Riding Herd
“The greatest homage we can pay to truth is to use it.”
by LEE PITTS
– JAMES RUSSELL LOWELL
December 15, 2018 • www.aaalivestock.com
Volume 60 • No. 12
Or So We Were Told BY LEE PITTS
A true cowboy knows love, pain and shame but never cares about fame.
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ver since the beef checkoff went into effect on July 18, 1986, we could count on regular “independent survey results” informing us that 70% or more of all cattlemen approved of the beef checkoff. Typical of such glowing report cards was the one that told us that for every beef checkoff dollar collected, cattlemen were receiving back $11.20 in revenue. You’d have to be a complete, knuckle-dragging ignoramus to not want to invest one dollar to get back eleven. No wonder that between 2010 and 2015 we were told 69% to 78% of ranchers were in favor of the checkoff. Approval of the checkoff peaked in the early 1980’s when four out of five ranchers were in favor of continuing to pay it. At its worst the highest number of ranchers I could find that disapproved of the checkoff was 27%. Or, so we were told.
It’s Hillary In A Landslide
NEWSPAPER PRIORITY HANDLING
Some of the oldest and most highly circulated livestock periodicals got so used to printing positive stories about the checkoff through the years that they may have started believing their own BS. Perhaps it’s my cynical nature but I never did believe the glowing poll results about the checkoff because, after all, the checkoff was paying
for them. Or rather, you were. You don’t have to be a genius to figure out that reporting a negative opinion of the checkoff would be a sure-fire way for a polling company to lose the lucrative beef checkoff account. A wise author told me years ago that you may have lost your touch as a writer when you start believing the blurbs on the covers of your books. Perhaps Drovers may be guilty of believing their own blurbs because on November 13, 2018, they boldly asked their readers if they believed the checkoff was helping to stimulate beef
demand and supporting their cattle business? Surely Drovers was confident that their results would echo those obtained by the polling outfits hired by the Beef Board. After all, Drovers has gone gaga for the NCBA from day one and has been in a war recently with R CALF, the anti-NCBA of the beef business. If Drovers had any idea the results would be so bad we’re confident they’d have never asked the question to begin with. Imagine their surprise when 54% of those responding to the Drover’s poll said, “No”
the beef checkoff WAS NOT stimulating demand or helping their business! How could this be? Weren’t we regularly told 70% of those paying the checkoff were in favor of it? Who knew that Drovers readers were such a bunch of anti-NCBA’ers and radical R CALF members? How else could you explain why 54% of Drover’s readers did not believe the checkoff helped their business or increased demand for beef? Who did the polling for the Beef Board and the NCBA, was it the same outfit that said Hillary would be elected in a landslide? Could the disparity in the results be explained away by a large difference in the sample size? Not really. CBB sponsored polls typically polled 1,000 to 1,200 while 926 Drovers readers responded to their poll. Statistically, the 10 to 15% difference in the sample size would not explain such concontinued on page two
Beef demand is key and less certain in 2019 BY DERRELL S. PEEL, OKLAHOMA STATE UNIVERSITY EXTENSION LIVESTOCK MARKETING SPECIALIST / FEED-LOT MAGAZINE
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ontinued growth in U.S. beef production will keep the focus on beef demand in 2019. Beef production is slowing but is forecast to increase 1.5-2.0 percent year over year in 2019 to 27.5 billion pounds. This follows a projected 3.3 percent year over year increase in 2018 beef production to a record level of 27.0 billion pounds. Beef demand, including both domestic and international components, has played a key role in moving growing beef supplies through beef markets. Through 2018, total beef production has increased 14.2 percent (3.4 billion pounds) since the recent 2015 low. Strong beef demand has supported prices and margins at all levels of the beef and cattle industry as beef production expanded. Continued strong beef demand will be critical in 2019 as beef production pushes to new record levels. There are, however, continuing and perhaps growing challenges and threats to beef demand in the coming year. In addition to record beef supplies, pork and poultry production will increase from record 2018 levels to new record production totals in 2019. Thus far, beef has maintained good demand relative to pork and
poultry as indicated by the fact that beef retail prices are at near record ratios compared to retail pork and poultry prices. Beef trade has played a big role in moderating the domestic supply pressure from increased beef production. Beef exports are up 13.3 percent year over year through September. This follows year over year annual increases of 11.8 percent in 2017 and 12.8 percent in 2016. Beef imports have held steady in 2018, up just 0.4 percent so far this year. Total annual beef imports decreased 0.7 percent in 2017 following a 10.6 percent year over year decrease in 2016. Numerous factors could become a bigger threat to both domestic and international beef demand in 2019. The U.S. economy has supported beef demand thus far but recent stock market volatility highlights fragile macroeconomic conditions going forward. Rising interest rates and growing budget deficits will add to inflationary pressures and contribute to a stronger dollar. A rising dollar could add to export headwinds in the coming months. The uncertain global trade situation continues to hang over beef and other agricultural markets. There is general agreement that trade disruptions will likely reduce U.S. and globcontinued on page eight
Long Gone Y
ou’ve worked, scrimped and saved to put together a ranch for your children only to learn that your kids want no part of the ranching lifestyle. This has created a shortage of slave labor on ranches that could lead to the decline of western civilization. So I’ve developed a little test to determine early on if your children want to come back home to the ranch or move to New York and become a ballet dancer. Please answer “yes” or “no” to the following questions. (1) Does your son or daughter refuse to wear a cowboy hat and does he or she have a nose ring, tongue stud and a colorful collection of tattoos? (2) Would you say your child prefers the music of Kanye, Jay-Z, Notorious Mr. Big, Snoop Dogg, Dr. Dre, Ice Cube, 50 Cent and Busta Rhymes over that of Kenny Chesney, Brad Paisley and Carrie Underwood? (3) Does your child attempt to get out of chores around the ranch by insisting he or she is allergic to hay and animal hair? (4) Would your offspring prefer a family summer vacation going to Lego Land and the Star Wars exhibit at Disneyland over spending a week showing an animal at the county fair? (5) Does your offspring prefer to wear a black hoodie with Cargo pants instead of Levis, Wranglers and a Carhartt sweatshirt? (6) On the day of your annual roundup and branding, does your child claim to have a headache or flulike symptoms and insist on a day of bed rest? Is your child’s affliction that of the 24-hour variety? And does your child seem to prefer drones and robots to cows and horses? (7) Did your child spend his or her formative years in juvenile hall instead of the FFA or 4-H? (8) Is there a PETA or a “Save the Wolves” sticker anywhere on your son’s skateboard? (9) For Christmas would
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Livestock Market Digest
December 15, 2018
OR SO WE WERE TOLD trasting results. That’s not even the worst news. At one point during the poll as many as 70% rejected the notion that the checkoff was helpful to their ranch. But even more harmful to the NCBA, the CBB and the checkoff were the comments left by those responding to the Drover’s poll. But then you probably didn’t see them because they were removed by Drovers on the same day they first appeared. Just for fun, go to Drover’s web site now and see if you can find them. If so, you’re a better computer hacker than I am.
Deleted But Not Forgotten
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farmcreditnm.com 1-800-451-5997
CAREN COWAN..........Publisher
LEE PITTS....................Executive Editor
CHUCK STOCKS.........Publisher Emeritus RANDY SUMMERS......Sales Rep
RANDY SUMMERS, 505/850-8544 email: rjsauctioneer@aol.com
MARGUERITE VENSEL..Office Manager
JESSICA DECKER..........Special Assistance CHRISTINE CARTER......Graphic Designer
Lucky for us someone at the Organization for Competitive Markets (OCM) captured a screen shot of the comments before they were deleted. Here are just some of those comments that no one at Drovers wanted you to see. Jay Platt: “When the beef checkoff was inaugurated in 1988 per capita beef consumption was 72.5 pounds. It has steadily declined nearly every year since. In 2016, per capita consumption was 56.5 pounds, a decline of 22%. Were the checkoff stimulating demand we should not have seen a steady decline in per capita consumption, which is the true measure of demand. Simply stated, it is a failed program, unless of course, one happens to be the NCBA.” K. Hawkins: “Too much for NCBA and not enough for promotion. I straight up asked a NCBA representative in a question and answer section of a speech at a cattleman’s meeting about their position on COOL and got, “No comment.” Enough said.” Theresa Fox: “The beef checkoff has provided a large slush fund of monies for those stakeholders who run the organization. No checks and balances, no accountability, plenty of fraud and embezzlement.” Tom Fichti: “Answer me one question. Why am I spending money to maintain a product when the packers for the past six months have been making $300 per head and I’m losing $85 per head?” (By the way, packers aren’t required to pay into the beef checkoff. Talk about a return on YOUR money!) Bonnie: “The checkoff is important but it needs to be spent promoting USA beef, not foreign beef or going for the lobbying of the NCBA.” Rick Kiekow: “For too many years the NCBA has manipulated the checkoff funds to support the beef packer interests instead of supporting cattle producer interests.” Mike: “NCBA has stolen the checkoff tax and used the money and political power it buys to promote a more and more concentrated marketplace that has left cattle producers bankrupt.” Scott: “If there is going to be a checkoff every nickel should be taken out of the crooked hands of NCBA. One of the
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real solutions for the beef industry would be to show how few cattlemen NCBA really represents.” Donna: “I believe the checkoff dollars are helping fund the NCBA’s agenda, and helping fund demand for imported beef. Bring back COOL, take the checkoff out of NCBA’s hands and maybe then the checkoff will help the American cattle rancher again.” Do those sound like satisfied check-off payers to you?
Something’s Rotten In Denver According to OCM, “The overwhelming majority of Drovers’ commenters stated that it is not the Beef Checkoff Program they opposed but rather how it is being administered amidst concerns that the program’s largest contractor, NCBA, is mismanaging the lion’s share of the beef checkoff funds.” According to OCM, “The comments deleted by Drovers are the same sentiments that the OCM has held for nearly a decade.” Along with words like “sustainable” and “paradigm” another one of the magic words these days when referring to any company or organization is “transparency.” More is good, less is worse. A company is being transparent if it makes financial information readily available. An organization is NOT being transparent if it tries to hide how much its President or CEO is being paid. The beef checkoff, NCBA and the Cattlemen’s Beef Board are about as transparent as momma’s muumuu was. It’s simply wrong that a government program, financed by your beef taxes, should be so hard to find any information about. Believe me, I’ve tried. And so have two other entities that probably wouldn’t exist today were it not for NCBA’s heist of the beef checkoff. R CALF and the OCM tried to get financial information about the beef checkoff for years from the USDA by going through all the proper channels but they ran into one roadblock after another. This just intensified their belief that there was something rotten in Denver. A partial audit in 2010 of the checkoff that was the equivalent of just nine days of spending, found numerous irregularities and a full government audit later on was mired in controversy, as released documents showed agency “heartburn” and fear of “embarrassment” over an audit report that was “reworked,” “transformed,” and “rebooted.” The OCM got tired of the run-around so in 2013 they filed a Freedom of Information Act request to get financial information about the checkoff. According to OCM, “The USDA failed to comply so in 2014 OCM filed the ongoing lawsuit to force the USDA to release the government audit documents and financial recontinued on page three
December 15, 2018
Livestock Market Digest
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OR SO WE WERE TOLD cords. OCM and its members are still waiting for answers. Since 2014, USDA and NCBA have stalled the release of the information in court. In 2017, the U.S. Government Accountability Office issued a report calling out USDA for its lack of transparency and oversight over the Beef Checkoff Program. The same year in the courtroom, USDA turned over more than 12,000 pages of financial and audit documents that had been almost completely blacked-out and redacted.” OCM founding member Fred Stokes says, “The people paying the federally mandated checkoff assessment shouldn’t have to spend four years in court to see how the government spends those funds. With USDA and NCBA’s complete lack of transparency they are destroying the integrity of the Beef Checkoff Program. If they have done nothing wrong they should just release the audit and financial expenditure documents,” says Stokes. “We strongly support a transparent Beef Checkoff Program that works for the hardworking family farmers and ranchers who pay into the program. OCM supports a fair and transparent Beef Checkoff Program but the next time a poll is conducted the overwhelming sentiment might be to simply end the beef checkoff program. This would be a no-win situation for all.”
No Other Option R CALF has also been left with no other option than to go to court to stop NCBA’s ongo-
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ing shenanigans. R CALF has been working for checkoff reform for two decades and their every effort has been repelled. The one issue that really gave R CALF traction with ranchers is Country of Origin Labeling (COOL). R CALF believes in it, NCBA doesn’t. R CALF has also pushed for the separation between the Federation of State Beef Councils, the Beef Checkoff Program, and the NCBA, but NCBA could never afford to let that happen. R CALF members became so disgusted that they passed a resolution that said the current checkoff system is “corrupt and unsalvageable” and that Congress should repeal it. Says R CALF CEO Bill Bullard, “Our efforts through the executive branch and the legislative branch have met brick walls so now we’re pursuing, through the third branch of government, incremental reforms with the overall objective of achieving our member policy, ensuring that beef promotion actually benefits U.S. cattle producers.” R CALF’s next assault on the checkoff and more specifically the NCBA, began in Montana where its beef council was using state checkoff funds to help pay for ads with Wendys’ featuring beef that came from... well that’s just the point. We don’t know where the beef came from. Turns out, American cattlemen may have been paying to promote Australian beef, for all we know. So R CALF filed a lawsuit against the USDA alleging that they are unconstitutionally com-
pelling Montana producers to fund the corporate speech of the Montana Beef Council. So far, R CALF has won in court every step of the way and has added 13 more states to their hit list.
Laundering Your Money R CALF’s latest charge against the NCBA is that in addition to being thieves, they are also laundering money! According to Bullard, “What we believe is a form of money laundering is the NCBA Federation’s pay-to-play scheme which is described in the NCBA Federation Division Investment Schedule. Unlike the CBB whose representation is based on the number of cattle in each state, representation on the NCBA Federation is based on how much money the state beef councils send to the NCBA. According to the NCBA Schedule, even states with small numbers of cattle must pay 10% of the checkoff payments they collect from producers if they want any representation at all on the NCBA Federation.” “The NCBA Schedule also shows the top 15 cattle producing states, several of which are now included in R CALF USA’s beef checkoff case, each pay $32,000 to the NCBA for their first three seats on the NCBA Federation. Based on the NCBA Schedule and the NCBA Report, those states must then pay about $263,000 each for their fourth and fifth seats and $526,000 for their sixth seat. Then, if a state sends the NCBA $1 million or more, it is entitled to a leadership po-
sition on the NCBA Executive Committee. Three of the states now in R CALF USA’s beef checkoff case paid the NCBA more than $1 million to buy representation on the NCBA’s Executive Committee. “This looks like a classic case of money laundering to us,” Bullard said. “The NCBA is free to admit or deny these allegations and the facts we are presenting but it certainly looks crystal clear to us.” “Many of the states are sending hundreds of thousands of dollars, if not more, to the NCBA for two things,” Bullard said. “One, to give NCBA money to promote beef on a national level. The other, to buy seats on the Federation
of State Beef Councils, that is housed, owned and controlled by the NCBA. That’s a pay-to-play scheme. They’re siphoning off half the checkoff dollars and those dollars are not subject to the same fiscal controls that are imposed on the national program through the National Cattlemen’s Beef Board.” One way to stop all this bickering would be to allow for a referendum vote on whether or not beef producers want to continue paying for the beef checkoff as presently constructed. But after Drover’s recent poll we’re confident that’s the last thing in the world the USDA, Beef Board, or the NCBA will ever allow.
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RIDING HERD your youngster prefer a new snowboard over a new saddle? (10) Does your teenager think the initials “NFR” stand for the text message, “Naw, fo real?” instead of the National Finals Rodeo? (11) Does your son’s taste in footwear lean to Air Jordans instead of Justin ropers? (12) When asked by the teacher to describe in front of the class what his or her parents do for a living does your child say he or she is an orphan instead of admitting you are ranchers? (13) After you gave your son a brand new rope did he use it to pull his friend’s dune buggy out of a ditch instead of roping everything that moves? (14) Would you say your teenager’s only agricultural interest seems to be in growing some species called cannabis and then sampling its leaves, buds and stems? (15) Does your daughter’s fascination in horses run more to really tall equines that can jump over fences instead of those that only run around barrels? And does she also prefer jodhpurs, a helmet and spurs without rowels over Quarter Horses and silver and
Livestock Market Digest continued from page one
gold trophy buckles? (16) Is your high school senior seriously considering MIT instead of Texas A & M? (17) When driving your progeny to school does your child insist you drop he or she off a quarter mile away so friends don’t see you in a 4-wheel drive truck covered in mud and manure? (18) Have you ever caught your child trying to hire an appraiser to find out what your ranch might be worth on the open market if the parents were to somehow come to an early demise? (19) Did you work your fingers to the bone to scrape up money for college only to discover that once away at college the kids plan to NEVER come home? (20) Is your child currently pursuing a vegan lifestyle? If you answered “yes” to ten or more of these questions your child probably isn’t ranch management material and definitely has the anti-cowboy gene. I’d heartily advise that you sell the ranch immediately and spend all the proceeds living lavishly so there will be nothing left for your ungrateful progeny.
December 15, 2018
Suspension of Steelhead Season Spawns Unease Idaho community concerned over the loss of business in fishing town BY ERIC BARKER / LMTRIBUNE.COM
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crowd of more than 80 people at a Riggins, Idaho community meeting over the looming closure of the steelhead fishing season in Idaho heard mostly bad news Tuesday night. The season is set to sunset temporarily after December 7 in Idaho because of the threat of a lawsuit from a handful of conservation groups. Representatives from the Idaho Department of Fish & Game told the audience it is unlikely federal fisheries officials would be able to complete a process needed to reopen steelhead fishing before March. That means the small town that sits at the confluence of the Salmon and Little Salmon rivers is going to miss out on the business it usually gets during a popular women’s steelhead fishing tournament in February and March. It also will lose money that would otherwise be generated from other anglers fishing the two rivers. “We are hopeful we would be able to reopen sometime in March,” said Jim Fredericks, chief of the Idaho Department of Fish and Game Fisheries Bureau. “It’s possible it could be earlier. The problem is if (federal officials) don’t dot all the i’s and cross all the t’s, they leave that permit vulnerable to lawsuit. As painful as it is to say, the most important thing we can do is make sure the permit is completed by the book and make sure they do it right.” The Idaho Fish & Game Commission suspended the season in response to the threat of a lawsuit from six conservation groups — Idaho Rivers United, Friends of the Clearwater, the Conservation Angler, Snake River Waterkeeper, Wild Salmon Rivers and the Wild Fish Conservancy. The groups sent Idaho a 60day notice of intent to sue last month and asked the state to shut down the steelhead fishing season. They believe the return of wild fish, listed as threatened under the Endangered Species Act, is so low that injuries the protected fish may experience while being caught and released could push the species closer to extinction.
They have legal leverage because Idaho’s Fisheries Evaluation and Monitoring Plan and associated incidental take permit expired in 2010. The state submitted a new plan the same year, but federal officials only recently began to review it. The meeting, organized by community leaders, was held to inform residents of the issue and to urge them to action by contacting officials at NOAA Fisheries to demand swift processing of the needed permit. They also recommended residents contact politicians such as U.S. Sen. Mike Crapo to ask them to pressure the government to action. In addition to Fredericks, Fish and Game Deputy Director Ed Schriever and Idaho Deputy Attorney General Kathleen Trevor attended the meeting and spent nearly two hours answering questions. Schriever said NOAA officials sat on the permit because they faced a backlog of work and lawsuits — from some of the same groups — over various other permits in the West, including ones that allow states, American Indian tribes and others to operate hatcheries that produce salmon and steelhead for anglers to catch. Had the commission decided to keep the season open, the groups may have sued. In that scenario, Schriever said, the state likely would have lost and it’s possible a federal judge might have ordered Idaho to adopt some of the measures the groups were seeking. In negotiations held earlier this month, the groups asked Idaho to ban bait fishing for steelhead, to ban fishing from boats and to forbid anglers from lifting wild steelhead out of the water for photographs before releasing them. “The judge can say you can fish, but you have to do these things,” Schriever said. “That has potential to influence what our fishing looks like in the future. He could have ability to influence the permit NOAA gives us, to have additional BS on that permit and that would be a bad deal.” Jon Kittelll, a fishing guide from Riggins, asked Schriever and Fredericks if they had been putting pressure on federal officials to process the permit over the eight years it had lapsed. Schriever said they did but the state understood and agreed that it was more important for both the federal government and Fish
and Game to complete the permits for hatchery programs. “If you don’t get to run your hatcheries it doesn’t matter if you have a fishery permit our not, so we were in lock step with NOAA that the top priority is to make sure hatchery programs had the coverage they needed. We agreed with them it was more important that they get those done first.” Rob Pottenger, Riggins, asked why Idaho Governor C.L. Butch Otter, Governor-Elect Brad Little and the state’s congressional delegation haven’t put more pressure on the federal agency given the financial loss faced by Riggins and other small towns. “This is millions and millions of dollars,” he said. “I look around here and see millions of dollars.” Idaho State Representative Paul Shepherd said he would prefer that the state went to court and put up a fight. But he lamented that would likely take time. “I want justice. I think we can get justice if we will fight,” he said. “I’m willing to fight and I want it done quickly, but I don’t know how to get it done quickly.” Idaho County Sheriff Doug Giddings suggested if anglers fished for steelhead after the season closes they would be unlikely to face citations from local law enforcement nor prosecution from Idaho County. “Who is going to enforce fishing in Idaho?” he said of anybody who issued anglers tickets. “They are going to go to court and lose.” Matt Walker, of Riggins, asked if anglers were to fish for other species such as bass or pikeminnow, if they would be cited for “accidentally” catching a steelhead. “What’s to stop them for fishing for other species?” he asked. “The river is open to fishing for other species,” Schriever said. Sam Whitten, of Riggins, said the community should attempt to meet with leaders of the conservation groups. “We need to talk to these people. We are hurting. I would like to see our group meet with these people soon.” State Sen. Carl Crabtree of Grangeville said people who know Idaho Rivers United members could speak with them and let them know the hardship the season closure is causing people in the state. “The environmental community doesn’t like this kind of thing,” he said. “They look bad. It’s not good for them.”
Texas Cattle Feeders Association Elects New Leaders
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he Texas Cattle Feeders Association elected a new slate of leaders during their annual convention in mid-November in San Antonio. Levi Berry, Happy, will serve as chairman of the board; Paul Defoor of Amarillo as chairman-elect; and Scott Anderson, Guymon, Oklahoma, as vice chairman. Members elected to one-year terms on the board of directors are Cee Arnett, Farwell; Levi Berry; Michael Bezner, Dalhart; Joe Richards,
Hereford; Brad Stout, Amarillo; and Dwayne Thompson, Dumas. Members elected for twoyear terms are Paul Defoor, Amarillo; Charles E. “Shuck” Donnell, Muleshoe; Robby Kirkland, Vega; Gene Lowrey, Dalhart; Steve Olson, Hereford; and Jim Simpson, Canyon. Members elected to three-year terms are Scott Anderson.; Harper Hesse, Uvalde; Cade Morris, Salado; Charlie Risinger, Terrell; Craig Scarmardo, Caldwell; and Sam Stevenson, Muleshoe.
Livestock Market Digest
Elections count, will Zinke survive and Trump on fire
Grimness under Grijalva
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lections do make a difference. How would you like to have the Co-Chair of the Congressional Progressive Caucus, the former Chair of the Congressional Environment Task Force with a 100 percent voting record according to the Sierra Club, as the new Chairman of the House Resources Committee? That’s the Committee with jurisdiction over livestock grazing, wilderness, national monuments, endangered species and other land use activities of the Forest Service, BLM, USFWS and other entities of the Interior department. Well that’s what you are going to get with Raul Grijalva. The Center for Biological Diversity says Grivalva has “championed efforts to protect wilderness areas, protect endangered species and advance the National Parks Service Centennial Initiative and ensure oversight of the operations of national parks, forests, and public lands systems. Most recently, he worked to protect the Grand Canyon from the threat of expanded uranium mining, advance ecological restoration on federal lands, and address the need for a budget fix for wildland fire-suppression funding. Grijalva has provided environmental leadership in Congress through his participation as co-chair of the Congressional National Landscape Conservation System and as chair of the Environment Task Force from 2003 to 2006. He has demonstrated a strong commitment to improving environmental policies.” Grijalva just voted against the “Manage Our Wolves Act” saying on the House floor, “The bill before us today, H.R. 6784, is a piece of legislation we have seen time and time again to undermine wolf populations in the United States, but this would deliver an even more devastating blow to the continued recovery of gray wolves across the lower 48.” Grijalva continued, “Congress should not be making decisions on which species to list or delist. What we need to be doing is properly funding the Fish and Wildlife Service to implement measures to strengthen ESA and protect species and their habitats from permanent extinction, given the fact that we are facing an ongoing extinction crisis”. Grijalva recently signed on to an amicus brief challenging the President’s authority to diminish the Grand Staircase-Escalante and Bears Ears national monuments. About the brief, Grijal-
va said, ““President Trump and his enablers don’t seem to care what laws stand in the way of their anti-environmental agenda, and they need to be stopped here and now.” About Trumps attempts to change the ways the Endangered Species Act is administered, Grijalva called the proposals “a favor to industry”. He stated the Trump administration “doesn’t seem to know any other way to handle the environment” than “as an obstacle to industry profits”. None of this environmental championship is new for Grijalva. Prior to being elected to Congress, Grijalva served on the Pima County Board of Supervisors where he was generally depicted as the prime mover behind the Sonoran Desert Conservation Plan, which is a county “program for planned land-use, and biodiversity conservation.” To show just how far he will go for the environmental cause, in 2015, as ranking member of the House Resources Committee, Grijalva sent a letter to seven scientists who questioned the evidence of man-made global warming, demanding to know what funding they received from oil and gas companies, “as well as copies of all emails concerning the content of their congressional testimony.” A University of Colorado Professor responded that he had already testified to the committee he had received no funding from fossil fuel interests, and called the letter a politically motivated “’witch-hunt”. The executive director of the American Meteorological Society told the Congressman his action “sends a chilling message to all academic researchers,” and “impinges on the free pursuit of ideas that is central to the concept of academic freedom.” Grijalva has already announced he intends to bring Secretary of Interior Zinke before the Committee to testify on a Montana land deal that may have benefitted Zinke’s family foundation and on other environmental decisions made at the department. You can see what we are in for. Investigations and more wilderness, national monuments and other restrictive land use designations, all of which cause harm to federal lands ranchers. Zinke’s future With the midterm elections now behind us, there is much speculation about changes in Trump’s Cabinet. Attorney General Jeff Sessions is already gone. Invariably, Zinke’s name pops up as one of the five most likely to depart, citing his numerous ethical conduct investigations. Politico has reported that
Zinke is exploring other opportunities for employment and has even discussed being a consultant and commentator for Fox News. Zinke denies this, saying the numerous investigations are “vicious attacks”, that he loves his current job and President Trump is behind him “100%”. The Interior Department’s Inspector General has referred one of Zinke’s actions to the Department of Justice for investigation, and we’ll probably have to wait to see the progress or outcome of that before knowing of Zinke’s
Page 5 that forest management is so poor. Billions of dollars are given each year, with so many lives lost, all because of gross mismanagement of the forests.” Thumbs up for Trump. I never thought I would live long enough to hear a President say that. Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays to all.
fate. Trump will, though, want as scandal-free Cabinet as possible going in to 2020. Trump on fire The horrible fires in California have killed at least 88 people with 203 people still on the unaccounted for list. The town of Paradise is gone with over 14,000 homes destroyed in the 120,000 acre Camp Fire. In the midst of this President Trump tweeted, “There is no reason for these massive, deadly and costly forest fires in California except
Frank DuBois was the NM Secretary of Agriculture from 1988 to 2003, is the author of a blog: The Westerner (www.thewesterner. blogspot.com) and is the founder of The DuBois Rodeo Scholarship and The DuBois Western Heritage Foundation
Blockchain for the Beef Chain BY KATRINA HUFFSTUTLER FEEDING QUALITY FORUM
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he IBM brand isn’t often associated with the cattle business. But that may change, thanks to the tech giant’s IBM Food Trust and its use of blockchain. That’s just what it sounds like: blocks of information that form a chain, linked via Internet to allow information sharing that is seamless, efficient and secure. Its primary application is between partners across an industry striving to achieve improved transparency, traceability, sustainability — and ultimately even profitability. Nigel Gopie, marketing leader for the IBM initiative, told 200 cattlemen at the late-summer Feeding Quality Forum in Sioux City, Iowa, the system offers trust and transparency in places where it either doesn’t exist or could be improved. “In the food industry, in particular,” Gopie said, “there are a lot of concerns about food safety, food fraud, sustainability, and others. We believe that, with blockchain, we can bring light to problems that have plagued us for centuries.” Take food safety, for example. With blockchain, the source of contamination could be pinpointed easily — no more long-lasting scares like the one earlier this year where consumers were told to avoid romaine lettuce for months. “With blockchain, we’re able to solve problems that we never could solve before,” Gopie said. The benefits of information sharing works both directions. “I could learn more about your organization by sharing data, I can learn more about my organization, but also together, we can learn a whole lot more” he said “What we believe in is, the whole is greater than the sum of the parts.” While the audience of quality-focused cattlemen was intrigued, many had the same concern,
voiced in a question: Is it secure? Gopie assured them it is. “With blockchain, your data belongs to you,” he said. “We believe your data does not belong to the solution, nor does it belong to your transaction partners. And so, your data is held in secure environments and it’s only shared when you want to share it. It’s encrypted and no one can get access to that data unless you permission it.” He added cattlemen have flexibility when it comes to sharing, too. “You don’t have to permission all of your data — you can share pieces of data, you can share all of your data, and you can share data with me or your transaction partners one month, but then change that permissioning so we share different data or no data at all the following month,” Gopie said. And what about liability? Would a rancher or feeder be responsible if E. coli was traced back to his operation? What would that look like? Gopie said blockchain is about fact finding, not fault finding. And beyond that, it’s important to remember an outbreak may not be related to time on the hoof anyway. “It could’ve been any point during the supply chain, but by having the visibility, you’re able to help figure out where different paths cross, and then you’re able to identify the problem,” he said. “So, it may not be on a farm at all. However, if it is on your farm, wouldn’t you want to know? Secondly, if it was not on your farm, you’d also want to share that information. You would be able to say, ‘I understand it was Nigel’s farm that had that problem and we’re all there to help and ensure that doesn’t happen again. But also, my stuff is safe.’” That’s only one part of the equation. In a much continued on page eight
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Page 6
Livestock Market Digest
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e all are familiar on some level with the biggest agriculture groups out there, like the national and state Farm Bureaus, 4-H, and FFA. But what about all the other groups in agriculture? There are hundreds if not thousands of resources that help farmers or spread the good word of modern farming. It is extremely difficult to narrow it down, but here are a few groups — some of which I’ve worked with — that are changing the game for ag education and consumer outreach in today’s food space. 1. The National Animal Interest Alliance (NAIA) I recently spoke at their conference in Orlando last month and all I can say is WOW! A majority of people in the room had Ph.D.s, and I learned a ton! In an era when animal-rights activists spread a lot of misinformation about animal raising or welfare, this group sets the record straight. From greyhound racing to dog breeding, livestock farming to animal testing that saves lives, this group is the real deal. Many of us care about donating to help animals, but groups like HSUS, ASPCA, or PETA are more about financial growth, and only a very small percentage of donations actually go toward animals in any way. Join NAIA to actually help and support our furry friends, which includes excellent programs like Discover Animals and Homes for Animal Heroes (guaranteed to pull at your heartstrings!). 2. A Fresh Look This is a wonderful organization that is big on consumer education when it comes to genetically engineered foods. The primary focus is for moms who may be worried on what to feed their kids, and it brings the real facts and personal stories direct from experts in their field. (Pun intended.) They’re running huge social media campaigns to connect moms with farmers, scientists, dietitians, and others, most of whom are also moms and share their heartfelt common ground behind the food we eat. 3. Dirt to Dinner D2D is a great group of ladies I’ve had the
The View BY BARRY DENTON
8517 Sun Valley Rd, Sun Valley AZ
BY MICHELLE MILLER, FARM BABE
December 15, 2018
pleasure of getting to know. They cover a ton of great topics, including nutrition, farming, health, and wellness. They do a lot of mythbusting (check out their posts on frozen vs. fresh veggies, sugar in juices, glyphosate, and dairy, to name a few) and also have a great farmer series where they visit farms and write about it — explaining how food goes from, well, dirt to dinner! 4. Center for Food Integrity The Canadian Center for Food Integrity is a conference I attended recently in Quebec, Canada, that was all about building public trust. CFI’s main objective is to be a trusted voice for truth in food production, while providing proper research, resources, training, and dialogue. Check them out and their partner organization, Best Food Facts, which provides science-based unbiased info on food production, with more than 200 volunteer experts standing by to answer questions. 5. Ag in the Classroom In my opinion, there’s nothing more important than education for our industry! Start students young — your food doesn’t come from a grocery store, it comes from farms! This is a great program that gets students excited about agriculture (check out their student center and career seeker) and provides plenty of educational tools for teachers. Many farmers also volunteer their time to bridge the gap. Find out how you can volunteer and get involved here. Again, these are just a few resources, but there are many, many groups not listed that also do a great job! U.S. Farmers & Ranchers Alliance, Commonground, different commodity groups, etc. It takes a village to share the messages of agriculture since the average consumer is six generations removed from the farm. Farming is an amazing industry, full of family, food, strong work ethic, science, and continual education. Share this list and get involved to make a difference! Michelle Miller, the Farm Babe, is an Iowa-based farmer, public speaker, and writer, who lives and works with her boyfriend on their farm, which consists of row crops, beef cattle, and sheep. She believes education is key in bridging the gap between farmers and consumers.
maintain that there is too much manipulation of facts and figures in this country to promote whatever cause is deemed necessary at the time. Why would any intelligent American ever watch the news? The amount of misinformation being perpetuated by these network news organizations is disgraceful. It has gotten to the point of “The Boy That Cried Wolf”. How could we ever believe them again? For instance, Dr. Patrick Michael, the Director of The Center For Science at the Cato Institute in Washington, DC and also a research professor of environmental sciences for over 30 years at the University of Virginia recently described how science is manipulated by politics. In regard to the well worn subject of global warming he explained that computer models that are supposed to measure and predict rainfall are “parameterized” or “fudged” to show an anticipated amount of climate change. In other words, the computer models are putting out information deemed necessary by scientists and not the actual science. A common question that is asked by many, “Is weather getting worse?” The answer is no, that hurricane weather patterns have been recorded regularly since the 1920’s. Today there is more reporting, more images, and the simple fact that there are more structures in the path of weather than ever before. Scientists released hurricane data that showed an increase in hurricanes from 1980-2009. Funny thing was that it was released in 2014. The frequency of hurricanes dropped dramatically from 2009- 2014, yet that part of the report was not made available. It looks to me like a great example of political manipulation and the abuse of science. Remember, just a few years ago they were telling us that we were in grave danger because the rain forests were being depleted, and now the rainforests are doing better than ever. They do not report when anything is getting better or going in a positive direction. One thing about it, there is no money in positive reporting, only in creating a crisis. This one may surprise you, especially all the vegans. In 2018 American beef consumption will hit an all time high according to the United States Department of Agriculture. The average American will consume 222lbs. of beef which surpasses the previous record of 218lbs. that was set in 2004. According to the USDA, Americans have increased their
beef intake by about 40 billion pounds since 1910 when they started keeping records. We are also living longer and having healthier lives. I’m sure there are many other factors involved, but it looks like good American beef plays a part. Just imagine how much more American beef would be consumed if we had country of origin labeling? On the lighter side of life I have been recording some horse facts over the past year that you may not know. I have triple checked this information, so I believe it to be pretty correct. Hopefully, there are no horse feathers! The average horse heart weighs 9 to 10 lbs. They say Secretariat’s heart was almost more than twice that size at 22 lbs. The adult horse brain weighs about 22ozs, about half of a human brain. A horse’s teeth take up more room in a horse’s head than their brain. A horse can see better at night than a human, although it takes a horse’s eyes longer to adjust from dark to light and light to dark. When your horse’s ears are pointing in a particular direction it is the same direction as the eye. If a horse’s ears are pointed in opposite directions the horse is looking at two different things at the same time. You can tell if a horse is truly cold by feeling behind the ears. If that area is cold, the rest of them is cold. About 4.6 million Americans work in the horse industry. America has about 9 million horses and has an economic effect of about 39 billion annually. The fastest recorded sprinting speed for a horse is 55 mph. Most gallop at about 27 mph. According to the Manchester Museum in Great Britain a horse named “Old Billy” is the longest living horse recorded at 69 years. Now, there may be some dispute about that. They say that Lord George Bentinck invented the horse trailer to get his race horses to race tracks quicker, but all of us in Arizona know that cowboys Skeet and Everett Bowan invented it. This isn’t a horse fact, but do you know why the Bundy’s last trial turned out as a mistrial? Because the prosecutor’s withheld evidence that federal snipers were placed around the Bundy ranch. It almost does not seem possible, but those are the facts. How did the elections in your area turn out? Will they help agriculture in your state? We had really bizarre elections in Arizona that do not made much sense. I’m off to investigate and hope I can stay out of trouble doing it. Have a wonderful Christmas season! Can I say that?
December 15, 2018
Livestock Market Digest
Page 7
For Real Estate and Classified Advertising Please Call 505/243-9515
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1509 Davis Rd, very nice home, lots of garage and barn space - 3 miles east 1242 NM 480, fantastic ranch home on 58 acres overlooking Portales 1809 S Rrd 8, south of town - beautiful 3 bdrm on 10 acres - great home 2344 S Rrd K, 3 bdrm 2 bath farm home with hand house, 7 steel grain bins, corrals, shop bldg - Select what you want and we will adjust price. Good location, on good road - mail route, school bus for Dora See these and other properties at www.buenavista-nm.com
O’NEILL LAND, llc P.O. Box 145, Cimarron, NM 87714 • 575/376-2341 • Fax: 575/376-2347 land@swranches.com • www.swranches.com
WAGONMOUND RANCH, Mora/Harding Counties, NM. 4,927 +/- deeded acres, 1,336.80 +/- state lease acres, 2,617 +/- Kiowa National Grassland Lease Acres. 8,880.80 +/- Total Acres. Substantial holding with good mix of grazing land and broken country off rim onto Canadian River. Fenced into four main pastures with shipping and headquarter pasture and additional four pastures in the Kiowa lease. Modern well, storage tank and piped water system supplementing existing dirt tanks located on deeded. Located approximately 17 miles east of Wagon Mound on pavement then county road. Nice headquarters and good access to above rim. Wildlife include antelope, mule deer and some elk. $2,710,000
RATON MILLION DOLLAR VIEW, Colfax County, NM. 97.68 +/- deeded acres, 2 parcels, excellent home, big shop, wildlife, a true million dollar view at end of private road. $489,000. House & 1 parcel $375,000
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COLD BEER VIEW, Colfax County, NM 83.22 +/- deeded acre, 3,174 sq ft, 5 bedroom, 3 ½ bathrm, 2 car garage home situated on top of the hill with amazing 360 degree views. MIAMI HORSE HEAVEN, Colfax County, NM. Very Reduced $398,000 $349,000 private approx. 4,800 sq ft double walled adobe MIAMI 20 ACRES, Colfax County, NM. 20 +/- deed4 bedroom, 3 bathroom home with many custom ed acres, 20 water shares, quality 2,715 sq ft adobe features, 77.50 +/- deeded acres with water rights home, barn, grounds and trees. Private setting. This is and large 7 stall barn, insulated metal shop with own a must see. Reduced to $265,000 septic. Would suit indoor growing operation, large hay FRENCH TRACT 80, Irrigated farm with gated pipe, barn/equipment shed. $1,375,000. house, stone shop, many out buildings privacy. MAXWELL FARM IMPROVED, Colfax County, Reduced to $292,000 $282,000 NM. 280 +/- deeded acres, 160 Class A irrigation shares, 2 center pivots, nice sale barn, 100 hd feed- MAXWELL SMALL HOLDING, home with horse lot. Depredation Elk Tags available. Owner financing improvements, fenced, water rights and 19+/available to qualified buyer. Significantly reduced to deeded acres. Handy to I25 on quiet country road. $232,000. $550,000
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DOUBLE L RANCH – Central NM, 10 miles west of Carrizozo, NM. 12,000 total acres; 175 AUYL, BLM Section 3 grazing permit; Water provided by 3 wells and buried pipeline. Improvements include house and pens. Price Reduced: $1,150,000 X T RANCH – Southeastern NM cattle ranch 40 miles northwest of Roswell, NM on the Chaves/Lincoln County line. Good grass ranch with gently rolling grass covered hills. 8,000 total acres, 200 AUYL grazing capacity. Partitioned into four pastures watered by 2 wells with pipelines. Call for brochure. Price: $1,750,000 SOUTH BROWN LAKE RANCH – Nicely improved cattle ranch located northwest of Roswell, NM. 5,735 total acres to include 960 acres deeded. 164 A.U. yearlong grazing capacity. Modern residence, bunkhouse, shop and feed barn. Three wells and buried pipeline. Excellent grass country. Price: $1,300,000 L-X RANCH – Southeastern NM just ten minutes from Roswell, NM with paved gated and locked access. 3,761 total acres divided into several pastures and traps. Nice improvements to include a site built adobe residence. One well with extensive pipeline system. Well suited for a registered cattle operation. Price: $900,000 $825,000
Missouri Land Sales
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Paul McGilliard • 564 ACRE GASCONADE RIVER FARM. 360 Acres of lush Cell: 417/839-5096 grass/hay/tillable bottom ground make up this highly productive 1-800/743-0336 livestock/hunting property.Well maintained older 4 Bed, 3 Ba Murney Assoc., Realtors home. Only 45 miles east of Springfield, Mo. MLS#60115449 Springfield, MO 65804 • 11.2 ACRES GREAT RETREAT IN THE WOODS, or permanent residence if you love seclusion! Winter view of the North Fork River. Would be a great corporate retreat, or a large family, could sleep 15+. Property sells fully furnished. MLS#60109625 • 80 ACRES - 60 Acres hayable, live water only 50 miles east of Springfield, 1/4 mile off of Hwy 60. 3 Bed, 1 1/2 Ba, 1432 sq. ft. home, nestled under the trees. Full basement (partially finished), John Deer Room. MLS#60059808.
Scott Land co. Ranch & Farm Real Estate
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WE NEED LISTINGS ON ALL TYPES OF AG PROPERTIES LARGE OR SMALL! ■ PAJARITO CREEK RANCH – Guadalupe Co., NM – 4,243 ac.+/- deeded, 240 +/- State Lease, 2,704 sq. ft. custom home built in 2012, shop, bunk house, barns, etc. Pajarito Creek, I-40 frontage. ■ KENT CO., TX – 6,376.92 ac. +/-, one hour southeast of Lubbock, Texas, double mountain fork of the Brazos, excellent improvements, deer & bird hunting, excellent cattle/hunting/recreational ranch. ■ EXCELLENT LOCATION for a convenience store/truck stop or other commercial development. 5.403 ac. +/- located at the intersection of US Hwy. 385 & State Hwy. 194 on the south edge of Dimmitt in Castro County, Texas. Adjoining 7.594 ac. +/- is may be available. ■ SANTA ROSA, NM – 78 ac. +/- heavily improved for horses, cattle & other livestock w/virtually new barns, pens, cross fences etc., on city water, w/internet access to the front gate.
Page 8
Livestock Market Digest
December 15, 2018
Washington Wildlife Officials Order Killing of Members of 2 More Wolf Packs BY ELI FRANCOVICH / WWW.SPOKESMAN.COM
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or the first time, wolves from three Washington packs are in the state’s crosshairs. The Washington Department of Fish & Wildlife (WDFW) ordered the killing of members of the Togo and Smackout packs on November 7, 2018. That comes on the heels of a similar kill order directed at the Old Profanity Territory pack in late October. “This is the worst year we’ve ever had,” WDFW Director Kelly Susewind said in an interview. “I know we’ve never had three packs that are above the threshold for lethal removal.” Susewind authorized the removal of one or two members of the Smackout pack after officials confirmed pack members had killed or injured five cattle since August 20. According to a WDFW release, four heifers were killed and one calf was injured on privately owned land. The Smackout pack has four or five adult wolves. The remaining members of the Togo pack will also be targeted. Togo pack members have killed or injured six cattle over the past 10 months, the release said. Most recently, WDFW killed a male from the Togo pack. However, on October 26, Jake Nelson, a rancher on the Lone Ranch grazing allotment, documented a calf injured by wolves. The calf’s rear was badly chewed, and its leg was broken. Because the attacks occurred on private land, WDFW authorized the ranchers to kill the wolves, the
release said. The Togo pack consists of a female adult wolf and two pups, according to a WDFW release. Nelson did not immediately return a call requesting comment. WDFW’s lethal removal policy allows killing wolves if they prey on livestock three times in a 30-day period or four times in a 10-month period. That policy was developed in 2016 by WDFW and its 18-member Wolf Advisory Group, which represents the concerns of environmentalists, hunters and livestock ranchers. The policy also stipulates cattle producers have employed at least two proactive deterrence techniques. Lethal control is allowed in the eastern third of the state where wolves are protected by state endangered species rules. Wolves remain federally protected in the western two-thirds of the state. Environmental groups have temporarily blocked the killing of wolves in the past. A lawyer for the Center for Biological Diversity unsuccessfully attempted to temporarily block the killings in court on November 7, said Noah Greenwald, the endangered species director at the center. However, a larger lawsuit filed by the Center for Biological Diversity and Cascadia Wildlands alleging that WDFW “relied upon a faulty protocol and failed to undergo required environmental analysis” is ongoing. “The fact that WDFW has kill orders out for three packs is both tragic and not a sound way to be managing an endangered species like wolves,” Greenwald
said. He questioned the effectiveness of killing wolves as a deterrence strategy. Some research has found killing wolves may not reduce depredations. For example, a 2018 study found killing wolves may help ranchers in the immediate area but pushes the wolves to other areas and does not reduce overall incidents. A 2014 study found killing wolves led to more dead sheep and cows the following year. The study was authored by controversial former Washington State University professor Rob Wielgus. However, in 2015 a Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks biologist published a study that found lethal removal does work. But incremental lethal removal – that is, killing one or two wolves at a time – does not. Instead, removing the entire pack is the most effective strategy. WDFW incrementally removes wolves. Despite losses of a dozen wolves per year from state-authorized killing, poaching, vehicle collisions, and other human-related causes, the state’s wolf population continues to grow. A minimum of 122 wolves, 22 packs and 14 successful breeding pairs was reported by the WDFW this winter. The Wolf Advisory Group will start looking at a de-listing plan for the state’s wolves, he said. WDFW is starting a state environmental review to assess the feasibility of relocating some wolves, although Susewind called that an unlikely option. “We’ve got to try something different,” he said.
Industry Leaders Confirm Phase-Out of Select Grade Beef SOURCE: RED ANGUS ASSOCIATION OF AMERICA
S
elect grade beef has an important past in the cattle and beef business. However, its tonnage is shrinking and will continue to trend lower in the coming decade, based on collaborative research conducted across all beef industry segments. Anipro/Xtraformance Feeds, Top Dollar Angus and the Red Angus Association of America have joined forces to analyze the current and future role of Select grade beef in the
U.S. beef supply chain through the release of an industry-focused white paper, “Phasing Out Select Grade Beef.” A product that was once a major portion of domestic beef production, accounting for 40 percent of all graded product a mere 10 years ago, Select grade beef is now fading into the background as producers and feeders respond appropriately to market signals encouraging increased levels of marbling. Genetic improvements, grid marketing, changes in feeding practices and the growth of quality-based branded beef
programs have drastically reduced the need for this once staple beef product in grocery stores and restaurants. “The trend is well established with Select beef output being more than cut in half from 2007 to 2017,” said Tom Brink, CEO of the RAAA. “And there is no reason to expect anything but continued shrinkage going forward. Through the Choice-Select price spread, the market continues to communicate that it wants more highly marbled beef. Producers in all segments are paying close attention to this economic signal
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and are on a path toward the practical elimination of Select beef in the coming decade.” “Phasing Out Select Grade Beef,” available exclusively at RedAngus.org, examines key trends in Select grade beef production and consumption over the past 25 years, supported with objective observations and data from industry stakeholders, meat science academics and beef packing representatives. Projections as to the future of Select grade beef and its waning value are also provided. The authors recognize the
BEEF DEMAND al macroeconomic growth in 2019. While the beef industry has avoided most of the direct tariff impacts thus far, indirect tariff impacts will continue to grow unless the trade situation is resolved very soon. Consumers will see growing tariff impacts that may impact consumer spending and beef demand. Tariffs on consumer goods, especially if increased further, are likely to turn Dollar Gen-
BLOCKCHAIN
importance of moving the industry forward, thus a white paper on this consequential subject can offer valuable perspective concerning how seedstock producers, commercial cow-calf operators, cattle feeders and food service companies should plan their business practices in the coming years. “Phasing Out Select Grade Beef” can be downloaded from RedAngus.org, free of charge. Questions or interview requests should be directed to Brandi Buzzard Frobose, RAAA director of communications, at brandi@redangus.org. continued from page one
eral into something like $1.20 General. Tariff driven price increases could push consumers to cheap and abundant pork and poultry at the expense of beef demand. Beef markets have largely been a case of “so far, so good” in 2018. I’m cautiously optimistic that this will continue in 2019 but the risks to beef demand will be higher in the coming year. continued from page five
bigger sense, blockchain’s application can allow a new and better way for consumers to feel connected to their food from pasture to plate. “A lot of us folks who live in a city love the idea of understanding where our food comes from, seeing pictures of where our cattle are raised. I think that sort of connection allows us to feel closer with the food that we’re eating, realize that the men and women who are raising these products really care about them, and it’s the same thing that they would feed their families at home,” Gopie said. “And so, it provides us with a little more trust about the entire system by allowing that connection to take place.” The forum was presented by the Certified Angus Beef ® (CAB®) brand, with cosponsors Where Food Comes From, Roto-Mix, Feedlot Magazine, Tyson Foods, Intellibond, Zoetis and Diamond V. For more information on the meeting proceedings, visit www. feedingqualityforum.com.
December 15, 2018
Livestock Market Digest
The Sky is Falling! BY GREG WALCHER, NATURAL RESOURCES GROUP / RESOURCES AND REALTY
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new report from the World Wildlife Fund (WWF) claims humans have killed more than half the all the wildlife in the world since 1970. The report attracted media mass attention, though if you read the entire 145-page essay, it doesn’t really say that, much less prove it. More ironic, the political focus is mostly on countries where the declining wildlife populations do not live, and the solution suggested is so vague it couldn’t possibly address the issue. The hype about the document, an annual harangue called the “Living Planet Report,” is not surprising, considering the source. This is the same organization that told us a decade ago we would all have to leave. “Earth’s population will be forced to colonize two planets within 50 years if natural resources continue to be exploited at the current rate, according to a… study by the WWF. [The study] warns that the human race is plundering the planet at a pace that outstrips its capacity to support life. The report… reveals that more than a third of the natural world has been destroyed by humans over the past three decades.” That was a remarkable conclusion, especially considering that 71 percent of the Earth’s surface is water. So, humans would have to have destroyed virtually every square inch of land on Earth for the report to be credible. This year’s diatribe claims almost 60 percent of all the fish, birds, and animals on the Earth have been killed by people in two generations. It proposes “a new global deal for nature,” a companion for the Paris Climate treaty. Except unlike Paris, the proposed “new deal for nature” has no numbers, no specific goals. In fact, there is no definition of what the agreement might entail. Rather, it includes vague suggestions that we’re not locking up enough land from public access, nor creating enough national parks, wildlife refuges, wilderness areas, and other un-peopled places. The report’s language is decidedly European and American, using policy terms common to the western environmental industry. For example, it discusses the “progress” in removing dams in the U.S., especially criticizing agriculture in the Rio Grande Valley, and cites efforts to designate more wild and scenic rivers. It continues the ongoing criticism
of western mining, timber production, and “unsustainable agriculture,” with which we’re all familiar. These people simply want to stop most human uses of land, water, and other resources of the American West. There is just one major problem with using this report to further that goal. The wildlife it laments does not live in the American West. Keep in mind that the reported declines in wildlife populations are based on computer modeling, not actual counting of actual animals. Still, even if you give such a report the benefit of the doubt, as many will, the dangers cited are from “warming oceans choked with plastic,” toppled rain forests, and dying coral reefs. Thus, populations are said to be tanking worst in the tropics, including an 89 percent decrease in South and Central America. But make no mistake – the U.S. is nonetheless at fault. The report claims “crop failures brought on by climate change” are the reason caravans of Central Americans stream to the U.S. illegally. That’s why we must “urgently transition to a net carbon-neutral society and halt and reverse nature loss — through green finance and shifting to clean energy and environmentally friendly food production.” In a way, the details in this report may actually disprove its own conclusions. The U.S. and Canada are among countries using the most natural resources, yet the worst wildlife declines are in the Tropics, not in North America. The prime examples cited are African elephants, whale sharks, orangutans in Borneo, wandering albatross near Antarctica, jaguars in South America, gharial crocodiles in India and Nepal, and Chinese giant salamanders. WWF is not the only Chicken Little constantly warning of a dire future. A similar article, published in the National Academy of Sciences journal last spring, was even more shocking. It claimed that since the dawn of civilization, humans have caused the loss of 83% of all mammals and half of all plants on Earth. That’s because, WWF says, “the vast and growing consumption of food and resources by the global population is destroying the web of life.” So while you stop driving cars and heating your homes, you might also need to stop eating – while you pack for the trip to some other planet. If we are not Chicken Little, is the sky still falling? A version of this column appeared in the Grand Junction Daily Sentinel November 9, 2018.
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Tyson Predicts 2019’s Biggest Food Trends BY SUSAN KELLY, MEATINGPLACE.COM
T
yson Foods is forecasting the top culinary trends for 2019, and the list reflects just how carefully consumers are thinking about their food choices. The forecasts were developed by the company’s first Tyson Trendtellers Council, a team from across its businesses involved in R&D, culinary, technology, consumer behavior and sustainability. Here are the food themes the group believes people will be focusing on:
Personalized foods for health and beauty. Consumers are thinking strategically about eating foods that give them more energy,
sharper thinking, better digestion and other specific benefits. Tyson said a trend toward adding bone broths to recipes will strengthen.
Transparency in sourcing and production. Thirty-nine percent of consumers say they are willing to switch to brands that use more transparent labels, according to the company. The growing role of technology will spur advancement in this area. Adding more protein in more forms. Interest in new cuts of meat and “nose to tail” eating is growing. Demand for proteins such as crickets and seaweed is expected to expand. And 40 percent of Americans are trying to eat more plantbased foods.
Leveraging technology. Smart technology will drive brands to change products, packaging and distribution for e-commerce channels, with greater customization.
Expressing one’s values through food. Consumers, particularly Gen Zers, are aligning with companies that represent similar values to their own. Fresh, sustainable and authentic are important attributes for this group.
Fusion of global cuisines at home. Flavors and preparation techniques from regional and ethnic cuisines, once found only in restaurants, are making the shift to the home.
USDA, FDA Agree to Joint Oversight of Cell-Cultured Foods BY TOM JOHNSTON MEATINGPLACE.COM
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SDA and FDA officials have stated the agencies have agreed to a joint regulation approach for cell-cultured food products. The decision follows on October’s public meeting held in Washington to discuss how best to regulate the use of livestock and poultry cell lines to develop cell-cultured products. Taking that feedback into account, USDA and FDA officials discussed the issues and concluded both agencies should oversee production of
cell-cultured food products derived from livestock and poultry. Under this framework, FDA will manage cell collection, cell banks, and cell growth and differentiation. USDA will take over during the cell harvest stage, and then will oversee production and labeling of cell-based meat products. Meanwhile, the agencies say they’re ironing out technical details such as how the two agencies will collaborate and share information while carrying out their respective roles. In a statement, Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue and FDA Commissioner Scott
Gottleib said, “USDA and FDA are confident that this regulatory framework can be successfully implemented and assure the safety of these products. Because our agencies have the statutory authority necessary to appropriately regulate cell-cultured food products derived from livestock and poultry the Administration does not believe that legislation on this topic is necessary.” The public comment period has been extended to Dec. 26. Visit http://www.regulations. gov and follow the online instructions for submitting comments to docket FSIS–2018– 0036.
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Livestock Market Digest
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December 15, 2018
Court Expands Beef Checkoff Lawsuit BY CAROL RYAN DUMAS, CAPITAL PRESS
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U.S. District Court in Montana has granted R-CALF USA’s motion to expand its lawsuit against USDA over the constitutionality of the beef checkoff to include 13 states in addition to Montana. That court previously granted a preliminary injunction prohibiting USDA from compelling cattle producers in Montana to pay checkoff money to fund the Montana Beef Council without obtaining producers’ consent. R-Calf argues that action violates the First Amendment because state beef councils are private entities funding private speech that cattle producers disagree with and cannot influence. Because USDA has no role in directly supervising the councils, R-CALF argues their promotions do not constitute government speech, which is exempt from the First Amendment. The lawsuit now also applies to checkoff funding for state beef councils in Hawaii, Indiana, Kansas, Nebraska, Nevada, New York, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, South Dakota, Texas, Vermont, and Wisconsin. Morris’ ruling doesn’t apply the temporary injunction in ef-
fect in Montana to those states. But if R-CALF is successful in seeking a permanent injunction, it would likely apply to the additional states, R-CALF stated in a press release. R-CALF’s members, including those in the 14 states included in the lawsuit, object to both the beef checkoff’s messaging and the fact that state beef councils are entirely unaccountable, R-CALF stated in court papers. It alleges checkoff money is used to undermine independent cattle producers by promoting multinational beef companies. Checkoff dollars are regularly used to promote a false equivalency between domestic and imported beef because this allows multinational beef companies to import cheaper beef and pass it off to consumers at the same price as domestic beef – but with wider margins, R-CALF stated in court papers. “This reduces the amount of beef purchased from domestic independent cattle producers and the prices they receive for their products,” it stated. National Cattlemen’s Beef Association was quick to respond to the court’s ruling, stating R-CALF’s allegations are without merit and only serve to divide beef producers and distract beef councils from building demand for beef. The Federation of State Beef
Councils is a division of NCBA. “The simple fact is that regular audits of the beef checkoff and NCBA have found both to be compliant with the laws governing the checkoff,” Kendal Frazier, NCBA’s CEO, said In addition, two audits conducted by the USDA’s Office of Inspector General have also come back clean. R-CALF’s accusations to the contrary are false, he said. “R-CALF has become nothing but a front group for activists seeking to divide the industry, lessen beef demand and drive producers out of business,” he said. One of R-CALF’s attorneys on the case is David Muraskin, an attorney with Public Justice who focuses on litigation to promote sustainable alternatives to industrial animal agriculture, according to Public Justice’s website. NCBA claims that R-CALF also has ties with HSUS, Food and Water Watch and other animal-rights and vegetarian activists groups seeking to drive cattle producers out of business. Bill Bullard, R-CALF CEO, said he isn’t surprised by NCBA’s response. “We are directly threatening their money train,” he said. NCBA receives $10 million in checkoff money each year to fund the Federation of State Beef Councils, he said.
State Beef Councils Join R-CALF USA’s Beef Checkoff Lawsuit
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he District Court for the District of Montana has allowed the Montana Beef Council, Nebraska Beef Council, Pennsylvania Beef Council, Texas Beef Council, and three individuals to join in R-CALF USA’s beef checkoff lawsuit, a request made with R-CALF USA’s consent. The lawsuit was recently expanded to include 15 state beef councils, including those now joined as parties. R-CALF USA explained in its response to the intervention request that the intervening state councils’ statement to the court confirm the beef checkoff program is being administrated in an unconstitutional manner, violating producers’ First Amendment rights. However, R-CALF USA stated it agreed to them entering the case so the court can have a full record of how the checkoff money is spent by these private entities. In their request to join the case, the beef councils argued they are entitled to join because
their interests in accessing and using beef checkoff money are different from those of the government. They explained they are entitled to retain “state-specific control” over the checkoff money, where the state activities are directed by a non-governmental board, without committing to input from all producers. R-CALF USA stated this is in direct contradiction to the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA’s) statements that it remedies the earlier constitutional problems with the beef checkoff program by requiring all councils to subject themselves to USDA review. R-CALF USA also explained that for the beef checkoff program to be constitutional it must only produce government speech, which is speech controlled by the federal government, not subject to local or state control by nongovernmental entities. Therefore, R-CALF USA stated it would agree to the councils entering the case
because their statements are proof that the councils are using producers’ checkoff tax dollars to fund private speech. As one example, R-CALF USA pointed out that the government did not agree to the councils’ request to join the case as parties. Yet, the councils have expended checkoff taxes to do just that. The case will now go forward with the councils as intervening-Defendants. “This will allow R-CALF USA to uncover how the councils decide to expend checkoff dollars, helping producers be better informed about how their money is used or misused by the state beef councils,” said R-CALF USA CEO Bill Bullard. Attorneys for R-CALF USA include lead counsel David Muraskin, a Food Project Attorney at Public Justice, J. Dudley Butler of Butler Farm and Ranch Law Group, PLLC, and Bill Rossbach of Rossbach Law, P.C. in Missoula, Montana.
Arizona Cowboy Wins 2018 New Mexico-Arizona Hillerman Award Ed Ashurst: Biographer of the American Cowboy
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uthor and rancher, Ed Ashurst, and his novel Stealin’ From The Neighbors were awarded the Hillerman award at the New Mexico-Arizona Book Awards banquet held November 16, 2018 in Albu-
querque, New Mexico. Stealin’ From The Neighbors is a coming of age novel, set in the area around Prescott and Seligman, Arizona. Tommy Lee, not quite 18, shows up at a real cow outfit the morning after his high school graduation ceremony. He’s long on cowboy skills but short on social skills, and his job
on the Cow Creek Ranch will put him in situations for which he’s not prepared. Wanting to make a hand and be somebody, Tommy throws in with some very experienced older men who aren’t afraid to use their knowledge and expertise to gain wealth quickly. According to Ashurst,
“There’s nothing far-fetched about this story – you might even say it’s dangerously close to the truth.” Ed Ashurst is the perfect person to write this story. Born in Wickenberg, Arizona, he is a working cowboy who has ridden and gathered cattle and horses on over seven thousand miles of
the American West, while accumulating over 50 years of experience as a big ranch cowboy. He currently manages a large cattle ranch in southeastern Arizona. Ashurst has also been involved in producing rodeos, horse shows and horse sales, and continued on page eleven
December 15, 2018
Livestock Market Digest
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7th Annual American Akaushi Association Convention held in San Marcos Bubba Bain retires as Executive Director, Kaci Carrales named new Executive Director
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he 2018 “Moving On” American Akaushi Association Convention was recently held October 26-28, 2018 at the Embassy Suites Conference Center in San Marcos, Texas. The annual gathering featured some 275 Akaushi enthusiasts, breeders and many other allied industry partners. All in attendance enjoyed an informative and eye opening “ranch to table” experience beginning with a tour of Sysco Central Texas headquarters in New Braunfels. Sysco is one of the largest distributors of HeartBrand’s Certified Akaushi Beef. The convention theme “Moving On”, was further enhanced with several selective educational program sessions presented by both the American Akaushi Association and HeartBrand Beef. Speakers included: Colin
Woodall - NCBA, Dr. Stephen Smith - Texas A & M , Lisa Bard - Blue Print Media, John Genho - Livestock Genetics Services, Dr. Matt Spangler - University of Nebraska , Dr. Elisa Marques - AgFront, Bubba & Janie Bain American Akaushi Association, Ronald Beeman, HeartBrand Beef. As a featured part of the presentation by John Genho, two new performance index measurements were introduced for use by Akaushi breeders. These new indexes will measure Carcass Composition Value and Growth Value Index. Genho explained the Carcass Composition Value is measured via ribeye, backfat and marbling. The Growth Value Index is measured via birth weight, weaning weight, milk and carcass weight. “We also tried some new technology at our event this year with great success and it provided instant responses from the audience using an internet based system called Mentimeter. No doubt, the questions
and information we posed to the crowd gave us some credible and instant results that I know will be of benefit to Kaci Carrales, new Executive Director and the future of the association,” said former Executive Director, Bubba Bain. Several awards are presented annually at the convention including the 2018 “Securing the Legacy” Award. This unique award is given to the individual, family, or ranch each year that has provided key leadership and marketing efforts for the American Akaushi. Rancho Espuela, Fort Davis, Texas owned by Jim Dyer and family, was selected to receive the 2018 “Securing the Legacy” award. Another prestigious award named “Prime Plus” was presented by Jordan Beeman, President of HeartBrand Beef to Taco Deli of Austin, Texas. This award highlights an individual or company that has been supportive of the Akaushi breed, American Akaushi Association,
promotes Beef in a positive manner, and actively markets Beef as HeartBrand or Certified Akaushi Beef. The inaugural Hall of Fame awards were presented to recognize and honor the exceptional men and women who have made outstanding contributions to the American Akaushi Association and the Akaushi breed. The Class of 2018 includes Ronald Beeman, Bill Fielding, Lanny Binger, Elgin Breeding Service and Ernie Gill. “All of these awards made it an exciting night and the special slide presentation for Janie and I was a very special moment of recognition for our family and years in the cattle industry. Definitely a night we will always remember,” Bain said. The annual banquet also featured keynote speaker, Paul Marchant of The Progressive Cattleman with some great stories of his travels in and out of the Beef business. Other popular convention activities included a Trade
Show, Taste of Akaushi Dinner, “S’mores the Merrier” around the campfire, fun auction, and Country Church. “With the torch passed to me, I am excited for the future of the American Akaushi Association and will do everything possible to continue and expand the momentum and positive influence the Akaushi breed has established in the Beef industry,” said Kaci Carrales, newly appointed Executive Director. The American Akaushi Association and Certified Akaushi Beef is a proven model for higher grading quality carcasses with increased profit potential in the Beef business. Certified Akaushi Beef adds even more integrity with DNA Source Verification so breeders build herds confidently and consumers achieve healthier lifestyles with Nature’s Healthy Beef®.
Grizzly Debate Reignites Question of Game & Fish Revenue BY KAMILA KUDELSKA / NATURAL RESOURCES & ENERGY, THE MODERN WEST
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fter a controversial year, the Yellowstone grizzlies are back on the Threatened Species List. The issue is frustrating to state officials because the state has to fund the majority of grizzly management. Contrary to what many people think, animals under Endangered Species Act protections are not fully funded by the federal government but by the state in which the species lives. Brian Nesvik, the Wyoming Game & Fish Department Chief Game Warden, said the department has spent over $50 million managing the animal since the grizzly bear was put on the list almost 40 years ago. “It comes from the commission’s budget, and the Wyoming & Fish Commission budget is about 75 percent hunter and angler dollars,” said Nesvik. Nesvik said the federal government only contributes about five percent of the funding toward the grizzlies’ recovery, which means Wyoming hunters and anglers foot the bill. “Thanks to their efforts the species has recovered. There is….there’s extra bears, there’s opportunity.” That opportunity? Hunting.
Jackson resident Lisa Robertson is a wildlife advocate. She said federal protections for the grizzly are not just a Wyoming issue. “It doesn’t fly anymore with the public,” said Robertson. “The tourists that came here that watch animals do not want to see those animals trophy hunted for any reason.” Robertson said the “Shoot’em with a Camera” initiative where thousands of people applied for grizzly bear hunt licenses to hunt with a camera proves that there is a group of people who are willing to contribute to the department but don’t want to hunt or fish. “They [Game and Fish] need to respond to those people and react. What are they going to do with these people now that are signing up to be involved or to donate to projects that are not related to trophy hunting?” said Robertson. The current funding model for wildlife management is known as the North American Model of Wildlife Conservation. It is a set of principles that have been followed since President Teddy Roosevelt’s time, and it basically says it’s necessary to protect wildlife to ensure a viable population to fish and hunt. This includes hunter and angler license fees but also federal excise taxes on hunting and fish-
ARIZONA COWBOY has competed in the rodeo arena for over 50 years. His books are about his life’s experiences covering different aspects and scenes that race across his vivid memory and water his fertile imagination. All he has written originates from stories that are well worn from being told many times. In addition to his own experience, Ashurst is also becoming well known for his biographies, written about cowboys and ranchers throughout the
ing equipment. For Joe Kondelis, the president of the Western Bear Foundation, this model works, but he also agrees that the Game & Fish Department needs more diverse funding. However, he is worried that allowing non-consumptive users will change the way things are done in Wyoming. “Why else would they want to spend the money?” he asked. “They want to spend money to influence decisions. That’s it.” Ryan Lance, the chairman of the governor’s task force on fish and wildlife funding, said it’s a tricky issue since licenses don’t generate enough revenue since Game & Fish manages more than just game species. “If we’re going to be able to maintain state lands, if you’re going to be able to maintain an enhanced recreational opportunity in the state, there’s going to have to be a broader pool of funds to draw from,” Lance said. Lance said it’s been difficult to find consensus on a solution, noting that excise taxes on outdoor equipment and non-consumptive user conservation stamps are among the suggestions to generate revenue. The legislature has not been part of the solution. It has rejected using additional state general fund money for Game and Fish,
and in 2017 it cut existing state funds and increased all license fees to compensate. State Representative Albert Sommers said Game and Fish does need new revenue sources. “I do believe there are certain issues out there, certain species that because of court cases and national attention on them, there should be national dollars put towards them,” said Sommers. The Wyoming legislature passed a resolution last legislative session asking the National Park Service and neighboring states to look at creating a wildlife user fee for people that enter Yellowstone National Park so that they can possibly get those federal dollars. But while Sommers wants the federal government to contribute, he doesn’t want Wyoming to lose control of management.
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West, such as Warner Glenn and Charlie Gould. Red Stegall has featured Ashurst’s books on his television program Somewhere West of Wallstreet and as well as his radio shows. Ashurst believes that storytelling is an art form that is no less important than painting or sculpting, and people say that his books read as if the storyteller is there. He is truly earning the title of the biographer of the American cowboy.
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Page 12
Livestock Market Digest
December 15, 2018
it’s called
heterosis. Beefmaster Calf, West Texas
A lot of ranchers are missing the benefits of heterosis – or hybrid vigor – and the opportunity to produce calves like this.
“The Beefmaster calves we have marketed appear to outperform our straightbred calves about 75 to 100 pounds. That’s like getting about an extra calf for every eight calves you produce — for free! We’ve been real pleased with that on the steer calves we go to town with.” – Dr. Bob Evans, Tecumseh, Okla.
And on top of losing calf performance, they’ve sacrificed health, fertility, survivability, longevity and feed efficiency. Indeed, the Beefmaster is an American original, the first breed designed to infuse maximum retained heterosis into cow herds. So if you’re giving up ground in the traits that matter — and want to raise calves that look like this — take a look at a Beefmaster bull.
Beefmaster: Built for Heterosis.
210.732.3132 • beefmasters.org