Cow Country News - July 2023

BREED SPOTLIGHT

SANTA GERTRUDIS

There's a new Moxi in town.

New Tauramox™ (moxidectin) Injectable Solution, the first generic Cydectin® (moxidectin) Injectable, runs gastrointestinal roundworms, lungworms, cattle grubs, mites and lice out of town. Expect the same weight gain advantage as with Cydectin® Injectable, but at a lower cost — it’s called swagger. Get the moxi with moxie from your animal health provider. For more information, visit Norbrook.com.

IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION:

Cattle must not be slaughtered for human consumption within 21 days of 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. A withdrawal period has not been established for preruminating calves. Do not use in calves to be processed for veal. 0423-746-I01D

Cover photo by Darren Richmond Richmond Photography & Video

While money may seem like it has endless uses on the surface, you actually can only do a couple of things with it. You can spend or give it away or save it to spend or give it away later. While money opens many doors, it only gives you utility if you transfer it to someone else. It is why I walk into a 70-degree home year-round, and it allows me to hop in a truck and drive anywhere I want. The absence of money can create a lot of problems. The lack of money is one of the most significant drivers of stress and marriage problems. However, you can always get more money. I am written checks all the time and often will find money on sidewalks. Our government has even shown a propensity to create more of it out of thin air. The one thing we can’t get more of is time. I can’t have someone write me a check for time. I don’t find much time lying on the sidewalk as I am walking down the street. We each only have so much time before it is all used up. I am sure a good portion of you would trade all of what you have to go back knowing what you know now. I would undoubtedly give up all my current financial resources to put my 33-year-old brain into my 20-year-old body.

The problem with our time is that we spend it like we can get more of it. Far too often on the farm, we utilize it forgetting that it has value when we make decisions. We were recently pregnancy-checking and vaccinating fall pairs. When we finished the final group, I asked my vet what it cost us to work these cattle. He thought I was asking him the cost of the vaccines and dewormer and guessed around $20/head. I wanted to know the total cost of the drugs, his time, our time, our haul bill to our working facilities, and the use of our working facilities for the morning. By the time we paid for his expertise, our haul bill 1 mile down the road, the labor cost (only accounting for $20/hour) for us to work them, and the time we spend maintaining our working facilities so that they are ready to use the next time, it was probably closer to $35 per pair. We nearly doubled our cost per pair when we appropriately compensated ourselves for our time and investment in facilities.

I understand that the appreciation in the value of our land base is usually the overwhelming factor when it comes to financial success in agriculture. Still, we need to ensure we aren’t making production and business decisions that place us in a minimum-wage job when we account for our hours and risk. Every other line of work is not bashful when billing for their time and expertise. The appliance repairmen, landscaping crews, dentists,

and contractors of the world ensure they are paid very handsomely for their time and effort. I understand that beef producers are price takers, and what we get (yes, even what I get for bulls) is dictated by a commodity market. We don’t punch a time card all year and present it to the order buyer that buys our calves. They don’t care about our profitability in the cow-calf sector. Lately, the jobs that seem to be coming to the top of my to-do list are the ones that I know will save me time later. They are jobs such as vaccinating my spring calves now, so there is no problem ensuring they are double vaccinated by the time they come off the cow. We ordered a load of rock to address some potentially hazardous sinkholes. We have modified our lane system to give easier access to rotational grazing pastures that typically get overgrazed or become too mature due to difficulty moving cattle. Treating sick calves, digging cattle out of (or losing cattle in) sinkholes, and feeding cattle harvested feed too early because we aren’t optimizing grazing days are very time-consuming (and costly) things to address later. We are entering a multi-year era where we will be paid handsomely for the cattle we produce. There should be a bit extra money from that calf check at the end of the year after you pay your farm payment. While we can’t get time back, maybe the best use of some of that extra money is on infrastructure improvements that will save you time. Those same investments in time-saving practices and infrastructure might make you more profitable in the long run. After all, time is money.

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 (859) 771-5280

TREASURER

Ken Adams

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

KCA PAST PRESIDENTS:

EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE OFFICERS: REGIONAL DIRECTORS:

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

176 PASADENA DRIVE • SUITE 4 • LEXINGTON, KY 40503 • PHONE: (859) 278-0899 FAX: (859) 260-2060 • WWW.KYCATTLE.ORG • INFO@KYCATTLE.ORG

Chief Operating Officer

Carey Brown

Staff Accountant

Kelly Tucker

Director of Kentucky Beef Network

Becky Thompson

KBN Industry Coordinator

Dan Miller

Director of Operations & Policy

Nikki Whitaker

Beef Solutions Operations Manager

Kenny Allen

KBC Director of Education

Bradon Burks

Membership and Communications Coordinator

Rachel Cain

Graphic Designer

Todd Brown

Video Production Specialist

Danny Coy

National Advertising Sales, LAN Debby Nichols (859) 321-8770

REGION

Bobby

COW COUNTRY is published monthly by THE KENTUCKY CATTLEMEN’S ASSOCIATION. The publisher reserves the right to refuse any material which he feels is unsuitable for the publication. Although the highest journalistic ethics will be maintained, the KENTUCKY CATTLEMEN’S ASSOCIATION limits its responsibilities for any errors, inaccuracies, or misprints in advertising or editorial copy. Advertisers and advertising agencies assume liability for all content of advertisements made against the publisher.

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.............................502-817-1511

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

* Denotes member of Executive committee

Executive Vice President

*ex officio

56 young beef advocates signed the “Kentucky Beef Council’s Young Beef Advocate Proclamation.”

MORE ON PAGE 32

Presidents Thoughts

Andy Bishop KCA President

Last month I started my column with the “million-dollar rain” that happened after Derby, and I am afraid I jinxed our state! After I hit send on the email to send the article to Carey, the rains stopped, and Kentucky turned into the new Oklahoma. I have kept in touch with my friends in those drought-stricken states of Oklahoma, Montana, Colorado, and parts of Texas. Thankfully those states are now getting moisture, the grasses have returned to growing, and once again show the resiliency of mother nature. Unfortunately, it appears the drought is moving east and now affecting Kansas, Nebraska, Missouri, Illinois, Indiana, and yes Kentucky. “Pray for rain” has become the new mantra across those states and I am confident that the Lord will bless us with rain and remind us that everything works on his time not ours.

We are in the summer months when farmers have finished planting their crops, harvested their first hay cutting of the year, and are likely tending to cleanup projects and repairs. While this gives us an opportunity to play catch up, organizations such as KCA and NCBA never had a chance to slow down. We recently had a series of calls both with the KCA/KCF Foundation for an update on the Kentucky Livestock Innovation Center and another where our members were invited to hear from Colin Woodall (CEO of NCBA) on what’s happening in Washington. No matter how many times I listen to Colin I learn something new. Colin has the uncanny ability to “dumb” things down where even my feeble mind can understand them. He puts things into perspective and shows the impact that Washington has on our everyday lives. I hope that you were able to hop on the call to hear what NCBA is dealing with in Washington while we are playing catch up here at home.

I wanted to finish out the article as a mid-year update on what your staff at KCA and the KY Beef Council have been doing to ensure the Kentucky Cattle

Industry remains relevant and that our producers have an opportunity to succeed in business. Dave and Nikki along with the Kentucky Cattlemen’s Foundation have continued their efforts in creating a business plan for the Kentucky Livestock Innovation Center and will be asking you to contact your state elected officials in support of funding this monumental task. In addition, Carey Brown has been working hard in her new role to streamline things within the office and has been dealing with more staff turnover. Kylie Trail with the KBC announced she was leaving and with Alison Smith’s upcoming departure, interviews have been taking place to try and replace the irreplaceable. We are adding more staff within the association and the Kentucky Beef Network so you will be seeing many new faces as we move into the second half of the year. Although employees will inevitably leave, the work doesn’t stop, and I applaud the efforts of our remaining staff to pick up the slack until replacements are hired. Bradon Burks is doing an amazing job of creating new programming within the KY Beef Council and has been working on a new research project with UK, USDA, National Institute for Animal Agriculture, and the CDC. I am excited to see the value this research will provide and the example that this collaborative partnership will set for the industry. Danny and Todd continue to work on marketing content, videography, and the behind-the-scenes stuff we take for granted. Dan and Becky are manning the ship with the KBN and Eden Shale farm, while Kenny is creating new processes within Beef Solutions to make the company more efficient and more profitable. Kelly Tucker is one that rarely gets mentioned when talking about staff, but I can assure you, may be the single most important person in our office. Kelly has the task of accounting for countless entities under the KCA umbrella and is constantly working to add safeguards to protect our financials. Kelly, your work doesn’t go unnoticed, and I thank you.

Ryan Quarles Commissioner of Agriculture

We have a new state veterinarian on the job at the Kentucky Department of Agriculture.

The Kentucky State Board of Agriculture (SBOA) did a wonderful job in searching for the best candidate for this important position, unanimously selecting Dr. Steve Velasco III of Corpus Christi, Texas, to serve as our new state veterinarian.

“I’m excited to join the Kentucky Department of Agriculture, taking on the role as state veterinarian,” Dr. Velasco said. “My career has been focused on being an advocate for animal health and public awareness. I look forward to continuing that path as I join the dedicated and professional team at KDA and work with the wonderful animal industry throughout Kentucky.”

The state veterinarian plays a critical role in the health of our animals on farms across the state. What set Dr. Velasco apart from the other candidates was his vast experience in animal agriculture. That’s particularly important in Kentucky, where beef cattle, poultry, and horses are among our top agricultural commodities. The state veterinarian leads the KDA’s Office of State Veterinarian (OSV) in its statutory and regulatory activities to prevent, control, and eradicate communicable diseases in the agricultural animal health sector.

Specific duties of the state veterinarian include: overseeing all functions of OSV by serving as its executive director; advising the Commissioner of Agriculture on issues involving animal health and other topics as a member of the commissioner’s executive team; testifying to legislative

committees as requested; serving as a liaison to livestock and poultry organizations and leaders; and representing Kentucky with the U.S. Animal Health Association, the National Institute for Animal Agriculture, Southern Animal Health Association, and other animal health organizations.

Dr. Velasco comes to KDA after serving as a region director of the Texas Animal Health Commission since 2020. He managed and directed regulatory programs along with full-time field and office staff. The role also required him to perform field work, as necessary; manage regional emergency disaster requirements; and provide outreach and educational programs for producers and the public, among other duties.

Dr. Velasco was born and raised in San Antonio, Texas. He grew up participating in 4-H horsemanship and competing in high school rodeos. Dr. Velasco earned a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree with an emphasis in large animals from Texas A&M University, where he also received a Bachelor of Science degree in veterinary science. Dr. Velasco holds a Master of Business Administration from The University of Texas and a Bachelor of Science degree in chemistry from the University of Texas at San Antonio.

Dr. Velasco already holds a veterinary license in Kentucky, and he is also licensed in Arkansas, Louisiana, and Texas. He spent the first six years of his career as a racetrack veterinarian in Arkansas and Louisiana.

In 2000, Dr. Velasco returned to south Texas, where he spent the next 20 years at a large animal ambulatory practice. He also worked in the equine sports medicine and stocker cattle industries; supported 4-H and FFA programs; and provided veterinary services for wildlife.

I’m thrilled that Dr. Velasco has joined our team at KDA, and I look forward to his contributions for the betterment of animal agriculture throughout Kentucky.

Blue Grass Stockyards Merges Two Facilities to Better Serve You

To better meet the needs of our customers the Blue Grass Livestock Marketing Group has decided to merge their Maysville and Flemingsburg operations. “Making sure we are doing the very best and most efficient job of getting our customer’s livestock sold quickly, safely and for the highest dollar is always our top priority”, said Jim Akers, COO.

The acquisition of the Flemingsburg barn provides an opportunity to service our customers in the Northern and Eastern parts of Kentucky in a bigger, better facility with more feed and water pens, a larger more comfortable sale ring and a better design to move livestock through the facility more efficiently and in larger numbers. “We are excited to concentrate our efforts in one location so that we can focus entirely on the job we do for our valued customers”, said Corey Story, Sale Manager.

This transition will take place during the summer with the final Tuesday sale in Maysville being on June 27. Flemingsburg will begin a weekly cattle sale on Tuesday, July 11 at 10:00 AM along with the traditional Saturday sale for all species at 11:00 AM.

Eric Barber stated, “We hope that all our customers in Mason, Lewis, Nicholas, Bracken, Fleming and surrounding counties will embrace this decision and help us make the transition seamlessly. All we have to sell is service, we know that moving the livestock efficiently and getting the most for them is the name of the game for our customers.”

STONE GATE FARMS

optimum trait genetics

It seems that with each day some new “something” is being introduced to the cattle industry. The scientists will develop a number for it and on cue the registered breeder will promote and exploit it. Cattlemen are being overwhelmed with extensive data and slick marketing programs. It’s enough to make us wonder, “what really is the best set of epd’s?”

Breeding good cattle is a simple process, we can never loose sight of this basic fact. At Stone Gate we have always stressed the fundamental traits of structure, fertility and longevity. As long as our cowherd meets this criteria then their numbers become the true indicator of what is correct or best. How each individual performs and their families’ history, is our primary focus. The epd’s and genomic profiles are a secondary measuring stick of where we are or what needs tweaked to produce efficient, predictable, uniform cattle.

Our weaning and yearling weights have pretty much stayed constant for the last 30 years. That seems to also be the trend for the Angus industry. According to the Angus Association actual weaning weights have increased just 9 pounds over the last 15 years but the weaning weight epd has gone up 27 pounds. This is what breeding numbers to numbers has fabricated. Our goal has never been geared toward producing a so called popular set of numbers. What we see in the pastures is reality. What looks good on paper doesn’t always transition into profitable cattle.

Scientists are not cattle breeders but they do play a valuable role in our industry. They are able to take all the data that is submitted and produce formulas that give us a simple number to follow. Then it’s up to us as cattlemen to digest this information and determine what range of epd’s will help us develop a consistent, profitable animal. As we look over the Angus breed, the best maternal sires are closer to breed average on their epd’s than on the higher end. In our opinion this is where true profitability lies but being average is seldom promoted because it doesn’t sound as exciting as a big number or being in the top 1%.

Don’t let yourself get overwhelmed with all the information. When you purchase genetics for your herd, study the the numbers but more importantly study the cattle and how they have been developed. That is a simple winning formula.

30

Thoughts From Dave

Dave Maples Executive Vice President

I made the trip back home to Alabama for a family reunion during the Memorial Day weekend. This was the first family reunion that I have really been to because most of our family lives relatively close to the home place. But as the family has grown the family members have spread out to several states now. Even with the diversity of the group, now the common denominator is still around the farm. The old stories were farm stories and the laughs and memories tied back to childhood memories related to something that happened at the farm.

One of the deep conversations that I got into was with one of my younger cousins. He grew up off the farm but spent every hour that he could during the summers on the farm with Dad and I. He has done well in life and owns several International truck dealerships in Tennessee and several dealerships in Florida. He sells semi-trucks, busses, fire trucks, etc. Anyway, the conversation went to electric trucks real fast. He was talking about his business model and how it was going to change and how his dealerships were going

to handle it. I just asked him point blank are we really going to have electric semi-trucks? His answer was yes, it is happening now but understand it will take time to develop.

Allison Charolais

Allison Charolais

Charolais Breeder Since 1962

Allison Charolais

Charolais Breeder Since 1962

Charolais Breeder Since 1962

Bulls Available

I drove pass the huge battery plant that is under construction on I 65 just south of Elizabethtown and read in the Lexington newspaper just this week that the Toyota plant in Georgetown is investing billions of dollars in the manufacturing process to build electric vehicles. The electric vehicle flag is waving right in our front and back yards. Back to my cousin. We talked about how basically every feeder calf born in Kentucky leaves Kentucky on a truck and travels close to 1000 miles. “What are we going to do?” He told me that they would start their journey and go 200 miles and then change trucks and go 200 miles and repeat the process until they get to their destination.

As I drove around the farm with dad on that beautiful Sunday morning you could tell their cow herd and grass are better. Just getting all those animals off the farm has taken so much pressure off the land. Also, it has relieved a great deal of pressure from a labor stand point. They have changed their business model.

Bulls Available

Ø Bull calves out of HCR Answer 2042 and HCR SPIRIT 4007.

Ø Bull calves out of HCR Answer 2042 and HCR SPIRIT 4007.

Ø Bred for calving ease and growth.

My cousin is concerned about his future business model. Are we talking about what the business models look like for the beef industry in Kentucky?

Ø Bred for calving ease and growth.

Ø Bulls for both purebred and commercial breeders.

Ø Bulls for both purebred and commercial breeders.

Ø Yearlings and two-year-olds available.

CHAROLAIS BULLS & HEIFERS AVAILABLE

Ø Yearlings and two-year-olds available.

Ø Bred heifers to calve in fall available.

Ø Bred heifers to calve in fall available.

John Allison, Owner 545 Eminence Road New Castle, KY 40050 502-220-3170

Owner Road

Bulls Available out of HCR Answer 2042 and SPIRIT 4007. calving ease and growth. both purebred and commercial breeders. and two-year-olds available. heifers to calve in fall available.

I had the opportunity to be involved with the Veterinary shortage task force that the Commissioner of Agriculture appointed. Most often the group goes back to the way they remembered how it was with their veterinarian. Dr. Carl Jones was my family’s veterinarian until the day he died. He doctored our cows, pigs, ponies, dogs, and cats. He was part of the community and everyone knew him. They are not making any more Dr. Carl Jones’s. That day has gone. So, the business model for veterinary care is changing too so you better make note. With national regulations as well as state regulations on both the farmer and the veterinarian you are going to have to have that relationship. It can happen but you are going to have to work through the changes. I know my dad and brother have a relationship with 3 different veterinarians, each specializing in different aspects of the farm’s business.

John Allison, Owner

John Allison, Owner 545 Eminence Road

John Allison 545 Eminence Road New Castle, KY 40050

David Carter, Farm Manager 502-706-0075

David Carter, Farm Manager 502-706-0075

New Castle, KY 40050 502-220-3170

(502) 220-3170

David Carter, Farm Manager 502-706-0075

I always enjoy going home and talking with my dad, brother and nephews (as well as my mom and sister) about what they are doing with the farm. Dad is 86 years old but his life revolves around his cows. He hit home with me the other day and said that they had to specialize if they were going to make it, so they have made some business decisions to do that. They have developed relationships and a network where they focus on genetics and doing a good job with the cow/calf sector. The bull calves go to a farm at weaning that does a good job growing bulls about 60 miles south and the heifers go north about 50 miles to people that specialize in developing heifers.

I say all of this but as I look in the crystal ball of Kentucky’s beef industry, we better start making some plans for the future because if it takes 5 different trucks to get a load of cattle to a Kansas feed yard something is going to be different. I hope the next Commissioner of Agriculture will follow what the current Commissioner is doing with the veterinary community but do it with the livestock community.

BARREN COUNTY NEWS

Submitted by James W Bailey

CATTLEMEN’S MEETING

The Barren County Cattlemen’s meeting was held Thursday May 4th, 2023 at the Barren County High School Trojan Academy. During the meeting Sarah Adams, Abby Layton, and Heather Winchester all of Farm Credit of Mid–America, presented a program entitled “Up Date on Farm Credit and Interest Rates”. Pictured from left to right is; Sarah Adams, Abby Layton, and Heather Winchester, representing Farm Credit of Mid-America, and Joe Moore, President of Barren County Cattlemen’s Association.

A delicious steak dinner was served which was sponsored by Farm Credit of Mid-America.

Jonathan Shell (far right) who is a candidate for Ky. Commissioner of Agriculture spoke to members of the Barren County Cattlemen’s Association during their meeting May 4th.

NATIONAL BEEF MONTH

During the Barren County Fiscal Court meeting which was held Tuesday morning, May 23rd, Judge Jamie Byrd (pictured right) presented the Barren County Cattlemen’s Association with a proclamation to stipulate “May” as National Beef month in Barren County. Receiving the proclamation was Glenn Byrd, Program coordinator of the Barren County Cattlemen’s Association.

FISCAL COURT MEETING

Fiscal Court members and Barren County Cattlemen’s Association attended The Barren County Fiscal Court Meeting which was held at the Barren County Fiscal Court room in Glasgow, the morning of May 23rd. During the meeting Judge Jamie Byrd presented a Proclamation to the Barren County Cattlemen’s Association declaring May as National Beef Month.

BATH COUNTY NEWS

Submitted by Randy Warner

Bath County Beef Day event served over 500 burgers at our Drive Thru.

Photo by Michelle Caldwell

FRANKLIN COUNTY NEWS

Submitted by Crystal M. Harrod

HENRY COUNTY NEWS

Submitted by Catherine Atchison

The Franklin County Junior Cattlemen had a farm tour on Friday, May 19, 2023 at the Harrod family farm located in Frankfort. We had 20 junior cattlemen in attendance.

This is the first year for FC Junior Cattlemen.

The Franklin County Junior Cattlemen met at the Harrod family farm for a pizza supper and farm tour. Jeff Harrod explained his job with the KDA Livestock Marketing Division and how your work in agriculture doesn’t just involve farming. He also discussed how his children started showing livestock and got involved in the industry. Demonstrating with a semen tank and other equipment, Jeff explained how they AI and embryo transplant their cattle as well as the genetic testing. We then visited one of the herds where the members were able to handle a bull and see the embryo-transplant calves. Our hosts and several members provided desserts for the fun & educational evening.

Henry County Cattlemens celebrated Beef Month at three different cook out locations, including Trimble County Public Schools for the children, Henry County Courthouse, and Henry County Public a Library, which all were a huge success. We have a great group of Cattlemen who look forward to hosting these events in the local community.

LEWIS COUNTY NEWS

Submitted by Kim Sparks

The Lewis County Cattlemen’s Association recognized Dr. Darin Stanfield for his support and contributions to our community and

MADISON COUNTY NEWS

Submitted by Shannon Montross

The Madison County Cattlemen's Association hosted a field day on April 25th with 150 attendees at Austin and Kelsey Cooper and Mike and Peggy Azbill's farms. Dr. Nick Werle from W&W Veterinary Clinic  provided a beef cattle health update including the upcoming changes in antibiotic regulation beginning June 11, 2023, Johne's disease and demonstrated taking blood samples to submit for analysis. Madison County lease agent for Madison County Farm Bureau  Eddie Warren and Madison County Ag & Natural Resources Agent Brandon Sears demonstrated a new shared use in-line bale wrapper and why it could be a good option for hay storage depending on your operation. Everyone in attendance enjoyed a meal of grilled hamburgers and hot dogs after the farm demonstration.

association at a recent Cattlemen’s meeting. Dr. Stanfield was presented with a certificate of appreciation and a handmade plaque by the President of the Lewis County Cattlemen’s Association, Phillip Stamm. Dr. Stanfield owns Tri-County Veterinary Service in Maysville, Ky. During the meeting, we also remembered our fallen county agent, Philip Konopka who passed away in an auto accident on May 3rd. Philip will be missed by everyone who knew him. Pictured below are Dr. Darin Stanfield and President Phillip Stamm

TWIN LAKES NEWS

Submitted by Steve Peddicord

The Twin Lakes Association celebrated beef month in Clinton county by grilling ribeyes and beef burgers on May 18. The response from the community was outstanding with many comments suggesting we cook each month during the summer months.

The activity was held in Albany at Upchurch Service station. The weather cooperated for a near perfect day and we sold over 150 ribeyes and 90 beef burgers during the lunch hour. The activity was coordinated by Membership chairman Pattie Upchurch and the cooking team of Paul Conner, Carl Sasser, and John Asberry. Handling the box stuffing were members Jennifer Guinn and Mary Washburn.

The Twin Lakes Association will be holding a field day program on July 13 at the farm of Steve Peddicord in Albany. It will be a multi-county sponsored event. Demonstrations on weed control, CAIP practices, and warm season grasses will be included on the program. Gale Rippe of Galax Virginia, National Commercial Producer of the year in 2021 will be the featured speaker. Everyone is invited to attend. For more information please contact Steve Peddicord at 606 688-4492.

WEBSTER COUNTY NEWS

Submitted by Mary

Steely

Webster County KJCA member, Gracie Olson, was awarded the 2024 Webster County Cattlemen's Association Scholarship. Gracie served as Webster County FFA President this past year. She will be attending Murray State University in the fall majoring in Ag Science/Ag Education.

JANUARY 1990

CHAPS program introduced, designed to aid in the decision processes to improve cow herd productivity

FEBRUARY 1990

Leaner Beef Receives Endorsement as Food That’s Good for the Heart

The Kentucky Beef Cattle Association and the American Heart Association’s Kentucky affiliate begin a campaign to make consumers more aware of the benefits of today’s beef.

Building Fund Committee formed with the intent to raise money to buy a new building. KCA began development of a long range plan.

MAY 1991

Scholarships offered to 4-H, FFA members

The Kentucky Beef Cattle Association offered two $1,000 scholarships to 4-H and FFA youths. One scholarship went to a youth in a beef breeding project with the other going to a youth in a meat animal project.

MAY 18, 1992

Beef It’s What’s for Dinner campaign launched

JUNE 9, 1992

New bylaws passed at mid-year meeting –changed to a delegate voting system

Board approved name change to Kentucky Cattlemen’s Association, goes in effect October 1, 1992

FALL 1990

KCA created a County Association Activity guide to encourage participation at the grass roots level

SEPTEMBER 18, 1992

Kentucky Cattlemen’s Foundation formed

Long Range Plan for KCA approved

OCTOBER 1992

First Leadership Class Selected

DECEMBER 1991

KCA Began structuring a Leadership Development Program 1990

1991

First Environmental Stewardship awarded to D & R Cattle Co.

JANUARY 1993

First House of Delegates was formed, with 5 regional caucuses, 4 regional directors and 1 Regional Vice President

MARCH 1993

Ag Project 2000 Presented to Board

APRIL 1993

Cattle ranked second in farm cash receipts in KY, second to tobacco. Kentucky surpassed Florida as the highest ranking state East of the Mississippi River in cowcalf population.

Launched the TQM Program

Trademarked CPH name and logo

Established standards for KCA sanctioned Heifer Sales Checkoff initiated the first retail promotion with Kroger

New annual KCA Magazine called VISIONS

JANUARY 1995

Kentucky Gold Calf Program was created – health and management program for feeder calf producers

APRIL 7, 1994

First pen of FACTS cattle were sold

MAY 26-27, 1994

KCA Leaders Develop Long Range Plan

JUNE 1995

Campaign for Leadership Development – Fundraising effort to raise over $1 Million in three years for the Leadership Development Program started on November 1, 1995.

JULY 1995

110 Veterinarians attended Kentucky Gold Program trainings

AUGUST 1995

First KCA Day held at the State Fair

AUGUST 1994

Added

OCTOBER 1994

DECEMBER 1995

TQM Educational program presented in 84 counties with 2700 certified producers

New KCA logo unveiled. Created by Hammond Design, a Lexington design firm

a second location to the State Fair Cooking booth, increasing sales by 35% KCA Board of Directors proposes a restructuring of membership to include county and state memberships jointly. Voted on in January 1995 and passed to begin October 1995.

FEBRUARY 26, 1998

Bobby Freeman announces resignation

APRIL 1, 1998

KCA purchases a new building at 176 Pasadena Drive

MAY 27, 1996

KCA sponsored Kentucky’s First Grazing School

AUGUST 1996

KCA expands to three booths at the Kentucky State Fair, one each for consumer information, producer communications, and childrens ag education

OCTOBER 1996

KCA Hosted 5 Regional Meetings

NOVEMBER 1996

KCA goes online with a new web page, www.kycattle.org

NOVEMBER 1997

Kentucky Ag Leadership Summit

"As we go into the next century, we want to make sure that Kentucky is a major foodproducing state" said Commissioner Billy Ray Smith. "The Leadership Summit will provide an opportunity for our agricultural leadership to discuss Kentucky's agricultural opportunities for the future."

AUGUST 1998

Kentucky Cattlemen’s Foundation gave its first scholarship

Started giving Red Jackets for membership prizes

NOVEMBER 1999

Growth of the Association and Annual Dues:

1990 – Dues increased from $5-$15, 2,904 members

1991 – 2,989 members

1993 – 7 staff members, 3,611 members, Dues were $15

1994 – 3,796 members

1995 – 4,350 members

1996 – 4,470 members

1997 - 4,717 members

Membership is the number 1 priority throughout the 1990’s

Environmental issues and antimeat campaigns were becoming more prevalent

Cattle producers were having a lot of discussion around EPD’s

The Association was still very active in bull sales, feeder sales and heifer sales

See more in our August issue, as we explore KCA history into the 2000s! 1999

KCA Introduces the Grand Plan 2000 – an initiative to add 2000 more members in 2000

AUGUST 2, 1999

Dave Maples hired as new KCA Executive Vice President

Start Looking Now for Perilla Mint

Michelle Arnold, DVM (Ruminant Extension Veterinarian, UKVDL)

JD Green, PhD (Extension Professor [Weed Scientist], UK Plant and Soil Sciences Department), Megan Romano, DVM (Clinical Veterinary Toxicologist, UKVDL)

Poisonous plants can be responsible for considerable losses in livestock although many cases go unrecognized and undiagnosed due to a lack of knowledge of which plants are dangerous and the wide range of signs that may be observed after consumption. The risk posed to animals by a particular plant depends on a variety of factors, including how much of the plant is consumed and over what time period; the stage or maturity of plant growth; which parts of the plant are eaten; whether the plant is green or dried; and the animal’s age, species, and in some cases breed. Most weeds are tough and unpalatable, and cattle will not consume them unless baled in hay or the pasture is limited due to drought or overgrazing and there is little else to consume.

If cattle on pasture suddenly develop symptoms such as diarrhea, salivation or slobbering, muscle weakness, trembling, incoordination, staggering, collapse, difficulty breathing, or rapid death, then poisoning due to plants or any number of other toxicants should be high on the list of possible causes. Oftentimes poisonous plants affect just a few cattle in the herd. Cases occur more often shortly after animals are moved to a new field. The severity of signs primarily depends on how much of the plant or other toxicant is consumed over what time period (the rate of consumption).

If plant poisoning in livestock is suspected, the first thing to do is call a veterinarian, since prompt treatment is critical to the animal’s chances of survival. Until the veterinarian arrives, keep the affected animal quiet and confined where a physical examination can be performed, and treatment given. Other animals should be moved as carefully as possible from the pasture where the suspected poisoning occurred until the cause of illness has been determined. Prevention involves learning to recognize poisonous plants, implementing effective weed control and pasture improvement, and offering supplemental forage or feed when pasture is limited so cattle are not forced to graze toxic weeds.

A common summer weed in Kentucky that can cause problems in livestock is perilla mint (Perilla frutescens), also known as perilla, purple mint, mint weed, beefsteak plant, and wild coleus. Severe lung damage can result from ingestion of the leaves and seeds, resulting in “atypical interstitial pneumonia” or AIP. Perilla is a summer annual that thrives in late summer when pastures are frequently dry and dormant. The opposite ovate leaves attached to square stems can be dark green to purple with toothed leaf margins.

Perilla reaches 20 to 30 inches in height at maturity with opposite leaves. The white to whitish-purple flowers and subsequent seed which occur in late summer are attached to terminal spikes. The plant also has a distinct, minty odor, especially as it becomes more

Perilla mint has a distinctive mint aroma, with opposite dark green to purplish leaves that have serrated leaf margins attached to square stems. Mature plants reach 2-3 feet tall and produce small, white to purple flowers with abundant seeds. Pictures courtesy JD Green

seeds themselves. The time of year when perilla reaches the seed stage often corresponds to periods when desirable pasture grasses are scarce and the weather is hot, enticing cattle to consume plants they normally avoid, especially those in shady areas. The flowering or seed parts of perilla mint contain the highest concentration of the toxic agents, perilla ketones. Perilla ketones are toxic in both fresh plants and in hay. Once ingested, they are absorbed into the bloodstream and carried to the lungs. Within the lungs, perilla ketones and other similar compounds are then activated, damaging the cells lining the air sacs and severely impairing gas exchange and lung function. This lung damage causes the animal to develop acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), a sudden and dramatic onset of severe breathing difficulty. Treatment is of limited value and severe cases seldom survive.

mature. The weed prefers shaded areas along creeks, in fence rows, and the edges of the woods and partially shaded pastures. Once it becomes established, perilla produces many seeds and large colonies can develop in succeeding years. The early pre-seed stage of the weed is of relatively low toxicity while the flowering and green seed stage plant is most toxic, especially the

The clinical signs of acute respiratory distress syndrome include a sudden onset of open-mouth breathing with the head and neck extended, nostrils dilated, a sway-back appearance, tongue protruding with foam coming from the mouth, an open-shouldered stance, and sometimes aggression. Breathing is shallow and rapid (35-75 breaths per minute) and may have a loud expiratory grunt. Temperature is typically normal but may be mildly elevated due to the severity of the condition. In extreme cases, air under the skin (subcutaneous crepitation) may be felt over the upper portions of the neck, shoulders and back. Mild exercise may cause the animal to collapse and die. Generally, there is an absence of coughing and no signs of infection such as fever or depression unless a secondary bacterial pneumonia develops. Severely affected animals usually die within 1-2 days but animals that survive may develop chronic lung damage or heart failure. The stress of handling can cause prompt death so treatment must be approached with caution. A dart gun may be necessary to avoid moving the animal to a treatment facility. Treatments administered or prescribed by a veterinarian may include diuretics, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications and corticosteroids used in an extra-label manner. At necropsy, atypical interstitial pneumonia (AIP) is recognized when the chest cavity is opened, because the lungs remain fully expanded, sometimes with rib indentations on them, rather than collapsed as with a normal lung. AIP-affected lungs are heavy with a firm, rubbery texture instead of the expected light and spongy lung tissue. These necropsy findings are confirmed microscopically as a very distinct pattern of damage to the lung cells. In addition, the leaves and distinct square stems are sometimes identifiable in rumen contents.

The best time of the year to begin scouting

for perilla mint is late spring (May and June). During the late summer months when plants are flowering and producing new seed, grazing infested fields should be limited. Mowing can

be used for control but must be timely to reduce new seed production. Unfortunately, mowing or clipping fields may not be feasible in some areas since many plants grow near trees and in

fence lines. Chemical control options include herbicides labeled for use in pastures and hay fields that consist of single or premixed active ingredients of 2,4-D, dicamba (e.g., Weedmaster®, Rifle-D®, Brash®, etc.), triclopyr (eg. Crossbow®, etc.) or aminopyralid (e.g., DuraCor®, GrazonNext®). For best results, herbicide applications should be made to smaller, actively growing plants. Control is likely to be less effective when applied to taller, flowering plants. Grazing animals should be removed for a period of time following herbicide treatment since they may be more attracted to dying perilla mint plants. Furthermore, use good stewardship and observe label precautions when applying herbicides.

Prevention begins with learning to recognize poisonous plants, where they grow, and when they cause problems. Toxic weeds may be found in fence rows, along creek or stream banks, near ponds and in the woods although some (such as cocklebur, horsenettle and pigweed) are found in pastures and hayfields. Scout summer pastures and offer supplemental forage or feed when pasture is limited so cattle are not forced to graze toxic weeds. Do not harvest toxic weeds in hay or silage since cattle do not sort through these feedstuffs and will readily ingest the weeds. Most importantly, implement effective weed control at the right time and use management practices to thicken the stand and improve the growth of desirable forages which can compete with the emergence and growth of annual weeds.

Photo used with permission from Dr. Alan Doster, University of Nebraska-Lincoln.

CATTLE PRODUCERS REJOICE IN SUPREME COURT RULING ON WOTUS CASE

UNANIMOUS DECISION IN SACKETT V. EPA NARROWS SCOPE AND REGULATORY BURDEN OF THE CLEAN WATER ACT

WASHINGTON (May 25, 2023) – Today, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled unanimously in favor of the Sackett family in Sackett v. EPA – the court’s most recent consideration of which features are subject to federal Clean Water Act jurisdiction. In its holding, the court soundly rejected the contentious “significant nexus” test. National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA) strongly supports this ruling and is currently engaged in a litigation against the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) regarding the Biden Administration’s WOTUS definition.

"Cattle producers across the country can breathe a sigh of relief today. Since EPA’s adoption of the “significant nexus” test, cattle producers have had to retain costly legal services to determine if water features on their property are federally jurisdictional,” said Todd Wilkinson, South Dakota cattle producer and President of the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association. “Today’s Supreme Court opinion refocuses the Clean Water Act on protecting our water resource through regulatory clarity. We look forward to working with the EPA and U.S. Army Corps of Engineers as they implement the Court’s new Continuous Surface Connection standard." NCBA submitted an amicus brief in the Sackett case, encouraging elimination of the Significant Nexus test in exchange for a more practical standard. “In its brief to the Court, NCBA highlighted the unconstitutionality of imposing criminal penalties for violations of vague standards under the Clean Water Act. The Court recognized and reversed the Significant Nexus test, in part due to the constitutional due process risk that it created,” said Mary-Thomas Hart, Chief Counsel for the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association.

NCBA has been heavily involved in litigation surrounding the WOTUS rule since 2015. NCBA filed suit against the Obama-era WOTUS definition, defended the Trump-era definition that brought more clarity to what water features are included under WOTUS, and filed suit against the Biden administration's WOTUS rule that did not include critical agricultural exemptions.

NCBA PRAISES HOUSE APPROPRIATIONS COMMITTEE FOR ADVANCING AGRICULTURAL BILL

LEGISLATION INCLUDES CATTLE INDUSTRY PRIORITIES ON UDSA RULES, ANIMAL HEALTH

WASHINGTON (June 14, 2023) – Today, the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA) thanked members of the House Appropriations Committee for advancing the Fiscal Year 2024 Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration appropriations bill, which will provide funding for essential programs that support cattle producers while defending against overreaching regulations.

“We are pleased the House Appropriations Committee showed such strong support for a number of cattle industry priorities, including protecting producers’ ability to capture premiums by nullifying USDA’s overreaching Packers and Stockyards rules and lowering cattle producers’ cost burden in implementing animal disease traceability,” said NCBA Senior Director of Government Affairs Tanner Beymer. “NCBA thanks Chairwoman Granger and Chairman Harris for their leadership and urge swift adoption of this bill on the House floor.”

The bill is a win for cattle producers and would defund the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s harmful Packers and Stockyards rules. These rules would open cattle producers to frivolous complaints and lawsuits and, if implemented, would harm cattle producers’ ability to capture premiums from their high-quality cattle.

Additionally, the bill would provide $10 million for the purchase of electronic identification (EID) tags and related infrastructure to support the implementation of animal disease traceability. Several other industry priorities are included in the legislation such as reports on cell-cultured meat, the Cattle Contracts Library Pilot Program, and the Asian Longhorned Tick, and funding for the National Animal Health Laboratory Network, feral swine eradication, and healthy dog importation screenings.

The bill now goes to the full House of Representatives for consideration. NCBA urges both the House and the Senate to support these key agricultural provisions.

KCA Welcomes New Summer Interns

judging, you can catch Chevy judging shows in her free time or competing in contests across the country. After graduation from Walton-Verona High School in 2021, she moved to Illinois to continue her education and livestock judging careers at Black Hawk College where she became highly decorated with numerous titles across the country. Chevy ended her time there being named to the Academic All American team for academic and competitive excellence in the field of livestock judging.

Chevy-Lynn Vaske from Glencoe, Kentucky has joined the Kentucky Beef Council as an intern for the Summer of 2023.

Growing up on a cow-calf operation in Northern Kentucky instilled a passion for agriculture in Chevy at an early age. She has been actively involved in numerous organizations and clubs; 4-H, FFA, FBLA, Student Government Association, Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society, BHE Student Ambassadors program, and even served as the Kentucky Junior Cattlemen’s Assn. President.

This summer Chevy has already been planning gift-aways for our social media, handed out t-shirts at the State FFA Convention, attended a UMAMI training event at the local Malone’s, and led her first group at the Yards classroom.

Chevy is looking forward to serving Kentucky’s beef farmers and educating the younger generations on the importance of beef.

Ella Keller of Elkmont, Alabama has been selected as one of the 2023 Summer interns for

her family. She also worked on a registered Angus cow-calf operation in her hometown. In high school, Ella was active in FFA through holding officer positions, public speaking competitions and livestock evaluation. Her deep-rooted involvement in agriculture and FFA, Ella made the decision to attend Mississippi State University and pursue a degree in Agricultural Communication. While interning, Ella has been working within creation of digital and physical copies,

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Defining and Assessing Soil Health in Forage-Livestock Systems

John Grove and Chris Teutsch UK Research and Education Center, Princeton, Kentucky

What is soil health? Soil health represents the continued ‘capacity’ of a specific soil: 1) to sustain plant and animal life both below and above the soil surface; 2) to enhance the environment – air and water quality; and 3) to support human health and habitation. Soil properties can vary greatly, causing differences in the ‘capacity’ of different soils to provide one or more of these three ecosystem services. Differences in soils, combined with differences in land management, result in soil health differences. For example, very sandy or silty soils are notoriously poor structure formers and when combined with continuous tillage in a row cropping system or overgrazing in a forage-livestock system these characteristics are magnified.

Improved management practices can positively impact soil health. First among these is a reduction in tillage intensity/using no-tillage – tillage can greatly disturb soil structure and encourages soil organic matter breakdown. Maintaining year-round plant cover (maintaining pasture sod or use of cover crops after summer annual grazing) is another important soil health tool. In forage-livestock systems this often requires improved soil fertility and grazing management. Adding additional organic material to your soil, usually as compost or animal manure, can also enhance soil health.

How is soil health assessed? Commercial and public/university soil test labs are offering soil health tests – usually a “suite” of different measurements that are often combined to give a “state of soil health” value for each sample. Most labs combine traditional soil tests (acidity/alkalinity-pH, extractable/plant available nutrients-phosphorus, potassium, etc.) with newer soil health specific tests. The newer tests evaluate organic matter and organic matter related properties like ease of decomposition, nutrient release, aggregation, etc. A common soil health specific test is the carbon dioxide ‘burst’ test, a measure of soil microbial activity/easily mineralizable carbon and nitrogen. Permanganate oxidizable ‘active’ carbon (POXC) is another assay of organic carbon that is available to soil microbes. Some test for potential nitrogen mineralization from soil organic matter is also often offered as one of the soil health specific tests. Most labs will assess water stable aggregate stability, though their methods are dissimilar, and results vary considerably depending on how samples are physically handled – from start to finish. Other soil health specific tests measure aspects of the soil microbial community, including both quantity and quality. Results of these soil microbial community assays are often difficult to interpret.

From lab to lab, the soil health specific tests can vary quite a bit – except for soil organic matter, there is not much scientific agreement on which of the individual soil health tests is more important. There is little agreement among labs on the equations behind the calculation of the “state of soil health” value. If you change labs, soil health test results are even less likely to be comparable than the usual comparisons of soil pH and extractable bioavailable nutrient values. Lastly, soil health testing is expensive and in most cases provides a limited amount of actionable information. Most labs are charging between $60 and 175 per soil health package.

Soil health is important, but there may be better approaches to tracking long-term changes that are also more cost effective. Organic matter is the backbone of soil

health, so you need to know this parameter as you move forward. So first, ask for a soil organic matter determination in addition to the standard soil test. For most labs this only modestly raises the per sample cost (the University of Kentucky soil test lab charges an additional $5 per sample). Soil organic matter changes very slowly, so it does not need to be measured every time you sample the field to monitor soil pH and plant available nutrient levels. Checking soil organic matter concentrations once every four to five years should be often enough.

Digging and/or probing soil at field moisture capacity (24 to 48 hours after a soaking rain) will facilitate examinations for compaction and soil structure assessment. A soil penetrometer/tiling rod helps determine whether compaction is localized (usually

Soil pH impacts nutrient availability and nitrogen fixation in legumes. Ideally, soil pH should be between 6.0 and 6.4. Soil

Soil organic matter Lab Low

Soil structure Field Low

Soil compaction Field Low

Soil respiration Lab High

Desirable forages Field Low

Legumes present Field Low

Weeds present Field Low

Pasture vigor Field Low

Bare soil Field Low

Erosion present Field Low

Plant residue Field Low

Overgrazing Field Low

Maintaining soil P and K in medium range or higher creates an environment in which desirable forage species can thrive.

Soil organic matter provides a food source for macro and micro fauna, improves water infiltration and holding capacity, and soil structure, and nutrient availability.

Granular/spherical aggregates in the topsoil, with blocky aggregates in the subsoil, is ideal. Good soil structure increases water infiltration.

Soil compaction limits root growth and water infiltration. It can be assessed in the field with a penetrometer or a tiling rod.

Soil respiration is an indication of microbial activity, which can be related to mineralization of soil organic matter and nutrient release.

Agronomically important forage species should make up most of the plant species present in pastures.

Legumes are a key species needed to develop strong and sustainable nitrogen cycles in pastures. Ideally, they should comprise 20 to 40% of the pasture, on a dry matter basis.

Weeds are often an indicator of mismanagement. This could include compaction, poor drainage, low fertility, soil acidity, and, most likely, poor grazing management.

Pastures should have a dark green color and exhibit vigorous and plentiful growth.

Bare soil reduces water infiltration, enhances erosion, provides poor habitat for micro flora and fauna that live at the soil surface, and leaves space for weeds.

Loss of soil from pastures has a negative impact on pasture productivity and soil health.

Leaving some residue on the soil surface can modify the microclimate and provide a food source for micro and macro fauna living at or near the soil surface.

Overgrazing reduces plant vigor and productivity, results in higher levels of weeds, reduces water infiltration, and increases erosion.

Table 1: Indicators of pasture condition and soil health

due to traffic) or general (due to field-wide management, Figure 1). Use a spade to dig up larger blocks of soil, perhaps with entire plant root systems in them and then gently break these blocks apart. Look at the general soil structure and the type and consistency of soil aggregates. Granular/spherical aggregates in the topsoil, with blocky aggregates in the subsoil, are a positive soil health indicator (Figure 2). Platy aggregates in the topsoil are an indicator of compaction and suggest that root systems will experience stress while growing through the soil, acquiring water and nutrients (Figure 3). Check for earthworms/ earthworm burrows – these don’t have to be numerous, but their mere presence is a positive soil health indicator (Figure 4). Finally, look for signs of good/bad plant growth (signs of stress) in different parts of the field. In general, plant growth should have a dark green color

FEATURED EVENTS

and stands should be vigorous and thick. Dig soil and roots for evidence that one of the soil health indicators is less positive in the areas exhibiting plant stress.

Soil health assessment is important but does not necessarily have to be expensive. Investment in going to the pasture, observing forage growth, then determining the underlying soil physical and chemical conditions and management associated with observed crop growth can be as or more beneficial than a paying for a suite of individual laboratory soil health tests. Standard soil test information, combined with soil organic matter data and observations in the field, is probably the best indication of soil health. The forage plants, like the soil biology, will respond to important differences in one or more soil health indicators and plants are far easier for us to monitor.

National Hay Association Convention - Bowling Green, KY - September 20, 2023 More information can be found at http://forages.ca.uky.edu/

FEATURED PUBLICATION

This month’s featured publication is Guide to Pasture Condition Scoring. USDA-NRCS. You can access it at bit.ly/43YNy8i or visiting your NRCS Office.

FEATURED VIDEO

This month’s featured video is The Power of Soil Life. This video can be viewed at bit. ly/43RN9F3 or find it on the KYForages YouTube Channel.

FENCING TIP

Install cutoff switches to isolate fence sections. Cutoff switches can be used to isolate fence sections trouble shooting and maitenance. They should be installed at gates or crossings. They can also be used to isolate lower strands of fence that cross flooded creeks or become weeded in late spring. Choose high quality swithces constructed of UV stabilized plastic.

FORAGE MANAGEMENT TIPS

• Make plans to attend Summer Forage Tour in Horse Branch, KY.

• After haying or grazing, apply 40-60 lb N/A to stimulate regrowth from summer annuals.

• Do not overgraze drought stressed pastures.

• Identify pastures to be stockpiled. Choose pastures that are well drained, have a dense sod, and have not been overgrazed.

• Use UK Variety Testing Results to select varieties to plant in the fall and order seed.

• If pastures are not growing, confine animals to a sacrifice area and feed hay.

Figure 1: Generalized near surface field compaction due to disc/vertical tillage or when pastures are grazed during wet conditions.

Figure 2: Desired shapes of macroaggregates in the subsoil (blocky or subangular blocky) and topsoil (granular or spherical).

Granular/Spherical Blocky

Figure 3: Platy structured topsoil suggests soil compaction and can limit root exploration. Note the horizontal/lateral root growth.

Figure 4: Earthworms and dung beetles are species that tend to be associated with good soil health.

Red Is the New Black – And Now Is the Right Time

How Santa Gertrudis Breeders are Recapturing a Competitive Florida Bull Market

Callie Curley Contributing Writer for Santa Gertrudis USA

Red is the new black.

That’s how Santa Gertrudis Breeders International (SGBI) President Gene Kubecka summarizes the current opportunities for quality Santa Gertrudis bulls, especially in the Florida market.

The most popular breed in the Sunshine State in the 1930s and ‘40s, Santa Gertrudis lagged behind others in the following decades, in part due to a lack of competitive marketing compared to mainstream breeds. However, thanks to the dedicated efforts of the association and a key group of breeders over the last several years, the market is piping hot, and ready for committed breeders to step up to the plate with what Kubecka calls “the right kind of bulls.”

“We know that red-hided cattle can handle heat and humidity better than black cattle, especially with Brahman influence,” Kubecka says. “Florida buyers are seeing Santa Gertrudis cattle genetics improving their herd successes and individual-animal performances, even if the offspring are black.”

Kubecka and Richard Hood, of American Cattle Enterprise, agree, as desirable as the Santa Gertrudis breed is in the harsh Florida climate, they haven’t found success selling Santa Gertrudis in Florida by showing up and waving the breed flag. Investing the time and effort in getting to know potential buyers and showcasing their cattle have been essential steps in establishing themselves as reliable breeders.

“You’ve got to make contacts,” Kubecka says. “SGBI, as an association, is making a focused effort to develop our reputation and presence in Florida, and setting goals to send more bulls there in the next year and beyond.”

Bull credits have created a unique way for breeders to get their foot in the door in Florida. A new concept for Kubecka when he represented SGBI at the Florida Cattlemen’s Association (FCA) Convention earlier this year, he is now encouraging Santa Gertrudis breeders to take part if selling into Florida is of interest to them. SGBI will have information on selling bull credits during the FCA Convention available for their members after Jan. 1.

A Product You’ll Stand Behind

In her 1968 song, Tammy Wynette said to “stand by your man.” All these years later, the Santa Gertrudis breeders finding success in Florida are singing a similar tune: they're willing to stand behind the bulls they bring to the market.

“There is no breed composition that fits Florida better than Santa Gertrudis,” Hood says. “But that doesn’t give any of us an excuse to show up empty handed. We’ve got to collect our own data and be thorough in following up with customers.

“It’s important to recognize that we’re entering an extremely competitive and concentrated market with some of the best businessmen and women in the world. They manage some of the largest ranches in the country, facing intense environmental factors, growing urban populations and a lot more,” he adds. “If you come to the table with them, you have to be prepared to talk bottom-line business.”

The more predictable the Santa Gertrudis breed becomes, the more market it will create. In Hood’s words, “Supply of the right cattle has to come before we build high demand.”

While Florida buyers are looking for consistency in their cattle purchases, Kubecka says there is another key trait that tracks differently in Florida than other geographic markets.

“Of course, these buyers are looking at bone, loose hide, disposition and cleanliness of the underline,” Kubecka says. “Unlike other parts of the country, though, they’re asking for medium-to-above-average bone. The amount of traveling they do in harsh, subtropical conditions makes fineboned animals undesirable in the long-term.”

Building a Brighter Future

“All in all, the opportunity to expand the Santa Gertrudis breed’s presence and authority in Florida is not to be underestimated,” Kubecka says. “In the past, we’ve done ourselves an injustice by not building these relationships and maintaining a strong presence. We feel strongly that the breed is becoming better positioned for a strong comeback, with plenty of room for breeders who want to be a part of growing a more prominent breed, not only for Florida, but across the globe.”

Santa Gertrudis Versatility

Santa Gertrudis cattle were developed to thrive, prosper and produce on the native grasses of the South Texas brush country more than a century ago. Today, Santa Gertrudis cattle are used throughout the United States as a red-hided, heat-tolerant, heterosis provider. Well known for their adaptability and exceptional maternal traits, as well as for their carcass quality, Santa Gertrudis provide a lot of breeding flexibility, both as a purebred/seedstock animal and as a component in a crossbreeding system.

The versatility of Santa Gertrudis ensures that it is a compatible and profitable cross with a wide variety of breeds and in a wide variety of environments and production systems. For more information on Santa Gertrudis cattle, visit santagertrudis.com.

SGBI President Gene Kubecka building relationships with Florida breeders during the Florida Cattlemen’s Association Convention earlier this year.

Editor’s Note: This article first appeared in Santa Gertrudis USA.

My name is Rodney Smith with Rebel Ridge Santa Gertrudis, and I am in my second year of being the President of the Kentucky Santa Gertrudis Association. I am very blessed to be afforded the opportunity to continue to hold this position. To summarize myself, my brother and I have been raising Santa Gertrudis cattle for many years with the help from Rhonda and Chuck Lovett and Larry Osbourne. My journey with cattle began when I received my first cow as a gift from my grandfather at the age of 8, while our herd began with my grandfather, who got his first Santa Gertrudis cattle from Texas back in the 60’s. We are constantly improving the genetics within our herd and are striving to improve the animals that we produce. My family consists of my loving wife, Connie, and my two children Shelby and Roten. God has truly blessed me with a beautiful family and the love He has for us all.

Upcoming shows include the Kentucky National Junior Heifer Show and Sale in July, located in Bowling Green, KY, and the District VI Junior Heifer Show and Sale in September, which will be held in Corydon, IN. Both shows provide juniors with the opportunity to not only show cattle, but to have fun and ultimately make memories that last a lifetime. Both events also showcase many high-quality cattle that not only can be entered into the exhibitions following the sales, but also that can be bought and incorporated into your own herds to expand your genetic pools and enhance future generations of registered Santa Gertrudis cattle. Be sure to come out and see the excellent cattle showcased at these sales. Thanks, and God bless.

2023 National Santa Gertrudis Show Dedication: Pat and Beverly Heath

Pat and Beverly Heath’s adventure in the Santa Gertrudis breed started more than 40 years ago with the purchase of three heifers from Davis Double D Farms in Tennessee. That small purchase led to a herd of close to 100 Santa Gertrudis and STAR 5 females.

Since then, Pat and Beverly have poured their hearts and souls into the breed they love, serving as a superintendent of the North American International Livestock Exposition (NAILE) since 1983 and acting as ring master for both the Kentucky State Fair and NAILE for more than 40 years. Pat has served in multiple offices with the Kentucky Santa Gertrudis Association and Beverly has been both the treasurer and secretary for that same association for 35 years. Beverly is actively involved in the association and has been the junior advisor for the Kentucky Santa Gertrudis Breeders Association for more than 30 years, where she has been instrumental in keeping the longest running junior show in the East going. Pat and Beverly have raised more than $100,000 for the juniors and donated thousands of dollars to make sure the Kentucky kids have a show.

Not only are Pat and Beverly active in the Kentucky Santa Gertrudis Association, but they have served multiple terms on the Santa

Gertrudis Breeders International Youth Activities and Shows & Exhibits committees as well.

Pat and Beverly have raised two high point STAR 5 females, a NAILE Reserve Grand Champion Female and the dam of the National Junior Santa Gertrudis Show (NJSGS) Better Beef winner. They are also constant attendees at the NJSGS, where they’ve offered to haul juniors’ cattle for free. Furthermore, Pat and Beverly were so

generous that if you didn’t have a calf, chances are they’d simply give you one.

The Heaths not only are dedicated to helping their Gert family, but they are dedicated to helping others too. Beverly is a nationally recognized artist, donating her time to the National Genealogy Society, DAR, CAR and 4-H, where she’s spent more than 40 years volunteering. Pat has worked to develop a non-profit that gives to people who are down on their luck.

Land Rental Agreements

Jennifer Rogers KFBM Area Extension Specialist

Land rental agreements can come in many shapes, sizes, parameters, and stipulations. Typically, we see three basic land rent types: cash rent, share rent, and the increasingly popular, flex rent. Each rental agreement is likely to be different. This article will just touch on the basics, realizing that each landlord and renter can develop their own individual agreement.

Cash rent is typically the easiest and most straightforward rental type. The landlord has a set number of acres to rent. An agreement is made with the renter to pay a set amount per acre for the use of that land. In the agreement, there may be other stipulations such as fertilizer management, crop rotation, and waterway and crossing management included in the agreement. Cash rent gives the landlord a set revenue per year and the renter a set cost per year. The landlord gives up any upside due to prices and yields. Likewise, the renter bears the full risk in a down year, no matter the revenue generated from the land, the same rent is due. Determining the cash rental rate is a science in and of itself. Rental rates are dependent upon the soil productivity level, size of the tract of land being rented, location, competition among potential renters, and many other factors. It helps the negotiation process if both parties are somewhat familiar with current cash rents in the area. Sometimes the landlord has a particular renter in mind that they want to rent their ground to. This requires the two parties to come to an agreement. Other times, a closed or open bid process is used to rent the ground to the highest bidder.

Crop share rent can be equally as popular as cash rent. One of the attractive qualities of crop share is that it helps to spread the risk and reward between the landlord and the renter. Again, crop share agreements vary among areas, producers, and individual land

tracts. Crop share agreements can also vary based on the crop planted. A crop share rent works just like it sounds. An agreement is made between the parties that the landlord will receive a certain percentage of the crop. This percentage can be anything but are typically somewhere between 20% and 50% of the crop. Sometimes the landlord receives a percentage of the crop “clear of expenses”, meaning that the landlord pays none of the costs of production. Other times landlord may receive a higher percentage of the crop in exchange for paying a portion of the expenses. Under a crop share agreement, the landlord owns a portion of the crop. This requires an agreement on how and when the landlord will be paid for their crop. The landlord could market their own crop. Sometimes an agreement is made for the producer to haul the crop at the time of harvest and sell the landlord share at the current market price on the day of harvest. Again, these agreements can vary from one rental agreement to another. Under a crop share agreement, the landlord now bears part of the revenue risk associated with crop production and market prices. In many situations, the landlord in a crop share agreement may find it wise to purchase crop insurance for their pair of the crop. Likewise, the landlord may have the opportunity to experience the upside of revenue increases due to crop production and market rallies. The renter in a crop share agreement gets to share the risk of a down year with the landlord. Crop share rental agreements typically require the landlord to be slightly more involved and knowledgeable about crop production levels and crop markets.

In recent years, a hybrid rental agreement seems to have gained popularity. This is referred to as a Flex Lease. The flex lease combines some attributes from the cash rent

The Agricultural Economics Department publishes the Economic and Policy Update towards the end of each month. Each issue features articles written by extension personnel within the department and other experts across the country.

and crop share agreements. Like all rental agreements, the flex lease can vary widely. Typically, a flex lease sets a minimum cash rent. This cash rent might be lower than a traditional cash rent, this helps to protect the renter in the case of decreased revenues, but locks in a minimum for the landlord. A flex lease also has a component to allow the landlord to gain in the case of increased revenues. This might be through a percentage of the crop when revenue hits or exceeds a predetermined threshold. Flex leases require more communication and knowledge of both the landlord and the renter. Many details must be worked out to determine the parameters that trigger increased rental payments. One of the most difficult parameters is what price to use and where and when to obtain that price to calculate revenue. It is important that both parties have a full understanding of the agreements and how increased payments are triggered and calculated.

As mentioned many times in the article, rental agreements can be different in a variety of ways. One of the most important points around rental agreements is that all parties fully understand what has been agreed upon. While many rental agreements are made verbally and over a handshake, it is highly recommended that any rental agreement be put in writing. A written rental agreement allows both parties or their representatives to refer back to the parameters of the lease. A written rental agreement also helps protect both parties in the case of death or other unexpected tragedy. Written agreements allow outside parties to know what the agreement was and how long it is in effect. Sample rental agreements to get you started can be found through a quick online search. If desired, an attorney can be contacted to review your rental agreement to be sure that your interests are protected.

Topics will vary greatly but regularly include marketing, management, policy, natural resources, and rural development issues. If you would like to recieve this newsletter by email, please contact Kenny Burdine at kburdine@uky.edu

You can also view current and past issues online at https://bit.ly/2PoHsZj

Co-editors: Kenny Burdine, Alison Davis, and Greg Halich

MEMBERSHIP

KCA members enjoy discounts from these trusted partners:

Valley Farm Equipment - Science Hill (valleyfarmeq.com)

Flaherty Tractor Company - Vine Grove (flahertytractorco.com)

Bush Hog (bushhog.com)

AirMedCare (airmedcarenetwork.com)

AgRevolution (agrev.com)

McBurney Livestock Equipment (cattleeq.com)

CattleMax (cattlemax.com/kca)

If you need anything for membership, please contact Nikki Whitaker at (859) 278-0899 or nwhitaker@kycattle.org

If you need anything for membership, please contact Rachel Cain at (859) 278-0899 or rcain@kycattle.org

2022-23 MEMBERSHIP APPLICATION

* MEMBERSHIP YEAR 10/1/22– 9/30/23

*Payments of KCA membership dues are tax deductible for most members as an ordinary and necessary business expense. However, charitable contributions of gifts to KCA are not tax deductible for Federal Income Tax purposes. Due to new IRS regulations, $2.24 of your dues would not be deductible. Approximately $12 of your dues will go towards the monthly publication Cow Country.

PLEASE CHECK THE MEMBERSHIP(S) YOU WOULD LIKE TO JOIN:

KCA MEMBERSHIP ($30/YR) NEW RENEWAL

Membership dues are $30 unless otherwise listed below

KCA COUPLE MEMBERSHIP

To add your spouse, please add $15 to your KCA Membership

KENTUCKY JUNIOR CATTLEMEN’S ASSOCIATION ($10/YR) NEW RENEWAL

I WOULD LIKE ADDITIONAL INFORMATION ON THE YOUNG PRODUCER’S COUNCIL

TOTAL MEMBERSHIP:

$ KCA $ KJCA

TOTAL CONTRIBUTIONS:

$ CATTLEMEN’S FOUNDATION DONATION (voluntary)

TOTAL AMOUNT ENCLOSED:

$ ALL DONATIONS TO KCF ARE TAX DEDUCTIBLE

COUNTY DUES

Dues are $30 except for the counties listed below.

Allen...............................$40

Anderson........................$25

Bourbon.........................$20

Boyle ..............................$35

Bullitt..............................$20

Butler..............................$25

Franklin ..........................$25

Highlands .......................$20

(Boyd, Floyd, Johnson, Lawrence, & Martin)

Hopkins ..........................$35

Laurel.............................$35

Lincoln ...........................$25

Louisville Area ................$20

(Jefferson, & Spencer)

Magoffin .........................$20

Menifee ..........................$25

Mountain........................$25

(Breathitt, Knott, Lee, Leslie, Letcher, Morgan, Owsley, Perry & Wolfe)

Oldham ..........................$35

Taylor..............................$20

Twin Lakes ......................$20

Warren ...........................$40

Wayne ............................$25

Whitley ...........................$25

Woodford......................$25

Bradon Burks Director of Education

Recently, the 94th Kentucky FFA State Convention was held in Lexington, Kentucky. FFA members and Agriculture Educators from across the state gathered for their annual convention where members competed in a variety of contests from speaking to team sales. We were pleased to be back for their convention this year, providing opportunities for both FFA members and Agricultural Educators to be a part of.

On the morning of June 7, 56 young beef advocates signed the “Kentucky Beef Council’s Young Beef Advocate Proclamation.” The signing event is designed to give young beef enthusiasts recognition for their commitment to being the next generation of advocates in Kentucky. Signees were joined on stage by KCA Executive Vice President Dave Maples and KCA President Andy Bishop. In the proclamation, signees declared that they are committed to being a beef advocate, sharing both their personal “beef story”, as well as the other 32,000 beef farm families here in the Commonwealth. The demand for beef today is higher than ever before; they are committed to be at the forefront in spreading awareness for our industry. Besides their signed and framed proclamation, signees also received a binder filled with resources on how to share their beef story, as well as some facts and statistics that they can utilize with conversations of unaware consumers.

Preston Wisdom, an incoming senior at Adair County High School and signee stated, “The proclamation signing gave me new connections that will allow me to stay connected and involved in future beef leadership opportunities. It also highlighted the next generation of young beef advocates, and seeing the participation more than double from last year is encouraging. I know the publicity the event received will do nothing but shine light on the future for the beef industry here in Kentucky.”

Not only did we host the signing day, we also were able to give away 1,300 Beef It’s What’s for Dinner t-shirts, which is some of the best advertising we can receive! We have also created a new QR Code Magnet, which we gave to our Agriculture Educators. These take our teachers to a google drive that contains all of our beef resources including graphics, videos, lesson plans, and more. We will also be hosting two AG Teacher Professional Developments this summer, one at Eden Shale Farm June 27th and one in Russellville on July 10th. Working with the Kentucky Beef Network and the Kentucky Master Grazer Team, these sessions will be highlighting beef advocacy and basic forage/grazing practices.

It has been a busy couple of months, however I feel so blessed to be working on behalf of our beef producers in Kentucky. As always, if I can ever be helpful, please feel free to reach out at bburks@kycattle.org.

2023 SIGNEES

Abgail Lykins Anderson County

Addison Thompson Montgomery County

Anna Reffitt Montgomery County

Ashley Thomas Anderson County

Bailey Williams McLean County

Bridget Faulkner LaRue County

Brooklyn Felts Nicholas County

Bryanna Smith Russell County

Bryleigh New Pulaski County

Cadense Johnson McLean County

Callie Derossett Henry County

Cash Lee LaRue County

Casie Mason McLean County

Chloe Dunn McLean County

Colbee Crouch Anderson County

Connor Hall Floyd County

Cyrus Bivens LaRue County

Ella Smallwood Menifee County

Ethan Carwile McLean County

Ethan Clark Taylor County

Ethan Sizemore Anderson County

Evan Searcy Carroll County

Evelyn Smith Montgomery County

Gage Stone Carroll County

Isaias Straton McLean County

Jake Marksbury LaRue County

Jenna Diaz Anderson County

Joe Fritsch Bourbon County

John Spencer Anderson County

Johnny Scherder Carroll County

Karli Woods Henry County

Katelynn Frailley McLean County

Kea Conn Anderson County

Kerrigan Searcy Anderson County

Kyleigh Penn Franklin County

Lily Becknell Jessamine County

Logan Chaffins Floyd County

Madison Chaudoin LaRue County

Maggie Sparks Bourbon County

Makenna James Anderson County

Mason Howard McLean County

Mason Rorer Bourbon County

Maverick Keister McLean County

Presleigh Jennings Marshall County

Preston Wisdom Adair County

Ryland Bowman Jessamine County

Samantha Pecco Rowan County

Savanna Mahl Anderson County

Spencer Greene Taylor County

Trey Stuecker Hardin County

Ty Jones Allen County

Whitney Peck Caldwell County

Will Beckley Estill County

Will Carter McLean County

Wyatt Gatton McLean County

Zach Albin McLean County

see all photos on KBC facebook page @kybeef

Being the largest cattle producing state east of the Mississippi River, Kentucky deserves to have young beef enthusiasts who are dedicated to sharing not only their farming message, but their beef message with the general public. Through programs such as the Kentucky Cattlemen’s Association, young beef producers can keep the beef message alive and strong for generations to come.

I [pictured above], do hereby declare that I am committed to advocating for the cattle industry in Kentucky through sharing my beef story with others wherever I go. I also declare that I am devoted to leaving a lasting legacy on the next generation of beef enthusiasts. The demand for beef today is higher than ever before; I am committed to be at the forefront in spreading awareness for our industry. I will constantly grow my knowledge of this community to improve not only myself, but encourage growth in the beef industry.

Beef Quality & Care Assurance EnrollmentAre You Up To Date?

Becky Thompson Director, Kentucky Beef Network

Is your Beef Quality Assurance or Beef Quality and Care Assurance certification number up to date? If you don’t have a number or it has expired, please consider going through the training process to enroll or renew your certification.

The Kentucky Beef Network and University of Kentucky merged their Cattle Handling and Care Program with the National BQA program to create a program, aptly named the Beef Quality and Care Assurance (BQCA) program. This program was implemented to raise awareness of practices that ensure the proper handling and welfare of cattle while keeping farmers safe and continuing to supply healthy beef to consumers. In turn, this program enables beef and dairy producers to enhance their products, maximize marketability and strengthen consumer confidence.

CERTIFICATION OPTIONS:

Producers have many training options that enable them to choose the best one for them. Please see below for enrollment options available to Kentucky Producers.

Option 1: National Beef Quality Assurance- Online www.bqa.org

These courses teach methods for raising your cattle in accordance with BQA fundamentals. Topics involve cattle health, stockmanship, marketing, emergency planning, and meat quality. With three classes available, you can choose one that relates to your operation. Certification valid for three years.

• COW/CALF - For those who breed and sell weaned calves

• STOCKER/BACKGROUNDER - For those who raise and sell feeder cattle

• FEEDYARD - For those who feed and sell fed cattle

Option 2: Kentucky Beef Quality and Care Assurance- Online & In-person options

In Kentucky we have taken the BQA practices one step further and added a care component to our training program. Educational modules have been developed to educate farmers on best management practices for handling cattle and providing for their well-being while also training on the core principles of BQA. Enrollment can be done online by visiting kybeefnetwork.com or in person by contacting your local county extension office for training opportunities. Certification is valid for three years and participants have the option of purchasing a farm gate sign.

ONLINE TRAINING MODULES AVAILABLE:

Module A: BQCA Overview

Module B: Genetics & Handling

Module C: Proper Equipment & Additional Cattle Handling

Module D- Veterinary Diagnostics Lab

Module E- Receiving Calving Basics

Module F- Preparing for Calving 1: Planning

Module G- Preparing for Calving 2: Dystocia

Module H- Sorting Tools, Hauling, Water & Minerals

WHAT IS BEEF QUALITY ASSURANCE?

Beef Quality Assurance is a national program that raises consumer confidence through offering proper management techniques and a commitment to quality within every segment of the beef industry. Through implementation of Beef Quality Assurance best management practices on your farm it assures their market steers, heifers, cows, and bulls are the best they can be. Today, the stakes are higher because of increased public attention on animal welfare. BQA is valuable to all beef and dairy producers because it:

• Demonstrates commitment to food safety and quality.

• Safeguards the public image of the dairy industry.

• Upholds consumer confidence in valuable beef products.

• Protects the beef industry from additional and burdensome government regulation.

• Improves sale value of marketed beef cattle.

• Enhances herd profitability through better management. Beef Checkoff supported BQA programs bring it all together. While the BQA Manual provides a framework for program consistency, the states still determine the best programs for their producers.

“Because the beef industry is so diversified, we wanted to allow states the opportunity to provide what is best for their producers. The BQA [Manual is the] overarching [protocol], providing some consistency across the state programs. They are good production practices to guarantee the quality of beef products,” comments Dr. Dee Griffin, DVM. (www.bqa.org)

Eden Shale Update

Dan Miiller Industry Coordinator, Kentucky Beef Network

It has been seventeen days since our last measurable rain fall in Owen County. This morning we are getting very light showers but I’m afraid it is not going to amount to enough. Things have certainly been dry lately and I hope it is a pattern that we soon break.

The dry weather has allowed us to get our first cutting of hay up and in the barn. We baled 97 bales on about 30 acres. This mixed hay consisted of fescue, orchard grass, red clover, and alfalfa. The fact that the grass grew slowly this spring helped keep the hay from becoming overripe. As of cutting, the orchard grass seed heads were still doughy, and only about 20% of the alfalfa had made a bloom. This hay will be stored inside at the shop and the heifer calving facility. This will feed our replacement heifers and the 1st and 2nd calf heifers next winter.

Late May was also spent running cattle through the chute. We synchronized both the cows and the replacement heifers to be bred with timed AI. Each group had to go through the chute four times to complete the protocol. Once to get their pre breeding vaccinations, once to put the CIDR’s in, once to pull the CIDR’s out, and one final trip on breeding day.

David McGlothlin, with Genetics Plus,

bred 79 head of the cows on the last Friday in May. We used the same bulls we used last year because we are very happy with the calves so far. We used Angus bull Plus One, and Hereford bull Kingdom. Dr. Les Anderson bred 40 head of replacement heifers the week before the cows were bred. These heifers were also synchronized and time AI’ed. They were bred to Hereford bull Small Town Kid and Angus bull Counselor. These heifers will be re-synchronized and any that did not stick on the first round will be AI bred again. After two rounds of AI we will not turn a cleanup bull in with the heifers. Any heifer that does not breed on the first two heat cycles is not going to stay in our tight calving window and will be marketed as a cull.

There continues to be lots of activity with the road construction going on. Cartinhour Fencing has been at the farm moving and rebuilding our road fence along the new highway right of way.

I would like to thank David Cartinhour (Cartinhour Fencing), David McGlothlin (Genetics Plus), and Les Anderson (UK Beef Extension) for their professional services to Eden Shale this past month. Without them this work would not be possible.

UK, USDA Break Ground On New Forage Research Building

U.S. Senator Mitch McConnell joined officials from the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Agricultural Research Service (ARS) Secretary of Agriculture Thomas Vilsack and the University of Kentucky’s College of Agriculture, Food and Environment (UK-CAFE) today in a groundbreaking ceremony for a new $65.9 million Forage Animal Production Lab on UK’s campus.

“Today’s groundbreaking for the Forage Animal Production Lab speaks to the heart of what a land-grant institution, like ours, is so distinctively positioned to do – to take basic scientific discovery and apply that knowledge to applications that can be transferred directly to producers,” said UK President Eli Capilouto.”

The new facility housing the Forage-Animal Production Research Unit (FAPRU) is targeted for completion in 2026 and will encompass approximately 52,600 total square feet of office, support and research laboratory space, as well as a collaborative area, headhouse and eight-bay greenhouses.

“For a long time, I’ve said Kentucky’s farmers are some of the best in the world. As a senior member of both the Senate Agriculture Committee and Appropriations Committee, I’ve firmly focused my career on supporting agricultural communities across the Commonwealth, and this research facility builds on that commitment in a big way,” said Senator McConnell. “I was proud to do my part and help secure $65.9 million in federal funding to establish this new lab at the University of Kentucky. Thank you, President

Capilouto, Dean Cox and Secretary Vilsack for your partnership on this project.”

The mission of the Forage-Animal Production Research Unit (FAPRU) in Lexington is to improve the productivity, sustainability and competitiveness of forage-based enterprises that raise beef cattle, horses, sheep and goats — particularly operators of small- to medium-sized farms.

“Agricultural research bolsters economic growth and enhances food quality and safety all while combatting the climate crisis,” said Agriculture Secretary Vilsack. “Today’s groundbreaking builds on more than two decades of partnership with the University of Kentucky, while demonstrating USDA’s latest commitment to pushing the boundaries of what is possible for agriculture, and to creating profitable and sustainable systems, rooted in science, that will advance farmers’ production for years to come.”

The completion of a the new FAPRU building will usher in important design upgrades and functionality, more opportunities for collaboration, and an expanded research capacity to support forage-based farm enterprises in Kentucky and other Transition Zone states.

The new FAPRU building will be staffed by six ARS scientists and seven UK researchers, along with laboratory technicians and administrative personnel. Research conducted there, among other projects, will include developing sustainable forage systems to ensure the performance and health of beef cattle and small ruminants such as

sheep and goats; minimizing the incidence of tall fescue toxicosis and evaluating the potential of natural antibiotic alternatives to improve nitrogen efficiency and reduce enteric methane emissions by cattle.

“This new facility will ensure continued innovative research for grazing-related industries,” said Nancy Cox, vice president for Land-grant Engagement and dean of the College of Agriculture, Food and Environment. “We are grateful to Leader McConnell for taking our partnership with ARS to a new level.”

The Agricultural Research Service is the U.S. Department of Agriculture's chief scientific in-house research agency. Daily, ARS focuses on solutions to agricultural problems affecting America.

“This work and these efforts, of course, also would not be possible without partners like those in the U.S. Department of Agriculture, represented by Secretary Vilsack and the members of his team who are with us today,” Capilouto said. “Senator McConnell has been our steady and steadfast partner in our mission to transform and advance this state – from cancer care to translational science, from the scourge of opioid misuse to the agricultural innovations we are celebrating today, he has pushed and supported us to do and be more for the state we all serve. The bottom line is this: the $65.9 million that is making this lab a reality would not have happened without Sen. McConnell’s strong support and unyielding leadership.”

L-R: Simon Liu, administrator USDA Agricultural Research Service; Chavonda Jacobs-Young, Under Secretary, Research, Education and Economics; Thomas J. Vilsack, U.S. Secretary of Agriculture; Mitch McConnell, U.S. Senate Republican Leader; Nancy Cox, Vice President for Land Grant Engagement and UK CAFE Dean; Dr. Eli Capilouto, UK President. Photo: Matt Barton

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.

Both the seller and the buyer are responsible for making sure that the $1 per head assessment is collected and remitted to the Kentucky Beef Council.

X

Send Report and Remittance to: Kentucky Beef Council

176 Pasadena Drive Lexington, KY 40503

For additional information: call 859-278-0899 or email beef@kycattle.org

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

According to the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, an agency may not conduct or sponsor, and a person is not required to respond to a collection of information unless it displays a valid OMB control number. The valid OMB control number for this information collection is 05810093. The time required to complete this information collection is estimated to average 1 hour per response, including the time for reviewing instructions, searching existing data sources, gathering and maintaining the data needed, and completing and reviewing the collection of information.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) prohibits discrimination in all its programs and activities on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, disability, and where applicable, sex, marital status, 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.

BREED

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

DAVIS BEND FARMS

2315 Davis Bend Road

Canmer, KY 42722

timmothyljeffries@gmail.com

www.davisbendfarms.com

Tim: (270) 528-6605 • Leslie: (270) 528-6435

FALL CREEK ANGUS

448 Corder Farm Road

Monticello, KY 42633

Ronnie Corder

(606) 348-6588

HAMILTON ANGUS FARMS

Eddie Hamilton 2142 Stilesville Road Science Hill, KY 42553

edjohami@aol.com

(606) 271-1286

Bulls and Females for Sale

HERITAGE FARM

Tom McGinnis

1024 Hinkle Lane • Shelbyville, KY

(502) 633-1634, home • (502) 633-5100, work

(502) 655-0164, cell

President: Henry B. Smith

Vice President: Anne Patton Schubert

Secretary/Treasurer: Shayna Gibson

KENTUCKY ANGUS ASSOCIATION MEMBERSHIP APPLICATION

Return to: Shayna Gibson 1535 Fallen Timber Road New Castle, KY 40050

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, Rob, and Janna 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 (502) 905-7825

Registered Angus Cattle

4040 Taylorsville Rd

Taylorsville, KY 40071

Gordon Schubert 502-477-2637 • 502-548-8440

Anne Patton Schubert 502-477-2663 • 502-548-2359

PLEASANT HILL FARMS

Gil, Mary, Corbin, Caroline, and Catherine Cowles 500 Rockfield Richpond Road

Rockfield, KY 42274

(270) 843-9021 • Fax (270) 843-9005

Located 7 miles west of Bowling Green, 1/2 mile off Hwy 68/80

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

WHITE FARM

Tim and Amy White 3664 Military Pike • Lexington, KY 40513

Home: (859)223-0326

Tim: (859) 509-5401 • Amy (859)227-2552

whitefarm4@twc.com

KENTUCKY ANGUS ASSOCIATION MEMBERSHIP APPLICATION

Return to: Shayna Gibson 1535 Fallen Timber Road New Castle, KY 40050 • Annual Dues $35

UPCOMING ANGUS SALES

A group shot of the KJAA!

Bryanna Smith, was the recipient of the Ladies of the Bluegrass Scholarship presented by the Kentucky Angus Auxiliary.

Clay Sparks, will represent Kentucky in the National Junior Angus Show Showmanship Contest.

Kentucky Hereford Association

JNHE Mad Dash to the Hereford Bash

Madison, Wisconsin July 8-14

KJHA Advisors: Matt and Melinda Watson 606-748-1600

WELLS FARM

KHA OFFICERS

NJB Limited

Toby & Debby Dulworth

2492 S. Kirkman Road LaCenter, KY 42056 (270) 224-2993

dogwood@brtc.net

Herefords that thrive on forages. www.dogwoodherefords.com

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

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”

Polled Herefords 439 Flatwoods Frozen Camp Rd, Corbin KY 40701 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

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

Registered Polled Herefords

Bulls & Females for sale

Tim & Peggy Wolf 12939 Peach Grove Road

Alexandria, KY 41001

Home: 859-635-0899

Cell: 859-991-3484

Peyton’s Well Polled Herefords

The Lowell Atwood Family 133 Edgewood Drive • Stanford, KY

(606) 365-2520 home/fax

(606) 669-1455 cell

Victor- influenced cattle bred for performance on grass.

“Black cows need a good Hereford Bull”

President: Chris Hopper 606-584-7842

Secretary/ Treasurer: Suzanne Matheny 606-584-0577

suzannebmatheny@gmail.com

K3 CATTLE REGISTERED HEREFORDS

KYLE BUSH

K3CATTLE@YAHOO.COM

859-588-4531

198 HICKS PIKE CYNTHIANA, KY 41031

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”

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

Home of Select Sires’ Boyd Fort Knox 17yxz54040

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

Ben, Jane, Shelby and Lincoln

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

T S F

BECKLEY HEREFORDS

L. Wayne Beckley • 1420 Fitchburg Rd. Ravenna, KY 40472 • 606-723-3021

Cell: 859-779-0962

L.W. Beckley D.V.M 284 Pyrse Lane • Irvine, KY 40336

Cell: 859-779-1419 • Clinic: 606-726-0000

www.beckleyherefords.com

TUCKER STOCK FARMS

“Breeding Polled Herefords for over 58 Years”

Breeding cattle for sale at all times.

1999 Walnut Hill Rd. Lexington, KY 40515

(859) 271-9086

cell (859)533-3790

Danny Miller jmspolledherefords.com

270-465-6984

270-566-2694

Tucker Stock Farms

“Registered Angus and Polled Herefords”

“Registered Angus and Polled Herefords”

John A. Tucker II 1790 Hidden Valley Lane Hudson, KY 40145 (270) 257-8548 Office (270) 257-8167

John Tucker II 1790 Hidden Valley Lane Hudson, KY 40145

270-617-0301

18-month-old Angus & Polled Hereford Bulls

“Bulls always for Sale”

WATSON LAND & CATTLE

Matt, Melinda, Harlee, & Wyatt Watson 6196 Mount Sterling Rd

Flemingsburg, Kentucky

melindawatson8660@gmail.com

Matt - 606-748-1600

Melinda - 859-625-8660

CATTLE FOR SALE AT ALL TIMES

USDA Innovation Grant Bale Grazing Study Yielding Positive Results In Kentucky

Aimee Nielson University of Kentucky

LEXINGTON, Ky., (May 18, 2023) – Kentucky is a dream state for cattle producers , with lush pastures that dot the landscape throughout most of the year. However, winter cattle feeding can be time-consuming, messy and inefficient. Thanks to a $2.3 million U.S. Department of Agriculture Natural Resources Conservation Innovation Grant, Greg Halich, a University of Kentucky agricultural economics professor, is leading a six-state, multi-year bale-grazing study that is already making winter feeding easier for Kentucky cattle producers.

“The conventional ways to feed hay are sacrifice lots, feeding pads and feeding barns, and for the most part, those are simply not working well. Most farmers who use those methods are tired and worn out by the end of the winter,” Halich said. “Bale grazing is a winter-feeding method where we set bales out directly on pasture and feed in a planned, controlled manner. It is basically rotational grazing of round bales.”

He said that when farmers feed hay to livestock, most nutrients  pass through the animal and can become fertilizer for future forage growth.

“How and where you feed the hay makes all the difference in this process,” he said. “Nutrients need to be returned or recycled to farm areas that can effectively use them. If you lose nutrients before that occurs or spread those nutrients out on already-high fertility areas, you lose much of the potential nutrient benefits. So we have to think about feeding hay as an overall nutrient flow—exporting nutrients from hayfields and importing nutrients wherever you feed hay.”

For the study, producers place bales out on pasture and then set up temporary electric fencing to limit cattle access to the bales. Each time the farmer moves the fence, the cattle move to a new area with new bales, and potentially stockpiled pasture, usually 30-90 feet from the previous fenced area.

“They will repeat this process every one to seven days,” Halich said. “If farmers properly plan, they won’t have to use a tractor for months at a time and nutrients will be deposited where they are needed. An added benefit is that cattle will avoid mud problems so typical of conventional hay feeding.”

Reducing mud problems for cattle is significant. Mud causes cattle to expend more energy to walk through the pasture and it also cakes on the animal’s hide and reduces its insulation capability. Halich said both of those problems create a scenario that raises the animal’s energy requirements when it’s critical to maintain body condition.

The study began this past winter. UK College of Agriculture, Food And Environment specialists worked with Mike Wilson in Anderson County and Josh and Melissa Ballard in Shelby County. Halich’s team will collect soil and forage data for the next three years after each pasture has been bale-grazed.

Josh and Melissa Ballard were bale grazing before the project and believe it is an excellent tool to increase soil biology, pasture fertility and control mud.

“Those of us who have been using bale grazing know that it works, but we are excited to see the results of the study,” Josh said. “Bale grazing is the only tool I have found that can turn a wornout, broom sedge-filled pasture around without spending a dime. We spent three to four hours setting hay out in December and didn’t need a tractor the rest of the winter. In the summer, when we turn cows out into a field that was bale grazed, the cattle immediately go to areas where they were fed hay. It does something to make the grass better; even the cows know.”

Years ago, Wilson was reluctant to adopt bale grazing. But then he saw how it worked on another Kentucky farm and decided to try it, supporting Halich’s ‘seeing is believing’ statement.

“I would add that it also adds organic matter to your fields, which helps retain moisture,” Wilson said.

The team will add participating farms in each of the next three winters. Halich said in year four of the project, they will switch the focus from data collection to demonstration farms that highlight the process and results of bale grazing to other farmers.

The NRCS hosted a national-level meeting for its staff in early 2023 where Halich presented on bale grazing. Based on that presentation, the NRCS realized the bale grazing requirements for their Environmental Quality Incentives Program funding required farmers to feed hay at far too concentrated rates for conditions in the Eastern United States, and they are now revising this protocol.

“Results from this project will continue to help NRCS officials revise their EQIP protocols and general wintering recommendations for beef cattle,” Halich said. “But more than that, having a network of demonstration farms highlighting this practice will provide opportunities to Kentucky cattle farmers to see bale grazing practiced on real farms with real-world constraints.

He added that for most farmers, seeing is believing. An hour spent seeing bale grazing on a real farm in their community is worth a dozen presentations or articles.

“This is how most real change occurs: seeing a new practice on an actual farm and being able to see the results and being able to talk to the farmer,” he said.

Halich’s team in Kentucky includes UK agricultural economics extension associate Samantha Kindred,  UK Department of Animal and Food Sciences beef specialist Jeff Lehmkuhler and UK Department of Plant and Soil Sciences extension professor Ray Smith, forage technician Gabriel Roberts and retired Anderson County agriculture and natural resources extension agent Tommy Yankey.    “Bale grazing is not for everyone,” Halich added. “It takes good management, reasonable stocking rates, cattle that respect electric fencing, and possibly most importantly, being willing to try something new. The benefits, however, can be great—lush, highfertility pastures, zero commercial fertilizer expenses, reduced machinery and labor costs, and reduced health problems during winter feeding.”

This material is based upon work that is supported by the Natural Resources Conservation Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture, under award number NR223A750013G011. 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.

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.

STAND STRONG SIMMENTAL

SIMMENTAL

KEVIN AND RACHEL BARRON

Crestwood, Ky (502) 905-5851 rkbarron812@gmail.com

SWAIN SELECT SIMMENTAL 12113 Green Valley Dr. Louisville, KY 40243 swainselect.com

swainselect@gmail.com facebook.com/swainselectsimmental

Fred & Phyllis: 502-599-4560 Chi & Angie: 502-287-2116

ROCKING P LIVESTOCK 8308 Orangeburg Road Maysville, KY 41056

Chan: 606-584-7581

Keith: 606-584-5626 rockingplivestock@maysvilleky.net

BRIAN & HEATHER SWAIN 3906 Pottertown Road Murray, KY 42071 • 270-293-4440 wksbswain@murray-ky.net

SIMMENTAL AND SIMANGUS BULLS FOR SALE

1939 Huntertown Road Versailles, KY 40383

BULLS FOR SALE

JUDY AND RONDAL DAWSON

1156 Buzzard Roost Road Shelbyville, KY 40065 502-593-5136 • jrdawson22@outlook.com

Chris Allen 859-351-4486 callenuky@hotmail.com

Dr. Henry Allen 859-229-0755

BILL KAISER • Shelbyville, KY • 502.639.4337

BRET AND LAURA JACKSON 859.533.3718 or 859.707.7200

CALENDAR OF EVENTS

JUNE 30 KCA Hall of Fame Applications Due

JULY 14-15 45th Kentucky National Show & Sale

JULY 15 Campbell County Backroads Farm Tour

JULY 22 Southeast Kentucky Sheep Producer’s First Annual Breeding Sheep Sale

JULY 31-AUG 5 Youth Leadership Program

AUG 17-27 Kentucky State Fair

SEPT 7 CPC Fall Field Day

SEPT 16

SEPT 23

Foundation Sale IX

Beef Cattle Female Sale

OCT 12 JMar Genetics Quality Over Quantity Charolias Bull Heifer Sale

OCT 14 The Future is Now Fall Production Sale

OCT 14 Central KY Angus Sale

OCT 20 Tamme Valley & Myers Angus Female Sale

OCT 21 Great Meadows Angus Association

OCT 22

OCT 27

OCT 28

OCT 28

OCT 29

OCT 30

OCT 30

NOV

NOV 13

NOV 17

NOV 25

Family Farms Fall Female Sale

Family Farms Fall Bull Sale

Creek Farms Best of the Bluegrass

KY

KY

KY

KY

KY

KY

Has It/Four Sons Bull Sale

REGISTERED RED ANGUS BULLS AND FEMALES FOR SALE

* FREE DELIVERY *

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

THE FOUNDATION SALE IX

September 16, 2023

United Producers Facility, Bowling Green, KY 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 502-3492665

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

OPEN REGISTERED BLACK HEREFORD HEIFERS

These heifers are 10 months old with great disposition. Delivery available. Also have fall bred cows for sale that are carrying ABHA calves. Sweet T Farm, Cynthiana, KY 859-684-1509

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

McHale individual hay wrapper $14,995

Artex s b 500 - in stock

Artex S B 200 in stock

John Deere 4020-3020

John Deere 5085E loader ready New Holland 900 options for heads

5612-5607 ESCH NO TILL DRILLS

Meyer 510 - single screw mixer

JD 6400-cab-4wd- $34,000

Cloverdale 500 T - in stock

1402/03 Horning Rotary Headers

Lancaster hammermills- ready to go 4218-22 Esch hay tedders- in stock

WLS 50- $20,000 wet lime spreader

Stoltzfus -LIME -LITTER- FERTILIZER Spreader

Manure spreaders- 8 in-stock John Deere

7200- cab -16 speed John Deere 3975 - base unit- call Artex SB 600 Spreader -in stock

John Deere 566- twine $12,000 Stoltzfus 10 ton Litter spreader $$$$ New Holland 790 choppers-$8500 Gehl 8335 feeder wagon $7500 Artex SB 200- vertical beater- for rental Farmco feeder wagons-5 in stock-call John Deere 6300- 2wd- cab-16 speed-$35,000 Www. REDBARNANDASSOCIATES.COM

Charlie B. Edgington 859-608-9745

Kubota 2019 DMC 8032R Discbine

10 ft 6 inch cut, transport 9 ft 4 inches, quick change knives, Excellent Condition, No problems. $18,900. New Holland 258 Roller Bar Hay Rake 9 ft. 6 inch rake width, with front dolly. Barn kept, No problems. $4300 M&W PT 407 4 Basket Tedder 16 ft working width, Barn kept. $2,500 CALL JOE D. BURTON & SONS ANGUS at 606-305-3081

REGISTERED SIMMENTAL COWS & HEIFERS

AI bred to calve in Aug. and Sept. Quality backed by 40 years of AI breeding. For more information call 502-839-6651 or 502-260-7884.

An Argument for Genomics Testing Your Bulls

Darrh Bullock University of Kentucky

I am one of five brothers and arguing has always been a way of life for us. If there are ever two or more of us together you can be assured that there is a healthy discussion going on. From time to time in these family discussions I have found myself on both sides of the debate, one time arguing for a particular issue and another time arguing against it. Being the middle child, I think I tended to side with the underdog and try to level the playing field. In my professional life I take a different approach. Don’t get me wrong, I still love a good debate and I have been known to switch sides, but it is not to be cantankerous it is because I have a better understanding or because things have changed. Genomics testing of seedstock animals is one of those topics that my advice to beef producers has changed over time.

In the early stages of genomics testing, I strongly discouraged its use by cattlemen. The technology at that time was very new and subsequently very inaccurate. The technology did add some understanding of the genetic merit of seedstock cattle, but the hype

surrounding the technology far exceeded its ability to deliver. Additionally, the cost was higher than its value making it impossible to make a positive return on investment. At that time they had identified a few genes that influenced marbling and were promoting testing to identify bulls with those genetics. The technology could do what was promised, the problem was that those genes only accounted for a very small contribution to the bull’s offspring’s ability to marble. In other words, there were a lot of genes that impacted marbling that weren’t being accounted for in the testing. The other problem was that there was competing information, the genomics test and the bull’s Expected Progeny Differences (EPD). One of my concerns at the time was that producers were going to use the technology, be dissatisfied with it and then be hesitant to use it when it developed to the point of being useful. History has proven that my concerns were warranted.

The next stage of the evolution of genomics testing was the development of the 50K chip that allowed us to look at 50,000 markers

instead of the three that we started with. We could also use these markers to determine their relationship with any trait we were interested in. This was a huge improvement over the previous technology, but there were still some of the same issues. We still had competing industries between genomics and EPD and even though the technology was much better it still did not provide a positive return on investment to users.

The last major breakthrough was the technology to combine genomics with genetic evaluations to get Genomically Enhanced EPD. This was a game changer for me. This eliminated the problem with competing technologies because the genomics information now goes directly into improving the EPD and giving it a higher accuracy. Depending on the trait, the additional information gained by having cattle genomically tested is the same as collecting data on as many as 25 of their progeny. This fact makes genomic testing to produce Genomically Enhanced EPD beneficial to both seedstock and commercial producers.

Typically, the seedstock producer is the one that bears the burden of paying for the test (around $35), so why should they be willing to incur this additional cost? There are two primary benefits to a seedstock producer; more informed culling decisions at earlier ages and improved reliability of the EPD of the bulls they are selling to their clientele. Since genomic testing can be done well before the animal produces any calves, usually at weaning or yearling, this rapidly speeds up our ability to make decisions about keeping or culling the animal. With genomics testing, and proper submission of other performance records, weanlings can have much higher accuracy values than traditional non-parent EPD. This allows seedstock producers to cull inferior cattle at this time rather than putting them through the high-cost process of developing them to yearlings, at which time they would still have low accuracy

EPD without genomic testing. Now, when the seedstock producer markets their yearling bulls to commercial customers they will have higher accuracy EPD which will lead to fewer selection “mistakes” that should result in better customer satisfaction.

As mentioned above, the benefit to commercial producers is reduced risk of buying a bull with expectations based on his EPD that does not come through in his progeny. A higher accuracy value EPD does not eliminate the risk of a bull performing under expectations for that trait, but it greatly reduces that risk. Buying a bull with low accuracy EPD is certainly better than buying a bull with no EPD, but it is riskier than it has to be. Buying a bull with Genomically Enhanced EPD is like buying a bull that you know how 20 of his calves performed for some traits. That is a tremendous

amount of information and adds value to that bull. Paying a little extra for a bull, with the right EPD for your operation, that has been genomically tested resulting in Genomically Enhanced EPD should be cost effective. Many things in the cattle industry are ripe for debate, but in my opinion the value of Genomically Enhanced EPD is not one of them. As the technology of genomic testing improves the benefits will continue to improve as well. Typically, with new technologies the cost continues to come down over time while the product actually improves. This is exactly what we have seen with genomics testing, and I expect it to continue. Once genomics testing information on seedstock animals was incorporated into genetic evaluations the benefit to both seedstock and commercial cattlemen made this practice a no-brainer.

TIMELY TIPS FOR JULY

Spring-Calving Cow Herd

• Consider removing bulls from the cow herd by the end of the month and keep them away from the cows. A short calving season can concentrate labor during the calving season; group calves by age so that it is easier to find a convenient time to vaccinate, castrate, dehorn, etc.; and provide a more uniform group of calves at market time.

• Mid-July is a good time to deworm cattle, use a product that is effective against inhibited ostertagia. Re-implant calves which were implanted at birth if the type of implant and amount of time indicate. Calves which haven’t been vaccinated for blackleg should be. Spraying or using a pour-on for flies while cattle are gathered can supplement other fly control methods. Remember to work cattle early in the morning when it is cool and handle them gently to minimize stress.

• Watch for pinkeye and treat if necessary. Minimize problems by clipping pastures, controlling face flies and providing shade. Monitor the bulls’ activity and physical condition as the breeding season winds down.

• Fescue pastures tend to go dormant in July and August, so look for alternatives like warm season grasses during this period of time. Try to keep the young calves gaining weight. Go to pastures which have been cut for hay to have higher quality re-growth when it is available.

• Consider cutting warm season grass pastures

for hay if reserves have not been restored yet.

• Heat stress can lead to low conception rates, low libido in bulls, and embryonic loss (abortion) between days 6 and 45 of pregnancy. Keep a close eye on your herd. Plan to diagnose your herd for pregnancy early this fall to identify open cows for future planning.

Fall-Calving Herd

• De-worm calves in mid-July with a product that is effective against inhibited ostertagia.

• Fall-calving cows should be dry and pregnant now. Their nutrient needs are minimal, and they can be maintained on poor pasture to avoid over fattening. Keep a good free-choice mineral mix available at all times. You can use a lower phosphorus mineral supplement now, if you want to save a little money. These cows are regaining body condition after a long winter-feeding period.

• Get ready for fall calving and plan to have good pasture available at calving and through the breeding season

Stockers

• Sell heavier grazing cattle before rate of gain decreases or they get into a heavyweight category. This will also relieve grazing pressure as pasture growth diminishes. They can be replaced with lightweight calves after pastures recover.

• Lighter cattle which are kept on pasture need

to be rotated to grass-legume or warm-season grass pastures to maintain a desirable level of performance. Re-implant these calves and deworm with a product that is effective against inhibited ostertagia.

General

• Check pastures for downed wild cherry trees after storms (wilted wild cherry leaves are toxic to cattle).

• Be sure that clean water is always available, especially in hot weather. Make routine checks of the water supply. Cattle need 13 to 20 gallons of clean water in hot weather. Cattle should have access to shade.

• Maintain a weed control program in permanent pastures and continue to “spot-spray” thistle, honey locust, etc.

• Have forage analyses conducted on springcut hay and have large, round bales covered. Begin planning the winter feeding program now. Most of the hay was cut late due to a wet spring.

• Start soil testing pastures to determine fertilization needs for this fall.

• We are finishing June in the middle of an extremely hot and dry period. Begin planning now for drought. If this weather continues, you may need to begin feeding hay/supplement August-October to allow for fall stock piling of fescue.