Cow Country News - February 2023

You will never see us promote our bull sale with pictures and full EPDs on just a few animals. That is nearly impossible for me even to get into a print ad. At the time I am writing this, we are still six weeks away from collecting yearling data and doing ultrasound carcass scans. I have a general idea of what the set of bulls will look like in the catalog and on video, but I can’t begin to speak on specific individuals because they are not done with their evaluation. We don’t print glossy pictures of bulls on test that are $119 for $Maternal, $300 for $Combined, +87 on a Weaning Weight, or any of the number of bulls in the top 10% of the breed for marbling. Marketing only those trait leaders would not tell the whole story. Instead, you will notice before each bull sale, I print as many bulls as possible in a chart from our test pen to illustrate the type of bulls that will be available in our upcoming sale. When you buy a bull, you don’t buy an individual; you buy a program. The depth of our cow herd and our bull crop speaks to the consistency of breeding philosophy generation after generation in our cow herd. I am just as pleased that the WORST bull I have for $Maternal in the entire calf crop is breed average ($60) as I am that over 12% of the test pen is over $100 $Maternal. I am incredibly pleased that our bull crop averages

top 5% for $Maternal, 25% and 30% for both foot EPDs, 30% Hair Shed, and is above average for $C. For over 40 years, our population has been selected for traits of economic importance to commercial cattlemen, and it shows. Cows have to raise a profitable calf at weaning, have feet and udders that keep them in the herd for 12-15 years, and shed off while grazing our toxic fescue pastures. The calf they raise must also have genetic merit to perform in the feedlot and make the grade on the rail. The bulls on test have been genetically selected to sire females that will do just that. Over 90% of the calves born on our farm in a year are sired by natural service, and most of those calves are sired by home-raised bulls. Oak Hollow bulls work on our herd in a commercially managed environment. That is why we know they will work in your commercial environment. They are not developed on silage or in a feedlot. They are developed with a ration that has their longterm health in mind and in an environment that maintains their athleticism. If these sound like the cattle you like to have, feel free to call us anytime, visit our website, or email joe.lowe@icloud.com for more information.

Joe K. Lowe II

PRESIDENT

Andy Bishop

6135 High Grove Road Cox’s Creek, KY 40013 (502) 350-7609

PRESIDENT ELECT

Jeff Pettit

5745 US Highway 41 S Seebree, KY 42455 (270) 836-2963

VICE PRESIDENT

Randy Warner 2717 Ratliff Road Sharpsburg, KY 40374 (270) 836-2963

TREASURER

Ken Adams

90 E Horseshoe Ave. Upton, KY 42784 (270) 734-1443

PAST PRESIDENT

Cary King 250 Bright Leaf Drive Harrodsburg, KY 40330 (859) 613-3734

KCA PROGRAM CHAIRMAN

Daniel Hayden 6333 Herbert Road Whitesville, KY 42378 (270) 570-2815

KBC CHAIRMAN

Joe Lowe PO Box 205 Smith’s Grove, KY 42171 (270) 202-4399

KBN CHAIRMAN* Allan Bryant

BEEF SOLUTIONS CHAIRMAN* Jeff Pettit

KCA PAST PRESIDENTS:

1972-73 Jere Caldwell† - Boyle 2003 Mark Williams - Crittenden

1974-77 Smith T. Powell† - Lincoln 2004 Paul Napier - Lincoln

1978-79 Larry Lovell† - Union 2005 Eddie Young - Washington

1980-82 John Masters† - Mason 2006 Greg Ritter† - Barren

1983-85 Seldon Hail† - Laurel 2007 Don Pemberton - Christian 1986-87 Bob Vickery† - Wayne 2008 Billy Glenn Turpin - Madison

1988 Glenn Mackie - Bourbon 2009 Scotty Parsons - Christian

1989 Dale Lovell† - Muhlenberg 2010 Corinne Kephart - Shelby

1990 Steve Henshaw† - Union 2011 Greg Robey - Mercer

1991 Jerry Fraim - Grayson 2012 Mike Bach - Bath

1992 Glen Massengale† - Wayne 2013 Don Reynolds - Hart

1993 Dell King - Christian 2014 Steve Downs - Marion

1994 Kenneth Lowe - Warren 2015 Gary Woodall - Logan

1995 Dr. J.L.Cole - Monroe 2016 David Lemaster - Clark

1996 Harvey Mitchell - Mercer 2017 Chuck Crutcher - Hardin

1997 Jim Naive† - Spencer 2018 Bobby Foree - Henry

1998 Shelby Hughes - Logan 2019 Tim White - Fayette

1999 Hoppy Lovell - Barren 2020 Steve Dunning - Christian

2000 Charles Miller - Jessamine 2021 Chris Cooper - Madison

2001 Larry Clay - Perry 2022 Cary King - Mercer

2002 Jack Kimbrough† - Shelby †(Deceased)

REGION 1

Bobby Bell*.................................270-547-8547

Buddy Cook.................................270-275-1274

Ashley Holloway.................................................

Leland Steely...............................270-339-3476

Gary Woodall...............................270-725-0819

Wayne Zoleman...........................270-315-7812

Mark Heimgartner........................270-875-2585

Jeremy Armstrong......................270-668-2056

Kenton Howard..................................................

Sara Roberson............................270-668-2428

REGION 2

Phyllis Gentry*............................502-331-1146

Thomas Bolton...................................................

Fred Thomas......................................................

Bradley Willcox............................270-862-4142

Robbie Hatfield............................270-230-6716

Chris Imbruligo...........................270-993-0543

Maggie Vaughn...........................270-590-8017

Mike Jones..................................270-670-7588

Corbin Cowles.............................270-991-2534

Glen Byrd.....................................270-991-1186

Isaac Thompson.........................270-789-8712

Kenneth Green............................270-589-7175

Andy Joe Moore..........................270-590-0841

Brian Manion...............................270-868-0253

Joe Mike Moore..........................270-670-7493

Amy Cecil....................................270-427-7207

REGION 3

Allan Bryant*...............................502-548-1379

Allen Phillips................................502-220-0948

Wanda Hawkins...........................502-321-5602

Phillip Douglas............................502-552-0688

Larry Bryant................................502-845-4615

Amanda Hall................................859-333-5001

Nicole Goecke.............................606-782-2263

Ben Tinsley.........................................................

Kevin Perkins..............................502-269-7189

Kyle Bush....................................859-588-4531

Michelle Simon...........................859-572-2600

REGION 4

Amy White*.................................859-227-2552

Brad Reynolds.............................859-200-1632

Derek Abney................................859-248-0200

Phillip Stamm.............................606-796-9175

Danielle Harmon.........................606-748-8059

Bruce Witt...................................859-585-8889

Jodi Purvis..................................606-336-3540

Mike Ravencraft..........................606-584-0310

Brandon Sears...................................................

Danny Callahan...........................859-388-0910

Jason Crowe...............................859-582-0761

REGION 5

Adam Chunglo*..........................859-613-2985

Brent Woodrum...........................859-397-1078

Tommy Spalding.........................270-402-9157

Dean Craft....................................606-634-0191

Brent Ware..................................606-305-8612

Rick Brewer.................................606-682-2352

Brent Williams.............................270-234-0353

Gary Ford....................................270-402-2194

Aaron Burke................................859-265-1172

Ryan Miller..................................502-827-5027

Phillip Reese................................606-787-1629

Jared Foley..................................270-585-1331

Dave Maples Executive Vice President

*ex officio

cover photo by Peggy Downs (Marion County) featuring Paisley, Ruby, and Dave

Presidents Thoughts

Andy Bishop KCA President

Another year has passed and with the new year come new opportunities and threats. Hopefully, you took the first opportunity of the New Year and attended our 50th annual KCA Convention. Convention kicked off with my favorite, the Beef Efficiency Conference where we heard from three individuals about being intentional in our decisions, utilizing available tools, and adding value at every opportunity. Markets look strong for the next couple of years as we producers finally gain the muchneeded leverage coupled with resiliently strong consumer demand both domestically and internationally, which will swing prices in our favor. With those opportunities come threats to our livelihood as well. Higher inputs, weather disruptions, and the increasing need to teach the world what we do every day to keep them fed are just a few of the hurdles that producers face moving forward.

I couldn’t help but be swept up in the history of our organization at convention and the work that this association, its members, and leaders have done to forge the way for future generations. The Hall of Fame inductees are classic examples that have served our industry to make it what it is today. We can all learn something from them and their selfless dedication about what serving truly means.

The coming year also brings an opportunity to change history for animal agriculture, not only in Kentucky but for the entire Southeast. By now most of you have heard about the Agriculture Education Center, which will be used by all animal agriculture. Livestock producers make up less than 1% of the population, yet it is our task not only to feed the other 99% but to teach them what we do. This Center will give livestock producers a gathering place to highlight our industry to consumers, legislators, and our youth. Value added was a theme from Mr. John Maddux at the Beef Efficiency Conference. At this new facility, producers will not only learn about adding value, but to see it in action in a myriad of ways. I recently spoke with the owner of a small but growing processing plant locally who stated his largest threat is attracting trained meat cutters. He stressed the importance of keeping our talented youth in this state to train in all areas of animal agriculture which is one of the countless benefits this Education Center can provide. As I travel across the country, Kentucky is known as the agriculture leader east of the Mississippi River and this center will serve as a regional teaching and learning center for the entire southeast when it comes to animal agriculture.

I would be remiss if I spoke of a Center and didn’t mention our youth. There have been ongoing conversations over the past 5 years about how we keep our outstanding talent in this state after high school. Other states recruit our most talented youth around the state, and they all have one thing in common, which are state of the art multi-faceted education centers to attract talent. Those centers help create a culture of excellence around animal agriculture. It’s not just the brick and mortar that draws these future leaders away, but the opportunities they present and the culture they create.

I am excited to announce that we will be launching a new Junior Cattlemen’s points program this year to help recruit more juniors to this association. It’s been a goal of mine for the past few years to make this program a reality and our own Bradon Burks has agreed to take it on. We will be asking several of you to volunteer for our Junior Cattlemen’s Committee to help oversee the Junior activities. The program will be geared towards active involvement, beef

advocacy, beef production opportunities, beef quality assurance training, and much more. It is time we focus on our future leaders and future beef advocates whether they raise cattle or not. I truly believe that it’s time we build a positive culture around Beef and Beef production by increasing our efforts to educate the youth in this state about what we do. It’s easy to have an ally from a young cattleman that grew up on the farm, but what about the other 99% of youth that didn’t? It’s time we get others involved with Junior Cattlemen’s and create lifelong advocates for our industry, even if they don’t raise cattle. Recently Bradon took a group of youth to Nebraska and on that trip was a young lady with zero cattle experience but a want and willingness to learn. The trip has opened her eyes to the dedication that it takes to feed the world. That young lady came home so fired up that she sought out a neighbor with cattle to work for and will purchase her first cow this month. She commented that she will be a Beef Advocate for life. This young lady’s life was changed by just one opportunity that was given to her. What if we could present those same opportunities to thousands of youth around this state? Stay tuned for highlights of that program in the coming months.

I spoke previously about the Long-Range Plan which also set a goal of 15,000 KCA members by 2025. That’s 4,000 more members in 3 short years! I challenge each of you to invite those around you to join this Association which isn’t just for people who own cattle. We need all types of Beef Advocates to grow and I am personally setting a goal of 12,000 members this year and with your help I am confident we can get there. There is power in numbers when the staff go to lobby on your behalf. I look forward to serving you in 2023 and hope to get out to your county meeting to share what’s going on in our association that will continue to provide those opportunities for your operation. Have a blessed and prosperous 2023.

Kentucky Cattlemen’s Association President 502-350-7609

KDA Asking General Assembly to ‘Beef Up’ its Office of State Veterinarian

Dr. Ryan Quarles Commissioner of Agriculture

To fulfill our mission of protecting Kentucky cattle and other livestock, the Kentucky Department of Agriculture (KDA) is hoping the Kentucky General Assembly will allow us to “beef up” our Office of State Veterinarian (OSV).

State Veterinarian Dr. Katie Flynn, KDA Chief of Staff Keith Rogers, and I testified before the Interim Joint Committee on Agriculture to encourage our legislators to provide funding for a new division with nine staff members within OSV titled Division of Emergency Preparedness and Response.

KDA is also asking to rename two current OSV divisions, from Animal Health to Regulatory Field Services and Producer Services to Animal Health Programs.

The purpose of the changes is to address the top three deficiencies OSV has identified during the past year: emergency programs, policy and regulations, and outreach and education.

OSV is currently made up of 35 positions, led by the state veterinarian and deputy state vet. Most of the jobs, 25, are in Animal Health. The remaining 10 staff are in the Producer Services division.

OSV performs a critical role in protecting Kentucky’s animal agriculture, which includes:

• 1.3 billion eggs

• 297.4 million broiler chickens

• 5 million laying hens

• Nearly 1 million head of cattle

• Approximately 400,000 market hogs

• Approximately 300,000 horses

• 65,000 goats

• 43,000 sheep

The American food supply is constantly under threat from foreign animal disease. The top three threats are foot-and-mouth disease, African Swine Fever, and highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI).

OSV’s need for more staff was put on critical display last year when the office dealt with outbreaks of HPAI. In February 2022, lab results confirmed the presence of HPAI at two commercial facilities, one in Fulton County and the other in Webster County.

Trade was impacted for nearly three months. Eighty-eight backyard flocks and 19 commercial premises were quarantined in both counties before the February cases were considered clear on May 15. HPAI reared up again in several backyard flocks throughout 2022, but they never reached the level of the February outbreaks or affected commercial facilities.

During the initial outbreak, OSV staff performed a yeoman’s workload of 2,113.5 hours, including 447 hours of overtime. As a result, employees were unable to complete many of their normal duties, such as all 24 scheduled backyard poultry inspections, 73 percent of annual chronic wasting disease inspections, and 67 percent of its rendering inspections during the first quarter of 2022, and they missed 35 percent of stockyard sale days.

OSV staff did a fantastic job of keeping other poultry in western Kentucky disease free during the outbreak, however the shift in manpower left our state’s livestock extremely vulnerable in other areas. We truly need the General Assembly to allow us to add nine extra staff members to ensure that doesn’t ever happen again.

Photo credit KDA Office of Communications

Thoughts From Dave

Dave Maples Executive Vice President

KCA had a really nice 50th anniversary convention. There was good attendance, very good speakers and many old stories told. It is really nice to see and catch up, even if for a short time period with old friends.

I guess I shouldn’t be surprised but I was, because I talked to people from California to New York who attended the convention and trade show. Kentucky is a state that people in the beef industry look to. The caliber of the speakers was top notch this year. I was looking at some news clippings of the first Kentucky Beef Cattle Association meeting 50 years ago and the topic of producer education was front and center.

The KCA Convention is more than education it is a time to recognize and honor those that have made a contribution to the organization or the beef industry. The Hall of Fame video presentations has really become a popular event. Those videos are a family keepsake for the families that are recognized.

Besides the KCA annual House of Delegates meeting where the KCA officers and board

members are elected, there are several other important meetings that take place during the convention. The Kentucky Livestock Marketing Association has held their annual meeting at this time for many years. It is always good to get to see all the Livestock Market owners and managers together at one time. This group represents the movement of a bunch of cattle. I don’t know how many a bunch is but it is a big number. I am proud of the job that that our auction markets and order buyers do.

This year we had the largest group of junior cattlemen to attend the convention. Again, I don’t know what they did. All I know is the couple of parents that I talked to over the following weekend and their comment was, “that their kids had a ball and they were tired when they got in the car to go home”.

On Wednesday afternoon before everything got going, we had the Kentucky Cattlemen Foundation meeting and the KCA Executive Committee meeting. This was the first time that we have had a joint meeting. The

Foundation did their business meeting then joined the Executive committee where the Foundation's attorney, Bobby Foree, reviewed the proposed contract with the University of Kentucky for 15 acres of land on the C. Oran Little Research Farm in Versailles, Kentucky. The Committee discussed this same subject at last years meeting as well. I can tell you there were many questions and lots of discussion but at the end of the day with two different votes, each group voted unanimously. There were 25 people in the room representing many different facets of Kentucky Agriculture.

Being an election year, during the Friday afternoon session there was a Commissioner of Agriculture forum. This year we had three candidates participate. Chairman of the House Agriculture Committee, Richard Health (R); Garrard County farmer, Johnathan Shell (R); and Larue County native Sierra Enlow (D). Mikael Malone (D) is a fourth candidate in the running and is from Clark County.

The Commissioner of Agriculture job has always been very important but with recent changes it is more important than ever. The tobacco dollars that we have been blessed to have in Kentucky are now overseen by the Department of Agriculture. The Committee that oversees the CAIP funds and the state-wide dollars, as well as the Ag finance division of the office are all now under the guidance of the Commissioner of Agriculture. The Commissioner also is responsible for submitting over half of the names to the State Fair Board. The people that make up these boards are very important and who the Commissioner of Agriculture will be is important. We are lucky to have very capable candidates running for the position this year.

It takes a big commitment to run for a state wide office and it cost a lot of money. If you feel passionate about Kentucky Agriculture and the Department, get involved, pick a candidate and go to work for your candidate. If you can, help them with funding but most important go to the polls and vote.

The Barren County Cattlemen’s meeting was held Thursday evening December 8th, 2022, at the Barren County High School Trojan Academy. During the meeting Mr. Zach Burris of AgCentral Co-op in Glasgow, presented a program on the sales and service of Deutz tractors and equipment. Pictured from left to right is Zach Burris of AgCentral Co-op, and Don Wilson, Treasurer of the Barren County Cattlemen’s Association. A delicious steak dinner was served which was sponsored by AG CENTRAL COOP OF GLASGOW.

The Twin Lakes Assn. successfully held its 3rd annual winter coat drive in Clinton county. This year over 150 coats, jackets, and vests were donated by members of the association along with several others.

The coats were collected over a 4-week period at the Clinton County Extension office. Following collection, all of the outerwear was sorted by gender and size and then distributed by organizations throughout the county.

Members of the association are actively looking forward to a busy and project filled 2023. Planned projects for the upcoming year include: sponsoring and administering the CAIP program, providing a newly purchased pasture sprayer to members, several cooking events in the county beginning in May (Beef Month), a booth at the Fall Foothills Festival, and wrapping up the year with an awards banquet and Christmas program.

The Kentucky Cattlemen’s Association (KCA) has been a longtime supporter of youth across the state through FFA, 4-H and scholarships. KCA has a youth scholarship available funded by the Kentucky Cattlemen’s Foundation (KCF).

The KCF Youth Scholarship started in 1991 and has provided over $156,000 in scholarship funds to students across Kentucky. Five $1,500 scholarships will be awarded to graduating high school seniors from each of the five KCA regions who plan to major in Agriculture or an Agriculturally-related subject, with the possibility of two $1,500 additional scholarships from any region.

Deadline for submission of the KCF Youth Scholarship is March 31, 2023 to the KCA Office at 176 Pasadena Drive, Lexington, KY 40503. To download an application, view the requirements, or for more information, please visit KCA online at www.kycattle.org under Youth Activities.

The Mission of the Kentucky Cattlemen’s Foundation is to pursue opportunities that promote the profitability of the cattle industry in Kentucky through educational and philanthropic endeavors.

(L-R) Paul Conner, Pattie Upchurch, John Washburn, and Steve Peddicord

Antibiotic Stewardship What to do Now to Prepare for Changes Ahead

Dr. Michelle Arnold UK Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory

On June 11th, 2021, The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) finalized a Guidance for Industry (GFI) #263, which outlines the process for animal drug manufacturers to change all remaining antibiotic formulations used in animal health care from overthe-counter (OTC) to prescription status. Basically, this means products commonly used by beef producers such as injectable penicillin and oxytetracycline (for example, LA-300) will no longer be available without a prescription from a veterinarian as of June 2023.

Specifically, all dosage forms of medically important antimicrobials approved for use in animals will only be available from, or under the supervision of, a licensed veterinarian, and only when necessary for the treatment, control or prevention of specific diseases.

Producers will need to consult a veterinarian to obtain all antibiotics in any form (injectable, bolus, topical, intramammary) or to request a prescription to purchase them from a distributor.

BOX 1

KRS Sec 321.185 Veterinarian-client-patient relationship (VCPR)

(1) In order for a veterinarian to practice veterinary medicine, a relationship among the veterinarian, the client, and the patient shall be established and maintained.

"Veterinarian-client-patient relationship" means that:

(a) The veterinarian has assumed the responsibility for making judgments regarding the health of the animal and the need for veterinary treatment, and the client, whether owner or other caretaker, has agreed to follow the instructions of the veterinarian;

(b) There is sufficient knowledge of the animal by the veterinarian to initiate at least a general or preliminary diagnosis of the medical condition of the animal. This means that the veterinarian has recently seen and is personally acquainted with the keeping and care of the animal by virtue of an examination of the animal or by medically appropriate and timely visits to the premises where the animal is kept; and

(c) The practicing veterinarian is readily available or shall provide medical service for follow-up in case of adverse reactions or failure of the regimen of therapy. A new regimen of therapy shall be contingent only upon cooperation of the client and availability of the subject animal.

(2) The veterinarian shall maintain records which document patient visits, diagnosis, treatment, and other relevant information.

FDA’s goal through GFI #263 is to curb the development of antibiotic-resistant bacteria and, in turn, reduce the risk of human infections that are difficult to treat due to ineffective antibiotics. To accomplish the goal, FDA is promoting the implementation of “responsible antibiotic stewardship practices in veterinary medicine” which are defined as “actions that preserve the effectiveness of antibiotics while maintaining animal health”. Examples of responsible practices include 1) only using antibiotics when necessary to treat a sick animal; 2) establishing vaccine protocols and other disease prevention plans to reduce the need for antibiotics; and 3) livestock owners and veterinarians working together to make decisions to improve the overall animal health and welfare of the herd over the long term.

Given that this change is less than 6 months away, what can a livestock producer do now to prepare for it? For a veterinarian to legally sell or prescribe prescription products, FDA states, “A licensed veterinarian may legally use or dispense a prescription animal drug only within the course of her/his professional practice where a valid veterinarian-clientpatient relationship exists. Veterinarians employed by drug manufacturers or

distributors may not legally dispense prescription drugs to laypersons unless they meet the above criteria. Similarly, practicing veterinarians or their employees may not legally sell prescription animal drugs to walkin customers unless the same criteria are met.” Therefore, the first step to do now is establish a valid veterinary-client-patient relationship (VCPR). Kentucky has their own definition of a VCPR (see Box 1). Although the rules are straightforward, how to actually build a VCPR first requires communication with a veterinarian and asking the question “What do I need to do to establish and maintain a VCPR with you?” The law requires the veterinarian to be familiar with the client, the livestock, and the management of the animals on the farm through “medically appropriate and timely visits” to the place the animals are kept. Scheduling routine veterinary visits to the farm at intervals established by the veterinarian is a perfect way to meet this requirement. At a minimum, the veterinarian needs to know the livestock business you are in (commercial cow/calf; stocker/ backgrounder; seedstock operation), what vaccines are routinely given and when, what diseases are recurring problems at the farm and how you typically treat them (for example,

pinkeye, foot rot, bronchopneumonia, calf scours, etc.) and any health concerns that may be on the horizon. Some veterinarians will execute a written VCPR agreement although it is not required.

Once the VCPR is established and recognized by both the client and the veterinarian, then the discussions can begin regarding how to obtain prescription antibiotics after June 2023. Working with the veterinarian to establish when antibiotics are necessary before illness occurs is crucial to having the drugs on hand when needed. Setting up treatment protocols in advance with the veterinarian for common problems on your farm, including a written plan of when to treat an animal (also known as a “case definition”), what drug to use (dose, route of administration, how often to give it), what treatment records should be kept, and how withdrawal times will be recorded and observed will reduce the need for emergency veterinary visits and expedite treatment. An important piece of the protocol is to establish when an antibiotic treatment should be considered a failure and what the next step should be when failure is recognized. The treatment protocol needs to be discussed with every person on the farm who may be involved in identifying, pulling and treating an animal in the herd.

Although producers express frustration if a veterinarian does not honor a request for a prescription medication or veterinary feed directive (VFD), it is important to understand that any violative antibiotic residue detected at slaughter will result in an investigation of the veterinarian who prescribed the drug, even if the drug was administered improperly by the producer and/or instructions were not followed. In addition, if a drug is used in any manner different from what is written on the label (known as Extra label drug use or ELDU), the meat withdrawal time usually must be extended. For example, if a higher than label dose is used, it changes when the residue concentrations will fall below the drug testing tolerance. Bear in mind that any drug delivered with a dart is considered extra label use and may require an extended withdrawal period, even when all other label directions are met. The only way a drug can legally be used extra label is when it is prescribed by a veterinarian, who must also issue an extended withdrawal interval. This extended withdrawal interval must be based on scientific information on the human food safety of the use of the drug. Veterinarians can contact the Food Animal Residue Avoidance Databank (FARAD) for guidance in establishing this extended withdrawal interval.

Bottom Line: Talk to your veterinarian, sooner rather than later!

Statement: Farm Bureau Signs Right to Repair Deal with John Deere

Public Interest Research Group, Campaign for the Right to Repair Advocates hesitant to praise deal given manufacturers’ inconsistent history with past repair commitments

SAN JUAN, P.R. – The American Farm Bureau Federation (AFBF) and John Deere signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) about agricultural Right to Repair on Sunday. The agreement comes after years of campaigning from farmers and repair advocates to remove barriers to independent repair of farm equipment such as tractors and combine harvesters.

With varying state-to-state engagement, Farm Bureau state chapters have been key supporters of the Right to Repair in many states where legislation has made significant progress. The MOU stipulates that AFBF encourages its state organizations to “refrain from introducing, promoting, or supporting federal or state ‘Right to Repair’ legislation that imposes obligations beyond the commitments in this MOU.”

Equipment and device manufacturers

have made limited commitments to expand repair access in the past, including a 2018 statement of principles that stated that farmers would be able to use certain diagnostic tools by 2021. An investigation conducted by PIRG and VICE found that such tools were not available on the timeline prescribed by tractor-makers.

In response, PIRG Right to Repair Campaign Director Kevin O’Reilly issued the following statement:

“Through our research and advocacy, we’ve made it abundantly clear that farmers don’t have everything they need to fix their own tractors, and that they are frustrated that they don’t have the repair choices that they deserve. We won’t stop pushing for Right to Repair legislation until farmers can access every wrench, bolt, diagram, diagnostic readout and software file they need to fix

100% of their equipment.

“This could be a significant step forward. If Deere truly provides farmers and independent mechanics with the same repair materials that its dealers have, then we would shout our praise from the rooftops. But the MOU contains limited enforcement mechanisms and the best aspects of this agreement could get lost in the legalese. Like Charlie Brown, farmers have lined up for the kick too many times to let Lucy pull the ball away again.

“As legislators kick off their 2023 sessions, they should move full steam ahead with their Right to Repair bills and not view this MOU as a sign that the problem is solved. They should continue pushing Right to Repair legislation until every farmer in every state with every brand of equipment can fix every problem with every tractor.”

Pork Exports Continue to Gain Momentum; Beef Export Value Sets Annual Record

November exports of U.S. pork were the largest of 2022 in both volume and value, according to data released by USDA and compiled by the U.S. Meat Export Federation (USMEF). November beef exports were below the large year-ago totals, but 2022 export value already set a full-year record of nearly $11 billion.

Record-shattering performance for pork exports to Mexico, Dominican Republic

Pork exports reached 245,663 metric tons (mt) in November, up 3% from a year ago, while export value climbed 10% to $725.1 million. In both volume and value, exports were the highest since May 2021. For January through November, pork exports were 10% below the previous year at 2.43 million mt, valued at just under $7 billion (down 7%).

Pork exports to Mexico and the Dominican Republic were record-large in November, with shipments to Mexico topping $200 million for the second consecutive month. Exports also trended higher year-over-year to China/ Hong Kong, South Korea and the Philippines. November results were also bolstered by excellent growth in pork variety meat exports, which were up more than 25% year-over-year.

“I cannot say enough about the tremendous performance of the Mexican market and its importance to the U.S. pork industry,” said USMEF President and CEO Dan Halstrom. “U.S. pork faces heightened competition in Mexico, especially with the recent suspension of import duties. But U.S. industry efforts to educate the trade and consumers about the outstanding quality, consistency and value of U.S. pork continue to pay dividends and elevate overall demand. The rebound in pork variety meat exports is also excellent news for the U.S. industry, reflecting broad-based demand growth and an improved labor situation.”

Despite November slowdown, beef export value sets records in key markets

November beef exports totaled 115,777 mt, down 6% from the previous year’s large volume, while export value declined nearly 20% to $846.6 million. However, through the first 11 months of 2022, beef export value still increased 14% year-over-year to $10.9 billion, already topping the fullyear record ($10.58 billion) set in 2021. January-November export volume was 1.36 million mt, up 3% from the record pace of 2021.

Through November, U.S. beef exports already set full-year value records in several markets. This includes South Korea and China/Hong Kong, where exports topped $2.5 billion and $2.4 billion, respectively. Export value also reached new annual highs in Taiwan, the Philippines and Singapore.

“Similar to the previous month, November results for U.S. beef exports reflected severe headwinds in our large Asian markets,” Halstrom said. “Key currencies in the region were still slumping, which impacted the buying power of importers and consumers. COVID cases and lockdowns in China were also intensifying, prompting widespread protests and the eventual lifting of many restrictions. But the U.S. dollar mainly peaked in late October and early November and global demand has remained relatively strong. Even with a high level of economic uncertainty, 2022 has been a fantastic year for U.S. beef exports and the outlook for the coming year remains positive.”

Mexico and Canada drive strong performance for lamb muscle cut exports November exports of U.S. lamb muscle cuts more than doubled the yearago volume, reaching 247 mt (up 129%), while export value increased 72% to $1.38 million. For January through November, exports increased 72% to 2,125 mt, valued at $12.5 million (up 61%). While 2022 growth was primarily driven by strong demand in the Caribbean, November exports were bolstered by larger shipments to Mexico and Canada.

A detailed summary of the January-November export results for U.S. beef, pork and lamb, including market-specific highlights, is available from the USMEF website.

Don’t buy an imposter.

Alex Tolbert Regional Manager 706.338.8733 atolbert@angus.org

Alex Tolbert Regional Manager 706.338.8733 atolbert@angus.org

Look for the REGISTRATION NUMBER. Bring the Power of Angus to your herd. Angus.org/PBA.

NCBA STATEMENT ON NEW WOTUS RULE

WASHINGTON (Dec. 30, 2022) – Today, the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA) issued the following statement on the Biden administration’s finalized Waters of the U.S. (WOTUS) rule.

“For too long, farmers and ranchers have dealt with the whiplash of shifting WOTUS definitions. Today, the Biden administration sought to finalize a WOTUS definition that will protect both our nation’s water supply and cattle producers across the nation.” said NCBA Chief Counsel Mary-Thomas Hart. “While the rule retains longstanding, bipartisan WOTUS exclusions for certain agricultural features, it creates new uncertainty for farmers, ranchers, and landowners across the nation.”

NCBA previously called for the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to retain agricultural exclusions for small, isolated, and temporary water features that commonly appear on farms and ranches. These exclusions have broad support and were included in WOTUS rules under both Republican and Democratic administrations. The rule fails to clearly exempt isolated and ephemeral features from federal jurisdiction and relies on “case-by-case” determinations to assess whether a feature is federally regulated. Today’s rule is a far cry from the regulatory certainty provided by the Navigable Waters Protection Rule, creating a significant and costly burden for agricultural producers.

“The timing of this rule could not be worse,” added Hart. “The Supreme Court is currently considering Sackett v. EPA, which will provide muchneeded clarity related to the WOTUS definition. Today’s final rule seeks to directly preempt ongoing Supreme Court litigation, leaving farmers and ranchers with more questions than answers.”

FORUM REAFFIRMS BEEF INDUSTRY’S COMMITMENT TO SUSTAINABLE FUTURE

Annual Cattle Industry Convention Showcases Sustainability Efforts

CENTENNIAL, CO (Jan. 9, 2023) – Everyday cattle producers across the country reaffirm their commitment to protecting environmental resources, supporting communities and creating an economically viable future through effective management practices. The “Beef Sustainability Forum – Continuing our Commitment to a Sustainable Future,” sponsored by Elanco, will be held on Thursday, Feb. 2 at 12:30 p.m. in New Orleans to highlight the industry’s sustainability efforts.

Moderated by National Cattlemen’s Beef Association CEO Colin Woodall, the panel discussion will include opening remarks from Katie Cook, Elanco’s vice president of global farm animal innovation & U.S. farm animal marketing; and will feature John Ferry, co-owner of JY Ferry & Son, Inc., in Corinne, Utah, the 2021 national winner of the Environmental Stewardship Award Program; Tom McDonald, senior vice president of environmental affairs & sustainability for Five Rivers Cattle Feeding; Drake Yon, farm operations manager at Yon Family Farms in Ridge Spring, South Carolina, the 2008 national winner of

the Environmental Stewardship Award Program; and Sara Place, PhD, associate professor and feedlot systems specialist at Colorado State University.

“Sustainability continues to be a top priority for NCBA and is an issue at the forefront of the entire beef industry,” said Josh White, senior executive director of producer education and sustainability at NCBA. “This special event will include cattle producers and industry leaders from various sectors discussing strategies that improve sustainability, and how those efforts can enhance sustainability for the entire industry."

In addition to the Sustainability Forum, convention attendees can find sustainability-focused educational sessions on the NCBA Trade Show floor in the “Cattle Chats” area. During these brief presentations, industry leaders will share the latest trends in sustainability and other issues impacting the beef cattle industry. From cowherd nutrition and record keeping to animal health and alternative financing, these unique sessions will provide producers the resources needed to develop a lasting legacy. The annual Cattle Industry Convention & NCBA Trade Show is the oldest and largest convention for the cattle business. The 2023 convention, Feb. 1-3 in New Orleans, features education, entertainment and business meetings. For more information and to register, visit convention.ncba.org.

NCBA CONGRATULATES KEY AGRICULTURAL NOMINEES ON SENATE CONFIRMATION

WASHINGTON (Dec. 22, 2022) – Today, the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA) congratulated two key agricultural nominees on their Senate confirmation to senior positions at the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative and the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). “NCBA extends our congratulations to Doug McKalip on his confirmation as Chief Agricultural Negotiator in the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative. NCBA is pleased that the Senate confirmed such a qualified nominee who can now get to work promoting new trade opportunities that benefit American cattle producers,” said NCBA Vice President of Government Affairs Ethan Lane. “We look forward to working closely with Mr. McKalip in his new role.”

The Senate also confirmed Dr. Jose Emilio Esteban to an Under Secretary position at USDA.

“NCBA congratulates Dr. Jose Emilio Esteban on his confirmation as USDA Under Secretary for Food Safety. Dr. Esteban’s role is critical for ensuring consumer confidence in the beef industry. Dr. Esteban has an extensive background in food safety through his work with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and USDA, and we are pleased that the Senate confirmed such a highly qualified nominee. NCBA has worked closely with Dr. Esteban in his position as Chairman of the Codex Committee for Food Hygiene, and we look forward to future collaboration in his new role,” said Lane.

Record Low Hay Stocks This Winter

Derrell Peel Oklahoma State University

1 TX5150-25.8TX6528-34.0ID4558+6.4TX6150 2 MO4650-15.2MO5828-10.1CA3240-32.9MO5490 3 SD4350-19.7KS5361-4.6MT2870-21.4KY4224 4 KS4100-15.7ID5328+7.3SD2805-17.7TN3570 5 ND3300-21.1KY4620-10.6IA2701+3.7OK3500 6 MT3250-21.8SD4560-15.8WI2480-13.5KS3315 7 KY3100-15.7CA4418-31.6NE2449-24.7 PA 2600 8 NE3000-30.0NE4339-26.7ND2145-8.0AR2180 9 OK3000-32.7MT4116-18.8AZ2132-6.0 VA 2100 10TN2680-10.9OK3940-26.4KS2046-9.3NE1890 TOP10 36580-20.8 49038-18.7 27426-13.6 35019 US202271911-16.4 112801-12.4 47958-13.2 64843 10 YR AVG 2012-2185973 128826 55248 73578 *% Change 2022 to 2012-2021 Average Table 1. December 1 Hay Stocks, All Hay, Alfalfa Hay, and other Hay Production, Top Ten States and US, 2022 and 2012-2021 Average

Two years of drought have severely depleted U.S. hay stocks. The recently released December 1 hay stocks from USDA showed total stocks of 71.9 million tons, 16.4 percent below the previous ten-year average and the lowest December 1 stocks on record in the data back to 1973 (Table 1).

Each of the top ten states for hay stocks was down compared to the ten-year average and collectively were down 20.8 percent from the 2012-2021 average December 1 stocks level (Table 1). The largest hay stocks on December 1 were in Texas, 25.8 percent below the ten-year average for the state. Other top ten states were down from the ten-year average ranging from Tennessee, down 10.9 percent, to Oklahoma, down 32.7 percent (Table 1).

Table 1 also presents 2022 production of All Hay, Alfalfa Hay, and Other Hay for the U.S. and the top-ten states of each hay category. All hay production in 2022 was down 12.4 percent from the previous ten-year average, with alfalfa hay down 13.2 percent and other hay down 11.9 percent. Hay production in 2022 was the lowest on record in data that began in 1974. Total hay production in the top ten states combined represents 43 percent of U.S. total hay production and was down 18.7 percent compared to the ten-year average for those states.

The top ten hay production states include eight of the top ten beef cow states along with the number one dairy cow state, California and the number three dairy cow state, Idaho.

The top ten state lists for alfalfa and other hay production indicates that alfalfa hay tends to be more important in the northern half of the country, along with California and Arizona, while other hay production is more important in the central and southern plains, mid-south and eastern seaboard. Kansas and Nebraska are the only two states that feature in the top ten lists for both alfalfa and other hay production.

Decreased December 1 hay stocks means that the cattle industry could face additional liquidation this winter and is particularly vulnerable to severe winter weather in the next couple of months. The December storm already will have taken a chunk out of the reported December 1 hay stocks. New forage production is several months away in the south and even farther away in northern regions.

A recent Rancher’s Thursday Lunchtime Webinar series focused on Wintering Cows with Limited Forage. Archived presentations from this series can be found at https:// extension.okstate.edu/programs/ beef-extension/ranchers-thursdaylunchtime-series/wintering-cowswith-limited-forage.html

Resuscitating Drought Stressed Pastures

Chris Teutsch UK Grain and Forage Center of Excellence, Princeton, Kentucky

Every spring since I have been in Kentucky, I have written an article about getting ready for the next drought and every year we have had good rain. So, this spring I decided NOT to write an article on drought because I was beginning to feel like the boy that cried wolf. I think I jinxed us! In many parts of Kentucky two distinct dry periods, one in early summer and one in late summer combined with overgrazing significantly reduced summer and fall pasture growth and decreased pasture vigor. The good news is that pastures that were well managed prior to the drought seem to be recovering well. The bad news is that not all pastures were managed well prior to the drought. The objective of this article is to provide some practical suggestions for resuscitating pastures that may have been abused last summer.

Rest pastures this spring. The saying is that “time heals all wounds” and this includes pastures. However, the deeper the wound, the longer it is going to take and some of our pastures have pretty deep wounds that may need a little salve. At this point it important to give pastures a little extra to recover this spring and that is going to involve a little bit longer hay feeding period. So as pastures start to green up, it is going to be important to restrict grazing as long as you can. Choose your worst pastures and feed some hay on those accepting that they will likely need to be reseeded this fall. By delaying spring grazing, you are giving your pastures time to rebuild their photosynthetic factory (leaf canopy) and store up sugars and carbohydrates before the stress of summer begins. This also helps to reduce summer annual weeds by allowing cool-season grasses to form a canopy and shade the soil.

Don’t graze closer than 4-5” inches this summer. Close summer grazing weakens cool-season grasses and opens sods up allowing weeds to germinate and become established. Leaving as little as 4-5 inches of residual forage decreases soil plant crown (growing point) temperatures during the summer months and helps to keep summer annual weeds from germinating.

Fertilize pastures according to soil test. Poor soil fertility imposes an additional stress upon cool-season grass stands that are recovering from drought. So, it is important to adjust the soil pH to 6.0 to 6.4, apply phosphorus and potassium according to your soil test, and consider applying 40-50 lb nitrogen/A in early spring as cool-season grasses initiate growth. Early nitrogen will stimulate tillering, green up, and canopy closer.

Note: Under normal circumstances, spring nitrogen on pastures is discouraged since it tends to stimulate more growth when you

Figure 1. Drought map as of October 25, 2022, more than 95% of Kentucky was experiencing abnormally dry (yellow) to extreme drought stress (red) (The National Drought Mitigation Center, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Lincoln, NE).

already have too much. However, in the case of pastures recovering from drought spring nitrogen can be beneficial.

Interseed legumes into thin stands. Legumes such as red and white clover, and alfalfa are important components of sustainable grassland ecosystems. They form a symbiotic relationship with rhizobium bacteria in which nitrogen from the air is fixed into a plant available form. They also dilute the toxin in tall fescue infected with the toxic endophyte and in some cases may even reverse the negative effects of the endophyte. Pasture sod suppressed by drought and overgrazing provide a perfect opportunity for interseeding clover and alfalfa. Legumes can be either drilled in the fall or spring or frost seeded in late winter. Frost seeding works best with red and white clover and annual lespedeza. Alfalfa is better established using a no-till drill. For more information on selecting varieties and overseeding contact your local extension agent or visit the UK Forages Webpage at http:// forages.ca.uky.edu/.

Plant cool-season perennials grasses. Pastures can be thickened by seeding cool-season grasses or a mixture of grasses and legumes in the spring. While this is commonly done,

results are usually less than spectacular in most years. In many cases seedings get delayed until late spring or early summer. Consequently, seedlings do not have time before the hot summer months set in. The second reason is that summer annual weed pressure is usually very high. Summer annual weeds like foxtail, goosegrass, spiny pigweed,

Figure 1. Recent research at the USDA Food Animal Production Unit located in Lexington, KY, found that compounds in red clover can reverse vasoconstriction caused by the toxins in endophyte tall fescue.

cocklebur, and others actively compete with cool-season grass seedlings for light and water, often causing stand failures. Planting cool-season grasses in the fall may be a better option since it avoids summer annual weed competition.

Expert tips: 1) Plant as early as possible, 2) plant in two directions, and 3) leave legumes out to allow for broadleaf herbicide use.

Spring planted winter annuals. Planting winter annuals in early spring could provide some late spring grazing. They will normally produce between 0.5 to 2.5 ton/acre depending on the species and competition of the existing sod. Spring oats has the best yield potential when planted in early spring and winter wheat the worst (Figure 2). Competition from established sods can also limit winter annual growth. In general, the best place for cool-season annuals is on cropland or areas that had summer annuals last season. Production on these areas will be greater due to the absence competition.

Plant warm-season annual grasses. This strategy involves planting a summer annual grass in late spring or early summer and

has a much higher probability of success than planting cool season grasses in the spring. Summer annual grasses, especially sorghum-sudangrass or sudangrass, have very rapid emergence and canopy closure. This will prevent summer annuals weeds from germinating and provide forage for grazing or harvesting during the summer months. Perennial cool-season grasses can then be reseeded under more ideal conditions in late summer or early fall. For a more information on summer annual grasses, see AGR-229 Annual Warm Season Grasses in Kentucky. It is important to remember that drought alone rarely kills well managed pasture plants. In most cases pastures can be revived with rain, rest, and a little fertilizer. Weakened sods provide a prime opportunity for incorporating legumes in established pastureland. With a little tender loving care and rainfall last year’s drought stressed pastures can be resuscitated!

More information on reviving drought stressed pastures can be found on the UK Forages webpage or by visiting your local extension office.

FORAGE MANAGEMENT TIPS

• Continue grazing stockpiled tall fescue.

• Supplement poor quality hay.

• Feed hay on your poorest pastures to improve soil fertility and organic matter.

• Soil test and apply any needed lime and fertilizer.

• Service and calibrate seeders and no-till drills.

• Begin frost seeding 6-8 lb/A of red clover and 1-2 lb/A ladino white clover on closely grazed pastures.

• On low fertility pastures, consider adding 10-15 lb/A of annual lespedeza to the above recommendation.

• Consider applying 40-50 lb N/A in mid to late-February on some pastures to stimulate early growth.

UPCOMING EVENTS

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Figure 2. Spring planted cool-season annuals will yield between 0.5 and 2.5 ton/A with spring oats being the most productive. Bars with the same letter are not statistically different according to Fisher’s protected least significant difference (P < 0.05).

FENCING TIP

Grounding system. For electric fencing to work properly, current from the fence must travel though the animal into the ground and back to the energizer. The grounding system works as an “antenna” to collect this current and complete the circuit. Most of the problems associated with low voltage on an electric fence are caused by a poorly constructed grounding system. Grounding systems should have a minimum of 3 galvanized grounding rods, 10 feet apart, 6 feet in the ground, all connected with a single galvanized wire running from the energizer. For very large energizers or very dry conditions more grounding rods may be needed.

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UK Researchers Finding Ways To Make Crops More Prolific, Saving Farmers Money

Jordan Strickler University of Kentucky

University of Kentucky College of Agriculture, Food and Environment researchers could be onto a big discovery, one that will help crops develop a valuable nutrient for growth, saving farmers from purchasing and applying it themselves.

Beans, peas and alfalfa, all legume family members, get vital nitrogen by forming a symbiotic, or mutually beneficial, relationship with soil bacteria called rhizobia. This connection leads to the growth of special organs on the roots called nodules. Nodules serve as “factories” where working bacteria convert nitrogen into ammonia the plant can use. However, because sometime the connections are not able to occur, many potential plant-bacterial symbioses don't happen. Scientists believe that understanding more about the genes involved in the process will provide an opportunity to change them, helping bacteria collaborate with a wider spectrum of plants to produce nitrogen.

UK Department of Plant and Soil Science professor Hongyan Zhu is heading up a team that has found several plant genes that control nodule growth and the conversion of nitrogen to ammonia. Researchers hope the findings

will allow for a more efficient symbiotic relationship between rhizobia and crops, leading to more effective production and decreasing the need for additional nitrogen to be purchased and applied.

The Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America published the team’s recent study, in which they cloned a pair of receptors from the legume Medicago truncatula. The plant is a small annual legume native to the Mediterranean region, closely related to alfalfa, with receptors that stop a wide range of possible bacterial partners from making nodules. The team discovered a gene in bacteria needed to turn on this receptor-mediated restriction of nodulation, allowing for a way to control the symbiotic relationships between bacteria and their hosts.

“Nodulation capacity and nitrogen fixation efficiency can vary tremendously between different plant-bacterial partnerships,” Zhu said. “So, what we want to do is to help plants find their best microbial partners to maximize the potential of symbiotic nitrogen fixation, thus reducing the need for nitrogen input in the fields. Such knowledge could also

contribute to engineering non-legumes such as cereal crops to acquire the ability to form symbiotic interactions with nitrogen-fixing rhizobia."

Collaborators from the Plant Biology Institute of Hungary contributed to the study.

This material is based upon work that is supported by the National Institute of Food and Agriculture, U.S. Department of Agriculture, under award number 201467013-21573 and by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service under Agreement No. 5850428003. Any opinions, findings, conclusions or recommendations expressed in this publication are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the view of the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

Research reported in this publication was supported by the National Science Foundation under Award Number 1758037. The opinions, findings, and conclusions or recommendations expressed are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the National Science Foundation.

Border Agents May Have a Beef with Bringing Raw Meat into the Country

On a warm October day at Australia’s Sydney International Airport, biosecurity officers were screening luggage when they discovered more than 13 pounds of undeclared meat, including 4 pounds of beef. The officers acted fast, fining the traveler $2,664 and canceling his visa, forcing him to take the next flight home. Why such a serious response to some meat in a suitcase? The answer is that there are serious animal diseases that raw meat can carry, like Foot-and-Mouth Disease (FMD).

Since neighboring Indonesia reported FMD earlier this year, Australia stepped up their national biosecurity measures. Travelers entering the country must declare whether they have had contact with farms or livestock, walk over a special pad with antiseptic to kill germs on their shoes, and have luggage inspected by canines and biosecurity officers.

“Australia’s biosecurity measures demonstrate how seriously all countries should treat the threat of a foreign animal disease like FMD,” said NCBA Chief Veterinarian Kathy Simmons. “Constant vigilance is essential for protecting the cattle industry and agriculture as a whole from foreign animal diseases.”

In the United States, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) and the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (USDA-APHIS) share joint responsibility for preventing pests and diseases from entering the country. Every day, CBP screens more than 491,000 travelers entering the country by air, sea and land. CBP officers might discover 264 pests and quarantine 2,548 illicit plant, meat, animal and soil items on an average day, according to agency data.

The threats posed by illicit meat products entering the U.S. are constant. On Oct. 27, Border Patrol agents at the Paso Del Norte border crossing in Texas seized more than 484 pounds of bologna and 285 pounds of cheese when a truck was screened driving through a border checkpoint. Last September, CBP officers at Dulles International Airport in Virginia seized 110 pounds of prohibited cow hides and dried beef.

“These interceptions illustrate the very real threat that Customs and Border Protection

agriculture specialists combat every day in order to protect our nation’s natural resources and economic security, and they meet that challenge with extraordinary commitment and vigilance,” said Acting Area Port Director for the Area Port of Washington, D.C., John Jurgutis, in an agency press release following the bust. Many illicit shipments are discovered by canine teams, affectionately nicknamed the Beagle Brigade.

“Canines are a critical component to protecting our nation’s agricultural industries from the accidental or deliberate exposure to diseases or pests because the scent of a travelers’ forbidden fruit can’t escape our Beagle Brigade,” said Joseph Martella, area port director for CBP’s Area Port of Philadelphia.

Currently, CBP operates more than 116 beagle brigade teams that screen materials at border crossings, airports, cruise terminals, cargo warehouses and mail facilities. Beagles are trained at the National

Detector Dog Training Center in Georgia, which conducts 13 weeks of training for canines and their handlers under the purview of USDA-APHIS.

To protect future funding for the National Detector Dog Training Center, NCBA announced support for the Beagle Brigade Act of 2022 in July. The bill would provide specific authorization for the training center, ensuring that canines would continue providing robust inspections at U.S. ports of entry.

When illicit items are discovered by CBP officers and beagle brigade members, the products are seized and destroyed to prevent any pathogens from spreading. The punishment for failing to declare prohibited agriculture products is a civil infraction of $1,000, but in severe cases, when the items are declared “for commercial use,” penalties may run as high as $250,000.

While CBP officers are protecting our nation’s borders to prevent the spread of foreign animal diseases, protecting your operation’s border is equally important.

“CBP’s seizures of raw meat highlight the very real threat that foreign animal diseases pose to the cattle industry. All it takes is one missed infected item to

possibly result in a full disease outbreak,” said Simmons. “Thankfully, programs like Beef Quality Assurance (BQA) provide producers with the tools to strengthen their biosecurity protocols to protect against disease. Following BQA practices, keeping good vaccination and health records, and developing a biosecurity plan are all crucial steps for protecting your farm or ranch.”

Good biosecurity practices have only become more important since Foot-andMouth Disease (FMD) was discovered near Australia, one of our largest trading partners. The U.S. has remained FMD free since 1929, but the disease can move rapidly once cattle are exposed. To protect the U.S. herd against FMD, NCBA has continued supporting further investments in the National Animal Vaccine and Veterinary Countermeasures Bank (NAVVCB). The bank was initially created in the 2018 Farm Bill following NCBA’s advocacy. Since its initial creation, we have continued pushing for more funding because, in the event of an FMD outbreak, having a dedicated supply of vaccines saves time when every hour is essential. Overall, FMD could be a severe economic hit to the cattle industry. Exports of U.S. beef — worth more than $10 billion in 2021 — would cease overnight while corn and soybean farmers would also lose billions. The stakes are high for preventing the spread of a foreign animal disease, which is why so many agencies, industry groups and individual producers are involved in protecting U.S. animal agriculture.

From the law enforcement officers inspecting goods at ports of entry to producers building biosecurity plans to NCBA pushing for federal dollars, everyone works together to guard against the possible threat of a foreign animal disease.

“Protecting the cattle industry is a shared responsibility,” said Simmons. “NCBA will continue doing our part to keep federal agencies working to protect the U.S. cattle herd, and I hope all cattle producers will join us by making biosecurity practices part of your operation.”

To learn more about biosecurity, visit the Checkoff-funded Beef Quality Assurance website at BQA.org.

Beef Sire Selection for Cattle Genetic Improvement Program

University of Kentucky

The overall goal of the beef operation should be to increase net income. Net income is a balance between how much is spent on the operation and how much income the operation generates. Therefore, beef producers need to focus on increasing income while minimizing additional cost or reduce cost while trying to maintain income. Although this practice pertains to the entire beef operation, this program is to assist in selecting a bull that helps achieve this goal.

Two practices are available to improve the genetics of commercial beef operations: crossbreeding and individual bull selection. Crossbreeding has a major economic impact on your herd and should be practiced by commercial cattlemen (additional information is available in ASC-168, available at your county Extension office); however, this program does not require crossbreeding.

When looking for a bull to purchase for your operation it is important to realize that as you make progress to improve one trait you often lose ground in another trait. For example, as we select for increased growth, which has a positive impact on income, we usually inadvertently increase the mature size and maintenance costs of our cows through retaining replacements. Finding the balance between the productivity level of the cow (growth and milk) and the required energy to maintain her is very difficult and, if not done properly, will likely result in decreased reproduction. Research has shown that cow efficiency is dependent on the level of nutrition that they receive. Larger high-producing cows are the most efficient in very lush, high nutritional environments (Average Kentucky forages would not support this level of productivity) and smaller lowproducing cows are the most efficient in limited nutritional situations. Under optimum nutrition there are very little differences between the breed types. Before you buy a bull it is important to consider what you want to produce and what resources (primarily nutrition) you have available.

When purchasing a bull there are four primary characteristics that should be assessed: reproductive soundness; structural soundness; visual evaluation; and performance characteristics.

Reproductive Soundness – For a bull to have any value to a beef producer he must be reproductively sound. The best means to determine the reproductive soundness of a bull is through a breeding soundness examination (BSE). If a bull passes his BSE he should have the physical capability to breed and settle cows. This exam does not measure desire and bulls should be observed for their interest in females in heat. To receive cost-

share money bulls must pass a BSE.

Structural Soundness – To be an efficient breeder a bull must be structurally sound. This means that he should move without pain or discomfort and should have appropriate angles at weight bearing joints. There are no requirements for structural soundness; however, producers should evaluate bulls for soundness to avoid problems with breeding and future problems in replacement females.

Visual Evaluation – Many traits that are important to beef producers can only be evaluated through visual observation. These include, but are not limited to: disposition, horned/polled, color, muscling, body capacity, structure, sheath, and testicular development. There are no requirements for visual appraisal; however, producers are encouraged to carefully evaluate bulls for visual traits that are of economic or functional importance to them.

Performance Characteristics – The primary reason for purchasing a bull is the expected

performance of his calves. If replacement females will be retained then this decision should not be short sided, because the impact will be long lasting. Breeds differ on their level of productivity; therefore, the first decision will be on breed type. Once a breed is determined, selection between bulls for performance should be based on the Expected Progeny Differences (EPDs), whenever possible (For more information on EPDs please see ASC-141). There is no such thing as the “Best Bull”; each individual beef producer must make that determination based on what they want to get from the bull. Guidelines have been developed for four specific bull types. Producers must select what type of bull they will purchase (2 choices can be made) on their application then purchase a bull that meets the requirements for that bull type.

Visit http://afs.ca.uky.edu/beef/KBAT to learn how to determine if a bull qualifies for the CAIP program. .

Register Now for 2023 Beef Improvement Federation Research Symposium and Convention

MANHATTAN, KAN. – Registration is now open for the 2023 Beef Improvement Federation (BIF) Research Symposium and Convention. This year’s event will be hosted July 3-6 in Calgary, Canada.

The deadline for early registration is February 28. Attendees can save $50 (U.S) by registering early. Registration includes a student and media option. Online registration is available at BIFSymposium.com. Early reservations at the Hyatt Regency Calgary, the headquarters hotel, are also highly recommended. You can also find hotel information posted to BIFSymposium.com.

The BIF Symposium features two and one-half days of educational programming with focused on this year’s theme “Precision Breeding.” Monday, July 3, kicks off with the Young Producer Symposium at 1 p.m. followed by the Welcome and Scholarship Reception. Monday evening the National Association of Animal Breeders (NAAB) will host its biennial symposium at 7 p.m.

Tuesday’s general session will feature presentations by Dr. Peter Amer, AbacusBio Limited managing director; Dr. Eileen Wall, Scotland’s Rural College head of research & professor of integrative livestock genetic; Dr. Filippo Miglior, Lactanet Canada scientist and innovation executive; and Dr. Brian Kinghorn, University of New England, Australia.

Wednesday’s general session speakers will include Dr. John Crowley, AbacusBio Limited; Dr. Juan Pedro Stieble, Iowa State University Lush Chair for Animal Breeding & Genetics; and Mokah Shmigelsky, OneCup AI CEO.

Tuesday afternoon and Wednesday late morning technical breakout sessions will focus on a range of beef-production and geneticimprovement topics. A highlight of this year’s symposium will be a Technology showcase at Olds College on Tuesday afternoon.

For registration and more symposium details, including hotel information, visit BIFSymposium.com. Prior to and during this year’s symposium, be sure to follow the event on social media channels using the hashtag #BIF2023.

Each year the BIF symposium draws a large group of leading seedstock and commercial beef producers, academics and allied industry partners. The attendance list is a “who’s who” of the beef value chain, offering great networking opportunities and conversations about the issues of the day. Program topics focus on how the beef industry can enhance value through genetic improvement across a range of attributes that affect the value chain.

The Beef Improvement Federation (BIF) is an organization dedicated to coordinating all segments of the beef industry — from researchers and producers to retailers — in an effort to improve the efficiency, profitability and sustainability of beef production. The organization was initiated almost 70 years ago to encourage the use of objective measurements to evaluate beef cattle. Continuing the tradition, BIF is now the clearinghouse for developing standardized programs and methodologies for recording of performance data for all traits, from birth weights to carcass traits. Its three-leaf-clover logo symbolizes the link between industry, extension and research.

Mix of Organic and Inorganic Selenium May Increase Beef Cow Fertility

Aimee Nielson University of Kentucky

LEXINGTON, KY — Fertility is a driving factor for a sustainable and profitable cow-calf enterprise. Selenium plays a significant role in fertility, and in states like Kentucky and Tennessee, producers must supplement because their soil is selenium deficient. In an ongoing study at the University of Kentucky, researchers are pitting the industrystandard inorganic selenium against a 50/50 mix of inorganic and organic selenium to determine the most productive option.

“Selenium is an essential micronutrient that is incorporated into selenoproteins. These act as antioxidants, basically getting rid of free radicals, protecting the integrity of cells which allow them to function better,” said Phillip Bridges, associate professor in the UK College of Agriculture, Food and Environment Department of Animal and Food Sciences. “Animals can use organic or inorganic forms, but we typically supplement using an inorganic form. With this work, we are finding that the form of selenium supplemented can affect a variety of reproductive processes.

For the study, Bridges supplemented sodium selenite as the inorganic form versus a 50/50 mix of sodium selenite and a yeast-derived organic form. They found animals that got the mixed form had increased progesterone levels by days six and seven of the estrous cycle and then throughout pregnancy. Bridges said the early increase in progesterone is perhaps the most intriguing part of the study.

“We’ve known for decades that increased early luteal phase progesterone stimulates uterine development, length of the conceptus and indicators of fertility,” Bridges said.

To start the study, animals received no selenium supplementation for 45 days. Bridges said the animals were not selenium-deficient after the 45 days, but levels did significantly decrease. For the next 45 days, he supplied the industry-standard inorganic selenium. The next 90 days, cattle received either inorganic or a mix of inorganic and organic selenium before researchers bred the animals and examined blood and tissues for differences.

Bridges said that by day 17 after breeding, he noticed an altered abundance of progesterone and interferon-tau-induced gene transcripts in the endometrium and an overall increase in conceptus length. He said scientists believe larger conceptuses may help ensure continued establishment and progression of a pregnancy.

Although the work is ongoing, Bridges believes using the 50/50 blend of organic and inorganic selenium will improve fertility at the production level. The grant-funded work will continue through early 2024.

“If you’re in an area where you have to supplement selenium, it appears the mixed form should increase fertility,” he said. “If you’re in a state like Kentucky, Tennessee or other cow-calf states, this is a great benefit to those beef cattle producers in terms of sustainability and profitability.”

This material is based upon work supported by the National Institute of Food and Agriculture, U.S. Department of Agriculture, under award number 2018-67015-27613. Any opinions, findings, conclusions or recommendations expressed in this publication are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the view of the Department of Agriculture.

Tulieve

(tulathromycin injection)

Antibiotic

For use in beef cattle (including suckling calves), non-lactating dairy cattle (including dairy calves), veal calves, and swine. Not for use in female dairy cattle 20 months of age or older.

CAUTION: Federal (USA) law restricts this drug use by or on the order of a licensed veterinarian.

DESCRIPTION: Tulieve® Injectable Solution is a ready-to-use sterile parenteral preparation containing tulathromycin, a semi-synthetic macrolide antibiotic of the subclass triamilide. Each mL of Tulieve contains 100 mg of tulathromycin, 500 mg propylene glycol, 19.2 mg citric acid and 5 mg monothioglycerol. Sodium hydroxide or hydrochloric acid may be added to adjust pH. Tulieve consists of an equilibrated mixture of two isomeric forms of tulathromycin in a 9:1 ratio.

The chemical names of the isomers are (2R,3S,4R,5R,8R,10R,11R,12S,13S, 14R)-13-[[2,6-dideoxy-3-C-methyl-3-Ο-methyl-4-C-[(propylamino) methyl]α-L-ribo-hexopyrano-syl]oxy]-2-ethyl-3,4,10-trihydroxy-3,5,8,10,12,14hexamethyl-11-[[3,4,6-trideoxy-3-(dimethylamino)-β-D-xylo-hexopyranosyl]oxy]-1-oxa-6-azacyclopentadecan-15-one and (2R,3R,6R,8R,9R,10S,11S, 12R)-11-[[2,6-dideoxy-3-C-methyl-3-Ο-methyl-4-C-[(propylamino)methyl]α-L-ribo-hexopyrano-syl]oxy]-2-[(1R,2R)-1,2-dihydroxy-1-methylbutyl]8-hydroxy-3,6,8,10,12-pentamethyl-9-[[3,4,6-trideoxy-3-(dimethylamino)β-D-xylo-hexopyranosyl]oxy]-1-oxa-4- azacyclotridecan-13-one, respectively.

INDICATIONS

Beef and Non-Lactating Dairy Cattle

BRD-Tulieve Injectable Solution is indicated for the treatment of bovine respiratory disease (BRD) associated with Mannheimia haemolytica, Pasteurella multocida, Histophilus somni, and Mycoplasma bovis; and for the control of respiratory disease in cattle at high risk of developing BRD associated with Mannheimia haemolytica, Pasteurella multocida, Histophilus somni, and Mycoplasma bovis

IBK-Tulieve Injectable Solution is indicated for the treatment of infectious bovine keratoconjunctivitis (IBK) associated with Moraxella bovis Foot Rot-Tulieve Injectable Solution is indicated for the treatment of bovine foot rot (interdigital necrobacillosis) associated with Fusobacterium necrophorum and Porphyromonas levii

Suckling Calves, Dairy Calves, and Veal Calves

BRD-Tulieve Injectable Solution is indicated for the treatment of BRD associated with M. haemolytica, P. multocida, H. somni, and M. bovis

Swine

Tulieve Injectable Solution is indicated for the treatment of swine respiratory disease (SRD) associated with Actinobacillus pleuropneumoniae, Pasteurella multocida, Bordetella bronchiseptica, Haemophilus parasuis, and Mycoplasma hyopneumoniae; and for the control of SRD associated with Actinobacillus pleuropneumoniae, Pasteurella multocida, and Mycoplasma hyopneumoniae in groups of pigs where SRD has been diagnosed.

DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION

Cattle

Inject subcutaneously as a single dose in the neck at a dosage of 2.5 mg/kg (1.1 mL/100 lb) bodyweight (BW). Do not inject more than 10 mL per injection site.

Swine

Inject intramuscularly as a single dose in the neck at a dosage of 2.5 mg/kg (0.25 mL/22 lb) BW. Do not inject more than 2.5 mL per injection site.

CONTRAINDICATIONS

The use of Tulieve Injectable Solution is contraindicated in animals previously found to be hypersensitive to the drug.

WARNINGS FOR USE IN ANIMALS ONLY.

NOT FOR HUMAN USE.

KEEP OUT OF REACH OF CHILDREN.

NOT FOR USE IN CHICKENS OR TURKEYS.

RESIDUE WARNINGS

Cattle Cattle intended for human consumption must not be slaughtered within 18 days from the last treatment. This drug is not approved for use in female dairy cattle 20 months of age or older, including dry dairy cows. Use in these cattle may cause drug residues in milk and/or in calves born to these cows.

Swine

Swine intended for human consumption must not be slaughtered within 5 days from the last treatment.

PRECAUTIONS

Cattle

The e ects of tulathromycin injection on bovine reproductive performance, pregnancy, and lactation have not been determined. Subcutaneous injection can cause a transient local tissue reaction that may result in trim loss of edible tissue at slaughter.

Swine

The e ects of tulathromycin injection on porcine reproductive performance, pregnancy, and lactation have not been determined. Intramuscular injection can cause a transient local tissue reaction that may result in trim loss of edible tissue at slaughter.

ADVERSE REACTIONS

Cattle

In one BRD eld study, two calves treated with tulathromycin injection at 2.5 mg/kg BW exhibited transient hypersalivation. One of these calves also exhibited transient dyspnea, which may have been related to pneumonia.

Swine

In one eld study, one out of 40 pigs treated with tulathromycin injection at 2.5 mg/kg BW exhibited mild salivation that resolved in less than four hours.

Approved by FDA under ANADA # 200-723

Tulieve® is a registered trademark of Norbrook Laboratories Limited Made in the UK

Manufactured by: Norbrook Laboratories Limited, Newry, BT35 6PU, Co. Down, Northern Ireland

To report suspected adverse drug events, for technical assistance or to obtain a copy of the Safety Data Sheet (SDS), contact Norbrook at 1-866-591-5777. For additional information about adverse drug experience reporting for animal drugs, contact FDA at 1-888-FDA-VETS or http://www.fda.gov/reportanimalae.

Revised Feb 2022

For additional Tulieve product information call: 1-866-591-5777 or go to NorbrookFA.com/Tulieve

Kentucky Agricultural Development Board Approves More Than $4 Million for Projects Across the Commonwealth

Funded projects focus on agricultural diversification, rural development

FRANKFORT (Dec. 16, 2022) – The Kentucky Agricultural Development Board approved $4,583,727 for agricultural diversification and rural development projects across the commonwealth at its monthly board meeting.

“Grants through the Kentucky Agricultural Development Board provide Kentucky agriculture producers a pathway to diversification," said Commissioner of Agriculture and board chair Dr. Ryan Quarles. “The awarded projects represent a wide variety of agriculture practices helping the state and its farmers reach different opportunities for the advancement of all.”

State and County Funded Projects

• Kentucky Agriculture and Environment in the Classroom, Inc. was approved $151,250 in state funds for educational materials and program services over a two-year period. For more information, contact Jennifer Elwell at jennifer@ teachkyag.org.

• Kentucky Beef Network, LLC was approved $2,057,237 in state funds to provide production and marketing programs for cattle producers that will focus on profitability and farm business management. For more information, contact Becky Thompson at bthompson@kycattle.org.

• Kentucky Dairy Development Council, Inc. was approved $1,891,560 in state funds to continue educating, representing, and promoting Kentucky’s dairy producers and industry. For more information, contact H.H. Barlow III at kddc@kydairy.org.

• Lincoln County Board of Education was approved $13,112 in Lincoln County funds to expand the greenhouse at Lincoln County High School. For more information, contact Harvey Franklin at harvey.franklin@lincoln.kyschools.us.

• J.R. Farms was approved $10,000 in state funds as a Small-Scale Grant to invest in water harvesting equipment for beef cattle. For more information, contact Joshua Rose at j.rfarms1@ yahoo.com.

County Agricultural Investment Program (CAIP)

CAIP provides Kentucky agricultural producers with cost-share assistance on practices to allow them to improve and diversify their current farm operations. CAIP covers a wide variety of agricultural enterprises in its 11 investment areas, including, but not limited to, bees and honey; equine; forage; beef and dairy cattle; goats and sheep; horticulture; poultry; swine; timber and technology, as well as energy efficiency and production; farm infrastructure and water enhancement; marketing; and value-added production.

Two CAIPs were approved by the board totaling $391,280:

• Boone ($124,415)

• Todd ($266,865)

Deceased Farm Animal Removal (DAR)

The Deceased Farm Animal Removal Program serves as a measure to facilitate the coordination of environmentallysound and cost-effective disposal of deceased livestock for Kentucky producers.

Three DAR programs were approved by the board totaling $25,000:

• Garrard ($2,500)

• Hardin ($12,500)

• Madison ($10,000)

Shared-Use Equipment Program

The Shared-Use Equipment Program assists broad-based community organizations with the purchase of farm equipment. The equipment purchased is made available for producer use in a specific county on a leased basis.

Two Shared-Use Equipment programs were approved by the board totaling $44,288:

• Madison ($18,638 and $25,650)

All application periods and deadlines for CAIP will be advertised locally.

(tulathromycin injection) delivers the same single shot, rapidly absorbed, (tulathromycin injection) Injectable Solution, and thanks to our exclusive plastic bottles, less risk of product loss. Available in 1L and 500 mL plastic hanger bottles, as well as 250 mL and 100 mL plastic bottles for beef, non-lactating dairy and swine.

Ask your veterinarian or animal health provider about Tulieve ® , the latest addition to our comprehensive portfolio of anti-infectives. Or visit norbrook.com

IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION FOR CATTLE: Do not use in female dairy cattle 20 months of age or older, including dry dairy cows. A pre-slaughter withdrawal time has not been determined for pre-ruminating calves. Effects on reproductive performance, pregnancy, and lactation have not been determined. Tulieve has a pre-slaughter withdrawal time of 18 days. Tulieve should not be used in animals known to be hypersensitive to the product.

IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION FOR SWINE: Tulieve has a pre-slaughter withdrawal time of 5 days. Tulieve should not be used in animals known to be hypersensitive to the product.

Dear Cow Country Reader,

I am Caleb Kernodle, the 19-year-old son of Rob & Rebecca Kernodle. I make my home in Perryville which is nestled in the heart of Boyle County’s prime agricultural land. Having been born and raised in the beef industry, I have a passion for agriculture that is indescribable. With that, comes a great passion for the Kentucky Cattlemen’s Association and the Kentucky Junior Cattlemen’s Association.

It is with great honor and pleasure that I write this letter to you as the newly elected Kentucky Junior Cattlemen’s Association President. With the new year ahead of us, I am excited to be working with our recently elected team of officers and directors. After discussions with some officers and members, there are many important goals for the new year. A few of these include increasing our active participation and membership numbers.

The Junior Cattlemen’s Association provides youth of all ages with a solid foundation where they can learn and grow within the beef industry. I encourage all juniors to get as involved as they possibly can. Between attending meetings, participating in beef industry leadership trips, competing in Fall Classic, and creating new networks of friends and industry leaders, there are numerous opportunities for personal growth.

I am so grateful for the experiences that KJCA has already provided me, and we are excited to plan future events to grow new leaders. Visit kycattle.org and click on the Youth Activities tab or follow us at KY Junior Cattlemen’s Association on Facebook to stay up-to-date on the latest activities. If you are a parent or junior with questions or suggestions, please feel free to reach out. We would love to share more with you about this outstanding association and what it has to offer.

Sincerely,

Caleb Kernodle KJCA President

THE 2023-24 KJCA OFFICER TEAM AND BOARD OF DIRECTORS

President: Caleb Kernodle (Boyle County)

Vice President: Emily Tabor (Breckinridge County)

Secretary: Bryanna Smith (Russell County)

Treasurer: Maddie Ethington (Boyle County)

Reporter: Macey Thompson (Breckinridge County)

Region One: Whitney Peck (Caldwell County) & Vance Pickering (Breckinridge County)

Region Two: Ty Jones (Allen County) & Mollie Webb (Barren County)

Region Three: Beau Girdley (Spencer County) & Brenna Perkins (Henry County)

Region Four: Will Beckley (Estill County) & Harlee Watson (Fleming County)

Region Five: Emma Ballinger (Rockcastle County) & Jenna Wethington (Casey County)

At Large: Josh Kernodle (Boyle County), Luke Kernodle (Boyle County), Jake Marksbury (Larue County), Kadie Mathers (Nelson County), & Eli Miles (Nelson County)

USDA Expands Eligibility, Enhances Benefits for Key Disaster Programs

Policy changes will help more producers recover from natural disasters

WASHINGTON, Jan. 10, 2023 – The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) made updates to several conservation, livestock and crop disaster assistance programs to give more farmers, ranchers, and tribes the opportunity to apply for and access programs that support recovery following natural disasters. Specifically, USDA’s Farm Service Agency (FSA) expanded eligibility and enhanced available benefits for a suite of its programs. These updates will provide critical assistance to producers who need to rebuild and recover after suffering catastrophic losses of production and infrastructure due to natural disasters.

FSA has updated the following programs: The Emergency Conservation Program (ECP), the Emergency Forest Restoration Program (EFRP), the Emergency Assistance for Livestock, Honeybees, and Farm-raised Fish (ELAP), the Livestock Forage Disaster Program (LFP), the Livestock Indemnity Program (LIP) and the Noninsured Crop Disaster Assistance Program (NAP).

“As I meet with producers across the country, I have gained a better understanding of the ways in which our programs work—and the ways in which they can be improved to better support all producers, especially those who are working to rebuild their operations after a disaster,” said FSA Administrator Zach Ducheneaux. “This set of updates to our disaster assistance programs reflects FSA’s commitment to listening to producers and responding to their needs wherever we have the authorities to do so. We are confident that these changes will increase the both the accessibility and efficacy of our disaster assistance programs, consistent with our goal to build equity into the fabric of our work at the FSA.”

Conservation Disaster Assistance Updates

FSA updated ECP to:

• Allow producers who lease Federally owned or managed lands, including tribal trust land, as well as State land the opportunity to participate.

• Provide advance payments, up to 25% of the cost, for all ECP practices before the restoration is carried out, an option that was previously only available for fence repair or replacement. The cost-share payment must be spent within 60 days.

Additionally, Congress also authorized the Federal government to pay 100% of the ECP and EFRP cost for damage associated with the Hermit’s Peak/Calf Canyon Fire in New Mexico. This fire burned over 340,000 acres from April 2022 to June 2022 and was the

largest wildfire in recorded history in New Mexico. ECP and EFRP cost-share assistance is typically capped at 75%. This policy change for 100% cost-share applies only to those locations impacted by the Hermit’s Peak/Calf Canyon Fire.

ECP and EFRP provide financial and technical assistance to restore conservation practices like fencing, damaged farmland or forests.

Livestock Disaster Assistance Updates

FSA also expanded eligible livestock under ELAP, LFP and LIP. Specifically, horses maintained on eligible grazing land are eligible for ELAP, LFP and LIP. Many family farms and ranches use their forage to raise horses to augment their other agriculture endeavors.

FSA recognizes that animals maintained in a commercial agriculture operation, add value to the operation and could be available for marketing from the farm. FSA regulations have been updated to include these animals as eligible livestock

Horses and other animals that are used or intended to be used for racing and wagering remain ineligible.

Ostriches are also now eligible for LFP and ELAP. FSA is making this change because ostriches satisfy more than 50% of their net energy requirement through the consumption of growing forage grasses and legumes and are therefore considered “grazing animals”.

This change for ostriches is effective for the 2022 program year for both LFP and ELAP. ELAP requires a notice of loss to be filed with FSA within 30 days of when the loss is first apparent. Because this deadline may have passed for 2022, FSA is extending the deadline for filing notices of loss through March 31, 2023.

LIP and ELAP reimburses producers for a portion of the value of livestock, poultry and other animals that died as a result of a qualifying natural disaster event or for loss of grazing acres, feed and forage. LFP provides benefits for grazing losses due to drought and eligible wildfires on federally managed lands.

Noninsured Crop Disaster Assistance NAP provides financial assistance to producers of non-insurable crops when low yields, loss of inventory or prevented planting occur due to natural disasters. Basic NAP coverage is equivalent to the catastrophic level risk protection plan of insurance coverage, which is based on the amount of loss that exceeds 50% of expected production at 55% of the average market price for the crop. Previously, to be eligible for NAP coverage, a producer had to submit an application

(Form CCC-471) for NAP coverage on or before the application closing date. For 2022, if a producer has a Socially Disadvantaged, Limited Resource, Beginning and Veteran Farmer or Rancher Certification (Form CCC-860) on file with FSA, it will serve as an application for basic coverage for all eligible crops having a 2022 application closing date and all NAP-related service fees for basic coverage will be waived for these producers.

FSA will notify all eligible producers who already have the CCC-860 certification form on file of their eligibility for NAP basic coverage for 2022. To potentially receive NAP assistance, producers who suffered losses due to natural disasters in 2022 should file an acreage report as well as a notice of loss with the FSA at their local Service Center.

Producers who are interested in obtaining NAP coverage for 2023 and subsequent years should also contact their local FSA county office for information on eligibility, coverage options and applying for coverage.

Reporting Losses

Producers impacted by a natural disaster should report losses and damages and file an application with their FSA county office. Timelines for reporting losses and applying for payments differ by program.

For LIP and ELAP, producers will need to file a Notice of Loss for livestock and grazing or feed losses within 30 days and honeybee losses within 15 days. For LFP, producers must provide a completed application for payment and required supporting documentation to their FSA office within 30 calendar days after the end of the calendar year in which the grazing loss occurred.

For NAP, producers should contact their local FSA office for guidelines on submitting a notice of loss and filing an acreage certification.

More Information

The updates to these programs build on other Biden-Harris administration efforts to improve disaster assistance programs, including additional flexibility in obtaining Noninsured Crop Disaster Assistance Program (NAP) basic coverage for socially disadvantaged, beginning, limited resource and veteran farmers and ranchers.

Previous enhancement to the ELAP provide program benefits to producers of fish raised for food and other aquaculture species as well as cover above normal expenses for transporting livestock to forage and grazing

acres and transport feed to livestock impacted by qualifying drought. And earlier updates to the LIP payment rates better reflect the true market value of non-adult beef, beefalo, bison and dairy animals.

Yesterday, FSA announced it would begin accepting applications for the Emergency Relief Program (ERP) Phase Two and the new Pandemic Assistance Revenue Program (PARP) on Jan. 23, 2023, through June 2, 2023. ERP Phase Two is designed to fill gaps in the delivery of program benefits not covered in ERP Phase One and improves equity in program delivery to underserved producers. PARP will help address gaps in previous pandemic assistance, which was targeted at price loss or lack of market access, rather than overall revenue losses. Learn more in the Jan. 9, 2023 news release.

Additional Resources

On farmers.gov, the Disaster Assistance Discovery Tool, Disaster Assistanceat-a-Glance fact sheet, and Farm Loan Discovery Tool can help producers

and landowners determine program or loan options. For assistance with a crop insurance claim, producers and landowners should contact their crop insurance agent. For FSA and Natural Resources Conservation Service programs, contact the local USDA Service Center.

USDA touches the lives of all Americans each day in so many positive ways. In the Biden-Harris administration, USDA is transforming America’s food system with a greater focus on more resilient local and regional food production, fairer markets for all producers, ensuring access to safe, healthy and nutritious food in all communities, building new markets and streams of income for farmers and producers using climate smart food and forestry practices, making historic investments in infrastructure and clean energy capabilities in rural America, and committing to equity across the Department by removing systemic barriers and building a workforce more representative of America. To learn more, visit usda.gov.

USDA is an equal opportunity provider, employer and lender.

BG Lexington Horse Sale

Saturday, February 18 10:30 AM

Follow our website and Facebook for all upcoming sales & events!

LIVESTOCK MARKETING GROUP

Blue Grass Albany 1274 Hwy 90 W Albany, KY 42602 606-387-4681

Bret Carver, Manager 270 -459-0724

Blue Grass Campbellsville 265 Airport Road Campbellsville, KY 42719 270-465-4051

Ronnie Choate, Manager 270 -766-8240

Blue Grass East-Mt. Sterling

3025 Owingsville Road Mt. Sterling, KY 40353 859-498-9625

Jeff Copher, Manager 859 -229-7587

Blue Grass Internet Sales

4561 Iron Works Pike, Ste 100 Lexington, KY 40511 859-255-7701

Adam Menker, Manager 419 -310-5344

Blue Grass Lexington 4561 Iron Works Pike, Ste 100 Lexington, KY 40511 859-255-7701

Jeremy Shryock, Manager 859 -967-6479

Blue Grass Maysville

7124 AA Hwy E Maysville, KY 41056 606-759-7280

Corey Story, Manager 606 -209-1543

Blue Grass Richmond 348 K Street Richmond, KY 40475 859-623-1280

Jim Dause, Manager 859 -314-7211

Blue Grass South-Stanford 277 Cordier Lane Stanford, KY 40484 606-365-0665

David Holt, Manager 502 -680-0797

KCA Concludes 50th Annual Convention

Carey Brown Kentucky Cattlemen's Association

The 2023 KCA Convention was in Lexington, KY January 5-6, 2023. Approximately 900 producers, educators and industry professionals joined KCA for the 50th convention.

Registration

Registration opened early Thursday morning and helped to keep the lines down. Over 400 people pre-registered this year. By pre-registering it ensures a smooth checkin while giving KCA staff time to plan accordingly for events and meals during the convention. To say thanks for pre-registering each registrant received a convention t-shirt. Two pre-registration drawings were also held for Cabela’s Gift Cards and the winners were Kendal Bowman, Owen County, and Matt Haycraft, Grayson County County. Attendees that completed pre- or on-site full registration were also given five tickets for $100 cash drawings during the Beef Efficiency Conference, Opening General Session, Forages Session, Legislative Update, and Closing Session. After the drawings were complete, tickets were combined for a chance to win 2 RTIC coolers. The winner of the

participated in the trade show. Hope to see everyone at the 2024 Ag Industry Trade Show in Lexington.

Beef Efficiency Conference

This was the 10th Annual Beef Efficiency Conference hosted by Kentucky Beef Network and University of Kentucky Cooperative Extension Service through a partnership with the Drs. Gordon and Susan Jones Lectureship for a commitment to lifelong learning. The conference hosted an impressive list of guest speakers discussing “Building a Better Cow for Tomorrow” including Dr. Troy Rowan, University of Tennessee; Dr. Jared Decker, University of Missouri, and John Maddux, Maddux Cattle Company.

Trade Show Welcome Lunch

Lexington. Following with a video celebrating the 50th anniversary along with commercials from our platinum sponsors: Blue Grass Marketing Group, Corteva Agriscience: Range and Pasture, Farm Credit Mid-America, New Holland, Tarter and Central States Testing. Opening Session attendees heard an update from University of Kentucky, President, Dr. Eli Capilouto followed by Nikki Whitaker recognizing Dean Nancy Cox with the Kentucky Cattlemen’s Association service industry award. Nikki Whitaker then gave an update on the Ag Education Center followed by Kylie Trail presenting the Kentucky Beef Council Annual Report. The Kentucky Beef Council (KBC) has had a busy year putting checkoff dollars to work! Aligning with the national checkoff focus, KBC works to share the Kentucky beef story by focusing on people, pleasure, and protein. KBC continues to utilize assets developed at the national level and also curates state specific content to extend in Kentucky wide programs. Next, Dan Miller presented the Beef Solutions Annual Report, showcasing insight into the production process of Kentucky Cattlemen’s Ground Beef. Dr. Katie VanValin gave the Kentucky Beef Network’s Annual Report highlighting the partnership between UK and KBN along with investments from the Kentucky Agriculture Development Funds it has used to execute beef producer education and marketing opportunities.

coolers were Danny Callahan, Estill County and Josh Burgess, Logan County.

Trade Show

The Ag Industry trade show was a great success this year. There were 68 exhibitors to share their products with our members. More information about the trade show can be found on page 62. Thanks to everyone who

The convention kicked off in the Trade Show on Thursday with a lunch chili bar for attendees and visiting with Trade Show exhibitors.

Opening General Session

The Opening General Session began on Thursday afternoon with KCA President, Cary King from Mercer County welcoming everyone to the new Central Bank Center in

County President’s Breakfast County Presidents and their guests were honored at the County President’s Awards Breakfast this year at Convention. Kentucky Cattlemen’s red jackets and cash prizes were awarded to counties that increased their membership significantly in 2022. Guests heard from Dave Maples, KCA Executive VP, who spoke on the importance of a strong cattlemen’s network. Nikki Whitaker presented Arch Sebastian with an award for Outstanding Service to the Kentucky Beef Industry for his relief efforts following the floods in Eastern Kentucky. Rachel Cain introduced herself as KCA Membership and Communications Coordinator and announced total membership numbers. KCA had 10,920 members in 2022, setting an all-time record high for the association. The breakfast ended with a presentation of the “Big Bull” award, which honored Barren County for having the largest membership in the state last year with 490 members. Congratulations again to all the County Associations and we look forward to seeing who comes out on top next year.

Closing Session

President Cary King opened the Closing General session by welcoming Commissioner

of Agricultural Dr. Ryan Quarles to give an update on the Kentucky Department of Agriculture. Dr. Ryan Quarles, Kentucky Agriculture Commissioner, discussed current state issues in the cattle industry and highlights from the Kentucky Department of Agriculture. Ken Adams, KCA Treasurer, gave the financial report for the Kentucky Cattlemen’s Association followed by Danielle Beck with Invariant, discussing Sustainable Food Systems. Carey Brown gave a presentation on KCA Communication efforts which included Cow Country News, Livestock Advertising Network, and highlighting all the counties do to help with communications. Dave Maples wrapped up with an annual report for KCA outlining a year full of activities. Regional reports were given from meetings held that morning and election of the 2023 KCA officers followed. New officers include Andy Bishop, President; Jeff Pettit, President Elect; Randy Warner, Vice- President; Ken Adams, Secretary/ Treasurer; and Cary King, KCA Past President. Immediately after, KCA hosted a Commissioner of Agriculture Candidate Forum presenting candidates Jonathan Shell, Garrard County; Richard Heath, Graves County; and Sierra Enlow, Larue County with questions from members.

Forages

The Kentucky Forage and Grasslands Council held the Annual Forages at KCA Program. This year the Program was entitled “Recovering and Regrouping after a Tough Year”. The agenda included a Welcome from Dr. Chris Teutsch with the University of Kentucky, followed by Jason Tower, Purdue University discussing Strategies for Revitalizing Drought Stressed Pastures: Experiences from Southern Indiana Purdue Agricultural Center. Dr. Katie VanValin presented to attendees about making sure their cows are getting what they need nutritionally. Dr. Ray Smith closed the program with how to Choose the Best Forage Varieties for Repairing Drought Stressed Pastures.

Ladies Program

Nearly 60 women gathered for this year's annual Ladies Program. This year the ladies learned the art and technique of watercolor painting. Suzy Smith, local artist and farm wife

out of Winchester, KY encouraged attendees to embrace their artistic side and paint what was most important to them. Creativity soared as various farm scenes were painted, making each painting as unique as the lady that painted it. Attendees were proud to have a piece of the convention to take home with

them, but most importantly, they enjoyed the fellowship of being among other Kentucky cattlewomen for an afternoon of fun and good conversations.

Evening Banquet

Friday night finished up with a wonderful steak dinner, awards, and the foundation auction. Awards were given to Blue Grass Marketing Group, Corteva Agriscience: Range and Pasture, Farm Credit Mid-America, New Holland, Tarter and Central States Testing, the Platinum Sponsors of the KCA Convention. All other sponsors were also recognized. A complete list is on page 63.

The 2023 Hall of Fame class was inducted and the winners included: Region 1; Lanny & Sheryl Boyd; Region 2; Chuck Crutcher; Region 3; Irvin Kupper; Region 4, Glenn & Doris Hill; and Region 5; Larry Clay. Please see page 54 for a complete release.

Sponsored by Farm Credit Mid-America, the 2023 Heifer Initiative Awards were also given at the Banquet. This award allows students to purchase a heifer from a KCA member in the state of Kentucky in the upcoming year. This year’s winners were Tyler Lundy from Nelson County, Klaber Wolfe from Pendleton County, and Chevy Vaske from Grant County. Congratulations to these students and best of luck in the coming year! After dinner and awards the Kentucky Cattlemen’s Foundation auction was held. This year a total of $5,475 was raised during the live auction.

The Kentucky Beef Council Beef Backer Award

The Kentucky Beef Backer Award is presented to an individual or group that strives to not only showcase beef, but also educate others about the beef farmers behind it. The 2023 Beef Backer Award was presented to Bluegrass Hospitality Group (BHG). In 2004, John McNamara of BHG attended a KBC farm tour and learned about the resources the Beef Council could offer restaurants. From that event, KBC has been able to foster a

partnership with BHG, which has allowed them to develop and implement five different levels of beef training for BHG’s waitstaff,

chefs, and management each year. In addition to the dedicated trainings, BHG is committed to selling high quality beef in their 19 Drake’s, 4 Malone’s, 3 Harry’s, 2 Prime Banquet facilities, and 1 OBC Kitchen (Old Bourbon County) in 7 different states. In a year’s time, BHG sells about 437,575 pounds of beef which equates to almost 870 finished steers. Bruce Drake and Brian McCarty started Bluegrass Hospitality Group almost 25 years ago and over 10,000 folks have served their delicious beef in their restaurants.

The Kentucky Beef Council Service Awards

This year Kentucky Beef Council recognized Jon Bednarski and Shane Wiseman for their outstanding service to Kentucky’s beef industry.

Shane Wiseman represented Kentucky nationally as Cattlemen’s Beef Board from 2018-2022; however, his dedication to Kentucky’s beef industry was not limited to his time on the Beef Board. Shane is a fifthgeneration cattle and tobacco farmer from Winchester, KY and has been involved with agriculture all his life. His grandfather bought him his first beef cow at the age of four. Since then, he continues to grow his operation while teaching agriculture and connecting the youth back to the farm at George Rogers Clark High School in Winchester. KBC appreciates Shane for his dedication to Kentucky’s beef industry.

The 2023 Kentucky Beef Advocate

Jon Bednarski represented Kentucky as a United State Meat Export Federation member from 2019 – 2021. Jon’s commitment to Kentucky’s beef community runs deeper than his seat at USMEF as he consistently offers his time to assist Kentucky Beef Council staff. He is not only committed to raising quality cattle on his Oldham County farm, but he also enjoys sharing the beef story through his interactions with consumers at his retail beef market, connecting with health professionals to help them understand the benefits of beef, and engaging other beef farmers about the international markets. With much appreciation, KBC thanks Jon for his service to the beef industry.

Amanda Hall of Georgetown, KY is no stranger to the people she interacts with on Instagram every day. From sharing her love for raising cows, crops, hay, gardening, and babies, she has definitely helped people get a little closer to the farm and the food that they enjoy. Amanda not only advocates online, but in-person too. She might wish she lived just a little farther from Lexington, but KBC is grateful that Amanda has been willing to open up their farm to health professionals, students, and more. She’s also been willing to take the farm to others through a virtual farmer panel and guest appearances on television and conferences. Of course, we would be remised if we didn’t recognize her support staff that star in many of Hallstead Farms and Meats Insta reels and posts, her husband, Reid, mini

boss, Charli, and baby boss, Owen. KBC would like to congratulate Amanda as the Kentucky Beef Advocate of the Year!

KJCA

The Kentucky Junior Cattlemen’s Association had their annual membership meeting during the Convention. With almost 70 juniors participating in activities, KJCA Members were able to network with leaders of the industry. The morning began with a scavenger hunt in the tradeshow. Only given clues about the business, teams of juniors had to take a picture, do a dance, or show off their best cow impersonation at each booth. Juniors then received an inside look of Rupp Arena, getting a tour of the facility. Juniors then ate lunch, and participated in a Beef Leadership Townhall, a career panel where KJCA members are able to get an inside view of the careers of leaders in the industry. We would like to thank Fran McCall, Brent Tolle, and Jeff Zinner for serving as this year’s panel! KJCA members then ended the day with the election of new officers and directors. They will be meeting soon to plan out events for the upcoming year.

KCA Elects 2023 Officers

Carey Brown Kentucky Cattlemen's Association

LEXINGTON, KY - Kentucky cattlemen from across the state voted for new officers during their Annual Convention held January 5-6 in Lexington, KY. Over 900 producers were on hand to see Andy Bishop, a cattleman from Nelson County, elected to serve as the president for 2023.

“We are coming off of our largest membership year to date and have some great plans for 2023 so I am excited to see what this year brings,” said Bishop.

Bishop has years of service in the Kentucky Cattlemen’s Association, serving as a Region 2 Director from 2011-2014. Bishop then served as Region 2 Vice President from 20152017 and as Kentucky Beef Council Chairman from 2018-2020. He is also currently serving as Cattlemen’s Beef Board Secretary/Treasurer for 2022. Andy and his wife, Meagan, stay busy with fulltime jobs, four children and their farm. They operate Fairfield Farms, a small registered Angus operation where they sell bulls and females as well as a commercial cow herd and selling freezer beef directly off the farm. They have 75 cows on 200 acres of owned and rented land.

Other officers include President-Elect, Jeff Pettit of Sebree, KY; Vice President, Randy Warner, Sharpsburg, KY; Secretary/ Treasurer, Ken Adams of Upton, KY; and Past President, Cary King of Harrodsburg, KY.

Others on the Executive Committee include KCA Program Chair Daniel Hayden, Whitesville, KY; KBC Program Chair, Joe Lowe, Smith’s Grove, KY; KBN Chairman, Allan Bryant, Eminence, KY; and Beef Solutions Manager, Jeff Pettit, Sebree, KY.

Regional vice presidents from across the state were elected by their regions at the convention including: Bobby Bell, Region 1; Phyllis Gentry, Region 2; Allan Bryant, Region 3; Amy White, Region 4; and Adam Chunglo, Region 5.

KCA is an organization representing the state’s livestock industry on legislative, regulatory and industry issues at both the state and federal levels. The KCA mission is to provide a strong, proactive voice for all of Kentucky’s Beef Farm Families, serve as a resource for information and education for producers, consumers and the industry and be a catalyst for enhancing producer sustainability.

You can find additional information at www. kycattle.org.

Rachel Cain welcomed 2022 KCA Presidents on Friday morning for the County Presidents Awards Banquet.

The 2022 top three counties per division in numerical increase received a cash reward.

The top ten counties overall for 2022 membership totals

Joe Mike Moore accepted the 2022 Big Bull Award for Barren County. Barren County had the largest 2022 county membership, with a total of 490 members.

Nikki Whitaker presented Arch Sebastian, President of the Mountain Cattlemen’s Association, with the 2022 Outstanding Service to the Kentucky Beef Industry award. Arch coordinated relief efforts over a 9-county area when Eastern Kentucky was hit with a devastating flood in July.

The 2022 County Presidents who exceeded membership in their county by 10 or more members received a red jacket.

KCA Names 2023 Hall of Fame Inductees

Carey Brown Kentucky Cattlemen's Association

Five deserving cattlemen and women were honored during this year’s Evening Banquet at the Kentucky Cattlemen’s Association Annual Convention in Lexington, Kentucky. Lanny and Sheryl Boyd, Chuck Crutcher, Irvin Kupper, Glenn & Doris Hill, and Larry Clay were the association’s 2023 Hall of Fame inductees.

Region 1 winners Lanny and Sheryl Boyd have always worked as a team and were one of the first couples inducted into the Hall of Fame. They have been instrumental in the growth of the Christian County Cattlemen since its inception in 1996. They raised Angus and Balancer cattle and took over the family business, Boyd Farm Center in 1998. They have each been very involved in their county chapter, both have been President and each has been on the Board of Directors. In addition, Lanny serves on the Christian County Ag Development Board and on the Soil Conservation Board. They made a huge impact on their association and community when they worked together to start the Christian County Cattlemen’s Rodeo in 2000 to raise money for scholarships for youth majoring in Agriculture. They have been able

to award over $200,000 in scholarships to date. They have been married 31 years and have three children and 8 grandchildren.

Region 2 winner, Chuck Crutcher, purchased a farm in Rineyville in 1974 and has raised corn, tobacco, green bell peppers and hay and currently runs a cow/calf operation with 30 cows. He retired from Fort Knox Civil Service after 34 years. Chuck is known as a passionate advocate for the agriculture industry and has given his time to several leadership roles at the county and state level. He has offered his farm for industry research, been involved with Hardin County Farm Bureau and served several terms as President with the Hardin County Cattlemen’s Association, just to name a few. He was a KCA Board member, served as Kentucky Beef Council Chairman and led the organization as President in 2017. He has worked tirelessly in his community on ag events like the Fort Knox “Hurray for Heros” and Heartland Festival’s Ag Village. He was instrumental in creating a beef retained ownership program conducted with Iowa State University and in the development of the Heartland Agricultural Complex that involves the Livestock Events Center and the

new Hardin County Extension Office. He was married to his wife, Sandi, until her passing in 2017, and they have four children and seven grandchildren.

Irvin Kupper, from Region 3, grew up the oldest of 12 children and developed a love of farming from a nearby dairy. He attended Murray State University and graduated in 1973 with a major in Agriculture and Speech and Communications with a minor in Education. He began working for Tractor Supply Company in Louisville and was promoted to manager within 8 months. He continued to work for Tractor Supply Company for 37 ½ years. He purchased his first farm in 1979 and began expanding in 1988 in order to raise beef cattle, purchasing another farm in Shelbyville. He has been the President of the Shelby County Cattlemen’s since 2012 and started the heifer program there that has provided 34 heifers to area juniors. He has been instrumental in growing the local association and also helped them create a local catering business to help raised funds for scholarships and donations to local programs. He is married to his wife, Pat and has one child and two grandchildren.

REGION 1

Lanny & Sheryl Boyd

REGION 2

Chuck Crutcher

Region 4 winners, Glenn and Doris Hill own a cow/calf farm in Madison County and also grow their own corn for feed to background their calves. Both retired from Okonite Cable Company where Glenn was an engineer and Doris was an executive secretary. They have served at the local and state levels, giving much of their time to improve the industry. They have played a key role in organizing a farm tour trip for over 30 years for local farmers. They were also one out of five producers in Madison County to commit to intensive grazing in the early 1980’s. The research gained from this program helped to create a foundation to what we all know now as rotational/intensive grazing. In addition, they have served as delegates for Madison County for over 30 years attending conventions for all but one of those years. They were also very active in the KCA at the state level in the 1980’s and 90’s. Glenn sat on a small committee that reorganized KCA into equal sized membership regions and allowed delegates based on the number of members that is still being used today. They also got Madison County to become an affiliate member with KCA which eventually prompted a change from many other counties across the state. Doris was very active in the State Cattlewomen Cookoff team and helped at three national cookoffs. Glenn and Doris are active members of Waco Baptist Church have four children and six grandchildren.

Larry Clay, Region 5, is a full-time rancher who manages a commercial cow/calf operation located on a mountain top removal reclaimed strip-mine. In addition he also develops replacement heifers for other beef cattle producers and managed the East Kentucky Heifer Development Program for 19 years in Perry County. This program made a profound impact on the genetics of cattle in Eastern Kentucky. More than 6,000 heifers were developed for over 250 different producers in four states. In addition, Larry and the ranch owners have opened the land up for research and is a model for post-mine land use leading others to develop land for grazing and beef cattle, and earning a NCBA Region 1 Environmental Stewardship Award. He was a founding father of the Mountain Cattlemen’s Association and has served in various leadership roles in local agriculture organizations like Ag Development Council, Farm Bureau and Extension District Board. He has served several terms as Mountain Cattlemen’s Association President and served as KCA President in 2001. He has served as a mentor and advocate for the beef industry to youth and producers across the state. He is married to his wife, Marie and they have three children and nine grandchildren.

The Kentucky Cattlemen’s Association would like to congratulate all of these deserving individuals for their years of service and numerous contributions to the agriculture industry. Videos of the 2023 inductees can be viewed on the KCA Youtube and Facebook pages. Applications are now being taken for the 2024 KCA Hall of Fame. Call the office for more details at 859-278-0899.

REGION 3 Irvin Kupper

REGION 5

Larry Clay

REGION 4

Glenn & Doris Hill

The Beef Efficiency Conference kicked off the convention with a large crowd.

2023 KCA President, Andy Bishop with outgoing President, Cary King

Dr. Jared Decker, University of Missouri, talked about “Matching Genetics of Your Cowherd to Your Environment” The Ladies Program offered watercolor painting, desserts and fellowship.

Farm Credit Heifer Initiative winner, Tyler Lundy. John Maddux, Maddux Cattle Company, spoke during the Beef Efficiency Conference

Farm Credit Heifer Initiative winner, Klaber Wolfe.

Caleb Kernodle was the auctioneer for the Foundation Auction Dr. Eli Capilouto gave a University of Kentucky update

Cary King catches up with Adam Chunglo in the trade show

Tim, Addie, and Amy White attended the Leadership Reception

Attendees had the chance to learn about products in the trade show Dave Maples highlights 2022 in his annual report

Korri and Isaac Thompson visited at the Corteva booth

KCA staff are so thankful for our 2023 interns, Matthew Irvin, Hadley Celsor, Meri Grace Carson, and Haley Nelson

Participants enjoying the trade show

Caleb Kernodle leading the auction at the Banquet

Suzy Smith giving some direction for watercolor at the Ladies Program

All of the KCA past Presidents posed for a photo at the Leadership Reception

Mike Stokley, Greg Robey and Joe Goggin catch up in the hallway

Andy Bishop takes over as 2023 KCA President Dannielle Beck, Invariant, gives an update on legislative issues

Nikki Whitaker presented Dean Nancy Cox with a KCA Service Award

Dan Miller gives the Beef Solutions report

KCA hosted a Commissioner of Ag candidate forum with Jonathan Shell, Richard Heath and Sierra Enlow

KJCA members receive scavenger hunt rewards

KJCA members on their tour of Rupp Arena

Dr. Katie VanValin discusses “Making Sure Cows are Getting What They Need” in the Forages Session. Photo by Jimmy Henning

Dr. Ray Smith presents on “Choosing the Best Forage Varieties for Repairing Drought Stressed Pastures”. Photo by Jimmy Henning “Strategies for Revitalizing Drought Stressed Pastures” was the topic for Jason Tower, Purdue University

Integrity

Our daily actions and decisions are fulfilled with high ethical standards and are consistent with our Association’s values.

Transparency

We believe in communicating openly about our industry, our organization and its activities.

Stewardship

We recognize our responsibility as stewards to carefully manage the resources entrusted to us by our members and industry partners.

Community

We strive to foster a sense of belonging and unity among our

members and stakeholders

Commitment

We demonstrate a high degree of passion and dedication to our individual and organizational responsibilities and to our members.

Innovation

We proactively anticipate the needs of our members and community and strive to develop creative new solutions to meet the needs of the beef industry.

As a member, you’re among more than 10,000 cattlemen and cattlewomen across the state who bring a unified voice for Kentucky’s cattle industry. Your membership strengthens the association and helps ensure our success for future generations.

Not a member? Learn more by visiting https://kycattle.org/joinnow.html

The Kentucky Cattlemen's Association would like to thank all of our 2023 Convention Sponsors!

The Convention would not be possible without your support.

PLATINUM SPONSORS

GOLD SPONSORS

SILVER SPONSORS

Kubota Tractor Cororation United Producers Inc. VitaFerm Y-Tex

BRONZE SPONSORS

Advanced Ag Products

Branch View Angus

Burkmann Nutrition

Cental Farm Supply of Kentucky

Datamars Livestock Kalmbach Feeds

Trade Show Exhibitors

10th Planet

ABS Global Advanced Ag Products, LLC

Agridyne LLC

AirMedCare Network

American Angus Association

Anderson Group

Bale Insurance Group

Blue Grass Livestock Marketing

Boehringer-Ingelheim

Branch View Angus

Burkmann Nutrition Cambridge Technologies Caudill Seed Company

Central Farm Supply of KY

Central Kentucky Ag Credit

Central States Testing CGB Agri Financial Services

Corteva AgriScience: Range & Pasture

CPC Feeds

Datamars Livestock Farm Credit Mid-America

Gallagher GENEX Gro-Tec, INC H&R Agri-Power Kalmbach Feeds

Kentucky Department of AG Kentucky Division of Conservation Kentucky Farm Bureau

Kubota Tractor Corporation

KY Ag and Environment in the Classroom

KY Forage & Grassland Council

Lewis Cattle Oilers

Meade Tractor Multimin USA NCBA

Neogen New Holland Postive Feed Red Hill Farms Red Barn & Associates/Artex Rip’s Farm Center

Roto-Mix, LLC

Schaeffer MFG Select Sires Mid America Smoky Mountain Cattle Southeast Center Tarter

The Farmer’s Pride

United Producers, Inc

USDA, National Ag Statistics Service

Neogen

Rip's Farm Center

Roto-Mix, LLC Wildcat Gutters Zoetis

Virginia Cattlemen’s Insurance Agency

VitaFerm

Westway Feed Products Wildcat Gutters Working Trees Y-Tex Zoetis

Kentucky Farmer Wins National Forage Spokesperson Award

Jordan Strickler University of Kentucky

Bracken County farmer Bart Hamilton recently won the National Forage Spokesperson Contest at the American Forage and Grassland Council's Annual Meeting in Winton-Salem, North Carolina. Contestants from across the nation told their farm’s story in 15-minute presentations highlighting their operation’s forage utilization, quality and overall forage management.

State affiliate councils nominate individual farmers to present at the national conference. In October, Hamilton won the Kentucky Forage and Grassland Council's Forage Spokesperson Contest to qualify for the national contest.

"Bart learned quickly that you cannot manage what you do not measure," said David Appelman, University of Kentucky College of Agriculture, Food and Environment agriculture and natural resources extension agent in Bracken County--Hamilton’s home county--who has worked with Hamilton on multiple projects. "I enrolled him in a genetic improvement program with UK Department of Animal and Food Sciences extension

ANGUS

Show: 10 AM, Friday Sale: 12 PM, Saturday Wes Womack, 270-484-0556

BEEFALO Show: 4 PM, Friday Sale: 9:30 AM, Saturday Kyle Skidmore, 502-641-7878

BLACK HEREFORD Show: 12 PM, Saturday Sale: 4 PM, Saturday

Tim Tarter 606-305-2289

CHAROLAIS Show: 12 PM, Saturday Sale: 4 PM, Saturday

KY Charolais Assn. Jeff Harrod - 502-330-6745

professor Les Anderson. In addition to forage management, Bart also focused on improving his genetics, reducing the physical size of his cattle and shortening his calving season. This made it easier for him to manage his forage resources."

Hamilton has participated in numerous UK programs over the years, including Master Cattleman, Grazing School and Fencing School and collaborated with Anderson on the East Kentucky Integrated Reproductive Management Program.

Hamilton said his successes and failures along his farming journey and UK programs helped him improve grazing management. When he began his journey, Hamilton said the farm was managing him, not the other way around.

Together with his family, Hamilton raises beef cattle and Broadleaf Wrapper tobacco in the Berlin community. His presentation is available on the KY Forages YouTube channel. For more information on improved forages, visit the UK Forages website at http://forages. ca.uky.edu or a local extension office.

Kentucky Farm Bureau BEEF EXPO

Kentucky Fair & Expo Center • Louisville, KY • March 3-5, 2023

GELBVIEH

Show: 1 PM, Friday Sale: 11:30 AM, Saturday David Slaughter, 270-556-4259

HEREFORD Show: 1 PM, Friday Sale: 1 PM, Saturday Suzanne Matheny 606-584-0572

LIMOUSIN Show: 10 AM, Saturday Sale: 2:30 PM, Saturday Greg Blaydes - 859-338-9402

PEN HEIFER

Show: 2 PM, Friday Sale: 2 PM, Saturday JWC Marketing LLC 859-229-1767

Major Co-Sponsors:

Kentucky Farm Bureau and the Kentucky Department of Agriculture

RED ANGUS Show: 10 AM, Friday Sale: 10 AM, Saturday Johnnie Cundiff, 606-871-7438 606-636-6896 (Work)

RED POLL Show: 2:30 PM, Friday Sale: 9:30 AM, Saturday Kyle Young, 502-321-9892 (Cell)

SHORTHORN Show: 10 AM, Saturday Sale: 1 PM, Saturday Cindy Cagwin Johnston - 217-370-6034

SIMMENTAL

Show: 4 PM, Friday Sale: 11 AM, Saturday Doug Parke, 859-987-5758 859-421-6100 (Cell)

DON’T MISS THESE OTHER EXPO EVENTS!!

Junior Heifer, Steer, and Market Heifer Jackpot Shows More information available at www.kybeefexpo.com

OTHER EVENTS: Kentucky Junior Heifer Show Saturday, Check In Show: 4:30 PM

Junior Steer Show Saturday, Check In Sunday, Show: 8:00 AM

Open Junior Heifer Show Saturday, Check In Sunday, Show: 8:00 AM

Trade Show Brandy Graves, 502-229-2747

*Kentucky heifer exhibitors will show separately Saturday, March 4 at 4:30 PM and may choose to show in the Open Junior Heifer Show, Sunday, March 5 at 8:00 AM.

Kentucky Leopold Conservation Award Seeks Nominees

Are you a Kentucky farmer or forester who improves soil health, water quality, and wildlife habitat on your working land? Apply for the 2023 Kentucky Leopold Conservation Award®.

Sand County Foundation and national sponsor American Farmland Trust present the Leopold Conservation Award to private landowners in 25 states for extraordinary achievement in voluntary conservation. In Kentucky, the $10,000 award is presented annually with the Kentucky Agricultural Council and the Kentucky Association of Conservation Districts.

Given in honor of renowned conservationist Aldo Leopold, the award recognizes landowners who inspire others with their dedication to land, water, and wildlife habitat management on private, working land. In his influential 1949 book, “A Sand County Almanac,” Leopold called for an ethical relationship between people and the land they own and manage.

Nominations may be submitted on behalf of a landowner, or landowners may apply themselves. The application can be found at www.sandcountyfoundation.org/ApplyLCA.

The application deadline date is April 1, 2023. The committee prefers application materials to be sent electronically. Applications can be emailed to colemansteve51@gmail.com or postmarked by April 1, and mailed to: Leopold Conservation Award

c/o Kentucky Association of Conservation Districts

P.O. Box 4027

Frankfort, KY 40604-4027

The first was presented to Sherwood Acres Farm of LaGrange in 2013. Reddick Farms of Bardwell received the award in 2022.

“The Kentucky Agricultural Council is proud to once again sponsor this award that honors the exceptional stewardship and conservation practices among Kentucky’s private landowners,” said Drew Graham, Kentucky Agricultural Council Chairman. “Based on the work of past winners and finalists, it is clear that Kentucky farmers are committed to leaving the land in better shape for generations to come. We encourage you to nominate a farmer that exemplifies this value.”

On behalf of conservation districts across the state we are thrilled to once again be part of a great program that recognizes the best

conservationists in the Commonwealth,” said Allen Bryan, Kentucky Association of Conservation Districts President. “This program highlights some of the work that conservation districts strive to make available for landowners to conserve our natural resources. We are proud to be a sponsor and commend the Sand County Foundation and all other sponsors for making the Leopold Conservation Award possible.”

“These award recipients are examples of how Aldo Leopold’s land ethic is alive and well today. Their dedication to conservation shows how individuals can improve the health of the land while producing food and fiber,” said Kevin McAleese, Sand County Foundation President and CEO.

“As the national sponsor for Sand County Foundation’s Leopold Conservation Award, American Farmland Trust celebrates the hard work and dedication of farmers, ranchers, and forestland owners,” said John Piotti, AFT President and CEO. “At AFT we believe that conservation in agriculture requires a focus on the land, the practices and the people and this award recognizes the integral role of all three.”

The Kentucky Leopold Conservation Award is made possible thanks to the generous support and partnership of American Farmland Trust, Kentucky Agricultural Council, Kentucky Association of Conservation Districts, Sand County Foundation, U.S Department of Agriculture’s Natural Resources Conservation Service, Kentucky Farm Bureau Federation, AgriBusiness Association of Kentucky, Farm Credit Mid-America, Kentucky Corn Growers Association, Kentucky Department of Agriculture, Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources, Kentucky Pork Producers, Kentucky Soybean Promotion Board, Kentucky Tree Farm Committee, Kentucky Woodland Owner’s Association, and University of Kentucky College of Agriculture, Food and Environment.

For more information on the award, visit www.leopoldconservationaward.org.

LEOPOLD CONSERVATION AWARD

The Leopold Conservation Award is a competitive award that recognizes landowner achievement in voluntary conservation. Sand County Foundation presents the award in California, Colorado, Illinois, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Maryland, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, New Mexico, New York, North Dakota, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, South Dakota, Texas, Utah, Wisconsin, and in New England (Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode Island and Vermont). www.

leopoldconservationaward.org

AMERICAN FARMLAND TRUST

American Farmland Trust is the only national organization that takes a holistic approach to agriculture, focusing on the land itself, the agricultural practices used on that land, and the farmers and ranchers who do the work. AFT launched the conservation agriculture movement and continues to raise public awareness through its No Farms, No Food message. Since its founding in 1980, AFT has helped permanently protect over 6.5 million acres of agricultural lands, advanced environmentally sound farming practices on millions of additional acres, and supported thousands of farm families. www.farmland.org

KENTUCKY AGRICULTURAL COUNCIL

The Kentucky Agricultural Council is a 501(c)(3) organization consisting of some 80 agricultural organizations representing all sectors of Kentucky agriculture. The membership is composed of commodity groups, state and federal agricultural organizations, agricultural trade organizations and the state’s institutions of higher education that serve Kentucky agriculture. The KAC functions as an umbrella group and hub for its members, disseminating information and promoting coordination among all agricultural organizations and sectors. Since 2006, the KAC also has served as the “steward of strategic planning” for the future of Kentucky agriculture and Kentucky’s rural communities. www.kyagcouncil.net.

KENTUCKY ASSOCIATION OF CONSERVATION DISTRICTS

The Kentucky Association of Conservation Districts is a 501(c)(3) organization consisting of Kentucky’s local conservation districts and watershed conservancy districts. KACD encourages the exchange of information relating to the administration and operation of conservation districts and watershed conservancy districts; to affect cooperation between districts and agencies and organizations concerned with any and all phases of soil and water conservation; to promote the welfare of conservation districts and watershed conservancy districts and the people therein; and to maintain strong and active membership in both KACD and the National Association of Conservation Districts. www.kyconservation.com

SAND COUNTY FOUNDATION

Sand County Foundation inspires and empowers a growing number of private landowners to ethically manage natural resources in their care, so future generations have clean and abundant water, healthy soil to support agriculture and forestry, plentiful habitat for wildlife and opportunities for outdoor recreation. www.sandcountyfoundation.org

With February being National Heart Month, it is a great time to promote beef's role in a heart-healthy diet. Digital ads this month will promote convenient, hearthealthy recipes that encourage consumers to continue to incorporate beef into their weekly routines to reach their health goals. These ads will reach nearly 600,000 consumer impressions across the state throughout the month.

Over the past few years, the federation of state beef councils has been reaching doctors directly in their offices with educational materials on beef’s role in health. Each time, a post-program evaluation shows that doctors are more likely to recommend beef after reading the materials. The second week of February, we

will send 100 Strong Minds, Strong Bodies Healthcare Provider Toolkits to physicians in Lexington, Louisville, Bowling Green and Northern Kentucky.

This new program focuses in on school-age children and adolescents – a demographic that’s not getting enough of the important nutrients found in beef. Knowing that parents turn to their family physicians/ pediatricians for trusted advice on nutrition, NCBA developed an evidencebased toolkit to help doctors with these conversations. Materials in this new toolkit will include:

MyPlate Counseling Tool: A laminated teaching tool that shows how beef fits into MyPlate and outlines beef’s 10 essential nutrients.

Patient Handouts: A fact sheet for parents with tips on how to build healthy plates with beef, including the recipe for Beef and Egg Breakfast Mugs.

Dear Health Professional Letter: An educational piece directed to the doctors with additional facts on beef’s role in health.

Beef gets caught in the crosshairs of the healthy diet debate all too often. While we all know beef is an excellent source of vitamins, minerals, and nutrients, how does the beef industry continue to appeal to an ever-evolving consumers outlook on health?

We meet them where they are with relevant and accurate information, whether that be through a digital ad on the food networks website or in the doctor's office with their health care provider.

BEEF IN A HEART-HEALTHY DIET

WHY EAT LEAN BEEF?

SCIENCE SUPPORTS IT!

There are over 20 scientific studies that support the role of lean beef in a heart-healthy diet and lifestyle.1 For example, the Beef in an Optimal Lean Diet study demonstrated that subjects who ate 4-5.4 ounces of lean beef and followed a DASH-style dietary pattern rich in vegetables, fruits, whole grains, and low-fat dairy were able to maintain normal cholesterol levels.2 Another clinical trial found that following Mediterranean-style, healthy dietary pattern incorporating lean beef can reduce heart disease risk factors, including total and LDL cholesterol, and blood pressure.3

NUTRIENTS YOU NEED

Besides being known as a protein powerhouse, lean beef provides 9 essential nutrients, including iron, zinc, and B vitamins, 5 which support good health in many ways, from brain function and immune system support to energy metabolism and bone health.

FUN FACT

Both beef and chicken have a similar amount of protein per serving. However, you’d have to eat 8 oz of chicken to get the same amount of iron you’d get in 3 oz of beef! You’d need to eat nearly 7 times more chicken (20 oz) to meet the amount of zinc that 3 oz of beef provides! 5

SAY YES TO HEALTH!

Maintaining a healthy weight is one important aspect of cardiovascular health. Current research, such as the recent Beef WISE study, shows that the nutrients in lean beef, like high-quality protein, can help satisfy hunger and support healthy weight management.5

TAKE IT WITH (ONLY) A GRAIN OF SALT

The fact that lean beef is naturally low in sodium is great news for maintaining healthy blood pressure. Beef’s savory flavor, rich aroma, and tender mouthfeel make it simple to enjoy without added salt.

BEEF KNOWS HOW TO TAKE A “COMPLEMENT”

Beef is a flavorful, satisfying complement to other foods that make up a heart-healthy diet that includes fruits, vegetables, low fat dairy, and whole grains.6 Check out our American Heart Association® certified recipes for other delicious and creative ways to combine lean beef varieties with other heart-healthy foods.

Kylie Trail Director of Brand Management, Kentucky Beef Council

TIPS FOR ADDING LEAN BEEF TO YOUR HEART-HEALTHY DIET

● Be sure to choose lean beef at the meat counter by selecting cuts with “round” or “loin” in the name (e.g., sirloin, tenderloin, top round, eye of round). When choosing ground beef, look for “lean” or “extra lean”, 93% lean or higher (if you purchase 90% lean or lower, be sure to strain/rinse it after browning).

● Keep portion size in mind. A sensible and satisfying 3 ounce serving of cooked lean beef is about the size of a deck of cards.

● Prepare lean beef in healthy ways – broiling, roasting, poaching, or grilling. Be sure to trim away any visible fat from cooked beef, and quickly chill beef juices after cooking for ease of separating the hardened fat (and add the remaining juice to stews, soups, or gravy).

● Instead of using salt, add flavor with onions, garlic, herbs, spices, citrus, and vinegars. Minimize processed meats like deli slices, sausage, and hot dogs (or select low sodium options).

● Enjoy lean beef as a complement to other heart-healthy foods like vegetables, whole grains, beans, peas, lentils, and fruits. Scan the QR codes below to try these American Heart Association certified heart-healthy recipes or explore BeefItsWhatsForDinner.com to check out the full collection.

BEEF POT ROAST WITH CIDER GRAVY AND MAPLE SWEET POTATOES

BEEF CONFETTI TACO SALAD

1. McNeill SH. Inclusion of red meat in healthful dietary patterns. Meat Sci 2014;98:452-460.

2. Roussell MA, et al. Beef in an Optimal Lean Diet study: effects on lipids, lipoproteins, and apolipoproteins. Am J Clin Nutr 2012;95:9-16.

3. O’Connor LE, et al. A Mediterranean-style eating pattern with lean, unprocessed red meat has cardiometabolic benefits for adults who are overweight or obese in a randomized, crossover, controlled feeding trial. Am J Clin Nutr 2018;108:33-40.

4. Sayer RD, et al. Equivalent reductions in body weight during the Beef WISE Study: beef’s role in weight improvement, satisfaction and energy. Obes Sci Pract 2017;3:298-310.

5. U.S. Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service. FoodData Central, 2019. (Number: 13364).

6. American Heart Association. Heart Healthy Lifestyle. https://www.heart.org/en/healthy-living. Accessed 12.16.21

7. Beef Research. 2021. Quick Stat Calculations – Sustainability Research: Statistics on U.S. Improvements in Beef Production and Emission Intensity. https://www.beefresearch.org/programs/beef-sustainability

8. Fadel JG. Anim Feed Sci Technol 79:255-268;CAST,1999.

9. Rotz et al. 2019 Ag Systems.169 (Feb):1-13.

2023 Mid-South Stocker Conference Back in Person

Dr. Jeff Lehmkuhler Extension Professor, University of Kentucky

The Mid-South Stocker conference planning committee is hosting this year’s conference in person at Western Kentucky University. The event will be held at the WKU L.D. Brown Ag Expo Center, Bowling Green, KY. The program will start on the evening of February 21 at 5:30 with registration followed a meal and vendor product reviews. Dr. Michelle Arnold, UK Extension Veterinarian, will wrap up the evening with a review of necropsy findings.

The program resumes the next day on February 22nd with registration at 8:30 and tradeshow. Given high feed costs, everyone is asking how to get more from their forage program. Dr. Kim Mullenix, Auburn University, will share forage-livestock considerations under changing environmental conditions. Following her presentation,

Dr. Brittany Harlow, USDA Food Animal Production Research Unit, will discuss recent findings on the benefits of red clover to cattle on tall fescue.

Market outlook and economic risk management should be top of mind as well moving through 2023. Dr. James Mitchell, University of Arkansas, will provide a market outlook for the southeast for 2023. Our own, Dr. Kenny Burdine will then share considerations for using the Livestock Risk Protection program. Given the importance of keeping stocker cattle healthy to be profitable, Dr. Arnold will join us again to give a health update. Finally, the virtual tours of stocker operations in the region will once again be a part of the program.

To register, use the Eventbrite link https://

www.eventbrite.com/e/483761211807 or use the qr code below. The cost is $70 for both days or $50 for a single day. College and high school student registration is $15.

Ben Lloyd Whitesville, KY (270) 993-1074 benlloyd0223@gmail.com

We look forward to hosting you this year in person for the Mid-South Stocker Conference on February 21-22, 2023. Be sure to register and mark your calendars.

KENTUCKY BEEF NETWORK FACILITATORS

Ron Shrout Winchester, KY (606) 205-6143 ronshrout@bellsouth.net

Charles Embry Cave City, KY (270) 646-5939 dale.embry@yahoo.com

Jeff Stephens Ewing, KY (606) 782-7640 stephensbeef@gmail.com

Jacob Settles Springfield, KY (859) 805-0724 jacob.settles4@yahoo.com

Eden Shale Update

Dan Miller Industry Coordinator, Kentucky Beef Network

Christmas was cold. Not just cold, but like, disrespectfully cold! Kentucky usually doesn’t see winter weather that is dangerous to be out in, but December 23rd was such a day.

The Mesonet weather station at the farm measured the extremes of those three days. We had five consecutive days with lows of at least 12° F. During the worst of the weather on Friday, Eden Shale experienced a low of -8° F with wind gusts of up to 41 mph recorded. This resulted in a measured windchill of -33° F.

This harsh weather showed me how resilient our cattle can be. When in good health and having access to proper nutrition, cattle are able to withstand some pretty extreme conditions. But I still felt sorry for them that day as I packed buckets of grain through the wind and snow to make sure they had a belly full of energy.

Once fed, each group needed a drink of water. And as everyone reading this knows, that was the hard task of the day. However, three of the five water tanks were open and functioning as designed that morning.

The first tank was a Ritchie trough style water tank in the barn with an electric heater keeping it open. Cheating I know, but nice none the less.

The second tank that was open was a tire water tank. This tank had an insulative lid that covers 2/3’s of the surface allowing the cows to drink from each side. There were 97 cows using this tank and it was still open and functioning properly. Having that number of cows drinking replenishing the water with warmer water from under ground, and having some woods nearby that served as a windbreak, both aided in the tire not freezing.

The third tank that was functioning normally was Dr. Higgin’s tire tank with the automated lid that I highlighted last month. The lid on this tank covers the entire surface of the tire and it has watering pans located on either side. When the cattle walk up to the tank a pump fills the water pans to allow them to drink. When the cattle leave, the water turns off and drains back under the lid and down into the tire. This means there is no water left exposed to freeze while the cattle are not present. This tire watered the cattle unassisted for the duration of the extreme weather.

To check out a video of this design in action during the harsh conditions, visit www. edenshalefarm.com

BLEVINS BLACK CATTLE

Gary, Nicole, & Ethan Blevins

59 Fieldstone Court Greenup, KY 4114 606.465.4040 blevinsblackcattle@gmail.com

BOYD BEEF CATTLE

6077 Helena Road Mayslick, KY 41055

Charlie Boyd II: (606) 584-5194 • Blake Boyd: (606) 375-3718 www.boydbeef.com • cboyd2@maysvilleky.net

BRANCH VIEW ANGUS

927 Old Liberty Pike • Hustonville, KY 40437 (859) 238-0771 • www.branchviewangus.com

James S. & LuAnn Coffey, Donald & Donna Coffey

Annual Production Sale- 2nd Saturday in April

BURKS CATTLE CO.

531 Rick Rd. Park City, KY 42160

Eddie Burks • (270) 991-6398 www.burkscattle.com

BURTON

&

SONS ANGUS

Joe D. or Karen Burton

480 Hominy Hill Rd. Nancy, KY 42544

Joe: (606) 305-3081

Located 15 miles West of Somerset • klburton01@windstream.net

Bulls & females sold private treaty. Inquiries Welcome. Sell only what we would buy. Data driven since 1981.

COFFEY ANGUS FARMS

661 Hopewell Road

Liberty, KY 42539

Matt Coffey: (270) 799-6288

Dewey Coffey: (606) 706-2699

Genetics for Maximum Profitability since 1984

JASON & KATIE CROWE

ELI HASKELL

10825 Red Lick Road Irvine, KY 40336 (859) 582-0761

DAVIS BEND FARMS

2315 Davis Bend Road Canmer, KY 42722

timmothyljeffries@gmail.com

HERITAGE FARM

Tom McGinnis

1024 Hinkle Lane • Shelbyville, KY (502) 633-1634, home • (502) 633-5100, work (502) 655-0164, cell

HILL VIEW FARMS

Jimmy Gilles

5160 Lee Rudy Road Owensboro, KY 42301 (270) 929-5370 jcgilles86@gmail.com

JOHNSON FARMS ANGUS

Angus Bulls & Females

Slaughters, KY

Keith: (270) 635-0723 Reese: (270) 635-1137

LYNN CREEK FARMS

Kris and Sara Lynn 2184 Bardstown Rd Springfield KY 40069 573-721-6663

MT.

MORIAH ANGUS FARMS

Bob, Kathy, and Rob Clark (859) 748-5558

1446 Kennedy Bridge Rd. Harrodsburg, KY 40330

Bob: (859)339-2610 • Rob: (859)612-1594 mtmoriahfarms1@gmail.com www.mtmoriahangus.com

FOUR KINGS ANGUS

250 Bright Leaf Dr. • Harrodsburg, KY 40330

Cary & Kim King Carymking@yahoo.com • fourkingsangus.com

Cary Cell: (859) 613-3734 • Colby Myers - Purebred Manager

OLD BARK FARM

370 Ferrill Hill, Buffalo, KY 42716

Kenley Conner 270/358-8057

Registered Angus Cattle

RAGS ANGUS FARM

Richard and Glenda Stallons

1240 Dogwood Kelly Road Hopkinsville, KY 42240

Home: (270) 885-4352 Cell: (270) 839-2442 rstallons@bellsouth.net

SHAW FAMILY ANGUS

Jim & Cathy Shaw

935 Miller Road • Hodgenville, KY 42748 (270) 769-8260 www.shawfamilyangus.com Quality Registered Angus Cattle since 1975

SMITHLAND

ANGUS FARM

5202 East Hwy 80, Russell Springs, KY 42642

Charles “Bud” & Pam Smith: (270) 866-3898 Henry & Melissa Smith: (270) 866-2311

ST.

CLAIR FARMS REGISTERED ANGUS

Eric & Sherry St. Clair

13433 Falls of Rough Road • Falls of Rough, KY 40119

Home: (270) 257-2965 • Cell: (270) 617-1079 www.stclairangus.com

Performance Tested Bull & Female Sale April 2020

TAMME VALLEY FARM

Jacob Tamme, Owner-Operator (859) 583-7134 jacob.tamme@gmail.com www.tammevalley.com & Find us on Facebook!

TRIPLE D ANGUS

Nathaniel & Darla Denham

Nathaniel(Bub), Sarah, Ashley Denham (606) 423-2457 • (606) 875-0780 tripledangus.com

TWIN CREEK FARM

Shawn, Melissa, Devin & Dylan Gibson (270) 337-3072 or (270) 692-5304 Dennis & Emily 270/337-2128 or 270/402-4338

Watch for us in Branch View Production Sale in April

AA LAND & CATTLE

Registered

Cynthiana, KY

Luke Arthur (859) 298-8323

luke.arthur93@gmail.com

BAR IV LIVESTOCK

Barry, Beth & Ben Racke

• Brad Racke

7416 Tippenhauer Rd. • Cold Spring, KY 41076

Phone (859) 635-3832 • Barry cell (859) 991-1992

Brad cell (859) 393-3677 • Ben cell (859) 393-3730 Fax (859) 635-3832 • bar4@twc.com

BAR IV LIVESTOCK

BEE LICK GELBVIEHS

Eddie Reynolds

277 Old Bee Lick Rd.

Crab Orchard, KY 40419 606-379-2281(H) 606-305-1972(C)

Barry cell (859) 991-1992 Brad cell (859) 393-3677 • Ben cell (859) 393-3730 Fax (859) 635-3832 • bar4@twc.com

Bulls & Females for sale

BEE LICK GELBVIEHS

Eddie Reynolds

277 Old Bee Lick Rd.

LARRY CLARK & SONS LLC

Registered Gelbvieh Cattle

106 Clark Houk Road • Greensburg, KY 42743

Larry Clark, Owner & Operator (270) 299-5167 • (270) 405-6848

Lpclarkandsons@msn.com

BRIAN W. DYER, DVM

Owner/Manager

GELBVIEH/BALANCERS

CLIFFORD FARMS

3459 KY HWY 1284E

2050 Glasgow Road Burkesville, KY 42717 Brian, Lauren, Kristen Barry, Emily & Julia (270) 864-5909

Cynthiana, KY 41031 Since 1937 (859) 234-6956

FULL CIRCLE FARMS

BRIAN W. DYER, DVM

Owner/Manager

Registered Gelbvieh Cattle Brad Burke

GELBVIEH/BALANCERS

2050 Glasgow Road Burkesville, KY 42717

989 Metcalf Mill Road • Ewing KY 41039 (H) 606-267-5609 • (C) 606-782-1367 gbb789@windstream.net

Brian, Lauren, Kristen Barry, Emily & Julia (270) 864-5909

FULL CIRCLE FARMS

Registered Gelbvieh Cattle

Crab Orchard, KY 40419 606-379-2281(H) 606-305-1972(C)

BRAY’S GELBVIEH CATTLE

Brad Burke 989 Metcalf Mill Road • Ewing KY 41039 (H) 606-267-5609 • (C) 606-782-1367 gbb789@windstream.net CD FARMS

Niles & Betty K Bray 1568 Bray Ridge Road Bedford, KY 40006 (502) 255-3584

KILBOURNE GELBVIEH

MOCKINGBIRD HILL FARMS

East Bernstadt, KY 606-843-6583 cell 606-309-4662

Kentucky Hereford Association

KENTUCKY BEEF EXPO SCHEDULE

Friday, March 3 - Hereford Show - 1:00pm Saturday, March 4 - Hereford Sale - 1:00pm Sunday, March 5 - Junior Show - 8:00am

WELLS FARM

Polled Herefords

439 Flatwoods Frozen Camp Rd, Corbin KY 40701

Toby & Debby Dulworth

2492 S. Kirkman Road

LaCenter, KY 42056 (270) 224-2993 dogwood@brtc.net Herefords that thrive on forages. www.dogwoodherefords.com

Bobby & Brenda Wells (606) 523-0569 or (606) 344-0417 wells_farm@yahoo.com Kevin, Angela, Kenlea & Kyler Murray (606) 528-1691 or (606) 682-8413

KHA OFFICERS

President: L.W. Beckley Secretary/ Treasurer: Suzanne Matheny 606-584-0577 suzannebmatheny@gmail.com

NJB Limited

Dale Stith 5239 Old Sardis Pike Mays Lick, KY 41055 dalestith@yahoo.com (918) 760-1550

Home of Select Sires’ Boyd Fort Knox 17yxz54040

K3 CATTLE REGISTERED HEREFORDS

6077 Helena Road Mayslick, KY 41055 Charlie Boyd II 606-584-5194

Annual Bull Sale second Saturday in March Hereford and Angus Bulls

Chambliss Hereford Farms

Brad, Carla, Clay & Clint Chambliss

1101 Driftwood Lane Elizabethtown, KY 42701 Home (270) 982-3905 Cell (270) 668-7126 fax 270-735-9922 www.chamblissherefordfarms.com

MPH Farms

Registered Polled Herefords PAUL L. HANCOCK 8559 KY 56 Owensboro, KY 42301 270-771-4194

Jackson Farms

Registered Polled Herefords PO Box 215 Cross Plains, TN 37049 615-478-4483 billymjackson@aol.com

“Farming the Same Land Since 1834”

WOLF FARM

KYLE BUSH

K3CATTLE@YAHOO.COM 859-588-4531 198 HICKS PIKE CYNTHIANA, KY 41031

Polled Hereford and Gelbvieh Cattle 3459 KY Hwy. 1284 E. Cythiana, KY 41031 (859) 234-6956 Ben, Jane, Shelby and Lincoln

THOMAS FARM

Eric & Ronnie Thomas 2396 Union City Rd. Richmond, KY 40475 (859) 623-5734

Eric’s Cell (859) 314-8256

“Cattle for sale at all times”

Windy Hills Farm

Jackie D. Perkins II 367 Mt. Pisgah Rd. Bremen, KY 42325 (270) 543-3586

Breeding to produce good cows since 1981

HEREFORDS

Codee Guffey • 1815 Grassy Springs Road Versailles, Kentucky 40383 (502) 598-6355 rockridgeherefords@gmail.com www.rockridgeherefords.com

TK4 Herefords

Tony & Kathy Staples 992 Knotts Road Brandenburg, KY 40108 (270) 422-4220 tstaples@bbtel.com

PILE STOCK FARM

Registered Polled Herefords HANSELL PILE, JR. 12045 St. John Rd. Cecilia, KY 42724 270-735-5192 270-862-4462

12 miles West of Elizabethtown

BECKLEY HEREFORDS

WCN Polled Herefords

Since 1961

Bill Norris

2220 Celina Road Burkesville, KY 42717

Phone (270) 433-7256 Cell (270) 433-1525

“Every calf needs a white face”

Tucker Stock Farms

John

C. Oran Little Had Immeasurable Impact On Agriculture

Aimee Nielson and Laura Skillman University of Kentucky

Experiment Station and the Kentucky Cooperative Extension Service. He remained at the helm until his retirement in 2000.

During his tenure as dean and director, CAFE’s academic, research and extension programs provided invaluable services to Kentucky and gained substantial national and international attention.

Early in his administration, he prioritized finding a replacement for Coldstream Farm and developing a cutting-edge research and education facility. Little led successful efforts to convince decision-makers and the public of the need and tremendous opportunity for a new research farm, uniting statewide agricultural leadership in support of this initiative.

When a 1,500-acre site along U.S. Highway 60 in Woodford County became available, the Kentucky General Assembly appropriated funding to first acquire the farm property and, soon after, to replace the aging farm structures with modern research buildings.

In December 2010, the UK Board of Trustees approved naming the farm in Woodford County the C. Oran Little Research Center.

LEXINGTON, KY, (Dec. 19, 2022) – C. Oran Little once said, “Any major undertaking in science and technology takes a good team.” A nationally distinguished animal nutrition researcher, Little led a vast, multidisciplinary team and served the University of Kentucky College of Agriculture, Food and Environment as dean from 1988-2000.

Little passed away on Dec. 17, and he leaves behind a legacy of numerous footprints on agriculture in Kentucky and across the country.

“Despite being, as he called it, the ‘dean twice removed,’ his influence has lasted long past his deanship,” said Nancy Cox, vice president for land-grant engagement and dean of UK CAFE. “His vision is still being enacted on the farm that is named for him to continually serve agriculture in new ways.”

Recently, the college recognized Little and his wife, Myrtle, with the CAFE Friend Award. He was happy to share the honor with his beloved wife of 67 years.

“Myrtle has always been a close partner in this whole process of our lives,” he said in a recorded acceptance of the award. “We’ve formed a lot of friendships. A lot of good things have happened in our lives, and many times, we consider those almost as divine

guidance that have kept us on track.”

Most who met Little knew he was a Texan by birth. Charles Oran Little was born in Schulenburg, Texas, in 1935, but often said he came to Kentucky as quickly as he could. His love for UK was unwavering, and he was a loyal supporter of UK Athletics and the Big Blue Nation.

Little earned a bachelor’s degree in 1957 from the University of Houston and master’s and doctoral degrees in animal nutrition and biochemistry from Iowa State University in 1959 and 1960, respectively. He received a Marshall Foundation Scholarship awarded through the Houston Livestock Exposition, which provided full support for his undergraduate and partial support for his graduate studies.

Little began at UK in 1960 and progressed through the ranks to full professor in 1967. From 1969-1985, Little served as associate dean for research and associate director of the Kentucky Agricultural Experiment Station.

In 1985, he became vice chancellor for research at the Louisiana State University Agricultural Center and director of the Louisiana Agricultural Experiment Station.

Little returned to Kentucky in 1988 to head the college, the Kentucky Agricultural

In retirement, Little documented his almost fifty years of observations and experiences in education and agriculture through the UK library oral history program. To listen to Little’s recordings, visit bit.ly/3Yrzz8Oand request access.

He continued to serve in leadership and support roles through organizational board appointments and event participation to advance education and agriculture development at the local, state and national levels. He also served in several leadership roles in his church.

Little maintained contact with many former students and spent time visiting and interacting with Kentucky farmers and agricultural industry leaders. He and Myrtle enjoyed spending time with family, especially being able to share in many activities with their three granddaughters.

In lieu of flowers, send donations to Southern Hills United Methodist Church, 2356 Harrodsburg Road, Lexington, KY 40503 or the C. Oran and Myrtle Little Scholarship in the UK College of Agriculture, Food and Environment. Make checks payable to the University of Kentucky and send to the UK CAFE Philanthropy Office; ATTN: Little Scholarship, 1451 University Dr., Lexington, KY 40546.

John Buck: (606) 474-7451 • (606) 922-8174 2494 South St. Hwy. 7, Grayson, KY. 41143 johnbuck474@windstream.net

LIVESTOCK SIMMENTAL

frederickswain@bellsouth.net

The Simmental cow can handle any environment. She’s built to last in heat, fescue or high altitudes. And thanks to the breed’s built-in adaptability, you can match Simmental genetics to your environment – SimAngus,™ SimAngus HT, Simbrah or proven Simmental genetics. Meet America’s all-purpose cow – gentle and consistent, with calves that give the heterosis boost commercial cattlemen need to stay profitable.

406-587-4531 • simmental.org

8308 Orangeburg Road Maysville, KY 41056 Chan: 606-584-7581 Keith: 606-584-5626 rockingplivestock@maysvilleky.net

1939 Huntertown Road Versailles, KY 40383

ROCKING P BRET AND LAURA JACKSON 859.533.3718 or 859.707.7200 KENTUCKY BEEF EXPO March 3 - Simmental Show @ 4 PM March 4 - Simmental Sale @ 11 AM

PRIVATE TREATY SALES CHECKOFF INVESTMENT FORM

State and National Beef Promotion and Research Programs Information is required by 7 CRF 1260.201. Failure to report can result in a fine. Information is held confidential per 7 CRF 1260.203.

familial status, parental status, religion, sexual orientation, genetic information, political beliefs, reprisal, or because all or part of an individual’s income is derived from any public assistance program. (Not all prohibited bases apply to all programs.) Persons with disabilities who require alternative means for communication of program information (Braille, large print, audiotape, etc.) should contact USDA’s TARGET Center at (202) 720-2600 (voice and TDD). To file a complaint of discrimination, write to USDA, Director, Office of Civil Rights, 1400 Independence Avenue, S.W., Washington, D.C. 20250-9410 or call (800) 795-3272 (voice) or (202) 720-6382 (TDD). USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer.

DATEEVENT

LOCATION AD

FEB 1-3 NCBA Cattle Industry Convention and Trade Show New Orleans, LA

FEB 15-18National Farm Machinery Show Louisville, KY

FEB 17White Hawk Ranch Buchanan, GA

FEB 18Yon Family Farms Spring Sale Ridge Spring, SC31

FEB 212023 Alfalfa & Stored Forage ConferenceCave City, KY

FEB 21-22Mid-South Stocker Conference Bowling Green, KY39

FEB 25North Missouri Bull Sale Kingsville, MO47

FEB 25 Pleasant Hill Farms Early March Madness Bull & Heifer Sale Bowling Green, KY3

FEB 25 Chapman Land & Cattle & Woolfolk Farms Genetic Source Bull & Female Sale Nunnelly, TN 39

FEB 27 Robert Elliott & Sons 88th Anniversary Production Sale Adams, TN 17

FEB 27 Woodall Angus 28th Annual Buyer’s Choice Bull Sale Quality, KY 19

MARCH 3-5Kentucky Farm Bureau Beef ExpoLouisville, KY64

MARCH 4 KY Farm Bureau Beef Expo Red Angus Sale Louisville, KY65

MARCH 4KY Farm Bureau Beef Expo Hereford SaleLouisville, KY65

MARCH 4KY Farm Bureau Beef Expo Shorthorn SaleLouisville, KY66

MARCH 4 KY Farm Bureau Beef Expo Pen Heifer Sale Louisville, KY66

MARCH 4 KY Farm Bureau Beef Expo Simmental Sale Louisville, KY67

MARCH 4 KY Farm Bureau Beef Expo Black Hereford Sale Louisville, KY67

MARCH 4KY Farm Bureau Beef Expo Gelbvieh SaleLouisville, KY69

MARCH 4KY Angus Sweepstakes Sale Louisville, KY77

MARCH 4 Judd Ranch 45th Gelbvieh, Balancer & Red Angus Bull Sale Pomona, KSInsert

MARCH 4Arkansas Bull & Female Sale Hope, AR 47

MARCH 4BoPat Farms Bradford, TN 12

MARCH 6Stone Gate Farms Annual Production SaleFlemingsburg, KY11

DATEEVENT

MARCH 10 27th Annual Smithland Angus Bull & Female Sale

Russell Springs, KY35

MARCH 11Paternal Power Bull Sale Paris, KY 25

MARCH 11Red Reward Bull & Female Sale Osceola, MO 47

MARCH 11Boyd/Myers Bull Sale Mays Lick, KY33

MARCH 18Red Hill Farms More than a Bull Sale XVIIILafayette, TN 23

MARCH 18 White Farm Bull & Commercial Female Sale Lexington, KY28

MARCH 18Elite Breeder’s Showcase Sale Bowling Green, KY20

MARCH 18 Black Is the Color 8th Annual Production Sale Nancy, KY 30

MARCH 18 Fayette County Farm Bureau Farm Equipment Consignment Auction Lexington, KY34

MARCH 25South Missouri Bull & Female SaleCarthage, MO47

MARCH 25Candy Meadows Farm Lexington, TN

MARCH 25Bluegrass Gelbvieh Alliance Lexington, KY69

MARCH 27 Oak Hollow Angus 45th Annual First Choice Bull Sale Smiths Grove, KY4-5

MARCH 27Maplecrest Farms Spring Bull SaleHillsboro, OH

MARCH 31KCF Youth Scholarships Applications Due 14

APRIL 110th Annual Commercial Open Heifer SaleLondon, KY 18

APRIL 1Angus Opportunity Sale Canmer, KY

APRIL 1Grassy Valley Greeneville, TN

APRIL 1West Tennessee Association Bull Test SaleMilan, TN

APRIL 1Belles & Bulls of the Bluegrass Lexington, KY15

APRIL 8Branch View Angus Sale Hustonville, KY88

APRIL 8Crazy K Ranch Michie, TN

APRIL 8 Knoll Crest Farm’s Spring Bull & Female Sale Red House, VA13

APRIL 8 TJB/3T KY Elite Genetics Bull and Female Sale Upton, KY 2

APRIL 15Central KY Angus Association SaleDanville, KY

MAY 29 White Hawk Ranch Beefmaker Female Sale Buchanan, GA

DIAMOND J SALERS

Donald Johnson • 11660 N. Hwy 1247 • Eubank, KY 42564 606-379-1558

WILLIS FARMS

Danny Willis • 964 Johnson Rd • Frankfort, KY 40601 • 502-803-5011 drwc21@aol.com

DEL-SU FARM

Howard & Sue Edwards • 420 Rose Rd • Somerset, KY 42501 606-679-1675 • Jeriah Privett • 606-416-1154

KNOB LICK FARM - BULLS & HEIFERS FOR SALE

Larry Cox • Tina Cox-Lynch • Amanda Cox Gibson • 1315 Knob Lick Road • Irvine, KY 40336 • 606-723-3077 • 606-975-1716

FOUR WINDS FARM N ew Castle, Kentucky (502) 296-1044

PERFORMANCE TESTED PUREBRED ANGUS BULLS FOR SALE

Call 270-202-7186 for more info or check out www.oakhollowangus.com for current availability.

POLLED HERFORD BULLS FOR SALE

19-20 month old Polled Hereford bulls. Good selection.

Low birthweight, medium frame. Free Delivery Available.

JMS Polled Herefords, Knifley, KY Danny 270-566-2694 Trent 270-566-2000

FOUNDATION SALE VIII

September 18, 2023 Selling FULLBLOOD & PUREBRED LIMOUSIN Genetics • For info call: A C H Holdings, LLC Stephen Haynes 270-799-8685

REGISTERED BLACK SIMMENTAL BULLS

Many blaze faced. Excellent EPD’s. Semen Tested. Delivery Available. Maximize your profit with proven performance. All bulls qualify for new CAIP cost-share. Adam Wheatley 502349-2665

BREEDING AGE HEREFORD BULLS FOR SALE AT ALL TIMES

Over 60 years of Line 1 Hereford Genetics. Groups of open and bred heifers available for sale at all times. Chambliss Hereford Farms. 270-668-7126

RED ANGUS, SIMANGUS, CHAROLAIS, ANGUS FOR SALE

Red Hill Farms, Lafayette, TN, 615-666-3098 Bart, Sarah and Ty Jones Gordon and Susan Jones, 270-991-2663

Visit us online - www.RedHillFarms.net

Contact us for cattle and semen availability. Annual Production Sales: More Than a Bull Sale – 3rd Saturday in March Maternal Monday – 3rd Monday in May Bulls & Females of Fall Sale – Last Saturday in October

SORTING POLES – PADDLES – FLAGS

Poles with your 8” decal, $6.70 each for 50 or $7.25 each per 25. Sorting flag, $13.00, Sorting paddles, $9.50. Ear tag cutters with print, quantities at $4.00 each. Kerndt Livestock Products, 800-207-3115

17 MONTH OLD

REGISTERED SIMMENTAL BULLS

BSE tested with excellent calving ease and growth EPD’s. Quality based on 40 years of AI breeding. Ideal choice for crossbreeding. 502-839-6651 or 502-260-7884

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This is Not Your Grandfather’s Breed!

Darrh Bullock University of Kentucky Beef Specialist

I am at the point of my career, nearly 30 years at UK, where I can without a doubt say that things change whether you want them to or not. Some change is for the better, others, not so much. When I started at UK a Simmental was red to yellow with a predominantly white face and often spotted, now they are mostly solid black! Angus would have been considered a moderate to smallish breed, now they have the largest mature weight and highest growth rate of any breed. I think it is important to recognize these changes because how we used a particular breed 40, 30 or even 20 years ago may not be the same as how they should be used today.

One of the greatest resources that the US beef industry has is the USDA Meat Animal Research Center (USMARC) in Clay Center, Nebraska. This is the location that does the primary research on breed differences to

monitor how the breeds have changed over time. The USMARC germplasm evaluation program began in 1970 and has been monitoring breed differences ever since. This program has evaluated all of the heavily used breeds and others that many of us may have never heard of; how many Boran breeders do we have in KY? This program has been the foundation for many of the genetic evaluation programs that include multiple breeds and are used in the computation of Expected Progeny Differences (EPD). Additionally, the information generated from this program can be used to see how the breeds compare for various traits to assist beef farmers in determining which breeds work the best for their management, market, and production environment.

To assist beef farmers in their task of comparing breeds, Dr. Larry Cundiff, with

USMARC, developed a star system to show the level of production that each breed had for each trait. The more stars a breed had for a trait indicated the more relative units of measurement for that trait. More stars could be a benefit or a liability depending on the trait. For example, more stars for marbling means a higher percentage of that breed are likely to reach the Choice Grade under similar circumstances, while having more stars for fat thickness indicated lower yielding carcasses. This system enabled producers to easily make comparisons of breeds without getting bogged down in a lot of numbers. The last time Dr. Cundiff updated the table was in 2003 and he retired in 2007. Since that time the breeds have gone through significant changes and more traits have been studied in the USMARC germplasm program. For these reasons I have developed a new table, based on Dr. Cundiff’s original work, using the most recent data

Birth,

1 Breeds with more 

indicates greater weight for this trait (X = lighter weight,

2 Breeds with more

2022)

Mature weight and body condition score (Ribeiro et al., 2022)

Feed efficiency indexes (Retallick et al., 2017)

* Sire Breed; Hereford-Angus on dam side. Differences in 's does not imply statistical differences!

= heavier weight) at the same age

’s indicates higher marbling score ( = lighter marbling,      = heavier marbling) when fed to the same age

3 Breeds with more ’s indicates greater ribeye area ( = smaller ribeye,      = larger ribeye) when fed to the same age

4 Breeds with more X’s indicates greater fat thickness at the 12th rib ( = less fat,      = more fat) when fed to the same age

5 Breeds with more X’s indicates more lean compared to fat based on calculated yield grade ( = higher yield grade,      = lower yield grade) when fed to the same age; yield grade calculated assuming

equal kidney, pelvic and heart fat

6 Breeds with more ’s indicates higher cow body condition scores ( = lower condition,      = higher condition) at the same stage of production

7 Breeds with more ’s indicates a higher index value (better feed efficiency;  = less efficient,      = more efficient) on a high concentrate finishing diet

8 Breeds with more ’s indicates a higher index value (better feed efficiency;  = less efficient,      = more efficient) on a low-concentrate, high forage heifer development diet

available (Table 1). If you would like to see the actual numbers used to develop the table, you can go to: https://beefimprovement.org/wpcontent/uploads/2022/02/21_ABEPD_ pressreleaseandfactsheet.pdf.

Based on the USMARC data, which has been fully adjusted for sire sampling within breed, it is easy to see that Angus is now one of the largest mature weight and high growth breeds, while maintaining lower birth weights and high marbling. It can also be seen that their carcasses tend to be fatter and lighter muscled compared to many other breeds at the time of slaughter. This is important information to help guide beef farmers in their breed selection decisions and to help guide seedstock producers in making selection decisions to improve their breed for various traits. As you can see, there is no perfect breed, each has their plusses and minuses, but this information can be

useful in deciding which breeds to use in your crossbreeding program because one breed can offset the weaknesses of another and vice versa.

As a beef geneticist I am fascinated by how rapidly our industry can change and sometimes concerned with how we choose to change. Just because we can change does that mean we should? Has there been any strategy within breeds to determine how they have changed, or did it just happen? An example of what I am getting at is in the Simmental breed. In the 70’s and 80’s they were noted as one of the heaviest milking breeds in the US, however, they were getting market signals from bull buyers that maybe they had too much milk. As a result, we saw downward genetic trends for Simmental for milk and now they would be considered a moderate milking breed. This was a deliberate change within the breed, however, during that same period we saw other breeds that were moderate for milk have strong genetic trend for increased milk that now surpass Simmental for

milking ability. When are these breeds going to get signals from their customers that they have gone too far. I suspect soon! The other trait that is deeply concerning to me is our inability to control mature cow weight. We have controlled mature size (frame), but weight continues to rise, and we feed based on weight not frame.

The older I get the more resistant to change I become, but sometimes it really is for the better. I could care less about social media, and I am concerned with the grip it has on many, but I can’t imagine how we ever got by without cell phones. Can you find the right bull for your operation within any breed? Probably, but you will likely find it easier to locate him if you start with a breed that has the production levels that fit your management, market, and environment. The best way to identify that breed is with data and there is none better than the research out of USMARC and this table should help you navigate those differences.

TIMELY TIPS FOR FEBRUARY

Spring-Calving Cow Herd

Get ready for calving season this month!

• Have calving equipment, supplies and labor ready for the spring calving season. Some supplies that may be needed are: eartags and applicator (put numbers on eartags now), tattoo pliers and ink, record book, scales for calf weights, iodine for calves' navels and colostrum supplement. Calving equipment (puller and chains, etc.) and facilities should be ready and clean. Keep your veterinarians phone number handy!

• Overall condition of the cow herd should be evaluated. Cows losing weight now are more likely to have weak or dead calves. These cows will likely be a poor source of colostrum milk for the newborn calf. Feed cows, if necessary, to keep them in good body condition. Cows need to calve in a BCS of 5, minimum, to expect them to rebreed in a timely fashion. Calve you heifers a little heavier, BCS of 6.

• Heifers may begin head-start calving in early February. Move them to a clean, accessible pasture, away from cow herd and near facilities so that calving assistance can be given. Cows may start calving later this month. Signs of calving are relaxation of pelvic ligaments, enlargement and swelling of the vulva, and enlargement of the udder. Expect calving difficulty if (1) calf's head and two feet are not visible, (2) only the calf's tail is visible, and (3) the cow has been in labor for 1½ hours. Be sure calf is being presented normally before using calf puller. Recognize situations that are beyond your capability and seek professional help as early as possible. Calves that aren’t breathing should receive assistance. Try sticking a straw in nostril to stimulate a reflex or try alternate pressure and release on rib cage. Commercial respirators are also available. Calves should consume colostrum within

30 minutes of birth to achieve good immunity.

• Record birthdate, cow I.D., and birthweight immediately (use your Beef IRM calendar). Identify calf with an ear tag and/or tattoo. Registered calves should be weighed in the first 24 hours. Male calves in commercial herds should be castrated and implanted as soon as possible.

• Separate cows that calve away from dr y cows and increase their feed. Increase feed after calving to 25-27 pounds of high quality hay. Concentrate (3-4 lb. for mature cows and about 8 lb. for first-calf heifers) may be needed if you are feeding lower quality hay. Hay analysis will greatly aid any decisions regarding type and amount of supplementation. Supplementation may have a beneficial effect on date and rate of conception. It’s an important time to feed a beef cow after calving. Thin cows don't come into heat very soon after calving. We must have cows in good condition, if we plan to breed them early in the season for best pregnancy rates, especially on high-endophyte fescue pastures.

• Sub-zero weather can mean death for newborn calves. During extremely cold spells, bring the cow(s) into a sheltered area as calving approaches to protect the calf. Be prepared to warm-up and feed newborn, chilled calves. Calving in mud can also cause problems.

• Watch for scours in newborn calves. Consult your veterinarian quickly for diagnosis, cause, and treatment. Avoid muddy feeding areas so that cows' udders won't become contaminated and spread scours. Don't confine cows to muddy lots.

• Replacement heifers should be gaining adequately to reach target breeding weights by April 1st. Be sure that their feeding program is adequate for early breeding.

• Start looking for herd sire replacements, if needed.

Fall-Calving Cow Herd

• Breeding season should end this month – maybe Valentine’s Day. Remove bulls and confine them so that they regain condition.

• Consider creep feed or creep grazing (wheat, etc.) to supply extra nutrition to fall-born calves which may have to depend solely on their dam’s milk supply for growth. They are not getting much except their dam’s milk now (i.e. there is nothing to graze). February/March is the worst time of the year for fall-born calves.

• Provide windbreaks or clean shelter for calves.

General

• Increase feed as temperature drops. When temperature falls below 15 degrees, cattle need access to windbreaks. For each 10 degree drop below 15 degrees, add three pounds of hay, two pounds of corn, or six pounds of silage to their rations.

• Provide water at all times. Watch for frozen pond hazards. If cattle are watering in a pond, be sure to keep ice “chopped” to keep cattle from walking on the ice and, possibly, breaking through. Keep automatic waterers working.

• You should be feeding a mineral supplement with adequate magnesium to prevent grass tetany (~ 15% Mg) now. The Hi-mag UK Beef IRM mineral can be used.

• Control lice. Watch for signs such as rubbing.

• Begin pasture renovation. You can overseed clover on frozen or snow-covered pastures. For more information on frost seeding clover, look at the January issue of Off the Hoof or go to the UK Forages website. (www.forages.ca.uky.edu).