Oct. 2016 Cattlemen's News

OCTOBER 2016

VOLUME 20 | ISSUE 3

Celebrating Farm-hers • 5 Tips

to Stay Out of the Red

• Managing

During Lean Times

• Top Programs

for Farm Records

SPRINGFIELD, MO Permit #96 P O Box 634 Carthage, MO 64836

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OCTOBER 2016

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Field Representatives

VIEW FROM THE BLOCK

W

e sure never thought we would see slaughter cattle under 110 this fall, but we’ve already traded them at 105. With the ample feed supply, everyone is dragging their feet on marketing. We have to keep selling our fat cattle because if the market gets backlogged like it did a year ago, the situation will get really ugly in a hurry. The calf market depends on whether or not fat cattle trade stays current. If you take a look at the futures market for next summer, you can understand why some of the yearlings are losing their value in a hurry. If we see a lot of big runs, the scenario could get even worse.

Right now it seems the only thing optimistic is the amount of inexpensive feed available.

This isn’t the time of year when we see the market gain a lot of momentum so overall we’re just looking at a market that’s going to be pretty tough.

Calves must be weaned and vaccinated to have any value later on in the year. I think the value-added program is the way to go so the health of the cattle will be good for the rest of the supply chain. Oct. 18 is the wean date for our Dec. 1 value-added feeder cattle sale.

As much as we’d all like to think it’s is going to get better, we are in a down trending market. Right now it’s all about doing your homework and managing your cattle to the best of your ability to reap any extra profit out of them.

Mark your calendar for Oct. 22. That’s our monthly special cow and bull sale. Fall and the Ozark Fall Farmfest is upon us. We hope you will stop and visit with us about your livestock marketing needs.

Good luck and God bless.

Jackie

Bailey Moore: Granby, MO M(417)540-4343

Skyler Moore: Mount Vernon, MO M(417)737-2615

ARKANSAS Dolf Marrs: Hindsville, AR H(479)789-2798, M(479)790-2697

MISSOURI Dan Haase: Pierce City, MO M(417)476-2132

Billy Ray Mainer: Branch, AR M(479)518-6931

Jim Hacker: Bolivar, MO H(417)326-2905, M(417)328-8905

Jr. Smith: Melbourne, AR M(870-373-1150

Bruce Hall: Mount Vernon, MO M(417)466-5170

Kent Swinney: Gentry, AR H(479)736-4621, M(479)524-7024

Mark Harmon: Mount Vernon, MO M(417)316-0101

KANSAS Chris Martin (Video Rep): Alma, KS M(785)499-3011

Bryon Haskins: Lamar, MO M(417)850-4382

Alice Myrick: Mapleton, KS H(620)743-3681, M(620)363-0740 Bob Shanks: Columbus, KS H(620)674-3259, M(620)674-1675 LOUISIANA James Kennedy: DeRidder, LA M(337)274-7406 CATTLE RECEIVING STATION OKLAHOMA Russell Boles: Watson, OK M(903)276-1544 Chester Palmer: Miami, OK H(918)542-6801, M(918)540-4929 John Simmons: Westville, OK M(918)519-9129, M(417)310-6348 Shane Stierwalt: Shidler, OK M(918)688-5774 Troy Yoder: Chouteau, OK M(918)640-8219 MISSOURI Rick Aspegren: Mountain Grove, MO M(417)547-2098 Clay Barnhouse: Bolivar, MO M(417)777-1855 Sherman Brown: Marionville, MO H(417)723-0245, M(417)693-1701

Mark Henry: Hurley, MO H(417)369-6171, M(417)464-3806 J.W. Henson: Conway, MO H(417)589-2586, M(417)343-9488 CATTLE RECEIVING STATION Joe David Hudson: Jenkins, MO H(417)574-6944, M(417)-342-4916 Steve Hunter: Jasper, MO H(417)525-4405, M(417)439-1168 Larry Jackson: Carthage, MO H(417)358-7931, M(417)850-3492 Jim Jones: Crane, MO H(417)723-8856, M(417)844-9225 Chris Keeling: Purdy, MO M(417)860-8941 Kelly Kissire: Anderson, MO H(417)845-3777, M(417)437-7622 Larry Mallory: Miller, MO H(417)452-2660, M(417)461-2275 Kenny Ogden: Lockwood, MO H(417)537-4777, M(417)466-8176 Jason Pendleton: Stotts City, MO M(417)437-4552 Charlie Prough: El Dorado Springs, MO H(417)876-4189, M(417)876-7765

Joel Chaffin: Ozark, MO M(417)299-4727

Dennis Raucher M(417)316-0023

Rick Chaffin: Ozark, MO H(417)485-7055, M(417)849-1230

Russ Ritchart: Jasper, MO M(417)483-3295

Jack Chastain: Bois D’Arc, MO H(417)751-9580, M(417)849-5748

Lonnie Robertson: Galena, MO M(417)844-1138

Ted Dahlstrom, DVM: Staff Vet Stockyards (417)548-3074 Office (417)235-4088

Alvie Sartin: Seymour, MO M(417)840-3272 CATTLE RECEIVING STATION

Tim Durman: Seneca, MO H(417) 776-2906, M(417)438-3541

Jim Schiltz: Lamar, MO H(417)884-5229, M(417)850-7850

Jerome Falls: Sarcoxie, MO H(417)548-2233, M(417)793-5752

David Stump: Jasper, MO H(417)537-4358, M(417)434-5420

Skyler Fisher: Collins, MO M(417) 298-9051 CATTLE RECEIVING STATION

Matt Sukovaty: Bolivar, MO H(417)326-4618, M(417)399-3600

Nick Flannigan: Fair Grove, MO M(417)316-0048 Kenneth & Mary Ann Friese: Friedheim, MO H(573)788-2143, M(573)225-7932 CATTLE RECEIVING STATION Fred Gates: Seneca, MO H(417)776-3412, M(417)437-5055 Brent Gundy: Walker, MO H(417)465-2246, M(417)321-0958

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Doc Haskins: Diamond, MO H(417)325-4136, M(417)437-2191

Brandon Tichenor: Fairview, MO M(417)540-4717 Mike Theurer: Lockwood, MO H(417)232-4358, M(417)827-3117 Tim Varner: Washburn, MO H(417)826-5645, M(417)847-7831 OFFICE: (417)548-2333 Sara Engler VIDEO CATTLE PRODUCTION Matt Oschlaeger: Mount Vernon, MO M(417)466-8438 OCTOBER 2016

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inside this issue About the Cover

Learn how Christi Pilger, Michelle Roberts and Melissa Spinks chart their own course in the ag industry. See stories on pages 28, 30 and 34. — Cover photos by Rebecca Mettler, Joann Pipkin and Austin Black.

Features 14 22 28 30 34 36 39 46 48 52

Soften the Blow Identify Your Risks From Class to the Cattle Barn Finding Balance She Can Do It Finance Tips to Help You Stay Out of the Red 5 To Do’s Before Year End Money in the Bank The Job No One Wants to Do Inventory Critical When Purchasing Insurance

In Every Issue

88th

SOUTHWEST MISSOURI PERFORMANCE TESTED BULL SALE 7 p.m. • Monday October 31, 2016

Springfield Livestock Marketing Center Springfield, MO

SELLING 66 Bulls

54 Angus • 9 Hereford 2 Sim-Angus • 1 Charolais For a catalog contact Pam Naylor, Sale Mgr.

417.345.8330 www.swmobcia.com

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OCTOBER 2016

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View from the Block Beef in Brief On Target with Justin Sexten Health Watch with K-State’s Dr. David Rethorst Next Generation with Darren Frye Market Watch Event Roundup

Contact Us

Publisher/Advertising: Mark Harmon | Email: markh@joplinstockyards.com Phone: 417-548-2333 | Mobile: 417-316-0101 Fax: 417-548-2370 Editor/Design/Layout: Joann Pipkin | Email: editor@joplinstockyards.com Ad Deadline: 2nd Monday of Each Month for Next Month’s Issue Cattlemen’s News, PO Box 634, Carthage, MO 64836 www.joplinstockyards.com Subcription questions can be answered by calling 417-548-2333.

Although we strive to maintain the highest journalistic ethics, Joplin Regional Stockyards limits its responsibilities for any errors, inaccuracies or misprints in advertisements or editorial copy. Advertisers and advertising agencies assume liability for all content of advertisements printed, and also assume responsibility for any claims arising from such advertisement made against the Stockyards and/or its publication.

If you wish to discontinue a subscription to Cattlemen’s News, please send request or address label to: Cattlemen’s News - PO Box 634, Carthage, MO 64836

Cattlemen’s News, published by Joplin Regional Stockyards, is a nuts and bolts news magazine dedicated to helping cattle producers add value to their operations. From “how-to” articles to economics and industry trends, our mission is to put today’s producers in touch with the information and products that will make them profitable for tomorrow. Published monthly. Circulation 10,000.

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beef in brief Legislators Override Veto of Agriculture Disaster Bill Missouri lawmakers overrode Governor Jay Nixon’s veto of SB 641 during the veto session Sept. 14, 2016. The legislation, sponsored by Sen. Dave Schatz (R-26), exempts disaster payments received by farmers and ranchers during natural disasters from state income tax.

“In the rare occurrence disaster payments are issued, we want cattlemen to be able to use those dollars in their entirety and not have to worry about the government taxing those payments as income,” said Keith Stevens, president, Missouri Cattlemen’s Association. “This helps local economies and will help farmers and ranchers stay afloat when a disaster occurs.”

The measure cleared the House with 112 votes in favor, exceeding the 109 votes required for an override.

—Source: Missouri Cattlemen’s Association release.

Bayer, Monsanto Sign Agreement to Merge Bayer and Monsanto announced that they signed a definitive merger agreement under which Bayer will acquire Monsanto for $128 per share in an all-cash transaction.

The agreement brings together seed-leader Monsanto with Bayer’s broad crop protection product line. Growers are expected to benefit from a broad set of solutions to meet their current and future needs, including enhanced solutions in seeds and traits, digital agriculture and crop protection.

The acquisition is subject to customary closing conditions, including Monsanto shareholder approval of the merger agreement and receipt of required regulatory approvals. Closing is expected by the end of 2017.

—Source: Adapted from a release from Monsanto.

Missouri Lawmakers Override SB 844 The Missouri Cattlemen’s Association (MCA) called the override of SB 844 a victory for all cattle owners. The bill, which was vetoed by Governor Jay Nixon, was overridden by a 24-7 vote in the Senate and a 114-40 vote in the House. The legislation, sponsored by Sen. Mike Parson (R-28) and carried by Rep. Joe Don McGaugh (R-39), changes the law when livestock escape their confines.

“As the law stands now, the livestock owner is always guilty with no opportunity to prove otherwise. MCA supports changing the law where negligence must be proven,” said Stevens.

“If a drunk driver plows through a fence and causes cattle to escape, why in the world should the livestock owner be liable for damages caused by the livestock? The drunk driver should be held responsible. This is just one of many examples.”

Sen. Parson called the legislation “common sense reform.” He said farm and ranch families should not be strictly liable for damages in all circumstances.

—Source: Missouri Cattlemen’s Association release.

BQA Free Certification Through Nov. 13 The countdown has begun once again for beef and dairy producers to become Beef Quality Assurance (BQA)-certified for free online through Nov. 13.

Boehringer Ingelheim Vetmedica, Inc. will pick up the $25-$50 online training fee for every person completing BQA training through Nov. 13. That includes anyone who works with cattle – whether it is beef or dairy. Visit www.bqa.org to take advantage of the open certification period.

—Source: Adapted from a release from MyBeefCheckoff.com. www.joplinstockyards.com

OCTOBER 2016

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On Target

Ahead of the Curve Ball Weaning management, a year in advance Story By Justin Sexten

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f the spring-born calves aren’t weaned yet, then the time isn’t far away now that fall is here. This month we’ll look at recent research from Philipe Moriel and others at North Carolina State University (NCSU) on the role of maternal nutrition in calf performance and health.

Veterinarians and ranchers know healthy weaned calves begin with a well-vaccinated cowherd long before calving because high-quality colostrum minimizes disease exposure for nursing calves. All true, yes, but even the best established herd immunity can fall short if nutrition falls short in the days before calving.

Work from the 1970s told us calves born to nutrient-restricted cows were more likely to be treated for bovine respiratory disease (BRD) with

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greater death loss than calves from cows with adequate nutrition. More recent Nebraska field trials suggest protein supplementation to pregnant cows during the last trimester of gestation improves carcass quality grade and weights in steer progeny while decreasing puberty age and improving pregnancy rates in heifer calves compared to those from unsupplemented dams. These studies demonstrated the potential impact of extended nutrient restriction in late gestation.

Moriel’s work suggested an energy restriction of 30 percentage points for as little as 40 days would be sufficient to reduce calf growth and health after weaning. Now many weaning pens are full, and calves are on their way to realizing whatever potential they hold.

But, it won’t be long until the

first 2017 calves arrive, and it’s time to begin planning for a successful weaning next fall.

dam nutrient restriction. The short-term duration, 40 days, was suggested as the reason.

In the NCSU trial, mature Angus cows pregnant by embryo transfer, to eliminate calf genetic differences, were split into two groups at 8 months of gestation and fed either 100 percent of energy requirements or restricted to 70 percent of energy requirements.

Both groups received adequate protein, consistent with Eastern forage-based cow diets where energy is restricted but not protein. As expected, restricted cows lost more weight — 35 pounds — in those last 40 days before calving, but body condition scores were reduced only slightly, 0.25 units.

No differences were reported in gestation length, and pregnancy rates the next year were numerically greater for the restricted cows. That all goes to show cows might experience a significant nutrient restriction, unnoticed by changes in body condition or function.

Fetal growth isn’t the only important biological activity in the last trimester; let’s not forget colostrum development during the last month. Previous work suggests undernourished cows are unable to provide quality colostrum, so calves in this experiment were tested to determine if colostrum quality was sufficient to provide passive immunity. Regardless of the cow’s nutritional status in this experiment, all calves demonstrated adequate immunoglobulin levels for passive immunity.

Contrary to the researcher’s hypothesis and previous experiments, calf birth weight, pre- and post-weaning growth rates were not different due to

Calves were vaccinated 7 days after weaning and boostered 14 days later for respiratory and clostridial diseases, per a local pre-conditioning protocol. Still, no differences were present in titers for one species of bovine viral diarrhea (BVDV-2), or infectious bovine rhinotracheitis (IBRV) or parainfluenza3 (PI3) due to cow nutrition, but the study was about to hit pay dirt.

The calves from restricted cows expressed lower BVDV-1a titers, CONTINUED ON NEXT PAGE

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HELPING HANDS

An App for That MU web tool offers help for farmers, lenders and real estate professionals

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n improved online tool gives information from many sources on land tracts.

The free Ag Site Assessment Tool is a web application that offers data on physical, cultural and environmental characteristics of land. It is available at AgSite.missouri.edu.

Developed by University of Missouri Extension, the application pulls data from many sources into an easy-to-read report, says MU Extension Agricultural Economist Ray Massey.

AHEAD OF THE CURVE BALL • FROM PREVIOUS PAGE suggesting that 40-day energy restriction at the end of gestation suppressed vaccination-induced immunity. Lower concentrations of cortisol and haptoglobin, stress and infection indicators, were also observed in those calves, suggesting the endocrine stress response was also modified during gestation.

This report is a great example of the unseen but real effects from a short-term nutritional challenge at the ranch. In this case, the calves became predisposed to post-weaning illness further down the supply chain. We know health is one of the most important aspects of quality beef production, so begin making plans to give calves the best chance to stay healthy on your place, and beyond, by evaluating your cows’ nutrition now and before those last 40 days start ticking off.

—Justin Sexten is directory of outreach development for Certified Angus Beef.

Users can verify acreage, get legal descriptions and learn of risks that might affect property development such as the presence of wetlands, Massey says.

Farmers, investors, real estate professionals, lawyers and others can find many layers of public data easily, he says.

“Farmers, bankers and others can locate and outline fields from detailed aerial maps,” Massey says. “With the click of one button, you can get a report about soils, waters, how many people live near the property and other issues such as endangered species living on the land.”

Massey says the tool alerts users to risks that might limit land usage. They can verify if land is subject to the 2015 federal Clean Water Rule (“Waters of the United States”). The site also lists nearby watersheds, wetlands and ponds.

Recent additions include climate information and cropping history. Users who have not run a report in the last several months will benefit by updating their personal report, he says.

A video on using the tool is available at vimeo.com/159505362.

The MU Missouri Crop Resource Guide’s decision tools page, at crops.missouri. edu/tools, offers additional resources to help farmers reduce risk.

The North Central Extension Risk Management Education Center provided funding for website development.

—Source: University of Missouri Cooperative Media Group.

Get More for Your Cattle!

The commingling program at Joplin Regional Stockyards groups together cattle from producers into larger lots to offer buyers a greater selection.

Commingling Now Underway Arrive by 5 p.m. Sundays to commingle your feeder cattle.

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OCTOBER 2016

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HEALTH WATCH

Creating Value for Producers, Consumers Begin with good animal husbandry practices Story By David Rethorst for Cattlemen’s News

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reating value — profit — for beef producers is the art of managing the resources, land and cattle, that have been entrusted to our care in a manner that meets the wants and needs of the consumer — production of a product, beef, that they want and are willing to pay for. Today’s consumers, at least the vocal ones, are concerned about how we care for cattle, how we use antibiotics and the impact beef production has on the

environment. In other words, we need to practice good stewardship.

Stewardship is the careful and responsible management of something entrusted to one’s care. What a powerful definition! In the conversion of cellulose to high-quality red meat protein, also known as beef production, we have been entrusted with not only the careful and responsible management of our beef animals, but also that of the air, water, soil and grass that we use in the production of beef. Each time an animal in our care dies, not only is that animal’s life wasted, but also the natural resources that were utilized in getting the animal raised to that point in its life. The grass and water it took to get the cow pregnant and to carry the calf to term are wasted along with the resources used during the calf’s life. A certain amount of sick and dead cattle are inevitable in the production of beef. However, each sick or dead animal should be viewed as a failure in stewardship.

Plenty of opportunity exists to reduce the death loss, reduce the waste, and put more steaks, roasts, and hamburgers in the meat counter without increasing the size of the cowherd in the United States.

We have discussed the fact that the weaned calf crop in this country averages in the 80 percent range and the opportunity that exists to increase the beef supply through improving reproductive efficiency rather than increasing cow numbers. An even lower hanging fruit is reducing the weaning-associated sickness and death loss caused by respiratory disease.

The key for these changes is to make sure that we are performing basic animal husbandry practices very, very well rather than incorporating more vaccine and antibiotics. These practices include: • Ample supply of clean water; • Optimal nutrition; • Colostrum; • Shelter; • Biosecurity; • Low-stress management; • Parasite control; and • Vaccination.

A primary consideration is the nutritional management of the calf from conception to consumption. We are learning more each day about how optimal protein, energy and trace minerals during pregnancy affect the lifetime health and performance of the calf. Proper gestation nutrition, or fetal programming, allows a calf to express its full genetic potential.

The adoption of low-stress livestock handling methods is essential. This is a mindset change for many producers that pay large dividends. Low-stress management begins at birth and continues throughout the animal’s life.

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OCTOBER 2016

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CREATING VALUE FOR PRODUCERS, CONSUMERS FROM PREVIOUS PAGE

HELPING HANDS

Low-stress management deals with the manner in which cattle are weaned as well as how they are gathered, sorted and processed. Several low-stress weaning methods are available to choose from as an alternative to the abrupt weaning that has been used in the beef industry for many years. These include the two-step or nose flap method, fenceline weaning, the Hawaiian-trained weaning and the Australian yard weaning. All four incorporate low-stress handling into the weaning process.

Pregnancy Analytics Mobile App Launched

Low-stress management also involves getting calves castrated and dehorned at an early age. If these procedures do not occur until the calves are weaned or sold, it becomes a bigger animal welfare concern in addition to being a major stressor. Once again, we are trying to improve immune system function by dealing with these practices early rather than combining this stressor with weaning and transportation.

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Producers, veterinarians manage pregnancy diagnosis information on cattle herds he Beef Cattle Institute at Kansas State University is making it easier for producers and veterinarians to manage pregnancy diagnosis information with a new mobile app called Pregnancy Analytics.

CONTINUED ON PAGE 11

Weaning the calves on the farm or ranch of origin for 45 days before they are marketed is another way of reducing stress. Getting the separation stressor dealt with prior to shipping rather than compounding it with transportation greatly improves immune system function. In today’s market, ample opportunity exists to be paid well for the time and effort of weaning just from the gain on the calves from weaning to marketing.

Finally, we can talk about vaccines. Vaccination of the cows with IBR and BVD viral vaccines certainly plays a role in controlling respiratory disease in calves. If we have done everything right up to this point, simple vaccination programs work well to control respiratory disease because we have dealt with the major stressors and the two primary viral components of the disease.

Healthy calves are the result of doing even the small details extraordinarily well. This creates value for the cowcalf producer because the cattle have a more functional immune system, which is something the feedyard industry wants and is becoming more willing to pay for.

All segments of the beef industry are able to create value by reducing labor costs involved in treating sick animals, improved performance and reduced death loss.

This reduction in use of antibiotics and corresponding reduction in the chance of antibiotic resistance are both good in the eyes of our consumers. This approach reduces waste and allows for more efficient use of our natural resources. It is good stewardship. It is sustainable. It creates value for the producer and the consumer. —Source: Dr. David Rethorst is director of outreach for The Beef Cattle Insitute at Kansas State University.

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Lead by example

NEXT GENERATION

To complicate matters, asking the older generation about their plan can feel like a tough subject to bring up. We might worry that bringing up the subject could create tension or ignite any tensions that are already there.

Take Initiative in Planning for Your Farm’s Future Start by creating your own legacy plan Story By Darren Frye for Cattlemen’s News

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aving the opportunity to be part of your family’s farming operation can be both humbling and rewarding. It’s exciting to know you’re part of a family business, one that, in many cases, might have been operating for hundreds of years. There’s a rich history with a strong legacy — maybe it started with your grandparents or even earlier than that.

Of course, much joy can be found in working with family members to build a great farm operation together. But at the same time, if you’re the younger generation on the farm, you might have some anxiety or worry about the future. You might be thinking about the farm’s future and where it’s headed, as well as wondering about your own future there.

These worries can be multiplied if you know that the older generation hasn’t started a legacy plan for the future.

You might feel like it would be nearly impossible to make clear plans for your family’s future if you don’t yet know what Mom and Dad are planning to do with the farm.

If you’re a member of the younger generation, you might feel uncomfortable bringing up something that’s ultimately not your call since it’s the older generation’s decision about how they want to leave their legacy. But if your living is tied to the farm operation, then your future is bound up with it. It’s important for you to be asking these questions.

Here’s one way to approach it: Start working on your own personal legacy plan. Begin working with advisors and a knowledgeable ag estate planning attorney to get the ball rolling.

Then, you can show the older generation the planning that you are doing personally for your family. Explain that some gaps exist in the plan that you’re coming up with right now. These gaps are intentional because you’ll be filling them in with additional information as it becomes available, when Mom and Dad or the older generation starts to make plans.

Model the path Starting this planning shows that you’re being proactive about your own family’s future. You’re also modeling and demonstrating the right actions to take — in this case, getting started on a legacy plan.

Modeling these actions and this path can be very powerful. I have seen times where it leads the older generation to think about what they need to do, to start their own plans.

Getting started with your plan sends a powerful message of being proactive about the future. It’s true that none of us knows how much time we have left, even for those who are in relatively young families. Whether you’re in your 20s or 70s, getting the right legacy plans and legal documents in place now is critical. No one knows what might happen tomorrow.

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COMMUNICATE FARM’S TRANSITION FROM PREVIOUS PAGE

Gaining certainty Setting an example for the older generation can make all the difference as they watch the certainty and peace of mind you gain from getting plans in place for your family’s future. They see how they might experience similar feelings when they start their own planning efforts.

A lot of benefits exist in knowing what the plan for the farm’s future is, and ultimately what the legacy of the PREGNANCY APP FROM PAGE 9 Designed to serve as an instant data collection and analysis tool, the app will facilitate the transformation of data into actionable information for individual herds.

farm will be. That’s one of the areas we help farm families with. If you have questions or would like some help with how to do that effectively through strong family communication, you can talk with one of our legacy advisors.

Read the new issue of the Smart Series publication, which is about business ideas for today’s farm leader. This issue features the story of a farm family who is working on a legacy plan to keep the farm in the family while maintaining family harmony, items to consider as you select an estate planning attorney for your legacy plan, and how to work toward increasing your operation’s efficiency. Your free issue is available at: www.waterstreet.org/smartseries.

—Source: Darren Frye is President and CEO of Water Street Solutions, a farm consulting firm that helps farmers with the challenges they face in growing and improving their farms – including the challenge of transitioning the farming operation to the next generation. Contact them at waterstreet@waterstreet.org or call (866) 249-2528.

Not only will the app allow cattlemen to input records chute-side with ease, but it will also evaluate the success of the breeding program at the time that a herd is palpated and provide a benchmark for comparison against other herds in the region.

The app will accept the following information: • Pasture ID/herd name.

• Breed — up to three breeds, or other cow description.

• Cow ID. • Age. • Body condition score.

• Number of days bred.

From this, projected calving dates are generated, and graphs are created to display the distribution of the producer’s future calving season.

“The Pregnancy Analytics app offers easier data entry than using a pen and paper while providing the immediate data assessment and visualization of a chute-side computer,” said Robert Larson, the Roger E. and M. Elizabeth Coleman chair in food animal production medicine at Kansas State University’s College of Veterinary Medicine. “Additionally, the data and report can be emailed to the client or stored on the device, and the data can be converted to a spreadsheet for further appraisal.”

According to Brad White, interim director of the Beef Cattle Institute, or BCI, and professor of production medicine, this is the first of several interactive decision-making tools that will be designed for industry use.

“Veterinarians can use this app to convert pregnancy-check data to actionable information for their clients,” he said. “This is the first of several apps that BCI will be releasing to enhance decision-making by veterinarians and their beef clients.”

The Pregnancy Analytics app is available for download for Apple or Android markets. More information can be found at beefcattleinstitute.org, or contact 785564-7459 for assistance.

—Source: Kansas State University release. www.joplinstockyards.com

OCTOBER 2016

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TRENDING NOW

Scenes from the Southwest Missouri Beef, Forage Tour Photos By Jillian Campbell for Cattlemen’s News

Gary Fields (above left), a Cassville banker, explains the record-keeping features of Microsoft Office to tour members at Brooks-Lucas Cattle Company. The Southwest Missouri Cattlemen’s Association and University of Missouri Extension organized the tour, which visited three different beef operations in Barry County, Missouri.

Cassville veterinarian Dr. Voyd Brown (above center) discusses the proper operation of a hydraulic chute during the Southwest Missouri Beef and Forage Tour stop at the A&W Brooks Farm.

University of Missouri Extension Agronomy Specialist Tim Schnakenberg (above center) sweeps for Bermuda stem maggots at Anderson Ranch in Seligman, Missouri. The Anderson’s successfully use Bermudagrass on about 60 percent of their acreage. The Bermudagrass is stockpiled for grazing until December and interseeded with triticale in the fall for winter pasture.

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OCTOBER 2016

Will Knuckles, a University of Missouri Extension assistant, analyzes yellow sugarcane aphids found on a sweep by MU Extension Agronomist Tim Schnakenberg. The aphids made their presence in Missouri this fall. See related article on page 17 of this issue.

Southwest Missouri Beef and Forage Tour attendees analyzed a cornbased feed ration and discussed palatability at Schallert Brothers Farm in Purdy, Missouri. A grain mix plus fescue hay treated with anhydrous ammonia helps the Schallerts achieve average daily gain of 2.00 to 2.25 pounds per day on cattle. www.joplinstockyards.com

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13

TRENDING NOW

Soften the Blow Weaken fescue toxicosis with chemical seedhead suppression Story By Rebecca Mettler for Cattlemen’s News

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escue toxicosis costs the U.S. beef industry an estimated $1 billion annually.

Missouri is far from escaping its losses because the state is a part of the Fescue Belt. This section of the country also happens to be home to 20 to 25 percent of the U.S. beef cowherd, and consequently, a large number of cattle potentially suffering from the condition.

“My focus has been to develop management practices to mitigate fescue toxicosis,” said Glen Aiken, forage and animal production researcher with the United States Department of Agriculture-Animal Research Service. “Through a number of experiments, we have been focusing heavily on chemical suppression of seedheads.”

Most of Aiken’s research has focused on using Chaparral, a range and pasture herbicide, manufactured by Dow AgroSciences.

Before research results are noted, let’s review the key points of fescue toxicosis and its effects on cattle. The ill effects seen on animal performance are due to endophyte, a fungus. Endophyte-infected fescue produces ergovaline, a kind of ergot alkaloid, which makes the fescue plant so persistent. However, at the same time ergovaline leads to fescue toxicosis in animals grazing toxic fescue.

Fescue toxicosis affects the vascular system of the animal. It causes blood flow constriction to the animal’s extremities and external tissues, which causes a loss in the ability of the animal to thermo- regulate, thus becoming vulnerable to heat stress. On top of the heat stress, serum prolactin, which is a hormone that aids in restricting hair growth in the warmer temperatures, is significantly lower in cattle grazing endophyteinfected fescue. This leads to the shaggy hair coat producers are used to seeing on cattle

14

OCTOBER 2016

grazing toxic fescue.

One study also reported 50 percent reduction in blood flow to the digestive system, which results in reduced nutrient utilization, and a reduction in efficiency and animal performance. This shows that the problems arising from fescue toxicosis are not limited to symptoms of heat stress.

Now, back to the research.

Several years ago it was found that the active ingredient in Chaparral, which is metsulfuron, suppresses the seedhead of tall fescue but not in other cool season perennial grasses used for forage. The question was then asked if the suppression of seedheads would have a positive impact on animal performance; seven years later Aiken and his team are still conducting research on the topic.

The first two-year grazing experiment took place in 2009 and 2010. Six endophyte-infected pastures were split into a control group and a Chaparral treatment group. The three pastures that had the chemical application were sprayed at rate of 2 oz. per acre on April 4, 2009, and March 31, 2010. The pastures were continually grazed from April 9 to July 1, 2009, and from April 6 to July 7, 2010. The study concluded that suppression of seedheads did not affect ergot alkaloid concentrations in vegetative tissues; however, seedheads on untreated tillers were three times greater in ergot alkaloids than leaf blades of treated tillers, according to Aiken.

The quality of the available forage was also higher in the Chaparral-treated pastures.

A 16-percent improvement exists in crude protein and 11-percent greater digestibility than untreated pastures.

Subsequently, a 20-percent increase in average daily gain was realized between steers grazing treated versus untreated pastures.

ect used an endophyte-free variety of fescue so ergot alkaloids were a nonfactor.

“This study would suggest that a substantial part of the weight gain increase is due to the increase in nutritive value and the alleviation of the seedheads factors into it,” Aiken said.

Chemical seedhead suppression can improve forage quality in the later months of the grazing season. Forage quality is improved because the plant stays in a more Researchers found seedhead-suppressed tall fes- vegetative stage cue should be rotationally stocked to increase instead of maturpasture carrying capacity and improve grazing ing and growing distribution.—Photo by Joann Pipkin. a stem and seedhead, which can While the quality of the fescue amount to 70 to was increased with chemical 80 percent of the dry matter seedhead suppression, the in late-season mature fescue. amount of growth was not the same.

Finally, the third set of experiments looked into how the “When we sprayed, the tem- stocking rate could be manperatures were still cool,” aged to increase the gain per Aiken said. “The suppressed acre. fescue turned yellow and had an initial lag in growth. It “In the previous studies, the wasn’t until the temperatures unsuppressed fescue carried got into the mid-70s that it more animals,” Aiken said. got more active. In my opin- “Although we could get a highion, the suppressed never will er average daily gain with catch up in terms of growth.” the suppressed, there wasn’t much advantage if we could Further research has refined stock the unsuppressed pasthe recommendation for ap- ture much higher.” plication time for the Upper South, Missouri included. The researchers found that Spray from mid-April until seedhead-suppressed tall festhe first to second week of cue should be rotationally May, while trying to apply the stocked to increase pasture chemical as close to the boot carrying capacity and imstage as possible to reduce the prove distribution of grazing, lag time in growth, and still which appears to benefit anisuppress the seedhead. mal performance and overall more production per acre, AiThe take-home message from ken said. the first experiment was that chemical seedhead suppres- Producers across the Foursion can mitigate fescue toxi- State area realize the procosis, but more needed to be duction losses due to fescue learned regarding proper toxicosis. Chemical seedhead management techniques, ac- suppression is just one tool for cording to Aiken. producers to use in the quest for lessening endophyte-inThe second round of studies fected fescue’s toll on cattle took a completely different performance. approach to determine if the increase in tall fescue nutritive value from seedhead suppression has an effect on steer performance. This projwww.joplinstockyards.com

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OCTOBER 2016

15

HELPING HANDS

NRCS: Nov. 18 Deadline for Financial Assistance Environmental Quality Incentives Program helps improve natural resources on land

ural resources on their land,” State Conservationist J.R. Flores said. “An extensive variety of problems can be solved through EQIP, and I encourage our customers to visit their local NRCS field offices to explore how we can assist them.”

EQIP allows farmers, ranchers, forestland managers and landowners to conserve natural resources by making available financial assistance to improve soil, water, air, plants, animals and related resources.

General EQIP provides opportunities for financial assistance statewide to applicants who have natural resource problems on their land, including concerns associated with crops, livehe U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Natural Resources Constock, forest and wildlife. Applicants can sign-up for traditional servation Service (NRCS) announced Nov. 18 as the first cutsoil and water conservation practices as well as newer pracoff date to apply for fiscal year 2017 funds through the Envitices aimed at mitigating climate change and increasing habitat ronmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP). for the Monarch butterfly.

“EQIP provides a wide range of opportunities to help Missouri Soil health remains a priority. Along with helping row crop farmers, ranchers and landowners improve the quality of natfarmers increase organic matter and water-holding capacity, dedicated funding will be available for farmers and ranchers to incorporate pasture practices that improve soil health through greater diversity and better grazing management. Funding will also be available to address resource concerns through agroforestry.

T

The Nov. 18 application deadline also applies to the following initiatives: • On-Farm Energy Initiative - provides financial assistance, statewide, for farmers and ranchers to identify ways to conserve energy on their farms through on-farm energy audits, and financial assistance to implement recommendations identified in the energy audits.

• Seasonal High Tunnel Initiative - provides financial assistance, statewide, for farmers to construct seasonal high tunnels, which extend the growing seasonal for high-value crops in an environmentally safe manner.

• Organic Initiative - provides financial assistance, statewide, for farmers to install conservation measures on agricultural operations related to organic production.

• Ozark Highlands Restoration Partnership - provides financial assistance to help landowners improve the health and resiliency of forest ecosystems where Mark Twain National Forest and private lands meet in southern Missouri. Forest landowners in 27 Missouri counties are eligible to apply for funds to develop and implement forest management plans.

• Monarch Butterfly Habitat Development Project – provides financial assistance to help landowners establish Milkweed and other plants critical to the iconic Monarch butterfly.

• Mississippi River Basin Healthy Watersheds Initiative – provides financial assistance focusing on limiting nutrient and sediment movement occurring on land in the priority watershed areas.

• National Water Quality Initiative – will provide financial and technical assisCONTINUED ON NEXT PAGE

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OCTOBER 2016

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TRENDING NOW

Tiny Aphids Cause Big Problems Pest is moving north in Missouri

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ugarcane aphids are on the move, reaching their way north to central Missouri.

The aphids are low in number in central Missouri and not expected to cause economic damage.

The bugs damage sorghums, including most sorghum-Sudan crosses. They also damage Johnson grass and dallisgrass.

Feeding damage causes discoloration of both sides of leaves.

Sugarcane aphids suck plant juices and excrete a sugary, sticky liquid waste called honeydew.

The honeydew clogs harvest equipment, Miller says. Sticky material from plant juices gums up equipment.

Infestation of young plants can result in plant death. Late infestations can prevent grain from forming.

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tance to help farmers and ranchers in three watersheds install conservation practices that manage nutrients, pathogens and sediments. The watersheds include: Upper Troublesome Creek (Knox and Lewis counties), Givins Branch – Niangua River (Webster and Dallas counties) and Basin Fork (Pettis and Johnson counties).

Five Regional Conservation Partnership Program (RCPP) projects will be available in fiscal year 2017. Local partners were awarded RCPP funds to deliver conservation projects in specific regions across the state. The Missouri projects included in this announcement are:

However, University of Missouri Extension Agronomy Specialist Pat Miller, Vernon County, reported large numbers of the tiny aphids in the southwest region of the state last month.

MU retired entomologist Ben Puttler says the tiny bugs are difficult to see. They are light yellow and have dark feet.

Their dark parts at the rear look like tailpipes.

FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE FROM PREVIOUS PAGE

• Cover Crops for Soil Health and Water Quality, in partnership with the Missouri Department of Agriculture; —Photo by Jim Pipkin.

Threshold levels vary. “One conservative threshold is 25 percent infested leaves with 50 or more aphids per leaf at whorl from pre-boot stage through dough stage,” says Miller. “In other areas, the threshold at pre-boot and boot stages is 20 percent infested plants with large aphid colonies—100-plus—and localized areas of heavy honeydew present.

“From bloom through dough stage, the threshold is 30 percent infested plants. Either of these sets of thresholds should prevent serious yield losses, and I would suggest using whichever threshold is easiest for you to use. Once threshold

• Regional Grassland Bird and Grazing Land Enhancement Initiative, in partnership with the Missouri Department of Conservation; • Restoring Glade and Woodland Communities for Threatened Species in the Ozarks of Southeast Missouri, in partnership with the Missouri Department of Conservation; • Northwest Missouri Urban and Rural Farmers United for Conservation, in partnership with the Jackson County Soil and Water Conservation District.

NRCS accepts applications for all of its programs on a continuous basis, but applications must be filed for these programs by Nov. 18 to be eligible for the next round of funding.

Farmers can submit applications at local NRCS offices.

NRCS also offers free technical assistance to all Missouri residents.

• Our Missouri Waters, in partnership with the Missouri Department of Natural Resources;

—Source: Missouri Natural Resources Conservation Service.

is reached, do not delay application because infestations can very quickly go from the threshold level to 100 percent infested plants and hundreds of aphids per leaf.”

as many as four times to control aphids. Pyrethroid insecticides are not effective and could flare infestations, Miller says. Most pesticides do not kill sugarcane aphids, she says.

Sugarcane aphids multiply quickly if pesticides are not applied. Their numbers can double every five to seven days under the right conditions.

Sugarcane aphids are difficult to control, Miller says.

Farmers might need to spray

Yields might be reduced as much as 50 percent, according to a 2013 study by Texas A&M Extension.

—Source: University of Missouri Extension.

OCTOBER 2016

17

HELPING HANDS

Kansas Cattle Producers: Help with Bovine Anaplasmosis Study Project aims to determine prevalence, management risk factors in the state

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he Kansas State Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory is looking for Kansas cattle producers to participate in a study to determine the prevalence of bovine anaplasmosis in cow herds within the state and to investigate management risk factors associated with blood test results.

Bovine anaplasmosis is a blood disease caused by Anaplasma marginale, which can cause adult-animal sudden death, abor-

tion, weight loss and a reduction in performance. Animals that become infected and survive become lifelong persistently infected carriers. As carriers, they often show few or no symptoms and serve as a source of infection to the rest of the herd.

Because of the nature of the disease, some herds remain at an unknown infection status.

Several studies have been completed assessing the prevalence of the disease in several U.S. states, but none have been completed in Kansas. The increase in the number of positive cases in Kansas test submissions to the KSVDL from 2013 to 2015 suggests either an increase in bovine anaplasmosis awareness among veterinarians or producers or the prevalence of the disease has increased in certain areas of the state.

In addition to estimating the level of anaplasmosis in Kansas cow-calf herds, this study will also investigate the different A. marginale strains present in Kansas. Differentiation is important because strains differ in the severity of clinical signs they produce, and the only vaccine available contains only one strain. This strain may be different than those present in some areas of Kansas, which might help explain the lack of vaccine effectiveness that has been reported.

The study involves collecting blood samples from 16,100 adult bovines, which will represent 1,610 Kansas cow-calf operations. The samples will be stored, and because they will represent a large portion of the Kansas cow-calf industry, they can be used in the future to discover the prevalence and risk factors associated with several other important bovine diseases including bovine viral diarrhea, Johne’s disease and bovine leukosis.

Understanding anaplasmosis prevalence and the management factors that contribute to its presence in cow-calf herds will be important for formulating both prevention and disease management plans in the near future. This information will not only be useful for Kansas herds, but herds throughout the United States.

The targeted sampling period will start Oct. 1, 2016 with a targeted endpoint of Jan. 31, 2017.

Kansas veterinary practitioners will be calling on their clients to participate in this study. If you are selected to participate, the KSVDL encourages you to say yes, as your participation is important for the success of the project.

More information is available by contacting Gregg Hanzlicek, veterinarian with the KSVDL at 785-532-4853 or email gahanz@vet.k-state.edu. —Source: K-State Extension.

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MANAGEMENT MATTERS

Write It Down Record keeping promotes decision-making success Story By Devlon Ford

K

eeping records for an agricultural enterprise is often looked on as unimportant or unnecessary. Too many times producers would rather fix fence, cut hay or work cattle.

These activities are important to maintain, grow and expand any enterprise, but record keeping is also a vital part of the operation.

Many different methods exist to keep records — from handwritten notes and computerized spreadsheets to a data management system. Each option allows individuals to collect data about his or her specific enterprise. However, just collecting the data is not very useful if it is not analyzed to see where losses or profits have been made.

productive in the enterprise.

If financial records were kept concerning supplements and sales, the differences can become even more obvious.

Often, producers may not actually realize or understand the cost per animal until he or she begins keeping the records needed to analyze the financial health of a given enterprise. Unfortunately, the realization might come too late

when producers have already made decisions that can have a negative impact on the future of the operation. Sound record keeping will help alleviate these problems. Once records have started to be kept and analyzed over years, decision-making becomes even more successful and profitable. The more years of records a producer has, the more informed his or her decisions will be.

the enterprise. This is true for a cow-calf operator, stocker operator, custom hay baler or whatever enterprise an individual may own or manage.

Just as fixing fence, cutting hay and working cattle lead to the success of an operation, record-keeping is equally, if not more, important to managing a successful enterprise.

It is valuable to take time to analyze costs associated with each enterprise and asset in

—Source: This article is reprinted with permission from the Samuel L. Roberts Noble Foundation for Agriculture. Visit the Noble Foundation on the web at www.noble. org.

Remember, when it comes to managing agricultural operations, record-keeping translates into decision-making tools. These decision-making tools can make a bad manager good and a good manager great.

You don’t buY his loYaltY. You earn it.

When choosing a recordkeeping method, you need to keep a few key points in mind.

Items to consider include, but are not limited to, what data points need to be collected; how this data will be analyzed and used; and how transferable the data is if another record-keeping method is chosen. Computerized spreadsheets and data management systems can be very helpful in data analysis, but if the user is not comfortable using the new technology, these systems might not be beneficial.

After discussing a few methods of record keeping, let’s take a look at the why to keep and maintain records.

If a cow-calf producer finds it necessary to reduce cow numbers due to a drought as happened not too many years ago, the first animals to go are the open cows, old cows and cows with poor dispositions.

But, if the producer still needs to reduce cow numbers and is down to the 6- and 7-yearold cows, how does he or she choose which ones to liquidate from the herd? If records were kept on the herd such as calving date, calf weight, weaning weight and how fast the cow rebred, this data would be beneficial in deciding which cows need to be sold and which females are more www.joplinstockyards.com

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MANAGEMENT MATTERS

3 Refreshers for Your Replacement Heifer Program Recoup value on costly replacement females by making fertility your top priority

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t’s no secret that replacement heifers are some of the most valuable animals in your herd; however, value goes hand in hand with vulnerability. With recent record-high costs to develop replacement females, it may be time to consider a refresher on your replacement heifer program.

“Heifer calves retained in 2014 and 2015 came at the highest cost of development in history with some estimates at more than $2,200 invested through preg-check,” says N.T. Cosby, Ph.D. and cattle nutritionist with Purina Animal Nutrition.

“With cattle markets projected to decline over the next few years, it’s especially important for you to recoup value on replacement heifers.”

Here are three quick refreshers for your replacement heifer program:

1. Select older heifers.

“We need to be identifying fertile, easy-fleshing females that will get bred early the first time and every time after,” says Cosby. “The ideal replacement would remain in the herd for at least seven to eight years as a profitable cow.”

Older heifers are typically from cows that calved early in the breeding season, which can imply that those heifers are more fertile. Like their dams, older heifers have a better chance of being bred early.

“A challenge can arise if you don’t have complete calving records,” Cosby cautions. “Without them, we often tend to select heifers that are bigger, not necessarily older. That results in a set of replacement heifers that will be larger in mature size than desired.”

If large heifers are selected consistently as replacements, you might end up with a set of cows that are too big for their environment. Also, larger cows can require more supplemental feed to breed back promptly and raise their calves.

20 OCTOBER 2016

2. Target 55 to 65 percent mature weight for breeding.

“Once you have selected heifers for development, the next target is to reach 55 to 56 percent of their mature weight at breeding time,” says Cosby.

“Depending on management, environment and selection pressure applied, heifers may fall on the low or high end of the range, but anywhere in the range is desirable for first breeding at 14 or 15 months of age.”

You might sacrifice conception rates and longevity of your herd if heifers are lower than 55 percent of mature weight at breeding.

“To fall within the desired weight range, heifers will need to grow at a rate of 1.25 to 1.5 pounds per day from the time of weaning until first breeding,” says Cosby. “A high-energy feed that uses intake control properties can work with your forages to provide a predictable intake that delivers targeted gains. We also recommend having a quality mineral available at all times.”

3. Take reproductive tract scores.

To identify highly fertile females, Cosby recommends working with a veterinarian to score reproductive tracts 45 days before breeding.

“Before you invest more resources into a heifer, it can be helpful to score reproductive tracts and set hard criteria for culling,” says Cosby. “Heifers that score below 3 on the 1 (immature or infertile) to 5 (cycling) scoring scale could be culled as potential replacements before first breeding.

Heifers that score a 4 or 5 are ideal.”

Research has demonstrated that reproductive tract scoring is an effective method for evaluating heifers that reach puberty early. When scored between 12 and 14 months of age, heifers with low repro-

ductive scores (1 and 2) have huge economic loss or a proshown poor reproductive per- ductive, profitable cow. formance.

“Selecting older heifers and apReproductive tract scoring can plying selection pressure for also identify freemartins that fertility in the first year can pay might have slipped through the dividends for the next several years,” concludes Cosby. “Decracks. veloping fertile, early calving The period between heifer se- heifers is a goal that will deliver lection and getting a heifer re- value in a cow herd during any bred after her first calf is cru- economic situation.” cial. It’s a time frame that can make or break a replacement —Source: Release from Purina Anifemale, resulting in either a mal Nutrition.

Gear-Up Your Replacements Are the replacement heifers ready for the fall breeding season?

Story By Glenn Selk

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all-calving herds will be breeding replacement heifers in late November. Now is the time to make certain that those heifers are ready for the upcoming breeding season.

Immunize the heifers. Ask your large animal veterinarian about proper immunizations for yearling replacement heifers. Replacement heifers should be immunized for respiratory diseases such as IBR and bovine viral diarrhea (BVD). Consider giving the heifers a modified live vaccine for longer lasting protection against these viruses. The heifers should receive this vaccination at least one month before the start of the breeding season. This would also be a good time to include other reproductive disease protection that might be recommended by your veterinarian. Examples of other immunizations that should be considered include leptospirosis and campylobacter, which is sometimes called vibriosis.

If a set of scales is available, weigh the heifers. Time is still available to make adjustments to the supplementation being fed to the heifers to insure that

they meet the target weight at the start of the breeding season. To be certain that a high percentage of heifers are cycling at the start of the breeding season, they must weigh a minimum of 60 percent of their mature weight, according to a 2009 Oklahoma State University Report. If these heifers will eventually grow into 1,200-pound cows, then they must weigh 720 pounds at the beginning of the estrous synchronization and artificial insemination, or bull turn out, if natural breeding is used. Calculate the weight gain needed between now and the start of the breeding season to see if additional energy is required to achieve the desired weight gain.

Many small cow-calf operations will not have scales available to monitor weight gain.

The next best evaluation tool is to monitor body condition of the heifers. If all of the heifers are in a body condition score of 6 — based on the 1 to 9 BCS system — then they should meet the desired target weight.

—Source: Glenn Selk is Oklahoma State University Emeritus Extension animal scientist. www.joplinstockyards.com

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OCTOBER 2016

21

MANAGEMENT MATTERS

Identify Your Risks Farm management for times of low economics Story By Austin Black for Cattlemen’s News

I

f anything is predictable about farming, it’s unpredictability. Weather and prices are never certain and always out of the farmer’s control. Yet,

rental rates are adjusting some lately. It’s not a guarantee that landlords will agree to lower rates, but it is worth discussing.

chases. This means stocking up on feedstuffs when commodity prices are low. “This may be as good a time as any to make sure you have feed on hand,” he said.

Westhoff said lower commodity prices are likely to continue for a while. This is due to consecutive years of good crop yields. “Six dollar corn isn’t a normal thing,” he said. “High $3 or low $4 corn is more reasonable,” he said.

profitable in lean times.

Having a plan and making timely decisions can ease stress and reduce losses.

Brown said a good option to reduce risk is the futures market.

He said the most important key to using this strategy is not trying to hit the top. “It’s almost a guarantee you won’t hit it if that’s what you’re trying to do,” he said. Instead, producers should know their breakeven price and use the market as insurance. “If the futures market falls below that price, begin to market animals,” he said.

Proper land management can also strengthen profits. Brown said forage utilization is key to efficient beef production. This might mean implementing a rotational grazing system or just evaluating stocking rates.

Brown said the latter is the most common change producers make. Many times, they realize excess forage is available.

Plan Ahead

Plan feed purchases by stocking up on feedstuffs when commodity prices are low. —Photo by Joann Pipkin.

both dictate if the operation will be profitable or not. It’s easy to make money and manage when times are good. But when profits are low, producers sometimes need to make changes to keep the farm going.

The first change that most producers should and do make is to reduce expenses.

That might mean changing management practices to something more efficient. Or, it could mean eliminating some expenses altogether. Dr. Scott Brown, University of Missouri extension livestock economist, said the goal is to reduce the cost of production per cow.

Brown said the No. 1 expense to consider is land cost. Whether producers rent acreage or have a loan, this can be a significant cost to the operation.

Negotiating rental rates can be an uncomfortable conversation for tenants and landlords to have. But, it might be necessary to keep operating costs low. Brown said nationwide,

22 OCTOBER 2016

Producers might also consider refinancing to make loan payments more affordable. “Every operation is different,” Brown said. “It depends on the amount of debt they have.” If producers have enough equity built up, they could extend their loan for a few years. This would lower payments and ensure cash flow in the future. “We know cattle prices are cyclical,” he said. When prices go back up, higher loan payments will be affordable again.

Another expense to consider is input cost. Feed and fertilizer can help improve cattle and forage quality, but also carry a price tag. When profits decrease, producers should consider their approach to these expenses.

This approach doesn’t always mean eliminating these costs altogether, however.

Dr. Pat Westhoff, University of Missouri applied economics professor, said producers should plan their feed pur-

While fertilizer often boosts forage production, managed application is important during low price periods. “If you have to apply fertilizer, don’t put on more than you have to,” Westoff advised. “You also don’t want to go so far on the other side and reduce the amount too much.”

It can be a fine line to reduce cost without hurting production. “There is a direct link between forage production and fertilizer application,” Brown said. “A cut in fertilizer means a cut in forage, which could mean lighter calves at market.”

Producers still need to produce a quality product that consumers will buy. “Don’t do something that will reduce your productivity a lot,” Westhoff said. “I worry that some folks just strap down the hatches and reduce costs period.”

Be Proactive

The goal during lean times is to be a “low-cost operator.” Brown said no producer admits he or she isn’t lowcost. But, few know where they actually fall on the spectrum.

“I encourage them to look at other producers or university budgets and ask themselves where they fit relative to those alternatives,” he said.

Knowing actual production costs and break-even prices are important. And, having a plan to adapt during low prices reduces risk. This helps producers make decisions and maintain focus when times are tough. “Identify what your risks are and what sort of income picture you’re looking at if prices drop,” Westhoff said.

It’s important to have a plan in place ahead of time. If producers wait until they are in a tight situation, it might be too late to make changes.

Plans might include marketing some animals when prices are above their break-even point.

“If you see prices 10 percent above your break-even price, maybe sell 10 percent of your crop,” Brown said. This type of approach might keep producers from getting trapped by the market and selling for a loss.

Adaptation and flexibility are often important to stay www.joplinstockyards.com

ADDITIONAL POUNDS CAN MEAN MORE PROFIT THIS FALL With tighter cow/calf margins, producers will need to focus on management decisions to maintain profitability this fall.

“Given where we’ve adjusted cow/calf prices to over the past few months, we are a little down,” says Derrell Peel, Ph.D., Oklahoma State University Extension.

“However, we are still seeing pretty good prices compared to the historical average.

By maximizing your management practices, there is an opportunity to continue to see decent prices.”

Peel recommends that producers take this opportunity to go back and look at costs to see where they can identify additional profitability. Consider how to maximize grazed forage first — which is typically the least expensive way to feed cattle — and then identify how to supplement that.

“In terms of maintaining or enhancing productivity, you’ve got to have an eye on that at all times,” says Peel. “In the last few weeks for example, we’ve seen changes in price relationship by weight. The bottom line is that the market has signaled that we need to add more pounds.”

Because feedlots generally want to work with heavier-weight cattle, Peel suggests that producers consider retaining ownership of their mid-weight calves and stocker cattle to add pounds and increase value.

Evaluating technology to increase pounds “We know it’s important to remember calf health, but to remain profitable, it’s important to put on cost-effective pounds before selling these animals,” says Lee-Anne Walter, Ph.D. and Elanco beef technical consultant. “We’re selling total pounds, so we need enhanced weight gain. Using technologies is critical for profitability.”

Two products for cow/calf and stocker producers with the largest return on investment are implants and Rumensin®. Both products have a long-standing, research backed history, but are often underutilized in the stocker and cow/calf segments. Key benefits include: • Rumensin — shifts the population of rumen bacteria so cattle gain more efficiently. For pennies per head per day, stocker producers can see 20 lbs or more of gain in a 100-day grazing period.1 The only ionophore approved for mature reproducing beef cows — reduces the feed requirement 5%10% while maintain body weight and reproductive performance.2 • Implants — enhance protein deposition to increase weight gain, consistently adding 15 to 40 lbs over non-implanted cattle.3 Elanco’s line of implant products includes Compudose®, Encore® and Component® with Tylan®. Each product contains a localized antibacterial to help ensure maximum return on investment is delivered with each implant.

“With the herd expansion and feedlot losses in 2015 and 2016, we will definitely see lower prices compared to two years ago, and even last year,” says Walter.

“These products have been improving profitability in cow/calf and stocker operations over the years. Now is an important time to consider how technology can impact performance, and ultimately profitability, with the changing markets.”

Technologies shown to provide additive results Because implants and Rumensin have different modes of action, both technologies can be used simultaneously to see additive gain. To help confirm the effectiveness of using implants and Rumensin together in stocker cattle, three studies were conducted in stocker steers. Rumensin was provided in a different form at each site and was compared to cattle with and without implants.4-6* “We tested both products individually and together,” says Walter. “What we found was that Rumensin alone showed 18 to 3 pounds of gain and the implants added another 22 to 39 pounds of gain. When both products were used together, we saw total gain of 40 to 70 pounds. Those pounds contribute directly to being able to market cattle at higher weights.”

With implants, many producers believe their cattle will be discounted at the salebarn or that the use of implants earlier in production will impact feedyard performance. “Multiple studies demonstrate that pre-feedlot implants improve feedyard final body weights,4” says Walter. “Data also shows that the sales price for implanted calves is not significantly different than non-implanted calves,7 so you have to make sure the premium you’ve been promised is realized and gives you more profitability than the extra pounds will.”

By considering costs and evaluating how technologies can help to add pounds, cow/calf and stocker producers can continue to manage the lower markets this fall. To learn more about managing profitability with implants and Rumensin, reach out to your veterinarian, feed supplier or Elanco sales representative.

The label contains complete use information, including cautions and warnings.

Always read, understand and follow the label and use directions.

For Rumensin: Consumption by unapproved species or feeding undiluted may be toxic or fatal. Do not feed to veal calves.

Rumensin is indicated for increased rate of weight gain and prevention and control of coccidiosis in growing cattle on pasture or in drylot (stockers, feeders and dairy and beef replacement heifers). Rumensin is indicated for improved feed efficiency when receiving supplemental feed and prevention and control of coccidiosis in mature reproducing beef cows.

Implants are indicated for increased rate of weight gain; see product labels for full indication. *Component® TE-G with Tylan was used in these studies.

1 Elanco Animal Health. Data on file.

2 Rumensin (monensin sodium) Freedom of Information Summary (NADA 95-735).

3 Kuhl, G. L. 1997. Abstract: stocker cattle responses to Implants. Oklahoma State University Symposium: Impact of Implants on Performance and Carcass Value of Beef Cattle, 51-62.

4 Sharman et al. 2012. Proceedings Paper, Western Section J. Anim. Sci. Vol. 63.

5 Beck et al. 2014. J. Anim. Sci. Vol. 92: 1219-1227.

6 Reuter et al. 2013. J. Anim. Sci. Vol. 91 (Suppl. 1): 16.

7 Superior livestock auction data: 2010 to 2013. Data on file.

Rumensin® is a trademark for Elanco’s brand of monensin sodium.

Tylan® is a trademark for Elanco’s brand of tylosin.

Elanco®, Component®, Compudose®, Encore®, Rumensin®, Tylan® and the diagonal bar are all trademarks owned or licensed by Eli Lilly and Company, its subsidiaries or affiliates. © 2016 Eli Lilly and Company, its subsidiaries or affiliates. ncfeed 2570-3 | USBBUMUL01847

GET TO THE

PO NT GET TO THE PROFIT.

We’ll keep this short. Your cattle are worth more than ever, which means protecting your profit potential is more important than ever. Make sure your investment reaches that potential, with the only implant that offers the added value of Tylan’s abscess defense to ensure you’re helping maximize your implant ROI.

Zero Defect Implant Training†

ROI Protection

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End-point Management Protocols

To learn more about protecting your 24:1 ROI1*, contact your Elanco sales representative or

The label contains complete use information, including cautions and warnings. Always read, understand and follow label and use directions. Administer one dose in the ear subcutaneously according to label directions.

Elanco.us

†Implant training does not guarantee zero defects. *Calculation assumes 700 lb. feeder weight, $141.00 cwt, 150 days on feed, $280/ton dm feed price.

1 Duckett et.al. 2013. Anabolic implants and meat quality.

Journal of Animal Science. 92: 3-9.

Common misconceptions can minimize profit With this success, why wouldn’t producers consistently be using these technologies? Walter says that common misconceptions or lack of awareness around using these products limits their use in stocker and cow/calf segments.

“For Rumensin, it comes down to producers thinking that it’s only a product for feedyard use, but that’s not true. There are many label claims for Rumensin, from mature beef cows to stockers to the feedyard, which allows it to be easily implemented in any production segment,” says Walter. www.joplinstockyards.com

ncfeed2570-3_CattlemensNews_oct.indd 1

with Tylan

Tylan® is a trademark for Elanco’s brand of tylosin.

Elanco, Component® and the diagonal color bar are trademarks of Eli Lilly and Company. © 2014 Elanco Animal Health. OPTA 32017-4 USBBUCPT00037

OCTOBER 2016

23

9/12/16 11:00 AM

MANAGEMENT MATTERS

Plan Now to Avoid Winter’s Fury What can you do now to prepare you for year’s end?

Story By Elizabeth Walker for Cattlemen’s News

I

n a few short months, the winter solstice will be upon us, and we will then begin to prepare for a new year. As we prepare for the end of the year, what can we can do to help us be prepared financially for 2017?

One of the first things that comes to mind is to consult with a financial planner as you begin to prepare or think about April 15.

Do you need to sell animals so you won’t have to include them on your inventory? Are there other items on the farm that should be sold? Perhaps analyzing the cattle or grain markets should be in order. Should you buy now or wait? What are the markets saying? What are the market predictions?

Have you heard of Section 179

24 OCTOBER 2016

of the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) tax code? Section 179 is called a small business tax incentive and is good for purchased or leased equipment. With Section 179, you can deduct the full purchase price from your gross income. It is my understanding, that livestock also count as property mentioned in Section 179. Again, another great reason to contact a financial advisor, tax preparer or CPA. As included in Section 179, computer software is also an eligible purchase. With the various farm shows coming up, you might want to check out the variety of computer software programs that might make your life easier as you budget for next year. Perhaps you need a bet-

ter system for keeping track of livestock.

Many seed, feed, mineral and fertilizer companies offer incentives to pre-purchase goods.

If you are planning to reseed a pasture or if you know you will be fertilizing, contact the various seed and fertilizer companies to see if they offer any pre-purchase discounts. I have seen several that offer 7 to 8 percent discounts. Now might be a great time to plan ahead and save a little money, too.

Now is also a good time to go over equipment to make sure it is working either before next year’s haying season, or when you need that tractor to put out hay during the winter. Doing some preventative maintenance and repairs now will pay off later. Preparing for what you can predict is much better than fixing what you should have maintained. Days spent in the shop during the spring can cost a considerable amount of money and loss of production.

Another thing to consider is if you have enough fuel stored to help you get through those cold winter days.

commonplace around the farm during the winter, a number of educational seminars exist that might help you. Perhaps now is time to start attending those meetings and expanding your knowledge base. Going to meetings can help you prepare for marketing trends, new agronomic products and techniques.

Perhaps you can learn something to help your business expand or save you money.

The husband and I have also been going over our pastures planning our winter grazing strategies. Do you have a plan on where cattle will be rotated?

Is hay close by? Do you have enough hay? We can always speculate about the winter months, whether from the walnuts that are falling off sooner this year or from the persimmons that are showing all sorts of conflicting signs according to my middle son. Foggy days have predicted several snows, and the wooly worms are half brown and half white. We might be in for a long, cold winter, so now is the time to plan ahead.

—Source: Elizabeth Walker is associate professor of animal science at Missouri State University.

While fewer activities might be

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mean that cost of gain will be lower than usual.

MANAGEMENT MATTERS

Fall 2016 Weaning Rationale

In conclusion, larger spreads between average and valueadded calves, reductions in sale day shrink, and lower costs of gain should be the incentive you need to keep your calves and grow them a little before taking them to the sale.

Why you should consider preconditioning calves before marketing them Story By Mike John for Cattlemen’s News

A

s the manager of one of the nation’s largest and oldest calf preconditioning programs, I know you would expect me to advocate weaning and growing your calves regardless of the market conditions. To be honest, out of the 17 years we have been managing this program, very few years exist where it didn’t pay to precondition. However, in the years when corn price jumped and calf supply was high, it was tougher than usual. Still, consistencies occur in profitability based on calving season and where we are in the cattle cycle. For springborn calves, being aware of these consistent trends can be the difference between maintaining some profit, breaking even or losing a lot of money.

Since spring-born calves still

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comprise the largest numbers by a significant margin, cattle folk should always find a way to differentiate their calves to keep them out of the average since the average is almost always discounted in the fall.

In the years when the cattle cycle has more supply than demand, like this year, the price spread between average and value-added becomes much more exaggerated. The last time this happened examples of that spread were as high as $50/cwt. Add that to the extra shrink experienced by bawling calves in years like this and taking calves off the cow directly to the sale can have disastrous consequences.

Good grass, good weather, good luck! cost than we have seen in a while. The record, or near record, corn and soybean crops forecasted for this fall should

—Source: Mike John is director of Health Track Beef Alliance for MFA, Inc.

One more condition exists this fall that should help you in a decision to precondition your calves, and that is a lower feed

OCTOBER 2016

25

ECONOMIC INDICATORS

Land Values Decline for 2016 Missouri Farmland Values Survey details revealed Story By Joann Pipkin, Editor

survey of lenders, rural appraisers, extension specialists and real estate brokers conducted this past summer reports an increase in the value of good cropland in 10 of the 20 areas across the state despite an overall decline of 1.3 percent from last year.

A

Survey respondents cited 70 percent of farmland buyers planned to farm the land themselves, while the number planning to rent out remained steady at 20 percent and the number planning to use acreage for non-farming purposes decreased to 10 percent.

The Missouri Farm Land Values Opinion Survey, as reported by University of Missouri Agricultural Economist Ron Plain, lists a statewide average of $4,677 for good cropland, down $59 from last year.

Low cattle and crop prices had a negative influence on farmland values, according to comments from survey respondents. Plain said low interest rates and favorable loan terms were a positive for land values. Generally, farmers had less money to spend, he said.

Good pastureland was down in 11 areas for a statewide average of $2,684 per acre, a decrease of $84 or 3 percent.

Timberland was down $8 an acre to $1,907 per acre while hunting or recreation land saw an increase of $24 per acre at $1,807 per acre.

26 OCTOBER 2016

In some locations, unfavorable weather in 2015 had reduced crop yields resulting in less income for farmers.

Reductions in CRP enrollment also had negatively affected some farm incomes.

—Source: University of Missouri Extension 2016 Farmland Values Survey

In areas with good cropland, lower cash rents were cited as discouraging investors, but a few areas reported still having a few large investors interested in particular types of land.

According to the Aug. 31 MU Extension Agricultural Economics Newsletter, an influx of Amish and Mennonite buyers were creating increased demand in a few northeast and southern counties. Areas near large urban areas or recreational areas saw continued interest in small tracts for

hobby farms and residences.

Overall, current economic factors and uncertainty about the future profitability of farm enterprises slowed the increase in land values this year, Plain reported.

In the next 12 months, respondents expect crop and pastureland values to continue to decline; cropland values are predicted to fall 3.3 percent, while pasture values are expected to drop 2.3 percent from this year.

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TRENDING NOW

Southwest Center Field Day Attendance Doubles Saturday event opens doors for part-time farmers Story By Joann Pipkin, Editor

T

he University of Missouri Southwest Center Field Day brought with it a change of pace this year.

This year’s event held Sept. 10 brought visitors out on a Saturday – a first for the center. It was a move Center Superintendent David Cope had hoped would attract families.

“We looked at trying to take the endophyte out of fescue,” Cope “We had about 400 people at- says. “That didn’t work out, tend, doubling last year’s at- though. The endophyte made tendance,” he says adding the the plant very hardy.” weather helped promote the Now, more novel endophyte event. “It also gave folks that fescue varieties are available work and farm on the side an for producers. DNA testing has opportunity to come on out, been done on beef cattle to meaand that is a big benefit.” sure their tolerance to fescue.

Over the years, much of the reSecond, researchers have studsearch at the Southwest Center ied the genetic makeup of beef has focused on the fescue endocattle to determine those that phyte. are more tolerant to fescue toxAnd, Cope says that has focused icity. DNA testing has been done primarily on a three-pronged on beef cattle to measure their tolerance to fescue. approach.

First, the center has studied The third approach to fescue rehow to better help livestock search at the Center has focused producers manage the forage. on feed additives. The Center

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recently completed a trial with 180 beef heifers to determine how feed additives might help them manage fescue toxicity.

Cope says results from that trial are not out yet. Former MU state forage specialist Rob Kallenbach, now assistant dean of extension for MU’s College of Agriculture Food and Natural Resources, is conducting the research.

“We have an opportunity to bring in some goats to help clear that land,” Cope says of the brush reclamation project.

The land is not currently being used to graze cattle. “We hope this will help better utilize some of the Center’s resources,” he says.

Another trial will be conducted this winter involving feeding alfalfa baleage to beef calves.

“We had producers pointing out the higher costs of some commercial feeds,” Cope explains. “They wanted to know, what if we have our cows on fescue, but pen off a section so that the calves can be fed high-quality hay?”

Cope says in initial results from last winter’s study, calves that were on the alfalfa baleage performed well. While the mild winter might have affected the calves’ gains, Cope says the study will be repeated for another couple of years to get a better measure on calf performance.

Additional research involving fescue is planned at the Center to help producers be more efficient in managing the forage for more efficient beef cattle production.

Cope says one of the Center’s new projects will hopefully help better utilize the facility’s acreage for brush control.

OCTOBER 2016

27

TRENDING NOW

From Class to the Cattle Barn Christi Pilger takes doing to learn to a new level Story By Rebecca Mettler for Cattlemen’s News

T

eaching the next generation about agriculture has never been as important as it is today. Even in a rural community like Aurora, Missouri, one of the nation’s top 50 counties for cattle production, many high school students still don’t have a chance to be around livestock.

Imagine the educational possibilities of housing livestock on school property just a stone’s throw from the high school agriculture education building. That’s exactly the opportunity afforded to Aurora High School. A parcel of land measuring roughly 5 acres is equipped with a pipe perimeter fence and already sports a metal building designed to house livestock with automatic waterers and interior pipe fencing to be completed with high tensile electric fencing. All it needs is a little extra work and, of course, livestock.

Christi Pilger, a first-year agricultural education instructor and FFA advisor at Aurora High School. Her goal: to provide hands-on experience in livestock production and animal husbandry.

“I want to reach the kids that don’t have the opportunity to be around agriculture,” Pilger says.

Pilger’s first day on the job was July 1, and she quickly had the school’s Micro Farm and Agvocate Aurora program ready to present to the school board for approval.

The plan included an objective to use the facility as an additional teaching tool to further educate students in the common practices related to livestock production. She plans to

28 OCTOBER 2016

develop curriculum and practical educational opportunities in the subjects of livestock nutrition, health, reproduction and maintenance.

Pilger began the school year by surveying students on their interest in using the facility for livestock production. More than 75 percent of the students surveyed showed interest in raising livestock. The majority of them were most interested in beef cattle followed by hogs.

Realizing it would be beneficial if the organization capitalized on the area’s specialty, an emphasis in commercial heifer development was chosen.

the daily care of the animal.

Beyond daily care, the student will be engaged in nutrition, vaccination and breaking the animal to lead. Pilger hopes to garner enough community support to begin the project on Jan. 1, 2017. The project will run from January to June, and the final event will be exhibition at the Lawrence County Fair commercial heifer show. An Agvocate Aurora class where the animals will be judged on appearance, showmanship/ animal husbandry skills and rate of gain will also take place.

The top three exhibitors will be able to retain possession of the heifer or receive an award in the form of a scholarship.

Bringing in the incentive for retaining possession came about because of the lack of motivation that she sees in today’s young generation.

Pilger hopes to involve the local agricultural community in the project. Greatest need is in the donation of 10 head of 2016 spring-born commercial heifers and high tensile electric fence and other electric fencing supplies to complete the pens to hold livestock. She also invites local cattle producers and industry professionals to work with the students so that they can gain an understanding of the beef industry.

“It is my hope to instill a work ethic in the program participants that will give them a realistic view of beef production.”

“Youth today are two generations removed from the farm,” Pilger explains. “It’s my hope to bring in the older generation to bridge that gap.”

Pilger’s class lineup includes the animal science and advanced animal science courses as well as construction, ag sales and marketing and two agriculture science 1 classes. For a majority of the students in her ag science 1 classes, she is their first connection to agriculture.

The donation of a heifer would provide a student with the opportunity to be in charge of

Pilger’s excitement and energy are motivating. She says that students often ask her why she acts the way she does.

“The only way I’m able to get them involved is to be over the top, so I’m a little bit goofy, and it works,” she notes.

With those students, it’s her goal to break down the industry stereotypes.

“Some of the kids say they don’t want to be a farmer, but I’ve tried to introduce them to many other jobs that are in the agriculture industry,” she says.

Like many of her students that she is trying to reach with the Agvocate Aurora program, the Ozark, Missouri, native didn’t grow up on a farm. Once the interest in agriculture was sparked, she had to figure out a way to make her involvement with livestock a reality.

Pilger joined FFA in high school and was a very active member competing at the Missouri state career development events in horse, livestock and dairy judging. She is also an American FFA Degree recipient.

After graduating from Missouri State University (MSU) with her bachelor’s degree in agricultural business, she took a job in ag sales. After a few years, she realized she wanted more out of a career. She then went back to MSU to obtain a master’s degree in agricultural education, which led her to her new role in Aurora.

“My decision to become an agriculture education instructor was heavily influenced by my FFA advisor,” Pilger said.

It’s an exciting time in the Aurora High School agriculture department with a new ag instructor and a new program in the works to garner interest in livestock production within the next generation. www.joplinstockyards.com

www.joplinstockyards.com

OCTOBER 2016

29

Trending Now

Finding Balance Flexiblity, versatility key to ranch management for Melissa Spinks Story By Austin Black for Cattlemen’s News

A

griculture is no longer a career just for men. In the office and on the farm, women are part of the business. It can be a juggling act for some, balancing their duties at home with their job. But women in all sectors of agriculture prove they can hold their own and succeed.

Melissa Spinks is one such woman. Her family moved from New Jersey in 1979 and made their home in Southwest Missouri. At the same time, her future husband Wes and his family arrived from California. For the past 20 years, they have made ranching their life as husband and wife.

Wes and Melissa operate Spinks Ranch along with Wes’ parents, Guy and Susie. Based just outside Jericho Springs, the Spinks Ranch is a diversified operation. The family runs 200 cow-calf pairs, backgrounds cattle and trains horses.

“If it needs to be done, I feel like I can do it,” she said. During calving season, she often runs the ranch by herself.

find,” she said. “You live in your work so it’s important to make sure you don’t spread yourself too thin,” she said.

Managing the daily ranch operations requires Melissa to be flexible and versatile. From starting colts, to checking calves, to problem solving daily tasks, she knows how to do it all. “I’m the only one here,” Melissa explains. “I do everything and will do whatever it takes to get the job done,” she said.

Not having a day job means no clocking out from work. “Everything is 24/7 all the time,” she said. It can overwhelm and control you sometimes,” Melissa said. Life revolves around ranch work. “If we’re calving or backgrounding, we know we’re not going anywhere,” she said. Problems can pop up or tasks can take longer than expected. “You don’t know if you’ll be out there all morning or all day,” she said. And while the ranch work never stops, Melissa has to balance duties as a wife and mother. “That’s hard,” she admitted. “You have to love it because it will drive you crazy.”

“At the highest peak we had about 4,000 head of calves,” Melissa Spinks said. Farm tasks are done on horseback, so good mounts are essential.

Melissa starts all the colts and makes sure the horses are ready when it’s time to work.

She also gives riding lessons to a handful of students.

Her husband appreciates that. “It’s nice knowing you have someone that’s not going to give up and quit in the middle of the job,” he said.

He also jokes about her determination. “She might tear up three tractors, four fences and a pickup, but the job will be done.” They said there’s always a good joke about someone in the family messing up.

“You hope someone else messes up so the joke’s not on you,” Wes said.

Melissa defines her role as a traditional ranch wife. But, her biggest job the last eight years has been managing the daily operations of the backgrounding business. She rides pens every morning to check for sick cattle and helps out wherever she’s needed.

Being a ranch wife has its challenges, Melissa said, and one is separating work from family. Working on a family ranch means everyone has to not only live together, but also work together. “It’s hard trying to keep up with family, work and all the challenges that you

30 OCTOBER 2016

Still, the lifestyle is something she wouldn’t change. Melissa loves seeing their cowherd improve and watching calves grow in their backgrounding operation. She enjoys selecting horse bloodlines and selling good colts that she’s started. It’s a long-term process, but Melissa finds satisfaction seeing the reward of hard work. While the need to be versatile can be tiring, Melissa said it’s part of what makes ranch life enjoyable.

“It gives you a lot of things to do so you don’t get burned out,” she said.

Versatility has helped her succeed in what has traditionally been a man’s job. When the Spinks started ranching, they did a lot of day-work together for neighbors. “We used to get that look of ‘there’s a girl here’,” Wes said. Now, neighbors call Wes for help because they know Melissa will come, too.

“On our place, she’s taken such a traditional role and made it expected,” Wes said.

Amidst her duties on the ranch, Melissa still finds time to be a wife and mother. She said it’s important but does require time management.

“Don’t try to do too much,” she advised. “Something is going to give if you don’t. You have to put the things that mean the most first.” And, that means daily tasks and making sure family comes first.

“Being together is sometimes the hardest part, but it’s also the best part,” Melilssa said.

“We have a family operation where we all depend on one another. Take care of your family, and the ranch will survive.”

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OCTOBER 2016

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PROFITABILITY POWER.

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There’s a lot of talk when it comes to certain genetics.

But no breed can back it like registered Angus.

Reliable, registered Angus genetics offer lower birth weight, greater growth and substantially better marbling than Hereford, Red Angus and Simmental.a That’s based on real data, not hype.

Plus, they’re backed by the world’s largest and most reliable genetic evaluation program.

Angus calves also bring higher prices than similar calves of any other breed, a combined average of nearly $7/cwt.b more, on average. In fact, packers pay Angus producers $1 million in premiums per week.c Year after year, Angus simply offers the best genetics and payout possible.

Take the guesswork out of bull buying. Invest in reliable, registered Angus genetics.

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33

TRENDING NOW

She Can Do It

Time management, positive attitude key in Michelle Roberts’ role on the farm Story and Photos By Joann Pipkin, Editor

34 OCTOBER 2016

www.joplinstockyards.com

M

ichelle Roberts didn’t grow up on a farm, but she always dreamed of living on a lake somewhere with horses and cattle.

And despite the fact she didn’t intentionally set out to make that dream come true, today she’s living it.

Before her father-in-law passed away, he purchased a new tractor – specifically with Roberts in mind.

A self-professed country girl, Roberts was raised in Bryant, Arkansas, and calls herself lucky because her dad could fix anything.

“That’s your tractor,” Roberts recalls her father-in-law saying. The John Deere 6420 came complete with a cab and air conditioner.

“By the time he was in seventh grade, he had built a car from scrap parts,” she says. “He was a handy, do-it-yourself type guy, and it had a huge influence on me because that’s the way I looked at everything. If something’s broken, you get in there and fix it.”

She later requested a passenger seat for the tractor, of which he obliged.

Before she could drive, Roberts’ dad made sure his daughter could fix a flat and shoot a gun.

Roberts has taken life as a farmwife in stride. In the mornings, she and Jimmie check cattle together. She records information while he drives. A hydraulic cattle chute helps with cattle working. Roberts is at ease maneuvering the levers and doesn’t miss a beat when it’s time to vaccinate and process calves.

Today, she’s thankful for her upbringing as she tackles each day with that get-in-thereand- fix-it attitude. Farming alongside her husband, Jimmie, near Grove, Oklahoma, the Roberts’ raise commercial Angus cattle and Bermudagrass hay in the shadows of Grand Lake.

“Now my grandkids ride with me,” she says noting that helps pass the time more quickly when she’s raking in hayfield in the afternoons.

“Back then, it was an open cab (tractor),” she explains, “and my allergies were so bad.” www.joplinstockyards.com

Not every woman could work side-by-side with her husband on the farm. Although some days prove to be challenging, Roberts says she’s learned their differences are often because she didn’t grow up on a farm not because she’s a woman.

“He’ll have a certain way he wants something done, and I may not be doing it that way,” she explains. “I don’t want to do it that way, but then I end up having to go back and do it the way he originally said.

I have to realize there’s a reason he’s telling me; he’s just not communicating that reason. He just knows it needs to be done that way.”

Roberts has found simply finding time to laugh and enjoy each day helps balance what might be an emotionally and physically demanding career.

“You’ve got to keep an upbeat spirit about it. It’s just a day you’ve got to get through.”

This country girl’s duties don’t stop in the barnlot. Roberts lends a hand wherever needed. She transports grandchildren to horseback riding lessons and church activities.

Three of their children live on the ranch and assist with cattle and hay chores whenever needed.

But, Roberts can also be found preparing wares for Vintage by the Creek, a craft show in Grove. She sells her products four times a year out of a little red camper she affectionately calls the little red barn.

“I went to college to be an artist,” she says.

On the farm and off, Roberts calls herself a Proverbs 31 woman. “That’s my role model,” she says. “She’s encouraging everybody around her.

And, I take that to heart. The Bible says she not only worked the land, but also bought and sold land. She did it all. And, if she can do it, I can, too.”

“When we got married, I knew they had a farm but didn’t know how big of a farm,” Roberts says. “To me a farm could have been 10 acres and some animals on it.”

Roberts got her feet wet on the farm by helping her in-laws rake and move hay and brush hog pastures.

Flexibility helps Roberts stay grounded in her day-to-day farm activities. “Sometimes it’s long hours, but there’s also time off,” she says. “We like to say we work hard and we play hard. And, we rest even harder.”

Time management and being a positive role model is crucial for Roberts in her daily duties. “There’s so much to do on the farm,” she says. “If I stay positive, everyone around me is going to be that way.”

She’s also a passionate volunteer in women’s ministries for her church. “Our women’s ministry is very active,” Roberts explains.

While the couple farms land once owned by Jimmie’s parents, they actually met in Arkansas where Roberts owned a daycare. They have five children and seven grandchildren.

Three years into their marriage, the couple settled on the home farm to be near Jimmie’s parents, Everett and Wanda Roberts, after his dad was diagnosed with cancer.

“The only thing I don’t do is bale hay,” she says. “I do the raking and can mow hay and brush hog.”

Time management is critical to Michelle Roberts’ role in the cattle and hay operation she runs alongside her husband.

Roberts balances farm duties with family responsibilities as well as community and church involvement.

OCTOBER 2016

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ECONOMIC INDICATORS

5 Tips to Help You Stay Out of the Red How can you maintain profitability?

Story By Joann Pipkin, Editor

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ith farm income projected lower this year, managing your operation to stay out of the red is especially crucial.

And, accomplishing that begins with knowing your cost of production.

Cow-calf producers should begin by totaling expenses — including land, equipment, feed, debt, taxes, living, insurance and labor — and divide that by the number of calves to be marketed or per cow, says Billy Claiborn, senior vice president and senior ag lender for Old Missouri Bank.

“You can take your tax returns and look at historic cost on those items or figure what your cost on those items will be in the future,” he explains.

“This year may be too late to cut some of your costs, however you can start looking for ways to cut costs next year.

Get rid of nonproductive items or equipment.”

As the end of 2016 nears, Claiborn says the biggest decision cow-calf producers have to make

36 OCTOBER 2016

relates to marketing their spring-born calves. “If you’re selling a 450-pound calf off the cow, what dollar amount is that going to generate compared to weaning it and backgrounding it at 750 pounds,” he says. “Too much of the time I think we look at what the price is per pound that we’re getting out of our calves, but really what we need to look at is our total revenue per cow.”

He adds that some operations might need to consider ways of increasing revenue per cow and how they can do that most efficiently.

Claiborn outlines five overall tips to help farmers stay out of the red.

1. Know your cost of production. “You have

to know what revenue you have to generate to cover expenses, and that’s really key,” he says.

2. Complete a financial statement. Look at

cost of production and your liabilities. What is your debt service?

Review the structure of your operation, Claiborn says. Is there

something you can do to change the structure to lower your cost per head marketed? “It may be extending payments or paying off some debt to get it out of the costs of the operation,” he says.

3. Examine all production costs. “I think one

of the key areas is hay production costs,” Claiborn says. Some producers buy hay with minimum equipment costs, while others might have it custom baled or choose to own their own equipment and harvest it. “All have a different level of cost,” he explains, “and if you are going to own your own equipment, is there a way to bring in custom work to cheapen the cost?” What’s the most economical option for your operation? Claiborn says selling excess equipment to help reduce costs is an option.

4. Improve marketing.

Consider risk management strategies through forward contracting, hedging and put options, Claiborn says. “Too much of the time we talk about how much of a price per pound we get out of our cattle versus the dollars that we’re generating per cow,” he says. “A better gauge on the operation is the

dollars we’re making per cow.”

5. Review your operation. Determine the

most efficient, cost effective way for your operation to run. “Just evaluate everything, marketing and all costs,” Claiborn says.

“Not every operation is the same. You have to look at what your resources are and make the most of them. What your neighbor is doing is not necessarily what you need to be doing.”

All in all, Claiborn reminds producers to simply analyze their costs, look at their options and put them down on paper. Then when meeting with a lender, you can present them.

“Each operation is different, and every one has different resources, different abilities,” Claiborn says. “Every operation has a different debt load.

So, it’s not a run-of-the mill thing you can analyze.”

Also, remember to analyze your debt structure. Can you consolidate some equipment debt and reduce debt service cost? What are ways to increase revenue per cow? Claiborn says these are questions you need to review.

“Producers are going to have to be on top of everything now that prices are lower,” he says.

“Before you could make a few mistakes, and now there’s no room for mistakes.”

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MANAGEMENT MATTERS

Success with Preconditioning Nutrition, parasite control key to performance Story By Tim Parks

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programs will not perform as we expect and will not satisfy the demands of the buyers of these cattle. It has been well proven that cattle with even moderate internal parasite loads will not perform to their fullest potential. USDA research shows that an effective deworming program is required for a healthy immune response to cattle vaccines. Even moderate parasite levels can cause a redirection or impairment of portions of the immune system that are critical in vaccine response. Recently, several studies have been published that document the growing levels of internal parasite resistance to a widely used class of dewormer. Cow/calf producers should make sure that the deworming product used effectively eliminates internal parasites so the vaccination program can perform as expected.

reconditioning of cattle is a process that has been around for many years. Over the years, the term preconditioning has had various meanings, and has received varying levels of support from cow/calf producers. As we enter a new time in animal agriculture, both old and new phrases might take on different mean- Nutrition in the cowherd is also critical. Coming from a veteriings. The enactment of the Veterinary Feed Directive (VFD), the narian that does not claim to be a nutritionist, it is critical that demand for judicious use of antibiotics, as well as the down turn producers utilize nutritionists in their herds. As we have seen an in the cattle market, has many producers re-evaluating their cat- increase in the feeding of by-products, a tremendous variation in tle buying habits and shifting focus and demand to the value of CONTINUED ON PAGE 39 preconditioned cattle.

Preconditioning is the procedures and practices in the preparation of cattle to help reduce stress, decrease sickness and improve performance during and after weaning. Preconditioning of cattle, however, starts early in the calf’s life. The implementation of modified live vaccines in the cowherd has opened the door for procedures to be done to calves that allow us to use modified live vaccines in those calves, at times of low stress, to allow for maximum immune responses to our vaccines in preparation for the next stages of that calf’s life. Although most modified live vaccines now carry a claim relating to safety in use in pregnant cows if certain criteria are met, these are discussions that each producer should have with his or her veterinarian. Opinions vary on use of modified live vaccines in pregnant cows, and those are the discussions that you should have with your veterinarian. The new labels for safety in pregnant cows should help give you the confidence that use of these products in calves nursing pregnant cows that have been appropriately vaccinated should contain no adverse concerns.

The use of Mannheimia and Pasturella vaccines is also a topic of discussion amongst animal health care professionals. One of the biggest discussions comes in the timing of the product administration. Although vaccination timing varies, the use of these products at the time of lowest stress in those calves is critical for optimal vaccine response. The pregnant cow claim on many modified live viral vaccines opens the door for the use of 5-way modified live viral vaccine with combination Mannheimia haemolytica and Pasturella multocida to be put in nursing calves a couple weeks prior to weaning. This allows the vaccine to be used at a time of minimal stress in that’s calf’s life and optimize vaccine immune response.

As we evaluate preconditioning programs, it is critical that we consider all parameters that affect the health and well-being of those cattle. If we concentrate solely on the vaccination protocols of these animals, and forget about things such as nutrition, internal parasite burdens and general animal husbandry, our

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BetterHEALTH // HeavierWEANING WEIGHTS // HigherVALUE

THE SATISFACTION OF A JOB WELL DONE IS ITS OWN REWARD.

Better performance and higher value for every calf is even more satisfying. From birth to sale day, a PrimeVAC™ preconditioning program can turn healthier calves and higher weaning weights into real value for you and your customers.

To find the PrimeVAC preconditioning program that’s right for your operation, talk to your veterinarian and visit cattleprimevac.com.

Always consult your veterinarian concerning: best health management decisions specific to your operation, selection of qualified USDA/FDA approved products, optimum use of combination products, and the efficacy of vaccination in the face of maternal antibodies. Always read, understand, and follow product label and use as directed.

Data on file. merck-animal-health-usa.com • 800-521-5767 Copyright © 2016 Intervet Inc., doing business as Merck Animal Health, a subsidiary of Merck & Co., Inc. All rights reserved.

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OCTOBER 2016

37

ECONOMIC INDICATORS

What’s the Trouble With More Meat?

Continued growth in meat supply hurts livestock prices, economist reports

Producers have been through volatile cycles before.

“The old adage that ‘the cure for high prices is high prices’ still applies,” Brown said.

In the 1990s, as supply outgrew demand, the prices fell.

After the turn of the century, exports exploded.

meat in 2015 and continued that at a rate never seen before. The growth is not over.”

From 2002 to 2014 exports continued to expand faster than the meat supply. Foreign buying was helped by the value of the U.S. dollar.

The University of Missouri Extension specialist can’t say when prices will hit bottom as many factors affect the sharp decline — including weather, dollar strength and exports.

Beef, pork and chicken producers could add another 3 billion pounds of meat in the coming year. Sow numbers are going up. Beef herd owners saved every heifer they could to add to the cowherd.

As dollar value changed, exports dropped. At the same time, the U.S. economy hit a recession and U.S. consumers cut back buying.

“The growing meat supply is a big factor,” Brown told the Agribusiness Policy Symposium, Sept 8 in Columbia, Missouri.

“Producers respond a lot faster to rising prices than they do to falling prices,” Brown said. “We’re still expanding breeding herds.”

“As long as we keep increasing record amounts of meat each year, prices will decline,” he said. “A lot more meat is passing through U.S. markets.

The problem becomes what to do with the growing meat supply.

A

s a livestock economist, Scott Brown hears the same question every day: “How low can prices go?”

“We added 3 billion pounds of

38 OCTOBER 2016

“We eat it, export it or cut the price to sell it,” he said.

When demand outgrew the supply, the prices hit record levels.

With high meat prices, chicken producers built their flocks quickly. Pork producers responded next. Biologically, it takes longer to expand the cowherd than a chicken flock. But now beef herd owners are catching up and sending more calves to the feedlots.

As foreign demand shrunk, prices declined. In late 2015, beef prices fell apart.

“What producers fail to remember is that the new low beef prices are better than calf prices were for a long time,” Brown said. “Cow-calf returns are still at the eighth highest year since 1990.”

Falling feed prices are helping livestock producers. “Crop farmers don’t like the lower grain prices, but that helps livestock people keep making money,” Brown said.

The spurt in pig production has tested the nation’s slaughter capacity. With more pigs arriving, new packing plants are coming on line to take care of the growing pig population.

“We can take care of the pigs,” Brown said. “But what are we going to do with all of that pork?

—Source: University of Missouri Cooperative Media Group.

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ECONOMIC INDICATORS

5 To-Do’s Before Year End Now isn’t too early to prepare for tax season Story By Lisa Henderson for Cattlemen’s News

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ith the end of 2016 rapidly approaching, it’s time to make preparations to ward off the taxman. Every farmer and rancher should take full advantage of deductions and know the trigger points that take away some popular rebates.

“In tax planning, it is best to start with year-to-date income and expenses and estimate them for the remainder of the year,” says David Lundgren, CPA, Olathe, Kansas. “Do not forget any income that was deferred to 2015 from a previous year.”

“Depreciation also needs to be estimated,” he says. “It is best to try to spread out income and expenses so producers don’t have abnormally high or low income or expenses in any one year. However, caution should be used in deferring too much income into future years because it may push you into a higher tax bracket.”

SUCCESS IN PRODUCTION CYCLE FROM PAGE 37 the quality of winter forages and summer grasses, it is critical to have a nutritionist assisting with the formulation of rations that allow animals to perform to their fullest potential. Nutrition is also critical in the health of the immune system. We know that having rations balanced to contain the appropriate vitamins and minerals will enhance the immune system’s ability to mount the strongest immune response possible.

As cow/calf producers, you have invested in the genetics of your herd to allow your calf crops to reach tremendous potential. The things that we do to intervene, whether it is deworming, vaccination, nutrition or treatment of disease are critical to allow that calf to reach it’s genetic potential. Pre-conditioning programs allow you to help ensure your calf’s success as it leaves your care and moves further through the production cycles.

—Source: Tim Parks, D.V.M., is ruminant technical services manager for Merck Animal Health.

Income averaging can be used by producers to spread the tax liability to lower income tax brackets in the three previous years. Crop insurance proceeds and government crop disaster payments can be deferred to the next tax year if a producer is a cash-basis taxpayer and can show that normally income from damaged crops would be included in a tax year following the year of the damage.

A livestock income deferral is available for those who had a forced sale of livestock because of a weather-related disaster.

Here are five to do’s before the end of the year to limit current tax liability:

1. Prepay farm expenses. Feed, fertilizer, seed and similar expenses can be prepaid.

Typically, discounts are received by paying for these expenses in the fall. Producers can deduct prepaid expenses that do not exceed 50 percent of their other deductible farm expenses.

2. Pay real estate taxes or interest. Paying taxes or interest can be done before the end of the year to increase 2015 expenses.

3. Defer income to 2017.

Crop and livestock sales can be deferred until the next year by using a deferred payment contract. Most grain elevators or sales barns will defer sales until the next tax year.

Producers should be aware that they are at risk if the business becomes insolvent before the check is received and cashed.

4. Purchase machinery or equipment. Machinery or equipment purchases can be made before the end of the year to get a depreciation or 179 expense deduction in 2015.

5. Contribute to a retirement plan such as

a simplified employee pension plan, sav-

CONTINUED ON PAGE 41 www.joplinstockyards.com

OCTOBER 2016

39

BUSINESS BYTES

Maximize Cowherd’s Potential Consider crossbreeding with Beefmasters Story By Bill Pendergrass

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ore live calves. Healthier calves. Heavier weaning and pay weights on those calves. More gross dollars for the calves you sell. Bigger checks for those calves.

Does that get your attention?

If you are in the cow business, it should. That is what crossbreeding is all about; it adds good things to your bottom line.

Planned crossbreeding is the fastest way to add these money makers to your herd. Crossbreeding using Beefmaster bulls as a breeding piece in your herd will add more value than almost any other breed out there. It’s no secret that America’s cow herd is predominantly Angus. No doubt about it, those cows are doing a pretty good job for a lot of farmers and ranchers. The Angus cow is the modern foundation cow for the U.S. beef industry, and

40 OCTOBER 2016

as hard as she is working for you she can be fine-tuned to produce even more efficiency and revenue. Using a modern Beefmaster bull on Angus cows will lead to healthier calves, bonus calves, bigger weaning weights, and that doesn’t even touch on what crossbred Beefmaster cows will do for your payday.

The key to crossbreeding is using genetics that are as unrelated as possible to add more hybrid vigor. This is where Beefmasters excel at adding those extra pounds and longevity. Beefmasters are a stabilized composite that is 50 percent Brahman, 25 percent Hereford and 25 percent Shorthorn. Developed in south Texas in the 1930s and recognized as a breed by the United States Department of Agriculture in 1954, Beefmasters were bred to thrive in harsh conditions with

as few inputs as possible. Used on Angus cows, the genetic difference between Angus and Beefmasters mean that the 50 percent Brahman makeup of Beefmasters will add more hybrid vigor to those calves than nearly any other beef cattle breed.

If you are concerned about too much ear on the calves, consider this: Beefmaster-sired calves out of your Angus cows will be 25 percent Brahman.

Industry experts will tell you that 25 percent ear is perfectly acceptable in the yard, on the rail and definitely appreciated in the pasture. Most of the calves will show little, if any ear, navel or leather.

Beefmasters crossed on Angus will get a high percentage black or baldy calf crop, which can and do earn black-hided premiums on the hoof and on the rail. Research has shown you will jump your weaning weights about 5 percent. That is an extra 30 pounds of pay weight if you are averaging 600 pounds on your Angussired calves. That is real money scattered out over the lifetime of a bull.

Improving pay weights is impressive, but the real eye opener of crossbreeding with Beefmasters comes from what those Beefmaster-sired females do for you at home in the pasture. Research has shown time and again that crossbred cows simply are the most productive, profitable cows you will ever own. Crossbred cows have shown to be more fertile, boosting calving rate by 4 percent. Calves out of crossbred cows are more vigorous and healthy with a 1.5 percent increase in calf survivability, meaning more calves to sell.

Weaning weights on calves out of crossbred cows are 6 percent heavier, adding another 30 pounds of pay weight if you were already averaging 600 pounds.

The icing on the cake is a 38 percent increase in lifetime production of crossbred cows.

This is mainly due to longevity in crossbred cows vs. straightbreds. Those added years of productive life, extra calves born and extra pounds weaned add to the equivalent of one free calf over the lifeCONTINUED ON NEXT PAGE

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COWHERD POTENTIAL FROM PREVOUS PAGE time of that cow. All of this is free. All you have to do is begin a planned crossbreeding program, and with Beefmasters in the rotation, you will soon see the difference.

To be fair, I must say that if you really want to get the most out of crossbreeding, you should consider a planned terminal crossbreeding system. This is where you take crossbred cows from noted strongly maternal breeds (Angus x Beefmaster) and then breed them to bulls from high-growth, heavy-muscled breeds such as Charolais.

This system allows you to stack up all of the strength of the maternal parent breeds (Angus & Beefmaster) where the extra hardiness, fertility, survivability, weaning weight and especially longevity of the cows are bred in. By top crossing these Angus/Beefmaster crossbred cows back to Charolais bulls, you get the best of both worlds.

Hardy, efficient cows that have more and healthier calves and an extra 10 percent pay weight — that’s 60 pounds if you are already averaging 600 — at no extra charge. The extra pay weight is nice, but that crossbred Beefmaster-sired cow is the key.

BEFORE YEAR END FROM PAGE 39 ings incentive match plan for employees, individual retirement account or a solo 401K. Family transition plans also require planning to reduce taxes.

Newly proposed IRS regulations aiming to eliminate discounts used in popular types of estate planning could result in higher taxes for farmers who transfer ownership of their business to the next generation.

Doug Mitchell of K•Coe Isom, says to begin visiting with succession-planning advisers as soon as possible to limit financial penalties under the rules, which likely will go into effect in early 2017.

“For decades, legal documents for nearly all family businesses

and farming entities incorporated restrictions on withdrawing capital or forcing liquidation of the entity, so that one family member cannot force the rest of the family into a firesale situation,” Mitchell says. “It is these restrictions that make minority interests in a corporation, partnership, or LLC worth only 50 percent to 70 percent of their prorated share of the value of the assets owned by the entity. The IRS believes these arrangements are abusive when used to minimize gift and estate taxes on gifts and other transfers to family members.”

Missouri attorney Brent Haden says the risk of increased tax burdens for many family farm and ranch operations is very real.

“For this reason, if you are considering transferring a share of your family ranch entity in the foreseeable future, the proposed IRS regulations are a good reason to seriously consider moving your timetable forward.”

Haden says farmers and ranchers should consult with an accountant and a business or estate planning attorney to determine whether and when a transfer of assets is appropriate.

The changes to the regulations are open for comment until Nov. 2, 2016. Electronic statements should be submitted through the web portal available at regulations.gov.

One last thought on Beefmasters. In bull development programs across the country where individual feed consumption is tracked and individual feed efficiency and conversion is calculated, Beefmasters are among the most efficient of all breeds.

This means Beefmasters are more efficient feed convertors, which means lower feed bills to maintain Beefmaster genetics as compared to other breeds. Maintaining your cow herd is your largest expense; doesn’t it make sense to use Beefmaster sired females to hold costs in line?

Healthier calves, bonus calves, bigger pay weights, and replacement females that last 38 percent longer all add to your bottom line. Doesn’t it make sense to use Beefmaster bulls on your commercial Angus cows? If you are looking for extra profit, try a good Beefmaster bull.

—Source: Bill Pendergrass is with Beefmaster Breeders United.

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OCTOBER 2016

41

MANAGEMENT PASTURE PLANNING MATTERS

Bull Buying 101 Make it a Rewarding Experience Story By Eldon Cole

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ifferent people view the bull that meets your breeding practice of buying one or objectives for the future. more bulls differently. Some u Decide what you expect find it fun, and they get quite to occur in the coming a high from going to a sale and years with your cowherd, competing with someone for from both production and a bull. Others can’t take the marketing standpoints. pressure of a fast-moving sale so they opt for a private treaty u The more you know bull purchase. about the genetic makeup of your cows, their Perhaps sellers realize this strengths and the bulls type of person might more you’ve used in the last 5 to likely make a purchase at a 10 years, the easier it is to low-pressure sale without all find a bull to complement the hoopla. Those sales are your cows. gaining in popularity. Another innovation in bull marketing u Before you ever set foot is the online or video sale. in the bullpen or salebarn, study the sale catalog or If you’re about ready to go bull data sheet, and mark the shopping, choose the method bulls you think would help that matches your personalyour marketing plan and ity. Regardless of your choice your cows. of bull markets, here are some suggestions that are basic and u Catalog data can be conshould help you purchase the fusing if you’ve not com-

42 OCTOBER 2016

pleted Expected Progeny Difference (EPD) 101. Visit with someone who knows the EPD system. This might be a breeder or an extension livestock specialist.

The handout called Buying Bulls by the Numbers is available from local university extension centers.

Data in some catalogs can be passed over. u Don’t get hung up on the EPDs as such; it’s simpler to look at the percentile rank of a bull, which compares him to other bulls his age and breed makeup. If his percentile rank is a 10, that means he’s in the top 10 percent of his breed for that trait.

Of course, if his percentile rank is 90 only 10 percent of the bulls in his group exist that his EPD is superior to. u Genomic data might be available, and it can strengthen or weaken an EPD. It does enhance the accuracy of the EPD. This is the “new kid on the block” and is gaining in popularity.

u Indexes can simplify the search for the perfect bull. They weight the several traits with the current economic conditions for indexes such as all-purpose, maternal, carcass, feedlot and beef. They’re expressed in dollars. u Decide on a price range, especially the top end, you’re willing to pay for your choices. Whatever price you choose, be flexible and determine that it might take a little more money. u Now it’s time to go look at the prospects you’ve marked. If a bull doesn’t suit you on paper, then don’t fall in love with him just because he’s an eyecatcher. u In the visual analysis of your prospects, start looking at them from the ground up. Hooves should be uniform, no curling or long toes, and the bulls should be free of corns CONTINUED ON NEXT PAGE

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MANAGEMENT MATTERS

Bull Check Time Clinic dates set for breeding soundness exams

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our Bull Breeding Soundness Clinics are on the schedule for October. They are: • Oct. 4 - Barry County Veterinary Service Cassville, Missouri - Phone 417-847-2677 • Oct. 4 & 5 - Dake Veterinary Clinic Miller, Missouri - Phone 417-452-3301 • Oct. 20 - Countryside Animal Clinic Aurora, Missouri - Phone 417-678-4011 • Oct. 21 - Animal Clinic of Diamond Diamond, Missouri - Phone 417-325-4136

BULL BUYING 101 • FROM PREVIOUS PAGE between the toes. Does the bull have a smooth, long stride when walking? u Does the bull look like an animal you’d be proud to have in your pasture? Observe his temperament and determine if he appears to be manageable for you and the workers on your place. u Don’t forget to consider the breeder of the bulls you’re looking at. Does his or her management and future plans correspond to yours? Will he or she be there to help you with marketing your calves or should something go wrong with the bull? Trust and confidence are the key words here.

Bull buying can be a rewarding experience when the herd sire’s calves hit the ground or the sale ring.

—Source: Eldon Cole is University of Missouri Extension livestock specialist.

“Persons wishing to have bulls checked should call in advance to reserve a time,” said Eldon Cole, University of Missouri Extension livestock specialist. “The clinics have become popular the last few years as they offer special perks along with the routine breeding soundness exam given to the bulls.”

Cole said the veterinarians like the full day’s scheduling, especially for their clients with one or two bulls. This approach allows them to set up to do BSE’s exclusively on the special clinic days.

“October is a good month to check bulls since we have so many fall-calving cows in southwest Missouri,” he said. “Most of the bulls checked will have been running with cows at least part of the summer. Even though you think the bulls are in good shape they could have had some experiences during the breeding season you’re unaware of that could reduce their effectiveness when you turn them out in November.”

Among the bull concerns in the fall are eye and hoof infections, heat stress some of which could be related to fescue toxicosis and trichomoniasis. Trich has been identified in several southwest Missouri herds in recent months according to Cole.

“Checking bulls for soundness well ahead of turnout time is wise as it gives you time to shop for replacements if necessary,” he said. “It’s a good practice to have one more bull around than you think you’ll need.”

Bulls are a sizable investment for any beef producer. Cole said that means spending some dollars to see if they are physically fit and ready to breed 20 to 40 females in a 60- to 75-day breeding season makes good sense.

“Check with your veterinarian to schedule your bulls BSE if the four clinics above are not handy for you,” said Cole.

Since 2005 more than 2600 exams have been given with an unsatisfactory score given to around 11 percent of those bulls.

—Source: Univ. of Mo. Extension release.

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OCTOBER 2016

43

MANAGEMENT MATTERS

Collecting Measures of Feed Intake

data is being used for genetic evaluation. Consequently, the Beef Improvement Federation (BIF) is in the process of updating its guidelines for collecting feed-intake data.

“The purpose of the guidelines is to maximize the use of available data, but maintain integrity through standardization,” said Robert Weaber in a presentation delivered during the BIF Annual Meeting and Symposium hosted in Manhattan, Kansas.

BIF reviews recommended guidelines for collecting feed intake

Weaber, a beef geneticist at Kansas State University, serves on the committee charged with recommending appropriate revisions to the BIF Guidelines. He noted current recommendations include:

Story By Troy Smith

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ollection of beef cattle feed-intake data continues to increase.

Because it is a consideration for evaluating beef production efficiency, more feed-intake data is being collected on-farm and through centralized testing facilities. Additionally, feed-intake

• recording birth and weaning weights and dates; • cattle be not less than 240 days of age at the start of the test; • the range of test animal age be not more than 60 days;

BULLS for sale!

• a 21-day acclimation period prior to official test start; • analysis of diet by commercial laboratory; • a minimum of two weights be taken on test and two weights be taken off test; and • feed must be provided ad libitum.

According to Weaber, areas under review have included length of the acclimation period, length of the period for measurement of feed intake and weight gain, contemporary group definition, and use of data on calves produced via embryo transfer. The most significant change addresses the length of time during which feed-intake measurements will be recorded.

“It appears there may be opportunity to shorten the recommended test length (within the 70-day feeding period) if we decouple feed-intake measurement from weight gain,” said Weaber. “We can collect data for shorter periods of time, because feed intake has been shown to be highly repeatable across the feeding period. Weight gain is not.”

Consequently, the committee suggested revising the guidelines regarding testperiod length, shortening it to 35 days following a 21-day acclimation. A new addition to the guidelines calls for contemporary grouping by “weaning contemporary group” with no further subdivision.

20 RED ANGUS • 2 ANGUS • 10 SIM ANGUS 35 BRANGUS • 3 HEREFORD • 12 CHAROLAIS EPDs & Delivery available

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Weaber said the final written committee recommendations will be submitted to the BIF board of directors in the fall.

—Source: Troy Smith is field editor of the Angus Journal. This article is reprinted with permission from www.BIFconference.com, the Angus Media’s online coverage site of the 2016 Beef Improvement Federation Research Symposium and Annual Meeting.

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44 OCTOBER 2016

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ECONOMIC INDICATORS

Determining an Appraised Market Value Three approaches help analyze property Story By Kate Lambert

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hen financing a real estate purchase or refinancing a farm, residence or rural property, the appraisal is an important part of the loan process. Many people question how the appraisal is completed.

Three different approaches are available for an appraiser to use.

The appraiser will have already analyzed the subject property and considered the purpose of the appraisal to determine which approaches to complete.

This might or might not include all three approaches, depending on which the appraiser has determined to be appropriate.

An appraiser’s assignment, in most cases, is to determine market value of a property.

Market value is defined as “The most probable price which

a property should bring in a competitive and open market under all conditions requisite to a fair sale...,” according to The Appraisal of Rural Property, 2nd Edition.

All three approaches utilize market-derived data to analyze the property. The appraiser will select the approach most appropriate, reliable and applicable to the property. Property use, the buyer’s motivation for purchasing a property, and how well a property suits a buyer’s purpose influence the type of approach chosen. The quality of the market information might also influence the reliability of the reconciliation and market value conclusion from each approach used in the appraisal.

weighted and applied on improved properties where good cost information exists and total depreciation can be supported. The land value estimate might be similar to that used in the Sales Comparison Approach.

The Income Approach might be weighted for properties that have reliable or predictable cash flow and income. This approach is not typically used for primary residences on lots or small acreage or for recreational properties.

The Sales Comparison Approach might be weighted for improved or unimproved properties where comparable sales provide for direct comparisons and market adjustments for the factors that influence value for

the property. A final value estimate is reconciled from one or all approaches used and considers the availability, comparability and analysis of the market data and how it is relevant to the property being appraised.

—Source: Kate Lambert is an assistant vice president at FCS Financial.

For more information about financial solutions for your ag operation, call 1-800-444-3276 or find the office nearest you at www.myfcsfinancial.com. FCS Financial provides services to 102 counties in Missouri and is a member of the Farm Credit System. With nearly 100 years of agricultural lending experience, the Farm Credit System is the largest single provider of agricultural credit in the United States.

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OCTOBER 2016

45

Management Matters

Money in the Bank How to pay for your child’s education

“Every dollar you save is a dollar you don’t have to borrow.”

—Mark Kantrowitz Edvisors.com

Story By Lisa Henderson for Cattlemen’s News

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ven if you have been planning for college expenses for your children, experts say most parents are in for wallet shock. That’s because college tuition, and all of its associated expenses, have been increasing far more rapidly than other costs. According to the College Board, in-state college tuition has more than doubled over the last 20 years.

On average, college tuition at public four-year colleges for in-state students was $9,140 during the 2014-2015 school year. That’s 40 percent higher than the $6,450 average of 2005, according to the College Board, an American private nonprofit corporation that was formed in 1899 as the College Entrance Examination Board to expand access to higher education. Add in the costs for fees and room and board, and this year’s total cost is $19,000 to attend a public four-year college. Similar costs for private non-profit four-year institutions are about $42,000.

nancial experts say to start saving as early as possible, and to utilize the various sources of funding such as scholarships, grants and student loans. It’s also critical that you develop a college funding plan.

“Every dollar you save is a dollar you don’t have to borrow,” says Mark Kantrowitz, senior vice president and publisher of Edvisors.com, a website focused on planning and paying for college. “And, every dollar you borrow costs $2 by the time you pay back debt.”

The best option to save for college, experts agree, is through a 529 College Savings Account.

The 529 plan is used by 12 million American families because investments in those plans grow tax-deferred, and distributions used to pay college costs are free from federal income taxes.

Currently, 34 states and the District of Columbia offer a state income-tax deduction or credit for residents who contribute to their state’s 529 That means you’re looking savings plan. Five states —Ariat a four-year total of nearly zona, Kansas, Maine, Missouri $80,000 for each student. Fi- and Pennsylvania — provide a

state income-tax break if you contribute to any state’s 529 plan.

However, contribution limits exist on 529 plans, according to the Internal Revenue Service. “Contributions cannot exceed the amount necessary to provide for the qualified education expenses of the beneficiary.”

The IRS also says to be aware that there could be gift tax consequences if contributions, plus any other gifts to a particular beneficiary exceed $14,000 during the year. 529 plan withdrawals can also be used to “pay for the cost of any computer technology, related equipment and/or related services such as Internet access.”

Computer technology also includes computer software used for educational purposes. To learn more about 529 plans, view IRS Publication 970, Tax Benefits for Education.

Another option for college saving is a prepaid tuition plan, which locks in tuition costs at current levels. The two types of prepaid tuition plans include state plans that allow residents to lock in tuition and fees at a state college or university, and the Private College 529 Plan offered by the Tuition Plan Consortium and covering 270 private institutions. The Private College

529 Plan is convertible into a traditional 529 plan if your student doesn’t end up attending any participating colleges.

Also, be aware that not all prepaid tuition plans are riskfree. Most states don’t guarantee your returns, which means your money might not cover your child’s education if tuition growth outpaces your investments.

Finally, you must know how to use withdrawals from 529 plans correctly. For instance, you might know the tuition balance for a particular year, but don’t withdraw the funds too hastily. You should account for all possible grants and scholarships first. If you don’t match the expenses with the withdrawals correctly, you could face taxes on the earnings.

Additionally, not every college cost is a qualified expense that is permissible to be paid by a 529 plans. For instance, a 529 plan can’t be used to pay for student loans or transportation costs, and paying for room and board can be tricky if your student lives off campus. The general rule is to avoid spending more on room and board from your 529 savings plan than a student living on campus would pay.

Financial experts also warn that 529 plans are not emergency funds. If you withdraw funds early to pay for emergency life expenses, the IRS will stick you with a 10 percent penalty, plus taxes on the earnings. And, taking the money out early will also greatly reduce your ability to save enough before your child reaches college age.

Develop a college funding plan. Financial experts say to start saving as early as possible, and to use a variety of funding sources such as scholarships, grants and student loans.

46 OCTOBER 2016

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OCTOBER 2016

47

Management Matters

The Job No One Wants to Do Old school versus modern record-keeping methods Story by Jillian Campbell for Cattleman’s News

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s important as record keeping is to successful livestock management, the border between paper and modern technology doesn’t have to be breached to be effective.

University of Missouri Extension Agriculture Business Specialist Wesley Tucker spends plenty of time counseling farmers on proper recordkeeping techniques at his Polk County, Missouri, location. He says record keeping is very important to improve management and profitability on the farm.

A part-time cattleman himself, Tucker admits even he has a hard time keeping up with such a fast paced, technologydependent era. He says using “shoe-box methods” and traditional file folders is sometimes useful depending upon the record keeper and the operation being observed.

“I think a lot of times we try to say ‘this is the best program or this is the best thing that someone needs to do’ and that’s not always true,” Tucker says. “If someone is a very meticulous and very detailed record keeper on paper, it doesn’t automatically mean just because their grandkids got them a computer for Christmas they need to move over to the computer.”

While Tucker says switching to a new record-keeping method can be beneficial, he cautions users to take their move slowly to make sure they are using the new method effectively without any errors.

“I usually recommend that when someone switches record keeping systems that they try to keep using the old system and new one side by side for a year or two to make sure they match until they are fully comfortable with the new method,” Tucker says.

Although many new technological applications and programs are available on the market, Tucker doesn’t be-

48 OCTOBER 2016

lieve older generation farmers should make a switch unless they believe it is absolutely right for themselves and their operation, even in this day and age.

“I’ve seen a lot of take very good paper that don’t computers very when they try to make the leap to computers it gets them in trouble,” Tucker says.

“There are a lot of different programs and systems out there, but the system that I think is best is the one that people are the most comfortable with and can get the most information out of for themselves.”

people who records on understand well and

The third type of record keeping that Tucker sees is with the more advanced use of computer programs such as Quicken, QuickBooks and Microsoft Money. Tucker says for some, these programs can be very effective and are not too difficult to operate. He calls Quicken a “glorified check register” saying that it is a good program for producers to adopt. Tucker also says the highly advanced and more expensive complete farm management type systems such as Farm Works and PcMars are options for producers.

Tucker says that while it may be difficult to find the right

cause the Farm Service Agency requires my production records or my bank requires it to give me a loan.’ My argument is that you should really keep records so that you have what you need to make better management decisions.”

Tucker says information is power, but power is easily lost without proper record keeping.

“I always joke that most people would rather go haul manure or fix fence than they would keep records,” Tucker says. “That is true. Record keeping is seen as the job that no one wants to do, but it re-

Tucker explains that de- Paper or computer, the best record-keeping method is the one that works best for you, pending on the says Wesley Tucker, University of Missouri Extension agricultural business specialist. user’s skillset and the operation being monitored, three ally is the job that allows us to usual types of record keeping program and take might take make management decisions. time to learn new aspects of exist that he sees regularly.

We spend time on the 10 dolrecord keeping, University The first types are paper relar an hour jobs when we records. Many farmers use their Extension offices are great ally need to be spending time checkbooks wisely by keeping places to talk to an agriculon the 100 dollar an hour jobs, records of expenditures writ- ture business specialist, like which is management.” ten into carbon copies as they himself, to get one-on-one answers and information. spend for their operation.

Although advances in technology might make record Another common form of pa- Tucker suggests that although keeping seem like a daunting per record keeping that Tuck- finding the right record keeptask, more options are now er finds useful among farm- ing method is important, it available for a farmer to find isn’t nearly as important as ers is what he calls the “old what is right for his or her opblue book record ledger,” an the reason for the record oreration. Record keeping skills account keeper, which is still ganization itself. He says often are becoming more vital evavailable from University of farmers keep records because they think it’s a mandatory ery day, as they allow farmers Missouri Extension. duty rather than a simple de- to keep track of financial information and use it to make While many people still find cision for themselves. proper management decipaper effective, some have “My key problem with record sions. adapted to change by learning keeping is that most people how to use classic spreadsheet computer programs such as look at keeping records beMicrosoft Excel, which makes cause someone else requires up the second form of record it,” Tucker explains. “Farmers keeping. Microsoft Excel is say, ‘I keep records because I a program commonly used have to file my taxes. The IRS requires it. I keep records beamong younger farmers. www.joplinstockyards.com

Absolute SW Missouri Farm Auction 486+/- Acre Working Cattle Ranch Friday and Saturday, October 28 and 29, 2016

Location: 30143 Kapok Dr., Stark City, MO 64866, GPS: 36.890811, -94.113864 60 Miles West of Springfield, Missouri • 35 Miles SE of Joplin, Missouri 486+/- Acres * Offered in Parcels * Improved Grassland * Tillable Acreage * Pasture * Working Cattle Ranch * Ranch home * Tracts from 10+/ to 70+/- Acres * Full line of Agriculture Equipment * Newton Co. * East Newton Schools

PROPERTY TOURS & INSPECTION Saturday, October 15, 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. and Monday, October 17, 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Description: The Shoal Creek Ranch is located in Stark City, MO includes 369 contiguous acres comprised of fertile bottom land, pasture and hay ground. There are also wooded areas as well as a bluff overlooking Shoal Creek. The ranch has been dry land farmed but with several thousand feet of frontage on both Shoal Creek and Capps Creek irrigation would be a breeze. The homestead consists of a very well maintained and updated ranch home, a 60’x210’ Machinery barn and maintenance shop along with corrals and dry lot area with loafing shed. The Millers have been improving the farm for 30 years now while raising alfalfa, corn and beans as well as pasturing cattle on the grassland. The ranch has several corrals, fencing, cross fencing and an abundance of water from both water wells and creeks. The Ranch has not been on the market for 30 years. The farm also is connected to the Capps Creek Conservation area a 721 acre tract that contains forest, old fields, cropland, and some wetlands for fishing, hunting and wildlife viewing.

Go to www.kaufman-auctions.com for aerial views, pictures and complete terms.

Location #2 10400-10484 Wallaby Road, Stark City, MO 64866 40+/- Acres prime tillable acres with water well. Offered in 2 parcels.

Home Farm: 369+/- contiguous acres offered in 8 parcels as well in combination. Call or go online for a map with parcel descriptions and additional info.

Location #3 32000-32498 Palm Road, Fairview, MO 64842 78 +/- Acres with excellent post frame barn and shed. Tillable ground or pasture with pond.

Real Estate Sells Friday, October 28, at 11:00 a.m.

All real estate sells from the Home Farm location.

Legal: Parcel # 13-5.0-15-000-000-004.001, 13-5.0-15-000-000-002.002, 13-5.0-15-000-000-009.000, 13-5.0-15-000-000-002.000, 13-5.0-15-000-000-002.001, 13-5.0-16-000-000-001.000, 13-2.0-09-000-000-007.001, 13-2.0-10000-000-004.003, 13-2.0-03-000-000-009.000, 13-2.0-10-000-000-004.000. In Newton County of the state of Missouri.

Real Estate Terms: 10% nonrefundable down payment, balance at closing in 30-45 days w/no financing contingencies. 10% Buyers Premium. Property is sold “AS IS”. Announcements day of sale take precedence over all previous advertising and statements.

Equipment Sells Saturday, October 29, at 10:00 a.m.

Equipment: 2009 JD 7330 Premium, 4953 hrs., easy sprayer hydraulic drive 50’ boom; Demco 500 gal sprayer evator PTO; 32’ Hay and Grain Elevator PTO Drive; 444 4 row corn head JD; 324 guide auto steer, MFWD, Duals, 741 self-leveling 40’ boom roller pump; Ag spray 500 gal sprayer roller New Idea Super Picker 2 Row 30”, 12 roll husking bed; Carroll Heider auger loader w/ silage bucket, JD standard bucket, Bale wagon 1 ½ ton capacity; Dempster Clipper model 2005 Fertilizer Buggy 8 ton pump 32’ boomless spray 2016 model; 5000 gal poly spear w/quick attach SN RW7330K011386; Case IH capacity; Woods DW 2400 Batwing Bushhog 20’ S/N 1252506; tank; 3-2250 gal poly tanks; 9-1500 gal poly tanks; 7120 Duals 8600 hrs. engine fully overhauled at 5600 Trucks: 1989 International Truck L10 Cummins engine flatbed with 1500 gal transfer pumps 2” Flex hoses; JD 400 Rotary hoe 15’ hrs. SN JJA0014393 Front Wheel assist; 2003 JD 5520 wide; JD 825 6 Row Cultivator Rolling Shields 3 pt. hitch; water tank with metering pump; 1993 Mack C613 Tri-axle 9 speed Transmisapprox. 3500 hrs 300 hrs on overhaul, 541 self-leveling Sterling 22’ folding soil conditioner; model 3950 Case sion AC approx.. 1.5 million miles approx 100,000 miles on overhaul 24’ loader, Front Wheel assist SN LV5520P356348, 2004 IH Disc 18’ folding 21” discs S/N JFH0013696; 16’ Case IH grain and silage combo dump bed; 1990 Mack C613 Tri-axle 9 speed Trans AC McCormick CX 95 Tractor, Front Wheel Assist SN Cultimulcher; 24’ Krause field cultivator model 6600 9” 352435 actual miles 24 grain and silage combo dump bed; 1989 Kenworth ZC95AP4JJE2053573; 1996 JD 9600 Combine ag leader sweeps with spring tooth harrow; 15’ Miller offset disc’ T 800 Tri-axle 9 speed Trans, AC 813928 miles 134,000 miles on overhaul L10 monitor, maps yield, moisture & acres 4909 engine Cummins 22’ aeroswint grain and silage combo dump bed; 1977 Chevrolet model 2500 Case IH 5 shank deep ripper 3 point; Case hrs. 3348 separator hrs. 925 Flex Head 25ft. 843 corn IH model 700 Semi mounted 6 bottom plow; Case IH Bison Tri-axle 13 speed trans 290 Cummins 24’ aeroswint grain and silage head, low tin set of rice & cane firestone tires for JD model 700 Semi mounted 5 bottom plow; Case IH model combo dump bed; 1975 Ford 8000 Allison automatic trans 3208 Cat engine 9600 Combine 30.5L x32 & 28L x26; 2011 Case IH 1250 720 onland 616 6 bottom plow; 15’ Great Plains No till AC 22’ Grain and silage combo dump bed; early rise 16 row planter, row cleaners, spike closing drill 9354 acres S/N GP11347C; 8’ Three point Land Pride Cattle Feeders and Equipment: WW Squeeze chute; Powder River wheels, Case IH liquid fertilizer system, self-contained blade, adjustable; Goodyear DT 710 Radial Tire 184 R42 squeeze chute; Wilson Wheel portable corral; Feeder wagon bed for 2 ton unit with PTO pump; JD Moco 946 Hydra swing Discbine New; 2-Titan 14928 Tires new; 2010 Model 510 EZ Trail truck self-contained hydraulic drive with Honda motor; 12 mineral feeders SN1E00946TECC380361; JD 468 Megawide plus Round grain cart green in color, Rollover Tarp, 1000 PTO new bunk type with roof; 6 ranch style hay saver round bale feeders; 2-WW steel baler SN IE00468XL9A362938 29,425 bales; JD 467 20.8-38 Tractor tires; EZ trail seed wagon with 14’ auger bunk feeders 4x20; 4-15’ steel feed bunks; approx. 32 8’ concrete feed bunks; Megawide plus Round baler SN E00467300871 38,453 300 Bushel, self-contained gas engine to operate auger 2-3 point bale unrollers approx. 85 corral panels; 3-16’ new farm gates green; bales; 2 Vermeer R2300 Hydraulic Drive Hydra swing 6’liquid feed tubs; Lots of T posts and fencing supplies Rollover Tarp; Parker 9000 Grain wagon on gooseneck rakes; NH 355 Hydraulic Drive Grinder mixer with scales; frame, tandem duals, 500 bushel with Rollover Tarp; EZ Equipment Terms: Full payment day of auction with cash, check or credit Gehl 95 grinder mixer; JD 6320 Tractor 2525hrs SN L06320P350848; BC 5070 Flow gravity wagon model 220W 250 Bushel 8 ton Rawhide running gears; EZ card. 3% Buyers premium. Buyer’s premium will be waived for all cash and New Holland Square baler 2015 Model Hayliner SN YEN118335; Hustler flow gravity wagon model 220W 250 bushel, 8 ton Badger running gears; MK check purchases. All items sold “AS IS”. Announcements day of sale take Chainless XR 1500 Round bale unroller; TS EZ bale unroller Hydraulic drive, 80-51 Grain auger 8x51 auger Westfield; Kewanee 500, 42ft. Hay and Grain El- precedence over all previous advertising and statements.

PTO; JD 6140 R wheel weights; 3200 PSI power wash; several rolling tool For equipment questions call Jeremy Miller: 918-541-8214 boxes; lots of wrenches and shop tools; 12’ HD Silage push blade with brackets for any JD quick mount; 2002 Freight Liner FL 70,3126 Cat Engine 5 speed Transmission 280,000 miles flatbed; 1996 ¾ ton Dodge Reg. Cab 12 valve Cummins Diesel automatic transmission 331,671 miles; 1996 1 Ton Dually Dodge Ram 12 valve Cummins extended cab 5 speed standard transmission Jeremy L Miller, Auctioneer 305, 476 miles steel flatbed set up for service truck; 2004 24’ with 5’ dovetail Fleetneck brand gooseneck trailer tandem duals; 1990 32’ Gooseneck trailer 918-541-8214 or www.duncanmillercompany.com flatbed tandem duals electric over hydraulic brakes, 8000 gal steel fuel tank Todd Woodruff, Auctioneer 855.439.4111 or www.kaufmanrealty.com with pump; 2-5250 gal steel fuel tanks with pumps; 1500 gal steel fuel Jared Miller, Auctioneer Jason L. Miller, CAI Auctioneer tank with divider and pumps; 1000 gal steel fuel tank with pump; 10-48’ van storage trailers’ 5-28’ van storage trailers; Schaben Industries 500 gal Jerick Miller, Auctioneer 740.541.7475 or jason@kaufmanrealty.com

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OCTOBER 2016

49

Management Matters

Beef Herds Gain Value University of Missouri research improves genetics

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eef herds are gaining value, thanks to research from the University of Missouri.

“As beef prices drop, improved genetics gain value,” Dave Patterson told visitors at the MU Thompson Farm near Spickard, Missouri, last month.

The University of Missouri Extension specialist said we’re improving value in what is already proven to work. He and MU graduate students perfected fixed-time artificial insemination at the farm. All cows, or heifers, can be bred by appoint-

ment the same day. That cuts labor.

“We improve technology and add better genetics to the herd,” Patterson said. The big value comes from using genetics of the best sires in the breed.

“Now we must overcome resistance to adopting the protocols from here,” he said.

Patterson did his first research in Missouri in 1998. Every year brings more advances. The MU team refined timing of breeding for heifers, 2-year-old cows

and mature cows. Each group’s needs are different.

Farmers must use only current AI instructions, as they change yearly, Patterson said. The research boils down to two sides of a guide printed on a yellow card. AI companies print the guide in their sire catalogs.

“Work on improving heifers spills over into the cow herd,” Patterson said. “We’ve created an understanding of the importance of heifer development on reproductive outcomes. Farmers learn to capture that value.”

The Show-Me-Select (SMS) Heifer Program remains the best success. There have been 145 bred-heifer sales with gross sales of $44.5 million. That’s dollars back to farmers.

“When prices were high, all heifers sold well,” Patterson said. “Now, buyers pay more for superior genetics. Repeat buyers teach us the value of high-quality heifers.”

Annual heifer sales are a small part of economic gains for the state, Patterson said. “As intended, most heifers stay on the farm to improve the home herd.”

Some SMS heifer producers sell at their own private sales. Heifers become a major enterprise.

Since the first two sales in 1997, the heifer program has affected herds in 95 percent of Missouri counties.

Average price for replacement heifers the first year was $826.

In 2015, the average was $2,388.

That dropped from record prices in 2014.

Other values are gained. In the latest sales, Tier Two heifers, with better genetics, brought $400 premiums. That was above averages for bull-bred SMS heifers. Tier Two heifers are out of superior sires, bred to superior sires. Some farms have many generations of improvements.

For the state, a great value comes in educating graduate students and veterinarians.

Many now earn dual degrees.

Patterson’s former students work in the AI industry. As veterinarians and extension specialists, they help farmers raise better heifers.

At the end of his talk, Patterson gave a sneak preview of an AI protocol from Jordan Thomas, doctoral student. Thomas could not attend because of a class conflict.

His split-time AI protocol increased conception rates from fixed-time breeding.

Missouri producers can gain help from regional livestock specialists through their local MU Extension Center. The best way is to enroll in the yearlong SMS heifer program.

Details on enrolling in SMS or attending fall sales are at agebb.missouri.edu/select. Joplin Regional Stockyards will host an SMS sale Nov. 18. For details on that sale, contact MU Extension Specialist Eldon Cole at 417-466-3102.

—Source: University of Missouri Cooperative Media Group.

50 OCTOBER 2016

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BUSINESS BYTES

Preconditioning Impacts Feedlot Performance SelectVAC® calves add value, sustainability for feedyards

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efore calves arrive at the feedlot, they can make a number of stops along the way — from the ranch of origin, to the stocker or backgrounder operation and then to the finishing facility. A proven way for feeding operations to reduce illness and increase sustainability is by choosing calves with an immune system capable of handling infectious challenges they could encounter along the way.

sults in better health and productivity in the feedyard.”

“We care for these animals, and in the spirit of being true stewards and good stockmen, we naturally look for information that can help us improve overall herd health and operational outcomes,” said Elizabeth Fraser, D.V.M., beef technical services at Zoetis. “Selecting wellmanaged calves that have been well fed and received vaccines at the ranch consistently re-

Purchasing cattle enrolled in a third-party verified preconditioning program like SelectVAC® from Zoetis provides additional insight into the cattle being purchased and improves transparency. SelectVAC details how the cattle were managed, products administered and the timing of product administration.

Buying calves that were preconditioned ahead of stressors like shipment and commingling helps ward off potential health risks, such as bovine respiratory disease (BRD). BRD accounts for annual feedlot losses of $1 billion due to loss of production, increased labor expenses, pharmaceutical costs and death.

“Each feedyard has its own arrival protocols,” said Dr. Fraser. “Having verified information detailing previous vaccination and herd management information can help feedlots make important initial processing decisions.”

Preconditioning results in better health and feedlot performance by reducing feedlot morbidity and mortality, and lowering treatment costs.

Calves enrolled in SelectVAC demonstrated better performance than other preconditioning programs in a commercial feedlot study and were more than four times less likely to get sick or die than calves with an unverified health history.

Performance improvements seen in preconditioned cattle included higher average daily gains, improved feed conversion and lower cost of gain.

These differences increased the value of preconditioned calves for feedlot managers by $5.25/cwt.

“If you have animals facing the challenges of shipment and commingling, their potential for success is enhanced by being armed with a properly stimulated immune system,” said Dr. Fraser. “Actively sourcing preconditioned cattle will increase their potential to remain healthy and productive, which is definitely an added-value for buyers.

—Source: Release from Zoetis.

It’s weaning time, which means it’s time to test your heifers with GeneMax® Advantage TM. If you purchased CIDRs between March 1-June 30, 2016, you’re eligible for a $27.70 rebate per bag of CIDRs toward GeneMax Advantage.

BOUGHT CIDRS? GET FREE MONEY, FAST! How much is it worth to your operation to select and breed the most productive replacement heifers? That’s what GeneMax Advantage from Zoetis helps beef producers do. The more CIDRs you buy, the more you can save on GeneMax Advantage.

Beef producers who use Eazi-BreedTM CIDR®s to synchronize their cows can now receive a $27.70 rebate per bag toward purchase of GeneMax Advantage to select heifer replacements.

Act now–rebates can only be received on CIDRs purchased between March 1-June 30, 2016.

It’s easy to get your rebate toward purchase of GeneMax Advantage: • Upload a photo of your Eazi-Breed CIDR purchase receipt to www.CIDR.com.

• You’ll receive a rebate code by email.

• Submit the rebate code with a GeneMax Advantage DNA sample order form to Angus Genetics, Inc. • Rebate checks issued within approximately four to six weeks after requests are received.

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OCTOBER 2016

51

MANAGEMENT MATTERS

Farm Inventory Critical in Purchasing Insurance Review coverage amounts annually Story By Joann Pipkin, Editor

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nsurance. We don’t want to live with the expense, but we often can’t afford to live without the coverage.

But, where do you begin? What should be covered when you take out an insurance policy?

Joplin American Family Insurance agent Steven Haskins says buildings, equipment and livestock are all essential coverage ar-

eas. However, liability limits or worker compensation should also be considered especially for larger farms with employees.

Haskins says three keys to remember when purchasing insurance are actual cash value (ACV), farm liability and umbrella policies.

ACV is a method of valuing insured property or the value computed by that method and is not equal to replacement cost value.

“ACV is computed by subtracting depreciation from replacement cost,” Haskins explains.

It is very important to understand the difference between Actual Cash Value coverage and Replacement Cost coverage. Haskins encourages you to reach out to your agent to get a better understanding of the coverage before a claim occurs.

Most base policies offer up to $1 million in liability protection, Haskins says. Adding an umbrella policy can help you increase your limit.

“Umbrella policies are offered in million dollar increments, and some companies offer higher limits,” Haskins says. “With a farm or ranch liability umbrella policy, you have an added layer of protection against financial consequences of such incidents. Umbrella policies are an extension of your personal and farm autos as well.”

Blanket farm personal property coverage is preferred by most because after an inventory has been taken, you can establish a dollar amount of coverage for everything that falls under the blanket coverage, Haskins explains.

“With this you can avoid having to list everything with all the model and serial numbers are also very helpful on buying, selling or trading equipment, livestock, feed, hay or grain where the blanket coverage amount is the main issue to keep track of,” he says.

The bottom line in purchasing insurance is to first inventory both equipment and livestock. And when it comes to liability limits, Haskins says to consider what an acre of land is selling for in your area.

“Add in the value of all machinery and outbuildings,” Haskins says. “Most likely, $300,000 or $500,000 and no umbrella will not cover the cost if someone is severely injured on the farm or on the road.

Cattle get out on the road. When that happens, they will look to the farmer to make up the difference and this might result in having to sell land and equipment.”

The bottom line: Haskins says it is very important to complete an annual inventory review of equipment, livestock and additional land acquired either rented or owned in case insurance policies need to be updated.

See us at the Ozark Fall Farmfest

Oct. 7, 8, 9 Ozark Empire Fairgrounds Springfield, Missouri Booths #374-376 West e-Plex 52 OCTOBER 2016

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BUSINESS BYTES

TRENDING NOW

China To Lift Ban on U.S. Beef

Tool Monitors NCBA welcomes news as expanded opportunities F Parasites in Pastures Producers can now easily check parasite burdens in their area

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erial introduces a new parasite pressure tool that will allow cattle producers to monitor parasite pressure in their pastures and become aware of the conditions that could threaten their cattle. The tool was developed for and added to the LONGRANGE® (eprinomectin) extended-release injectable website.

ollowing a 13-year ban on U.S. beef exports to China, an announcement from the Chinese Government indicates they will begin accepting U.S. beef from animals less than 30 months of age.

“This is great news for U.S. beef producers,” said Kent Bacus, director of international trade for the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association.

“While these initial reports are positive, we must continue

technical negotiations and undergo the process of formally approving export certificates.

China is already the world’s second largest buyer of beef, and with a growing middle class, the export opportunities for U.S. cattlemen and women are tremendous.”

The next step is for United States Department of Agriculture officials to work with China’s Administration of Quality Supervision, Inspection and

Quarantine to approve the certificates and protocols for exports.

“Our cattle producers are the best in the world at producing high-quality beef,” Bacus said.

“To continue to grow demand for our product, our industry relies on fair trade based on sound science. This latest announcement by China is welcome news and further highlights the benefits of trade in the Pacific, opportunities that will only be expanded by passage of the Trans Pacific Partnership.”

—Source: Release from National Cattlemen’s Beef Association

Parasite infections can lead to a number of herd health problems, including negative effects on the immune system, decreased appetites, decreased weaning weightsand lower conception rates.

Because parasites cannot be seen in plain sight, the parasite pressure tool will allow producers to see when and why their cattle are at risk.

Based on a producer’s zip code and forage type, the tool calculates a custom Grass Growth Index (GGI) and a Nematode Suitability Index (NSI), which show the likelihood of parasite presence within the grass type at specific times of the year.

When a producer enters his or her location and operation’s forage type, the tool generates the GGI and NSI on a scale of 0-100; 100 represents extremely favorable conditions for grass growth and parasite infection.

With the information the tool provides, producers can work with their veterinarian to choose the parasite control product that is best suited to battle parasites present in their pasture.

—Source: Release from Merial.

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OCTOBER 2016

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particular type of cattle. Interestingly, each producer had gotten past the early introduction issues of a newer breed of cattle and finally moved his or her herd to a predominately Salers base. Patience with an eye on a focused goal was critical.

MANAGEMENT MATTERS

What Makes a Good Cow? A good cow is one that fits the environment Story By Kris Ringwall

C

ows are as different — or that this issue has no simple similar — as the producers answer. who care for them.

A panel of producers deSo, the definition of a good scribed their operations. The cow depends on a producer’s producers had incorporated appreciation of just what cow Salers cattle into their operahe or she wants to work with tions very well. The cattle had and tolerance for bad cows become a stable part of their with which he or she is willing beef operations and were meeting their production to work. goals.

But all cows must pay the bills, despite a general lack of Producer stories, regardless responsibility and a prefer- of breed, tell of the ability to ence for lowing in the mead- adapt a breed to an individual ows. Producers determine the producer’s operation, an exersuccess of the beef operation; cise that takes years. And producers have no option to buy that’s not an easy task. success.

The other day, I visited with American Salers Association Producer willingness to inproducers about maternal ge- corporate the unique traits netics prior to their national of a particular breed into the summer tour in North Dakota. management and physical atAs I pondered what makes a tributes of the production sysgood cow, I slowly concluded tem is key to embracing any

The big challenge in the cattle industry is finding female cattle that will satisfy the producer and raise offspring that fulfill the needs of the beef chain. Common thoughts from the Salers producers are the same or similar to those expressed in many meetings as producers try to adapt to a lower-cost, lower-labor business.

From an academic point, cow fertility is always the easiest descriptor of a good cow.

She must breed early, rebreed quickly and produce copious calves that are a mainstay year after year.

Other traits evaluated will impact cow fertility, such as milk and growth. Too much milk is usually the first trait mentioned when fertility is lower than desired. However, ex-

cess growth also is mentioned because cow size certainly impacts nutritional requirements.

These traits that impact fertility are producer-dependent because feed availability and feed quality directly impact a cow’s ability to rebreed, grow and milk. And producers are responsible for providing the proper nutrition to the cows.

Usually, fertility depends on an operation’s geographic ability to match feed resources with a cow’s demand to breed, milk and grow. Perhaps that is a good point of discussion for producers as they ponder cow needs.

The historic tendency has been to increase supplemental feed in an effort to maximize cow fertility. Would that be wrong? I did not say it was wrong, but if a cattle producer wants to decrease costs, those inputs that are not grown on the cattle operation need to be purchased. Maybe that is good, maybe not.

CONTINUED ON NEXT PAGE

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WHAT MAKES A GOOD COW FROM PREVIOUS PAGE Always note when purchasing the basic needs of the cow operation, those purchase prices are paying someone else’s salary. And, just how many salaries is the cow expected to pay for? When is a supplement truly a supplement to increase the efficient use of forage grown on the cattle operation versus becoming a staple to sustain the fertility of cows that have outgrown the cattle operation’s ability to stain them with home-grown inputs?

The size and nutritional requirements of differing sizes of cows impact the decision as to what type of cow is needed.

The ability of a producer to select the right cows is directly related to how those cows will fit the environment. But the ability of a producer to set calving time to make sure the cow is given the best chance to be fertile and survive is also the responsibility of the producer. Forcing good cows into the wrong environment is a lose/lose situation.

This means matching bull

turnout and subsequent calving to low-cost, low-labor opportunities within the cattle operation. So maybe the question is wrong. What makes a good cow really depends on how well the producer can match the cow to the place.

Good cows breed early, rebreed quickly and produce copious calves while living on a low-cost budget and requiring little labor.

The Salers cattle were meeting the production needs of those attending the gathering.

Knowing producers are taking active steps to lower costs and labor through the implementation of production practices that align cattle to the desired environment was nice to hear.

Bringing the environment to the cattle through additional costs and labor is a non-forgiving effort. Rather, producers should consider having the cattle gestate and milk when pastures can meet the needs of the expectant cow and transition through birth to the grazing cow-calf pair.

—Source: Kris Ringwall is beef specialist with North Dakota State University Extension Service.

TRENDING NOW

Control Toxic Pasture Weeds Arkansas cattle losses due to perilla mint

W

ashington County Arkansas beef producers have been reporting cattle deaths from grazing perilla mint, a toxic weed common throughout Arkansas, said Berni Kurz, staff chair of the Washington County Cooperative Extension Office.

Kurz said perilla mint poisoning is suspected in several cattle deaths and has been confirmed in at least seven, including five reported by one producer last week.

Perilla mint typically grows in shady areas at the edges of fields, said John Jennings, University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture professor of animal science and extension forage specialist.

Kurz said ample rain this summer has resulted in considerable expansion of perilla mint into Washington County pastures and hardy growth.

Cattle usually find the weed unpalatable and avoid it, Jennings said. But when forage grasses become scarce, as when overgrazed or during drought, cattle will sometimes graze on perilla mint, Jennings said. Some cattle also have been reported eating the weed when it begins to wither, as during drought or when sprayed with herbicide.

Jennings said good general weed control is important, especially early in the season when plants are small, to protect cattle from perilla mint and other toxic weeds common in the state.

Herbicide applications and bush-hogging can be used to clear toxic weeds from pastures, but Jennings cautions to keep cattle out of the field until the weeds are completely dead and fully withered.

—Source: Univ. of Arkansas Extension release.

Learn More About What’s on the Horizon

Informative VFD Meeting October 25, 2016 6:30 p.m.

Joplin Regional Stockyards Guest Speaker David Officer, Zoetis Refreshments will be served

RSVP

Tan is 7505c (0c, 70m, 30y, 55k) Red is Pantone 186 (0c,100m, 81y, 4k) Joplin Regional is Knomen Stockyards is Playbill Tagline is BaskertonSW-Italic

www.joplinstockyards.com

by October 18 to Whitehead Farm Supply 417-548-7351

OCTOBER 2016

55

TRENDING NOW

Checkoff Approves FY17 Budget Committee cuts more than $5 million from proposals

A

fter being forced to make cuts of more than $5 million from proposed programs, the Cattlemen’s Beef Board will invest about $40.7 million into development and implementation of programs of beef promotion, research, consumer information, industry information, foreign marketing and producer communications in fiscal 2017, subject to approval

by USDA. The fiscal year 2017 budget, which begins Oct. 1, 2016, represents a decrease of more than 9 percent from the $44.8 million fiscal year 2016 budget.

Approved proposals from six national beef organizations for funding through the fiscal year 2017 Cattlemen’s Beef Board budget are as follows: • National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (four proposals for $27.5 million)

• U.S. Meat Export Federation, a subcontractor to NCBA (one proposal for $7.2 million) • Cattlemen’s Beef Board (one proposal for $1.5 million) • North American Meat Institute (three proposals for $860,000) • Meat Import Council of America (one proposal for $350,800) • American Farm Bureau Foundation for Agriculture (one proposal for $370,178) • National Livestock Producers Association (one proposal for $66,500) By budget component, the Fiscal Year 2017 Plan of Work for the Cattlemen’s Beef Board budget includes: • $8.1 million for promo-

56 OCTOBER 2016

tion programs, including continuation of the checkoff’s consumer digital advertising program, as well as veal promotion.

• $9.5 million for research programs, focusing on a variety of critical issues, including pre- and post-harvest beef safety research, product quality research, human nutrition research and scientific affairs, market research, and beef and culinary innovations.

• $7.6 million for consumer information programs, including a Northeast public relations initiative, national consumer public relations, including nutritioninfluencer relations, and work with primary- and secondary-school curriculum directors nationwide to get accurate information about the beef industry into classrooms of today’s youth.

• $3.9 million for industry information programs, comprising dissemination of accurate information about the beef industry to counter misinformation

from anti-beef groups and others.

• $7.2 million for foreign marketing and education in some 80 countries.

• $1.5 million for producer communications, which includes investor outreach using national communications and direct communications to producers and importers about checkoff results; as well as development and use of information conduits, such as auction markets; maintenance of a seamless partnership with state beef council producer-communication efforts; and producer attitude research to determine producer attitudes about and desires of their checkoff program.

Other expenses funded through the total $40.7 million 2017 CBB budget include $221,000 for evaluation, $290,000 for program development, $325,000 for USDA oversight; and about $2 million for administration. Fiscal year 2017 begins Oct. 1, 2016.

—Source: MyBeefCheckoff.com

www.joplinstockyards.com

trending now

Cattlemen’s Classic Golf Tournament Winners Named

Afternoon Shotgun

1. Cribbs-Banner-Freeman-Cox 54 2. Ford-Johnsen-Johnsen-Hill 55 3. Harman-Johnson-Johnson-Angus 56

A Flight

1. Stone-Stone-Phillips-Yarnell 61 2. Patterson-Fox-Fox-Bahn 61 3. Cobb-Faucett-Whitesell-Dostal 62

B Flight

1. Kelley-Hall-Sturgell-Rose 68 2. Owens-Alsup-Reed 68 3. Tegarden-Welch-Brown 71

Tan is 7505c (0c, 70m, 30y, 55k) Red is Pantone 186 (0c,100m, 81y, 4k) Joplin Regional is Knomen Stockyards is Playbill is BaskertonSW-Italic 1.Tagline Hill-Johnsen-Ford-Angus 52

Morning Shotgun

2. Wilmoth-Aduddell-McBride-White 53 3. Morrison-Crook-Bartlesmeyer-Cody 58

A Flight

1. Welch-Parks-Durban-Routh 63 2. Cyrus-Phillips-Teilmeyer-Zeller 63 3. Moore-Engler-Flannigan-Haskins 65

B Flight

1. Scott-Meyers-Bergmann-Wehrman 69 2. Howard 69 3. Newbold x 4 69 Ties broken from #10 forward CTP#2 - Chris Hill LD#7 - Tyler Johnsen LP#13 - Neil Routh

www.joplinstockyards.com

Ties broken from #10 forward CTP#2 - Trey Faucett LD#7 - Ryan Fox LP#13 - David Burnett

Special Thanks to Our Sponsors Lucas Oil Products & Protect the Harvest Merck Animal Health FCS Financial Nowata Printing Newbold & Newbold P.C. Little Sunshine’s Playhouse & Preschool Mid Missouri Bank Farm Talk Newspaper Aaron Owen Embassy Embroidery Missouri Beef Cattleman Magazine Boeringer Ingelheim Silo Ridge Golf Course

OCTOBER 2016

57

on the calendar

Farm to Table Value-Added Agriculture Grants Available Applications due Oct. 28

T

he Missouri Department of Agriculture announced the Missouri Agricultural and Small Business Development Authority (MASBDA) is now accepting applications for grants to assist Missouri businesses in accessing and processing locally grown agricultural products for use in facilities within the state. Senate Bill 665, signed by Gov. Jay Nixon on June 24, 2016, changed what was previously Farm to School legislation to Farm to Table, broadening the scope to include other types of facilities with food service programs.

This program provides assistance in placing locally grown agricultural products in Missouri schools, correctional facilities, hospitals, nursing homes, long-term care facilities and military bases, while strength-

basis, and applications will be scored based on their economic development potential, credibility and merit, and source and level of matching funds.

The maximum individual grant is $200,000. Applicants are required to provide a 10 percent cash match toward the resource being funded. Eligible ening local farming economies. resources may include, but are not limited to, items such as: “Producers in Missouri grow coolers, freezers, washing, bagsome of the highest quality and ging, sorting and/or packing most diverse food around,” equipment, and professional Director of Agriculture Rich- services for the development ard Fordyce said. “Finding of Good Agricultural Practices/ new markets for their goods is Good Handling Practices) and something that the Department Hazard Analysis and Critical of Agriculture can assist with.

This program provides another outlet for distributing locally grown agricultural products, while also strengthening local farming economies.”

Control Analysis plan development. The program does not provide funds for agricultural production practices or equipment, paying off debt, applicant salaries or wages, or that of employees, motor vehicles, or operating expenses.

Applications must be received

by MASBDA no later than 5 p.m. Friday, Oct. 28, 2016. Incomplete applications will not be accepted. For more information on the program and complete guidelines, visit agriculture.mo.gov or contact MASBDA at masbda@mda.mo.gov or (573) 751-2129.

SAVE THE DATES

Eligible applicants must be a small business purchasing or processing locally grown agricultural products from a small farmer and whose primary market is institutions in Missouri. The small business could be the actual producer of agricultural products. Grants are awarded on a competitive

NOV

19

Replacement Cow & Bull Sale 12 p.m. | Sat. | Nov. 19, 2016

DEC

1

Value-Added Feeder Cattle Sale Dec. 1, 2016 Wean Date Oct.18

Replacement

Cow & Bull Sale 12 p.m. | Saturday

10.22.16

Joplin Regional Stockyards | I-44 & Exit 22 | Carthage, Missouri

Expecting 800 head.

Give us a call to consign.

Bailey Moore 417.540.4343

Jackie Moore 417.825.0948

Skyler Moore 417.737.2615

JRS Office 417.548.2333

www.joplinstockyards.com

58 OCTOBER 2016

www.joplinstockyards.com

Value-Added Feeder Calf Sale Dec. 1, 2016 Wean Date Oct. 18

59

OCTOBER 2016

www.joplinstockyards.com

JRS Sale Day Market Phone: (417) 548-2012 Mondays (Rick Huffman) | Wednesdays (Don Kleiboeker) Market Information Provided By Tony Hancock Mo. Department of Agriculture Market News Service Market News Hotline (573) 522-9244 Sale Day Market Reporter (417) 548-2012

MARKET WATCH

Joplin Regional Stockyards Market Recap | Feeder Cattle & Calf Auction

September 2016 • Total Receipts 12,789 | Last Month 19,815 | Last Year 13,018 | Total Video Receipts from Sept: 2,303

Tune in to the JRS Market Report

Monday & Wednesday 11:30 a.m. & 12:30 p.m.

Monday 12:40 p.m.

Wednesday 12:40 p.m.

Monday 12:15 p.m.

Wednesday 12:15 p.m.

60 OCTOBER 2016

M-F 9:55-10:05 a.m. (during break before AgriTalk) M/W/F Noon Hour (during Farming in the Four States) T/Th Noon Hour (after news block)

Monday 11:30 a.m.

Wednesday 11:30 a.m.

Monday 11:45 a.m.

Wednesday 11:45 a.m.

Monday 11:38 a.m.

Wednesday 11:38 a.m.

Monday 12:50 p.m. & 4:45 p.m.

Wednesday 12:50 p.m. & 4:45 p.m.

www.joplinstockyards.com

October

EVENT ROUNDUP October

4

Bull Breeding Soundness Exam Clinic Barry County Vet Service, Cassville, Missouri FMI: 417-847-2677

30

Baker Angus Production Sale Butler, Missouri FMI: 660-679-4403

4-5

Bull Breeding Soundness Exam Clinic Dake Veterinary Clinic, Miller, Missouri FMI: 417-452-3301

31

Southwest Missouri All Breed Bull Sale Springfield, Missouri FMI: 417-345-8330

7-9 Farmfest November

Ozark Empire Fairgrounds, Springfield, Missouri 1 Bowling Ranch Hereford Production Sale

FMI: 417-833-2660

Newkirk, Oklahoma

FMI: 913-645-5136 8 The Cattlemen’s Kind Bull Sale

Welch Stockyards, Welch, Oklahoma 4-5 Genetrust Brangus Sale

FMI: 918-961-5173

Concord, Arkansas

FMI: 417-425-0368 11-13 R.A. Brown 42nd Annual Sale Thockmorton, Texas 5 Central States Beefmaster Sale

FMI: 940-849-0611

Joplin Regional Stockyards, Carthage, Missouri

FMI: 417-827-9391 15 Aschermann Charolais 23rd Edition Bull Sale

At the ranch in Carthage, Missouri 5-7 American Angus Association Annual Meeting

FMI: 417-793-2855

Indianapolis, Indiana

FMI: www.angus.org 15 Circle A Angus Bull & Heifer Sale

At the ranch in Iberia, Missouri 7-8 Missouri Forage & Grassland Council Annual Conf.

FMI: 1-800-Circle-A

Jefferson City, Missouri

FMI: hhp://mofgc.org 15 Seedstock Plus Bull Sale

Joplin Regional Stockyards, Carthage, Missouri 12 Moser Ranch Bull Sale

FMI: 877-486-1160

Wheaton, Kansas

FMI: 785-396-4328 15 Route 66 SimGenetics Road to Success Sale

Springfield, Missouri 12 Smith Angus Ranch Production Sale

FMI: 417-236-3899

Green Forest, Arkansas

FMI: 913-755-1105 16 Frank/Hazelrigg Cattle Co. 4th Annual Values Sale

At the farm, 7 miles south of Fulton, Missouri 18 LeForce Hereford Production Sale

FMI: 608-279-3172

Pond Creek, Oklahoma

FMI: (580) 532-6100 17 Hinkles Prime Cut 1st Annual Bull Sale

At the farm in Nevada, Missouri 19 Replacement Cow & Bull Sale

FMI: 417-488-4127

Joplin Regional Stockyards, Carthage, Missouri

FMI: 417-548-2333 18-20 Regional Management-Intensive Grazing School

Fair Grove, Missouri 19 Genetrust Brangus Sale

FMI: 417-831-5246 Ext. 3

Jacksonville, Texas

FMI: 417-425-0368 20 Bull Breeding Soundness Exam Clinic

Countryside Animal Clinic, Aurora, Missouri FMI: 417-678-4011

21

Bull Breeding Soundness Exam Clinic Animal Clinic of Diamond, Missouri FMI: 417-325-4136

22

Replacement Cow & Bull Sale Joplin Regional Stockyards, Carthage, Missouri FMI: 417-548-2333

23

Magness Land & Cattle Fall Female Sale Miami, Oklahoma FMI: 402-350-3447

25

Veterinary Feed Directive Informational Meeting Joplin Regional Stockyards, Carthage, Missouri RSVP: 417-548-7351

26

Fink Beef Genetics Angus & Charolais Bull Sale Randolph, Kansas FMI: 785-532-9936

www.joplinstockyards.com

28

OHOA Beefmaster Fall Roundup Sale Locust Grove, Oklahoma FMI: 417-827-9391

28-29 Farm Auction by Kaufman Realty

near Stark City, Missouri

FMI: 855-439-4111

December 1

Value-Added Feeder Cattle Sale Joplin Regional Stockyards, Carthage, Missouri FMI: 417-548-2333

14-16 Missouri Governor’s Conference on Agriculture

Tan-Tar-A, Osage Beach, Missouri

FMI: www.mda.mo.gov

OCTOBER 2016

61

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62 OCTOBER 2016

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OCTOBER 2016

63

MFA feeds set the pace for your herd.

Research shows that a cow’s body condition and immunity status have long-term effects on her calf. MFA feeds with Shield Technology™ and Rumensin® provide cows with the right ingredients to maintain condition and boost health.

• Rumensin is approved for boosting feed efficiency in mature cows • Shield Technology delivers immunity-enhancing phytogenics • Both technologies are safe for reproductive performance Healthy cows make healthy calves. Healthy calves make money.

Talk to your MFA representative for a feed program that will set the pace for your herd.

Stop by the MFA booths in the West Hall at Farm Fest, October 7th – 9th and find out more about MFA Shield Technology!

64 OCTOBER 2016

For more information about MFA feeds, please visit www. mfa-inc.com or call (573) 876-5244. www.joplinstockyards.com