The Carolina Cattle Connection - Volume 37, Issue No. 9 (SEPTEMBER 2023)

2023 South Carolina Sale Barn Cattle Receipts ........................................................................... page 85

A Guide to Navigating Solar Leases for Farmers and Ranchers, by Cari B. Rincker, Esq. ....... page 27

A Message from the CEO — Summer’s Not Over, by Colin Woodall ....................................... page 66

Alltech News ........ page 62

Amazing Grazing — Investing in Your Cattle Operation, by Johnny Rogers ........................... page 14

American Angus Association News ............................................................................................... page 42

American Brahman Breeders Association Executive Update, by Dr. Joe Paschal ................. page 50

American Gelbvieh Association News .......................................................................................... page 30

American Hereford Association News ......................................................................................... page 26

Ancient DNA Reveals an Early African Origin of Cattle in the Americas .............................. page 30

Animal Agriculture Alliance News ................................................................................................ page 64

Application Period Open for NCCA/NCCBA Executive Director ............................................. page 3

Ashley’s Beef Corner — Summer Fun Keeps on Rolling, by Ashley W. Herring ...................... page 12

Beef Checkoff News .......................................................................................................................... page 82

Beef Cuts and Recommended Cooking Methods ....................................................................... page 84

BioZyme News ..... page 78

Boehringer Ingelheim News ........................................................................................................... page 36

Carolina Cooking — Cajun Beef Po’Boy Sandwiches with Red Eye Grazy ............................ page 60

Cattlemen’s Beef Board Update — Checkoff Funded Nutrition and Health Research Must Connect with New Consumer Audiences, by Angie Meyer ....................................... page 85

Certified Angus Beef News ............................................................................................................. page 39

Clemson Bull Test and Edisto Bull Test Updates, by Brian Bolt, Ph.D. ....................................... page 65

Clemson Names Steven Marks Founding Dean for the College of Veterinary Medicine ... page 54

Culinary Corner, by Beef. It’s What’s for Dinner Culinary Team ................................................... page 73

Diamond V News . page 34

Director’s Report — Keeping it Hot!, by Travis W. Mitchell ......................................................... page 3

E.B.’s View from the Cow Pasture — Wild and Free, by E.B. Harris .......................................... page 16

Farmers for Soil Health Offers Financial Assistance for Cover Crop Adoption — Enroll Now ................................................................................................................................. page 81

Federation of State Beef Councils Update ................................................................................... page 86

Have You Herd — Ideal Slaughter Weight - Getting the Most Bang for Your Buck, by Lauryl Smith ............................................................................................................................... page 18

Industry News ..... page 88

Merck News .......... page 65

N.C. Angus Association News — North Carolina Angus Juniors Excel on a National Level, by Cortney Holshouser ................................................................................................................. page 40

N.C. Cattlemen’s Association — Reaching the Next Generation, by Olivia Stegall ............... page 50

N.C. Junior Hereford Association Update — Opportunity is Everything, by Wes Ishmael ............................................................................................................................... page 29

National Cattlemen’s Beef Association News ............................................................................. page 72

National Cattlemen’s Beef Association President’s Report — Runaway Federal Overreach, by Todd Wilkinson .......................................................................................................................... page 71

NCBA Launches Estate Tax Survey for Cattle Producers .......................................................... page 86

New NCCA Members for 2023 ........................................................................................................ page 50

North American Limousin Federation News .............................................................................. page 87

North Carolina Cattle Receipts, Trends, and Prices .................................................................... page 11

Onward to Orlando Updates ............................................................................................................ page 74

Pasture Managment Systems, Inc. Mile of Fence Program Update ........................................ page 49

Renovo Seed News ............................................................................................................................ page 63

Ridley Block News — How Does Crystalyx Pencil Out for Herd Health, by Ryan Bapst ...... page 76

Riomax 360º News ............................................................................................................................ page 86

S.C. Charolais News, by Georgeanna Webb .................................................................................... page 53

Sabanto News ...... page 60

Some Pests Don’t Disapper in Winter, as Previously Supposed ............................................. page 22

South Carolina Cattle Receipts, Trends, and Prices .................................................................... page 75

The Chaplain’s Corral — Anchor for the Soul, by Dr. Dave Harvey ............................................. page 21

The Simmental Trail, by Jennie Rucker ............................................................................................ page 35

Trending in Food & Media ................................................................................................................ page 83

Valley Vet News — Five Calf Health Considerations to Maximize Immunity, Decrease Disease, by Lacey Fahrmeier, DVM ........................................................................... page 49

You Decide, by Dr. Mike Walden ...................................................................................................... page 20

Zoetis News .......... page 72

N.C. Cattlemen’s Association

President SCOTT WEST

489 Panacea Springs Road • Littleton, NC 27850

Vice Presidents

RYAN CLARK

5250 NC 772 Hwy. • Madison, NC 27025

BRANDON BOWMAN

2346 Ann Street • Claremont, NC 28610

JIM LEDFORD

260 Mulberry Lane • Otto, NC 28763

Immediate Past President

BURON LANIER

2877 Piney Woods Road • Burgaw, NC 28425

NCBA Regional Vice President (Policy)

FRED SMITH, JR.

NCBA Policy Division Director - JOHN LANGDON

N.C. Beef Council Director

RALPH BLALOCK, JR.

Beef Board Director - BRIAN WARREN

Secretary/Treasurer - EVERETT JOHNSON

Directors At Large

MATT POORE • NEIL BOWMAN • TODD SEE

Executive Director - BRYAN K. BLINSON

2228 N. Main Street • Fuquay-Varina, NC 27526

N.C. Cattlemen’s Beef Council

Director of Consumer Information

ASHLEY W. HERRING

Administrative Assistant - KIM BURDGE

S.C. Cattlemen’s Association

Executive Director - TRAVIS MITCHELL

P.O. Box 207 • Saluda, SC 29138

Phone: 803-609-2828

Email: twmitch@clemson.edu

Website: www.sccattlemen.wildapricot.org

Executive Committee

President - Timmy Benton

1st Vice President - Joe Oswald IV

2nd Vice President - Gene Crim

Secretary - Carol Hendrix

Treasurer - Eric Seymour

Past President - Roscoe Kyle

John Lews, Chester • Joe Oswald, IV, Allendale

Roscoe Kyle, Inman • Terry Kirkland, Batesburg

Lloyd Baxley, Georgetown • Joe Davis, Westminster

Michael Hall, Abbeville • Richard Sox, Lexington

Carol Hendrix, Westminister • Jamie Driggers, Hamer

Timmy Benton, Walterboro • Michael Bailey, Lancaster

Bonnie Cann, Abbeville • Ashley Mills, Blair

Drake Yon, Ridge Spring • Gene Crim, St. Matthews

Lee Haddon, Gaffney • Eric Seymour, Columbia

S.C. Beef Council

P.O. Box 11280 • Columbia, SC 29211

Phone: 803-917-1119

Email: scbeef@scda.sc.gov

Website: www.sccattle.org

The Carolina Cattle Connection

Vol. 37, No. 8 SEPTEMBER 2023

Sales & Publication Office 2228 N. Main Street Fuquay-Varina, NC 27526

Phone: 919-552-9111

Fax: 919-552-9216

Email: mail@nccattle.com

Website: www.nccattle.com

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

STAFF

Manager, N.C. BRYAN BLINSON

Manager, S.C. TRAVIS MITCHELL

Editor & Advertising Director CASEY L. HINNANT

Assistant Editor & Proofreader KIM BURDGE

N.C. Circulation KIM BURDGE

S.C. Circulation TRAVIS MITCHELL

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

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

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

All address changes for NCCA members to:

The Carolina Cattle Connection 2228 N. Main Street • Fuquay-Varina, NC 27526

All address changes for SCCA members to:

The Carolina Cattle Connection P.O. Box 207 • Saluda, SC 29138

POTLIGHT ON SANTA GERTRUDIS

America’s Original Beef Breed … page 11

Breeders of the Carolinas Seeks Progress for the Breed and Community for Its Members, by Grace Vehige … page 8

Square Pegs, Round Holes? No More, by Callie Curley … page 4

The Right Fit for Any Environment, by Macey Mueller … page 6

Director’s report

By TRAVIS W. MITCHELL, Executive Director, SCCA

Keeping it Hot!

As I write this article, temperatures are still hot across the Carolinas. I hope each of you has had the opportunity to enjoy the summer season and is looking forward to shorter days and cooler nights. As we push through the last few weeks of summer, the cattle market continues to sizzle. According to Randy Blach, CattleFax CEO, who presented at NCBA’s Summer Business Meetings, all sectors of the beef cattle industry are making a profit. With record high feeder calf prices, cow/calf producers can finally see a profit for the first time in several years. Blach also reported that the market looks excellent as we move through the fall and to 2024.

Excitement also continues swirling with the announcement that Clemson University is preparing to launch the first

College of Veterinary Medicine in South Carolina. This is great news for animal agriculture throughout the state as the number of large animal veterinarians continues to decline.

As many of you know, Bryan Blinson, Executive Director of the N.C. Cattlemen’s Association announced his plans for retirement in last month’s issue of The Carolina Cattle Connection . I have worked with Bryan on several issues over the last few years and witnessed his passion for the beef cattle industry and the producers he represents. As Bryan prepares for his retirement, I would like to send a heartfelt thank you from all of us here in South Carolina. We greatly appreciate all the work and knowledge you have put forth to better the beef cattle industry at home and across the Southeast.

Application Period Open for NCCA/NCCBC Executive Director

The N.C. Cattlemen’s Association (NCCA) is a non-governmental organization that coordinates the promotion of beef and the beef industry. The NCCA, through its membership dues, assists cattlemen in legislative, regulatory, and production issues. The North Carolina Cattlemen’s Beef Council (NCCBC) is a non-profit organization charged with the promotion and marketing of beef and beef products in North Carolina.

We are looking for an Executive Director to serve the organization, which is located in the Raleigh area.

The NCCA and NCCBC operate under the direction of an executive committee consisting of cattle producers and exofficio members from across the state. The Executive Director will report to and receive guidance from the executive committee and the NCCA board of directors.

The Executive Director is critical to the operation of the NCCA and the NCCBC. The financial management of both associations, growing the image of North Carolina’s beef and cattle industries, along with guiding its growth and

representing the organization’s members, are central to the position.

This is a full time position.

The Executive Director will be responsible for, but not limited to, the following specific duties:

1. Oversee the financial health of the NCCA and the NCCBC while complying with the Beef Promotion and Research Act and Order. This includes familiarity with all accounts, analyzing t2heir transactions and standings, and creating the annual budget proposal.

2. Be aware of current issues in North Carolina and across the country that affect the cattle and beef industry.

3. Promote membership of NCCA to cattlemen across the state.

4. Provide leadership and guidance to the staff and association members.

5. Work closely with farm organizations and commodity associations to stay current on issues while working together to accomplish goals that benefit the state’s members.

6. Report to and receive guidance from the executive committee and the NCCA board of directors.

7. Write The Carolina Cattle Connection column every other month and work with staff to help facilitate articles, ads, etc., as well as manage the financial position of the newspaper closely.

8. Partake in county association outreach by fostering and maintaining relationships with cooperative extension livestock agents and attending events in every county while also working closely with extension livestock specialists.

9. Coordinate the N.C. Junior Beef Round-Up junior cattle show in collaboration with the extension youth livestock specialist. Includes helping with other efforts to conduct the show by working with the N.C. Mountain State Fair livestock superintendent.

10. Facilitate the N.C. Cattlemen’s Conference. Includes managing event logistics such as scheduling and working with the NCSU teaching and extension faculty to determine plans for the educational program as well as the trade show.

11. Collaborate with N.C. Beef Cattle Improvement Program to facilitate the onfarm performance testing program.

12. Facilitate the North Carolina Cattle Industry Assessment vote, which is upcoming in 2024. Duties include compiling and sorting proposals from NCSU and providing the executive committee with all proposals. Also includes ongoing promotion of funding sources for research, education, and youth projects.

13. Build strong relationships with the agricultural community through various board appointments. Maintain strong relationships to enhance synergy with N.C. A&T States University, N.C. State University, N.C. Department of Agriculture & Consumer Services, N.C. Farm Bureau, N.C. Grange, and commodity association leaders.

Qualification

Education & Experience

• Bachelor’s degree or associate’s degree in agribusiness, agriculture, management, or a related field.

• Experience in some facet of the cattle, beef, agriculture, and/or food industry required.

• Proven ability to lead with a minimum of five years of successful management experience involving supervision of employees and budget responsibility (planning, execution, management.)

• Extensive experience with budget forecasting and financial management.

• Experience receiving guidance from a board of directors or executive committee is considered an asset.

Skills, Knowledge, & Abilities

• Ability to effectively communicate the organization’s mission to stakeholders, collaborators, members, and the public. Includes the ability to earn stakeholder trust.

• Extensive knowledge of the people, politics, and organizations involved in the North Carolina beef and cattle industries as well as our agricultural community.

• Excellent oral and written communication skills are essential.

• Excellent interpersonal skills stemming from active listening.

• Quick analytical skills with high level strategic thinking and ability to apply common sense to situations.

• Demonstrated skills in facilitating cross functional meetings with a Board of Directors Committee.

• Strong executive communication skills and ability to drive effective top down alignment on business priorities.

• Detail oriented with demonstrated organizational skills and able to prioritize tasks, balance multiple priorities, and meet deadlines.

Assets

• Proximity to Raleigh, N.C. – many government and organization offices are in Raleigh, and presence may be required at short notice.

• Willingness to travel – the Executive Director will be required to conduct instate and out-of-state travel for events, conferences, and trade shows. Occasional overnight travel is required for out-ofstate workshops and programs.

• Flexibility in hours – Conferences and shows require presence outside of business house, i.e., some late evening travel and weekend responsibilities necessary for events and meetings.

The role as NCCA and NCCBC Executive Director provides an excellent opportunity for making an impact on the beef, cattle, and agriculture industries of North Carolina. This role will foster your professional development and allow you to be extensively involved in the industries which you are passionate about.

To Apply

Qualified applicants should visit www.nccattle.com for further instructions.

Please include the following in your application:

• Resume

• Cover Letter

• Salary History

• Three References with contact information

• Include any additional information you want applicants to provide, list here.

The NCCA Search Committee will begin reviewing applications on October 1. The position will remain open until a suitable candidate is found or the search is closed. Please apply promptly to ensure your application is reviewed.

The NCCA and NCCBC appreciate all applications. However, only qualified applicants will be contacted.

Spotlight on SAntA gERtRUDiS e Special Section f

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.

The research, conducted by Utah State University (USU), was a key topic of discussion during the Santa Gertrudis Breeders International (SGBI) Annual Meeting in Amarillo, Tex., this spring.

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.

realize 100 percent hybrid vigor and create clear increases in performance in several key traits.

and allow the USU team to further the research into other related topics in the future.

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

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

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

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

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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 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.

2023 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 2023. 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.

2023 Reserved Spotlight Issues

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 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.”

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.”

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 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.

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

Hiss Family Farms

Wiley Ranch

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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

NOTICE

Cherokee Ranch

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

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

SAntA gERtRUDiS e Special Section f

Breeders of the Carolinas Seeks Progress for the Breed and Community for Its Members

By GRACE VEHIGE

If there’s one thing that rings true about the cattle business, it’s this: Surround yourself with good people, and your passion becomes your work. That just so happens to be the case for the crew of producers in North Carolina – better known as the Breeders of the Carolinas.

Hospitality. Quality customer service and cattle. Passion. Integrity. That’s what you get when you do business with these folks. This affiliate has deep roots in the Santa Gertrudis breed, with its origin dating back to 1973, though the founders were active in the breed starting in the ‘50s.

While the association’s leadership has changed since its start, the affiliate’s values have been unwavering.

Today, the association is led by its president Josh Bowman, a fourth generation farmer in Staley, N.C., who operates Rocking B Farm alongside his father, Mickey. “We’ve raised Santa Gertrudis cattle for most of my life, in some shape or form, whether that be purebred or commercial cattle,” Bowman says. “Dad bought his first set of Santa Gertrudis cattle from John Massey, who was part of the association.”

After Bowman’s father got the family in the Santa Gertrudis business, it did not take long for them to feel at home within the breed.

“We enjoy the people. I grew up as a junior in the Carolinas, showing cattle and going to sales with Dad, and just fell in love with the breed,” Bowman explains. “It was something me and him did together. Everything we’ve done since those first cattle we bought has been just this goal of having better cattle and doing

things together and enjoying it.”

The philosophies of improving Santa Gertrudis cattle and working together at Rocking B Farm have carried over into the goals of Breeders of the Carolinas, and they show no signs of slowing down.

A Common Goal - If you ask Bowman about the goals of Breeders of the Carolinas, it boils down to the people in the association. After all, the cattle business is as much a people business as it is anything else.

“The biggest goal in the association is to help network our breed of cattle throughout North Carolina, South Carolina, Virginia, and surrounding states,” Bowman says. “Our association is based on helping everyone who wants to be a part of this great breed and to help them find cattle throughout, north and south.”

these platforms to recruit members, share event information, and more.

Annual Sale - Perhaps one of the most noteworthy aspects of the Breeders of the Carolinas is their affiliate sale –the longest running sale in the breed. The affiliate hosted its 50th sale earlier this year.

Bowman, it is typical to have at least four bulls offered in the sale every year.

Undoubtedly, the sale has experienced growth as they went from struggling to consign 30 lots to recruiting 100. At the end of the day, it is all owed to the good people of the association who work to connect with one another in the name of improving the Santa Gertrudis breed together.

Other Affiliate Events - Aside from their annual sale, Bowman says the affiliate hosts and attends other events throughout the year to gather members.

While the field day’s date and location may vary due to who can host it and when, Bowman shares that the purpose of the event typically remains the same year to year.

Some of the ways the affiliate has been networking with producers is through their new social media pages. Breeders of the Carolinas is now active on both Facebook and Instagram and uses

In terms of numbers, Bowman shares the affiliate strives for 100 head per year with 50 purebred Santa Gertrudis and 50 STAR 5s. As a whole, the sale mostly features females, but according to

“Our field day is open to everyone in our association and other associations in our area, such as our local cattlemen’s association or even folks at the national level,” Bowman says. “Each field day is unique to the farm that hosts it. Some field days will have a small show. Others just have a social event, but we try every year to have an educational event.”

Attendees of the 2021 Breeders of the Carolinas Field Day.

Santa Gertrudis breeders visit at the Breeders of the Carolinas Field Day.

Santa Gertrudis cattle graze at Flatwillow Farms, Statesville, N.C.

Spotlight on SAntA gERtRUDiS e Special Section f

According to Bowman, the educational event tends to include a representative from the Santa Gertrudis Breeders International (SGBI) Board

of Directors, a regional representative, or a delegate from SGBI. In the past, local Extension agents and university professors have also been invited to

present at a field day. The educational component is certainly praised by many, but the true highlight of any good field day is getting to connect with like-minded individuals.

“We always try to educate people, but the socialization is key,” Bowman says regarding the field days. “We want people to build a network here in the Carolinas, and meet and greet people and, you know, sell some animals that way or just get to know people. This is a social breed.”

To add to the social component of the breed, the Breeders of the Carolinas implemented an annual meeting to be hosted every January. The event consists of a dinner and social event for members to discuss their cattle and operations, as well as the annual sale and state fairs held later in the year.

Bowman says their affiliate travels to both the N.C. State Fair and the S.C.

State Fair to promote the Santa Gertrudis breed the best way they can. The affiliate also encourages producers in and out of North Carolina to attend the fairs to boost attendance at the show and get the breed’s name out more.

If you are interested in learning more about the Breeders of the Carolinas or how you can get involved, Bowman suggests visiting their website or Facebook page, or you can directly contact any Breeders of the Carolinas Board member.

The Breeders of the Carolinas affiliate’s annual sale is the breed’s longest running sale.

Reprinted with permission from Santa Gertrudis USA.

SAntA gERtRUDiS e Special Section f

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 ranch headed toward a cross of 3/8 Brahman and 5/8 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.

N.C. Cattle Receipts, Trends, and Prices for the Month of JULY 2023

Cattle Receipts: 11,954 • Previous Month: 23,443 Feeder supply - 21% steers • 44% heifers • 35% bulls

Ashley’s Beef Corner T

Summer Fun Keeps on Rolling

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

Touch-a-Tractor may sound like some sort of silly children’s game, but it’s an event that moves the needle for us in a big way. We often repeat ourselves, telling the story of agriculture to our own audiences. We find it challenging to get outside the silo of communicating with farmers. We aim to reach the general consumer population outside of agriculture but don’t have the right approach sometimes.

Producers Association partner with the Midtown Farmer’s Market to feature Touch-a-Tractor. We have the opportunity to participate, and it is a fantastic place to share information about beef cattle.

You may recognize Amryn Murray and Gerald Conrad, our collegiate beef representatives. These two do a tremendous job speaking with audiences both familiar with agriculture and not so familiar. They manned our table, providing the beef puzzle for everyone to try their hand at, and had critical conversations with visitors about beef.

One such conversation is recorded and placed on our social media accounts, so be sure to check it out. Amryn and Gerald converse with youth and adults about a shared passion for beef, including eating steak. They are ambassadors to our industry and encourage folks to enjoy more beef while everyone has fun.

several N.C. Beef Ambassadors hard at work advocating online. I’m sharing a few of their posts here so you can see the type of messaging and photos they use to

educate. We are proud of the work these young folks are doing and encourage you to like and share their posts as a way to help them gain exposure.

A fun, lighthearted approach with kids has been a proven path. The audience we strive to reach is in urban areas, away from farms. They may only think of agriculture when grocery shopping or visiting a farmer’s market. The Midtown shopping center in Raleigh features a weekly farmer’s market along with live music, which draws in families seeking a fun way to enjoy their Saturday morning. Our barnyard friends at the N.C. Soybean

Also at the event are other agricultural features, including a tractor for little ones to climb aboard. There was also a combined simulator and N.C. Pork Council participates in its educational models. The positive atmosphere and fun learning experience are reaching our target audience in a natural and fun way. The success of this event is almost surprising, given its simple nature. But we’re glad it works and thankful to be a part of it!

Speaking of ambassadors, there are

By JOHNNY R. ROGERS Amazing Grazing Program Coordinator

Investing in Your Cattle Operation

As cattle prices reach historically high levels, producers will have the opportunity to make decisions about how to invest the extra income from cattle sales. We all realize higher input costs will consume some of this extra revenue. However, most operations should have excess monies in the coming years, and there are many options as to how to use them. It is very tempting to purchase a new truck, tractor, or other piece of equipment. This is where we must separate “wants” versus “needs” to keep us from making poor decisions under these circumstances. You should approach this opportunity with an investment mindset and determine the best return on your investment (ROI). This article has two purposes: 1) to generate ideas to capitalize on current market conditions and 2) to provide some investment options that may be beneficial to your operation.

Strategic Marketing - Good cattle prices can cause some producers to relax their management because average prices

are very attractive. A better alternative is to explore better marketing for your cattle. This may require you to employ new management practices, such as weaning your calf crop. Sure, this will mean investing in infrastructure (pens, feed bunks, etc.), but you have the extra revenue to work with. This investment will be used for many years and provides the opportunity to explore other options like marketing alliances, retained ownership, etc.

Strategic Culling - Many have read my previous articles on cow size and cow efficiency. This is a great time to collect data on calf weaning weights and mature (>3 years old) cow weights at weaning. This information can be used to calculate one measure of cow efficiency (calf weight/cow weight) *100. This is important because bigger cows usually consume more forage (added cost). Calf weight is our main revenue source. Using this technique, we can remove those cows that wean the lowest percentage of their body weight. This helps us to optimize

revenue and cost in our operation. Favorable cull cow prices make this a great time to ship cows with bad feet, bad udders, and bad attitudes. Cows that are not adapted to your environment can be culled as well. Replacing these cows with high genetic merit heifers (either raised or purchased) will set up your herd for long term success.

genetic change and long term profitability. Improving Pastures - Better cattle prices give us the option to evaluate our stocking rate and potentially reduce cow numbers to improve forage conditions. More operational revenue gives us the option to run fewer cows and make the same (or more) money. Soil sampling and adding soil amendments should be

Improving Genetics - Most herd genetic improvement is made through bull selection. Using bulls of known genetic value (i.e., GE-EPDs, Selection Indices, etc.) will set your herd’s performance direction. The current economic climate gives us the chance to invest in better bulls and move our herd forward at a faster pace. Evaluate your herd’s strengths and weaknesses and work with your seedstock producer and/ or advisor to find bulls that have the suite of traits to increase your herd’s value. Do not forget to give equal consideration to revenue (growth) and expense (maternal) traits. As mentioned in the previous paragraph, adding selection pressure on the female side will increase the rate of

on your list of investment opportunities. Completing a pasture inventory (using the Point Step Method) can help you assess pasture condition and develop a management strategy. The pastures in the poorest condition can be renovated to improve productivity. Renovation affords us the chance to add new forages like novel tall fescue or native warm season grasses to our forage system. Properly managed perennial forage stands can last decades and provide a great return on our investment.

Improving Grazing ManagementThe value of better grazing management on forage and cattle production has been clearly defined. The impact of grazing on ecosystem services is becoming clearer with new research. Better water

Improve your herd by measuring cow efficiency.

Purchasing a bull is an investment in your herd’s future.

Knowledge gained through workshops/courses can provide a tremendous return on your investment.

Improving forage systems can lower costs and improve cattle performance.

infiltration, soil health, and wildlife habitat are a few benefits of well managed pastures. Increasing carbon sequestration via grazing management is getting more attention and may become another reason to improve your grazing skills. Amazing Grazing and many producers are demonstrating the value of temporary electric fence. Buying temporary fence

equipment and learning how to use it could pay long term dividends. Education - Investing in education has the greatest potential return. Many resources exist to help you gain knowledge and increase your skill set. A “Gap Analysis” can establish your status and your destination (Goal). What is needed to bridge the gap between where

you are and where you want to be?

Education will help along the process and allow you to develop the necessary skills. Education can come from traditional sources like classes or workshops. Do not overlook the value of talking to cattlemen who have similar goals as yours. Interviewing them over lunch or paying them for a farm tour can provide

great insight as you build your operation.

Economists predict two or more years of good cattle prices. It is a great time to take a deep look into your operation and build a plan to allow it to thrive as market prices move lower. Change is never easy, but it is more feasible when you have adequate financial resources. Good luck and good grazing!

Pasture renovation can add productivity and diversity to your forage system.

E.B.'s ViEw from thE Cow PasturE

By E.B. HARRIS

Wild and Free

My grandkids, Gemma, who is five years old, and Wesley, who is three years old, are going to a pre-Kindergarten program called “Wild and Free.” This is held outside at different locations each month.

They told me they would be going to a location, which was Nathaniel Macon* Farm. It is located in Warren County, about 12 miles from the house on Hwy. 43 and the intersection of Hugh Davis Road. I was familiar with the farm at this location. It was known in my early childhood and up to the late ‘70s and early ‘80s as the Clifford Roberson Farm.

I was not familiar with the name of the lady who was going to teach the class. She lives about six miles from the farm at the crossroads called Marmaduke.

In 1969, my brother, Jimmy, and I bought a John Deere 4520 tractor and a RGK offset cutting disc. This was a heavy disc and weighed around three and a half tons, and had 11 inch spacings blades. This was a cutting disc.

The going rate in this area at this time was $4.25 an acre for custom discing. We ran that tractor sometimes 24 hours a day, six days a week. I would take the night shift sometimes, and a helper named

Levi, who lived up the road, would be running it during the day. I would pull up with the fuel barrel and fill up the tractor. Levi would step off and go home and come back the next morning to take over for me. We would be all over the county doing custom discing. I also had another friend, Tommy Wayne Stegall, who came in to help - sometimes doing the night shift or sometimes doing the day shift. I don’t think the engine ever got cooled except when it was inclement weather or to change the oil and service.

When we went to work for Clifford, he always said he would meet us at the field. He was the only man who would do this. He would start you on your job in the middle of the field and disc outward. That way, it did not throw the dirt to the outer edge of the field. It would throw it to the center of the field, which was a smart move. I thought it was strange that he would do this. There would be no water furrow on the outer edge, and the topsoil would be thrown toward the center of the field.

Unbeknownst to me, at $4.25 an acre, the biscuit and gravy did not run

out exactly right, so I thought we needed to disc more acres, so instead of running 20 hours, we tried to run 24 hours. It still did not work out. Life is a learning experience as you go along. One thing about mistakes is that you try not to make the same one over again. The only way to learn some things is to do them. We survived, made some changes, and are still here. If I go back to custom discing, I am going to work from the bottom line up.

*Nathaniel Macon was an American politician who represented North Carolina in both houses of Congress. He was the fifth Speaker of the House, serving from 1801–1807. He was a member of the U.S. House of Representatives from 17911815 and a member of the Senate from 1815–1828. Thomas Jefferson dubbed him the last of the Romans. He is buried on his farm in Warren County and asked anyone who comes to visit his grave to bring a field rock to place on it. He was smart because that’s a good way to get rocks picked up on the farm. The mound of field rock at his grave today is about head high.

A good working pair.

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

Ideal Slaughter Weight — Getting the Most Bang for Your Buck

Have you ever wondered what the perfect slaughter weight is to maximize your profit as a producer? Well, if your answer is yes, then you are not alone. Around 85 percent of producers surveyed agreed that identifying the appropriate slaughter weight/time was challenging, and the methods they used to do so could be improved (de Andrade 2020). Identifying the correct time to slaughter beef cattle is important because the more pounds of marketable beef produced, the more profit earned. It is important to consider the marketability of the products in regard to the next person buying that animal and/or the consumer that will eventually buy the finished product. This is important because the qualities of beef that people find appealing now may change, and depending on location, culture, personal preference, etc., they may vary drastically. Staying ahead of these ideas and predicting what consumers will favor can help to produce beef that will sell effectively. The main goal of this industry is to supply quality beef that is produced in a sustainable and ethical way that meets the needs of the consumer (Penn State Extension)

Ideal Slaughter Weight - For the commercial industry, the ideal weight range for market heifers and steers can vary and can range anywhere from 1,050–1,400 pounds depending on the sex and age of the animal. Still, the ideal weight for each individual animal may vary based on different factors (Ohio 4-H Youth Development). For show cattle, there are

different standards, so the ideal weight for those animals will be different. There are several elements involved in finishing beef cattle and getting them to the ideal weight. Some of these elements include selection, nutrition (forage vs. grain finishing), and general facility management (Beck 2021).

Factors to Consider: Breed & Feed Availability - The first thing to consider when trying to figure out the ideal slaughter weight is considering the breed of cattle. Selection of cattle can have a significant impact on weight gain, feed efficiency, meat quality, fat thickness, and other important qualities. Some cattle breeds, like the Charolais and Limousin, are efficient at producing more lean beef. Other breeds, like the Angus and Hereford, are known for characteristics like flavor and juiciness (Beck 2021) Cattle size varies between breeds and even within breeds, so what is ideal for one breed may not be for another. Nutrition also plays a huge role in weight gain and overall health. Nutritional resources are a very important consideration when trying to pinpoint the ideal slaughter weight and the ideal time to slaughter.

Different breeds utilize feeds differently. There are two main ways that cattle are fed to meet their ideal slaughter weight: grass/forage fed and grain fed, but often the best solution may be a combination of the two (Beck 2021) Grass/forage finishing utilizes the animal’s ability to ferment forage in the rumen and create protein from it. Grain finishing

utilizes other feedstuffs, such as soybean meal or cottonseed hulls, to increase the pounds gained per day by the animal, shown in Figure 1.

Each of these options has pros and cons and different monetary considerations, and if you choose to include grain/other additives, ingredient availability, price, nutritional factors, and marketing goals may impact your decision on what feed source to utilize. Different marketing goals require different facilities, equipment, and land to efficiently and successfully meet those goals (Beck 2021). It is important to consider things like feed storage, handling facilities, and biosecurity practices to maximize profit because all these things contribute to the health of the animal (Beck 2021). Healthier and stress free animals will produce a better quantity and quality of beef.

Using Frame Score and Hip Height to Determine Slaughter Weight - So, how can one tell if cattle are at the ideal weight? Recent studies evaluated frame score and hip height as it correlates to the

ideal slaughter weight (Ruechel). The hip height of cattle changes over time as the animal grows, but the frame score usually stays consistent. This simple method can be used to easily identify the ideal slaughter weight for each animal on your farm (Ruechel) . The first step involved in this method is measuring hip height. To measure hip height, cattle should be standing on a level surface where they can be measured from the hip bone (hooks) to the ground, shown in Figure 2. It is recommended that you measure hip height at a time when you’re already working the cattle, such as during routine procedures like vaccinations or deworming (Ruechel)

Once you measure the hip height of your cattle, you can then determine what frame score correlates with that hip height while also considering the age of the animal, as shown in Figures 3.1 and 3.2. Frame scores range from 1-9, where the smallest framed cattle are a score of 1, and the largest framed cattle are a score of 9 (Ruechel).

Once you figure out the frame score

Figure 3.1. Frame score table based on age and hip height for male cattle (Ruechel).

Figure 2. Hip height measurement technique (Ruechel).

Figure 1. Effect of finishing on pasture (Forage) with 1% of bodyweight concentrate supplement daily or conventional finishing (Grain) on bodyweight of steers (Beck 2021).

of the animal you are working with, you can then assign them an ideal slaughter weight based on frame score, age, and sex, as shown in Figures 4.1 and 4.2. One

may not be ideal for others. There really is no one correct way to do things in the beef cattle industry, but the main goal we should consider is the welfare of the

Target Slaughter Weights for Your Beef Cattle Finishing Program.” www.grassfed-solutions.com

Thiago Sérgio de Andrade, Tiago Zanett Albertini, Luís Gustavo Barioni, Sérgio Raposo de Medeiros, Danilo Domingues Millen, Antônio Carlos Ramos dos Santos, Rodrigo Silva Goulart, Dante Pazzanese Duarte Lanna (2020) “Perception of consultants, feedlot owners, and packers regarding the

optimal economic slaughter endpoint in feedlots: a national survey in Brazil (Part I).” Canadian Journal of Animal Science

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

thing to consider is that this technique is an estimate, and you should use other methods, such as body condition scoring/physical examination and your judgment, before sending any animals to slaughter (Ruechel) Body condition scores also range from 1-9, with 1 being emaciated and 9 being obese. The ideal body condition score of a finished market animal is 5-6 (Penn State Extension)

Summary - Determining the ideal slaughter weight for cattle is very difficult because it can vary from animal to animal. There are a lot of factors that can affect cattle and how they grow as we try and get them to their ideal weight. Depending on the breed of cattle, land resources, and feed resources, what is ideal for you

animal. Taking what you’ve got to work with into consideration and putting these simple tools into practice will help to improve the overall efficiency of your farm and, in return, increase your profit.

References

Beck, Paul and David Lalman. (2021) “Finishing Beef Cattle on the Farm - Oklahoma State University.” Oklahoma State University Extension. www.extension.okstate.edu

Beef Cattle Production and Management (n.d). Penn State Extension. www.extension.psu.edu

Ohio 4-H Youth Development. (n.d.). www.Ohio4h.org

Ruechel, Julius. “How to Calculate

Figure 4.2. Target slaughter weights for mature bulls and cows (Ruechel).

Figure 4.1. Target slaughter weights for steers and heifers (Ruechel).

Figure 3.2. Frame score table based on age and hip height for female cattle (Ruechel).

You Decide!

By DR. MIKE WALDEN William Neal Reynolds Distinguished Professor Emeritus N.C. State University

You Decide: What’s Wrong With Worker Productivity? One of the underappreciated measures of the economy is worker productivity, which simply measures how much a worker accomplishes — called output — in a given period of time, usually an hour.

When worker productivity increases, it means workers are becoming more efficient — that is, they are producing more output in an hour. More productive workers are, therefore, more valuable to a business. Usually, more productive workers are paid more, either in wages or in benefits.

This is why alarm bells recently sounded when government numbers showed worker productivity declining.

Between mid-2021 and mid-2023, worker productivity slipped by 2 percent. There’s never been a comparable drop in the last seven decades.

The big question among economists and others is why? What happened in the economy to cause worker productivity to erode?

There’s no shortage of potential answers. Among them are a loss of education during the pandemic that reduced workers’ skills; workers suffering from stress related to inflation and the pandemic; a change in attitudes about work, particularly among younger workers; the movement of workers to new jobs during and after the pandemic; and the rise of remote work. There’s

also a counterargument that recent labor productivity looks bad only because productivity surged during the pandemic.

Let’s look at each of these possibilities individually. There’s no question that reduced educational outcomes are related to reduced skills and lower worker productivity. Data show that pre-college students did lose educational progress during the pandemic. Those who moved into the workforce without recovering these losses could have adversely impacted labor productivity.

It’s also accepted that stress can harm a worker’s performance on the job. Several studies have found that workers facing more stress in their lives are less productive. If worries over the pandemic created more apprehension among workers, then it is logical to conclude that worker productivity suffered.

Younger workers are often initially less productive than older counterparts because younger workers must learn the details of the job. But there’s little specific evidence showing this relationship has become worse with current generations.

A tremendous amount of job churning took place during and after the pandemic as large numbers of workers moved from job to job. During the worst of the pandemic in the first half of 2020, there were forced layoffs due to the closure of a large segment of the economy. The unemployment rate soared to 14 percent.

But as the economy reopened in the second half of 2020 and throughout 2021 and 2022, many workers found they could have their pick of jobs. Job openings were increasing faster than available workers, resulting in an unprecedented labor shortage. As many as 4 million workers each month were changing jobs, often due to higher pay.

Ordinarily, economists have found switching jobs results in higher labor productivity since the change presumably provides a better match between a worker’s skills and the needs of the job. But with so many firms desperate to hire workers during the last two years, the share of productivity enhancing job switches likely suffered.

The last factor on the list of changes that could be responsible for falling labor productivity is perhaps the most controversial: remote work. Remote work means there’s an agreement between the worker and employer allowing some part of the work to be done away from the site of the company. Prior to the pandemic, remote workers made up less than 10 percent of the workforce. The pandemic pushed the remote work rate to 60 percent. Today’s remote work rate of 40 percent is still far above the pre-pandemic

level.

For labor productivity, the worry is that without direct supervision, remote workers may slack off and not accomplish as much. Also, in occupations where collaboration with co-workers is important, the lack of face-to-face contact may impede productivity. But if remote work makes workers happier — especially with their work/life balance — remote work may enhance worker productivity.

Is there any evidence that remote work is bad for productivity? Current research findings suggest the answer depends on the type of remote work. Fully remote work, where all work is done away from the business, has been found to reduce labor productivity by 10-20 percent. But hybrid remote work, meaning a mix of off-site and inoffice work, has been found to increase productivity by 5-15 percent. Currently, three times more individuals are hybrid workers than fully remote workers.

There’s one more possibility to consider, which is that there actually is no labor productivity problem. The drop in labor productivity began in the second half of 2021. But there was a surge in labor productivity during all of 2020 and in the first half of 2021 when many workplace restrictions were still in place. Fewer workers were asked to do more, which resulted in a jump in productivity.

In fact, despite the retreats in labor productivity in 2021 and 2022, labor productivity is significantly higher today than during the pre-pandemic year of 2019.

So, is all of our worry about labor productivity for nothing? I don’t think so. Even if we don’t have a problem now, it’s still important to continue focusing on the factors behind labor productivity so it doesn’t become a problem in the future. But, as always, you decide.

You Decide: Is it a Bird, a Plane, or a Crazy Economy? When I was growing up in the 1950s, I was a fan of the Superman TV show. The program opened with the announcer looking up at the sky and saying, “It’s a bird, it’s a plane, it’s Superman!” I’ve used a modified version of today’s column to add some humor to the serious question of what kind of economy we have now. Many say the economy is not changing according to the script we’ve usually seen in the past. As a result, there’s confusion and concern about where the economy is headed.

There’ve been numerous explanations given, with some suggesting good times ahead and others indicating bad times, but all pointing to an unusual economy. We’re hearing phrases and terms like a soft landing economy, a full

employment recession, a rich recession, a rolling recession, and an economy ultimately headed for a big crash.

I’ll attempt to explain what all these phrases and terms mean. Then, as is always the case, I’ll let you decide which picture of the economy makes the most sense.

The various interpretations of the economy are divided into the good and the bad. On the good side are a soft landing economy and a full employment economy, which I’ll turn to first.

A soft landing for the economy is exactly what the Federal Reserve is trying to accomplish with its interest rate hikes. By slowly increasing interest rates over the past two years, the Fed wants to moderate the pace of economic growth and bring buying more in line with the supply of goods and services. The result would be to take the pressure off prices and lower the rate of price increases. Through this gradual approach, the Fed hopes the economy will still grow, although more slowly, thereby avoiding a crash into a recession. A recession means the economy contracts, that is, gets smaller.

Right now, with the economy continuing to expand and with the yearover-year inflation rate reduced from 9 percent to 3 percent, many think the Fed could guide the economy into landing safely on the runway of lower inflation. The soft landing means the inflation rate returns to a normal level without the pain of job losses and economic retreat. A soft landing is obviously the best result for the country, but it has been difficult to achieve in the past.

A full employment recession is a term several economists have used to describe today’s unusual economy. The idea is the economy will eventually slip into a recession, but it won’t impact the job market. This is different because the accepted definition of a recession requires economic contraction to be widespread, including job losses.

A full employment recession means the non-labor part of the economy — such as technology, machinery, finance, and construction — will suffer. But the labor part of the economy won’t. Unlike a normal recession, in a full employment recession, the unemployment rate remains low, and aggregate job losses don’t happen. Sure, as always occurs, some firms will reduce jobs, but those cuts will be made up by job gains in other sectors.

Why would the job market be spared in a full employment recession? It’s a result of the COVID-19 pandemic and anticipated shortages in workers. Many firms had trouble hiring workers during and after the pandemic. Memories

of those difficulties could motivate businesses to keep workers, even if the firms experience reduced sales for a while. Plus, looking ahead, experts see the labor force only expanding between 0.5-1 percent annually, less than half the rate of 50 years ago. Indeed, except for a brief rebound in the early 2000s, labor force growth has been steadily dropping for five decades. The weak labor force outlook is another reason why companies may want to hold on to their workers, even in relatively challenging times.

Now onto the bad interpretations of today’s economy. Some argue the economy is already in a recession, but the difference is it’s mainly been confined to the rich, hence the name rich recession. The tech sector, which pays salaries double that of other jobs, has cut more than 650,000 jobs in 2022 and the first half of 2023. This represents a loss of $65 billion in purchasing power and has hurt businesses catering to higher income consumers. In contrast, workers in lower paying jobs have received the highest rate of pay increases this decade. This is because many of those workers have become more valuable to businesses due to the labor shortage affecting several economic sectors.

Another interpretation of the current economic situation is another new term: a rolling recession. Here, a recession rolls through the economy, not impacting all sectors at the same time but instead affecting each at different times. Initially, sectors supplying services were hit due to the continuing reluctance of people to personally interact as a result of COVID-19. Companies making products did well as consumers purchased items like furniture, clothing, and vehicles they couldn’t get during the pandemic. Hence, a recession hit service companies first but spared product companies.

Eventually, this dichotomy flipped, as higher interest rates made many products too expensive, and fear about the faceto-face contact implied when buying services subsided. So now, the recession has rolled past service firms and is hitting product firms.

Last is the viewpoint that the economy may look reasonably good today, but a big crash is eventually coming. Supporters of this idea say rising interest rates combined with high and rising debt will eventually cause an economic implosion.

Are you confused about today’s economy? Don’t worry. You have company; economists are also befuddled. I hope I’ve been able to give you a scorecard for the different interpretations to help you decide how to navigate through today’s uncertainty.

the chaplain’s corral

By DAVE HARVEY Chaplain, Cowboys for Christ

Anchor for the Soul

Hebrews 6:19-20 - “We have this hope as an anchor for the soul, firm and secure. It enters the inner sanctuary behind the curtain, where Jesus, who went before us, has entered on our behalf. He has become a high priest forever, in the order of Melchizedek.”

We have this hope through Jesus Christ, who is the anchor for our soul! What a wonderful truth! Jesus Christ is the anchor for our soul, both now and forever! We need an anchor for our soul right now and to continue on until our last breath on this old sinful earth, as well as through all eternity. And that hope, that anchor, is Jesus Christ, God’s Son, our Savior, and Lord, as we completely depend on Him for our eternal existence. There is certainly no other way; as Jesus so clearly stated in John 14:6, Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” Jesus Christ is the anchor for our soul that gives us security for this life and throughout eternity to come. Once we take hold of this fact and instill this fact into our heart, our mind, and into our very soul, real assurance is ours, period. But until then, are we just floating on the high seas of life with nothing to keep us safe? Now, our eternal life is “firm and secure” in Jesus Christ, but what about our ride here and now? We certainly live in a world of variables and are faced with the unknown, many times, and so many things can change in a blink of an eye to completely disrupt our lives and our journey on this earth.

I can remember when my children were very young, and we were blessed with a vacation on one of the small Bahamian Islands named Exuma. As we all know, cowboys are always expert boaters, and I was a real boat captain; not. Anyway, we rented a small motor boat and went exploring around the small islands on one end of the big island (which was a very small island.) The kids wanted to explore the reefs, and I being the boater I was, anchored the boat real tight like I would tie a horse. But as a real boater should know, you leave slack in the anchor rope to keep

the anchor deep in the sand. Well, it didn’t take long until the waves, even though very small, caused the boat to pick up the anchor from the sand, and away went the boat.

As we came back from our little 20 minute exploration, we could barely see our boat out in the middle of the bay and going further away every second. Talk about one shocked cowboy. I sure was. There I was, stranded on a tiny remote island, in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean with my wife and three small children. Do you think this ole cowboy started praying? Well, I can assure you that I did a bunch of praying. I was desperately crying out to the Lord for help. Then I noticed a sailboat anchored in a cove on the next island. Suddenly I saw a small dinghy appear from the back of that sailboat, and it was headed out to my runaway boat. The man in the dinghy went to our boat and tied to it, and brought it back to us. The evidently real expert boatman from the sailboat gave me a very stern lecture on the proper way to anchor a boat and endangering my family by not knowing how to set an anchor. I praised and thanked the Lord for sending that fine boatman to rescue us, and I thanked the expert boater very humbly for bringing back our runaway boat.

Cowboys and cowgirls, we are so secure in our “anchor for our soul” through Jesus Christ. We don’t have to worry about our anchor losing hold and us drifting off into deep water. He will never turn us loose, and He will never let anything or anyone take us from His grasp. How do I know, because of this wonderful truth spoken by Jesus Christ, Himself in John 10:28-30 - “I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; no one can snatch them out of my hand. My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all; no one can snatch them out of my Father’s hand. I and the Father are one.” You, as God’s child, are anchored, and I mean anchored; you and your soul, so in times of stress and strain, stay strong in your Christ like walk because you are secure with Jesus Christ as the anchor of your soul, now and for eternity.

Some Pests Don’t Disappear in Winter, as Previously Supposed

Bluetongue virus, an incurable cattle and sheep killing disease, is spread by tiny flies once thought to disappear in winter. New research demonstrates that though they are harder to find when it’s cold, they remain active.

Bluetongue virus is common in cattle throughout most of the United States. Due to concerns about the spread of this virus, exports of U.S. cattle and cattle products to parts of Europe and Asia have been restricted to prevent contamination.

However, not all infected animals die. The main symptoms are elevated temperatures, lethargy, a sore area above the hooves, and some bleeding around the mouth. All ruminants are susceptible, including goats and deer, as well as cattle and sheep.

“The tongue, especially in sheep, can turn blue from enlargement with blood,” said Alec Gerry, University of CaliforniaRiverside entomology professor and study co-author.

Biting midges, flies so small they’re also called no-see-ums, are responsible for transmitting the virus. However, the typical adult midge lives for fewer than 30 days.

“There’s been a question about how bluetongue virus persists through the winter months to make it to the next season,” Gerry said. “Our study looked at adult activity in winter, doing collections on only the warmest days each week — something entomologists do not typically do.”

Previous studies found few flies active during winter in California. One theory about the midges posited that they die in colder months and that the virus carrying midges are somehow reintroduced from a tropical place with warm winters. Another theory suggested that no-seeum activity is not dormant in winter, but surveillance methods aren’t robust enough to catch their reduced activity and ongoing transmission of the bluetongue virus.

Convinced the latter theory was correct, the research team commenced trapping on the warmest days, every two weeks, for three years. “And we caught them every time,” said Xinmi Zhang, a Scripps College entomologist who led the study while a Ph.D. student in Gerry’s lab at UCR.

By changing up typical insect

collection practices, the researchers discovered midges continue to be active on the warmest days. This finding is described in a Journal of Medical Entomology paper and a new blog post for the Entomological Society of America.

“Not only are the midges more active on those warm days, but the fact that we found younger adults suggests they are developing through the winter months,” Gerry said. “There is no break in the normal life cycle.”

Though this study did not find active virus in winter, another study conducted in California’s Central Valley did find virus during this time period. Taken together, the two studies show virus transmission is likely ongoing.

Given that there is no specific treatment for bluetongue and no natural enemy of the midges that have been identified to help reduce their numbers, Gerry said the findings should support improved methods for managing virus transmission, such as the application of insect repellants to ruminant animals during winter when biting midge activity is at its lowest point during the year.

California cattle are acclimated to the strain of the virus circulating locally, so they don’t suffer bad reactions. However, that could easily change. “If a new strain is imported somewhere that didn’t have it before, the animals’ reactions could be severe. This could result in big economic impacts,” Zhang said. During an outbreak of bluetongue in northern Europe in 2006, thousands of cows died.

“It’s so important to have a better understanding of these insects’ behavior. And now, we do.”

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

HARDROCK BEEF CATTLE

Ronnie & Donna Holman 4613 Hickory Nut Ridge Road • Granite Falls, NC 828-302-8659 ronnie@hardrockbeefcattle.com

JK RED ANGUS

Jeff Banfield & Madison Adams 331 Tee Jay Farm Road • Aberdeen, NC 910-315-3821 jkredangus@gmail.com

LANGDON RED ANGUS & SIMMENTAL John & Eileen Langdon 7728 Raleigh Road • Benson, NC 919-796-5010 johnlangdon5@gmail.com

ROGERS CATTLE COMPANY

Johnny & Sharon Rogers 945 Woodsdale Road • Roxboro, NC 336-504-7268 rccbeef@gmail.com

PRESNELL RED ANGUS

Jonathan & Jacob Presnell 368 Whitaker Road • Shelby, NC 704-473-2627 (Jonathan) • 704-616-8775 (Jacob)

BULL HILL RANCH

Jim & Alvina Meeks • Raymond Prescott, Manager 1986 Trinity Church Road • Gray Court, SC 864-682-3900 • 864-682-2828 bullhill2@mindspring.com

COUNTRY BOY FARMS

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

Cole Maness, President - scmaness3@gmail.com

New Hereford Magazine

Champions Heterosis. The American Hereford Association (AHA) launched a new publication in August — Baldy Advantage — highlighting the experiences and insights of commercial cow/calf producers using Hereford sired baldy cattle to their benefit.

“Heterosis is tough to beat and harder to ignore in commercial cow/ calf production,” says Bill Goehring, AHA president. “Commercial producers’ firsthand experience across decades backs up the research documenting the many production and economic benefits of hybrid vigor. The same can be said of research and experience verifying the added value of using Hereford genetics to optimize direct and maternal heterosis.” Goehring and his family raise Hereford seedstock, run commercial cows, and operate a sale barn near Libertyville, Iowa.

Direct heterosis in first generation

News

(F1) crossbred cattle offers multiple advantages compared to the average of straightbred parents. Among them: increased survivability to weaning, increased feed efficiency, weaning weight, and yearling weight.

Maternal heterosis benefits shine even brighter when comparing F1 breeding females to the average of straightbred parents. Among them: increased longevity, calving rate, number of calves, and cumulative weaning weight of calves weaned.

Breed choice in complementary crossbreeding can extend the advantage of maternal and direct heterosis even more. Besides its unique genetic strengths, Hereford is the least related of the Bos Taurus breeds, according to the U.S. Meat Animal Research Center. This offers added hybrid punch, another reason why commercial cow/calf producers commonly tout the virtues of venerable

Hereford sired F1 baldies.

“The commercial producers we serve recognize the extra production efficiency and added market leverage that comes with Hereford sired baldy calves,” explains Wyatt Agar, AHA vice president. “Baldy Advantage furthers AHA’s commitment to the commercial producer. It’s an opportunity to share more information about baldy cattle, be they black baldies, red baldies or tiger stripes.” Agar and his family raise Hereford seedstock, run commercial cows, and operate a backgrounding operation near Thermopolis, Wyoming.

Each issue of Baldy Advantage includes news, industry analysis, and market information of interest to commercial cattle producers. It will be published four times each year. AHA invites commercial producers to request a free copy of Baldy Advantage with the opportunity to sign-up for a free three year subscription. Call 816-842-3757 or email hworld@hereford.org

About the American Hereford Association. AHA, with headquarters in Kansas City, Mo., is one of the largest U.S. beef breed associations. The 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.

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!

A Guide to Navigating Solar Leases for Farmers and Ranchers

By CARI B. RINCKER, ESQ.

Solar energy projects present an attractive opportunity for landowners to diversify their income streams. When a solar energy developer approaches a farmer or rancher with a seemingly lucrative lease agreement, the landowner must carefully consider whether the lease adequately protects his or her best interests before rushing into the deal. In this article, I discuss the essential aspects of solar lease agreements, as well as any potential landfalls that farmers and ranchers should avoid when navigating and negotiating a solar lease agreement.

1. Understanding the Structure of the Agreement - Agreements between solar developers and landowners come in many shapes and forms. In broad strokes, there are two main approaches. On the one hand, a developer may present a farmer or rancher with an option agreement, which will give the developer a period of time to assess the viability of a solar project on the land and the unilateral right to exercise an option to enter into a solar lease agreement if and when the developer determines that the project will be profitable. The lease agreement should be fully negotiated at the time that the option agreement is executed.

Alternatively, the developer may skip the option agreement and instead present the farmer or rancher with a lease agreement to be executed at the onset. Such a lease agreement usually commences with a development phase wherein the developer assesses the viability of the project. The developer is then granted the right to unilaterally terminate the lease at the conclusion of the development phase.

Regardless of whether there is a separate option agreement or a development phase incorporated into the lease, solar leases generally are structured pursuant to the same format: There is a construction period which may last roughly one year, followed by an operation period which may last decades, a renewal period which may extend the lease even longer, and ultimately, a cleanup period. As discussed further below, each distinct phase comes with specific rights, obligations, and compensation structures.

2. The Length of the Lease - To understand the extent to which a lease will tie up their land, a farmer or rancher should be sure to calculate the total timeframe of the encumbrance, from the beginning of the option or development phase to the end of the cleanup period.

It is not uncommon for the life of a solar lease agreement to span more than half a century. For this reason, multi-generational family farms and ranches should carefully consider potential uses or plans for their land over the course of the near- and notso-near-future. Such considerations may include the needs of future generations. The farmer or rancher should further keep in mind that such lease agreements typically run with the land, which means that they will bind any subsequent sale or estate succession of the land.

Given the length of the agreement, agriculture producers should also carefully assess the impact of a solar lease on their property, including a thorough evaluation of the potential environmental impact, the effect on overall farming or ranching productivity and economies of scale, and their eligibility for government programs.

3. Due Diligence on the Developer - If a farmer or rancher plans to enter a long term relationship with a solar developer, they should perform due diligence on the developer to ensure that the developer is legitimate and has a good record with other landowners in the area. Due diligence may include: (i) checking the developer’s online presence, including reviews and BBB complaints, (ii) confirming the developer is a registered entity with the secretary of state for the state that they claim to be organized under, and (iii) paneling neighbors and the community to see if anyone else has negative experiences with the developer.

4. Authority to Enter into the Lease - Before executing an option or lease agreement, a farmer or rancher must confirm that he or she has the legal authority to enter into such an agreement. In the first instance, the landowner will likely have to warrant in the agreement that he or she is the fee simple owner of the farm or ranch. If there are multiple parties with an interest in the land, all co-owners must approve and be a party to the lease. If the land is owned by a business entity or trust, then the governing documents of such entity or trust must be reviewed to confirm that they permit the execution of such a lease. Finally, if the property is subject to mortgages, pre-existing leases, easements, or other encumbrances on the property, those may need to be addressed before proceeding with a solar lease.

5. Compensation under the LeaseA farmer or rancher should carefully review the compensation he or she will receive under the option and/or lease agreement(s). At both the option/development phase

and the construction phase, the landowner may receive either lump sum payments or periodic per-acre payments. It is advisable to avoid lump sum arrangements if the timeframe of either phase is highly variable. Construction phase payments should be higher than option or development phase payments.

The compensation received during the operation phase should be significantly higher than the earlier phases. It is most often structured as an annual or semiannual payment tied to the number of acres subject to the lease. If receiving per acre payments, the farmer or rancher must clarify whether all acres will receive the same compensation level or whether certain unused acres will be compensated at a lower rate (or not at all). Given the length of the operation phase, any lease should also include an escalation factor (typically between 1.5-3 percent) by which payments should rise on an annual basis to compensate for inflationary risk.

The farmer or rancher is also encouraged to negotiate other forms of compensation or reimbursement in the lease. For example, a landowner may ask for the reimbursement of professional expenses, such as attorneys’ fees, incurred in reviewing the lease. The farmer or rancher should confirm that the developer will be responsible for any tax increase caused by transforming farmland into a solar energy facility. They may also wish to explore whether the developer will compensate the landowner for any loss of eligibility for government farming programs. Finally, the farmer or rancher should ensure that the lease clearly delineates a compensation structure for damages incurred to crops and the underlying drainage system on or adjacent to the property.

6. The Rights and Obligations of Each Party - The option and lease agreements should clearly lay out the rights granted to the solar developer on the landowner’s land. The farmer or rancher must pay careful attention to how the lease will affect their rights on the land subject to the lease and ensure that any rights or easements granted are carefully tailored for reasonableness. They should also understand whether the lease will interfere with rights on adjacent land owned by them. For example, a solar lease will grant the developer an easement for solar access, which may permit the developer to remove trees or other improvements on adjacent land if they obstruct access to sunlight. Because

leases cannot possibly address all uses of the land, I always advise that a farmer or rancher ask for the inclusion of a catch all reservation of rights clause, wherein the lease specifies that any rights not explicitly granted to the developer are reserved by the landowner.

7. Termination and Cleanup Obligations - It is common for leases to have asymmetrical termination provisions, meaning that a developer can often terminate the lease at any time and for any reason, while a landowner can only do so in the event of a breach of a monetary obligation. A farmer or rancher may nevertheless seek to ensure that they may still request damages or specific performance of certain provisions of the lease where they are not permitted to terminate the lease.

A lease should contain robust cleanup obligations for the developer, including cleanup of any debris post construction, as well as restoring the property to its original condition at the end of the lease agreement. Local or state regulations may be of use in this regard. For example, in Illinois, the Department of Agriculture requires that any developer with a solar lease agreement with a landowner must also enter into an Agricultural Impact Mitigation Agreement with the Bureau of Land and Water Resources, which contains standardized construction and cleanup obligations for the project.

8. Disputes - On a final note, farmers and ranchers should always plan for the worst case scenario. This involves ensuring that any dispute arrangements or requirements contained in the lease favor the landowner. In particular, a farmer or rancher should request that any waiver of a right to a jury trial be removed from a lease. Moreover, if a lease contains provisions waiving any right to appeal an arbitration or other dispute award, that language should also be struck from the agreement.

Solar lease agreements are binding contracts of long duration, with potentially significant consequences for the landowner and his or her heirs or assigns. Given the variable and complexities addressed in this article, it is advisable that the landowner hire an attorney to help ensure that the solar lease agreement is carefully tailored to the unique concerns and needs of a farmer or rancher. Whether an attorney is employed or whether the landowner takes it upon him or herself to review the agreement, the reviewing party should ensure that they have adequately considered each of the issues discussed herein.

4B FARMS, LLC

Shelby, NC

Bryson Westbrook

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

BLINSON POLLED HEREFORDS

Lenoir, NC

Keith & Peggy Blinson - 828-310-4526

Bryan & Beth Blinson - 919-422-9108

DOUBLE J FARM

Traphill, NC • Earlysville, VA

John Wheeler 910-489-0024

doublejfarmllc@yahoo.com www.doublejfarmllc.com

E. CARROLL JOYNER

BEEF UNIT

Raleigh, NC

Matt Morrison 716-720-0227

FIVE J’S BEEF & CATTLE COMPANY

Clayton, NC

Jody & Angela Standley

Kim Prestwood (Manager) 828-320-7317 - Kim jodystandley@gmail.com

HEREFORD HILLS

Greensboro, NC

Bill Kirkman III 336-382-9635 ST Genetics Representative

LOOKABILL FAMILY LIVESTOCK

Lexington, NC

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

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

SEPTEMBER & OCTOBER EVENTS

Circuit shows are in full swing!

Good luck to our youth showing in their local circuit shows.

N.C. Mountain State Fair, Fletcher - September 8-17

Carolina Classic Fair Open Heifer Show, Winston-Salem - October 6

N.C. State Fair, Raleigh - October 12-22

2023 AHA Annual Membership Meeting and Conference, Kansas City Marriott Downtown, Kansas City, Mo. - October 19-22

MITCHEM’S FARM 3C

Vale, NC

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

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

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

W&A HEREFORD FARM Providence, NC George, Tammy, William, & Andy Ward 434-251-3637 gwwardjr@comcast.net

WILL-VIA POLLED HEREFORDS Mooresville NC Lavette Teeter 704-662-5262

To advertise here, contact Myron McCoy ncherefordassociation@gmail.com

By WES ISHMAEL, Hereford World

Opportunity is Everything

“It matters to feel like you’ve touched the life of a kid,” says Crystal Mitchem, Vale, North Carolina.

She and her husband, Wayne, continue impacting the lives of many Hereford juniors as advisors of the N.C. Junior Hereford Association. They were named the National Junior Hereford Association (NJHA) Advisors of the Year during the 2023 VitaFerm Junior National Hereford Expo (JNHE) in Madison, Wisconsin.

“It’s very humbling. A lot of the kids wrote letters of support, and that means so much to us,” Crystal says. But she’s quick to steer any credit to everyone else involved.

Deep rooted experience - Crystal grew up with polled Herefords in eastern North Carolina. Her grandfather started a herd in the late 1950s. She and her two sisters were widely involved in the National Junior Polled Hereford Association — all three served on the National Polled Hereford Junior Council. Crystal (Kirby) was National Polled Hereford Queen in 1990.

“The Hereford Association gave me a lot, and our girls were seeing the same benefits,” Crystal says of the couple’s decision to become advisors in 2017. “We took it on as a mission to get as many kids involved as possible to take advantage of

the opportunities.”

Wayne and Crystal are both sixth generation farmers. Their daughters, Regan and Jordan, have long participated in the JNHE and other NJHA opportunities. The family owns and operates Mitchem 3C Farms in the foothills of western North Carolina.

Lessons beyond the cattle - “Every time we run into new kids, we encourage them to join the association. We want to show them the opportunities they may not be aware of. Everybody should be given the opportunity,” Crystal says.

Attending the JNHE and the Southeast Regional Hereford Show are top priorities for the North Carolina juniors, but Crystal says the shows make the top of the list as much for the opportunities beyond the show ring.

“It’s good to get out and see the big pond,” Crystal says. “There is so much to be gained. Travel with the family, see and do, and learn about good cattle. The skills they can learn from the contests at JNHE are irreplaceable. It’s the whole opportunity — the people you meet, the friends you make, and skills you learn.”

In fact, the JNHE is so important that Crystal scheduled a recent surgery around the event, unwilling to miss the opportunity.

“They have encouraged the youth to be involved with the NJHA, not just in showing, but with public speaking, photo contests, quiz bowls, and other activities,” explains George Ward, past president of the N.C. Hereford Association (NCHA) and Tammy Ward, NCHA board member.

Crystal is proud of the junior organization and grateful for all of the families involved who pitch in.

“We’re blessed as a junior association. In North Carolina, the adult association and the breeders in the state are very supportive of our juniors,” Crystal explains.

“My parents’ priority of making sure that everyone feels included and welcome, no matter how long they

have been involved, has become the association’s best quality,” Regan Mitchem says.

Crystal is quick to point out she and Wayne were originally co-advisors with Reggie and Patty Lookabill, whom she credits with helping lay the foundation of success for North Carolina juniors.

“We’re thankful to the Hereford Youth Foundation of America and the American Hereford Association for all that they do. We’re so thankful for all of the opportunities to teach the kids,” Crystal says.

Reprinted with permission from Hereford World, September 2023

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!

Ancient DNA Reveals an Early African Origin of Cattle in the Americas

Cattle may seem like uniquely American animals, steeped in the lore of cowboys, cattle drives, and sprawling ranches. But cattle didn’t exist on the American continents prior to the arrival of the Spanish, who brought livestock with them from Europe by way of the Canary Islands.

In a new study, researchers analyzed ancient DNA from Spanish settlements in the Caribbean and Mexico. Their results indicate cattle were also imported from Africa early in the process of colonization, more than 100 years before their arrival was officially documented.

Records kept by Portuguese and Spanish colonists reference breeds from the Andalusian region of Spain but make no mention of transporting cattle from Africa. Some historians have interpreted this omission to mean that the first wave of colonists relied entirely on a small stock of European cattle initially shipped to the Caribbean Islands.

“Early studies concluded a few hundred animals were brought over in the early 16th century, which were then bred locally on Hispaniola. From there, the initial population was inferred to have spread across the Americas,” said lead author Nicolas Delsol, a postdoctoral associate at the Florida Museum of Natural History.

During his second expedition in 1493, Columbus brought the first cattle to the Caribbean, where they were used as farm animals and a source of food. These new transplants did so well that feral livestock became a nuisance on the Island of Hispaniola. The Spanish distributed cattle widely through the Caribbean, and by 1525, foreign livestock was being farmed in parts of Central and South America. The Portuguese meanwhile moved related breeds from mainland Europe and the Cape Verde Islands to modern day Brazil.

But researchers have reason to suspect the version of events gleaned from historical records was incomplete. In 1518, Emperor Charles V passed an edict making it legal to transport enslaved people directly from their homelands to the Americas, a practice which commenced less than three years later. In the ensuing decades, enslaved Africans would play a vital — and often unrecognized — role in the development of cattle ranching.

“The earliest ranchers in Mexico were nearly all of African ancestry,” Delsol said. “We know that people like the Fulani in West Africa formed herder societies in which they lived in what

could be described as a symbiosis with cattle. Both these lines of evidence made us think there was a strong possibility that the Spanish brought cattle from the same region as the people they enslaved.”

Previous genetic studies seem to support this idea. DNA from modern American cattle bears the signature of their European ancestry, but it also reveals a history of hybridization with breeds from Africa and Asia. Without archaeological data, however, it’s not possible to pinpoint exactly when these events took place.

The first records of African cattle in the Americas date back to the 1800s when humped Zebu from Senegal and N’dama cattle from Gambia were moved to areas with similar environments across the Atlantic. Beginning at roughly the same time and continuing into the 1900s, cattle domesticated in southeast Asia for thousands of years were also imported from India. Hybridization among these cattle led to common breeds that are still around today, such as the Senepol from the Virgin Islands and the American Brahman common in the tropics.

Do these records represent the first instance of cattle imported from regions other than Europe, or are they merely the continuation of a longstanding practice that had, until then, gone undocumented?

The only way to know for sure, Delsol said, would be to sequence ancient DNA from cows and bulls preserved during the colonial era. Researchers in only one other study had attempted to do this, using 16 th century bones from Jamaica, but their results were inconclusive.

Delsol gathered 21 bones from several archaeological sites. Seven were excavated in Puerto Real, a former ranching town in Hispaniola established in 1503 and abandoned decades later due to rampant piracy in the region. The remaining specimens correspond to 17 th and 18th century sites in Central Mexico, including settlements and convents in a long arc from Mexico City to the Yucatán Peninsula.

After extracting DNA from bone material, he compared their genetic sequences with those of modern breeds around the world. As expected, most of the sequences shared a strong relationship with cattle from Europe, which was especially true for specimens from Puerto Real. Six of the bones from Mexico also had sequences common in African cattle but, crucially, also found in breeds present in southern Europe.

“To make things difficult, there are

cattle in Spain similar to those in Africa due to centuries long exchanges across the Strait of Gibraltar,” Delsol said. But a tooth found in Mexico City stood out from the rest. Buried in the tooth’s mitochondria was a short sequence virtually unknown from anywhere other than Africa. The cow it came from likely lived in the late 1600s, pushing back the introduction of African cattle by more than a century.

When looked at over time, the bones also reveal a pattern of increasing genetic diversity. The oldest bones from Puerto Real and Xochimilco (a settlement south of Mexico City) all originated from European stock, whereas those from later sites in Mexico seem to have descended from animals more common in the Iberian Peninsula and Africa.

Taken together, the results suggest

Spanish settlers began importing cattle directly from West Africa as far back as the early 1600s.

“Cattle ranching profoundly shaped the landscape and social systems across the American continents,” Delsol said. “We’ve known about the diverse genetic ancestry of American cattle for a long time, and now we have a more complete chronology for their introduction.”

The study was published in the journal Scientific Reports . Funding was provided in part by the National Science Foundation (grant no. 1930628).

Brian Stucky with the Agricultural Research Service, Jessica Oswald with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, and Charles Cobb, Kitty Emery, and Robert Guralnick of the Florida Museum of Natural History are also authors of the study.

GELBVIEH NEWS

Registration Open for 53rd Annual American Gelbvieh Association Convention. Registration is open for the 53 rd Annual American Gelbvieh Association (AGA) Convention to be held on November 29-December 1 at the Omaha Marriott Downtown at the Capitol District in Omaha, Nebraska.

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.

“The annual convention is one of the most important events the AGA puts on all year,” says Megan Slater, AGA executive director. “Not only is important business conducted during the committee meetings and annual meeting, but it also allows time for AGA members to network with one another and learn about various industry topics that impact their day-today business.”

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.

The Revolutionary Role of Postbiotics in Promoting Ruminant Health. Since the dawn of time, humans have been accidentally and intentionally fermenting foodstuffs.

Since ancient times, humans have harnessed the benefits of fermentation, realizing its potential in preserving food, improving taste, and promoting health. While the significance of fermentation was discovered relatively recently in the 19th century, its impact on human health has been acknowledged for quite some time. This knowledge has led to the development of various products, including prebiotics and probiotics, which offer immune and digestive health benefits.

However, in the quest for promoting optimal health and performance in ruminant animals such as dairy and beef cattle, researchers and animal nutritionists have been exploring innovative strategies to support their well being. One such advancement gaining attention is the use of postbiotics, a category of biotics that harnesses the power of the gut microbiome to enhance ruminant health.

Presenting...Postbiotics. The gut of ruminant animals, including dairy and beef cattle, is home to a complex

ecosystem called the microbiome. This ecosystem consists of various microorganisms that help with digestion and provide essential nutrients to the host animal. One key process in the gut is fermentation, which allows the microbiome to break down indigestible feed, like plant fibers, into usable energy and nutrients. To promote the health and performance of ruminant animals, it is important to maintain a healthy gut and microbiome. In addition to prebiotics (food for beneficial microbes) and probiotics (live microorganisms), a third category called postbiotics has emerged.

Like millions of people, you are probably familiar with members of the “biotic” family, namely prebiotics and probiotics. The term postbiotic is most likely new to you. According to the International Scientific Association of Probiotics and Prebiotics (ISAPP), “a postbiotic is a preparation of inanimate microorganisms and/or their components that confers a health benefit to the host. Postbiotics may contain intact inanimate microbial cells and/or microbial cell fragments/structures with or without metabolites/end products.” Therefore, what is the difference between prebiotics,

probiotics, and postbiotics?

• Prebiotics, which are not live organisms, are substrates often found in plant cell walls. In a sense, they are the fuel for beneficial microorganisms in the gut and essentially feed probiotics.

• Probiotics, such as live beneficial bacteria and yeast, are often supplemented to provide extra factories in the gut to utilize prebiotics to create metabolites. When consumed as a dietary supplement or a natural component of fermented foods, probiotics can offer important health benefits.

• Postbiotics are produced through precise fermentation inputs and processes to create beneficial metabolites or the goods. Produced by bacteria and yeast, the metabolites present in postbiotics include the goods that support health, such as amino acids, vitamins, short chain fatty acids, and more. As probiotics feed on prebiotics, postbiotics are produced; however, postbiotics have even more value. Because postbiotics do not contain live microorganisms, the risk associated with their intake is minimized. Plus, postbiotics work with the biology of the animal to maintain immune strength and promote digestive health. The use of postbiotics offers advantages for ruminant animal health and well being. They contribute to a healthy gut, support nutrient absorption, protect against harmful microorganisms, stimulate the growth and development of the digestive and immune systems, and provide overall benefits for the animal’s performance and resilience.

To ensure dairy and beef cattle reach their maximum potential, a well-balanced

diet is crucial. Proper nutrition not only supports body maintenance, muscle development, and overall health but also plays a significant role in optimizing the productivity of herds. One key aspect of ruminant animal nutrition is maintaining a healthy and efficient rumen. Research has demonstrated that postbiotics offer exceptional benefits by promoting rumen health and function for dairy and beef cows. Improved rumen function correlates with:

• Milk Production - Postbiotics support optimal milk production in cows, and for beef calves, this ensures adequate nutrition for growing calves.

• Feed Efficiency - Postbiotics aid in improving feed digestibility, allowing ruminant animals to extract maximum nutrition from their diet and improve feed efficiency.

• Weight Gain - A healthy rumen ensures efficient nutrient absorption and utilization, contributing to optimal weight gain.

• Immune Function - The benefits of postbiotics extend beyond individual ruminant animals, positively impacting the overall health and well being of the herd by supporting immune function and disease resistance.

By incorporating postbiotic feed additives into the diet, dairy and beef animals receive optimal support for their digestive systems. These postbiotics work in synergy with the biology of the animals, promoting immune strength, maintaining digestive health, and ultimately contributing to healthier and more productive herds.

Postbiotics - Paving the Future for Healthy Ruminant Animals. Postbiotics have emerged as a groundbreaking solution for maintaining ruminant animal health. With their ability to enhance digestive health, support rumen function, improve feed efficiency, strengthen the immune system, and aid in stress management, postbiotics are transforming the way we care for our animals.

By leveraging the power of postbiotics, we can unlock a new level of vitality and well being for ruminant animals, contributing to healthy and productive herds.

About Diamond V. Diamond V is a leading global animal health business based in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. Diamond V conducts research in many species and manufactures natural (as defined by the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO)) immune support products for animal health, animal performance, and food safety worldwide. Global headquarters and all Diamond V manufacturing are located in Cedar Rapids. More than 75 years of science, innovation, technology, and quality have earned Diamond V the reputation of The Trusted Experts in Nutrition and Health.

Jim Graham Junior Simmental Scholarship Winner. Shelby Candler of Weaverville, N.C., is the recipient of this year’s Jim Graham Junior Simmental Scholarship. Shelby is the daughter of John and Jodi Candler and is enrolled at Redlands Community College in El Reno, Oklahoma. She is studying animal science there and will be on the livestock judging team there. She has her own herd of Simmental and SimAngus cattle and is responsible for making all the breeding and nutrition decisions for her herd. She has been showing livestock and participates in livestock judging contests. She was a member of the state champion FFA livestock judging team in 2019 and was the high senior individual at the 4-H livestock judging contest.

By JENNIE RUCKER Executive Secretary N.C. Simmental Association

Shelby plans to become a bovine embryologist in the future, and that will also include attending vet school. The N.C. Simmental Association is happy to play just a small role in her future by awarding her the Jim Graham Junior Simmental Scholarship. Congratulations to Shelby Candler!

Fall Focus 2023. This year’s Fall Focus, sponsored by the American Simmental Association, was held on August 25-29 in Denver, Colorado. The very first event was going to the National Western Center, where they toured live cattle displays from some of the Colorado Simmental Association members. There was also a feet and leg scoring

demonstration and a pulmonary arterial pressure (PAP) demonstration.

The next day there was much more to learn about the bovine heart, with sessions on exploring bovine heart health, the physiology of hypertension and heart failure, followed by genetic prediction for PAP and heart failure. Following lunch, attendees learned about the state of the beef industry and defining sustainability of beef cattle. This was a day full of information about cattle from the inside out!

The third and fourth days were mainly town hall and committee meetings in which the American Simmental Association board makes decisions, and everyone is invited to attend. For more information on this great event, go to www.fallfocus.org.

Shelby Candler is the Jim Graham Junior Simmental Scholarship recipient.

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Regular copy deadline is SEPTEMBER 5 for the OCTOBER issue.

BRD Battle Plan — The Two Step Approach to Building Immunity. We can’t control everything on a cattle operation. But we can make a battle plan to protect calves from bovine respiratory disease (BRD) long before we ever reach for antibiotics. Vaccination remains one of the most effective ways to prevent losses associated with BRD, but no vaccine can prevent infection 100 percent of the time. Building robust immunity against BRD involves a mix of maternal antibodies and vaccine derived immunity.

Colostrum is critical - “When calves are born, they enter the world lacking any real immunity to disease,” explained Joe Gillespie, DVM, Boehringer Ingelheim. “To build up the defenses they need, calves are dependent on colostrum from their mothers. Ensuring calves receive this antibody rich colostrum can have lasting effects on their immunity, overall health, and productivity.” Ideally, calves should ingest adequate amounts of high quality colostrum within four hours of birth.

Maternal antibodies from colostrum, however, will eventually wane, and calves will need to start developing their own immunity. Vaccination stimulates a calf’s immune system to start producing its own antibodies against specific disease causing agents.

Choose the right vaccine at the right time - Knowing your operation’s pathogen risks is the first step in determining a vaccination protocol. “These risks can vary, depending on what pathogens are more common in your herd already and the geography in which you live,” clarified Dr. Gillespie. “Lean on the advice or consultation of your local veterinarian to understand your pathogen risks.”

Vaccination timing is also critical. Waiting until weaning to vaccinate could leave calves unprotected during the summer months when they are most susceptible to summer pneumonia. So, how can producers find the sweet spot for vaccination prior to losing all of the protection associated with maternal antibodies and before natural exposure to disease causing pathogens?

“The time period between gaining and losing maternal antibodies varies from calf to calf but is typically somewhere between 2-6 months of age,” said Dr. Gillespie. “For best immunity,

we recommend vaccinating at least two weeks before high stress events.”

“On an average beef cattle ranch, we’re looking at vaccinating calves around branding or turnout time in the spring,” he added. “For example, if a calf was born in January or February, we’re vaccinating, marking, and identifying a 60-90 day old calf before it’s turned out for summer grazing.”

Producers should be aware of whether their chosen vaccine will remain effective in the face of maternal antibodies. With some vaccines, antibodies absorbed from colostrum can interfere with the development of immunity for several months after birth. Therefore, it’s important to administer a vaccine proven to stimulate immunity in calves, even in the presence of colostral antibodies.

BRD is the costliest cause of sickness and death in the beef finishing industry. Building robust immunity composed of both maternal and vaccine derived immunity is a vital step in a successful overall BRD management strategy. Every herd is different, so remember to consult a veterinarian to develop the most effective protocols for your operation.

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

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

Certified Angus Beef news

Sysco and Certified Angus Beef Announce Partnership to Enhance Animal Welfare and Beef Sustainability. Sysco, the global leader in food service distribution, and Certified Angus Beef, a brand known for its commitment to quality beef, are pleased to announce a strategic partnership aimed at promoting animal welfare and beef sustainability. The collaboration will focus on providing Beef Quality Assurance (BQA) training and certification to 1,000 farmers and ranchers through nine training events between August 2023 and June 2024.

“We’re proud to partner with Certified Angus Beef, a brand led and owned by farmers and ranchers and known for its commitment to excellence,” said Henry Fovargue, Sysco’s Vice President of Sustainability. “Through this initiative, we hope to support and strengthen the livelihoods of family farmers and ranchers who are dedicated to producing high quality beef and prioritizing the welfare of animals and the environment.”

BQA, a nationally recognized education and certification program, encompasses the best practices for cattle care, including animal handling, nutrition, and responsible use of antibiotics. The training helps producers stay current on the best management practices, and its certification boosts consumer confidence in how beef is raised.

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.

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.

Prior to learning about the program, 44 percent of consumers had positive perceptions about cattle production, and that increased to 70 percent after learning of the BQA program.

“Through this partnership, we can continue to foster a culture of cattle care and with BQA certifications, communicate ranchers’ commitment to doing the right thing,” says John Stika, president of Certified Angus Beef. “Today’s consumers have greater interest in how their beef is raised and the practices behind it. Programs like BQA help bring our customers and beef community closer together in that understanding, building trust to ensure a sustainable future for our industry.”

The Cattle Care Partnership between Sysco and Certified Angus Beef highlights the shared commitment of both companies to support farmers and ranchers and the beef community as a whole. By investing in BQA training, the partnership elevates the industry’s work to address consumer concerns, reinforce trust, and ensure future demand for beef.

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.

455 GORE FAMILY ANGUS Mark & Lori Gore Tabor City 702-401-8005 • 455goreangus@gmail.com www.455farms.com

4K FARMS/TARHEEL ANGUS Richard D. Kirkman, DVM Siler City 919-742-5500 • rdk.cefa@gmail.com

BACK CREEK Joe & Robin Hampton Mt. Ulla

704-880-2488 (Joe); 704-880-3572 (Robin) robinbackcreek@att.net

Facebook: Back Creek Angus

BILTMORE ESTATE

Kyle Mayberry - Manager Asheville

828-768-1956 • livestock@biltmore.com www.biltmorelivestock.com

CARSON FAMILY FARM, LLC

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

CHAPMAN CATTLE COMPANY Bryant Chapman Taylorsville 828-514-0526

FOUR S FARMS

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

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

GRAGG FARMS

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

H&H FARMS

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

HI-LO FARMS, LLC

William & Kate Reichert Fuquay-Varina 919-812-0435 • hilofarmsblackangus.gmail.com

Cortney Holshouser

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

HILL ANGUS FARM

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

JACK KNOB FARMS

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

JENKINS ANGUS FARM

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

KNOLL CREST FARM

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

LANE ANGUS

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

PANTHER CREEK FARMS

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

S&J Farms

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

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

SPRINGFIELD ANGUS

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

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

VANDEMARK ANGUS

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

WINDY HILL FARMS, LLC

Michael A. Moss

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

WINSLOW GENETICS

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

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

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

is a competition years in the making for juniors. This year, Lynae Bowman and Emma Vanhoy represented North Carolina in the contest and did a great job.

NORTHCAROLINAANGUSASSOCIATION

By CORTNEY HOLSHOUSER, NCAA Executive Secretary

North Carolina Angus Juniors Excel on a National Level

2023 Eastern Regional Junior Angus Show. Angus exhibitors led 187 entries at the 2023 Eastern Regional Junior Angus Show on June 23-24 in Lebanon, Tennessee. Mark McClintock of San Angelo, Tex., evaluated the bulls, females, cow/calf pairs, and steers, and Jeremy Leister of Stillwater, Okla., evaluated the phenotype and genotype females.

Maddie Grace Carpenter, Caroline and Jonathan Scarlett, and Mary and Ava Wood represented North Carolina well in the showmanship competition. In the senior division, Mary Wood placed fourth. In the intermediate A division, Maddie Carpenter placed fourth. In the intermediate B division, Ava Wood placed fifth, while Caroline Scarlett took home the reserve champion honors. Congratulations to all of these juniors for their incredible accomplishments.

2023 National Junior Angus Show. 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 2023 National Junior Angus Show was held on July 1-8 in Grand Island, Neb., and the N.C.

Junior Angus members who made the long trip West represented us well. Lynae and Nate Bowman, Maddie Grace and E.B. Carpenter, Rylea Suddreth, Emma and Hannah Vanhoy, and Mary and Ava Wood attended the week long event and brought ten head of cattle.

Angus exhibitors from across the country led 1,096 entries at the 2023 NJAS. Jirl Buck of Madill, Okla., judged the owned heifers; Ethan Moore of Madill, Okla., assisted with the owned heifers; Jarold Callahan of Edmond, Okla., judged the bred-and-owned heifers, cow/calf pairs, and bulls; Ryan Callahan of Edmond, Okla., assisted with the bredand-owned heifers; Brigham Stewart of Washington, Kan., judged the steers; and Joe Myers of Harrodsburg, Ken., judged the phenotype and genotype females.

There were many highlights of the week for team North Carolina. One of the most memorable was Marcie Harward completing her term as a director for the National Junior Angus Board as the Foundation Director. An honor many juniors dream about for years. Moments later, Mary Wood was announced as one of the new six juniors elected to serve as a National Junior Angus Association Director.

An ambitious group of young cattlemen and women from across the U.S. were awarded scholarships from the Angus Foundation at the NJAS. To be awarded one of these scholarships is a true accomplishment. Since 1998, the Angus Foundation has awarded more than $4.2 million in undergraduate and graduate scholarships to Angus youth. Mary Wood and Emma Vanhoy both received $2,000 general scholarships.

Team North Carolina placed first in recipe, second in showmanship, and second overall in the Senior Roast division of the American Angus Auxiliary sponsored Certified Angus Beef CookOff with their presentation of “Beef and Broccoli.” This contest is a chance for juniors to show off their cooking skills while also promoting Certified Angus Beef and its specifications through a skit.

Lynae Bowman 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. First 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

Maddie Grace Carpenter, Emma Vanhoy, Hannah Vanhoy, and Ava Wood were members of this award winning team.

E.B. Carpenter placed first in the junior A division of the extemporaneous speaking contest, his first time ever competing in this contest. This competition tests a junior’s ability to prepare and defend a discussion topic

The North Carolina kids had a great cheering section all week long through contests and competitions.

Marcie Harward ends her term on the National Junior Angus Board as Mary Wood gets elected to serve.

Mary Wood and Emma Vanhoy were among junior members who received the Angus Foundation Undergraduate $2,000 Scholarship.

Lynae Bowman received the DeEtta Wood Memorial $1,500 Scholarship.

Lynae Bowman and Emma Vanhoy represented North Carolina in the 2023 National Junior Angus Showmanship Contest.

The Cook-Off Team did a great job. and showcases their quick thinking skills. Nate Bowman also competed in intermediate division of the extemporaneous public speaking contest.

The North Carolina juniors also competed in the intermediate division of the quiz bowl. Team members included Hannah Vanhoy, Nate Bowman, Ava Wood, and Maddie Carpenter. Rylea Suddreth, Emma Vanhoy, Maddie

Carpenter, and Hannah Vanhoy also competed in the skill-a-thon contest.

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

Ava Wood and Hannah Vanhoy also 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. Lynae Bowman 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.

Photos by Pearl’s Pics & Next Level Images

Lynae Bowman was among junior members who received their Gold Award.

The kids from North Carolina had a great week working together in the stalls and in contests.

Diamond T 2180 Georgina, owned by Emma Vanhoy, won owned heifer class 13 at the NJAS.

Maddie Carpenter placed fourth in intermediate A showmanship at the ERJAS.

Mary Wood placed fourth in senior showmanship at the ERJAS.

Caroline Scarlett was reserve champion and Ava Wood placed fifth in intermediate B showmanship at the ERJAS.

ANGUS NEWS

Angus Foundation holds annual Golf Tournament. The 22 nd Annual Angus Foundation Golf Tournament raised over $17,500 for education, youth, and research. When 118 golfers and 75 sponsors band together for the 22nd annual Angus Foundation Golf Tournament, good things happen. The event was held at the Indianhead Golf Club in Grand Island, Neb., on July 4 in conjunction with the 2023 National Junior Angus Show (NJAS) and honored the memory of William “Bill” Davis of Belgrade, Montana. Davis, who passed away in May 2022, was a passionate Angus breeder and avid golfer.

“Year after year, this event serves our Angus family as a source of fun, fellowship, and competition,” said Jaclyn

Boester, Angus Foundation executive director. “Honoring longtime Angus breeder Bill Davis made the event extra special as we gathered to remember a dear friend and support the Foundation’s mission.”

The tournament welcomed 30 teams and raised over $17,500 to help continue the Foundation’s pillars of education, youth, and research.

Each year, the tournament is supported by numerous sponsors dedicated to the mission of the Angus Foundation. This year’s event sponsor was the Friends of Bill Davis group. DewEze sponsored a Beefcake cake feeder for the lucky golfer whose drive landed closest to the pin. NEOGEN continued its sponsorship of the

McMahan Farm & Hancock Angus

luncheon and event hole flags. Brinkley Angus Ranch of Milan, Mo., sponsored the clubhouse, and Heritage Farm of Shelbyville, Ken., and Turner Meadow Ranch of Wills Point, Tex., sponsored the beverage carts. Other sponsors included: Certified Angus Beef of Wooster, Ohio, sponsoring the CAB steak lunch; Kent Jaecke of Stillwater, Okla., sponsoring the player gifts; and Slate Group of Lubbock, Tex., sponsoring print materials.

Nearly $14,000 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 2023 National Junior Angus Show.

The auction raised nearly $14,000 in unrestricted funds to aid the Foundation’s mission. Funds raised will support numerous scholarships, conferences, and research projects.

“This year’s silent auction featured a number of unique items,” said Jaclyn Boester, Angus Foundation executive director. “From both donors and buyers, the support given helps to secure a prosperous future for the Angus legacy.”

For the second time, the auction was available online via the auction platform Angus Live. Open from July 3-8, the auction featured 110 sale lots, ranging from gift baskets of state-themed products and vintage Angus ads to a jewelry armoire and signed and numbered Frank C. Murphy prints.

Juniors awarded Angus Foundation scholarships and awards. Over $235,000 in scholarships awarded at 2023 National Junior Angus Show. An ambitious group of young cattlemen and women from across the U.S. were awarded scholarships from the Angus Foundation at the 2023 National Junior Angus Show. “Being a part of an organization that supports its juniors’ educational goals is an incredible feeling,” said Reese Anderson, a recipient from Chrisman, Illinois. “The support from this scholarship will allow me to focus less on the financial aspects of college and more on my studies.”

A five member committee consisting of industry experts, Foundation board members, Angus breeders, and National Junior Angus Association board members evaluates the applications. The committee considers involvement, participation, leadership, service, career goals, and other criteria set forth in the scholarships’ fund agreements.

“The [American] Angus Association has given me the opportunity to make friends from all over the country and a

foundation to grow into the person I am today,” said Blake Long, a recipient from Big Cabin, Oklahoma. “To receive an Angus Foundation scholarship means that the Angus family believes in me and has faith that I can be a strong leader for the Angus breed.”

Since 1998, The Angus Foundation has awarded more than $4.2 million in undergraduate and graduate scholarships.

“The donors who provide scholarship opportunities for Angus youth are committed to investing in our future industry leaders.” said Jaclyn Boester, Angus Foundation executive director. “We’re proud to assist these outstanding students and grateful to our supporters who make it possible.”

For more news, information, and to support the mission of the Angus Foundation, visit www.AngusFoundation. org. A list of scholarship winners from North Carolina follows.

Angus Foundation

Undergraduate Scholarships – $2,000 Emma Vanhoy – Catawba, N.C. Mary Wood – Willow Spring, N.C. DeEtta Wood Memorial Scholarship – $1,500 Lynae Bowman – Germanton, N.C.

Yon Family Farms to donate 2024 Angus Foundation Heifer Package. Sale of Yon Sarah K1233 to support Angus Foundation’s mission of education, youth, and research. The 2024 Angus Foundation Heifer Package will be donated by Yon Family Farms of Ridge Spring, South Carolina. The heifer, Yon Sarah K1233 (AAA *20450734), is a maternal sister to both Yon Top Cut G730 (AAA +*19476453) and Yon Saluda (AAA +*20336998). Yon Sarah K1233 is safe-in-calf to Yon Toccoa F1054 (AAA +*19306162), with an anticipated due date of March 21, 2024.

The heifer, offered for sale in January at the 2024 Cattlemen’s Congress, will support the Foundation’s mission of furthering Angus education, youth, and research efforts.

“It was very humbling for our family to even be asked to donate the heifer package to the Angus Foundation,” said Kevin Yon. “The Sarah cow family is one of those families here at Yon Family Farms that has done extremely well.”

Yon Family Farms is a first generation seedstock operation whose focus is to provide high quality, value added cattle to satisfied customers. They aim for their customers to believe that honesty, quality, service, and value are synonymous with their name.

Kevin and Lydia Yon started the operation in 1996 and now work alongside their three children, Sally,

Drake, and Corbin, who each returned to the farm after attending college. The Yons host both a spring and fall production sale, selling around 425 registered Angus bulls and 200 females annually.

“We feel incredibly fortunate to have the Yon family offer this bred female from their proven donor, Yon Sarah D668,” said Jaclyn Boester, Angus Foundation executive director. “The Yon family is a testament to our mission, having participated in many opportunities supported by the Angus Foundation themselves. We can’t thank them enough for their dedication to the future of our breed.”

The sale of the heifer package benefits the Angus Fund, which provides unrestricted funding for a variety of programs supported by the Angus Foundation. Beef Leaders Institute, Leaders Engaged in Angus Development (LEAD) conference, Angus University, and several ongoing research projects are among the numerous efforts funded by the Foundation.

Again, the Angus Foundation Heifer Package will sell on January 5, prior to the start of the 85th National Angus Bull Sale during Cattlemen’s Congress.

For more information about the 2024 Angus Foundation Heifer Package, contact Boester at JBoester@Angus.org or visit www.AngusFoundation.org

Phenotype-Genotype Show grows interest in National Junior Angus Show. Angus junior members show in national Phenotype-Genotype Show in Grand Island, Nebraska. Can something really be the best of both worlds? When it comes to evaluating phenotypes and genotypes of cattle, there is a show that looks for the answer.

The Phenotype-Genotype Show, or PGS for short, asks judges to evaluate cattle based on looks and expected performance through EPDs. In its fourth year at the National Junior Angus Show, the PGS slowly but surely grows.

“Part of the Phenotype-Genotype Show is providing juniors an educational opportunity to learn about EPDs and $Values as part of the process in selecting seedstock,” said Caitlyn Brandt, American Angus Association director of

events and junior activities. “The PGS brings the selection of an animal for the show ring full circle.”

The first PGS held at the NJAS was in 2020 during the COVID-19 pandemic, and 76 exhibitors entered. By 2023 for the NJAS, numbers rose to 100 exhibitors.

Oklahoma junior Gage Long has participated in all four of the National Junior Angus Shows that have had a PGS and the Eastern Regional Junior Angus Show’s PGS several times, and this year he exhibited the grand champion female in the national PGS.

“The grandma to this heifer that won here, she was a division winner at the Eastern Regional,” he said, explaining the lineage. “Then this heifer’s mom was the first PGS winner at nationals.”

The banners and recognition are nice, but Long said he enjoys the show’s added emphasis on production and the teamwork he experiences with his family.

“I like being able to breed them, see the numbers and how it all shakes out,” he said. “It’s a team effort on everything. It takes all of us at home to get them ready, to breed them, halter break them and get them clipped up and everything for the show.”

He sees himself in the seedstock business long term and said he finds the aims of the PGS are well-aligned with his herd goals. Both of Long’s heifers at the 2023 NJAS were also shown as bred and owned.

“We’ve always been doing this, aiming for the numbers and trying to get production out of them,” Long said.

Other juniors identify with this as well and are attracted to participating. North Carolina junior Maddie Carpenter is one such member. She says the PGS is a better match for her and her family’s herd strategy than typical shows.

“We want to make sure that they have the structure, the look in the show ring, and that they can also produce,” Maddie said.

She first became involved with the PGS program when North Carolina hosted the Eastern Regional Show in 2021. She then went to NJAS to watch a PGS show and compete in some of the contests without cattle. In 2022,

Carpenter was all in, showing at the Eastern Regional PGS and the NJAS’s PGS in Kansas City.

“Before the PGS, we would normally just pick the prettiest one, even if it didn’t have good (EPD) numbers,” she said. “Now that we’re more involved with the PGS, we do take and print out all of the heifers’ numbers and we will mix looks with the best numbers. The look does play a lot into it, but the judges want to see the numbers as well.”

Both of Carpenter’s heifers benefitted from the inclusion of genotype placings during the show.

“One of my heifers placed third in genotype and third in its class, and she was sixth or seventh in phenotype,”

she said. “That was super rewarding. Not only did you put time into her to make her look pretty, but she also had something behind her to tell the judge she’s good, and she’s going to go home and make a good cow.”

Carpenter takes an active role in helping with herd management, learning all that she can. Although she cannot show her females as bred and owned because the cattle are registered in her grandpa Bruce Shankle’s name, she said she likes the change to highlight bred and owned winners at this year’s

Angus News continued from the previous page

show. When she saw the announcement about the addition to select bred and owned champions during the PGS, she immediately called her grandpa to share.

“It’s a good way to showcase the work that you’ve put in,” she said. “Most of the PGS winners this year were actually bred and owned heifers, and I think that’s awesome because they’re getting to show and make sure everyone knows it’s from your cow.”

With the show being a newer addition to the Angus junior programs, American Angus Association board member Mark Ahearn, who serves as the junior advisor to the National Junior Angus Association board and chairman of the activities committee, finds himself answering an increasing number of questions about the PGS.

“We’re getting more and more interest, and what I think is positive is we’re getting more questions,” he said. “This show week I’ve had people stopping me in the barns and asking about it.”

He said facility and staff challenges come with the addition of a second ring, used to hold the PGS, but he remains optimistic.

“I think we’re prepared to expand this in the future if interest continues,” Ahearn said. “I envision in the next few years, we’re going to capture a whole other group of juniors that are going to be excited to show in this.”

Angus youth “kick it in Cali” at 2023 LEAD conference. National Junior Angus Association members gather in Modesto, California. National Junior Angus Association members from 28 states and Canada gathered for the Leaders Engaged in Angus

Development (LEAD) conference on August 3-6 in Modesto, California. Attendees experienced the state’s diverse agriculture and enhanced their leadership skills through activities and speakers. With 132 junior members in attendance, the conference allowed youth to network and form relationships with peers from a variety of backgrounds.

The LEAD conference travels to a new state annually, designed to expose NJAA members to different sectors of the agriculture industry. While exploring the region, youth gain perspective on unique agricultural practices, explore potential career opportunities, and develop as future industry leaders.

“LEAD provides our NJAA members with countless new experiences and opportunities for personal growth,” said Madeline Bauer, senior events coordinator at the American Angus Association. “Juniors are having fun, but beyond that, they’re forming lifelong friendships and gaining exposure to completely unfamiliar agricultural operations.”

Upon arrival, conference attendees heard a keynote message from Fernando-Sam Sin, professional rodeo photographer, and enjoyed networking with fellow juniors. Educational tours on Friday allowed the group to explore the diverse scope of California agriculture, and each was family owned operations. Stops included E. & J. Gallo Winery, the largest wine producer in the world; Fiscalini Farmstead, a dairy farm established in 1914 that makes award winning, artisanal cheese; Ratto Bros., a company farming over 1,000 acres to produce more than 35 vegetable varieties; and Duarte Nursery, the largest permanent

crops nursery in the United States. Attendees spent the evening at Vintage Angus Ranch, visiting educational stations covering topics like livestock photography and marketing, hot branding, in-vitro fertilization, and pregnancy checking.

Saturday started with an early wake up call as juniors loaded the buses and traveled to Yosemite National Park. After a morning exploring the park and enjoying scenic views, attendees visited one of California’s largest independent almond processors, Minturn Nut Company. The day’s final stop was Schnoor Park, where attendees heard from past NJAA members and sisters Amanda, Kirbe, and Sydney Schnoor on how their junior Angus involvement shaped their careers.

After a Sunday morning devotional and time to reflect on their experiences, juniors prepared to travel home. While they had to say their goodbyes, they left equipped with new memories, experiences, and friendships to carry with them.

Kathryn Coleman, NJAA events director, said it was rewarding to bring the LEAD conference to California and assist in coordinating the event.

“LEAD was extra special this year, being able to bring it back to my home state — I really embraced the role as the events director,” said Coleman, “Knowing that most of these juniors don’t have the opportunity to see the west or fully comprehend what all it has to offer on the agricultural side, I wanted to deliver just that and to give 110 percent to this conference.”

The Angus Foundation makes the LEAD conference possible with

support from the Angus Fund, which provides unrestricted dollars to further the Foundation’s mission of enhancing education, youth, and research for the breed. To learn more about the LEAD conference, visit www.njaa.info

About the National Junior Angus Association. 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 $3.9 million in youth scholarships since 1998 and has also invested more than $1.3 million in beef cattle research in the past decade.

For more information, contact the Angus Foundation at 816-383-5100.

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

By LACEY FAHRMEIER, DVM, Valley Vet Supply

Five Calf Health Considerations to Maximize Immunity, Decrease Disease

I grew up in the cow/calf sector, and the topic of calf health is very near and dear to my heart. We want to give calves the best chance possible to thrive and, of course, survive through the really critical neonatal calf period. Ranchers have so much invested in genetics and in the long process of getting that live calf on the ground that we want to do everything we can to protect that investment.

Let’s look at how to give our young calves the best possible start this fall.

1. The foundation for a strong, healthy calf really starts with the dam. Her nutritional status is incredibly important. If cows are not in the body condition that we would like going into calving, that can affect the colostrum quality. Cows begin the colostrum production process about 60 days before calving, so ideally, we would like to have the dam in at least a body condition score of 6 at that point.

2. Colostrum intake is the single most important preventative factor in assuring healthy calves. Calves are born with essentially no immunity of their own, so they’re extremely vulnerable to infections when they hit the ground. Colostrum intake is of critical importance for young calves – providing some 95 percent of the antibodies a calf obtains, plus a rich source of minerals, vitamins, and energy. The colostrum received at birth protects newborn calves against infectious agents during the first few months of life. The benefits of good quality colostrum from the dam and getting it into the calf in a timely manner are super important.

We only have a short window where they can absorb the antibodies from their dam right through that gut wall, and then after that, we have gut closure at about 24 hours. The first six hours of life are especially important because that’s when you can get the best absorption of those antibodies from the dam. If you are unsure about the calf’s colostrum intake being adequate for some reason (difficult birth, harsh weather, heifer with poor maternal instincts), it’s a good idea to provide a colostrum replacer to

ensure they get what they need for a solid start. Calves should have 300 grams of immunoglobulins (IgG) within those first six to eight hours to ensure full passive transfer of immunity. This is a higher level than previously recommended. Be sure you are using a colostrum replacer instead of a supplement, and check the bag to see how many grams of IgG are in each bag so the calf gets the proper amount. I really can’t sufficiently underscore the importance of getting an adequate amount of colostrum into the calf in those first few hours of life.

3. Vaccinations against clostridial diseases benefit the cow and calf. The dam’s immune status greatly impacts the quality of her colostrum. The best way to influence that is through her vaccination status. At preg check, I have producers vaccinating cows for clostridial diseases. Of course, it benefits the cow herself, but additionally, it enhances the colostrum she is producing. You really want to have scour prevention or clostridium vaccines in them at least 60 days before calving. This will add value through higher antibody levels in that colostrum, helping ensure its quality. This is especially important in first calf heifers that have not been exposed to as many pathogens in their lives.

4. The environment that calves are born into is incredibly important. Trying to have those calves spread out and decreasing the pathogen load that they’re exposed to is crucial. This way, when those calves hit the ground, they aren’t immediately exposed to such a high concentration of disease pathogens, especially the ones that cause scours. More mud and manure lead to greater contamination risk of the cow’s udder. Bacterial pathogens such as E.coli, Salmonella, and Johne’s, as well as rotavirus and coronavirus, can be transmitted by the calf ingesting those disease particles while nursing or from the environment.

That is why the proven “Sandhills Calving Method” works so well to help minimize disease exposure and illness. With this management strategy, at about

three weeks into the calving season, you move those cows that haven’t calved yet to clean ground. Leave behind those cows and their calves from the first three weeks of the season. By moving the cows that haven’t calved yet to clean ground, this concept is replicating the cleanliness of that first three weeks of calving throughout the calving season. I know that logistically there are some challenges to implementing this system, such as access to water sources and shelter/working facilities. Being able to keep those groups separate isn’t always easy, but if you’re facing a big outbreak of scours, that’s the best solution.

5. Applying vaccines early in life helps give calves a solid start. We’re finding out that calves can respond to and benefit from vaccines much earlier in life than we initially thought. Of course, the maternal antibodies they receive from colostrum can block some of those vaccines. To maximize their effectiveness, it’s really important to administer them as soon as possible following birth (ideally before colostrum ingestion for oral scour vaccines).

I recommend, as soon as possible following birth, administering Clostridium Type C & D vaccine (to combat the dreaded “overeating” or enterotoxemia), an intranasal respiratory vaccine, and an oral scour vaccine if there has been a history of scours issues on that ranch. If you are concerned they are deficient in minerals, you could offer an injectable source of minerals as well.

Learn more at www.ValleyVet.com to help ensure a healthy, productive herd.

About Valley Vet Supply. Valley Vet Supply was founded in 1985 by veterinarians to provide customers with trusted animal health solutions. Building on over half a century of experience in veterinary medicine, Valley Vet Supply serves equine, pet, and livestock owners with thousands of products and medications. With an in-house pharmacy licensed in all 50 states and verified through the National Association of Boards of Pharmacy (NABP), Valley Vet Supply is the dedicated source for customers’ horse, livestock, and pet needs. For more information, please visit www.ValleyVet.com

ABBA

ExEcutivE updAtE

By DR. JOE C. PASCHAL American Brahman Breeders Association

ask about paying their membership and either registering some heifers or certifying some F1s. On the last evening, I was surprised by being given the ICA Cattlemen’s Council Award for my continued service to their association.

consignors and potential buyers to meet and look over the bulls.

Dear ABBA Members,

Early in July, A.J. Knowles, your Director of Breed Improvement, represented the American Brahman Breeders Association at the 2023 Beef Improvement Federation in Calgary, Canada. As I have related earlier, BIF was founded in 1968 and is an international organization of breed associations, universities, cattle producers, agribusiness, and governmental agencies dedicated to advancing beef cattle production through genetics. ABBA has been a member of BIF since the 1970s. The 2023 Symposium presentations can be found at www. beefimprovement.org/2023-symposium There were a number of excellent topics that should be of interest to Brahman breeders, but I’ll admit some of them can get you (and me) in the weeds pretty fast! As I reviewed and listened to some of them online, I thought I’d review one or two here.

In the Technical Breakout Session on Advancements in Genomics and Genetic Prediction, Dr. Mark Thallman’s “Rewarding Higher Quality Data with Higher Accuracies” was likely one of the best. Dr. Thallman is a geneticist at the U.S. Meat Animal Research Center at Clay Center, Neb., site of the USDA’s largest and longest lived cattle research herd. His presentation discusses the value of “good data” but then goes on to discuss how “better data” could be collected. I realize that about midway some of you will get lost in the formulas, but he is trying to work out how to include A.I. and E.T. calves that can be compared fairly (they are raised by “alien” dams) with natural service and calves by “clean up” sires. These types of changes will benefit breeders that use this technology, but they will benefit smaller breeders the most.

In the Advancements for Producers Breakout Session, Dr. Troy Rowan of the University of Tennessee asked the question, “Why Should Commercial Producers be Interested in Genomics?”

His two word answer was, “Sire selection.” Bulls are usually the single highest valued asset on a commercial cow/calf operation. Young bulls do not have progeny data to improve the accuracy of their EPD, and genomic testing reduces the risk of buying unproven bulls. Even though your bull buyer may not ask for EPDs or genomics, the interest is there.

Another that was of interest to me was by Dr. Larry Kuehn, also from US MARC, entitled “Quantifiable Differences to Inform Breed Selection and Use.” Dr. Kuehn works with the former 1,000 Bull Project that sought to sample 1,000 bulls from U.S. beef breeds and to establish baselines for Across Breed EPD. There are now 1,085 bulls (including 40 Brahman) in the program. Using Angus performance as a base (0.0) for various traits, each of the breeds has adjustment factors to add or subtract from their EPD for comparison. The American Brahman is NOT an Angus, so I was not surprised by the results in his presentation except for one trait – ribeye area (REA). Brahman has the smallest EPD adjustment for REA, only 0.09 square inches, for any breed except one to compare to Angus EPD. In evaluating genetic trends (essentially the results of selection), the American Brahman has increased yearling weight by nearly 25 pounds in the last 20 years (but marbling score not at all).

There are many others that I skipped over. Each presentation is recorded and has a synopsis and, of course, PowerPoints on the BIF website. I would encourage you to look some of them over.

In July, I attended the 49th Annual Meeting of the Independent Cattlemen’s Association. I was asked to speak as part of a panel on beef cow supplementation, and I also had a trade show booth. Ours was an ideal location in a main traffic area and not too far from the cash bar. Seriously though, we had a lot of traffic and even had several Brahman breeders

Later in July, we had an Executive Committee meeting to admit several new members and discuss details of the 2023 National Show to be held at the Brazos County Expo in November. Kelvin Moreno called a meeting of the 100 th Anniversary Planning Meeting to be held during the 2023 International Show in Houston. The exciting part was listening to those who had attended the 75th Anniversary Gala talk about all the excitement in the breed.

The Board Meeting in Bryan was, in my opinion, a tremendous success! You can read the full minutes on the website, but I thought I would cover some of the points. The financial position of ABBA is good, it can always be better, but even considering the reduced numbers of membership renewals and registrations, other areas are picking up the slack. All of the financials are in order. Many thanks are due to Iridiana Ibarra and Kelvin Moreno.

The Marketing Committee selected Bill Howell to manage the 2024 ABBA National Brahman and F1 Sale. Some of you might know Bill. He knows a lot about our breed and is a huge fan of the F1 female. I know the sale is in good hands, and I hope you will support it by consigning or buying. After all, it is your sale to help you market your cattle. The ABBA office will still be the clearing house, but the details are in Bill’s hands. It will be in April at the Brazos Livestock Commission Company in Bryan, but Bill is already hunting consignments.

The committee also wants to award some “Bonus Bucks” at some selected F1 sales. These bonus bucks will be prize money awarded to the top three Brahman F1 lots (regardless of size or type), $300 to first place, $200 to second place, and $100 to third place. Five sales in Texas this fall were selected as a test, and either committee members or A.J. and I will be at each one to have a booth, evaluate the lots, and award the prize money. I suspect as interest grows, this will take off to other states. I will do my best to get these dates and locations out to you.

The Breed Improvement and Research Committee is gearing up for the conclusion of this year’s ABBA Bull Development Program at Texana Feeders. The bulls will be scanned (ultrasound), weighed, and physically evaluated this month. Next month they will be fertility tested, and then in October, they plan on having some “marketing days” for

I wanted to share a couple of items that you may not have seen that Caydi Blaha put together as promotional pieces. In the past few months, I wrote the first of our F1 Newsletters that Terry Novak and the Marketing Committee asked me to complete. These were sent to the F1 Members and are on the ABBA website. From that Newsletter, with Victoria Lambert and The Brahman Journal’s help, we developed an ad that was run prepaid in the Southern Livestock Journal’s Directory (about 10,000 plus online). That Directory was given to every person (about 2,200) who attended the 2023 TAMU Beef Cattle Short Course.

The promotional pieces that Caydi developed are titled “Why Purebred Brahman?” and “Value of Brahman Feeders.” I know that I probably should have run them by a committee before using them, but I needed something flashy, fresh, and fast. The “Purebred” flyer focuses on tropical adaptation and productivity, while the “Brahman Feeder” flyer uses some actual feeding and carcass data from Brahman cross steers in the Texas A&M Ranch to Rail Program. The data is old, but the message is new. Brahman feeders do as well as their nonBrahman counterparts in head-to-head comparisons, and they make as much, if not more, profit! If you have suggestions or comments, we can incorporate them in the future.

Have you forgotten something?

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

S.C. CharolaiS NewS

By GEORGEANNE WEBB S.C. Charolais Association

Just to let you know, if I do not have a column next month, I may be in jail, and bail money will be needed. The water company is putting in a water line beside my pastures and in front of my house. They have already cut my AT&T line, so I had no internet connection for three days. They said my fence lines are out of the right of way, so if they take down my heifer fence, it may just push me over the line, and somebody out there is going to get hurt. I could plead insanity because they are driving me crazy.

We are all getting ready for the Southern Connection Sale in Knoxville, Tenn., on October 7. I talked to Clint Rusk from the AICA, and hopefully, he will be able to attend. We have some really good cattle consigned to the sale and many flush prospects. Be sure to make plans

to attend for good food, good cattle, and good people in the Fall of the year in Tennessee. What more could you ask for?

I attended a meeting at Laurens Livestock with the S.C. Beef Marketing Cooperative. No matter what kind of cattle you have, you should join the cooperative. We are working to promote S.C. Beef, born and raised in South Carolina. If we can get a slaughterhouse working, we can have S.C. Beef sent to grocery stores and restaurants. If consumers in the state go to the grocery store and see the beef advertised as S.C. Beef, don’t you think they would quickly buy it? The same thing for restaurants. A steak advertised as S.C. Beef would sell with confidence. You need to join the co-op and help to promote your beef. Contact me or Gwen McPhail at

tokeena@innova.net for information. We have S.C. Grown on all kinds of products but not beef. It’s time to change that.

Also, my granddaughter was baptized but not in the ocean. Keep in mind she has been watching The Chosen. A couple at their church offered for her to come to their house on the Johns River and be baptized beside

their dock. This eight-year-old mind got to figuring that Jesus was baptized in the river by John the Baptist so she would be just like Jesus and get baptized in the Johns River. She figured that as being the same thing. After she was baptized, a manatee came to the surface beside her, and she petted it on the nose. Think about that for a while.

Dennis Adams

P.O. Box 10590

979-229-4472

• College Station, TX 77842

• outfrontcattle@gmail.com

Brett Sayre - 573-881-1876

770-826-9551

Georgeanne Webb, South Carolina 864-640-7756

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.

Clemson Names Steven Marks Founding Dean for the College of Veterinary Medicine

Dr. Steven Marks, associate dean and director of veterinary medical services and clinical professor of emergency and internal medicine at N.C. State University has been chosen to lead the College of Veterinary Medicine at Clemson University as its founding dean. The Board of Trustees approved the appointment on July 20, and Marks began on August 14.

As Diplomate of the American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine, Marks’ research interests have included emergency and critical care, general internal medicine, cardiopulmonary medicine, and pain management. Marks has received numerous awards from N.C. State University, including the 2009 Pfizer Distinguished Teacher Award, the 2013 Zoetis Distinguished Teacher Award, the 2014 Outstanding Teacher Award, the 2020 Huffman Leadership Award, and the Randy and Susan Ward Coat of Excellence. The Triangle Business Journal recognized Marks with its Healthcare Hero Award in 2021.

He currently serves as the president of the American Association of Veterinary Clinicians.

“We are thrilled to welcome Dr. Marks to this founding role for the

College of Veterinary Medicine and are grateful for the state’s investment in filling this need for South Carolinians,” said Clemson University President Jim Clements. “We look forward to welcoming students to this program in the Fall of 2026.”

“Dr. Marks’ commitment to enhancing student success while building a culture of discovery and innovation aligns with Clemson’s goals to improve South Carolina’s economy, retain top talent, and protect animal and human health, while serving our communities,” said Clemson Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs and Provost Robert H. Jones. “We are excited that he will serve in this historic role and provide steady and effective leadership beneficial to our state’s veterinarians, citizens, and animals.”

Provost Jones also thanked experts in the veterinary discipline, Boyd Parr and Tim Boosinger, for their tireless work as advisors to Clemson throughout the new college development process.

“Boyd and Tim share a passion for higher education and purpose driven service to the veterinary discipline and practice,” said Jones. “Their steadfast commitment in supporting our efforts to spearhead the College of Veterinary Medicine’s mission and vision is critically important as we aim to achieve even greater heights of excellence for the University.”

“I’m thrilled to accept this new role. It allows me the opportunity to combine my passions of the human-animal bond and veterinary medicine to train the next generation of clinician-scientists and veterinarians at a University that has had an exceptional impact on our family,” said Marks, whose son, George, was a four year student-athlete and starting goaltender on the Clemson men’s national championship soccer team in 2021. “We have this family connection with Clemson that is indescribable. The whole experience coming back is very special.”

Marks will ensure an inaugural 2026 College of Veterinary Medicine cohort by initiating American Veterinary Medical Association provisional accreditation, recruiting exceptional foundational faculty, and developing a rigorous Doctor of Veterinary Medicine curriculum over the next year. Marks is also responsible for providing leadership, vision, and strategic planning for the College of Veterinary Medicine’s future, including new facilities and new academic programs.

According to a recent feasibility

study to support the development of the new college, Clemson found that 33 percent of South Carolina counties have fewer than five veterinarians, and veterinary care is one of the fastest growing segments in the nation. The Board of Trustees officially approved development of the new College of Veterinary Medicine to position Clemson as a national leader in veterinary education and research while supporting the University’s land grant mission on June 22. The approval followed the completion of the FY24 state budget that included landmark funding to develop the new college and significant support from Governor Henry McMaster and the South Carolina General Assembly.

“The College of Veterinary Medicine is important to South Carolina, and I’m honored to have the opportunity to play a part in positively impacting the people and the animals within the state,” added Marks.

Marks joined N.C. State University’s Department of Veterinary Clinical Medicine in 2005 as a clinical associate professor and has served as a clinical professor since 2013. In 2014, he was named associate dean and director of veterinary medical services for the N.C. State College of Veterinary Medicine. Additionally, Marks has held positions at the University of Illinois, Louisiana State University, Colorado State University, Cardio Pet, Inc., and Washington State University. He was president of the Small Animal Internal Medicine Specialty in the American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine from 2009 to 2012.

Marks holds a Bachelor of Science in animal sciences from Texas A&M University and a Master of Science in veterinary medicine from Washington State University. Additionally, he is a Member of the Royal College of Veterinary Surgery and holds a Bachelor of Veterinary Sciences from the University of Liverpool.

Joining him will be his wife, Dianne Dunning, also a veterinarian. In addition to his son, George, Marks has a daughter, Sydney, a rising senior at the University of Michigan.

The Clemson College of Veterinary Medicine will welcome its first class of veterinarians in the fall of 2026, with the University leveraging its already existing animal health programs and infrastructure.

Pasture Management Systems, Inc.

MILE OF FENCE PROGRAM

New Members by County in 2023 (as of 8-10-23)

Grand Total 833

N.C. Cattlemen’s Association— Reaching the Next Generation

By OLIVIA STEGALL

Through a livestock camp I recently attended at N.C. State University and attending the North Carolina FFA State Convention, I have been exposed to so

many amazing agricultural organizations. One of those is the N.C. Cattlemen’s Association. They are bringing awareness to the younger generations of what they

New NCCA Members for 2023

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:

Ashe

Martin McVey – Upper Mountain Farms

Holden Williams – Upper Mountain Farms

Cabarrus County

Riley Gray – Triple G

Craven County

Matthew Sutton – Double D

Granville County

Randall Guthrie – Mill Creek Farm

Guilford County

John Kimes – Kimes Family Farm

Lincoln County

Lillian Holland

Pitt County

Dawson Andrews

– Crossroads L/S & Poultry Mgmt. LLC

do and how it impacts agriculture. They focus on promoting the beef industry and serve as an extension for cattlemen throughout the state. In their own words, they “[assist] cattlemen in legislative, regulatory, and production issues.”

Their social media and website play a big role in their outreach. On their social media, they promote beef production and its use in our day-to-day lives. From recipes to youth livestock shows, they are connected with cattle producers and are continuously raising awareness for this industry. Their website provides access to news and events, N.C. Forage and Grasslands Council, N.C. BQA information, basics of the industry, membership opportunities, and many other resources.

Representatives from this association regularly attend events as well as hosting their own. They host an annual N.C. Cattlemen’s Conference, a Young Producers Council Beef Tour with Farm Bureau, and publish The Carolina Cattle Connection . This monthly resource “serves as the official publication for the N.C.Cattlemen’s Association and S.C. Cattlemen’s Association and as an information network for cattlemen sharing the latest in technology and management.”

Another way they are encouraging young agricultural leaders is through their N.C. Cattlemen’s Foundation Scholarship. This scholarship is made possible through donations contributed from cattle producers in North Carolina

and proceeds from North Carolina Cattle Reflections , a book highlighting cattle history in the state.

I spoke with Fincher Martin of Fincher Martin Farms in Ansonville, N.C., to better gather how this organization directly benefits cattle producers; these were his words. “The cattlemen’s association offers countless opportunities to improve cattle production. Each monthly county meeting focuses on some aspect of the cattle industry, from calving difficulties to changes in vaccine protocol, and rules and regulations for administering medication. These county meetings also provide opportunities to network and collaborate with other cattle producers. I love that the state association conducts a lot of research that I can bring back to my farm to better my operations. Lastly, the cattlemen’s association has countless learning and leadership opportunities not only for me but for my children as well who have growing interest in the beef industry.”

The N.C. Cattlemen’s Association is constantly taking measures to support and engage youth in the beef industry, as well as agriculture in general. The connections they have with current and past cattlemen are what allow this association to be so successful in their networking practices. This organization continues to advocate for the beef industry directly and indirectly while providing the resources necessary to further knowledge in this business.

Experience the Future of Agriculture Today: Meet Sabanto Steward – Bringing Autonomous Operations to Existing Tractors. Sabanto, Inc. announces Steward, a cutting edge technology transforming existing tractors to work autonomously, allowing users to redeploy their time and energy to the most important aspects of their operation.

Steward’s autonomous technology is simple to use, safety focused, and cost effective.

Users create, manage, and monitor field operations in real time via Steward’s Vehicle Mission Control (vMC) on their phone or tablet app.

The on-board Vehicle Path Finding Module (vPFM) connects to a tractor’s steering, power, and hydraulic systems and works together with the Vehicle Operating System (vOS), converting Mission Control instructions into field operations.

NEWS

Cellular connectivity, GNSS receivers, LIDAR sensors, and intelligent video cameras connect with Steward’s vPFM, sending and receiving navigational, performance, and video data so users can monitor their field operations in real time while object detection systems ensure Steward operates safely.

“We’re just a bunch of smart farm kids and engineers helping other farmers, producers, and operators solve some of their most pressing problems: labor shortages, high capital costs, and scaling operations,” said Craig Rupp, Sabanto’s CEO. “With Steward, a single operator can deploy multiple tractors to achieve more with less, while also giving them time back to focus on other aspects of their operations.”

Sabanto Steward is now available via select dealers across North America. For more information, visit www.sabantoag. com

About Sabanto. Headquartered

in Itasca, Ill., Sabanto’s mission is to accelerate autonomy in agricultural machinery to solve two primary problems: the increasingly acute scarcity of labor in rural areas and the ever increasing capital expenses of modern ag machinery. Sabanto’s core competency

lies in low cost retrofits to existing agricultural machines, regardless of make or model, and the development of supporting software to maximize the utility of autonomous technology, increasing producer ROI. Learn more at www.sabantoag.com

Carolina Cooking

Cajun Beef Po’Boy Sandwiches with Red Eye Gravy

Total Time - 1 hour

1 beef top sirloin steak, cut 1 inch thick (1 pound)

6 teaspoons espresso coffee powder, divided

½ teaspoon pepper

4 large French bread rolls, split

8 slices tomato

1 cup shredded lettuce

Redeye Gravy

3 tablespoons butter, divided

2 tablespoons all purpose flour

¼ cup diced tasso or pancetta ham

¼ cup diced onion

1 tablespoon Creole Seasoning

1 tablespoon minced garlic

⅓ cup hot water

2 cups beef stock

1-2 tablespoons hot pepper sauce (Louisiana style)

1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce

Rub beef top sirloin steak with 2 teaspoons espresso powder and pepper. Preheat the broiler to HIGH. Place steak on the rack on an aluminum foil lined broiler pan so the surface of the beef is 3-4 inches from heat. Broil for 1621 minutes for medium rare (145°F) doneness, turning once.

Meanwhile, melt 2 tablespoons butter in a large skillet over medium heat; whisk in flour. Cook 8-10 minutes until caramel color, whisking often. Remove mixture from pan; set aside.

Melt the remaining tablespoon of butter in the same skillet over medium heat; add tasso, onion, Creole Seasoning, and garlic; cook 10 minutes until onion is translucent. Dissolve remaining 4 teaspoons espresso powder in hot water; add to skillet and cook 1-2 minutes until browned bits attached to skillet are dissolved and sauce is reduced almost completely. Whisk in the butter mixture

until smooth. Add beef stock, hot sauce, and Worcestershire; bring to a boil. Reduce and simmer for 15-20 minutes or until sauce is reduced to 1 cup.

Add roast beef to the skillet. Cook for 3-5 minutes until heated through, stirring often so the sauce coats the beef. Divide beef mixture between rolls. Top beef with tomato and lettuce. Close sandwiches.

Makes 4 servings.

Cajun Beef Po’Boy Sandwiches with Red Eye Gravy

Alltech mycotoxin team awarded Toxins 2022 best paper award. One of Alltech’s mycotoxin research papers has been recognized by Toxins, a prestigious international research journal, as one of three winners of their 2022 Best Paper Awards. The paper, “Co-Occurrence of 35 Mycotoxins: A Seven Year Survey of Corn Grain and Corn Silage in the United States,” was written by Alltech Mycotoxin Management team members Dr. Alexandra Weaver, global technical support; Nick Adams, global director; and Dr. Alex Yiannikouris, research group director; along with an independent researcher Dr. Daniel Weaver.

“Research and innovation are at the core of our business at Alltech, and we are proud of this recognition of the

innovative work being conducted by our global mycotoxin management team,” said Dr. Mark Lyons, president and CEO of Alltech. “Mycotoxins are ever present on the farm, and they pose a real threat to the productivity of even the best run livestock production operations. Mycotoxin management should be on every feed producer and farmer’s radar.”

Alltech’s winning paper describes how mycotoxins contaminate corn grain and silage in the United States with frequent co-occurrence of fusaric acid with deoxynivalenol, fusaric acid with 15-acetyl-deoxynivalenol, and fusaric acid with fumonisin B1, highlighting the importance of assessing multiple mycotoxins, including emerging mycotoxins and mycotoxin metabolites,

when developing risk management programs.

Mycotoxins contaminate crops worldwide and play a deleterious role in animal health and performance. Multiple mycotoxins can co-occur, which may increase the negative impact on the animal. To assess the multiple mycotoxin profile of corn, Alltech conducted a seven year survey of new crop corn grain and silage in the United States. A total of 711 grain and 1,117 silage samples were collected between 2013 and 2019 and analyzed for the simultaneous presence of 35 mycotoxins using ultraperformance liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry at the Alltech 37+ Analytical Laboratory.

The study showed that multiple mycotoxins were often present in both corn grain and corn silage in the United States. In fact, 90.2 percent of grain and 96.5 percent of silage samples contained at least two types of mycotoxins. Fusaric acid was the most frequently detected mycotoxin in 78.1 and 93.8 percent of grains and silages, respectively, followed by deoxynivalenol in 75.7 and 88.2 percent of samples. The greatest cooccurrence was between fusaric acid and deoxynivalenol in 59.1 percent of grains and 82.7 percent of silages, followed by fusaric acid and fumonisin B1, deoxynivalenol with 15-acetyldeoxynivalenol, and fusaric acid with 15-acetyl-deoxynivalenol.

The research also discovered that some of the more frequent mycotoxins they found were ones that may not be routinely analyzed by many programs, such as fusaric acid and deoxynivalenol, underscoring the importance of testing for multiple mycotoxins when developing management programs.

Mycotoxin challenges have risen in recent years along with the incidence of extreme weather conditions, such as droughts, floods, and heat waves. In the U.S., 100 percent of samples contained two or more mycotoxins, according to the 2022 Alltech Harvest Analysis. In Europe, 79 percent contained two or more mycotoxins.

“Being selected for this award shows the interest in and importance of testing for multiple mycotoxins,” said Dr. Alexandra Weaver. “When we better understand the full mycotoxin profile of a feedstuff or ration, more informed decisions on mycotoxin management can be made.”

The winning paper was published by Toxins in July 2021 and can be accessed at www.mdpi.com/2072-6651/13/8/516

For more information about the Alltech Mycotoxin Management program, visit www.knowmycotoxins.com

Alltech Serdán — 30 years of supporting livestock production,

animal welfare, and sustainability. Alltech celebrates three decades of making a difference in the community. Alltech celebrated 30 years of operations at its production facility in the Mexican city of Serdán in a ceremony that included Dr. Mark Lyons, local officials, and Alltech team members.

Thirty years ago, Alltech’s research into the benefits of Yucca schidigera extract for animal health, performance, and welfare paved the way for the company to establish a Yucca schidigera processor in the city of Serdán. The place was chosen for its semi-desert climate, where the yucca plant grows naturally.

Serdán is located 118 miles southeast of Mexico City and has access to one of the most important ports in the country: Veracruz, from which two of its most important technologies are exported: DeOdorase and Allzyme SFF.

Alltech’s investment in Serdán increased Alltech’s operational footprint and offered new nutritional solutions that improve animal health and production efficiency. However, the resulting partnership between Alltech and the community of Serdán has been even more significant.

“The way the community and our company work together is incredible,” said Dr. Mark Lyons. “From the very beginning, we have been linked, as the success of one builds the success of the other.”

Alltech and the residents of Serdán have worked together on numerous community engagement projects that support underserved families and vulnerable populations. The collaboration began with supporting a local orphanage, Casa Hogar, and has now grown to 23 active projects.

“Serdán has served as a template for Alltech’s community involvement activities all around the world,” Lyons said. “We ask our colleagues in 350 communities around the world to ‘make a difference’ as our founder Dr. Pearse Lyons encouraged us, and Alltech Serdán is the best example of this spirit. This is a place where the culture of Alltech is truly alive.”

Making a difference is one of Alltech’s core values — a founding principle of the company. “Dr. Pearse Lyons would be traveling the world and might call at any time to ask how things were going at the plant,” said Paul Kilgallen, Latin America fermentation facilities director. “A call from Dr. Lyons never ended without him asking, ‘And what are we doing for the community. How are the projects going?’”

Alltech Serdán has received numerous recognitions for its community involvement, including being certified by Empresa Socialmente Responsable

(ESR) for the past five years. This award recognizes the company’s commitment to implementing socially responsible management practices and promoting community projects, including supporting schools, orphanages, health centers, and more. Alltech Serdán’s community activities are complemented by the constant application of responsible business practices with suppliers, customers, and workers.

“Alltech takes great pride in this manufacturing facility and its 30 years of making a positive impact on the community,” Lyons said. “A visit with our team members in Serdán always reminds me of the meaningful impact we can have when we work together.”

Harnessing the power of yucca — and solid state fermentation. Since the 1990s, Alltech’s research

on Yucca schidigera has shown that the glycocomponents it contains can significantly reduce ammonia emissions from the livestock industry. The company designed De-Odorase, a solution made from an extract of the yucca plant that helps reduce the levels of harmful gases from animal waste. When Alltech Serdán began operations in 1993, the facility had the capacity to process 40 tons of yucca per month. This figure has since grown tenfold.

Years later, in 2000, thanks to a project led by Kilgallen and Dr. Mark Lyons, Alltech Serdán also became the company’s first production plant to take charge of the solid-state fermentation process to produce Allzyme SSF. This natural enzyme complex, which maximizes the release of nutrients from the feed, allows agricultural producers to

News

Specialty Seed Market Redefined with Launch of Renovo Seed. Renovo Seed will enter the seed market in October 2023, offering farmers, ranchers, and landowners across the U.S. a diverse seed portfolio focused on maximizing profitability and long term land resiliency.

Backed by Millborn, a vertically integrated seed supply chain powerhouse with over 35 years in the seed industry, Renovo Seed brings a unique vision for positive land use solutions. The Renovo Seed team is rooted in the land themselves and focused on ensuring its continued productivity for generations to come.

With Renovo Seed, farmers, ranchers, and landowners can keep their seed choices simple and achieve their land use and profit goals. From forages to cover crops to conservation and restoration projects, Renovo Seed’s practical solutions include tried and true recommendations for success. With a robust lineup of more than 1,200 products, Renovo Seed offers prebuilt, proven to work seed mixes that are tailored to specific goals.

“We are on a mission to help farmers, ranchers, and landowners turn their challenging land use scenarios into tailored and profitable solutions,” says Shannon Kubik, brand president of Renovo Seed. “We are land use linchpins, taking a commonsense, get-it-done approach to any land need.

“Historically, our products have been considered specialty seed, but they aren’t just for special uses anymore. At Renovo Seed our name means renewal, and our experience means peace of mind for anyone who wants to ensure the continued profitability and resiliency of their land,” she adds.

Beginning October 2023, Renovo Seed will be available at select seed dealerships and cooperatives nationwide. Farmers, ranchers, and landowners can find more information about Renovo Seed and how to maximize profitability and long term resiliency at www.renovoseed.com

About Renovo Seed. Renovo Seed enters the seed industry as a visionary in positive land use solutions. Backed by Millborn’s powerful supply chain, Renovo Seed works to improve the resiliency of the land for generations to come with a robust seed lineup and an unmatched team of experts who design practical, tailored solutions for farmers, ranchers, and landowners. For more information, visit www.RenovoSeed.com

About Millborn. With high quality seed products, a unique, vertically integrated supply chain, and a team of experts who understand the industry, Millborn is the single source for agriculture, conservation, reclamation, and commercial seed needs. For more information, visit www.MillbornSeeds.com

reduce the cost of their diets by making their formulations more flexible.

Replenishing the planet’s resources. Alltech Serdán’s commitment to sustainability aligns with the company’s purpose of Working Together for a Planet of Plenty™, which begins locally with the replanting of Yucca schidigera. For every yucca tree harvested for Alltech’s nutritional solutions, the company plants three new trees using seedlings from the facility’s on-site nursery, which has grown more than 200,000 seedlings thus far.

In addition, Alltech inaugurated its first global renewable energy project in Serdán in 2022: a photovoltaic solar energy system that covers 46 percent of the energy requirements of its operations. With the new system, Alltech has seen energy cost savings of 22 percent in the first year the system has been used and a reduction of 650 tons of carbon dioxide equivalent (CO 2e) emissions per year. That reduction is equivalent to 11,000 tree seedlings growing for ten years.

The facility also switched from using liquefied petroleum gas to compressed natural gas, reducing its annual CO2emissions by 17 percent. Likewise, the implementation of an economizer in steam boilers allowed the plant to reduce 240 tons of CO2 per year.

Alltech Serdán’s anniversary reinforces the company’s global commitment to continue seeking the success of local producers, promoting animal welfare, and having a positive

impact on the communities in which it is present.

For more information, visit www. alltech.com/es-mx

About Alltech. Founded in 1980 by Irish entrepreneur and scientist Dr. Pearse Lyons, Alltech delivers smarter, more sustainable solutions for agriculture. Our products improve the health and performance of plants and animals, resulting in better nutrition for consumers and a decreased environmental impact.

We are a global leader in the animal health industry, producing specialty ingredients, premix supplements, feed, and complete feed. Strengthened by more than 40 years of scientific research, we carry forward a legacy of innovation and a unique culture that views challenges through an entrepreneurial lens.

Our more than 5,000 talented team members worldwide share our vision for a Planet of Plenty™. We believe agriculture has the greatest potential to shape the future of our planet, but it will take all of us working together, led by science, technology, and a shared will to make a difference.

Alltech is a private, family owned company, which allows us to adapt quickly to our customers’ needs and maintain a focus on advanced innovation. Headquartered just outside of Lexington, Ken., Alltech has a strong presence in all regions of the world. For more information, visit www.alltech.com

NEWS

Animal Agriculture Alliance updates reports covering animal rights extremist connections and tactics. Groups bring in more than $800 million in income annually; 539 attacks targeted agriculture in 2022. Recently, the Animal Agriculture Alliance released two reports detailing the interconnectedness of the animal rights movement, as well as tactics targeting animal agriculture. The Animal Rights Extremist Web exemplifies how animal rights groups are strategically connected in many ways, including personnel and financial support. The Radical Vegan Activism in 2022 report highlights efforts to attack animal agriculture and the true intentions of these organizations with quotes from leadership.

“No matter the animal rights extremist group or the tactics used, they all share the same goal of eliminating animal agriculture and taking meat, dairy, poultry, eggs, and seafood off of our grocery store shelves and family tables,” said Abby Kornegay, manager, issues and engagement, Animal Agriculture Alliance. “These reports succinctly detail those

true intentions, the strategic efforts of the animal rights movement to further their agenda, and key tactics for the animal agriculture community to be aware of.”

Nearly ⅓ of animal rights extremist attacks documented in 2022 targeted farmers and food workers, putting them and animals in danger. Documented direct actions to animal agriculture include:

• 95 vandalism incidents

• 70 stolen animals

• 60 criminal trespasses

• 10 arson cases

• 9 harassment and intimidation incidents

“Extremists are getting ever bolder in their efforts against animal agriculture, and direct actions at the farm, processing facility, and retail store continue to rise,” said Kornegay. “Farmers, processors, and the entire food supply chain are encouraged to implement security measures that protect against potential threats.”

In addition to demanding change through direct actions, animal rights groups are also attempting to force change through fundraising efforts

which help fund their various efforts and campaigns. The major animal rights extremist groups included on the Animal Rights Extremist Web are major fundraisers and bring in more than $800 million in income annually. Organizations like People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) saw a dramatic increase in revenue between their previous fiscal year and current. In PETA’s 2021 tax filing, total revenue equaled $68 million, and according to its website, 2022 revenue equals $82 million, a nearly $14 million increase.

Several updates were made to the Animal Rights Extremist Web, including several new groups for the farm and food community to be aware of, including The Accountability Board and the Organization for Competitive Markets. The Accountability Board, which fronts itself as a non-radical group and invests in over 100 of the largest publicly traded companies to force environmental and animal welfare change, is led by former Humane Society of the United States (HSUS) employees Josh Balk and Matthew Prescott. The Organization for Competitive Markets, which seeks to “enforce” rules within the agriculture community, was added to the web due to Marty Irby’s involvement as a board member. Irby is also a former employee of HSUS with close ties to its former president and CEO, Wayne Pacelle. Sentient Media, Animal Partisan, and Farm Action were also added to the web.

For more information about the Alliance’s work to monitor animal rights extremism or to view the reports, visit www.animalagalliance.org/initiatives/ monitoring-activism.

To learn more about proactive security measures to protect against potential threats, visit www. animalagalliance.org/initiatives/farmsecurity

Ryan Goodman and Jen Sorenson to share consumer engagement tips with 2023 College Aggies Online participants. Ryan Goodman, also known online as “The Beef Runner,” and Jen Sorenson, former president of the National Pork Producers Council, will mentor 2023 College Aggies Online (CAO) participants as they compete for scholarship awards and build resume experience. The 2023 program kicks off on September 11. Last year, nearly $20,000 in scholarships and prizes were awarded to participants.

Reflecting on the 2022 competition, Morgan Elia, a student at California Polytechnic State University and second place individual, said, “I thoroughly enjoyed every week of the competition, and I feel like I walked away with a lot of

experience and knowledge. I’m definitely glad I participated. I have had numerous friends and family tell me they learned a lot from my posts and thought it was really cool I was spreading that kind of knowledge.”

CAO is an initiative of the Animal Agriculture Alliance connecting college students from across the country who are passionate about sharing positive, factual information about agriculture. Participants receive nine interactive and educational weeks of content to help them become confident and effective communicators for agriculture with guidance from farmer and industry mentors. Goodman will support students as they are challenged to write and publish a blog post, and Sorenson will share her tips for engaging online about pork and pig farming.

Goodman works to bridge the gap between cattle farmers and ranchers in his role as director of communications and community engagement at Certified Angus Beef. He engages the brand’s network of fans to grow its global presence and helps make topics like cattle care and sustainability easier to discuss and understand. He has worked in the beef community with family farmers and cow/calf, stocker, and feeder farms and as a freelance writer for agriculture publications. Before joining the brand in 2022, he served as director of grassroots advocacy and spokesperson development for the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association. Goodman has been a longtime leader in agriculture advocacy as an early adopter of social media and blogging, reaching global audiences through his writing and digital content.

Sorenson grew up on a pig farm in southeastern Iowa and has always had a passion for telling the story of agriculture. After receiving degrees in animal science and journalism from Iowa State University, she worked in several communications departments, including at the Iowa Pork Producers Association, Christensen Farms, and McCormick Company. She is now Iowa Select Farms’ director of communications. Sorenson has been with Iowa Select Farms for ten years and is responsible for all facets of internal and external communications, media relations, public relations, and industry outreach. She is the immediate past president of the National Pork Producers Council.

Goodman and Sorenson will help the Alliance in selecting weekly scholarship winners. The top participants at the conclusion of the program will be invited to attend the Alliance’s 2024 Stakeholders Summit, set for May 8-9 in Kansas City, Mo., for national recognition.

Animal agriculture organizations partner to communicate science and combat misinformation. Animal Agriculture Alliance and National Institute for Animal Agriculture announce working partnership. Recently, the Animal Agriculture Alliance and National Institute for Animal Agriculture (NIAA) announced a working partnership between the two organizations to maximize areas of expertise to ensure sound scientific information about animal agriculture is being communicated effectively to key audiences.

As part of the working relationship,

NIAA, a non-profit organization dedicated to providing programs to work towards providing solutions for disease while promoting a safe and wholesome food supply, will serve as a resource for scientific research and technical expertise. The Alliance, a non-profit working to safeguard the future of animal agriculture and its value to society by bridging the communication gap between the farm and food communities, will work to communicate this information to key audiences.

“The Alliance frequently fields questions from food brands, registered

MERCK Animal Health News

Merck Animal Health Partners with the American Veterinary Consultants Foundation to Award Scholarships to Future Bovine Veterinarians. Merck Animal Health has awarded $20,000 in scholarships to four future bovine veterinarians in partnership with the Academy of Veterinary Consultants (AVC) Foundation, the charitable arm of AVC. AVC provides continuing education to veterinarians involved in the beef cattle industry.

“At Merck Animal Health, we are unconditionally committed to ensuring that the cattle industry remains strong and continues to thrive,” said Justin Welsh, D.V.M., executive director, U.S. Livestock Technical Services, Merck Animal Health. “Veterinary students specializing in large animals are vital to the future of the cattle industry. We are proud to support the education and development of these outstanding large animal veterinary students.”

“We are grateful to Merck Animal Health for their partnership as we support these top veterinary students who will soon be leading the veterinary profession and providing critical support to the cattle industry in North America,” said Bob Larson, D.V.M., executive director, AVC. “These scholarship winners have the skills and abilities to ensure a bright future for the beef industry.”

The AVC Foundation engages in a broad range of charitable, scientific, and educational activities to support and promote veterinary medicine. It supports improvements and innovations in beef cattle health, well being, productivity,

and sustainability through scholarship programs that benefit the future of beef cattle production medicine veterinarians, producers, and the public. Learn more about the AVC Foundation at www.avcbeef.org/default.asp

About Merck Animal Health. At Merck, known as MSD outside of the United States and Canada, we are unified around our purpose: We use the power of leading edge science to save and improve lives around the world. For more than a century, we’ve been at the forefront of research, bringing forward medicines, vaccines, and innovative health solutions for the world’s most challenging diseases. Merck Animal Health, a division of Merck & Co., Inc., Rahway, N.J., is the global animal health business of Merck. Through its commitment to The Science of Healthier Animals, Merck Animal Health offers veterinarians, farmers, pet owners, and governments one of the widest ranges of veterinary pharmaceuticals, vaccines, and health management solutions and services, as well as an extensive suite of connected technology that includes identification, traceability, and monitoring products. Merck Animal Health is dedicated to preserving and improving the health, well being, and performance of animals and the people who care for them. It invests extensively in dynamic and comprehensive R&D resources and a modern, global supply chain. Merck Animal Health is present in more than 50 countries, while its products are available in some 150 markets. For more information, visit www.merckanimal-health.com

dietitians, media, and thought leaders on issues such as animal welfare, responsible antibiotic use, and environmental stewardship. This partnership with the NIAA will give us greater access to technical experts in these fields to ensure we’re communicating accurate, science backed, and expert-supported information to these audiences,” said Hannah Thompson-Weeman, Alliance president and CEO. “The animal agriculture community has an incredible history of progress – thanks in large part to advancements in science – and we’re honored to continue spreading that message with the support of NIAA.”

“The NIAA has often served the animal agriculture community behind the scenes by convening experts and allies to explore, discuss, learn, and develop knowledge that fosters interdisciplinary cooperation and advances progress within the fields of animal welfare, animal health, and antibiotic use, among others,” said J.J. Jones, NIAA executive director. “Working alongside our communications partners at the Alliance, we’re positioned to better support the animal agriculture community in communicating science while combatting misinformation.”

The partnership will entail coordinating media responses on technical issues with third party expertise, collaborating on the development and review of talking points, infographics, and other resources on topics such as animal welfare, antibiotic use, and

sustainability, and hosting regular joint issue updates with key stakeholders from each organization.

To learn more about the Alliance or NIAA, visit their respective websites at www.animalagalliance.org and www. animalagriculture.org

About National Institute for Animal Agriculture. NIAA is a nonprofit organization that is dedicated to providing programs to work towards providing solutions for disease while promoting a safe and wholesome food supply and the best practices of environmental stewardship, animal health, and well being. Successor to the Livestock Conservation Institute (LCI), NIAA began operations in January 2000 and addresses issues of interest to the industry, providing vital industry information, continuing education, and communication outlets for animal agriculture professionals.

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.

Clemson Bull Test and Edisto Bull Test Updates

By BRIAN BOLT, Ph.D., Clemson University

I hope this finds you well. At the time of printing, the 2023-2024 Clemson University Bull Test is well underway with a high quality set of bulls that we look forward to offering in February. Bull data and performance information can be accessed at www.clemson.edu/extension/bulltest/clemson/index.html

I am also pleased to announce a formal call for the 2024 Edisto Bull Test nominations. Consignment information can be found at www.clemson.edu/ extension/bulltest/edisto/index.html.

As we plan for Edisto, we have chosen to leverage our Vytelle (previously known as GrowSafe) feed and water intake monitoring systems by delivering bulls to the Clemson Testing location in the Spring of 2024. This will allow us to test the animals and gather data for residual feed intake (feed efficiency). After completion, bulls will be transitioned to the Edisto Research and Education Center in Blackville, S.C., during the summer. This process will allow for the development of a set of age advantaged bulls that will be marketed in early October 2024.

If you have any questions, please reach out to me by call or text to 864934-2104 or email at bolt@clemson.edu

A MEssAgE froM thE cEo

By COLIN WOODALL National Cattlemen’s Beef Association

Summer’s Not Over

No, this is not about the extreme temperatures we are seeing across the country, but rather a reminder that we are not done with the summer grilling season yet! Beef owns the summer, and our Checkoff funded beef promotion efforts will push on through Labor Day. We know gatherings of friends and family are always better with a steak, hamburger, or all beef hot dog coming off the grill. Summer grilling also gives us another opportunity to showcase the iconic Beef. It’s What’s For Dinner. brand, and this summer saw the launch of a new advertising campaign.

There is no denying that wafts of beef on the grill immediately make our mouths water. Beef’s aroma and sizzle are always met with “oohs” and “aahs,” and the collective “mmms” after the first bite are pure gratification for those wielding the spatula and tongs. In our role promoting beef, we are challenged to figure out how we take such a sensory loaded experience and elicit the same reactions with an ad.

NCBA’s work as a Checkoff contractor includes research on the things driving beef demand. The four main drivers are convenience and versatility, eating experience, nutrition, and how it is raised and grown. These demand drivers influence the creation of our ads and overall beef promotion campaigns. Our research also includes working with focus groups to get feedback on what kind of messaging and images make people think of that aroma and sizzle. The focus groups let us know the thought of beef can evoke memories of friends, family, comfort, and bonding. These “beef moments” are often associated with being together with others. The “togetherness” theme can be very powerful.

Our campaign focuses on the way beef can transform even the simplest of life’s experiences into a meaningful moment, especially when you are with others. How many experiences can you associate with a great beef meal? I cannot count the number of stories I like to tell that are centered around cooking

beef, but I can guarantee you I do not have any stories involving chicken. The Beef. It’s What’s For Dinner. Anthem Campaign utilizes so many of our shared experiences and ties them to beef. A summer backyard party with family, an outdoor outing with friends, or making new friends by helping the neighbors move in. All things most of us can relate to, but we show how these everyday moments are made even better by sharing a beef meal. Adding the slogan “together we bring more” gives us another level of illustrating how beef brings more taste, more options, more satisfaction, more fun, and more enjoyment than any competing protein. Another reason why summer, and all seasons, are designed for beef.

The new Beef. It’s What’s For Dinner. ads are popping up everywhere. Social and digital media remains very effective at reaching our consumers, so the ads can be found on Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, Google, and YouTube. Even with the continued focus on digital outreach, the “old fashioned” methods are still delivering consumer connections and recognition of the brand. That is why you will find our ads on the Food Network and during Fox Sports broadcasts of Major League Baseball games. We are on streaming music radio services like Pandora, Spotify, and iHeart. We can also be found on many of the SiriusXM sports channels. Billboards are also a part of our multi-pronged effort to get the consumers’ attention. On the way to Yellowstone National Park, you can find a larger-than-life filet with the tagline “Awe Inspiring Views.” On your way to Myrtle Beach, a billboard reminds

“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

you, “Sun’s Out. Burger Buns Out.” It is efforts like these that continue to make Beef. It’s What’s For Dinner. a recognized and effective marketing campaign. None of this, however, would be possible without your Checkoff investment providing the funds to develop and execute these campaigns. Additionally, these campaigns would not be nearly as impactful without the partnerships we have with State Beef Councils and their efforts to further extend these campaigns.

So, take full advantage of the rest of summer and go to www. beefitswhatsfordinner.com to check out a new recipe to try, invite over a few friends, and remember that every memorable story starts with beef.

NcBA prEsidENt’s rEport

By TODD WILKINSON National Cattlemen’s Beef Association

Runaway Federal Overreach

It seems our year thus far in advocating for farmers and ranchers in Washington, D.C., has been fraught with attempts by this administration to end animal agriculture. When I took the helm of NCBA, I had a feeling this would be the case and have made it my mission to fight for all of us as effectively as possible. I’m proud to say we have a few wins under our belt, but we can’t turn our backs for a second and must continue to stand up to regulators and activists whose main agenda is to put us out of business.

Let’s start with the good news. The Supreme Court decision on the WOTUS rule in the Sackett v. EPA case cemented a historic victory for cattle producers against shockingly bad federal overreach. We have been fighting against the WOTUS rule for more than nine years and on similar Clean Water Act issues for decades before that. This was a big win in a long running fight, but one of the first things we needed to do after the Supreme Court decision was to file a motion in court to force EPA to rescind their now unconstitutional WOTUS rule. Yes, you read that right. We needed to fight in court just for a federal agency to listen to a ruling from the highest court in our country. What is remarkable to me is that the EPA is so committed to its “woke” agenda that when faced with a 9-0 Supreme Court decision, they did not repeal their proposed rule. We are forced to spend producer dollars to protect this government overreach from impacting our property rights.

Just as soon as we set a path forward on WOTUS, the administration decided to propose onerous rules in other areas, including the Bureau of Land Management’s Public Lands rule, which would limit grazing cattle on federal lands. It would also add multiple new Endangered Species Act rulemakings that would significantly increase regulatory burdens on producers. The BLM rule has the potential to limit access to grazing on public lands and set the doors open for

radical environmentalists to advance their agendas against the ranching community. This attempt to elevate conservation to the level of grazing is contrary to established law. Once again, we are going to be back in the courtroom fighting for producers’ rights.

Recently, government approval of lab grown chicken to be sold in grocery stores has received significant media attention, but, thankfully, due to NCBA’s work during the rulemaking process, all lab grown protein needs to be inspected by USDA before it can be sold. These fake meat companies wanted to be inspected by the FDA because that would mean their products would not be inspected as closely or as often. This stuff being fabricated with live animal cells is subject to the same rigorous USDA inspection protocols as real beef. We won the battle for who inspects these products, but now we must continue our work to ensure these products are labeled clearly. It’s vital consumers understand they are buying something that was created in a petri dish and not on a ranch.

Regulatory overreach at the federal level is only increasing because these agencies want to widen the scope of their authority, and the bureaucrats who write these regulations have never set foot on a ranch with no clue about the negative impact these decisions will have on our industry. As we have seen again and again, the regulations they draft will almost always filter down to hurt cattle producers and rural communities the most. That is why we fight so hard against this rulemaking.

Federal overreach is made worse by radical environmental groups and animal activists who have weaponized the federal rulemaking process. They know it is their best chance to have the federal government exert more control over our operations, which will help them meet their goal of ending animal agriculture. This strategy is on full display with the listing of wildlife under the Endangered

Species Act. The science has shown many species that are listed as threatened have long since recovered, but due to the fact it is easier to list a species than delist one, producers are left to deal with increasing numbers of apex predators, like grey wolves, on their operations. Those radical groups celebrate this problem and fight against any attempts to delist a recovered species. Despite the goal of listing a species to help recovery, these activist groups will never admit a species is recovered. They are in the business of putting us out of business, and they see our government’s broken rulemaking process as a tool to reduce the amount of cattle on working lands.

Ultimately, we find success in fighting constant overreach by the federal government because of NCBA members submitting public comments, signing onto letters, and calling their elected officials.

This grassroots action is always the first point our team mentions when they meet with agency officials and members of Congress to advocate for producers. When thousands of NCBA members from across the country make their voices heard, policymakers in Washington listen. I am proud of the work we have done in pushing back against this runaway federal overreach, and I want to thank everyone who answers NCBA’s calls to action when one of these rules gets introduced. It can be tiring to constantly push back against the federal government, but we can never give up. The silver lining to all this is that for each regulation we are successful in beating back, we take one step closer to ensuring the cattle industry will live on for many generations to come. That is all the motivation I need to keep moving forward in this fight against overreaching federal regulations.

NCBA News

Graduate Students Encouraged to Apply for Scholarship to Advance Beef Industry. Deadline for W.D. Farr Scholarship Program is September 22. The National Cattlemen’s Foundation (NCF) is accepting applications for the annual W.D. Farr Scholarship program. Established in 2007, 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. Scholarship recipients recognize that the program benefits not only their work but also the entire industry.

“This scholarship is giving me the opportunity to holistically investigate some of the greatest challenges and opportunities for future agriculturalists and to expand my knowledge of livestock systems and the innovations that will support future agri-food supply chains,” said 2022 recipient and Colorado State University graduate student Ashley Schilling.

Graduate students must apply online by submitting a cover letter, curriculum vitae, a description of the applicant’s goals and experience, a short essay, a statement of belief in the industry, as well as a review of the applicant’s graduate research and three letters of recommendation by September 22. The 2023 scholarship recipients will be recognized at CattleCon 2024 in Orlando on January 31 - February 2.

The scholarship honors the successful career of the late W.D. Farr, a third generation Coloradan, pioneer rancher, statesman, and banker 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

NCBA Champions Introduction of Preserving Family Farms Act. The National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA) announced support for the Preserving Family Farms Act of 2023, introduced by U.S. Representatives Jimmy Panetta of California and Mike Kelly of Pennsylvania. This bipartisan legislation would expand IRS Code Section 2032A to allow cattle producers to take advantage of the Special Use Valuation and protect family owned businesses from the devastating impact of the federal estate tax, commonly referred to as the Death Tax.

“America’s cattle producers deserve certainty in the tax code, especially when it comes to succession planning. NCBA is committed to fighting for common sense tax solutions, including the expansion of IRS Code Section 2032A Special Use Valuation, to allow more producers to secure greater relief from the estate tax and preserve family owned cattle operations for generations to come,” said NCBA President Todd Wilkinson. “We applaud Representatives Panetta and Kelly for their leadership and dedication to protecting future generations of agricultural producers through the introduction of the Preserving Family Farms Act of 2023.”

Background - In the Tax Reform Act of 1976, Congress recognized the disproportionate burden of the Death Tax on agricultural producers and created Section 2032A as a way to help farmers keep their farms. However, the benefits of Special Use Valuations have been stymied over the years as the cap on deductions has failed to keep pace with the rising value of farmland.

While the current 2032A reduction is 55 percent higher than the value established two decades ago, USDA estimates that cropland values have increased by 223 percent. Agricultural land values – including on-farm buildings – have also risen dramatically, increasing by 241 percent during this same period. Due to the rapid inflation of farmland values, the 2032A deduction is no

longer aligned with the needs of modern agriculture – nor does it accomplish Congress’ intended goal of providing meaningful protection to those producers who are most vulnerable to the estate tax.

NCBA President Hits Back at Animal Rights Activists and Policymakers Attacking the Beef Checkoff. Recently, NCBA President Todd Wilkinson responded to attacks on the Beef Checkoff and NCBA from animal rights activists and their allies in Congress:

“As a cattle producer, I know what it means to work hard for every dollar, and I am proud to invest my money in the Beef Checkoff. It’s extremely disappointing to see members of Congress, who have historically been allies to agriculture, turn on the cattle industry and attack our producer led Checkoff.

“I am especially disappointed in Representative Victoria Spartz, who claimed in a recent interview that she paid into the wheat checkoff, which does not exist at the federal level. I’d encourage people to understand the truth about how Checkoff programs operate by visiting their websites, or better yet, by getting involved in the Checkoff programs themselves rather than spreading misinformation that furthers the goals of anti-agriculture activists.

“The Beef Checkoff was created by cattle producers, voted on by producers, and is directed by producers. It’s a program that delivers a $11.91 return on investment and strengthens demand for our high quality beef. The Checkoff is also extremely transparent, and if anyone wants to know where Beef Checkoff

Zoetis introduces Valcor (doramectin and levamisole injection), the first and only combination endectocide for cattle, in the United States. For cattle producers and veterinarians concerned about the efficacy of their parasite control programs, Zoetis introduces Valcor (doramectin and levamisole injection), the first and only combination endectocide in the United States designed for use against internal and external parasites in cattle.

“Valcor offers the unique combination of doramectin and levamisole,” said Mark Alley, DVM, MBA, Diplomate, American College of Animal Welfare, and managing veterinarian with Zoetis beef technical services. “In a research study with more than 1,500 head of heifers, Valcor reduced fecal egg count numbers by 99.9 percent compared to ivermectin at 85 percent, and the heifers treated with Valcor gained 9.3 pounds more than the ivermectin treated heifers over 56 days. That additional weight gain adds up to more dollars per head.”1

Valcor is a prescription injectable product. Valcor has the strength of two active ingredients to treat and control the adult stage and L4 stage of Haemonchus placei , Cooperia spp ., and Ostertagia ostertagi (including inhibited L4), as well as the adult stage of Nematodirus helvetianus . It is also indicated for the treatment and control of lungworms, eyeworms, grubs, mange mites, and sucking lice.

Valcor combines doramectin from the macrocyclic lactone class of dewormers with levamisole from the imidazothiazole class. “The two active ingredients in one product offers convenience to veterinarians and producers who may have had the need to use two products concurrently in the past,” said Dr. Alley. “Valcor™ provides two active ingredients in a single product and can help save labor and improve efficiency at the chute.”

Valcor is now available to veterinarians and cattle producers. For more information about this latest innovation from Zoetis, visit www. ValcorTough.com

Reference

1Data on file. Study Report No. A131R-US-21-940, Zoetis Inc.

About Zoetis. As the world’s leading animal health company, Zoetis is driven by a singular purpose: to nurture our world and humankind by advancing care for animals. After innovating ways to predict, prevent, detect, and treat animal illness for more than 70 years, Zoetis continues to stand by those raising and caring for animals worldwide — from veterinarians and pet owners to livestock farmers and ranchers. The company’s leading portfolio and pipeline of medicines, vaccines, diagnostics, and technologies make a difference in over 100 countries. A Fortune 500 company, Zoetis generated revenue of $8.1 billion in 2022 with approximately 13,800 employees. For more, visit www. zoetis.com

dollars go, all you have to do is visit the Cattlemen’s Beef Board website.

“Groups like Farm Action also have no business claiming to represent America’s farmers and ranchers. Their leaders, including Angela Huffman and Joe Maxwell, are career animal rights activists who have spent years attacking animal agriculture. In fact, the Animal Agriculture Alliance just added

Farm Action and other groups like the Organization for Competitive Markets to their Animal Rights Extremism list. Members of Congress should listen to the folks who are raising cattle and keeping our nation fed, not animal rights extremists hiding behind an organization that falsely claims to represent the interests of farmers and ranchers.

Cattle Producers Direct NCBA

Culinary Corner

Beef. It’s What’s for Dinner Culinary Team

Simplifying the Schoolyear with Beef Recipes. Summer is a time for families with school age children to enjoy vacations, the neighborhood pool, barbecues, and warm summer evenings together, and generally, schedules aren’t quite as hectic. Come mid-August, schedules adjust significantly and are more rushed with early mornings, the advent of homework, and earlier bedtimes. This traditionally has brought on a little more stress for families in two ways: 1) what do you give kids for their school lunch that you know they will enjoy and is still nutritious, and 2) what to serve the family for dinner. Both need to be quick and easy to prepare yet satisfying and delicious for the family.

Beef.ItsWhatsforDinner.com has beefy solutions for both problems.

The Best. School. Lunch. Ever! collection includes 12 simple, delicious, and fun recipes that will make lunch the highlight of the school day. From the classic PB&J with a beef twist to mini pizzas and delicious wraps, there will be something for everyone — even the adults. A favorite from this collection is the Chimichurri Steak Wraps recipe which features an easy Chimichurri Sauce that is popular in Brazilian steakhouses. Once your family tastes it, it will be popular in your household as well. See the entire collection for the remaining 11 recipes at www.beefitswhatsfordinner. com/recipes/collection/10077/bestschool-lunch-ever

For quick and easy weeknights dinners, the following recipes are specially selected to meet the needs of the entire family from late summer into the holidays. Except for the first one, which utilizes a slow cooker, each of these recipes is quick to prepare, using

ten ingredients or less, and requires just 30 minutes or less. While the total time of the slow cooker recipe averages just over 7 hours, actual prep time is just minutes, so you can be out the door in the morning without worrying about dinner.

• Slow Cooker Italian Beef Sandwich - Easily prep in the morning and let the slow cooker do the work for you without heating up the kitchen. This recipe is a test kitchen favorite, and the entire family will enjoy it.

• Lean Mean CheeseburgersEveryone loves a cheeseburger, and these are no exception, and they use 93 percent lean ground beef.

• Beefy Sweet & Sloppy JoesSloppy Joe’s are a classic. They are great for summer yet are a timeless fall time recipe.

• Taco Beef Nuggets with Tejano Dipping Sauce - Easy-to-eat taco bites are a delicious treat that are fun to eat. This recipe is great for eating on the go or while focusing on homework.

• Confetti Beef Tacos - Super quick in just 20 minutes. This taco recipe has great flavor and is simple to prepare, and even kids can help make them.

• Hoisin BBQ Kabobs with Pineapple Salsa - Become known as the neighborhood chef with this straightforward and delicious kabob dinner.

Fast, easy, flavorful, and nutritious, each of the recipes above fit the bill but are still going to be light on the pocketbook as they feature either ground beef or less expensive cuts such as chuck roast, sirloin cubes, and even leftover steak of your choice (try using top round or bottom round steak).

Back-to-school will be simple, stress free, nutritious, and delicious this year.

Action on Cell Cultured Products. Recently, the members of NCBA passed a directive at the NCBA Summer Business Meeting to continue the association’s advocacy efforts on transparent labeling and inspection of cell cultured protein products.

“Cattle producers are not afraid of a little competition, and I know that consumers will continue choosing real, high quality beef over cell cultured imitations,” said NCBA President Todd Wilkinson, a South Dakota cattle producer. “Our priority is ensuring that consumers accurately know the difference between real beef and cell cultured products through transparent and accurate labeling. We have already been successful at engaging the U.S. Department of Agriculture to conduct robust inspections and oversight to protect food safety.”

This directive was brought forward by the Tennessee Cattlemen’s Association, California Cattlemen’s Association, and Florida Cattlemen’s Association and passed at the Summer Business Meeting. All policies passed at this meeting will be forwarded to NCBA’s general membership for a full vote in the fall. This grassroots policy process ensures that NCBA’s policy positions reflect the views of cattle producers.

Background - Earlier this year, the U.S. Department of Agriculture Food Safety Inspection Service (USDAFSIS) issued two grants of inspection

to companies producing cell cultured chicken imitation products. These grants of inspection permit companies producing cell cultured products to sell their products in interstate commerce. While no cell cultured imitations of beef have received a grant of inspection, we are aware of several companies attempting to create these products.

NCBA previously advocated for USDA oversight of cell cultured meat and was pleased to see FSIS inspecting these products as opposed to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). USDA inspections occur more frequently and hold these companies to a higher food safety standard. Moving forward, NCBA will be urging Congress to set labeling requirements so cell cultured products are clearly distinguishable from real beef and to prevent confusion or misrepresentation about these products.

NCBA Member Testifies in Support of Black Vulture Relief Act. Recently, National Cattlemen’s Beef Association member and Missouri cattle producer Charlie Besher testified before the House Natural Resources Water, Wildlife, and Fisheries Subcommittee in support of the Black Vulture Relief Act. Besher, the chairman of NCBA’s Property

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NCBA News continued from the previous page

Rights and Environmental Management Committee, shared how predatory black vultures take a toll on cattle producers’ livestock and livelihoods.

“Black vultures play a role in the ecosystem, and cattle producers have no desire to eradicate the species, but to continue managing them under such a restrictive system is ludicrous. The species is abundant across the continent, and no longer a conservation concern. These birds are extremely vicious predators and their attacks on cattle are devastating, both emotionally and financially,” said Besher. “As a cow/calf producer who has invested for years in voluntary conservation in Missouri, I’m proud to testify in support of the commonsense Black Vulture Relief Act. On behalf of NCBA and the thousands of producers who are losing cattle each year to black vultures, I urge Congress to pass this legislation to give farmers and ranchers more tools to protect their livestock.”

After 50 years of federal protections, black vultures now number 190 million strong and are an abundant species across the country. Even though a growing number of producers lose calves each year to black vulture depredation, the current framework for lethal take is overly restrictive and burdensome.

Introduced by Representative John Rose (R-Tenn.) and Representative Darren Soto (D-Fla.), the Black Vulture Relief Act is bipartisan legislation that would allow cattle producers to take vultures without a permit when there is an

immediate need to protect their livestock from injury or death. Currently, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service issues black vulture depredation permits to states, and states issue sub-permits to producers, but these permits only allow for the take of three individual animals per year. Given that black vultures can attack multiple times a month in flocks as large as 50, the current permits are completely insufficient to address the problem. Black vulture numbers are also on the rise, and they attack cattle in a particularly vicious way, usually targeting calves hours or even minutes after birth.

The Black Vulture Relief Act is also supported by numerous NCBA state affiliates.

NCBA Welcomes House Passage of Two ESA Resolutions. Recently, NCBA welcomed the passage of two congressional resolutions that nullify the Biden administration’s Endangered Species Act (ESA) listings of the lesser prairie chicken and northern long eared bat. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s listing of these two species undermines on-the-ground, voluntary conservation work and hugely overextends the footprint of the federal government on cattle operations.

“The Biden administration’s listing of the lesser prairie chicken and northern long eared bat create numerous challenges for cattle producers and fail to consider all of their critical conservation work,” said NCBA President Todd Wilkinson, a South Dakota cattle producer. “We

appreciate Congress taking bipartisan, bicameral action to nullify these two listings and I thank the House for passing these two joint resolutions.”

S.J. Res. 9 would nullify the lesser

prairie chicken listing. This listing is extremely concerning because it grants non-government third parties the ability to review cattle producers’ grazing management plans. The lesser

UPDATES!

CattleCon24 Registration Opens

Early. Annual Convention Offers Family

Fun in Orlando. Registration and housing are now open for CattleCon24, the cattle industry’s largest event of the year. It’s “Onward to Orlando,” where cattle producers from across the country will gather on January 31-February 2 for business meetings, educational sessions, engaging speakers, and family fun.

“By opening registration early this year, we hope to give producers the ability to plan a family vacation in conjunction with CattleCon,” said Kristin Torres, executive director of Meetings and Events with the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA). “Orlando and the surrounding areas offer a variety of family friendly activities, and we want attendees

to take advantage of this great location.”

CattleCon attendees can look forward to a variety of educational opportunities, including the CattleFax Outlook Seminar, weather and industry updates, grazing management workshop, sessions featuring guest speakers on the NCBA Trade Show floor, and the 31 st Annual Cattlemen’s College. Cattlemen’s College is being reimagined in 2024 with classroom sessions and hands-on demonstrations throughout all three days of CattleCon. Also new are trade show cooking demos and a beef culinary tour.

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.

Leaders in sustainability, quality, and cattle feeding 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. CattleCon24 will conclude at Universal Studios for “Cowboys and Coasters,” where producers can wind down the week with friends and family and experience theme park thrills.

CattleCon24 is designed to offer value for producers attending with their families. Discounted tickets for area theme parks and multi-day cruises before and after the event are available to attendees. Kids 12 and under will also be admitted to the NCBA Trade Show for free.

A variety of ticket packages are available, as well as payment plan options. For more information and to register and reserve housing, visit www. convention.ncba.org

prairie chicken also only survives due to producers’ conservation investments, and this rule fails to consider how livestock production supports the birds’ habitat.

S.J. Res. 24 would nullify the northern long eared bat listing. The northern long eared bat is declining due to White Nose Syndrome, a naturally occurring disease not caused by human activity. This listing disrupts cattle producers’ ability to effectively manage their land.

Both resolutions have already passed the Senate and now go to the President for signature.

NCBA Slams Presidential Overreach in Latest Antiquities Act Designation. Recently, NCBA slammed President Biden’s use of the Antiquities Act to put sweeping federal designations

on over a million additional acres of land in Arizona, amounting to yet another presidential land grab.

“This kind of use of the Antiquities Act is one of the most appallingly political moves to lock up millions of acres of land across the country. Today’s latest designation follows a concerning trend of Washington politicians trampling local communities, land managers, farmers, and ranchers with the stroke of a pen,” said NCBA President Todd Wilkinson, a South Dakota cattle producer. “NCBA is strongly opposed to the continued abuse of the Antiquities Act, and we urge President Biden to listen to the local communities that will be hurt by this designation.”

This designation adds insult to injury for communities that are

S.C. Cattle Receipts, Trends, and Prices for the Month of JULY 2023

SLAUGHTER CLASSES

unheard and intentionally removed from land management conversations. Additionally, the Biden administration failed to communicate with the affected landowners prior to the designation, and their so-called public opinion meeting and poll failed to gather perspective from the people most impacted by this decision.

The Antiquities Act gives the President of the United States broad power to establish national monuments from existing federal lands. These designations are especially harmful to rural communities that rely on federal lands for their livelihood, such as public lands ranchers. Public lands ranching has existed since the early days of exploration in the West and is governed today by the Taylor Grazing Act of 1934. Nearly 40 percent of cattle spend their time on public lands, and public lands ranchers protect water sources, safeguard open space, promote forage growth, limit invasive species, and reduce the risk of catastrophic wildfires.

California Rancher Urges Congress to Address Wildfires Through Livestock Grazing and Effective Land Management Tools. Recently, Dr. Dave Daley, a leader in the California Cattlemen’s Association, Public Lands Council, and NCBA, testified before the House Natural Resources Committee in a field hearing titled “Conservation in a Crown Jewel: A Discussion About Wildfires and Forest Management.”

wildfire if the federal government only acknowledged their critical role and relied on their land management expertise,” said NCBA Vice President of Government Affairs Ethan Lane. “NCBA appreciates the House Natural Resources Committee traveling away from Washington to see conditions on the ground and hear from local producers like Dr. Daley.”

“Decades of mismanagement have left the West ravaged by catastrophic wildfires, especially as federal agencies ignore one of the most helpful tools at their disposal — livestock grazing,” said Public Lands Council Executive Director Kaitlynn Glover. “The Public Lands Council is proud of our Ecosystem and Environment Committee Chair Dr. Daley for delivering the message to Congress that federal agencies should work with ranchers and local land managers to protect these landscapes across the West.”

“The Daley family experienced the devastating impacts of a catastrophic wildfire three years ago when their cattle herd and the forest lands they love were decimated by the Bear Fire,” CCA Vice President of Government Affairs Kirk Wilbur said. “We appreciate policy makers taking the opportunity to visit California, hear Dr. Daley’s firsthand experience with wildfire, and discuss solutions. We urge decision makers to include grazing and California cattle ranchers in the toolbox of solutions for mitigating extreme wildfires.”

FEEDER CLASSES

“In the wake of historic wildfire seasons in recent years, even this state has taken note of the value livestock bring to wildfire resilience,” Dr. Daley testified. “Wildfire resilience practices such as livestock grazing work, and confronted with the very real threat of worsening wildfire conditions, there ought to be bipartisan consensus endorsing these effective tools.”

Dr. Daley’s testimony focused on the need for the federal government to look holistically at land management and recognize that livestock grazing is an important tool for reducing the risk of catastrophic wildfires. He also recommended that Congress utilize federal legislation, like the forestry title of the 2023 Farm Bill, to strengthen tools like grazing, prescribed fire, timber thinning, and other effective forestry management practices. In addition, Dr. Daley acknowledged the need for federal agencies to conduct post fire operations, the importance of federal use of fuel breaks, and historic management failures that have hampered the federal government’s ability to make meaningful improvements in landscape resiliency.

“Cattle producers are in a unique position to help reduce the threat of

NCBA Thanks EPA for Rejecting Environmental Activist Groups’ Petitions. Recently, NCBA thanked the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for supporting farmers and ranchers by rejecting two petitions from environmental activist groups.

“NCBA appreciates the EPA recognizing that America’s farmers and ranchers are committed to ensuring clean water and investing in a sustainable future,” said NCBA Chief Counsel Mary-Thomas Hart. “By rejecting these two petitions that sought to directly attack animal agriculture, the EPA is protecting cattle producers from frivolous distractions and allowing them to return to the important job of stewarding our natural resources and feeding the nation.”

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

By RYAN BAPST, Crystalyx

How Does Crystalyx Pencil Out for Herd Health

At the end of the day, most cattle producers get paid by how many pounds go across the scales, whether it is a weaned calf, yearling, live fat, or hot carcass. Sitting in a sale barn a couple of weeks ago, I thought it was pretty clear that some good producers took a pretty big hit on cattle that were “sort offs” from their main group. Yes, a few were sorted due to the color of their hides, but mostly it was because of a blue eye, sore foot, hanging head, or droopy ears. Some producers merchandising that day had as many as 30 percent of their calves sell separately from their main group due to one of these issues, and with a little pencil work, I calculated that it ended up costing them in the thousands of dollars.

Why were these calves not doctored? Most likely due to lack of facilities in the pasture, or time, or labor, or they just simply missed it. These reasons are often just a fact of life and will not soon be changed. Still, these were problems that could largely have been prevented. Maybe not 100 percent, but a significant reduction could have been achieved through some nutritional attention that would have required minimal labor and little expense per head.

A strong herd health program can prevent many health issues. The technology in today’s vaccines is amazing and can be a huge step toward profitability for producers who invest in those programs, but the vaccines are only as effective as the immune system they are protecting. All too often, I hear producers speak of struggling with pinkeye in the pasture or respiratory issues at weaning, even though they have spent a hefty price on a vaccine program. Digging deeper, I have found that the vaccine investment came at the expense of their mineral supplementation program, with little to no consideration of the calf crop on the ground. A highly functioning immune system is reliant on an adequate supply of vitamins and minerals. Deficiencies or excessive levels of even one specific trace mineral can limit the availability of others or cause negative interactions, rendering subpar performance in growth, fertility, and immune function.

Bottom line, a highly available mineral supplement delivering the correct levels to cows and calves in a consistent manner can significantly aid in promoting optimal health and performance in your herd.

Although macro minerals like calcium, phosphorus, and magnesium are highly important, their deficiency is typically rare in today’s supplemented diets. Trace minerals, namely selenium, zinc, copper, manganese, and cobalt, are the minerals that help drive improved immune function. Depending on your geographical location, there may be some slight differences in the naturally occurring levels of these trace minerals in forage supplies, but for the most part, they are all deficient in grazing diets requiring supplementation.

Promoting good health with minerals begins prior to birth with the gestating cow. Pregnant cows in excellent mineral status lactate high quality colostrum to their newborn calves, resulting in a strong start to life. These calves are born with all the tools to promote newborn vigor and cope with the environmental challenges that lie ahead.

Selenium supplementation is a good place to start with the pre-calving cow. It is most often thought of as a way to prevent retained placentas and ensure lively newborn calves, but it affects so much more within the immune system. Adequate selenium status also allows the immune system to respond to challenges quickly, and even more so when it is in the form of selenium yeast (Beck et al., 2005). Studies show this supplementation to help lower rates of bovine respiratory disease (BRD) in highly stressed incoming feedlot cattle (Hall et al., 2013) and to reduce the incidence of mastitis in dairy cows (Weiss et al., 1990)

Once the calf is a few months old and begins its grazing career, that’s when the need for supplementation becomes more important. Environmental challenges like heat, cold, humidity, mud, and insects all combine to take a toll on young animals prior to weaning. Zinc is very important to the immune system, as it affects not only the responsiveness and strength of

the immune system but also the integrity of the first lines of defense: hair, skin, and hoof health. A healthy exterior of defense, combined with quick internal immune response and performance, can play a significant role in stopping problems in their tracks. Due to their increased bioavailability, organic forms of zinc have been proven to improve resistance to costly BRD and foot rot in multiple research settings (Nunnery et al., 2007)

Copper is one of the most recognized trace minerals we first consider in mineral supplementation, and rightfully so. Copper plays a major role in immune response and the function of enzymes for energy and antioxidant metabolism. Copper levels in cattle are difficult to get a handle on, as they are easily negatively impacted by excessive levels of common minerals such as sulfur, iron, and manganese, which may naturally be present in high levels in water or forages. Inorganic forms can multiply these problems due to their poor bioavailability. Since the balance of mineral levels is extremely important, this is a serious issue.

Cobalt is not a trace mineral at the top of our watchlist as producers; however, research studies have demonstrated improved survival rates and parasite resistance in calves and lambs that received adequate cobalt levels in their diets.

All the previous demonstrations of trace mineral importance really do not matter if the minerals aren’t consumed and absorbed correctly.

Crystalyx has been proven to deliver minerals and vitamins daily at the correct levels and in a highly palatable form for every animal in the pasture. The inclusion of Bioplex organic trace

minerals in Crystalyx ensures maximum bioavailability, meaning that the cattle get everything they can from the mineral, and you get more return from your investment. Crystalyx Blueprint products contain 100 percent organic trace minerals, meaning that they are the most available to the animal, and there is less going to waste and confounding other minerals internally. Crystalyx Blueprint is quickly becoming the choice of discriminating producers who want to maximize fertility, health, and genetic potential.

Throughout the year, there really is no point in the production cycle where producers can skimp on the quality or delivery method of these essential minerals. They will always be needed. Consider:

• A dry third trimester cow with calf in-utero developing crucial body systems

• A high producing lactating cow with a newborn calf experiencing environmental challenges

• A cow in the breeding pasture requiring optimal fertility while nursing a calf

• A second trimester cow with a soonto-be-weaned calf that will experience high stress

Preventative health measures start with consistent, effective mineral supplementation for the cow and the calf. The combination of effective mineral supplementation and preventive herd health management can prevent health problems, promote growth performance, maximize fertility, and yield more valuable pounds on payday. Crystalyx delivers every day the right amount and the right nutrition — and it always pays in pounds when you put the pencil to it.

Beef Promotion and Research Program

PRIVATE TREATY SALES CHECKOFF INVESTMENT FORM

Information is required by (7 CRF 1260.201). Failure to report can result in a fine. Information is held confidential (7 CRF 1260.203).

Today’s Date: ________________

Seller’s Name: ____________________________

Buyer’s Name: ____________________________

Address: Address:

City: ________________ State: ____ Zip: City: ________________ State: ____ Zip: ______

Seller’s Signature: _________________________

Buyer’s Signature: _________________________

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

Total Number of Cattle Sold: ___________________ x $1.50 Per Head = $

Date of Sale: __________________ Person remitting assessment form: Seller o Buyer o

* State of Origin of Cattle:

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

Send Report and Remittance to:

SOUTH CAROLINA BEEF COUNCIL

P.O. Box 11280

Columbia, SC 29211

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

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

To file a complaint of discrimination, write USDA, Director, Office of Civil Rights, Room 326-W, Whitten Building, 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.

Childers Concrete and Styers Family Feed & Supply Earn BioZyme Master Dealer Status. Childers Concrete in High Point, N.C., and Styers Family Feed & Supply in Newton, N.C., have recently completed the necessary training to complete the BioZyme Master Dealer Training Program, Chapters 1 through 4.

As a Master Dealer, Childers Concrete and Styers Family Feed & Supply had at least one of its employees complete multiple online training modules to further his or her education about the brands and product lines BioZyme offers. The Master Dealers will be able to share expanded knowledge of the BioZyme products with potential customers.

“We are excited to call these Master Dealers, knowing they excel in knowledge about the BioZyme family of brands, and they will be excellent resources for all product needs and questions,” said Macall Compton, BioZyme Dealer and Internal Marketing Manager. “Childers Concrete and Styers Family Feed & Supply have taken the time to complete our vigorous training program and have committed to stocking or is willing to order our full product line. Feel confident that they are some of the most informed dealers that our company works with.”

Master Dealers will receive special designation on the online dealer locator, signage for their store, and apparel that indicates their Master Dealer certification so customers can easily identify those who have gone the extra mile to provide excellent knowledge and service. For each chapter they complete, they receive additional recognition.

To learn more about BioZyme and its product lines or to locate a dealer in your area, go to www.biozymeinc.com

Jump Start Your Calves’ Health with Vita Charge Cattle Drench. Late summer and early fall can be an exciting time for those in the cattle industry. In the cow/calf sector, you’re weaning spring born calves. It’s time to give those offspring the chance to perform on their own.

In the backgrounding and feeding segment, it’s receiving time. You’re getting in fresh groups of calves, some from various regions with high risk backgrounds. Your goal is always to boost calf health and get these new calves to thrive.

Vita Charge Can Help with Calf Health - No matter what part of the beef

business you are in, you want to get those calves in, get ‘em going and keep ‘em going. Fresh weaned calves and calves that are in a new environment are usually stressed. That’s how Vita Charge Cattle Drench can help. Vita Charge Cattle Drench is designed to support digestive health before, during, and after challenges.

Keeping them eating and drinking is the first step to a healthy herd. They are also the first steps to gaining. Gaining healthy, efficient pounds equals profitability.

Proven Ingredients - Vita Charge Cattle Drench, often referred to as the “green stuff,” contains AO-Biotics Amaferm, a prebiotic research proven to enhance digestibility. Added enzymes work with Amaferm to generate a more rapid digestive response. MOS (mannanoligosaccharides) helps normalize gut microflora and support the immune system. MOS further supports a healthy, functioning immune system. Like all Vita Charge products, the cattle drench does not interfere with antibiotics.

“Taking a proactive approach with your animal health is a great management tool. Keeping Amaferm in their diet every day helps keep their gut healthy, and we know a healthy gut leads to overall increased health,” said Chris Cassady, Ph.D., BioZyme Senior Manager of Beef Technical Sales.

BioZyme, the maker of Vita Charge Cattle Drench, realizes that time is money. The company has conveniently packaged the drench in two sizes for both large and small operations.

• A 5 liter jug that can hang chute side with a drench applicator attached.

• A smaller 32 ounce bottle

• Ideal for smaller operations or for handy dosage if treating a calf.

Rapid Response - With fresh, weaned calves or calves that have been hauled, you want them to eat and drink as quickly as possible. That is why Vita Charge Cattle Drench is formulated to support calf health and help them recover quickly.

“That first week in the new feeding system is critical for profitability in these backgrounding/growing systems. The faster they get to eating, the quicker they gain. Also, don’t forget that Amaferm drives water intake, too. Paying attention to proper hydration is critical to drive feed intake and maintain optimum health,” Cassady said.

What Vita Charge Users Have to Say - Don’t just take our word for it.

Here’s what Dakota Dalrymple, owner of 3D Cattle Company in Enterprise, Ala., has to say about Vita Charge.

“Any calf I get on the place gets a dose of the Vita Charge Cattle Drench. I believe it promotes good gut health and helps get the cattle going.”

“We’re the poster child for buying high risk mixed calves from stockyards and auction markets throughout the Southeast. Since we started giving our calves the Vita Charge Cattle Drench on arrival and any time we treat a calf, we have seen an increase in antibiotic response, with a decrease in death loss,” said Jeff Easterling, ranch manager at Jeff Parker Cattle in Mississippi.

The key to your herd’s success is to

care for calf health. That means getting them to the water trough and to the feed bunk. Get ‘em in and get ‘em started with Vita Charge Cattle Drench.

Want to purchase this powerful product? Visit our site to find a dealer near you, or buy Vita Charge online.

Three Products, Three Profitable Steps to Your Weaning Success. Weaning time can be stressful for your cow/calf enterprise. Cows are no longer responsible for caring for their offspring. Calves are separated from their mom, and their life as they know it is changed. They

Continued on page 80

NCBA Launches Estate Tax Survey for Cattle Producers

The National Cattlemen’s Beef Association is launching a survey of members and affiliates to gather information on the impact of the federal estate tax, also known as the Death Tax and other certain tax provisions used in their estate planning and business operations. While some cattle producers receive relief from the estate tax and certain businesses tax provisions secured in the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, that relief is not permanent. Beginning in 2026, only estates valued less than $5 million (adjusted for inflation) will be exempt from the federal estate tax, exposing many producers to greater risks of facing the 40 percent estate tax. Likewise, many of the business tax provisions NCBA advocated for in 2017 are set to expire at the end of 2025. NCBA will conduct the tax survey through the end of 2023 and use the survey information to advocate for tax relief for the next two years leading up to the scheduled tax hikes.

Dan Rorvig, the chair of NCBA’s Tax and Credit Committee and a cattle producer from North Dakota, is encouraging NCBA members and affiliates to take the time to fill out this survey and tell their story.

“Working in the cattle industry and financial sector for the last 30 years, I have witnessed family farms and ranches navigate the complexity of the burdensome U.S. tax code only to face the agony of the estate tax with the loss of a loved one. We have fought hard to secure the tax relief we have currently, but the estate tax and other business taxes are scheduled to increase significantly in 2026 unless we act soon,” he said.

In addition to your participation in the tax survey, NCBA is also seeking your personal stories detailing issues with the Death Tax and highlighting some of the problems you have faced with other sections of the tax code. In the lead up to the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, NCBA launched the Cattlemen for Tax Reform campaign, which included stories about how harmful the Death Tax can be. These stories helped secure estate tax relief for our members, and NCBA is using the same strategy again as we fight the estate tax and push for greater relief. Cattle producers face different tax burdens than the average American family, and we need your assistance with these stories so we can show Congress, once again, how burdensome the estate tax can be to farmers and ranchers.

As Rorvig said, “It is our responsibility to educate Congress and provide direction on how the tax code affects each of our families and our operations. We need your participation in this survey to gather information so we can use it as a tool to make the tax code better for cattle producers. Your input will help shape our grassroots policy efforts on the tax code for years to come.”

You can fill out the survey by visiting www.ncba.org/policy

are expected to transition from milk to grain or forage based diets and might not be eager to face life on their own.

BioZyme Inc. knows that the stress your calves experience can also lead to stress for the producer. You want them to get to the feed bunk to start eating. You want them to find the water source to stay hydrated since you know water intake is correlated to feed intake. That’s why we recommend the 3-3-1 approach to weaning. Here are three steps and three easy to use products that lead to one profitable result and help ensure weaning success at your operation.

Step 1: Transition Calves with Vita Charge Cattle Drench - The transition of weaning brings several immediate changes. Calves are typically moved to a new environment with new herd groups. Their nutritional intake changes, and they no longer have the comfort of their mother. These stressors can compromise their immunity and, ultimately, their health.

Keeping calves healthy at weaning not only improves animal comfort and well being but it also benefits rate of gain and growth. Additionally, it can reduce the cost of medication and labor to treat sick calves. Help your calves transition easily by using Vita Charge Cattle Drench.

Vita Charge Cattle Drench is designed to support digestive health before, during, and after challenges. It is formulated to help cattle recover quickly. Within the first 48 hours of weaning, while processing your calves, Drench will support the following:

• Feed and water intake

• Immune system

• Digestion

“Taking a proactive approach with your animal health is a great management tool. Keeping Amaferm in their diet every day helps keep their gut healthy, and we know a healthy gut leads to overall increased health and performance,” said Chris Cassady, Ph.D. “Getting freshly

weaned calves started with the Cattle Drench is a great way to get them to the bunk, get them eating, and make sure they are gaining, since we know profitability comes from pounds.”

Step 2: Start your Calves with a Vita Charge Stress Tub - During the first 7-21 days, be sure to introduce a Vita Charge Stress Tub to your calves. The Stress Tub supports digestive health and intake.

The Stress Tubs are a great way to ensure calves continue to get daily amounts of Amaferm in their diets to enhance digestibility. Additionally, the tubs contain MOS to help normalize gut microflora and support the immune system and a probiotic to help restore the gut microbiome.

“The Vita Charge Stress Tubs at weaning have helped get calves eating quicker and stay healthy throughout the entire process,” says Angus producer Jason Jagels, located in the Nebraska Sandhills.

Available in two sizes, both 50 and 200 pounds, the Stress Tubs are the most

convenient way to deliver Amaferm to your calves for maximum digestion daily. If calves are also experiencing heat stress, the Vita Charge Stress Tub HEAT is a great option for all around support. Stress Tub HEAT supports digestive health and intake when temperatures are hotter than 70ºF. The HEAT technology includes a combination of essential oils and garlic to support animals when heat and insects are a challenge.

“The HEAT technology works to keep those calves cool internally, helping drive their appetite and water intake,” Cassady said. “Think about it. When we are hot, we don’t feel like eating big meals. The same can be said with cattle, but with the combination of HEAT technology and Amaferm, cattle will get out in the middle of the day and eat smaller meals more frequently, helping maximize their gain.”

Step 3: Grow Your Calves Efficiently with Gain Smart Mineral - Gain Smart is a line of vitamin and mineral supplements

for stocker cattle that promotes healthy, economical pounds by maximizing the energy and protein available in the diet. Once your calves have had time to settle into their routine, be sure to incorporate the Gain Smart formula that best fits your scenario into your operation.

In addition to a way to get Amaferm into your calves’ diet, Gain Smart minerals will help supplement nutrients that may be lacking in the diet. Rectifying mineral imbalances will help keep growth on track. Gain Smart is available in four formulas.

All formulas offer the same core benefits when fed from 45-100 days. These include:

• Enhancing digestibility.

• Providing organic copper, iodine, and zinc for maximum bioavailability and hoof health.

• Providing nutritional support for a healthy immune system.

Not only will you see more efficient gains and healthier calves in your operation, but Superior Livestock also recognizes calves that have been on the Gain Smart minerals for at least 45 days at

Farmers for Soil Health Offers Financial Assistance for Cover Crop Adoption — Enroll Now

Farmers in 20 states can now enroll in cost share programs through Farmers for Soil Health. This corn, pork, and soy commodity initiative, in partnership with the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation and USDA’s Partnerships for Climate Smart Commodities, establishes financial and technical assistance for corn and soybean farmers who adopt cover crops. The focus is to bring money directly back to farmers, where sustainability is happening at the farm level.

Participating farmers who plant cover crops will receive payments to help transition totaling $50 (spanning three years) per new acre of cover crops planted. These payments of $2 per acre are available for up to 600,000 acres of existing cover crops. Eligible farmers will participate in measurement, reporting, and verification to highlight progress toward the goal of expanding the adoption of cover crops.

“Protecting the soils we farm is so important. Cover crops and conservation tillage are key tools that can be used to prevent erosion by keeping living roots in the ground,” said Neal Bredehoeft, soy checkoff farmer-leader from Missouri. “In partnership with my brothers, we have been practicing no-till on our farms for 30 years and using cover crops for almost ten years. Cover crops are another conservation measure that helps us keep our soils in place and crop nutrients in the fields where they belong.”

Farmers can enroll at www. farmersforsoilhealth.com . Farmers in Delaware, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, New

York, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Pennsylvania, South Dakota, Tennessee, Virginia, and Wisconsin are eligible for enrollment.

A hallmark of the program is the simplicity of enrollment and monitoring. Farmers will be able to enroll quickly and easily through the online enrollment platform, and all the monitoring/ verification is done remotely via satellites.

“As farmers continue to experience and adjust to extreme weather swings, they can, through the Farmers for Soil Health initiative, adopt conservation measures like cover crops to increase crop resiliency,” said Ben West, Farmers for Soil Health executive director. “Through regional technical assistance led by the state corn, pork, and soy commodity organizations, U.S. farmers will strengthen their best management practices as they feed and fuel an expanding population while protecting the environment.”

About Farmers for Soil Health. Farmers for Soil Health is a collaboration between the National Corn Growers Association, National Pork Board, and United Soybean Board to create a farmer led cover crop program that advances the use of soil health practices, meets sustainability goals, and improves farmer profitability. Our goal is to improve soil health by encouraging farmers to expand their adoption of cover crops to 30 million acres by 2030. The primary purpose is to deliver examples based, science focused initiatives recognizing farmers nationwide. For more information on Farmers for Soil Health, visit www. farmersforsoilhealth.com

their sales. Gain Smart and VitaFerm were the first nutrition programs recognized by Superior as value added programs, and producers continue to receive premiums for calves sold via these programs.

“Anytime you can save on treatment costs, increase gain, and receive a premium, it is a winning combination. It just makes sense to feed the Gain Smart mineral,” Cassady said.

Four Mineral Choices - Because every operation is different, there are four options of the Gain Smart mineral. To determine which of the following is best for your calves, take the Gain Smart Product Quiz.

Gain Smart Stocker is a free-choice vitamin and mineral supplement for stocker cattle designed to maximize efficient gain.

Gain Smart Stocker HEAT is a free choice vitamin and mineral supplement for stocker cattle designed to maximize efficient gain when temperatures are above 70ºF.

Gain Smart Wheat is a free choice vitamin and mineral supplement for stocker cattle designed to maximize efficient gain on wheat or small grain pasture.

Gain Smart Balancer RU is a vitamin and mineral supplement for stocker cattle with rumensin designed to maximize efficient gain and balance high grain diets when mixing TMR rations.

Healthy, Economical PoundsResearch shows that including Amaferm in the animal’s diet increases gain by up to ¼ of a pound per day. The faster gain equals more dollars in your pocket.

“We have a lot of fescue. I mean a lot; we grow it professionally. When we

started using Gain Smart, we did a little trial. One pasture I fed the Gain Smart, and in another pasture, we just kept on with what I was originally using. When we pulled those cattle off, the cattle that were on the Gain Smart mineral were about 2530 pounds heavier than the rest. They all went in at the same time. They all came out of the sale barn. They were the same cattle, just the Gain Smart did make them grow better,” said Michael Smiley, owner of T&M Cattle Company in Virginia.

Take the stress out of weaning. Get your calves going in the right direction and start seeing results with the three products and three easy steps that lead to one profitable result with the 3-3-1 approach from BioZyme.

Want to learn more about these products or find a dealer near you? Visit Gain Smart for more information.

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®, Vita Charge®, Sure Champ®, Vitalize®, DuraFerm®, and Backyard Boost ®. With headquarters in St. Joseph, Mo., the company reaches a global market of customers that stretches into countries across five continents. For more information about BioZyme, visit www.biozymeinc.com

Beef CheCkoff News

Cattlemen’s Beef Board Presents John Huston with Beef Checkoff Visionary Award. John Huston of Chicago, Ill., was honored with the Cattlemen’s Beef Board’s third annual Beef Checkoff Visionary Award during the General Session of the 2023 Cattle Industry Summer Business Meeting in San Diego, California. This award recognizes an individual in the beef industry who has demonstrated exemplary support of and commitment to the Checkoff’s goals and vision.

“John has been an important part of the beef industry for decades,” said Jimmy Taylor, 2023 chair of the Cattlemen’s Beef Board (CBB). “He had a vision and an energy that made a powerful imprint on the people and processes behind the Beef Checkoff program. John saw the strength of the state beef councils and the importance of having a consistent national Checkoff across all states. He also greatly valued producers and approached his role as their advocate and champion. For these and so many other reasons, John truly deserves the 2023 Visionary Award.”

A native of Roseville, Ill., John Huston grew up on a general livestock and grain farm. He earned a Bachelor of Science degree in agricultural education with an animal science option from the University of Illinois, receiving the Coultas Memorial Award as the College of Agriculture’s outstanding senior in 1966. After graduation, Huston became assistant secretary of the National Livestock and Meat Board’s Beef Industry Council (BIC). He was named vice president of the Meat Board in 1969, taking a leave of absence in 1978 to serve as executive director of the Beeferendum campaign for the National Cattlemen’s Association (NCA).

In 1980, following the campaign, Huston was named Meat Board president, and he served in that capacity until the organization merged with the NCA in 1996 to form the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA). Huston was inducted into the International Stockmen’s Hall of Fame and named Agri-Marketer of the Year in 1995 by the Chicago Chapter of NAMA. He served as the leader of the NCBA Consumer Marketing Center until 1999, retiring in 2000.

“I’m incredibly honored to receive this award from my peers, colleagues and others who are shaping today’s beef industry,”

Huston said. “For 32 years, I was privileged to work for the beef industry with some of the finest, most dedicated leaders in this country. They’re the ones who’ve made the Checkoff a success. The Checkoff isn’t something that happened overnight. It took time to build. I’m gratified to be recognized for the role I played over the years, but all these achievements wouldn’t have happened without strong leadership from volunteer cattlemen and women who served not for compensation, but out of love for the industry.”

Huston’s former employees and colleagues cite his natural leadership abilities, sense of humor, love of the beef industry, and knack for unifying diverse groups of people as his most outstanding qualities. Huston was also one of the first beef industry leaders to recognize the value of consumer research and apply that data to create a roadmap, identify trends, and work with others to develop programs that answered consumer needs. He was instrumental in creating and implementing the Beef Checkoff’s famous red “check” logo, helping producers across the country identify their dollars at work.

“Certainly, the Beef Checkoff as we know it today wouldn’t exist without John’s tireless efforts spanning more than three decades,” said Greg Hanes, CEO of the Cattlemen’s Beef Board. “John never forgot who he worked for – producers – and he worked hard to build the Beef Checkoff and evolve it into a national program. He was instrumental in creating the first long range plan, integrating different programs that led to a singular goal. On behalf of everyone at the CBB, I congratulate John on this well deserved award.”

For more information about the Cattlemen’s Beef Board, the Beef Checkoff, and its programs –promotion, research, foreign marketing, industry information, consumer information, and safety – visit www.

DrivingDemandforBeef.com

Roll Out the Red Carpet for Beef. Beef’s protein packed saga features a sizzling central character and juicy plot line set in glamourous locations such as home kitchens, backyards, and restaurants. While it is a familiar tale that many love, sharing it with new audiences is important.

The National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA), a contractor to the Beef

Checkoff, rolls out the red carpet for beef and shares its story of taste, versatility, and nutrition with audiences of all ages.

Setting the Stage - With 63 percent of consumers viewing farmers and ranchers as the most credible sources of information when it comes to production practices1, it is important for producers to share their stories. Making personal connections gives the public a glimpse into the daily lives of the people behind the product that is on family dinner plates and sets the stage for ongoing relationships.

The Beef Checkoff shares positive stories about beef, positioning beef as the top protein with consumers and driving beef demand. NCBA works with national publications as well as lifestyle and news publications in major metropolitan areas, such as Sports Illustrated, Texas Monthly, Seattle Times , and Atlanta Magazine , to place positive stories showcasing producers and the benefits of beef. Combined, these stories have, so far, reached more than 130 million consumers across the country.

Online Stars - Working with food, culinary and agricultural influencers provides a way to amplify beef messages and to interact with consumer audiences through credible third parties. Influencers share their personal beef stories, recipes, and tips to educate and inspire their peers and consumers.

The program creates compelling consumer content collaboratively and provides educational opportunities for influencers to tell the beef story in a knowledgeable and authentic manner in their own voice but armed with relevant information. Selected influencers and organizations are a natural fit for the Beef. It’s What’s For Dinner. brand because they are passionate about beef, credible in their field, create visually appealing content, and have a highly engaged national audience.

Need a new recipe to try yourself? Check out recent influencer posts, including Vindulge’s Green Chile Cheeseburger, Chef Brooke Williamson’s Bone-In Ribeye with Pistachio & Kumquat Gremolata, and The Savory Chopstick’s Korean BBQ Short Ribs. These recipes demonstrate the versatility of beef and that there is a beef cut that fits every budget and cooking skill level.

So far, in 2023, 23 influencers have created 75 posts sharing beef recipes, meals, and stories from the ranch, reaching more than 15 million consumers and generating 1.3 million engagements.

Take Two - Following a successful health professional mailing highlighting Beef in the Early Years in 2022, two additional toolkits were sent out to provide health professionals with science based information about beef’s role in a healthy lifestyle. The kits aimed to equip

healthcare professionals with valuable education, tools, and resources they could then share with their patients and clients.

As part of the effort, more than 3,300 Strong Minds, Strong Bodies toolkits were mailed to pediatric and family physician offices to showcase how beef can contribute to healthy growth and development for school age children and teens. Each kit contained a letter to the health professional, a MyPlate teaching tool and a tear pad with tips, and a beef recipe for parents. According to surveys following the toolkit mailing, 91 percent of professionals have already recommended beef to patients, and 95 percent of consumers have prepared or plan to prepare a meal that includes beef.

In addition, more than 850 Beef Nutrition and Heart Health cookbooks were sent to cardiologists and physicians, along with a cover letter from the author, relevant research, and heart health consumer content. When recipients were asked about the information they received, one respondent stated, “The research studies were very informative for providing evidence for including lean beef in a healthy balanced diet.”

The purpose of the Beef Checkoff’s health professional outreach is to increase influencer and consumer understanding of beef’s role as a wholesome and nutritious food that can be a part of a healthy and balanced diet. By engaging with health and wellness influencers such as physicians, registered dietitians, health and fitness professionals, and credentialed media influencers, the Beef Checkoff continues to deliver the message that the beef people love is good for them, too. The positive recommendations made by health professionals regarding beef’s role in a healthy diet have a significant impact on shaping public perception and influencing nutrition guidance.

From influencers sharing personal experiences with followers and reaching consumers where they find information on a daily basis to connecting with health professionals from coast to coast, the Beef Checkoff finds innovative ways to make beef the star of the show.

Reference

1Consumer Beef Tracker January –June 2023

About the Beef Checkoff. The Beef Checkoff Program was established as part of the 1985 Farm Bill. The Checkoff assesses $1 per head on the sale of live domestic and imported cattle, in addition to a comparable assessment on imported beef and beef products. States may retain up to 50¢ on the dollar and forward the other 50¢ per head to the Cattlemen’s Beef Promotion and Research Board, which administers the national Checkoff program, subject to USDA approval.

Cattlemen’s Beef Board Update

By ANGIE MEYER, Nutrition & Health Committee

Checkoff Funded Nutrition and Health Research Must Connect with New Consumer Audiences

I was a “city girl” until I married a third generation dairy farmer. Since then, my husband and I have been actively involved in running our family dairy in Okarche, Oklahoma. Over the years, as I became first a wife, then a mom, and finally, a grandma, I’ve become very interested in health and nutrition. Now, as a co-chair of the Beef Checkoff’s Nutrition and Health Committee, I’m applying my interest in healthy eating to help drive beef demand.

The Beef Checkoff’s principal role is to successfully drive demand for beef. To accomplish that goal, we must engage with a broad range of consumers. That’s why the Checkoff is expanding its efforts and working to reach different consumer audience segments. And through the power of Checkoff funded nutrition and health research, we’ve unlocked new audience groups, from infants and toddlers to teenagers and beyond.

We now have scientific evidence touting the beneficial role beef’s nutrients play in a child’s physical and cognitive development. The research paper, Meat Helps Every Bite Count, says that infants as young as six months of age need high quality dietary sources of iron and zinc as their internal stores begin to deplete after birth. The unique, nutrient-dense matrix of iron rich red meat, such as beef, makes it an ideal first complementary food.

The Dietary Guidelines for Americans (DGA) recently recommended animalsourced foods, such as beef, to support

healthy growth for infants and toddlers. Backed by this recommendation as well as support from The American Academy of Pediatrics and the Women, Infants and Children’s Program, Checkoff funded Beef. It’s What’s For Dinner. launched a “Beef in the Early Years” promotional campaign.

Over the past two years, Beef in the Early Years has reached health professionals, parents, and caregivers nationwide with attention getting materials, infographics, preparation guides, eating tips, videos, recipes, and more. These materials have been promoted through YouTube, Google Search, Facebook, Pinterest, Twitter, Spotify, and podcasts. Since its launch, the campaign has reached more than 32 million consumers with information that supports introducing beef to infants around six months of age.

Here’s how Beef. It’s What’s For Dinner. achieved those remarkable results:

• A new nutrition research paper, “Meat Helps Make Every Bite Count: An Ideal First Food for Infants,” was published in Nutrition Today, garnering thousands of views.

• Messaging in top tier nutrition and health journals, including the American Academy of Pediatrics , the American Academy of Family Physicians, and the Healthy Children Magazine , educated health professionals about beef’s benefits. E-blasts were sent through lists provided by EatRight Pro and the American Academy of Pediatrics.

• More than 2,500 health professionals registered for an educational webinar with dietitian Katie Ferraro about the nutrient adequacy and safety of incorporating solid foods – including beef – when implementing the baby led weaning approach.

• Partnerships with five leading nutrition influencers helped reach consumers via social media and blog posts featuring tips for introducing beef to infants and recipes the whole family could enjoy.

• An episode featuring Dr. Michael Georgieff on the popular podcast “The Nourished Child” was downloaded more than 2,000 times on various platforms. Dr. Georgieff highlighted the importance of iron for a child’s brain development.

While beef is an important food for babies and toddlers, it’s also great for the growth and development of older children and teenagers. In August 2022, to mark the start of the school year and World Iron Awareness Week, the Beef Checkoff emphasized beef’s role in building strong minds and strong bodies. The Dietary Guidelines for Americans has stated that many children and adolescents aren’t getting enough high quality protein, iron, zinc, choline, and vitamins B6 and B12. To spread the word about beef’s high quality protein and iron, the Checkoff funded these initiatives:

• In-office educational toolkits were delivered to doctor’s offices across the nation. The toolkits included a letter, an educational tool, and a tear pad for parents and caregivers. The offices have received approximately 1,500 toolkits to date, with more expected to be delivered in 2023.

• An EatRight Pro and Nutrition and Dietetics SmartBrief advertisement and e-blast provided information about beef’s key nutrients for children and teens to more than 406,000 health professionals.

• Partnerships with five leading nutrition influencers featured quick and nutritious school lunches, opportunities to increase protein and iron in adolescence, and tips to ensure children build strong

2023 South Carolina Sale Barn Cattle Receipts

minds and bodies.

• Through a partnership with the Retail Dietitian Business Alliance, the Checkoff shared two educational e-blasts and a sponsorship page with educational resources that emphasize the value of beef for children and teenagers.

• The Beef Checkoff funded nutrition team continues to work closely with State Beef Councils by offering an educational presentation by Dayle Hayes, MS, RD, with updates on school lunch nutrition and opportunities to support beef as part of the school lunch program.

The Beef Checkoff’s nutrition and health research is not only driving more demand for beef – it’s also giving parents and health professionals the resources they need to help infants, toddlers, and adolescents build healthy, strong minds and bodies. Furthermore, these young people are key to beef’s future success. They’re the next generation that will be purchasing beef and cooking it for themselves and their families. Learn more about the Human Nutrition Research Program and Beef in the Early Years at www.beefresearch.org

Management that Pays the Bills. Jared Hunter started ranching with a herd that calved year around. With Riomax and tight management, that changed. For Jared Hunter, time is of the essence. While that’s by no means a new concept, for Jared, it is simply a way of life.

Hunter always knew his future was to be a rancher. Growing up on a registered Red Angus operation in Alberta, Canada, gave him the background, knowledge, and confidence to go out on his own when the opportunity came along to buy his father-in-law’s commercial cattle operation near Innisfail.

A One Man Operation - “We’re up to about 150 cows now,” he says. “Most of them are Red Angus, Hereford, and Simmental cross cattle.” However, the herd shows plenty of color, with Speckled Park and a bit of Charolais in the mix as well.

“I try to be as low maintenance as possible,” he says, which makes sense when he explains his operation. For starters, he and his wife have two sons, five and two. And his wife works off the farm. That’s enough to keep any two people plenty busy.

Then there’s his grazing operation. “We have about ten different pastures that we manage with their landlords.” Those pastures range from around 40160 acres. “There’s a lot to do with those and various distances involved, too.” One pasture is three miles away, and another is an hour plus drive.

Being spread out requires a lot of communication with the landlords to stay up to date with pasture conditions and cattle health. He’s fortunate to have a great working relationship with the owners of several of his rented pastures. “They do the rotational grazing. They’re older, retired folks that had been in the cattle business before my time, and they still have the love for it.” He manages the grazing on the remaining pastures.

“There are time constraints with just about everything that happens,” he says. “I don’t know if the right word is a strangle to keep cattle in line and manage everything day to day. But I seem to manage, so I am kind of a one man operation in that sense. Time is of the essence with a lot of the stuff I do from day to day.”

That’s where timing and efficiency

come into play. A registered operation wants an early calving season so the bulls and heifers it sells are as old and as big as possible. However, the weather in central Alberta can be iffy in January and February, so Hunter calves his commercial cows in a 60 day calving season that begins the first week in March.

He’ll turn the bulls out when the pairs go to summer pasture the first week in June and will pull the bulls at the end of July. Given his background in Red Angus, he’s narrowing the genetics in his cow herd over time with a bull battery comprised of mostly red bulls, with one black bull as well.

Come fall, he’ll wean and sort the calves. The steers head to the sale barn in Innisfail in October and November. “Most of the heifers will stay until the New Year and we sort off the top half.” Those will be his replacement heifers, and he’s been known to pluck a few of the better ones from the bottom half as well.

“We do a run through of quality and genetics and that kind of thing on paper,” he says, which gives him an idea of which heifers to focus on. Then the eye of the master takes over, and he does a visual appraisal. And it’s not just one sort. He’ll eyeball the replacement heifers as they’re developed and continue to hone the sort as time goes on.

In addition to the cattle, Hunter grows most of his winter feed, which is primarily small grain silage, along with 160 acres of alfalfa grass hay. He puts up the feed himself and normally grows enough to get him through the winter.

“We do a run through of quality and genetics and that kind of thing on paper,” he says, which gives him an idea of which heifers to focus on. Then the eye of the master takes over, and he does a visual appraisal. And it’s not just one sort. He’ll eyeball the replacement heifers as they’re developed and continue to hone the sort as time goes on.

In addition to the cattle, Hunter grows most of his winter feed, which is primarily small grain silage, along with 160 acres of alfalfa grass hay. He puts up the feed himself and normally grows enough to get him through the winter.

A Tub That Covers All the Bases - Being a one man outfit with spread out pastures and a young family, Hunter is always looking for ways to be more

efficient. That’s where Riomax entered the picture.

“I was looking for a tub that covers all the bases,” he remembers. “I tried other tubs versus the Riomax, and I think the performance of the Riomax is what sets them apart.”

While that performance does, indeed, cover all the bases, Hunter’s main focus when he first brought the orange tubs onto the ranch in 2019 was his calving

window. In short, he didn’t have one. When he took over the ranch, the bulls were always out, and the cows calved year around. He pulled the bulls and, with careful management, began tightening his calving season. With Riomax, the cows’ body condition improved. As a result, they began cycling earlier.

“We were getting better breed back,” he says. “There were some cows that

federation of state Beef CoUnCils Update

Federation Through the Decades: 2020s. As the Federation of State Beef Councils celebrates its 60th anniversary this year, let’s step back in time and look at successful projects that have created a strong state/national partnership through the decades. The 2020s began with a global pandemic that changed how people shopped, ate, and engaged with one another.

When the pandemic struck in March 2020, restaurants immediately faced declining sales. However, consumers’ “stocking up” behavior drove increased beef sales in value and volume at the retail level. As the world continued to recover from disruptions, there was plenty of good news for beef.

Driving the demand for beef starts at the grassroots with a strong network of advocates willing to share beef’s positive message. A new beef advocacy program was developed in 2021 called Trailblazers, taking advocacy to the next level by giving participants the tools and training they need to promote beef to new audiences while addressing and correcting myths. The first group of ten Trailblazers completed the year-long training program and began sharing their stories from coast to coast, and the next cohort has been announced with their training underway.

For the first time ever, the Dietary Guidelines for Americans recommended introducing solid foods, like beef, to infants and toddlers in order to pack in every bite with protein, iron, zinc, and choline. This guidance led to the development of the “Beef in the Early Years” campaign that focused on educating physicians and other health professionals on the importance of feeding beef to babies as an early complementary food and providing them

with tools to support parents with the introduction of beef. With support from the Federation of State Beef Councils and several state beef councils, educational toolkits complete with parent resources were sent to a nationwide network of pediatrician offices and childbirth centers.

Beef cruised into victory lane with the Beef. It’s What’s For Dinner. 300 race at Daytona International Speedway. For three years, the event celebrated beef on and off the track through digital advertising, on-site promotions, sweepstakes, social media, public relations, television advertising, and so much more.

One of the cornerstones of the Federation is providing services to states, including website design, creative services, and communications assistance. These resources offer state beef councils the support they need to manage resources effectively and efficiently. The Nutrition Seminar Program continues to be a popular option, which offers an opportunity for state beef councils to get closer to their state chapters of health professional groups by providing a nationally recognized expert to speak on a nutrition topic at that organization’s annual meeting. In addition, Federation organized annual events such as the state beef council orientation and Partnerships in Action, provide information on program strategy, current consumer trends and preferences, and an overview of beef promotions.

While the first 60 years of the Federation of State Beef Councils have been filled with triumphs and tribulations, the future looks bright for beef as the Federation continues to strengthen the state and national partnership. For more information, visit www.ncba.org/ federation

moved up 60-75 days in their calving period. And they were older cows, ten plus years, and that really, really made a big difference in them.”

Now that he’s got his cows on a defined, 60 day calving season, breed back is crucial. With the cows and the bulls on the tubs, however, his conception rate is consistently high. Depending on the year and how much precipitation, the conception rate is typically in the low 90 percent range when he preg checks in mid-November.

Quality Nutrition Pays - However, as those who have added Riomax to their nutritional and management programs know, the benefits do, indeed, cover all the bases. For Hunter, he sees it primarily in calf health. “I’m definitely seeing some healthier calves in the springtime,” he says. In fact, prior to adding Riomax, he recalls treating four to five calves a day during a wet spring and summer in 2018. Now, with Riomax, he averages two to three a week.

“That’s the biggest thing. We have tubs that pay for themselves versus having sick calves in the springtime. It’s really paid off, I think, for me.”

Advice to the Next Generation... Even though he grew up ranching, Hunter realizes that every operation is different and that you should never stop learning. “This industry is so keen on helping the next generation,” he says. “I don’t think you’d find that in other industries, of having the folks who have been in the industry wanting to help the next generation take over.”

That’s where he feels doubly blessed.

His parents are still raising registered Red Angus, and his wife’s parents are still farming. “Both of them are huge assets whether it be bouncing ideas, helping with our cattle or watching grandchildren. It’s a major help to our operation and we wouldn’t be doing this today if they weren’t there.”

His advice to young people looking to get into ranching is to take advantage of mentors and learn all you can. “I think that’s a major helping point to help get people started.”

Then, do things right. “What ranchers do is produce beef. What being a good rancher means to me is being proud of that product that you raise and sell,” he says.

“Having a reputation of quality is the biggest thing to being a successful rancher, in my eyes. Just about anybody can raise cattle and bring them to town and have some beef to put on the table. But having a reputation and a quality product behind it, that’s a big sticking point with me.”

Looking down the road, Jared and his family expect to be in the cattle business for many years to come. And very likely, the Riomax orange tubs will play a part in his success. “It’s still a work in progress and we continue to ‘shave off the edges’ year after year.”

About Riomax. Riomax started in a one car garage and today works with countless ranchers all across the United States and Canada. Their mission? To bring profitability back into agriculture. Learn more about their nutritional products for cattle, horses, sheep, and soil at www.riomax.net/products

North American Limousin Foundation Board Actions at the 2023 August Board of Directors Meeting. Rate Increase - Due to continued increases in inflation and the cost of doing business the previous three years, the North American Limousin Foundation (NALF) Board of Directors has approved a modest increase in registration fees that will become effective on September 1. Non-Lim registrations will increase by $3 per head, and LIMS registrations will increase by $1 per head for the upcoming 2023-2024 fiscal year. All other fees will remain the same.

Annual average increases with inflation rates averaging nearly 6 percent over the previous three years has increased cost for NALF, like other businesses. Utilities, travel, postage, and rent, among other items, have impacted the cost of doing business like other industries. The NALF board desires to maintain the level of services provided by the association.

Registrations look to end the 2022-2023 fiscal year slightly higher than the previous year but increases in actual normal business costs have offset registration totals the previous three years. The NALF board desires to keep the finances of the association on sound footing while providing a full array of services to its membership in the upcoming years.

New EPDs Release - During the summer of 2022, the NALF board voted to move forward with the build and production of five new EPDs and two new indexes, which are anticipated to be released over the next three months. Look for the additional EPDs of Dry Matter Intake, Feed Conversion, Average Daily Gain, Cost of Gain, and Mature Cow weight to be released this fall. NALF will soon provide details of these new EPDs to members prior to their release.

Soon after the release of these five EPDs, the board also approved the release of two new indexes that will be more reflective of today’s current cattle marketing conditions. The production of a new terminal index and maternal index will be released through the IGENDEC software owned by the Beef Improvement Federation. The production of NALF’s mainstream terminal index will continue into the future as well.

North American Limousin Research Foundation - The North

American Limousin Research Foundation (NALRF) research project is also moving forward. Calves at our Montana ranch cooperators are scheduled to ship to South Dakota State University this fall. Feed performance data and carcass data will be collected and analyzed in an effort to measure the effects of heterosis among contemporary breed groups of Limousin, Lim-Flex, and Angus sires when bred to commercial Angus cows.

NALF Board of Director Candidates

- The Nominating Committee reported to the board it had slated three new candidates for the NALF Board of Directors for 2024. They include Dr. Matt Spangler of Nebraska, Trent Coleman of Montana, and Brian Duplaga of Ohio. In addition to three new slates, the board also approved two candidates to re-up for their second three year term, which included Rob Brawner of Nebraska and Joey Freund of Colorado.

Annual Meeting - The board also approved moving the NALF annual business meeting at the Embassy Suites in Oklahoma City to the grounds of the Cattlemen’s Congress for members and exhibitors to attend the annual meeting more easily. Details of the annual meeting, Ken Holloway Genetics on Ice Annual Auction, National Limousin Sale, as well as the hill and pen show at the National Western Stock Show, will be made available this fall via Limousin Latest and NALF’s social media outlets.

For more information about the North American Limousin Foundation or to locate a Limousin or Lim-Flex breeder near you, visit www.NALF.org or call 303-220-1693.

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

Industry News

Five Reasons You Need Your Veterinarian More Than Ever During Drought.

During drought, beef producers might find a best friend in their local veterinarian, says University of Missouri Extension veterinary toxicologist Tim Evans.

“Although veterinarians always provide a valuable service to animal owners, their value to livestock producers becomes increasingly important during drought, high heat and limited forage availability,” says Evans.

While there are many good online drought resources, such as MU’s Integrated Pest Management agriculture drought resources page at www.ipm.missouri.edu drought, there is no substitute for a working relationship with a trusted local veterinarian who is familiar with you and your operation, he says.

Veterinarians can help in five main ways during drought:

1. Assist livestock producers in making culling decisions.

2. Advise on water quality issues and feeding alternative forages, especially those that might be toxic to livestock.

3. Diagnose, treat, and prevent water and forage associated intoxications in live animals.

4. Perform postmortem exams on dead animals.

5. Recommend herd health programs, including the use of various feed additives, to keep livestock healthy during a drought.

Veterinarians and MU Extension livestock specialists and agronomists can help herd owners take an integrated approach to deciding how to cull cattle to match available feed and water resources in drought, Evans says.

Working together, local veterinarians and MU Extension personnel, including agricultural business specialists, can also help producers decide how to best make use of their financial resources. This assistance might include decisions on what feedstuffs to buy and/or grow to best meet the current and future nutritional needs of cattle in different stages of development. These types of consultations are especially important for preventing nitrate/ nitrite poisoning in ruminants.

Weather changes can often affect water quality in ponds. Harmful blue-green algal blooms in drought stricken ponds can produce toxins causing seizures and convulsion or liver damage. “Do not let your livestock drink from ‘scummy’ ponds,” says Evans. Veterinarians can inspect suspect ponds and take appropriate samples to help determine if the pond water is safe for consumption by livestock

Likewise, weeds may be the only plants to survive and thrive in dry pastures during drought, creating a possible toxic risk for livestock. Evans says animals

usually avoid eating many common Missouri weeds, especially if better forages are available. However, when pasture is scarce, livestock will eat what they can find and are more likely to eat toxic weeds in baled or ensiled forages used as alternative drought feedstuffs.

In the event of the sudden death of an animal, consult with your veterinarian and ask for a necropsy exam, Evans says. It’s the only way to know for sure how to protect your investment from future risks.

Options for Safely Using High Nitrate Forage: Grazing, Silage, and Haying. Given the drought conditions in some locations, many producers may be asking themselves how to handle the annual forages they have standing in the field that may not have grown as much as would be expected under normal conditions. These drought stressed forages can be high in nitrates and may be potentially toxic to cattle.

But with careful management, you can reduce the risk of grazing drought stressed forages. So, what are the options?

Grazing high nitrate forage - Most recommendations for the level of nitrates in forages that cause issues are based on hay, and it is suggested that levels above 2,100 ppm NO3-N are toxic. Often grazing cattle can tolerate greater concentrations of nitrates than those consuming hay. The amount of nitrates cattle can consume without an issue depends a lot on the situation and management. You can test standing forage for nitrates, but situations and management are so variable we don’t make blanket recommendations about “safe” levels. If you’re interested in testing standing forage or have any concerns about how to approach high nitrate forage, please contact your local Extension educator to work through your situation.

If the forage to be grazed is high moisture, it is often lower risk. Fresh forages release nitrates into the rumen at a slower rate than dry forages. The slower release rate allows rumen microbes that convert toxic nitrite to ammonia to better keep up with nitrate inflow. If the forage is mature and dried out, the rate of release of nitrate and, thus, the risks would be greater, more like hay.

A few things to understand about risks when grazing higher nitrate forages:

1. Gradual adaptation is a key management strategy. Producers should not strip graze high nitrate forages but allow cattle to be selective. The capacity of the microbial population in the rumen to detoxify nitrite will increase with exposure to nitrate. Nitrates tend to be greatest in the bottom of the stem and with the least nitrates

in the leaf. If given the opportunity, cattle tend to select leaf material first and work their way down the plant, slowly increasing their nitrate exposure over the grazing period. That may allow the microbial population in the rumen of grazing cattle to adapt to higher nitrate concentrations by the time the animal consumes the stem and lower portions of the plant. Losses from nitrate toxicity are more likely in cattle not adapted to nitrate. To adapt the cattle, start by grazing the lowest nitrate fields and then work up to the highest. If a lower nitrate field is not available, producers should graze higher nitrate fields at lower stocking rates to allow animals to selectively graze the plant parts that are lower in nitrate concentration.

2. Feeding cattle prior to turnout can help slow the initial intake of high nitrate feed. Grazing cattle often have a slower rate of dry matter intake than when eating harvested forages, allowing the microbes to better keep pace with the nitrate inflow. Also, if intake becomes restricted at any point (forage runs out or weather impedes grazing), producers should fill them up on lower nitrate hay again before they go back to grazing the high nitrate forage.

3. Research has shown that feeding a couple of pounds of corn to cattle when feeding mature high nitrate forages can lower risk. Higher dietary energy increases the rate of detoxification. Cattle grazing immature forages can have lower risk than mature forages with the same amount of nitrate. So, if the forage is older/mature, producers should consider grain supplementation. This will supply energy for rumen microbes to convert nitrate into bacterial protein and minimizes the accumulation of the intermediate nitrite. Grain feeding may be of limited benefit for high quality annual forages but is a good idea when grazing more mature forages.

Ultimately, the decision to graze high nitrate fields is a judgment call and a question of how much risk one is willing to take.

Harvesting high nitrate forage as silage - If done right, ensiling can decrease nitrate content of the forage by 40-60 percent. Ensiling is one of the best ways to decrease the potential nitrate toxicity of a forage, so this is an option worth considering. Warm season annuals such as corn, sorghum, sorghum-sudan, and pearl millet can all be harvested as silage, as can small cereals such as oats, barley, cereal rye, and wheat.

• Harvesting at the proper moisture content (65-70 percent) and packing it well are keys to lowering the nitrate content.

• Raising the chopper height can also decrease the amount of nitrates in the silage, as the highest concentrations are

usually in the lower stem of the plant.

• Letting the silage ferment for at least 21 days will be most effective.

Silage should be sampled and analyzed before feeding to ensure the amount of silage in the ration provides acceptable nitrate levels in the diet. Producers should target an initial diet content of less than 1,000 ppm NO3-N. Animals can then be adapted to higher levels by slowly increasing the inclusion of high nitrate silage in the diet. Over time cattle can be adapted to consume diets up to 4,000 ppm NO3-N.

Harvesting high nitrate forage for hay - For some situations, hay may be the only option. The drying process does not decrease nitrates, so this hay may need to be diluted in the diet with other forages low in nitrates.

• Grinding and blending of low and high nitrates hay are best to reduce risk.

• Feeding a couple of pounds of grain per cow each day can also help reduce risk.

• Producers should unroll the low nitrate hay first, then after they have consumed most of the low nitrate hay, roll out high nitrate hay if blending the hay isn’t possible. Be sure animals are not hungry when eating the high nitrate hay (slow intake is key to reducing risk).

• To adapt the cattle, start by feeding the lowest-nitrate hay and then work up to higher levels. Even with adaptation, feeding hay free choice is risky when the hay has higher than 2,100 ppm NO3-N. This is because there are likely to be “hot spots” in the hay with high nitrate content that could result in a cow consuming a much higher load of nitrate.

• Do not feed hay, straw, or fodder suspected of being high in nitrate when it is damp. Damp hay tends to be more toxic because some of the nitrate has already been converted to the more toxic nitrite before being consumed.

Producers with high nitrate forage who need assistance with developing a management plan can contact their local extension educator.

When Buying High Priced Hay Doesn’t Add Up. One of the most important tools for livestock producers is a sharp No. 2 pencil. The pencil and some basic arithmetic can help take the emotion out of desperate measures to find feed. When you do the math, buying grain or other alternative feeds may be the best bang for the buck, says University of Missouri Extension agricultural business specialist Wesley Tucker.

“Many people think their only options are to pay whatever they must to buy hay or sell their cows,” says Tucker. Not so, he says.

Producers actually have multiple options:

1. Buy high priced hay;

2. Limit feeding of hay on hand and make up the difference in grain;

3. Buy straw and supplement with grain;

4. Buy corn silage/baleage from row crop neighbors.

Some producers may not have access to every option, or it may not work for them, says Tucker. Producers must decide for themselves what works with the time, manpower, equipment, and other resources they have.

Tucker and MU Extension beef nutrition specialist Eric Bailey say producers might save money by buying grain and investing more elbow grease to weather drought related shortages.

First, ask what you are getting for your money by calculating the cost per pound of TDN (total digestible nutrients). Measuring TDN is akin to reading the calories on the back of a candy wrapper. It represents energy in the feed. Compare each alternative on price for a pound of TDN to identify under and over valued feeds, says Bailey.

When you put pencil to paper, you might find differences in price per pound of TDN among forage sources or that grain might be cheaper per pound of TDN. Keep in mind, too, the bonus of grain having less waste compared to forages. This allows you to feed what hay you have and fill the gap with grain.

Consider reducing hay intake to 1015 pounds per cow daily, and make up the difference with grain, depending on pregnancy and lactation status. Cows nursing young calves need the most feed.

Don’t be fooled by dollar/bale prices,

says Tucker. Not all bales are created equal. When pricing, always consider size and weight. “A 4x5 bale of hay may only weigh 750-800 pounds while a 5x6 bale weighs considerably more. When possible, price hay by the ton instead of per bale because it’s not always apples-to-apples,” says Tucker.

If you are lucky enough to have hay or can find hay to buy within your budget, save by not wasting it. See the MU Extension news release “Don’t waste precious hay during drought” at www.muext.us/n6123 for ways to make the most of it.

Plan to roll up your shirtsleeves to save money, says Tucker. Invest in infrastructure and prepare to put in extra time. Feeding grain is more labor intensive and requires some infrastructure, but the savings will likely pay off.

This might be a good time to invest in a bulk bin to avoid carrying individual sacks to the trough. Also, buy a cake feeder instead of carrying individual buckets. “These investments make an operation more efficient – and save your back,” says Bailey.

Cornstalks Can Fill Forage Gaps

During Drought. Grazing cornstalks or drought stricken corn can fill feed gaps during drought, says University of Missouri Extension beef nutritionist Eric Bailey.

There are some nutritional concerns, and producers must commit to moving

cattle to new pastures to successfully use cornstalks as feedstuff, but there are benefits.

Cows are selective grazers. They choose the highest protein and most easily digested plant parts first. In corn hierarchy, stalks rank last, but they still fill cow bellies when options are limited. Because cornstalks are fibrous and poorly digested, consumption becomes a problem.

“A beef cow is not going to eat 35 pounds of cornstalks a day,” Bailey says. “There is simply not enough room in their gut to hold it all. This exacerbates the calorie deficit. Expect a cow to eat at most 1.5 percent of their body weight per day of these forages.”

By eating the higher protein parts of the corn first, cows may need few extra supplements. Energy is not limiting during the first 30 days of grazing. Protein will be limiting after 30 days on the same field at 0.5 pound of crude protein per cow per day. Consider herd needs, as the needs of lactating and fall calving cows or stocker calves may be greater, says Bailey.

Also, stalk energy is limiting. “Forage resources like this are a step below even poor fescue hay,” he says. The percentage of total digestible nutrients will be in the mid-40s. Beef cows need a diet that has 50-60% TDN, so producers need to make up the difference with supplement.

Crude protein is also likely limiting in

straw based diets, says Bailey. Producers need to make sure cows get at least half a pound of crude protein from supplement to offset the deficiencies in crude protein from straw.

Bailey uses a simple rule of thumb for estimates: bushels per acre divided by 3.5 equals grazing days per acre for a 1,200 pound cow. For example, if the field produced 150 bushels per acre, then an acre would provide enough residue for 42 grazing days (150 divided by 3.5).

For a more accurate estimate, factor in residue produced per bushel of grain. There will be 16 pounds of leaf and husk residue per bushel of grain. In a 150-bushel-per-acre crop, there will be 2,400 pounds of dry feed per acre. Assume one acre per cow per month and try to leave cows on the field for less than two months, Bailey says. This estimate is more conservative but will keep cows from eating the lowest quality plant parts (stalks and cobs).

Assume 50 percent harvest efficiency since trampling and weathering will cause some dry matter loss, Bailey says.

One concern in grazing corn is the increased chance of nitrate poisoning during drought. Bailey says it is always wise to test for nitrates before grazing.

For details, see the MU Integrated Pest & Crop Management article, “Stalk Nitrate-N Test: A Tool for Evaluating Nitrogen Management Practices in Corn.”

www.huntsbrangus.com Calhoun,

“Cattle with Something Extra”

Black Crest Farm

W.R. “Billy” McLeod

1320 Old Manning Rd., Sumter, SC 29150 803-481-2011

• www.blackcrestfarm.com

BLACK GROVE

Breeding Registered Angus since 1962

Walter D. Shealy III and Family 20977 US Hwy 76 • Newberry, SC 29108

Walter Shealy • 803-924-1000

Dixon Shealy • 803-629-1174 walter@blackgrove.com • dixon@blackgrove.com www.blackgrove.com

SPRINGFIELD ANGUS

104 Springfield Lane Louisburg, NC 27549

Phil Goodson: 919-880-9062

• Performance Tested

• Ultrasound and 50K Evaluated

• Registered Angus Bulls

BBU Registered Beefmaster Bulls and Females WHITEHALL BEEFMASTERS

Joe and Ann Logan

214 Cowhead Creek Road Greenwood, SC 29646

Telephone: 864-538-3004

REGISTERED POLLED HEREFORDS • EST. 1998

“Quality Cattle For Quality People”

Cattle Available Private Treaty

John Wheeler • 910-489-0024 doublejfarm@yahoo.com • www.doublejfarmllc.com

Headquarters - 775 Clacton Circle • Earlysville, VA 22936

Cattle located in Traphill, N.C.

328 Fowken Farm Rd. • Jonesville, SC

More than 70 years of breeding grass type cattle!

Carcass Data • Fescue Suited • Southern Bred

www.fowkenfarm.com

Autryville, NC 28318 www.howardbrosfarms.com

Darryl Howard Cell: 910-990-2791

God said, “Sit all day by the door of your house and bark at anyone who comes in or walks past. For this, I will give you a life span of 20 years.”

The dog said, “That’s a long time to be barking. How about only 10 years and I’ll give you back the other 10?”

So God agreed.

On the second day, God created the monkey and said, “Entertain people, do tricks, and make them laugh. For this, I’ll give you a 20 year life span.”

The monkey said, “Monkey tricks for 20 years? That’s a pretty long time to perform. How about I give you back 10 like the dog did?”

And God agreed.

On the third day, God created the cow and said, “You must go into the field with the farmer all day long and suffer under the sun, have calves and give milk to support the farmer’s family. For this, I will give you a life span of 60 years.”

The cow said, “That’s kind of a tough life you want me to live for 60 years. How about 20 and I’ll give back the other 40?”

And God agreed again.

On the fourth day, God created humans and said, “Eat, sleep, play, marry, and enjoy your life. For this, I’ll give you 20 years.”

But the human said, “Only 20 years? Could you possibly give me my 20, the 40 the cow gave back, the 10 the monkey gave back, and the 10 the dog gave back? That makes 80, okay?”

“Okay,” said God. “You asked for it.”

So that is why for our first 20 years, we eat, sleep, play and enjoy ourselves. For the next 40 years, we slave in the sun to support our family. For the next 10 years, we do monkey tricks to entertain the grandchildren. And for the last 10 years, we sit on the front porch and bark at everyone.

The old man said, “I’ll tell you my secret. I’ve been married for 75 years. I promised my wife when we got married that when we quarrel, the loser has to walk for 3miles.

So I’ve been walking 3 miles every day for past 75 years!”

Everyone applauded and asked again, “But how come your wife is very healthy as well?”

The old man answered: “That is another secret. For 75 years every single day she has been following me to make sure I really walk the full 3 miles!”

NDEX OF DVERTISERS

ANGUS

Sep. 23 — September Select Premier

Commercial Bred Heifer Sale, Norwood, N.C.

Sep. 30 — Biltmore Angus Field Day & Fall Sale, Asheville, N.C.

Oct. 14 — Chessie Creek Farm & Partners

2nd Annual Fall Bull Sale, Walterboro, S.C.

Oct. 14 — Fred Smith Company Ranch

Extra Effort Fall Sale, Clayton, N.C.

Oct. 21 — Southwest Cattlemen’s Classic, Wytheville, Va.

Oct. 21 — Whitestone Brand of Quality

Angus Sale, Aldie, Va.

Oct. 27 — Yon Family Farms Maternal

Roots Fall Female Sale, Ridge Spring, S.C.

Oct. 28 — Yon Family Farms Maternal

Roots Fall Bull Sale, Ridge Spring, S.C.

Nov. 3-6 — American Angus Association

Annual Convention, Orlando, Fla.

Nov. 4 — Barnett Angus Ranches

4th Annual Bull Sale, Washington, Ga.

Nov. 4 — Châtel Farms 2023 Fall Bull

Sale, Reidsville, Ga.

Nov. 4 — Locust Level Farms

Bull & Female Sale,Vernon Hill, Va.

Nov. 4 — 15th Annual SimAngus Solution

Sale, Burlington, N.C.

Nov. 4 — TJB Gelbvieh & Balancer

Annual Bull Sale, Chickamauga, Ga.

Nov. 10 — Lane Angus Bull & Female

Sale, Rocky Mount, N.C.

Nov. 18 — McMahan Farm & Hancock

Angus Annual Registered Bull Sale, Mocksville, N.C.

Nov. 18 — Southeast Bull Expo & Sale, Asheboro, N.C.

Dec. 1 — Knoll Crest Farm Total

Performance Bull Sale, Red House, Va.

Dec. 2 — 48th Annual Union County

Performance Tested Bull Sale, Monroe, N.C.

Dec. 9 — Brushy Mountain Genetics

Bull & Female Sale, Taylorsville, N.C.

2024

Jan. 6 — 15th Annual EBS Select

Bull & Female Sale, Monroe, N.C.

Feb. 17 — Yon Family Farms Spring Bull & Female Sale, Ridge Spring, S.C.

VENTS

Feb. 24 — Blue Ridge Brutes Bull & Commercial Female Sale, Mt. Airy, N.C

Apr. 13 — Knoll Crest Farm Spring

Bull & Female Sale, Red House, Va.

BRAHMAN

Oct. 14 — Circle F Farms Fall Sale, Baxley, Ga.

Nov. 7-8 — American Brahman Breeders Association Annual Meeting, Bryan, Tex.

BRAngus

Oct. 27 — Yon Family Farms Maternal

Roots Fall Female Sale, Ridge Spring, S.C.

Oct. 28 — Yon Family Farms Maternal Roots Fall Bull Sale, Ridge Spring, S.C.

Charolais

Sep. 23 — September Select Premier

Commercial Bred Heifer Sale, Norwood, N.C.

Oct. 7 — Southern Connection Sale, Knoxville, Tenn.

Oct. 12 — JMar Genetics Quality Over

Quantity Charolais Bull & Female Sale

Nov. 12-13 — American International Charolais Association Annual Meeting, Louisville, Ken.

GELBVIEH

Sep. 23 — September Select Premier

Commercial Bred Heifer Sale, Norwood, N.C.

Oct. 21 — Southwest Cattlemen’s Classic, Wytheville, Va.

Nov. 4 — TJB Gelbvieh & Balancer Annual Bull Sale, Chickamauga, Ga.

Nov. 29-Dec. 1 — 53rd Annual American Gelbvieh Association Convention, Omaha, Neb.

Dec. 1 — Knoll Crest Farm Total

Performance Bull Sale, Red House, Va.

Dec. 2 — 48th Annual Union County

Performance Tested Bull Sale, Monroe, N.C.

2024

Feb. 24 — Blue Ridge Brutes Bull & Commercial Female Sale, Mt. Airy, N.C

Apr. 13 — Knoll Crest Farm Spring Bull & Female Sale, Red House, Va.

HEREFORD

Sep. 23 — Forrest Polled Herefords

18th Production Sale, Saluda, S.C.

Nov. 18 — Southern Partners in Performance Sale, Union Grove, N.C.

Oct. 19-22 — American Hereford Association Annual Meeting, Kansas City, Mo.

Oct. 23 — White Hawk Ranch Beef

Maker Bull & Female Sale, Buchanan, Ga.

Dec. 9 — Brushy Mountain Genetics

Bull & Female Sale, Taylorsville, N.C.

Dec. 1 — Knoll Crest Farm Total

Performance Bull Sale, Red House, Va.

2024

Apr. 13 — Knoll Crest Farm Spring

Bull & Female Sale, Red House, Va.

red angus

Sep. 13-15 — 70th National Red Angus Convention, Denver, Colo.

Oct. 12 — Bieber Fever in the Southeast, Swainsboro, Ga.

SIMMENTAL

Sep. 1 — N.C. Simmental Association

Social Event, Union Grove, N.C.

Sep. 2 — N.C. Simmental Association

Fall Harvest Sale, Union Grove, N.C.

Oct. 14 — Chessie Creek Farm & Partners

2nd Annual Fall Bull Sale, Walterboro, S.C.

Oct. 14 — Fred Smith Company Ranch

Extra Effort Fall Sale, Clayton, N.C.

Oct. 21 — Southwest Cattlemen’s Classic, Wytheville, Va.

Nov. 4 — 15th Annual SimAngus Solution

Sale, Burlington, N.C.

Dec. 2 — 48th Annual Union County

Performance Tested Bull Sale, Monroe, N.C.

WAGYU

Sep. 21-29 — American Wagyu Association & World Wagyu Council Conference, San Antonio, Tex.

Nov. 3 — Wilders Wagyu Wildfest ‘23

Pre-Sale Social, Turkey, N.C.

Nov. 4 — Wilders Wagyu Stay Wild ‘23

Production Sale, Turkey, N.C.

OTHER EVENTS

Sep. 8-17 — N.C. Mountain State Fair, Fletcher, N.C.

Sep. 13 — Windy Hill Farms/In-Vitro

Fertilization Collection Events, Ramseur, N.C.

Sep. 23 — September Select Premier

Commercial Bred Heifer Sale, Norwood, N.C.

Sep. 28 — Graded Feeder Calf Sale, Norwood, N.C.

Sep. 29-Oct. 8 —Carolina Classic Fair, Winston-Salem, N.C.

Oct. 11-22 — S.C. State Fair, Columbia, S.C.

Oct. 12-22 — N.C. State Fair, Raleigh, N.C.

Oct. 17-19 — Sunbelt Ag Expo, Moultrie, Ga.

Oct. 21 — Southwest Cattlemen’s Classic, Wytheville, Va.

Nov. 16 — Graded Feeder Calf Sale, Norwood, N.C.

Nov. 18 — Southern Partners in Performance Sale, Union Grove, N.C. 2024

Feb. 24 — Blue Ridge Brutes Bull & Commercial Female Sale, Mt. Airy, N.C

Livestock market sales

Sep. 4 — Harward Brothers Livestock

Market Weekly Sale, Statesville, N.C.

Sep. 5 — Mid-Atlantic Cattle Sales

Video Auction, via macsvideo.com

Sep. 6 — Stanly County Livestock

Market Weekly Sale, Norwood, N.C.

Sep. 6 — Wilkes Livestock Exchange

Weekly Sale, North Wilkesboro, N.C.

Sep. 11 — Harward Brothers Livestock

Market Weekly Sale, Statesville, N.C.

Sep. 13 — Stanly County Livestock

Market Weekly Sale, Norwood, N.C.

Sep. 13 — Wilkes Livestock Exchange

Weekly Sale, North Wilkesboro, N.C.

Sep. 18 — Harward Brothers Livestock

Market Weekly Sale, Statesville, N.C.

Sep. 19 — Mid-Atlantic Cattle Sales

Video Auction, via macsvideo.com

Sep. 20 — Stanly County Livestock

Market Weekly Sale, Norwood, N.C.

Sep. 20 — Wilkes Livestock Exchange

Weekly Sale, North Wilkesboro, N.C.

Sep. 25 — Harward Brothers Livestock

Market Weekly Sale, Statesville, N.C.

Sep. 27 — Stanly County Livestock

Market Weekly Sale, Norwood, N.C.

Sep. 27 — Wilkes Livestock Exchange

Weekly Sale, North Wilkesboro, N.C.

Oct. 2 — Harward Brothers Livestock

Market Weekly Sale, Statesville, N.C.

Oct. 3 — Mid-Atlantic Cattle Sales

Video Auction, via macsvideo.com

Oct. 4 — Stanly County Livestock

Market Weekly Sale, Norwood, N.C.

Oct. 4 — Wilkes Livestock Exchange

Weekly Sale, North Wilkesboro, N.C.

Oct. 9 — Harward Brothers Livestock

Market Weekly Sale, Statesville, N.C.

Oct. 11 — Stanly County Livestock

Market Weekly Sale, Norwood, N.C.

Oct. 11 — Wilkes Livestock Exchange

Weekly Sale, North Wilkesboro, N.C.

Oct. 16 — Harward Brothers Livestock

Market Weekly Sale, Statesville, N.C.

Oct. 17 — Mid-Atlantic Cattle Sales

Video Auction, via macsvideo.com

Oct. 18 — Stanly County Livestock

Market Weekly Sale, Norwood, N.C.

Oct. 18 — Wilkes Livestock Exchange

Weekly Sale, North Wilkesboro, N.C.

Oct. 23 — Harward Brothers Livestock

Market Weekly Sale, Statesville, N.C.

Oct. 25 — Stanly County Livestock

Market Weekly Sale, Norwood, N.C.

Oct. 25 — Wilkes Livestock Exchange

Weekly Sale, North Wilkesboro, N.C.

Oct. 30 — Harward Brothers Livestock

Market Weekly Sale, Statesville, N.C.