Zinpro is a natural fit since both are global leaders in their respective fields. BioZyme is a leader in fermentation; Zinpro is a leader in trace minerals. Both are based on value added outcomes and are fully committed to supporting their customers.

“Zinpro is as committed to research and technology as we are,” said Lisa Norton, BioZyme President and CEO. “This is an exciting time for our company, our dealers, and our customers.”

“Our companies are both leaders in the nutrition space, developing cutting edge technologies and exploring new avenues for optimizing animal performance. Our partnership brings the leader in trace mineral nutrition and a leader in fermentation products together to do some impressive things,” said Rachel Meyer, Zinpro Marketing Manager, North America.

With combined corporate taglines of “Care That Comes Full Circle” and “Advance Animal Nutrition and Health Together,” it’s easy to see that a partnership between BioZyme and Zinpro is a natural fit.

“As we enter a new era of value in production animal agriculture, it is going to take partnerships to make it work,” said Chris Cassady, Ph.D. “The VitaFerm nutrition line is unique. We are the only ones focusing on research proven technologies such as Amaferm and now Zinpro Performance Minerals.”

Choose the Right VitaFerm Formula for Your Operation Today - It’s time to start fueling your reproductive success with VitaFerm. With the addition of VitaFerm ReproMaxx, producers now have three choices of breeding minerals: VitaFerm ReproMaxx, VitaFerm Concept•Aid, and VitaFerm ONE.

To learn more about ReproMaxx Products, check out our informational guide. About BioZyme Inc. BioZyme Inc., founded in 1951, develops and manufactures natural, proprietary products focused on animal nutrition, health, and microbiology. With a continued commitment to research, BioZyme offers a complete line of feed additives and high density, highly available vitamin, mineral, trace mineral, and protein supplements for a variety of animals, including cattle, pigs, poultry, sheep, goats, horses, and dogs. BioZyme brands include AO-Biotics, VitaFerm, Gain Smart, Sure Champ, Vitalize, DuraFerm, and Backyard Boost. With headquarters in St. Joseph, Missouri, the company reaches a global market of customers that stretches into countries across five continents. For more information about BioZyme, visit www.biozymeinc.com

S.C. Cattle Receipts, Trends, and Prices for the Month of JULY 2024

Carolina Cooking

Spicy Cajun “Boudin” Meatballs

Total time - 1 hour

1 pound ground beef

1 tablespoon olive oil

¼ cup chopped onion

¼ cup chopped celery

¼ cup chopped green or red bell pepper

1 clove garlic, minced

1½ cups cooked white rice

1 large egg, lightly beaten

1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning

Hot pepper sauce

Heat oil in nonstick skillet over medium heat. Add onion, celery, bell pepper, and garlic. Cook for 4-7 minutes or until vegetables are tender and begin to brown, stirring occasionally. Transfer vegetables to a large bowl; let cool for 5 minutes.

Preheat oven to 400°F. Combine Ground Beef, vegetables, rice, egg, and Cajun seasoning in a large bowl, mixing lightly but thoroughly. Shape into 24 1 inch meatballs.

Cook’s Tip - If using leftover refrigerated rice, let it stand at room

temperature for 15 minutes before using. Place meatballs on rack in broiler pan that has been sprayed with nonstick cooking spray. Bake in 400°F oven for 18-20 minutes or until 160°F. Serve with hot sauce, as desired.

Cook’s Tip - Cooking times are for fresh or thoroughly thawed ground beef. Ground beef should be cooked to an internal temperature of 160°F. Color is not a reliable indicator of ground beef doneness.

For easy cleanup, line the broiler pan (not rack) with aluminum foil. Makes 24 servings.

Spicy Cajun “Boudin” Meatballs

National Farm Safety and Health Week — September 15-21

National Farm Safety and Health Week serves as a yearly reminder to the general public and the agricultural community of the dangers of living and working on a farm. The 2024 National Farm Safety and Health Week theme is Don’t Learn Safety by Accident. During the weeklong observation, various agricultural groups will focus on different aspects of farm safety each day by recognizing common agricultural hazards.

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics 2021 data indicates that agriculture is still one of the most dangerous occupations in America, with 453 fatal injuries or the equivalent of nearly 20 deaths per 100,000 workers. According to a 2022 report from the National Children’s Center for Rural and Agriculture Health and Safety, 33 children are injured daily in agriculture related incidents.

What is agricultural safety? Agricultural safety can be described as a concept that covers all aspects of health and safety, including proactive measures to reduce risks and hazards and prevent injuries to workers, family members, and others on the farm.

Why is agriculture such a dangerous occupation? Farming is one of the few industries where family members, including children, who share the work and live on the premises are at risk for fatal and nonfatal injuries. Where the farmstead is also the workplace, hazardous situations are close at hand. Agriculture has more older workers than any other industry, with 1 in 3 farmers over the age of 65. Aging can make a hazardous situation more dangerous with hearing and vision loss, slower reaction

time, and balance and coordination issues faced by many senior farmers. Farming has become highly mechanized and dependent on large and powerful equipment. Transportation incidents, including tractor rollovers and roadway collisions, are a leading cause of work related fatalities for farmers and farm workers.

Accident or incident? Many times, the term “accident” is used, especially in the media, to describe a situation that results in an injury or fatality on a farm. Poor judgment or human error, not just bad luck, is often the cause of agricultural related injuries. The term “accident” suggests the situation could not be anticipated or predicted. Incident would be a more appropriate term since most agricultural related injuries are predictable and preventable.

Every season presents unique risks for a farming operation. Environmental factors, such as weather conditions, pose challenges on a daily basis. Each farm has its own set of safety hazards. Livestock operations face different hazards than row crop operations. Working with large, unpredictable animals that may transmit certain diseases requires a different approach to staying safe than growing and harvesting corn, cotton, or soybeans.

It’s all about attitude. Creating a safety conscious work environment can significantly reduce the risk of injuries and fatalities. The proper safety attitude is the first step in developing a safe farming operation. Let’s face it, as farmers, we deal with various risks every day, from handling chemicals and working with livestock to operating heavy equipment. How we

respond to these risks will determine if we avoid an injury on the farm. Recognizing hazards and taking the appropriate corrective action in a timely manner is the foundation of a sound farm safety program.

The following are suggestions for developing a safe work environment for your farming operation.

• Encourage regular communication with family members and workers about safety issues on the farm. Take a few minutes on “slow” or rainy days to discuss a safety topic or provide training/updates on the safe operation of equipment, pesticide handling and application, livestock handling, etc. Safety training provides workers and family members with the awareness and information needed to avoid hazards and protect themselves on the farm.

• Develop a farm emergency response plan. At some point, almost every farm will experience an emergency situation. Having an emergency response plan will not stop bad things from occurring but can prevent injuries and reduce potential damage from an emergency situation on the farm.

• Report and discuss “near misses” or unsafe situations or practices. Take the appropriate steps to reduce or eliminate the hazard.

• Lead by example. Remember, someone is always watching, especially youths and children. Inexperienced workers often learn by watching someone complete a task. Always set a safe example for everyone to follow, especially in hazardous situations. Remember, your actions speak louder than your words!

• Recognize and reward safe work practices — set goals for reducing injuries or eliminating unsafe practices/situations.

• Ensure age appropriate tasks for younger workers. Ensure they have the experience, knowledge, training, and protective equipment needed to complete the task safely.

• Livestock handling is one of the

leading causes of injury on a farm. Realize that animals are unpredictable. Understanding livestock behavior enables workers to avoid injury to themselves and the animal. Proper handling techniques also reduce stress on the animal. Never work with livestock alone, and use extreme caution when handling bulls and cows with newborn calves.

• Provide and use personal protection equipment (PPE) when handling pesticides. When working with pesticides, it is required by law to follow all directions on the product label. Ensure handlers and applicators are appropriately trained and follow all label directions.

• Farmers and agricultural workers are exposed to the sun during peak hours of the workday. Ensure they adopt sun protection measures to avoid skin cancer.

• Encourage the use of sunscreen, wide brim hats, and long sleeved shirts when working outdoors. See a dermatologist or health care provider regularly.

• Promote safe equipment operation. Follow operating, maintenance, and safety instructions in the operator’s manual and review them periodically. Keep all guards and shields in place and replace damaged or missing shields.

• Ensure all equipment operators are well trained and NEVER allow extra riders on equipment.

• Use warning/flashing lights during roadway travel. Ensure all farm equipment has slow moving (SMV) emblems that are clean, not faded, clearly visible to motorists, and properly mounted. Avoid busy roads whenever possible and consider using escort vehicles when moving large farm equipment on the highway. Obey all traffic laws.

Developing a safer lifestyle on the farm is not an easy task. Changing old habits and attitudes takes time. During National Farm Safety and Health Week this year, let’s make it a point to take a closer look at our farming operations, improve our safety practices, and incorporate them into our daily activities.

The Cow — Should She Stay or Should She Go?

By STAN SMITH, P.A. OSU Extension

Fed cattle and feeder calf prices presently range in the vicinity of historical highs. But then, so are cull cow prices. Knowing that, historically, the income resulting from cull cows in a beef herd has made up roughly 20 percent of the beef cattle farm’s annual income, with careful management, it could be even greater today.

At a time when cattlemen might be trying to retain any breeding female that can produce a live and marketable calf, let’s carefully consider how we might optimize the profitability of the beef herd by employing a strategic culling plan.

Typically, when discussing culling considerations, it might start by simply choosing based on condition, health, or pregnancy status which cows need to go versus which should stay. Instead, let’s start by carefully considering the present reality of the economics of cull cows.

While culls might have resulted in 20 percent of the annual beef cow herd income in the past, the average cow size has increased 30 percent over the past 30 years. In fact, USDA’s AMS recently reported that the average cow live weight sold was 1,500+ pounds. Early this spring, average conditioned cull cows were bringing $1-1.25 per pound, and expectations that would increase throughout spring have become reality. When considering the cost and value of money is greater now than in the recent past, it becomes apparent cull cows are a very real profit center for an operation that deserves careful marketing consideration.

As we consider the economics of cull cows and the development of a strategic culling plan, it is also important to realize that cattle inventory cycles are real and have been well documented for more than

130 years. Over those years, cycles have averaged 8-12 years in length. Accepting the fact that reduced cow numbers resulting from this cycle have been exaggerated by drought in the West, today, we may only be nearing the bottom of U.S. cow inventory numbers, and high cattle prices could easily be with us for 2-5 more years.

The next piece of this cull cow economics puzzle considers when during the year we cull her. It impacts the bottom line as much as if we cull her. Cull cow values are commonly lowest in the fall and highest in the spring. Add to this a cow that just weaned a calf in the fall is likely as pounds light as she’ll be during any given year. Using those assumptions and keeping it simple, speculate further on cull cow values. What would it have cost to feed this potential cull cow four more months?

Is she sound enough to travel the pasture and wean one more calf?

Admittedly, there may be times when the delay in culling a cow is not warranted. Cows at risk of becoming unmarketable or significantly less valuable due to health concerns such as feet and leg issues, which could cause her to go down, cancer eye, lumpy jaw, etc., are non-negotiable if contemplating a delay in culling a cow. Considering the current value of a cull, preg checking a cow at the conclusion of the breeding season has never been more affordable. Accepting that available feed resources may also dictate when cows need to go, today, retaining an open is another nearly non-negotiable.

Additional considerations when determining if she should stay or go might include teat and udder conformation, disposition, cow condition, and general health of the cow. When each cull cow

Carolina

pound is worth $1.00+, anything that prevents her from sustaining weight and condition is cause for economic concern.

The point made is that no single culling strategy is most profitable each year or the same for each farm. The time and place within the cow inventory cycle, the time of year, the value of the calf that might have resulted from a retained cow, and available feed resources all play a role in developing a strategic culling plan in any given year for any given farm. The checklist for developing that strategy may change in priority over time but will always include:

• Consider breeding status and/or productivity of the calf at side (or past calves).

• Current and future market expectations (where are we in THE cycle?)

• Time of year.

• Soundness (structure, teats, udder, etc.) and/or immediate health concerns.

• Condition/marketability, including

drug residue status.

• Age and/or temperament.

• Available feed resources and space.

• Present cow herd numbers and/or replacement female availability.

As U.S. cow numbers begin to recover and reach a peak in the coming years and we approach the next bottom of the price cycle, make plans to own the most consistently productive, small (relatively speaking) group of cows possible with plans at that time to retain heifers that will then likely be less valuable than today as feeders. In the meantime, plan to produce as many calves as possible while capturing maximum value for those cows that need to go.

For those cows with health or performance concerns, and knowing her value as a cull is significantly greater than the calf she might raise next year, today, is it worth the financial risk of trying to squeeze one more calf out of her?

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.

Federation oF State BeeF CounCilS update

Faces of the Federation. For more than 60 years, grassroots producer engagement has driven the demand for beef through the Federation of State Beef Councils. States voluntarily invest in the Federation to build beef demand by inspiring, unifying, and supporting an effective and coordinated state and national Checkoff partnership. Ultimately, it is cattle producers from coast to coast who direct the Federation’s work, and we celebrate their dedication. These are the “Faces of the Federation.”

Nathan Martin

Located in northeast Missouri, Martin Angus is a family run seedstock Angus and diversified crops operation with a 200 head cow herd. Nathan Martin, a fourth generation cattleman, has spent the last decade helping to direct the work of the beef industry as a Federation director and Checkoff committee member representing the Missouri Beef Industry Council. His commitment to educating fellow producers and encouraging others to serve is moving the industry forward.

How does the Federation of State Beef Councils impact the beef industry? Volunteer leaders help direct the funds, and that is a role that I’ve embraced. I think it’s important in the beef industry that we’re grassroots. We’re managed and operated by actual producers. We decide where the money goes and how it’s spent, debate those issues, and try to do our best to use funds wisely. When it comes to volunteer leadership, producers may worry about the time it takes away from their operations, but I think once you make the commitment, you realize the importance and how much impact you actually can have.

The Federation also gives cattle producers a national voice. Being from Missouri, I might know our state’s needs and how to promote and market beef in Missouri, but there are a lot of differences across our great country. I think as we pool our funds, we can make an impact on a much broader area of the country. We are reaching consumers in urban areas and in states where there may be few cattle but a large population. The Federation gives us a much more national imprint.

What are some of the benefits of investing in the Federation? The collaborative effort of working with the Federation is more important than ever because even though available funding is less than what it was years ago, we still

have a positive effect with those limited resources. Pooling dollars allows us to stretch those funds a little further.

One of the Checkoff funded and Federation supported programs that has had great value for Missouri is Beef Quality Assurance (BQA), which provides training to producers. I think it’s vital as we continue down this road. Consumers want to know that they can trust the product, that it’s safe, and that it’s raised right, and those are mechanisms that are positive for demand.

Why do you think the Federation continues to be vital? The Federation continues to be vital today as the overall goal is to drive and improve demand for beef. It’s a never ending job. We have lots of competing forces that tell us otherwise, but we know that we have a safe, nutritious product, and we must continue to promote that and educate the consumers. They are in the driver’s seat of the industry, and we need to follow what their desires are.

What is the most important message you’d like to share about the Federation? I want to reassure producers that, in my experience working with the Federation, the staff is very dedicated, committed, and focused on driving beef demand. We can be proud of the staff we have, and I think they’re doing an excellent job.

What I appreciate the most about the Federation is the connections with the great people in the beef industry, and I admire their dedication and commitment. We’re all about doing the very best job we can, and the consumers hopefully understand that. But it’s a great industry with great people. God has given us the ability to raise cattle, and there’s nothing better than that.

Watch the Faces of the Federation segments on Cattlemen to Cattlemen at www.youtube.com/user/ Cattlementocattlemen

Strengthening Beef’s Role in a Healthy Balanced Diet. Early in 2024, the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association, a contractor to the Beef Checkoff, launched an integrated effort to reach consumers interested in nutrition, health, and fitness and to connect with nutrition and health experts to educate and inspire them about the role beef can play in a healthy and balanced diet. Nutrition focused content reaching consumers performed very well across

YouTube, Google Display and Google Search, and social channels.

To kick off Heart Health Month in February, a satellite media tour featured Shalene McNeill, Ph.D., R.D., NCBA executive director nutrition science, health, and wellness. Dr. McNeill shared research supporting the nutritional advantages of lean beef and offered tips for how to enjoy lean beef in a heart healthy diet and lifestyle.

“Heart Health is one of the most sought out health benefits consumers look for from foods today,” said McNeill. “Research shows that beef can be the protein of choice in heart healthy diets. Sharing this information along with tips for how to shop for and prepare beef through television media helps reach millions of consumers with science backed reasons to choose beef more often as part of a healthy diet.”

NCBA also collaborated with registered dietitian influencers on social media to educate health professionals and consumer audiences about the role of beef in heart healthy diets. Manuel Villacorta, M.S., R.D.; Carolyn Williams, Ph.D., R.D.; and Kim Rose, R.D., shared culinary tips and tricks, debunked myths, and dove deep into the research that supports beef’s role in a healthy lifestyle.

A heart health mailer was sent to registered dietitians, researchers, and other health professionals with a goal to encourage excitement and provide education on the ways in which current and prospective beef aficionados can access and use beef nutrition resources to support their practice. The package included a Beef. It’s What’s For Dinner. cast iron skillet, American Heart Association heart check recipes, a personalized card, and a fact sheet with suggestions to activate on beef nutrition education during Heart Health Month.

More than 750 heart health toolkits were also mailed to healthcare providers,

including cardiologists and family physicians, across the contiguous United States. Each professional received a 12 page research booklet outlining recent studies supporting beef consumption for cardiometabolic health, a collection of heart healthy recipe cards, a lean beef cuts magnet, and 100 educational tear sheets to share with patients.

Results from a post program survey of 111 respondents showed that more than 90 percent of healthcare providers are engaging in heart health nutrition discussions with patients multiple times a week, with more than half doing so a few times a day. The survey revealed the effectiveness of targeting this audience, with 86 percent of healthcare providers being more likely to recommend lean beef to patients since receiving the materials, with no reported decrease.

To build confidence in beef as part of a healthful diet, new resources were created to help educate foodservice operators and retailers about beef nutrition. More than 4,000 food professionals had beef nutrition information and inspiration delivered to in-boxes via the bi-monthly newsletter, Beef News Now. And beef’s role in a heart healthy diet was promoted through a nationwide e-commerce campaign with a national retailer during American Heart Month. When channel partners better understand the nutritional benefits of beef, they’re able to help communicate those benefits to consumers, which ultimately helps them sell more beef.

By aligning consumer marketing activities across digital media, social media, public relations, medical professionals, and channel marketing, it’s easier to reinforce the Beef. It’s What’s For Dinner. brand message more effectively. With nearly 95 million consumers exposed to the combined effort, it undoubtedly helps make beef the top protein.

NEWS

Cattle rancher and influencer Natalie Kovarik returns to 2024 College Aggies Online program. More than $20,000 in scholarships available; sign up today. Nebraska cattle rancher and social media influencer Natalie Kovarik is set to return as a mentor in the Animal Agriculture Alliance’s 2024 College Aggies Online (CAO) program. CAO is open to undergraduate, graduate, and pre-professional students, as well as collegiate clubs and classes in the United States. More than $20,000 in scholarship awards is available for participants. Sign up today at www.animalagalliance.org/ initiatives/college-aggies-online-sign-up

CAO connects college students from across the country who are passionate about sharing positive, factual information about animal agriculture. Participants receive nine interactive and educational weeks of content to help

them become confident and effective communicators for agriculture with guidance from industry and farmer mentors. Help spread the word about the program by referring a friend to sign up. Referrers must be signed up for the program as well. Each referral will be entered to win a $100 gift card.

“Myths surrounding food and farming are prevalent on college campuses as many students are making their own food purchasing decisions for the first time. Animal rights groups know this and are actively seeking to pressure students to eliminate meat, dairy, poultry, eggs, and seafood from their diets,” said Emily Ellis, manager of communications and content at Animal Agriculture Alliance.

“College Aggies Online equips students, clubs, and classes with the tools needed to navigate conversations surrounding food and farming to bridge the gap and

ensure campus peers can make informed decisions in the grocery store.”

Kovarik is one of several mentors who will provide guidance on engaging with consumers during the program. She is a fourth generation cattle rancher turned social entrepreneur who weaves western and rural living to feature agriculture in a unique and alluring fashion. She is also the dynamic cohost of the popular podcast Discover Ag. Alongside her husband, Kovarik owns and operates Kovarik Cattle Company, a cow/calf business with a growing registered herd. Through visual storytelling and thought provoking conversations, Kovarik works to bridge the rural/urban gap while empowering farmers and ranchers to amplify their voices and ensure a resilient agriculture legacy for generations to come.

Students interested in networking with industry professionals and learning from successful agriculture influencers while strengthening their communication skills are invited to sign up today. In addition to scholarship awards, the top participants at the conclusion of the program will be invited to attend the

Alliance’s 2025 Stakeholders Summit, set for April 30-May 2 in Arlington, Va., for national recognition.

CAO would not be possible without the generous support of our sponsors, including Dairy Management Inc., National Pork Industry Foundation, John K. Vanier Foundation, Institute for Feed Education and Research, Culver Franchising System, Domino’s Pizza LLC, Ohio Poultry Association, and National Chicken Council. To become a sponsor of this year’s program, see the sponsorship opportunities and contact Logan Hall, director of membership and marketing, at lhall@animalagalliance.org

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

NEWS

By MARK ROBBINS, Ridley Block Operations

Beat the Summer Heat with Blueprint Shade

July has come and gone, and the hottest temperatures of the summer are upon us or directly ahead of us. This is a tough time for all creatures, but it is especially detrimental to your cattle, which can be challenged by heat stress. Dark hided cattle are especially susceptible to the issue, as heat can raise their core body temperature 2°F higher than in light hided cattle.

Cattle experiencing heat stress generally lower their feed consumption, which leads to lower production and lower efficiency. A 2003 study published in the Journal of Dairy Science estimated that without heat abatement, total losses to the beef industry were approximately $369 million per year. This was primarily from reduced performance, increased mortality, and decreased production. Considering

that cattle are worth roughly three times as much today as in 2003, this amounts to over a billion dollars currently lost each year to heat stress in the beef industry.

The importance of shade…and Shade - In hot weather, most animals seek out some shade for immediate relief, as shady spots can be a full 15-20°F cooler than sunny ones. That’s why we named our new nutritional supplement “Shade” — because it also provides all-important relief from the heat.

How does Shade work? CRYSTALYX

Blueprint Shade starts with our cutting edge Blueprint package of 100 precent organic trace minerals and other Alltech technologies, then adds proven essential oils such as capsicum.

Capsicum and other essential oils have been shown to be vasodilators. A

vasodilator opens up blood vessels and improves blood circulation, which is a primary method of thermo-regulation for mammals. This increased blood flow to the skin improves natural cooling, which reduces heat stress and results in increased performance and feed intake during periods of heat stress.

Cattle suffering from heat stress will often spend much of their time standing in water or in the shade. If shade is not available, you will likely find them loafing near water sources. Either way, they are not out grazing, which means lower forage intake, production, and efficiency — leading to fewer pounds across the scale by fall.

Why implement fly control as well? Feed intake is also reduced when cattle are bothered by flies. In this situation, the herd tends to group closely together, oftentimes in the corners of a pasture, and spend much of the day swatting flies instead of grazing. In fact, herds with a fly problem can expect the same deleterious results as in heat stressed animals.

That’s why, when developing Shade, we knew we had to offer it with ClariFly included for producers who need a fly control option. Crystalyx Blueprint Shade with ClariFly is designed to keep animals grazing comfortably even during the

double challenge of heat and flies.

Both products have a typical intake of 4 ounces per head per day for mature cattle.

How do I get paid back? Research has shown that a successful summer fly control program like ClariFly can add 20 pounds per head weaning weight and 33 pounds per head for stocker cattle. That is $60 to $90 per head added value for just the fly control program, which should cost less then 3¢ per head per day. And adding Shade to your mineral program should cost only about 2¢ per head per day. It pencils out to a total of $7.50 per head for a full 150-day summer grazing program — an ROI of at least 8:1. That is a much better return on your investment within five months than you will ever see in the stock market.

The premier summertime heat stress mineral - Blueprint minerals, have already been proven to support cattle and calf performance in heat stressed environments by optimizing nutrient bioavailability and helping alleviate oxidative stress. With the addition of essential oils like capsicum, along with a fly control option, Crystalyx Blueprint Shade with ClariFly is the premier summertime heat stress mineral on the market today.

Get out of the heat and into the Shade!

UPDATES!

CattleCon 2025 Registration Now Open. San Antonio Welcomes Beef Industry With Texas Hospitality. Registration is now open for CattleCon 2025, which will be held in San Antonio, Texas, February 4-6. This annual event is “where the beef industry meets” to conduct business, attend educational sessions, experience engaging speakers, and enjoy family fun.

“CattleCon is the industry’s biggest event of the year,” said Mark Eisele, National Cattlemen’s Beef Association president. “Cattle producers from across the country will gather to make decisions, network, learn, and have some fun.”

For those arriving early, there will

be an immersive grazing management workshop and tour on February 3. This pre-convention tour is tailored for cattle producers aiming to deepen their expertise in effective grazing strategies.

CattleCon 2025 officially kicks off on February 4, and the cattle industry will be hard at work guiding both Beef Checkoff and NCBA policy programs. The National Cattlemen’s Beef Association, the Cattlemen’s Beef Board, American National CattleWomen, CattleFax, and National Cattlemen’s Foundation will hold annual meetings during the event.

CattleCon attendees can look forward to a variety of educational opportunities, including the CattleFax Outlook

Seminar, weather and industry updates, sustainability forum, and the 32nd Annual Cattlemen’s College. Cattlemen’s College will include two days of classroom sessions followed by a full day of live animal demonstrations in the NCBA Trade Show arena.

Industry leaders will be recognized during the Environmental Stewardship Award Program reception, Beef Checkoff funded Beef Quality Assurance Awards program, and Cattle Feeders Hall of Fame Banquet. More than nine acres of the NCBA Trade Show will provide plenty of room to engage with exhibitors, listen to educational sessions, and enjoy entertainment and daily receptions.

Wednesday night’s event will be the Big TX Fest at Smoke Skybar, featuring Texas inspired food and entertainment by Paul Bogart. Thursday evening is

Cowboy’s Night at the San Antonio Stock Show & Rodeo, and Friday includes a special post-convention tour of the King Ranch.

Getting to San Antonio is made easier with discounted flights on United, a registration payment plan, and free Thursday trade show registration for FFA and 4-H members. Cattle producers attending CattleCon 2025 are also eligible to apply for the Rancher Resilience Grant, which provides reimbursement for registration and up to three nights hotel. For more information and to apply, visit www.ncba.org/producers/rancherresilience-grant

A variety of registration options are available, including super saver rates for those who register early. For more information and to register and reserve housing, visit www.convention.ncba.org

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: ____________________________

Address:

City: ________________ State: ____ Zip:

Seller’s Signature: _________________________

Buyer’s Name: ____________________________

Address:

City: ________________ State: ____ Zip: ______

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

* State of Origin of Cattle: * If the cattle purch ased came from another state within the last 30 days, indicate from which state the cattle were purchased.

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, 14 th and Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20250-9410 or call 202-720-5964 (voice and TDD). USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer.

MERCK Animal Health News

By DR. GRANT CRAWFORD, Merck Animal Health

Is Your Deworming Program Working?

Merck Animal Health maintains the world’s largest database of fecal egg count reduction test (FECRT) results to monitor the field efficacy of dewormers. Today, the database has 14,506 samples from 600 farms. There have been 23 different products evaluated.

An FECRT is the standardized diagnostic tool to test manure for the presence of internal parasite eggs. It is

important that 20 samples are taken both at treatment and 14 days post treatment; the database only includes certified FECRTs of this number of samples from single farms. A successful deworming should result in a 90 percent or greater reduction in parasite eggs in feces.1

Based on data through 2023, the database demonstrates that pour-on parasite products, as shown in Graph

1, and injectable parasite products, as shown in Graph 2, have fallen below the 90 percent threshold for successful deworming. The percent of anthelmintic failures — those with less than 90 percent reduction — was 76.5 percent for pourons and 74.8 percent for all injectable dewormers, as shown in Graph 3.

class — provide a median efficacy above 99.7 percent, as shown in Graph 4. Decreases in efficacy likely are due in part to dewormer resistance, which is the genetic ability of a parasite to survive the effects of a dewormer of which previously were susceptible. Resistance is a global issue and an emerging one for U.S. beef

There are three classes of dewormers approved for use in U.S. cattle: benzimidazoles, endectocides or macrocylic lactones, and imidazothiazoles. Certain classes of dewormers are not working as well as they have in the past. However, the SAFEGUARD (fenbendazole) formulations — all of which are in the benzimidazoles

and dairy producers.

There is not always a visual sign of parasitism. Unless FECRT testing is conducted, it is unknown how effective the deworming was or the amount of time before reinfestation occurs after deworming.

Impact of parasitism - Most cattle producers associate internal parasites

with a reduction in feed intake. Indeed, the No. 1 effect of internal parasites is a decreased appetite, which means there are fewer nutrients for an animal to absorb. On top of that, internal parasites have a direct effect on nutrition absorption because they cause inflammation in the gut. This reduction in nutrient intake and absorption is detrimental to all cattle, but especially highly stressed animals.

Internal parasites affect the nutritional status of the animal in three ways: They decrease feed intake, they decrease nutrient absorption, and they increase nutrient requirements. These effects of internal parasite infections on the animal’s nutritional status are important because they impact and compromise every aspect of biology — including growth, milk production, immune function, and reproduction.

Cattle producers put a lot of effort and resources into vaccinating their cattle and offering high quality feed and mineral programs. These efforts and resources are not fully utilized and can be wasted if cattle are parasitized.

Even a low number of internal parasites can affect cattle health and performance. Cattle with relatively low parasite burdens (324 total slaughter worm counts) have

been shown to have depressions in feed intake of up to 3.2 percent, while cattle with high parasite burdens (11,164 total slaughter worm counts) have been shown to have depressions in feed intake of up to 7.8 percent.2,3

Younger animals, such as suckling calves, weaned calves, replacement heifers, or stocker cattle, are much more susceptible to parasites because of the limited immunity they have built up against them. This will develop as an animal gets older, but cattle are never fully immune to parasites.

Set a deworming strategy - Take these five steps to help maximize cattle performance:

1. If using a dewormer that ends in “-ectin,” consider adding another product where the active ingredient is fenbendazole. Not only does a concurrent deworming program most effectively control internal parasites, but it also ensures a sustainable deworming program that helps keep resistance to a minimum.

2. Treat cattle at turnout, but remember, cattle pick up parasites almost immediately after they are on contaminated green grass. Those parasites can start doing damage in a very short time. If cattle are dewormed at turnout and

not again until they come off the pasture in the fall, they have several months to pick up gut damaging worms. Deworming cattle that are on pasture does not require gathering if using feed or mineral formulations and can be highly effective.

3. Deworm calves at cowside. When calves start ruminating, they are at a high risk of picking up internal worms. Deworming appropriately from the time of early exposure (from the age of two months) can result in improved weaning weights. For spring calving herds, it typically is good to deworm calves six to eight weeks after turnout onto pasture. Feed or mineral formulations require relatively little labor.

4. Read label directions carefully and give the proper dosing amount. Underdosing can contribute to reduced efficacy.

5. Work with your veterinarian to do FECRT testing annually. It is a simple, reliable method to assess efficacy. It is important that 20 samples are taken both at treatment and 14 days post treatment. If there is less than a 90 percent reduction in fecal egg count, a Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) test — which is a DNA based test — should be conducted to determine which parasites remain.

Get a free FECRT kit - Ask your Merck Animal Health representative for a free FECRT kit. Consult your veterinarian for assistance in the diagnosis, treatment, and control of parasitism.

References

1Dobson R., Jackson F., Levecke B., Besier B., et al. Guidelines for fecal egg count reduction tests (FECRT). World Association for the Advancement of Veterinary Parasitology (WAAVP). 2011 Proceedings: 23 rd International Conference of the World Association for the Advancement of Veterinary Parasitology.

2Smith, R.A., Rogers, K.C., Huse, S., Wray, M.I., Brandt, R.T., Hutcheson, J.P., Nichols, W.T., Taylor, R.F., Rains, J.R., McCauley, C.T. Pasture deworming and (or) subsequent feedlot deworming with fenbendazole. I. Effects on grazing performance, feedlot performance, and carcass traits of yearling steers. Bovine Pract. 2000. 34(2)104-114.

3Taylor, R.F., Bliss, D.H., Brandt, Jr., R.T., Nichols, W. T., Rains, J.R., Hutcheson, J.P. Smith, R.A. Pasture deworming and (or) subsequent feedlot deworming with fenbendazole. II. Effects on abomasal worm counts and abomasal pathology of yearling steers. Bovine Pract. 2000. 34:115-123.

McLeod 1320 Old Manning Rd., Sumter, SC 29150 803-481-2011 williammcleod@ftc-i.net • www.blackcrestfarm.com

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

KIRKMAN, DVM 20416 US 64 West Siler City, NC 27344-0350 919-742-5500 • rdkirkman@centurylink.net

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IGHTER IDE

A wife was making a breakfast of fried eggs for her husband, when suddenly her husband burst into the kitchen.

“Careful!” he said. “CAREFUL! Put in some more butter!

“Oh my! You’re cooking too many at once. TOO MANY! Turn them! TURN THEM NOW! Oh my!

“We need more butter. Oh my! WHERE are we going to get MORE BUTTER? They’re going to STICK!

“Careful. CAREFUL! I said be CAREFUL! You NEVER listen to me

when you’re cooking! Never!

“Turn them! Hurry up! Are you CRAZY? Have you LOST your mind?

“Don’t forget to salt them. You know you always forget to salt them. Use the salt. USE THE SALT! THE SALT!”

The wife stared at him, bewildered. “What in the world is wrong with you?

Do you think I don’t know how to fry a couple of eggs?”

The husband calmly replied, “I just wanted to show you what it feels like when I’m driving.”