The Red Angus Difference Makes a Big Impact in the Flint Hills

by Brandi Buzzard Frobose, Editor and Director of Communications

The Tallgrass Prairie once covered more than 170 million acres of North America, stretching from North Dakota to mid-central Texas, teeming with waving grasses, wildlife and breathtaking scenery. Over the past several decades, lands that were once home to millions of ranging buff alo have been cultivated into crop ground to feed a growing population.

Today, a mere 4% of the Tallgrass Prairie remains intact, mostly in the Flint Hills of Kansas. It’s there, in the heart of cattle country, north of Emporia, Kansas, one  nds Keith Cattle Co..

Justin and Kelsey Keith, along with their son Bodie, are the second and third generations of ranchers at Keith Cattle Co., which was founded by Justin’s dad, Brian, in 1987 as a preconditioning yard. In 1998, a cowcalf segment was added, composed primarily of Angus and Angus-cross mama cows, and when Justin returned from college in 2008, he took on a larger role in the operation.

Fast-forward to 2019, after a wedding in 2015 and welcoming Bodie in 2016, and Justin and Kelsey bought their own piece of land and launched their own venture by purchasing several bred heifers from a seedstock and heifer development  rm. They’ve been smiling ever since.

Easy Does It

“We wanted to do something different, and we were drawn to Red Angus because of their smaller frame size, lower inputs and easier maintenance. Now that we’ve had them for a few years, we appreciate them for all of the above plus their extreme docility. Hands down,” said Justin.

“They are so easy to work with and they want to make our job easier, which has been a surprise bene t,” added Kelsey, who asserts that docility is a must for their family, as Bodie is nearly always at their side when working with cattle.

In fact, when it comes to the “chopping list,” as Justin puts it, disposition is a big reason for culling. “If they don’t want to be gentle, they’re gone,” and subsequently, they haven’t had to cull one for disposition since starting their Red Angus herd.

The Keiths run their herd on fescue and native grass year-round, managing their forage through two-week periods of rotational grazing. The herd is wintered on dormant hay meadow and then returns to the hills in the spring.

Approximately three weeks before calving, cows start receiving a ration of distillers and silage to increase their energy. Heifers start calving in the middle of February and are checked frequently, around the clock. Last year, Kelsey’s job at the Lyon/ Chase County USDA Farm Service

The Keith family was drawn to Red Angus for their smaller frame size, lower inputs and easier maintenance.

Agency offi ce moved to telework, which continued on through the front part of 2021 and allowed her to help more intensely with the calving checks.

When the cows start dropping calves, the herd checks pull back to twice per day. Justin does a sweep in the morning and when Kelsey  nishes her workday, the whole family checks and tags together in the evening, which is an ideal situation for everyone involved.

The Keiths retained all their heifers from the 2020 calf crop and will do so for the 2021 calf crop, as well. They are excited to calve their  rst group of replacements in the spring of 2022, to evaluate how their breeding decisions played out.

The entirety of the Keith’s herd was purchased as AI bred in 2019, however, they have exclusively bull bred their females for the past two breeding seasons. The Keiths invest in high quality Red Angus bulls for their Red Angus females. “All of it.” That’s what Justin says they are looking for in their bull purchases. “We’re focused on HerdBuilder and how that relates to cow size. We don’t want a bull whose mama was too big, which translates to him being too big. We don’t want to feed a bunch of big cows.” “We chose Red Angus because their frame size is smaller than black Angus and we want to keep them that way,” added Kelsey.

Docility is a must because son Bodie is often by their side, but Keiths haven’t culled one for poor disposition since starting their Red Angus herd in 2019.

Good Cows = Good Steers

When September arrives, the Keiths market all their steer calves through

the Emporia Livestock Sales auction market. Calves are 90 days weaned, bunk broke in the family’s preconditioning yard and have received two rounds of vaccinations. At branding, they receive Inforce 3 and Cavalry 9, and at weaning, they receive Dectomax, Safeguard and one shot of BVD. The Keiths have also adopted the trademark Feeder Calf Certi cation Program, more commonly known as the “yellow tag” program. “We really value the FCCP because it enhances our marketing options and gives us a leg to stand on,” said Kelsey. “Buyers are looking for security – they want to know what they’re buying and for a minimal input cost we can provide that. The FCCP enhances the relationship between buyers and sellers.” “You need good cows to raise good steers,” attest Justin and Kelsey, which is why they are focused on raising good heifers to build their herd. “We like the size of our cows and subsequently the size of our calves. Big babies take more energy to get up and moving, and when it’s cold, there’s no time for that.”

Ranching for the Future

The Keiths, who embrace unique opportunities, are looking toward the future and how they will manage their land and herd in the coming years. Part of that entails the possi-“Buyers are looking bility of introducfor security. The ing grazing sheep into their operaFCCP enhances the tion to help with relationship between the containment of forbs, primarily buyers and sellers.” sericea lespedeza. While forbs are a high-protein component of the prairie ecosystem, ask any rancher their candid thoughts and the phrases “nuisance” and “thorn in my side” are bound to arise. “Sheep will eat what cattle leave behind and prefer forbs over grass. If we add sheep to the equation, we don’t have to spend as much time spraying for sericea. They can be symbiotic with our pastures and cows,” explained Justin. “I don’t want to be known as a sheep rancher in the beef industry, but I do want to be known as someone who cares about the land,” he concluded. The Keiths are unwavering in their commitment to preserving the land they manage and they believe that Red Angus are key to that mission but they are also adamant that they Vigor and vitality in young calves is important during cold weather.

are just one family doing their best to follow their dreams.

“I don’t need an award or recognition, but when someone drives by, I want them to do a double-take and say ‘Whoa, what are they doing? Because that looks good,’” said Justin.

Bodie, the future of the ranch, maintains that he can’t wait to grow up and partner on some Red Angus cows with his parents. And with the plans the Keith family has laid for the future, who can blame him?

Red Angus cattle are key to Keith Cattle Company’s mission of preserving the land they manage in the Tallgrass Prairie of the Flint Hills.

Red Angus Adds Dylan Laverell as Summer Marketing Intern

Dylan Laverell, Laramie, Wyoming, will be serving the Red Angus Association of America as the summer intern as part of the commercial marketing team. He will be assisting with herd visits and conducting  eld audits as required for the breed’s Feeder Calf Certi cation Program.

“We are pleased to have Dylan as an intern with Red Angus. His livestock knowledge and people skills make him a natural  t for this internship, where he will visit commercial ranches actively utilizing Red Angus value-added programs,” said Harold Bertz, RAAA commercial marketing director.

Laverell grew up involved in projects and leadership within 4-H and FFA. Additionally, he was active on his county livestock judging team and judged at various national contests. Laverell also started his own Red Angus herd and through  rst-hand experience has developed a deep appreciation for the cattle, as well as Red Angus breeders.

He is currently a junior at the University of Wyoming, majoring in animal science and has been a member of the wool and meat animal evaluation teams. Additionally, he serves as an undergraduate teaching assistant, coaches the wool judging team and is a member of both the Wyoming Collegiate Cattlemen and Collegiate Woolgrowers clubs. After graduation, he plans to attend graduate school to study ruminant nutrition to prepare him for a career as an Extension specialist.

“I look forward to meeting Red Angus producers in my area and working with Red Angus staff , all while having a great summer internship!” said Laverell.

Laverell will be responsible for scheduling audits for the Feeder Calf Certi cation Program to satisfy USDA requirements for participating ranches. He will be primarily calling on farmers, ranchers and feedlots throughout Wyoming, Montana and Colorado, as well as assisting the Red Angus marketing team with other commercial marketing activities as needed. He will also attend summer video sales promoting Red Angus value-added programs.

Laverell

Keynote Speakers Announced, Registration Open for National Red Angus Convention

“Cowboy Ninja” Lance Pekus

Carey Portell

Cattle enthusiasts are in for a rousing lineup of speakers at the upcoming 68th annual National Red Angus Convention, set for Sept. 15-17 in Boise, Idaho. Featured during convention will be “Cowboy Ninja” Lance Pekus who has gained fame on America’s Ninja Warrior; farmer and motivational speaker Carey Portell; and sixth-generation rancher and health advocate Kiah Twisselman Burchett.

“We are looking forward to our Boise convention in September, and are super excited about the lineup of speakers we have joining us, “ said Tom Brink, RAAA CEO. “When they take the podium, these speakers will be fun, informative and challenging, and will add tremendously to our event.”

The ever-popular Women’s Symposium on Wednesday, Sept. 15, will feature Kiah Twisselman Burchett, a sixth-generation California rancher who helps others in their journey to health and happiness by teaching the mental tools it takes to reach their goals. Burchett doesn’t promote fad diets or restrictive eating plans, rather she promotes the mental skills needed to dispel a negative mindset that holds people back from happiness while also sharing how beef can be incorporated into a healthy lifestyle. Burchett has been featured on Good Morning America, the Kelly Clarkson Show and in People Magazine for her empowering message.

Carey Portell kicks off the second day of the National Red Angus Convention on Thursday, Sept. 16. Portell is a farmer who has inspired thousands to change their perspectives by sharing her triumphs and challenges of her four-year recovery of being a survivor of a drunk driver. Receiving disabling injuries, Portell has become an expert of breaking through limitations. Her journey is compelling, humbling, shared with gut-wrenching honesty and inspires the audience to take action through their adversity and instead of “surviving,” learn to thrive.

Lance Pekus, best known as the “Cowboy Ninja” during his appearances during several seasons on NBC’s American Ninja Warrior and Spartan’s Ultimate Team Challenge, is an Idaho rancher that has found his passion in obstacle racing. Pekus spends his days ranching with his in-laws while  nding unique ways to train for warrior competitions that are part of everyday ranch life. Pekus will share his experiences of overcoming obstacles in life and on the ninja warrior course with attendees on Friday, Sept. 17, during the general session.

Other exciting events to be held during convention are several educational workshops addressing topics from generational transfer to leveraging leadership to building a brand online. Also on the program are the annual Red Angus Foundation Inc. live auction and the prestigious Red Angus awards banquet.

Registration is now open for the National Red Angus Convention in Boise, Idaho. For a full agenda and to register, please visit RedAngus.org. For media inquiries or more information, contact Brandi Buzzard Frobose, RAAA director of communications, at brandi@redangus.org.

Colorado Supreme Court Unanimously Agrees PAUSE Act Can’t Advance

by AGDAILY Staff, originally from AGDAILY

Colorado’s anti-animal-agriculture proposal known as Initiative 16, originally called the Protect Animals from Unnecessary Suff ering and Exploitation (PAUSE) Act, received a devastating legal blow last month — one that farmers and ranchers are celebrating. In a 7-0 decision, the Colorado Supreme Court ruled that the State Title Board incorrectly gave a green light to Initiative 2020-21 #16, an unprecedented measure that would have criminalized farming and ranching practices across the state.

The proposed initiative sought to criminalize accepted veterinary and animal husbandry practices – such as arti cial insemination and pregnancy checks – that would have eff ectively destroyed the $5 billion livestock production and agriculture industry in Colorado. However, after the ruling, Colorado ranchers and veterinarians are able to continue proven animal health practices – at least for now.

According to the Colorado Livestock Association, “The Title Board must decide if a proposed initiative consists of just one subject and, if it does, set a fair and accurate ballot title. The Court held that Initiative #16 contained multiple subjects and, given its complexity, could mislead voters when they cast their ballots. The Court vacated the title and remanded to the Board with instructions to return the Initiative to its proponents for lack of jurisdiction because the single subject requirement was not satis ed.”

Colorado Farm Bureau said, “The Supreme Court ruling on Initiative 16 is not only a massive win for the members of Coloradans for Animal Care but the entire state. Initiative 16 was one of the most radical ballot initiatives this state has ever seen. Had it passed, it would have ended animal agriculture, rodeos, dog shows and much more.”

“This sends a strong message to the supporters of this measure that multiple subjects and in ammatory language will not be accepted. The coalition will continue to monitor any new initiatives  led by the proponents of this measure. We are hopeful that these kinds of extreme initiatives stop here.”

Colorado’s Cattlemen Association said, “Great job Coloradans for Animal Care. We are proud of our team and counsel. In a 7-0 decision, the Colorado Supreme Court decided that Initiative #16 violates the single subject requirement by combining together the treatment of livestock and changing the laws relating to sexual abuse of all animals.”

“If the proponents want to try again, they’ll have to redraft their measure, submit it to legislative council, wait two weeks for their hearing, submit the new measure to Title Board, wait about another two weeks for a Title Board hearing, etc. etc.”