Cow Country-January 2024

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LIVESTOCK MARKETING GROUP Lexington

Albany

Cattle Sale Every Wednesday 9:30 AM(CT) Jeffery Cyphers 270-459-1193

Cattle Sales Every Monday & Tuesday 9:00 AM Cow Sale 4th Wednesday of Every Month 6:30 PM Jeremy Shryock 859-967-6479

Campbellsville

Richmond

Cattle Sales Every Wednesday & Saturday 10:00 AM 1st Friday Every Month 7:00 PM Ronnie Choate 270-465-4051 or 270-766-8240

East-Mt. Sterling

Cattle Sales Every Wednesday 8:30 AM 1st Friday Every Month 6:30 PM Jeff Copher 859-229-7587

Farmers-Flemingsburg

Cattle Sales Every Tuesday 10:00 AM Cattle Sales Every Saturday 11:00 AM Corey Story 606-209-1543

Cattle Sales Every Friday 9:00 AM

Hog, Goat & Sheep Sale 2nd & 4th Monday Every Month 1:00 PM

Jim Dause 859-314-7211

South-Stanford

Cattle Sales Every Monday & Thursday 8:30 AM Cow Sale 3rd Friday of Every Month 6:30 PM David Holt 502-680-0797

Internet at Blue Grass Video Sales As Announced Adam Menker 419-310-5344

Visit The Barn Door Grill & Bar Restaurant Hours Monday—Saturday 8:00 AM—3:00 PM Bar Hours Monday—Saturday 3:00 PM—7:30 PM

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Spring Production Sale NEW THIS YEAR - NEW SALE LOCATION AT THE FARM! 9039 Russellville RD. Rockfield, KY 42274

Gil Cowles 270-791-3526 // Corbin Cowles 270-991-2534 // Harvey Mast 270-791-6873

January • Cow Country • 3


C O L UM NISTS 07 Andy Bishop: President's Thoughts 08 Jonathan Shell 10 Dave Maples: Thoughts from Dave 16 Kenny Allen: Beef Solutions Update 22 Dr. Michelle Arnold: Buying Feeders this Fall? How “Histophilus somni or “Somnus” is Changing the Game 26 Chris Teutsch: The Gift that Keeps Giving…Clover 50 Kevin Laurent: Winter Feeding Check-Up and Using the UK Beef Cow Forage Supplement Tool

F E AT U RE STORIES 14 Bishop Reflects on Year as Kca President 18 Mountain Rancher 30 KCA Convention Agenda/Registration 36 Online Cattle Buying Tips 12 County News 28 UK Economic & Policy Update 34 Membership 38 Kentucky Beef Council 40 Kentucky Beef Network 43 Kentucky Angus News 48 Calendar of Events 49 Advertisers Index 49 Classifieds

(70 + 90 = 160) ÷ 2 = 80 Anyone who passed sixth grade math can breed numbers,

BUT CAN THEY BREED CATTLE? Cover photo by SaraVard Logan Von Gruenigen, Garrard County

In the real world of beef production, making a profit is the bottom line, not maximum EPDs.

89 TH ANNIVERSARY PRODUCTION SALE Monday, February 26, 2024

1291 North Stroudsville Road, Adams, TN

Check the February issue of Cow Country for more details! Visit our website for an in-depth look at our breeding and management philosophy! www.robertelliottandsonsfarm.com Joe Elliott • (615) 969-2205 resjoe@bellsouth.net

Since 1935

William B. Elliott • (615) 505-9234 reswbe@outlook.com Lake Elliott • (615) 483-2444 resdubman@gmail.com

4 • Cow Country • January

(580) 595-0901


The book Moneyball by Michael Lewis is one of my fathe farm are made because they are easy to defend to your neighvorite reads. Despite the fact I was not good at it, I always loved bor, or at the coffee shop, or when something goes wrong with a baseball. As a child born in 1990, the homerun chase of 1998 and bull customer. Over and over again, farmers spend their summers the baseball card craze overlapped significantly with my childhood. rolling hay instead of managing their pasture rotations. Then they Kentucky is without a pro sports team, but we always had the clip their pastures in the fall so it “looks pretty,” and they wonder Atlanta Braves on TBS. When Moneyball was released in 2004, it why they are feeding hay to their entire cow herd so early. If they was a topic of conversation on the EPSN talk shows, and I bought are in the southeast, there is a good chance that they will wean a copy the next time I was at my local Barnes & Noble. It told the their calves at the sale barn, too. There is plenty of money in the budget for new hay equipment, but never any money to build a pen story of the analytical revolution that was taking over baseball. to background calves. It seems like the right decision when everyIn short, a small market franchise knew they couldn’t compete one cuts hay on the weekend. The same goes for loading up your financially with the big-budget ball clubs. Their general manager, Billy Beane, sought to find undervalued and overlooked players to calves on the day of pregnancy check to take them to the sale barn build a winning team economically. It was a fascinating story that while they are still bawling. Those are the easy and conventional things to do, but will they lead to long-term success in the commerhas since been popularized by the Brad Pitt movie. At one point cial industry? in the film, the team manager disagrees with Billy Beane about From a breeding standpoint, my job would be so much which players to put in the starting lineup. The manager continually played players that might have had more name recognition, the easier to eye down the list of the most popular bulls in the breed players the fans paid to come to see, and widespread consensus said and blindly use them. Those highest-use bulls come with built-in marketing, and the decision to use them is easy to defend. Many should be in the starting lineup. Those players did not necessarily encompass the Moneyball philosophy of “just get on base,” no mat- other people are obviously using them, so they must be good, right? ter the method. Base hits were flashier than walks, but players still I don’t know how often I have been asked if I have sons of whatevended up on first base if they walked. Players that get on base score er the most popular bull may be that given year. The answer was almost always no. We had an instinct to avoid many of those bulls runs, and the team that scores more runs wins. Billy Beane really at the time, but history has often proven us right. If we had stacked didn’t care how they got there as long as they got there. The team had been losing games to start the year, and frustration was build- a few generations of some of those “popular” bulls back to back, we ing from both Beane and his manager. Billy Beane was not getting would wreck the fundamentals of our cow herd in a hurry. Instead, proper implementation of his strategy, and the manager was coach- we have utilized data collection and data searches to identify speing on a one-year contract. During the semi-heated exchange, Beane cific animals to better achieve our objectives. Selling those calves said they were losing anyway, so why not just try his approach. That from owned sires is a more challenging marketing plan, but my illicit the response from the manager that he is “managing the team commercial customers are much happier. Baseball has already undergone its data revolution. It is an in a way he can defend in job interviews that winter.” entirely different game from an analytical standpoint than what I Unfortunately, too many decisions get made simply for watched on TV during the homerun chase of 1998. To put a bow those very same reasons. In our personal lives, it may come in the form of peer pressure. In the short term, it is always much easier to on the baseball analogy, the Oakland A’s won 20 consecutive games go with the flow than it is to be a contrarian. If you do what every- from August 13 to September 4, 2002, using Beane’s novel approach. one else does, you can defend your decisions more easily. However, He was seen as a visionary. The cattle industry is moving that way quickly, whether it is commercial or seedstock production. Beef if you take the path less traveled and fail, people wonder what in on dairy breeding has been revolutionary for the industry, and the world you are thinking. I have repeatedly written that being different for the sake of being different has little value. In the case there is undoubtedly more to come. Moving forward, we have to of the early 2000s Oakland Athletics, they had to be different to try ask ourselves if we want to adopt novel approaches and implement and survive. Ten times out of ten, their season would be a failure if our own original ideas or if we want to continue with antiquated they tried to take the same approach as teams with five times their approaches based on outdated recipes that have worked in the past. budget. They had to find a competitive advantage, and that was in One way allows you to explain your failures, while the other will the data. If they hadn’t, you certainly wouldn’t be reading the very enable you to find new ways to generate wins. abridged version of the story over the last 400 words while I build Joe K. Lowe II to my point. Contact joe.lowe@icloud.com for an additional monthly newsletter The point I am getting to is that far too many decisions on

45TH ANNUAL FIRST CHOICE BULL SALE

MONDAY, MARCH 25, 2024 - SMITHS GROVE, KY - YEARLING AND 18-MONTH-OLD BULLS KENNETH D. LOWE 270-202-7186 - JOE K. LOWE II 270-202-4399 WWW.OAKHOLLOWANGUS.COM


EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE OFFICERS:

KCA PAST PRESIDENTS:

REGIONAL DIRECTORS:

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

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

1972-73 Jere Caldwell† - Boyle

2003 Mark Williams - Crittenden

1974-77 Smith T. Powell† - Lincoln

2004 Paul Napier - Lincoln

1978-79 Larry Lovell† - Union

2005 Eddie Young - Washington

PRESIDENT ELECT Jeff Pettit 5745 US Highway 41 S Sebree, KY 42455 (270) 836-2963

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

REGION 1 Bobby Bell*.................................270-547-8547 Buddy Cook.................................270-275-1274 Ashley Holloway................................................. Leland Steely...............................270-339-3476 Gary Woodall...............................270-725-0819 Wayne Zoleman...........................270-315-7812 Mark Heimgartner........................270-875-2585 Jeremy Armstrong......................270-668-2056 Kenton Howard.................................................. Sara Roberson............................270-668-2428

VICE PRESIDENT Randy Warner 2717 Ratliff Road Sharpsburg, KY 40374 (859) 771-5280

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

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

KBN CHAIRMAN* Allan Bryant BEEF SOLUTIONS CHAIRMAN* Jeff Pettit *ex officio

1980-82 John Masters† - Fleming

2006 Greg Ritter† - Barren

1983-85 Seldon Hail† - Laurel

2007 Don Pemberton - Christian

1986-87 Bob Vickery† - Wayne

2008 Billy Glenn Turpin - Madison

1988 Glenn Mackie - Bourbon

2009 Scotty Parsons - Christian

1989 Dale Lovell† - Muhlenberg

2010 Corinne Kephart - Shelby

1990 Steve Henshaw† - Union

2011 Greg Robey - Mercer

1991 Jerry Fraim - Grayson

2012 Mike Bach - Bath

1992 Glen Massengale† - Wayne

2013 Don Reynolds - Hart

1993 Dell King - Christian

2014 Steve Downs - Marion

1994 Kenneth Lowe - Warren

2015 Gary Woodall - Logan

1995 Dr. J.L.Cole - Monroe

2016 David Lemaster - Clark

1996 Harvey Mitchell - Mercer

2017 Chuck Crutcher - Hardin

1997 Jim Naive† - Spencer

2018 Bobby Foree - Henry

1998 Shelby Hughes - Logan

2019 Tim White - Fayette

1999 Hoppy Lovell - Barren

2020 Steve Dunning - Christian

2000 Charles Miller - Jessamine

2021 Chris Cooper - Madison

2001 Larry Clay - Perry

2022 Cary King - Mercer

2002 Jack Kimbrough† - Shelby

(Deceased)

REGION 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

Jeremy Goodson with his herd in Knott County. Photo by Katie Pratt. Read more about Jeremy and his farm on page 18.

VOLUME 37 • ISSUE 1 176 PASADENA DRIVE • SUITE 4 • LEXINGTON, KY 40503 • PHONE: (859) 278-0899 FAX: (859) 260-2060 • WWW.KYCATTLE.ORG • INFO@KYCATTLE.ORG

Dave Maples Executive Vice President Chief Operating Officer

Membership and Communications Coordinator

Rachel Cain

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

Beef Solutions Operations Manager

KBC Director of Industry Relations

Communications Manager

KBC Director of Communications

Video Production Specialist

Director of Kentucky Beef Network

Graphic Designer

KBN Program Coordinator

Staff Accountant

KBC Director of Education

KBN Industry Coordinator

Director of Operations & Policy

Carey Brown Kenny Allen Kelly Baird

Todd Brown

Bradon Burks

Amelia Carter Danny Coy

Jake Harrod Dan Miller

Katie Pratt

Becky Thompson Kelly Tucker

Nikki Whitaker

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.

6 • Cow Country • January

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


President's Thoughts Andy Bishop KCA President And just like that…It’s over! The holidays have come and gone and so has my year as KCA President. We had a saying through high school and college, “It’s been real; it’s been fun, but it ain’t been real fun”. In this case, I enjoyed this year immensely and have loved meeting producers across the state. Yes, being in a leadership role comes with its challenges and constant complaints from someone in a crowd, but I have learned to focus on the majority rather than the minority. People often ask me how do you deal with the constant complaints from producers? The answer is simple, I focus on the good. It’s been my experience that most people don’t speak up when things are good, or when they like what you are doing. It’s also been my opinion that about 10% of the population are genuinely unhappy people that just need others to feel as miserable as they do. In an era of social media, 24-hour news cycle and everyone glued to their phones, it’s easy to become completely overwhelmed with negativity, fear and constant concern for someone else’s business, which in most cases doesn’t even affect us. Hey marketing and news agencies are making billions of dollars feeding us negativity and fear because at the end of the day it gets clicks and views. We can’t help but click on that link with a crazy headline which rarely even tells the true story. Yet, we instantly click on it, read it and make it the gospel whether it’s true or not. It takes way too much time to research and find the truth, so we take the first thing as the truth and become outraged immediately over something that rarely even affects us. There is a very popular cattle influencer that has built his platform on fueling the divide within our industry. The man doesn’t own cattle, rarely has his story correct, yet nearly every time I get a negative comment it starts with, “I was listening to … and he said this…”. I will say this, Abraham Lincoln has a quote that rings true in this commentary; “It’s better to remain silent and be thought a fool than to speak and remove all doubt!” So, in my last article I want to challenge each of you to focus on the good around you rather than being caught up in a headline or commentary that is made to play on our natural negative tendencies. What are the positives in our industry? We live in the best country in the world, and we have the best genetics, best tasting, and most nutritious beef in the world. Other countries look at us as leaders in the beef industry, beef marketing and to feed the world. Contrary to the media, our industry is thriving, and yes, the Checkoff does work and is doing its job and doing it well. Yes, the industry is consolidating, but name an industry that has not consolidated in history whether in agriculture or not. Some years we make money in the cattle industry, and some years we don’t. It’s cyclical, and we need to spend time understanding the cycles to capitalize on them. At the end of the day, our industry is the greatest in the world. Beef producers are resilient, hardworking, genuinely good people, who believe in a way of life and take pride in the product we produce. We get to work hand-in-hand with Mother Nature to use cattle to convert something we cannot eat into the most nutritious, best tasting protein source in the world. I can raise my kids in an industry that still believes in morals and values, that a handshake means something and that hard work builds character which won’t let

you down. I don’t know of a better feeling than watching that newborn calf take its first steps, seeing cattle grazing fresh green grass, or watching my kids go to the barn before school to do their chores. At the meetings I attend, I see it on your faces too. We are one big dysfunctional family, and I love it. So how do I deal with the negative comments? I focus on the little positives I see every day! I want to take this opportunity to thank my wife Meagan and my kids Clara Belle, Jake, Sara Beth and Boone, who have sacrificed a lot this year with my time away. To my mom and dad who filled in for me when I was on the road, I couldn’t have gone without your help. To my boss Frank Wilson at Wilson and Muir Bank for giving me the time away from the bank to attend so many valuable events. Thanks to the staff at the Kentucky Cattlemen’s Association. As an industry we are fortunate to have the best staff I have seen anywhere, and I thank each of you for your undying support for this industry. You truly are the best. Finally, thanks to you producers who put on your boots each day and support the greatest industry in the world and do it with a smile on your face and genuine concern for those around you. Keep fighting the good fight and remember…EAT BEEF!

Andy Bishop

Kentucky Cattlemen’s Association President 502-350-7609

WHITE FARM

Bull & Commercial Female Sale SATURDAY • MARCH 16, 2024 • 1:00 EST WHITE FARM • LEXINGTON, KENTUCKY

ANGUS & SIM-ANGUS BULLS SPRING-CALVING HEIFERS (MANY WITH CALVES AT SIDE) SHOW HEIFER PROSPECTS

We also offer a feeder calf program featuring 2 sales per year in June and December. Sell your White Farm genetics at either of our Profit Thru Performance sales!

Contact White Farm Tim White (859) 509-5401 • Amy White (859) 227-2552 3664 Military Pike • Lexington, Kentucky 40513 whitefarm4@twc.com January • Cow Country • 7


Jonathan Shell Commissioner of Agriculture

Agriculture is vital and impacts every Kentuckian. I could not be more excited to get to work as your next commissioner of agriculture so I can fight every day for you and to ensure a bright future for Kentucky agriculture. Farming is a way of life for many in Kentucky, including myself. My dad, Gary, and I own and operate Shell Farms and Greenhouses in Garrard County. Like many of you, we raise cattle. We also grow flowers, corn and pumpkins. My wife, Brooke, and I live in Lancaster with our four children. Whether it’s picking pumpkins or feeding cattle, I love seeing my kids learn right on the farm. I believe agriculture can be summed up in three words: food, faith and family. All three of these are what we focus on every day. I know how important these things are to our farm families. I ran to be ag commissioner to fight for farm families and our Kentucky values. They are values you and I share that we learned on the farm and hold onto throughout life. I am no stranger to state government. I was the youngest legislator in Kentucky in 2012 when I was elected to the state House of Representatives. Before the 2016 election, I was tapped by Republican leadership to spearhead candidate recruitment and helped Kentucky elect its first Republican House majority in nearly a century. The following year, my colleagues elected me Kentucky’s first-ever Republican House majority floor leader. I developed and executed legislative strategies to help pass laws that support farmers and create jobs. I still have many strong relationships in the General Assembly and look forward to utilizing those to move Kentucky agriculture forward. As I prepared for my first day in office, I met with former Ag Commissioner Dr. Ryan Quarles. I appreciate his and his team’s assistance as we worked to make sure our administration was ready to continue the momentum of Kentucky agriculture from day one. I intend to follow in the footsteps of Commissioner Quarles and his predecessor, U.S. Congressman James 8 • Cow Country • January

Comer. Both men are true champions for Kentucky agriculture, and I look forward to building on their many achievements. I want to make sure the Kentucky Department of Agriculture continues to be a resource our state’s farmers can count on as they feed their neighbors and the entire

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world. I am looking forward to meeting many of you as I begin this chapter as agriculture commissioner. My team and I will ensure that the important business of the Kentucky Department of Agriculture continues seamlessly.


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Oklahoma State University conducted a study comparing probability between a 5% increase in calves to a 50 pound average increase in weaning weight. This study and many others, have found that reproductive efficiency always puts more money in your pocket. Selecting for traits that enhance fertility are more advantageous than selecting for extreme growth traits. This has been Stone Gate’s breeding philosophy. True profitability comes from developing a herd that is efficient, consistent, fertile, and uniform.

ANNUAL SPRING SALE MONDAY MARCH 4, 2024 55 ANGUS BULLS AND 40 FALL BRED COMMERCIAL HEIFERS

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Thoughts From Dave Dave Maples Executive Vice President Dec. 23, 2003 was a Tuesday. It was late in the afternoon when I got the news. A time stamp in my memory that I can recall really well. Some dates you just don’t forget. For me, that date in 2003 is just about the same as when I was a 6-year-old kid on November 22, 1963. Dad and I were in a big truck hauling bulls to a sale in South Alabama, and we pulled in to a small, rural gas station. When we went inside, the radio was broadcasting the news that President John F. Kennedy had been assassinated. To this day, when I pass that turn in the road where I was that cold November morning, I remember the panic in the news reporter's voice. December 23, 2003 was the day of “the cow that stole Christmas,” when a cow in Washington state tested positive for bovine spongiform encephalopathy also known as mad cow disease. I was near the Shell gas station on Nicholasville Road in Lexington. It was almost dark, so I pulled in the parking lot and listened to the call. Through the Checkoff, USDA and NCBA, there was a response preparedness plan in place. NCBA had the talking points for all the states cattlemen’s associations and beef councils ready for us later that afternoon. This was like nothing I had experienced before, or thank goodness, since. The following morning, the news

had all the panic, fear, hype, hysteria, overreaction and misinformation that you could ask for. Also, it was the day before Christmas, and there was no other news for the media to cover. Kentucky Commissioner of Agriculture Billy Ray Smith was finishing his second term in office. He had cleaned out his office and was back in Bowling Green along with most all of his senior staff. State Veterinarian Dr. Don Notter had retired from office. The University of Kentucky had closed for Christmas. How ironic, Kentucky will be in a similar situation this year other than we do have a state veterinarian in place. I got to the office early on Christmas Eve. Kentucky Beef Network director John Stevenson and I were the only ones in the office that day along with Laurentia Van Rensburg, a student in her first few days on the job. Speaking in her native South African dialect, Laurentia was operating the phones that morning. She did ok until all the news cameras started showing up. What I can remember were all the phone calls. I was praying with a cattleman from Warren County while the news reporter waited at the door of my upstairs office. I guess because we were on eastern time, the news feed got picked up from our office early that morning because when it was over, I was quoted in the Miami Herald as well as the Los Angeles Times

and all parts of Kentucky. The news media even went to Christmas breakfast with my family and I at a local farm. John Stevenson and I missed all of Christmas and most all of the New Year’s holiday. It was continuous calls. After Christmas, Jim Akers, who was working for UK at the time, stepped in and the extension network started getting the word out. You would think that as many times as they showed that stumbling Holstien cow on CNN, beef demand would have plummeted, but it didn’t. The messaging and the reassurance that the safeguards were in place worked. The industry saw a drop in exports, but the domestic consumption stayed pretty consistent. Could it happen again? Yes. It could be food-and-mouth disease or some other foreign disease. Have you gotten in compliance since this occurred? More than likely, yes. Do you have a biosecurity plan in place or a traceability program implemented on your farm? Are you following your BQA protocols? There are a lot of new people in offices that don’t remember the day “the cow stole Christmas.” We have got to get our emergency management plans updated and have trained people in place. I hope you had a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. And please plan on coming to the KCA Annual Convention and Trade Show.

Kentucky Cattlemen's Foundation YOUTH SCHOLARSHIPS Five $1,500 Scholarships are available through the Kentucky Cattlemen's Association and are funded by the Kentucky Cattlemen's Foundation. Requirements: • Must be a graduate from a Kentucky public, private, charter, or homeschool in the year of the application • Must be enrolled and attending an institute of higher education following graduation • Must be planning to major in agriculture or an agriculturally-related subject • Applicant or their parent/guardian must be an active member of the Kentucky Cattlemen's Association Applications for the 2024 KCF Youth Scholarships should be submitted by March 31, 2024. For more information contact Bradon Burks at the KCA office at 859-278-0899 or visit kycattle.org/youth-scholarship 10 • Cow Country • January


29 Annual Quality Matters th

at

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Also selling sons by Tehama Tahoe, SS Niagara, Musgrave 1676 Stunner 2002, SAV Territory, Connealy Commonwealth. Quality Values - Quality Cattle - Quality Kentucky

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WOODALLANGUS.COM


BARREN COUNTY NEWS submitted by James Bailey

The Barren County Cattlemen’s meeting was held Thursday evening, Nov. 16 at the Barren County High School Trojan Academy. During the meeting, Mark Parris of Wright Implement presented a program on Krone Hay Tools. Pictured from left to right are Trell Evins, Mark Parris, Chris Emberton, Kenny Arterburn and Joey Shive of Wright Implement. Far right is Joe Moore, president of the Barren County Cattlemen’s Association. A delicious dinner, sponsored by Wright Implement, was served.

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8/31/23 9:00 AM January • Cow Country • 13


Bishop Reflects on Year as KCA President Katie Pratt KCA Communications Manager It’s been a busy year for Nelson County cattle producer Andy Bishop since he took the reins as president of the Kentucky Cattlemen’s Association. Bishop juggled state and national leadership roles with family time, a full-time, off farm job and running his Fairfield Farms, which includes a registered Angus operation. During the year, Bishop enjoyed meeting other cattle producers across Kentucky as he presented at various meetings and functions of county cattlemen’s associations. One of his favorite topics of conversation was the Beef Checkoff. “There are a lot of misconceptions about the Checkoff. I enjoyed sharing the message of what the Checkoff is and how those dollars are spent to support our products and industry,” he said. Over the years, Bishop has had to the opportunity to learn more about and see the value of the Checkoff at state and national levels. He served on the Kentucky Beef Council for a number of years, including three years as chairman, before becoming KCA president. Nationally, he has served as a committee co-chair for the Federation of State Beef Councils. The past two years he has 14 • Cow Country • January

been a member and national officer of the Cattlemen’s Beef Board. Beef Board members are appointed by the Secretary of Agriculture. The board oversees the collection of federal Checkoff dollars and approves the annual budget for national Checkoff-funded programs. This year, he served simultaneously as vice chair of the Cattlemen’s Beef Board and president of the KCA. In 2024, he will chair the Cattlemen’s Beef Board.

and interested in cattle production and pursuing careers in the industry.”

“I serve in these volunteer positions because I’m passionate about the industry,” Bishop said. “I spent over 100 days this year away from my family and farm between functions for the Cattlemen’s Beef Board and KCA. That was a sacrifice I was willing to make for the betterment of cattlemen across Kentucky and the nation.”

“Kentucky has one of the largest associations in the country but ranks eighth in cattle numbers,” he said. “That’s a testament to the faith our producers have in the association and its programs and the hard work of Dave and the association’s staff.”

A former agriculture education teacher and a father of four, Bishop is a staunch supporter of youth activities and is particularly proud the Kentucky Junior Cattlemen’s Association Points Program began during his time as president. “I’m really looking forward to see what becomes of that program,” he said. “I hope it helps us get more youth involved

He was also thrilled to share his presidency with his family, especially his children, who enjoyed accompanying him to many events and learning more about the association and industry. Bishop is also proud of the association’s growing membership base, which topped 11,000 members in 2023.

Having strong leaders is vital to the success of any organization. Bishop encourages other KCA members to pursue leadership roles within the association. “I encourage other producers to get involved with KCA to help the industry continue to move forward and also to develop a better understanding of all the pieces, parts and programs that are working to support and better their farms,” he said.


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Beef Solutions Update Kenny Allen Beef Solutions Operations Manager In late 2022 when I applied for the open operations manager position at Beef Solutions, I stopped and purchased a pound of Kentucky Cattlemen’s Ground Beef from my local Kroger. Before I went any further in the discussions of accepting this job, I had to believe in the product, which meant it had to first of all taste good. It looked and tasted like a farm fresh package of ground beef. The product was great! Test passed.

Beef Solutions ear tags. Each cow that gets harvested in the Beef Solutions program must have a Beef Solutions ear tag.

As I began to settle into this new role, I wanted to understand the Beef Solutions model from all sides. So, I spoke to Dan Miller, who is in charge for procurement for Beef Solutions, and got on the waiting list. Cattle prices began to soar through the summer, so the wait list was pretty crowded. On Aug. 10, it was my turn supply Beef Solutions with a few of our cull cattle. I had five cows that were open and good candidates to be sold as cull cattle. Those were the cows I brought. I didn’t choose them based on them being the right cows to hit the Beef Solutions premiums. They were the cull cows I had to move. I was excited to see what kind of premium payment I was going to get! I saw the awesome payouts the elevated cattle market brought this summer, and I was happy to be part of it. When Marksbury Farm Market sent the hot carcass weights for that week’s harvest, of course I immediately looked for my tag numbers to see what profit my cattle brought. Keep in mind, the highest premium is paid on 0” - .5” backfat and over 500 pounds hot carcass weight. I knew my cows were small, but I was hopeful they hit these parameters to receive the highest premium. Tag #1 was 497 pounds. I missed the mark by 3 pounds! Tag #2 was 488 pounds. Tag #4 was 479 pounds. Tag #5 was 498 pounds! I will admit I was disappointed. Four out of five tags missed the highest premium by a grand total of 38 pounds. Despite missing the mark on four out of five cattle, I still made more than the Kentucky average paid that week for each of my five cows. My estimated profit 16 • Cow Country • January

3.

Deliver my cows to Marksbury. All Beef Solutions cows are delivered to Marksbury to be harvested. Dan Miller confirmed my delivery date and time window.

4.

Get paid! Once the cattle were harvested and graded, I was paid for the cows.

Kentucky Cattlemen’s Ground Beef is an amazing product. We hear often that our ground beef is the best ground beef on the shelf. Our response? Our secret ingredient is the hardworking farm families across the Bluegrass state proudly raising beef for consumers to enjoy. When you buy Kentucky Cattlemen's Ground Beef, you can feel confident in purchasing a great tasting product while supporting local Kentucky communities.

versus the average cull cow price was an additional $406.02, plus I didn’t have to pay the standard sales commission. If my four smaller cows had hit the 500-pound mark, I would have made an additional $246.25. Despite not hitting the max premiums on all of my cows, I was happy with the prices they brought and how easy the process was. Here is a quick rundown of the process to sell to Beef Solutions: 1.

2.

Register my herd. This was as simple as sending Dan Miller a copy of my health records for each cow. Instead of just registering the five I brought in August, I went ahead and registered all of the mama cows so they would be eligible for future procurement. Tag my cows. Leading up to my harvest week, Dan Miller sent my

To date, we have partnered with over 350 farms from 78 Kentucky counties. In less than 6 years, we have paid over $6.1 million back to Kentucky farmers. We are proud of that number. We believe Beef Solutions is a great value-added cull cow program that benefits all farmers who participate. Each week, we make a Facebook post that says “From our hands to yours, this week Kentucky Cattlemen's Ground Beef is sourced from hard-working farm families in _________ counties. Pick up some packages today at a location near you!” In August, the post included Garrard County. My small farm got to help put Kentucky Cattlemen’s Ground Beef on Kroger shelves. The process was simple and easy. The premium was great. But there was a sense of pride in knowing that I was a part of supplying, what I think is the best ground beef, to 255 Kroger stores in five states. Beef Solutions is a great program. I am happy to be a part of it. If you want to be a part of this program, please reach out to beefsolutionsinfo@kycattle.org for more information.


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Mountain Rancher Katie Pratt KCA Communications Manager SASSAFRAS, KY− Grazing cattle on reclaimed mine land comes with a unique set of challenges, but Knott County’s Jeremy Goodson has found a way to do it well on a grand scale. The scenery changes rapidly on the drive up the hillside to Goodson’s Red Oak Farms as forested mountainsides give way to wide open, rolling prairie-like views. This image is typical of reclaimed strip mine ground but is something that people not from the area rarely get to see. The size of Goodson’s operation is unique to the area, where most producers have around 10 head of cattle. Goodson runs 700 head of cattle on 7,600 acres of reclaimed mine land. He owns some of the acres, and the rest he farms through long-term leases with several mining companies. “I’ve been fortunate to be able to bring in cattle and start grazing as soon as the reclamation process begins,” Goodson said. Goodson's love of the land started young. He grew up learning about agriculture and cattle farming from his grandfather the late Woodrow Bowling. Bowling raised around 50 cows at the bottom of the now reclaimed strip mine lands that Goodson farms. Goodson knew from an early age that he wanted to be a cattle producer. He

18 • Cow Country • January

bought his first calves at just 7 years old. He grew his herd by developing heifers and purchasing a lot of cattle from area farmers. Many of the people who sell cattle to Goodson will have bred their cows to one of his bulls. In addition, they will have followed the same vaccination program that he does. This helps ensure he keeps similar cattle on his farms. He usually has around 250 cow-calf pairs. He will also background around 300 feeders.

His spring-calving herd is currently bred to 11 Balancer bulls. His cows will typically start calving in the February and finish by the second week of May. His stocking rates are also much lower than a typical cattle operation due to the mountainous terrain. Goodson has one animal for every six acres.

He works with his veterinarian David Fugate and county extension agent Charles May to determine which heifers to keep based on their pelvic measurements and ability to withstand the steep terrain. Steep hillsides can be challenging environments for cattle, particularly if they have large frames. For this reason, Goodson selects for smaller-framed animals.

Reclaimed mine land comes with a number of challenges. It often has soils with low organic matter, lots of rocks and low water holding capacity. The steep terrain also leads to a lot of runoff during heavy rainfall events. Putting up a straight fence line is nearly impossible due to the large boulders that can to dot the landscape.

“I like a 1,100-pound cow,” he said. “Larger cows will develop sore footing on these hillsides.”

“Reclaimed mine land really can be good for cattle, but producers have to build up the infrastructure to support them,” said May, University of Kentucky agriculture and natural resources extension agent in neighboring Perry County. “In most cases, this includes installing water sources and fencing, which requires a significant upfront investment, but Jeremy’s been able


to do that.” The ground that Goodson’s cattle graze was mined in sections from the 1970s until 2019. Due to the lengthy time span, he farms on a mix of reclamation practices. For this reason, many of his pastures are comprised of mostly tall fescue and sericea lespedeza, which were two common forages mining companies used to use remediate the ground in the past but are no longer recommended for reclamation. Sericea lespedeza can be especially challenging to manage. In its early growth stages, it is a nutritious food source and cattle will readily eat it. Once it gets too advanced, cattle will no longer consume it as it loses palatability. If left unchecked, sericea lespedeza can spread rapidly and overtake other desirable forages, which is why it is no longer recommended for reclamation. Goodson has to carefully manage the forage. Timing is critical to make sure cattle graze the sericea lespedeza at an early growth stage when it is palatable. It’s mowed after that.

“I put out a lot of lime and fertilizer based on my soil test results,” he said. He also uses his cattle’s manure deposits to add organic matter and fertilizer into the soil, using a manure spreader to improve distribution. During the winter, he rolls out hay to make sure their manure is more evenly distributed across the fields. He works to establish more desirable forages on his ground. Timothy and orchardgrass are the two most common forages that he will no-till drill into his fields, but he also uses clover and novel endophyte tall fescue. Goodson grows some of his own hay, but due to his herd’s size, he has to purchase a lot. He regularly tests his hay quality to make sure he is giving his cattle the nutrients they need. “He really is doing things right,” May said. Goodson has made advances in his hay quality. In 2010, he was the grand

Invasive species are a constant battle on reclaimed mine land. Goodson constantly battles autumn olive trees. He has also cleaned up thickets. “When I first came up here 20 years ago, we would be getting cattle up to work and they would run into these thickets and we would nearly lose them,” said Ron Shrout, Kentucky Beef Network field associate. “Jeremy has worked really hard to clean those up, keep invasive species out and improve the land.” Goodson has participated in research projects with the University of Kentucky and opened his farm up to different groups. He participated in the Eastern Kentucky Heifer Development Program, which ran for 20 years and improved cattle genetics in the area. He also participated in a warm-season grazing study. Goodson hopes to pass his love of the land onto his daughters Olivia and Kinnley. While still young, both are already showing interest in his operation.

Photo by Katie Pratt

Over the years, Goodson has made

numerous efforts to improve the land. He soil tests regularly and fertilizes based on recommendations.

champion in the mixed hay category of the East Kentucky Hay Contest. In 2020, his hay placed third in the grass class. The contest is judged on hay quality. Producers in 15 Eastern Kentucky counties annually submit hundreds of samples to the UK-ran contest.

January • Cow Country • 19


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Buying Feeders this Fall? How “Histophilus somni or “Somnus” is Changing the Game Michelle Arnold, DVM (Ruminant Extension Veterinarian, UKVDL) “Fall Run” in Kentucky is the time of year when most spring-born calves leave the farm and enter marketing channels, usually through auction markets, into stocker and backgrounding operations. Not surprisingly, November and December are two of the most difficult months to keep feeder calves alive in Kentucky due to major health challenges. Weather is just one of many risk factors that play a role in Bovine Respiratory Disease (BRD) or “shipping fever” development. Most auction market calves are sold as “high risk calves”, meaning they are lightweight (≤ 500 pounds), young (estimated 6-8 months), unweaned (or abruptly weaned on the trailer on the way to the yards), unknown health history, never or poorly vaccinated and most are trace mineral (copper and selenium) deficient. At the auction barn, they are mixed or “commingled” with similar weight calves from multiple farms then sold, allowing respiratory “bugs” to spread prior to delivery to the stocker/backgrounder facility or feedlot. After arrival and a brief rest period, these calves are usually processed through the chute and receive multiple vaccines, deworming, are implanted and the bulls are castrated. These calves will typically break with respiratory disease within the first two weeks after arrival and require at least one antibiotic treatment. It is estimated that 6070% of calves marketed through sale barns are considered at high risk for disease. This fall, the bacterium Histophilus somni (formerly known as Haemophilus somnus) is the major bacterial pathogen responsible for the rapid disease development and death in feeder operations. While Mannheimia haemolytica, often referred to as “Pasteurella”, has been the most important bacterial species in “shipping fever” bronchopneumonia, Histophilus somni (HS) can cause similar disease symptoms but is proving very difficult to treat and control with traditional methods. Unlike typical BRD outbreaks that peak at 14 days after arrival to the stocker or backgrounding facility, “histophilosis” cases start after three to four weeks on feed. “Somnus” is normal flora in the upper respiratory tract and survives on mucosal surfaces in “biofilms”, a jelly-like matrix that serves as protection from antibiotics and the host immune system. Viruses and stress can trigger bacteria to leave the biofilm and 22 • Cow Country • January

enter the lungs. From there, it can travel via the bloodstream to joints, other organs (especially the heart), and to the brain. The disease can happen anytime in any season, but most clinical cases occur between October and January. Previously, disease due to “Somnus” was found primarily in Northwestern and Midwestern states and Canada, but cases are now being diagnosed throughout the U.S., including Kentucky. Most comprehensive studies have been conducted in Canada where histophilosis accounts for an estimated 40% of the death loss in feedlots. The Histophilus somni Disease Complex (HSDC) is a term used to describe the disease when “Somnus” reaches the lungs and extends systemically to the brain, heart and joints. Components of the HSDC include: 1. Rapidly fatal pneumonia: Some animals with “Somnus” pneumonia are simply found dead due to lung damage called “severe fibrinous pleuritis”. This is a common finding in western Canadian feedlots and is seen 30-90 days after arrival. The lungs are usually the only organ affected and are found covered in a thick sheet of fibrin, a tough protein substance composed of long fibrous threads, while the lungs themselves are collapsed underneath. 2. Bronchopneumonia: Some calves with “Somnus” develop typical signs of BRD including depression, off feed, cough, excessive nasal discharge and difficult or rapid breathing. Respiratory signs with fever of 104°F or above confirms the diagnosis of BRD but detection of the bacteria and/or viruses involved must be done at a diagnostic laboratory. Treatment is often very difficult and unrewarding in the field when “Somnus” is involved because it can hide within neutrophils and macrophages that normally destroy bacteria. In the laboratory, the “Somnus” bacterium is usually susceptible to many antibiotics. 3. Heart muscle damage: “Somnus” can cause a “necrotizing myocarditis” when it localizes in the muscles of the left ventricle of the heart. Death can be rapid with no previous signs (similar to a heart

attack) or chronic heart failure leads to “poor doers”. 4. Thrombotic meningoencephalitismyelitis or “TME”: This is a disease of older calves and yearlings that affects the brain. During an outbreak, individual cases occur sporadically in separate pens in a feed yard. Signs include depression, fever, blindness, down and death; this can look similar to signs seen with polioencephalomalacia or “brainers”. Treatment with antibiotics is most often ineffective. 5. Other manifestations: Arthritis with joint swelling, laryngitis and middle ear infections with drainage from the ear canals may also be seen, similar to Mycoplasma bovis infections. Diagnosis of Histophilus somni disease in a live calf is challenging because it is present in the upper airways of both healthy and diseased calves, so swabs taken from deep in the nose will not necessarily tell the story of what is causing disease in the lungs and elsewhere. “Somnus” is difficult to grow in the laboratory, especially if the calf was treated with antibiotics, so the PCR assay is strongly recommended in addition to culture for detection. Mixed lung infections with other disease-causing bacteria such as Mannheimia haemolytica and Pasteurella multocida can easily overgrow Histophilus somni on a culture plate so the identification may be missed when relying on traditional bacterial culture methods alone. Culture is still necessary to identify what antibiotics should be effective. Unfortunately, the transfer of genetic elements that causes multi-drug antimicrobial resistance to develop in Mannheimia haemolytica is also now found to be operating in Histophilus somni. As a buyer, what can you do when it seems like the odds are stacked against good health? First, remember that respiratory disease is no longer concentrated within the first two weeks on feed but outbreaks may develop throughout the first month or more. “Metaphylaxis”, the practice of mass-medicating all individual calves in a group with a long-acting antibiotic on arrival, is highly effective for reducing early BRD morbidity and mortality in high-risk


calves by up to 50%. After one antibiotic is used up front for metaphylaxis, treatment protocols typically consist of a second antibiotic for first pulls, a third antibiotic for the next treatment and possibly a fourth antibiotic for a final treatment before calling the calf a “chronic” and stopping treatment. Research has shown that at each retreatment, the BRD bacteria become more resistant to multiple antibiotics and response rates decline. To make these antibiotics effectively last throughout the first month on feed, it is important to understand and observe the antibiotic’s “post-treatment interval” or PTI. This interval is the time when an efficacious antibiotic is already in the calf and the treated animals are not eligible for retreatment until the end of the interval. All the upper tier antibiotics, including Draxxin®, Excede®, Baytril®, Zactran®, Zuprevo®, Micotil®, Advocin® and Nuflor®, easily have a five- to seven-day PTI. During the PTI, the antibiotic suppresses and delays disease onset while the calves are acclimating to their new environment. Instead of focusing on BRD detection and pulling new cases during the PTI, the focus is shifted to adapting the cattle to their new environment, feed, social structure and daily activity. Conversely, by shortening the treatment interval and becoming overly aggressive with retreatments, the antibiotics are used up by the time Histophilus somni shows up.

regularly cleaning and sanitizing waterers, feed bunks and working chutes is imperative, not only at arrival but throughout the backgrounding period 2. Give them some bunk space! Transitioning to confinement and learning to eat from a bunk means smaller calves don’t get as much access to feed. Extra bunk space is often overlooked but incredibly important. In some studies, simply providing plenty of space for all calves to eat without having to fight for a position at the bunk has proven as effective as treatment with antibiotics for prevention of disease. Furthermore, don’t make calves clean the bunk before you offer additional feed. Moldy, musty, hot, wet, manure- or urine-contaminated feed is not going to be eaten and should be promptly removed. Water contaminated with manure will not be consumed, either. Calves that don’t eat and drink will get sick, guaranteed. 3. Don’t push calves on feed too fast. These calves are transitioning from a diet of predominately grass or forage to a new diet of grain offered in a bunk and hay. Too much grain too quickly results in subacute acidosis which throws them off feed. Once again, calves that don’t eat will get sick, guaranteed.

Prevention of histophilosis is difficult. This is not a disease complex managed through a needle. There are older “Somnus” vaccines available but they are not considered effective under field conditions except they may help lessen the severity of the brain form of disease. Biosecurity and biocontainment practices must be followed. Stress plays a major role in disease through immunosuppression, so excellent nutrition and management are critical. Control should begin with minimizing well-recognized factors predisposing to BRD:

4. Get trace minerals in them. Cattle with extremely low blood concentrations of the trace elements selenium and copper have difficulty fighting any disease challenge. An injectable trace mineral supplement (such as Multimin 90®) is a short-term solution to boost the copper and selenium levels during the initial arrival period. However, it is very important to quickly get calves consuming an energy and protein dense diet with vitamins and minerals added to meet their high nutritional needs.

1. Make your arrival pens comfortable. Chad Engle from the U.S. Meat Animal Research Center wrote this about transitioning calves to the feed yard: “I like to think of our feed yards as fivestar hotels. Once these calves step into our “hotel”, they should be greeted by knowledgeable handlers, fresh feed, clean waterers and clean pens. We never put new calves into pens that do not have fresh hay and ration in the feed bunks. It is our job in the feed yard to show those calves that the feed yard is the best place on earth for them to be.” Keep the feeding area clean and free of standing liquid manure. Good sanitation, especially

5. PI test calves as soon as possible. A BVD-PI calf is born with the BVD virus and sheds virus everywhere it goes for its entire life. Identification and removal of PI calves is critical to stop the spread of BVD virus to other calves and avoid a BRD wreck. The BVD virus attacks the immune system where it destroys the production of diseasefighting white blood cells causing severe immunosuppression. Secondly, the virus works cooperatively with other respiratory viruses to make them more aggressive and deadly. This combination attack results in substantial respiratory disease and death loss in the stocker/

backgrounder industry. 6. Do not pen new arrivals next to calves that were purchased last week! Last week’s load is likely rapidly spreading bacteria and viruses from calf to calf, and these bugs can easily transfer across the fence into the noses of new arrivals. Try to load your farm with calves as quickly as possible rather than buy a load every week for four weeks and combine them in same area. This is a sure-fire recipe for disaster. 7. Keep feed bunks and watering troughs clean. Feed bunks and watering troughs are known areas for disease transmission. Keep sick cattle, especially chronic pneumonia calves that haven’t responded to treatment, away from healthy ones and manage their feed and water separately. Do not allow nose-to-nose contact between sick pens and healthy pens. Calves with swollen joints should be placed in pens with deep bedding, plenty of room and easy access to feed and water. 8. Consider delaying or minimizing vaccination for respiratory disease and delaying castration of bulls until through the transition period. Vaccination is probably the most misunderstood practice utilized in feeder calf management. Antibodies need to be in place before exposure to disease-causing organisms, similar to car insurance must be purchased before a car wreck to be of any use. Many producers have unrealistic expectations that full protection from respiratory disease is in place once a vaccine is given on arrival. Mounting an immune response (making antibodies) is not “free” but takes energy and protein resources at a time when calves have limited feed intake. If you have concerns that newly purchased calves are at high risk to get sick, it has been proven that delaying vaccination with a modified live (MLV) 5-way respiratory virus vaccine for one, two or even three weeks can be done without affecting the morbidity and mortality rate. In other words, waiting until they are stronger will not result in more sickness and death than you would have had anyway. As a matter of fact, it may help keep them eating and drinking better without the vaccine-induced fever. Same with castration; delaying until through the transition along with using pain medication at the time of castration (such as Banamine Pour-On®) will lessen the negative immune system effects. C ON TIN U E D O N PAGE 2 7 January • Cow Country • 23


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127

ASHLAND

244

10

1.2

82

142

NO SUBSTITUTE

226

16

-2.0

72

135

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January • Cow Country • 25


The Gift that Keeps Giving…Clover Chris Teutsch UK Research and Education Center, Princeton

I hope that everyone had a Merry Christmas! As we start the 2024 growing season, I think that it is important to get things moving in the right direction. Legumes are an essential part of a profitable grazing systems. Clover’s superpower is its ability to fix nitrogen from the air into a plant available form (Figure 1). After photosynthesis, nitrogen fixation is the second most important biochemical process on earth. Clover also increases forage quality and quantity and helps to manage tall fescue toxicosis. Over time, clover stands in pastures can thin and will require reseeding. Although there are several approaches for reintroducing clover back into pastures, perhaps the simplest and most costeffective is frost seeding. Frost seeding is accomplished by broadcasting clover seed onto existing pastures or hayfields in late winter and allowing the freezing and thawing cycles to incorporate the seed into the soil. It works best with red and white clover. Below you will find a few tips for enhancing frost seeding success. Tips to Enhance Frost Seeding Success • Control broadleaf weeds. Ideally,

broadleaf weeds should be controlled prior to seeding legumes since most herbicides will damage clover seedlings. This is best accomplished by controlling weeds the season prior to renovation. More information on controlling weeds in pastures and hayfields can be obtained contacting your local extension office or consulting AGR-207 Broadleaf Weeds of Kentucky Pastures. AGR-207 is available online at https://tinyurl.com/yv8m3474 or by contacting your local extension office.

• Soil test and adjust fertility. For clover

and other improved legumes to persist and thrive in pastures, an environment conducive for their growth must be created. This starts with proper soil fertility. Prior to frost seeding clover, soil test pastures and hayfields then lime and fertilize pastures according to the soil test recommendations.

• Suppress sod and decrease residue. The

existing sod must be suppressed and plant residue reduced prior to seeding. The reduction in plant residue allows

26 • Cow Country • January

Nitrogen Cycle in Grassland Ecosystems

Fig 1. Strong nitrogen cycles can develop in well managed grassland ecosystems. Nitrogen enters the system via imported hay and supplements, nitrogen fixation in legumes and atmospheric deposition (minor amounts). Nitrogen leaves the system via volatilization, denitrification, leaching, runoff and animal products removed. A cow-calf pair will consume approximately 280 lbs. N/year of which 200 lbs. is retained in the grassland ecosystem (Lory and Kallenbach, 1999).

seed to reach the soil surface where it can be incorporated by freezing and thawing events. Sod suppression and residue reduction is best accomplished by hard grazing in late fall and early winter. • Ensure good soil-seed contact. Good

soil-seed contact is required for seed germination and emergence. In frost seedings, this occurs when freeze and thaw cycles form cracks in the soil surface, often referred to as a honeycomb (Figure 1). Soil to seed contact can be enhanced by dragging pastures after broadcasting seed.

• Seed on proper date. Frost seeding is best

accomplished in late winter (February). Frost seeding is accomplished by simply broadcasting the seed on the soil surface and allowing the freeze and thaw cycles to incorporate the seed into the soil.

• Use high-quality seed and adapted

varieties. Choose clover varieties that have been tested in Kentucky. The most current variety testing results can be found on the UK Forage Extension website, https://forages.ca.uky.edu/, or by visiting your local county extension office. Fig 2. Utilizing GPS guidance can help to prevent overlaps and skips and maintain a consistent speed−all of which are important for obtaining a uniform clover stands in pastures.


C ON TIN U E D F R O M PAGE 2 3

FEATURED VIDEO • Legume mixture for Kentucky. In

Kentucky, a good mixture for renovating pastures with is 6-8 lbs./A of red clover, 1-2 lbs./A of ladino or intermediate white clover. On rented farms or where soil fertility is marginal, adding 10-15 lbs./A of annual lespedeza can be beneficial.

• Use correct seeding rate. Make sure

to maintain and calibrate broadcast seeding equipment prior to planting (see video on KYForages YouTube Channel on seeder calibration, https://tinyurl. com/4vxt4u87). Seeding at too high of a rate needlessly results in higher seed costs. On the other hand, seeding at too low a rate results in weak stands and lower productivity.

• Inoculate legume seed. Most improved

clover seed comes with a lime-based seed coating that contains inoculant. Make sure that the seed is fresh and has not been stored under adverse conditions. If the seed is not pre-inoculated, inoculate it with the proper strain of nitrogen-fixing bacteria prior to seeding.

• Check seed distribution pattern. When

using a spinner type spreader/seeder make sure and check you spreading pattern. In many cases small, seeded forages are not thrown as far as you think. This can result in strips of clover in your pastures rather than a uniform stand.

• Use GPS guidance to maintain a

consistent distance between passes and speed. It is often difficult to see where seed has already been broadcast, and many ATV/UTVs do not have a functioning speedometer. Using a portable GPS unit can reduce misses and overlaps and helps the operator maintain a consistent speed (Figure 2).

• Control post-seeding competition. Not

controlling post-seeding competition is one of the most common causes of stand failures. One of the best management practices is to leave cattle on pastures that have been overseeded with clover until the clover seedlings have germinated and are tall enough that the cattle start to graze them. Then remove animals from the pasture and allow the clover to reach a height of 6-8 inches. At that time, the paddock can be placed back into the rotation. If the existing vegetation is not controlled, the new clover seedlings will be shaded out.

This month’s featured video is Pasture Renovation: TLC for Stressed Out Pastures by Chris Teutsch. This presentation was given in Smithland on Nov. 30. It can be viewed by visiting the KYForages YouTube Channel at https://www.youtube.com/c/ KYForages.

FEATURED UPCOMING EVENTS 202 Alfalfa and Stored Forage Conference • Bowling Green • Feb. 8 8 AM to 3:30 PM CST More information available at https://forages.ca.uky.edu/ Click on “UPCOMING EVENTS”.

FEATURED PUBLICATION This month’s featured publication is: “2022 Long-Term Summary of Kentucky Forage Variety Trials” by G.L. Olson, S.R. Smith, J.C. Henning, and C.D. Teutsch. It can be accessed by visiting the UK Forages Website and click on “Variety Trials”.

FORAGE MANAGEMENT TIPS

• • • • • •

• •

Remove animals from wet pastures to limit pugging and soil compaction. Feed best quality hay to livestock groups with the highest nutritional requirements. Supplement poor quality hay as needed. Feed hay on your poorest pastures to improve soil fertility and organic matter. Move feeding points around the pasture to improve nutrient distribution. Consider bale grazing to improve nutrient distribution. See this month’s featured video. Buy clover seed early since supplies will likely be tight this spring. Store seed in a cool, dry place until frost seeding begins in February. Inspect and repair seeding equipment. Consider purchasing a GPS guidance system for improving your frost seeding precision.

9. Buy preconditioned calves when possible. Buying preconditioned calves that have been weaned for at least 45 days and vaccinated for respiratory diseases prior to weaning (especially BVD) and dewormed will help decrease, but does not eliminate, the potential for sickness and death loss. In summary, incoming fall feeder calves require extra vigilance to avoid excessive sickness and death loss. The role of the stocker and backgrounder industry is to gather calves from many areas, get them healthy, add weight as cheaply and efficiently as possible in order to drive the breakeven selling price down before going to the next phase of production (the feedlot). Understanding the need to preserve antibiotic efficacy throughout a longer arrival period by observing a five- to seven- day, post-treatment interval will allow the immune system to do its job most effectively. Consult your veterinarian for treatment protocols best suited for your operation.

FENCING TIP Join polywire correctly. If you use polywire, you will eventually have to repair breaks or join rolls. It is important to have good conductivity. Simply tying a knot is NOT sufficient. To ensure good conductivity, separate 2 inches of the metal strands from the poly material by melting plastic away with a lighter or match. Then tie the polywire together so that the exposed ends match up and twist them together. This will optimize conductivity and ensure maximum animal control.

January • Cow Country • 27


EC O NO MI C & P O L I C Y U P D A T E

The Cattle Markets: Reviewing 2023 and Looking Ahead to 2024 Kenny Burdine Extension Professor On Jan. 1, 2023, the U.S. cowherd was the smallest it had been in over 60 years. Comparing inventory so many years apart is not especially useful as we produce a lot more beef with that same number of cows today. But it does speak to how significant the recent declines in beef cow numbers have been. For a more recent comparison, the 2023 cowherd was just a bit smaller than 2014, a year fondly remembered by most in the cattle business. Expansion resulting from those 2014 / 2015 price levels continued until 2019, and the cowherd has been getting smaller since then. Beef cow inventory from 1940 through 2023 is depicted in Figure 1. With the cowherd peaking in 2019, 2020 would have likely been the highwater mark for beef production. While production did increase slightly in 2020, COVID backlogs ended up pushing some of that production into 2021. Then, widespread drought led to significant increases in female slaughter in 2022, which resulted in another year-over-year increase. That brought us to 2023, which ended up being the first year-over-year decrease in beef production in eight years. Tight supplies were driving the market for the first eight months of 2023, and feeder cattle prices seemed to be increasing week after week. By late summer, calves were selling for $300-$400 more than the same time period in 2022, and the value difference on heavy feeders was even greater. It is always easy to say something like this in retrospect, but the market had likely reached unsustainably high levels too quickly. As an illustration, the August CME© feeder cattle futures contract went off the board around $250 per cwt, while the roughly corresponding February CME© live cattle futures contract was trading just under $190 per cwt. Given the projected feedlot cost of gain at that

time, that was not enough difference between current feeders and deferred fats. Feeders placed on feed during that time were going to lose money unless the fed cattle market was stronger than futures was suggesting this winter. This dynamic made the market vulnerable during the fall, when feeders tend to decline seasonally anyway. Feeder cattle futures were already moving lower when the October cattle-on-feed report was released. But that report seemed to take the selloff to another level when September placements came in way higher than expected. A couple weeks later, the U.S. Department of Agriculture revised their beef production forecast for 2024 up by a little over 2%, largely due to the higher placements. And about two weeks after that, the November cattle-onfeed report came out with another yearover-year increase in placements. Put simply, the fall seemed to provide a steady stream of bearish information at a time of year when feeder cattle prices tend to fall anyway. Cash feeder cattle prices did not drop as much as futures, but the decline in Kentucky prices is clear in Figures 2 and 3. As expected, heavy feeders were more negatively impacted than calves. The huge selloff on the board rightfully raised many questions about the futures market. These questions come up most anytime there are drastic downward price swings that seem beyond what the fundamentals would support. There has even been speculation that Livestock Risk Protection covering could be partly to blame. With the available data, it would be difficult to determine how much this occurs, but it seems unlikely that this would be enough volume to greatly impact the market. In truth, short futures would not be an appropriate position to cover potential LRP losses because

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.

28 • Cow Country • January

it would leave exposure on the upside if prices rose. A purchased put option would be the most likely strategy and an argument that increased option volume pushed prices significantly lower is much harder to make. While I really don’t think LRP covering is to blame, there are definitely a lot of speculative and highvolume traders in commodity markets. It would be naive to think that these traders always behave in ways that are consistent with market fundamentals. The extent to which speculative trading translates to large price swings is an ongoing concern that we should continue to evaluate. This also drives home the importance of being proactive about risk management. There were opportunities to capitalize on high price expectations for 8-9 months of the year and a lot of producers did just that. With all that being said, I want to shift my focus to 2024 and beyond. The basic fundamentals that drove feeder cattle prices so much higher are still in place. This cowherd was very small coming into 2023, and feeder cattle supplies were tight. I do not think that has changed. Cattle on feed inventory increased a lot from summer to fall, but I view that largely as a matter of timing. I am writing this on Dec. 7, 2023, so we are still a couple weeks away from seeing the December cattle on feed report, but I expect the high placement levels of September and October to leave us with much lower placements in later months. At the same time, neither cow slaughter nor the share of heifers in feedlots hint at expansion. At the national level, there is no doubt this cowherd got even smaller during 2023. Even before the market drop of the fourth quarter, it was clear that the herd was not growing. Weather and hay supply has been an issue in some areas, but I also think we have to consider the impact that input costs and high interest rates have on the cost of expanding one’s cowherd. At some point expansion will occur, but farmers simply are not at that point yet. All this is to say that the 2024 calf crop will be smaller than 2023 and the feeder cattle supply will continue

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


It’s actually hard to forecast an increase in beef cow numbers until 2025, at the earliest. So, cow-calf operators should get a few years of relatively strong calf prices. Some may choose to expand during this time, but I always like to point out that expansion is not the only way to capitalize on a strong calf market. Investing in facilities, genetics, grazing systems, etc. has the potential to lower costs and increase efficiency. At the same time, paying down debt and / or building up working capital can put a farm in a better financial position for the future. The point being that each cowcalf operation should take a long-term view when they make decisions and know that what makes sense for one operation may not make sense for another. Through September, it seemed like 2023 was going to be an incredible year for margin operations. The value of gain was extremely high and offered significant profit opportunity for backgrounding and stocker operations. Those that took advantage of pricing opportunities did end up having a very solid year. For operations that sold cattle in the fourth quarter and did not cover price risk, the story was very different. Their profit was largely determined by what they paid for the cattle they placed. What really drives value of gain is feed cost. Feed got cheaper throughout 2023, and that should carry into the new year. But as I write this, the December 2024 CME© corn contract is above $5 per bushel. I think we are in a feed cost environment that is going to keep the value of gain relatively high. If we can add pounds to cattle cheaper than feedlots, the market is likely to give us opportunities to do just that. We are blessed in Kentucky with good forages, and we have access to a lot of different feedstuffs. Weather and interest expense will be key factors in the new year, but I still expect opportunity for margin operations. Finally, some have compared the market collapse in the fall 2023 to what was seen in 2015. And there are some similarities in terms of timing and magnitude. But from my perspective, the fundamentals are different now. By the fall of 2015, cowherd expansion had begun, and we were already seeing significant increases in the production of competing meats. At present, there is no sign of herd expansion, beef production will likely be sharply lower in 2024, and the expectation is for much more moderate production increases for pork and poultry. For that reason, I think the potential for a turnaround in 2024 is pretty good. However, I also think 2023 was a harsh lesson in the importance of price risk management. How farmers managed price risk had a big impact on their profits in 2023, and I don’t see any reason to think that that won’t be true going forward.

Fig 1. January 1 US Beef Cow Inventory - 1940 to 2023 USDA-NASS (1,000 cows) 50,000 45,000 40,000 35,000 30,000 25,000 20,000 15,000 10,000 1940 1943 1946 1949 1952 1955 1958 1961 1964 1967 1970 1973 1976 1979 1982 1985 1988 1991 1994 1997 2000 2003 2006 2009 2012 2015 2018 2021

to shrink. Certainly, there are numerous things that can impact the markets, but I expect calf prices to be stronger in the spring of 2024 than they were in the summer of 2023.

Fig 2. 550 lb Medium / Large Frame #1-2 Steers KY Auction Prices ($ per cwt) USDA-AMS $260 $240 $220 $200 $180 $160 $140

■ 2012-2021 ■ 2022 ■ 2023

$120 $100

JAN

FEB

MAR

APR

MAY

JUN

JUL

AUG

SEP

OCT

NOV

DEC

Fig 3. 850 lb Medium / Large Frame #1-2 Steers KY Auction Prices ($ per cwt) USDA-AMS $240 $220 $200 $180 $160 $140

■ 2012-2021 ■ 2022 ■ 2023

$120 $100

JAN

FEB

MAR

APR

MAY

JUN

JUL

AUG

SEP

OCT

NOV

DEC

January • Cow Country • 29


2 0 2 4 KCA CO NV E NT I O N & T RADE S HOW AG E N DA

WE D N E S DAY, JA N UA RY 10 10:00-5:00 Trade Show Move-In

Exhibition Hall A&B T HU R S DAY, JA N UA RY 11

7:00-6:00 Registration Hours

Exhibition Hall A&B

7:00-10:00 Trade Show Move-In

Exhibition Hall A&B

9:00-11:30 Beef Efficiency Conference - Getting Ahead of What is to Come

Meeting Room 7-8

Welcome Where we are in the industry - Dr. Gordon Jones Genetic Selection Tools for Reducing the Incidence of Bovie Congestive Heart Failure Bovine Congestive Heart Failure - Why Should I Care - Dr. Scott Spiedel, Colorado State University Managing Tall Fescue for Improved Efficiency - Dr. Matt Poore, North Carolina State University A Cattlemen’s Perspective on Sustainable Management - Steve Wooten, CO Cattlemen What I heard - Dr. Jeff Lehmkuhler & Daniel Hayden Speaker Q&A Panel 10:00 Trade Show Opens

Exhibition Hall A&B

11:30 Welcome Lunch

Exhibition Hall A&B

1:30-3:30 Opening General Business Session

Meeting Room 7-8

Welcome 2024 Kentucky Cattlemen’s Association Convention - Andy Bishop 2023 KCA President Opening Remarks - Johnathan Shell, Commissioner of Agriculture FMD Preparedness - Dr. Franklyn Garry, Colorado State University 4:00-5:00 Women's Session 1: Crafting, Etched Glass (Ticket Required)

Exhibition Hall A&B

6:00 Trade Show Closes

Exhibition Hall A&B

7:30-9:30 KCA Roundup Reception

Kentucky Room*

30 • Cow Country • January


WOMEN'S PROGRAM Thursday (4pm)

Crafting-Etched Glass (ticket required)

Join fellow producers and KCA staff for a Roundup Reception.

Friday (2:30pm)

Mingle, play cards and relax with drinks and snacks.

Countdown to a Healthier You with Janine Faber, registered dietitian

** two sessions **

Thursday, January 11, 2024 • 7:30-9:30 pm Kentucky Room, Hyatt Hotel

F R I DAY, JA N UA RY 12 7:00-9:00 County President Breakfast (Invitation Only) 8:00 Trade Show Opens 9:30-10:30 Ice Breakers with KJCA Board

Registration Booth Regency Ballroom-Hyatt* Exhibition Hall A&B Registration Desk

10:00-11:00 Regional Meetings

Meeting Rooms 1-5

10:30-12:00 KJCA - Mobile Diagnostic Lab Exploration

Exhibition Hall A&B

11:00 KCA - Concessions Lunch in the Trade Show

Exhibition Hall A&B

12:00 KJCA - Lunch

Exhibition Hall A&B

1:00 KJCA - Beef Leadership Town Hall 12:30-2:00 Closing Business Session

Meeting Room 5 Meeting Rooms 7-8

2023 Financial Review - Ken Adams, KCA Treasurer Kentucky Livestock Innovation Center Update - Nikki Whitaker, Director of Operations & Policy A Year in Review and 2024 Outlook - Dave Maples, KCA Executive Vice President 2:30-3:30 Understanding your Checkoff Dollars - Panel Discussion

Meeting Rooms 7-8

2:30-4:30 Forages at KCA - Harnessing the Power of Soil Life

Meeting Room 6

Welcome & Introduction - Dr. Chris Teutsch, University of Kentucky Introduction to Pasture Ecology & Regenerative Grazing - Dr. Chris Teutsch, University of Kentucky Pinhook Farm... A Regenerative Journey - Seth Watkins, Pinhook Farm UK Forage Extension Update - Dr. Ray Smith, University of Kentucky 2:00 Trade Show Closes 2:30 KJCA - Officer Meeting (Current KJCA Board Members Only)

Exhibition Hall A&B Meeting Room 5

2:30-4:30 Forages at KCA - Harnessing the Power of Soil Life

Meeting Room 6

2:30-3:30

Meeting Room 4

Women's Session 2 : Countdown to a Healthier You Janine Faber, registered dietitian

3:00 KJCA- Annual Membership Meeting & KJCA Board of Director Elections 5:00-6:00 KCA Leadership Alumni & Past President’s Reception (Invitation Only) 6:00 Evening Banquet (Ticket Required)

Meeting Room 5 Exhibit Hall Pre-function

2 0 2 4 K CA C O NV E N T IO N & TRADE S HOW AG E NDA

6:30-5:00 Registration Hours

Ballroom 1&2

KCA & KBC Awards 2024 KCA Hall of Fame Inductions Foundation Auction *Events located in Hyatt Hotel

January • Cow Country • 31


JANUARY 10-12 • LEXINGTON Early Bird Registration (October 1 - December 15) $60 • Registration (After December 15) = $85 Number

Event

Cost

Totals

Full Registration (Includes Trade Show and Business Meetings)

$85

x

=

Trade Show Only

$25

x

=

Junior Registration (21 years or younger)

$25

x

=

Evening Banquet

$68

x

=

Banquet Preferred Seating (Table of 10)

$700

x

=

Women’s Session 1: Glass Etching

$50

x

=

Attending

Total Amount Due Names as they should appear on badges. Please only one family or individual per registration form. NAME

NAME

NAME

NAME

ADDRESS

CITY, STATE ZIP CODE

COUNTY (Required)

PHONE

EMAIL

CREDIT CARD TYPE

CREDIT CARD NO.

EXPIRATION DATE

SIGNATURE

Mail to: KCA Convention Registration • 176 Pasadena Drive Lexington, Kentucky 40503 • Or email: info@kycattle.org

For Hyatt reservations call 1-800-233-1234 and give Code G-CTLX or ask for Kentucky Cattlemen’s Block or register online at https://www.hyatt.com/en-US/group-booking/LEXRL/G-CTLX 32 • Cow Country • January


OSH BROTH ER NT

CI

S

S

M

OTH ER

OSH BROTH ER NT I C

WN, KY

M

OTH ER

S

GEORGETOWN, KY

S

WN, KY

Gelbvieh & Balancer bulls for sale GEORGETOWN, KY

William McIntosh

Steve McIntosh

(502) 867-3132

(502) 868-5726

APRIL

Mark your calendar! The Laurel County Heifer Sale is coming up in April!

presents the

11th Annual Commercial

Open Heifer Sale details coming soon at laurel.ca.uky.edu/cattlemen

28th Annual SMITHLAND ANGUS Bull & Female Sale

Friday, March 8, 2024 • 6:30 P.M. CDT Russell County Stockyard Russell Springs, KY

S

More details in the February & March issues of Cow Country

A F

Smithland Angus Farm

4437 East Highway 80 Russell Springs, Kentucky 42642 Henry Bryan, Melissa, Bryanna and Blane Smith 270-866-2311 • cell 606-271-7520 bmsmith@duo-county.com Since 1940 January • Cow Country • 33


MEMBERSHIP

Now through January 1st, members who join KCA could be eligible to win a Priefert Squeeze Chute and Headgate for their County Chapter! The County Chapter that retains 75% or more memberships based on the previous year’s ending membership total will be entered in to a drawing to win. Winners will be announced at the 2024 KCA Convention and Trade Show.

DIVISION 1

53

66

-13

Campbell

51

74

-23

Woodford

48

64

-16

Taylor

44

59

-15

Whitley

43

49

-6

Grant

42

74

-32

Rockcastle

41

66

-25

Montgomery

41

54

-13

Oldham

38

61

-23

Mason

35

70

-35

Estill

33

53

-20

Todd

31

58

-27

Ohio

31

50

-19

29

41

-12

Pulaski

97

146

-49

Hancock

28

36

-8

Garrard

92

109

-17

Carroll

27

45

-18

Northeast Area

91

103

-12

Nicholas

26

43

-17

Daviess

87

121

-34

Fleming

79

127

-48

Union

26

63

-37

Monroe

79

128

-49

Simpson

25

41

-16

Trigg

76

104

-28

Calloway

25

55

-30

Caldwell/Lyon

71

119

-48

Highlands

24

38

-14

Scott

69

121

-52

Butler

23

35

-12

66

78

-12

Hopkins

19

23

-4

Clay

19

29

-10

Crittenden

17

26

-9

Adair

264

326

-62

Shelby

259

378

-119

Christian

245

333

-88

Marion

245

301

-56

Lincoln

233

227

6

Breckinridge

214

269

-55

Madison

206

307

-101 -43

Out of State

Wayne

-189

204

-3

-8

482

161

65

38

293

Edmonson

62

30

Barren

-70

Russell

McCreary

DIVISION 2

237

Diff

Diff

Diff

167

2023

2023

203

Grayson

2024

(UP TO 75 MEMBERS)

2024

2024

(151+ MEMBERS)

DIVISION 3

(76-150 MEMBERS)

Franklin

156

167

-11

Lewis

Bath

152

348

-196

Trimble

64

110

-46

Mercer

146

192

-46

Robertson

63

77

-14

Henry

141

192

-51

Owen

61

90

-29

Hart

137

244

-107

Purchase Area

61

83

-22

McLean

17

22

-5

Meade

137

167

-30

Boyle

60

101

-41

Livingston

15

17

-2

Green

123

160

-37

Mountain

60

97

-37

Knox

14

30

-16

Bracken

122

188

-66

Louisville Area

57

75

-18

Clark

118

185

-67

Bullitt

13

30

-17

Anderson

54

109

-55

Casey

108

172

-64

Jackson

53

118

-65

Menifee

11

21

-10

Muhlenberg

49

78

-29

Henderson

9

9

0

Bourbon

47

97

-50

Powell

5

7

-2

Fayette

46

83

-37

Magoffin

5

6

-1

Webster

45

79

-34

Gallatin

3

8

-5

Nelson

43

76

-33

Eastern Foothills

2

7

-5

Pike

1

5

-4

Hardin

108

160

-52

Washington

107

221

-114

Metcalfe

107

151

-44

Northern Kentucky

106

168

-62

Logan

106

206

-100

Laurel

91

151

-60

Larue

90

157

-67

Clinton-Cumberland

39

63

-24

Warren

86

159

-73

Pendleton

37

90

-53

Jessamine

80

218

-138

Allen

28

112

-84

Harlan

0

1

-1

Harrison

59

153

-94

Twin Lakes

28

58

-30

Bell

0

0

0

If you need anything for membership, please contact

Rachel Cain at (859) 278-0899 or rcain@kycattle.org 34 • Cow Country • January

Totals as of: December 13, 2023

2024

2023

Difference

7,275

11,114

-3,839


2023-24 MEMBERSHIP APPLICATION * MEMBERSHIP YEAR 10/1/23– 9/30/24

NAME

SPOUSE NAME

FARM NAME

ADDRESS

CITY

STATE

ZIP

COUNTY

RECRUITED BY

PHONE

FAX

EMAIL

*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) Membership dues are $30 unless otherwise listed below

NEW

RENEWAL

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

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 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

TOTAL MEMBERSHIP: KCA

KJCA

$

$

TOTAL CONTRIBUTIONS: CATTLEMEN’S FOUNDATION DONATION (voluntary)

$

TOTAL AMOUNT ENCLOSED: ALL DONATIONS TO KCF ARE TAX DEDUCTIBLE

$

IF YOU WOULD ALSO LIKE TO JOIN THE NATIONAL CATTLEMEN’S BEEF ASSOCIATION The NCBA is now a State Marketing Partner with the KCA. You can pay your dues to both organizations with one check, at the same time. # HEAD

DUES

1-100

$160

1,001-1,250

$1,227

101-250

$320

1,251-1,500

$1,493

251-500

$480

1,501-1,750

$1,760

501-750

$693

1,751-2,000

$2,027

751-1000

$960

> 2,000

$2,027 + $0.4053/HD

# HEAD

DUES

Complete and return to: Kentucky Cattlemen’s Association 176 Pasadena Drive • Suite 4 • Lexington, KY 40503 Join online at www.kycattle.org or call (859) 278-0899

January • Cow Country •• 35 35 November


Online Cattle Buying Tips Katie Pratt Kentucky Cattlemen's Association

As with any other item, cattle are bought and sold online every day. But sometimes, buying online can result in buyers getting cattle that do not match their online description. Dr. Beth Johnson, director of animal health for the Kentucky Department of Agriculture, Office of the State Veterinarian said producers can take steps to make sure they receive the cattle they agreed to purchase. “It’s really buyer beware when it comes to buying online,” Dr. Johnson said. “If something sounds too good to be true, it probably is.” Dr. Johnson encourages prospective buyers to visit to their local livestock market and watch the cattle sell before purchasing cattle. Buyers should pay attention to market value of the type of cattle they are interested in purchasing. KDA Livestock and Grain Market Report is a resource producers can use to get the recent market value of specific types of cattle. It is available online https://www.kyagr.com/ marketing/market-news.html. Often, cattle for sale online will be priced below stockyard prices, which can be enticing even for seasoned producers. Additionally, new, inexperienced producers may not have the knowledge to discern aspects of quality cattle. Sellers may also list the cattle in potentially confusing terms, such as excellent condition or disease free. “If an animal is in excellent condition, you may want to ask why are they being sold at a reduced price?” Dr. Johnson said. “Also, there is no such thing as a disease-free animal.” Producers should view and inspect the animals before purchasing them, ideally at the seller’s farm. Common things they should look for in the cattle are clear eyes, the position of their ears, nasal discharge and temperament. “An animal hanging its head with

36 • Cow Country • January

droopy ears and nasal discharge could be a sign of an unhealthy animal,” she said. “You should get in the pen and move around with the cattle to check for temperament. The cattle should show interest in you, maybe come up to you or at least look at you and not kick up their legs and run to the south 40.” Dr. Johnson highly recommends picking up the cattle at the seller’s premises after viewing, but if this is not possible, upon delivery, buyers should inspect the animals before they are unloaded. “If something seems wrong with the animals on the trailer, refuse the shipment,” Dr. Johnson said. “Do not let the seller/transporter unload those animals onto your farm.” Producers should ask the seller for their veterinarian’s name and copies of any medical records including vaccination and deworming histories. The cattle should also be screened for Persistently Infected Bovine Viral Diarrhea Virus (PI-BVDV). Bred heifers or cows should have a veterinary pregnancy check, identification tag and age. Cattle over 18 months old should have some type of official USDA identification such as an RFID or NUES tag, especially if they came from a USDA federally approved livestock market. Bulls over 18 months old should have breeding soundness exams (BSE) including Trichomoniasis test performed within 30 days of releasing into cow groups. This is especially important for older bulls sourced from livestock markets. “Record keeping is extremely important for producers to track animal health and performance,” she said. “Buyers should ask for detailed health records or at least the seller’s veterinarian’s name. If they are not willing to give you their veterinarian’s name, that is a big red flag that something is wrong.” While Kentucky producers do not need a certificate of veterinary inspection

(CVI) to buy and sell cattle in state, a valid CVI is a requirement for cattle moving across state lines. Johnson said one of the most important things producers buying cattle from an online source should do is get as much information as possible in writing. “Require the seller to describe the animals you are purchasing in detail, including the type, number, their weights and whether they are steers, heifers, a bull, bred, etc.,” she said. “Unfortunately, in many cases of cattle misrepresentation there is no paper trail to support the buyer’s case should it end up in court.” Buyers should also pay using methods like a check or wire transfer that are traceable and voidable should problems occur. It is particularly important for buyers to have a paper trail for their protection should something go wrong with the cattle. Anytime new animals are purchased, producers should quarantine or isolate those animals from their home herd for at least 14 days but preferably 30 days in an area that is at least 50 yards away from their home herd. This reduces disease transmission. “It’s not unusual for one or two animals to get sick during transport, but the entire herd should not get sick. The few that do, should respond to antibiotics,” she said. “Producers should also have proper facilities to treat any sick animals should some get sick.” If a buyer feels like they did not get the animals they thought they were buying, they should contact the seller for a possible solution. If the buyers and sellers cannot reach an agreement, small claims court is usually the next step. “The Kentucky Department of Agriculture does not have any regulations regarding the misrepresentation of cattle,” Dr. Johnson said.


VISIT US TODAY! ALL AGES WELCOME SCHEDULE A GROUP VISIT CHOOSE YOUR LESSON PLAN CATERING IS AVAILABLE THE YARDS is an education center focusing on the science and practices of the beef industry. Educational opportunities provide a unique learning experience based on its location in the Blue Grass Regional Stockyards Marketplace. This environment fosters complex thinking, experiential learning, and life skill application.

BBURKS@KYCATTLE.ORG (859) 382-4303

Preserving and protecting our land and water resources is all of our responsibility. By developing an Agriculture Water Quality Plan and implementing best management

“You bet I limit runoff. Because my farm is measured in generations, not acres.”

practices, you can protect water quality and promote soil conservation on your farm. The result: a healthier environment for future generations, and a more profitable farm today. To learn how to develop your own ag water quality plan, go to eec.ky.gov/agwater.

January • Cow Country • 37


Bradon Burks Director of Education

We had another great trip out West this year immersing our next beef leaders on all aspects of the industry. Opportunities like the Nebraska Youth Beef Leadership Symposium (NYBLS) allow for our youth to continue to grow in their leadership abilities. As a sponsor of the NYBLS, Kentucky Beef Council was able to take 10 high school sophomores-seniors to the symposium. Before the symposium began, we were Anna Chaliff able to make Rockcastle County a few industry Avery Cole visits. These Warren County were designed to give our Brooklyn Felts Kentucky youth Nicholas County an opportunity to Callie Derossett make connections Henry County with all aspects of the beef industry. Elly Hampton We first flew Hopkins County into Kansas City Emmy Tucker where we toured Bourbon County Bichelmeyer Meats, a local Emily Frogue processing facility Todd County and store front. Joshua Kernodle Joe Bichelmeyer Boyle County shared with our group the Kailyn Stokes background of his Crittenden County operation, as well as the importance Parker Keyes Gallatin County of being adaptable and continuous learning. We then went to the American Royal Complex where we met Nathan Laudan, director of education. Laudan shared with the group about the various events the complex hosts, as well as their history. Following our visit, we went to the Livestock Marketing Association (LMA), where we learned how the LMA staff work on the behalf of their auction markets/members to help increase their ability to have a competitive market in the livestock industry. Thank you to each of these stops, as well as Kristie Larson with the National Institute of Animal Agriculture for helping us connect with these different stops. ATTENDE E S

After a great day in Kansas City, we then traveled to Saint Joseph, Missouri, where we 38 • Cow Country • January

went to the American Angus Association and BioZyme Incorporated. Both of these stops showed our youth how advancements in technology have allowed for our industry to grow in both knowledge and efficiency for production. We then traveled to Lincoln, Nebraska, where we met Dylan Vock with Lone Creek Cattle Company. Vock spoke to the group about Lone Creek’s bull lease and calf buy-back programs, which use Piedmontese cattle. We were also able to go out into a field with a group of heifers and see what some purebred/F1 crosses looked like. Certified Piedmontese’s Headquarters was in Lincoln as well, and we had the opportunity to tour their facility, as well as their restaurant/store front. Our next day started at Nebraska Beef Packing Plant. Many of our youth had visited a local processing facility before, however they were truly amazed at the efficiency/scale of a bigger processer. Our tour guides were able to showcase information such as pricing, quality grading and the safety equipment that meat cutters wear during their shifts. We also took time to visit the Nebraska Cattlemen’s Association where they discussed how their state association is advocating on their producers’ behalf, including lobbying for legislation, educational resources and youth development. We greatly appreciate the time Laura Field spent showcasing the similarities and differences of our associations. I feel it is important that we show our Kentucky youth where the calves they sell at the stockyards end up, so we toured a feedyard. Joel Weber with Weber Feedyards was gracious enough to take us on a tour of their operation. He shared with our attendees on how they focus on cattle health and efficiency. Weber also showed us the different feedstuffs they use, such as corn silage and wet distillers. While we were in Lincoln, we were also able to make friends with the operators of The Fort Western Wear. They were kind enough to give each of us 15% off, just from hearing about the

leadership opportunities we were getting on the trip. The next day, we had the chance to tour Neogen’s GeneSeek Lab. We were blown away by the technology used, as well as the focus Neogen had on customer support, working to do things in a timely fashion. It was also a neat connection because the American Angus Association shared they use Neogen’s Lab for some of their testing. Thank you to Katherine Goodpaster for giving us the connection to the GeneSeek Lab. When the symposium began, our Kentucky group was divided amongst 45 Nebraska youth who were given a task of creating a new innovative menu item with one of three assigned beef cuts: strip steak, ground beef and eye of round steak. Groups had to come up with the cost of input, marketing strategy, as well as how to present their idea. Participants worked with a chef who spent quality time with each group as they then prepared their newest beef menu creation. Joshua Kernodle’s team created a “Flapjack Fiesta” breakfast option that won the competition. I have to say, it was pretty tasty! We would also like to recognize Avery Cole for receiving a $500 scholarship to University of Nebraska- Lincoln for her leadership abilities shown during the trip. After spending a week with these youth, I can confidently say that the future of our Kentucky beef industry is so bright. We have innovative, passionate and creative leaders who will do great things in the future. Thank you so much to this year's attendees, applicants, and to Rachel Cain for serving as a chaperone. If you are interested in applying for next year's NYBLS, applications will be posted in September 2024.


Carey Brown

Chief Operating Officer

In the December issue of Cow Country, I updated you on the first two of our four strategies for the KBC Marketing Plan. This will be the final two strategies and complete our plan for the coming year. The third strategy is called Beef ’s Multiple Advantages. This strategy promotes and capitalizes on the multiple competitive advantages of beef as the top protein choice compared to other proteins and addresses the consumer’s price/value concerns. Our research has shown that consumers want quick and easy meals that use ground beef.

The last strategy involves strengthening producer understanding and support for your Beef Checkoff investment. This one is directly focused on our producers and engaging with you to show how the Checkoff is used and working with our producers to tell the beef story. Tactics include: • •

Some of our tactics to show this will include: • •

• • • • •

Digital and social advertising that will push people to kybeef.com Educate and inspire consumers to cook beef properly and use recipes to promote cooking methods through television segments. Advertise with e-commerce partners to promote the sale of beef over other proteins through promotions with e-commerce sites and directly with retailers. Increase beef sales in Kentucky via Burger Weeks, Derby Burger, Restaurant Weeks and Summer Grilling promotions. Create recipes and handouts to be used at in-person events. Support beef exports throughout the world through membership in the United States Meat Export Federation. Offer those in the supply chain beef educational opportunities for their staff to increase the positive beef message. Partner with educators in culinary schools to promote beef. Offer Beef Education grants to provide educators the opportunity to teach beef recipes and cooking methods.

Promote the role producers play in beef 's positive impact on a sustainable food system through schools and other youth events, including the YARDS classroom.

• •

Building out a more robust website highlighting our producers and their stories. Provide producers with an Annual Report to highlight how the Checkoff was used in Kentucky. Monthly Checkoff updates in Cow Country News and through the Kentucky Cattleman e-newsletter. Create and implement a Beef Checkoff Advocate Academy geared to producers in order to create a group of producers that can promote the industry and Checkoff in Kentucky. Highlight Kentucky farm families during Beef Month and the role they play in beef ’s positive impact on a sustainable food system. Develop a yearly Checkoff survey for producers to better understand their support and understanding of the Beef Checkoff and how they receive information. Plan and conduct a stockyards’ tour to reach producers across the state.

I hope you have a better understanding of how your Checkoff dollars will be used in the coming year, but if you have any questions or comments, feel free to reach out to me anytime. You can email cbrown@ kycattle.org or call 859-278-0899. You can also reach out to the many producers who serve on the Checkoff committee to develop this plan.

1. RAISED & GROWN - Implement reputation management strategies that reshape the narrative about sustainable beef production and the environment. Defend our beef producers’ ability to sustain their business. 2. NUTRITION - Positively engage in the sustainable nutrition conversation and beef’s key role in responsibly feeding people. 3. BEEF’S MULTIPLE ADVANTAGES - Promote and capitalize on the multiple competitive advantages of beef as the top protein choice compared to other proteins. Address the consumer’s price/value concerns. 4. STAKEHOLDER ENGAGEMENT - Strengthen producer understanding & support for their Beef Checkoff investment by educating and engaging them in Beef Checkoff programs. January • Cow Country • 39


Kentucky Beef Network Update Becky Thompson Director, Kentucky Beef Network

Agricultural Development Board (KADB) Recipient Review Committee, Kentucky’s Office of Agricultural Policy (KOAP) staff and our University of Kentucky Beef Extension partners at Eden Shale. During the meeting, we discussed the work that has been completed during 2023 and the anticipated programs for 2024. Part of the committee meeting was members making a motion to recommend releasing funds for the second year of work for KBN and UK Beef Extension Team programs. At the conclusion of the meeting attendees took a tour of Eden Shale.

Holiday Season December always proves to be a busy month of holiday preparation, KCA convention planning and county meetings. My family and I made the 14hour journey back to Nebraska to visit my family and attend Christmas gatherings. It is great to have my girls Maelee (11) and Madelyn (9) back on the farm playing in the snow and helping my mom prepare Christmas dinner just like I did when I was growing up. Kentucky Agriculture Development Fund Three times each year, our KBN and UK Beef Extension partners write a comprehensive report outlining the work and budget progress we have made during that reporting period. For our October report, we hosted our Kentucky

I attended the November joint meeting of the Kentucky Agricultural Finance Cooperation (KADF) and KADB in Hopkinsville. During the meeting, both boards heard our Recipient Review Committee report and voted in favor of releasing our funds for 2024 programs. I appreciate the time the committee members and staff took to go through our 12 reports from KBN and listen to our updates on the positive impacts our programs are having on Kentucky farmers. The KADB and KOAP staff should be commended for their dedication to the Kentucky Agricultural Development Fund and making sure each applicant and program somehow impacts rural Kentucky agriculture. County Agriculture Improvement Program (CAIP) An agenda item for the November joint meeting was the board’s annual review of

individual investment area guidelines, and the board voted on changes within the CAIP program and individual investment areas. I encourage you to visit the KOAP website or talk with your CAIP administrator about the changes to help you prepare for the 2024 investment year. Winter Value Added Feeder Calf Sales There were a little over 4,700 preconditioned feeder calves that sold through the Profit Through Performance Sale, Kentucky Certified Hereford Influence sale, Traditions Hereford Sale, and three CPH-45 sales across Kentucky during the first two weeks of December. If you have current questions on the requirements of the programs or historical market information, please visit the CPH website or the Kentucky Hereford Association website. The market reports can be viewed on the Kentucky Department of Agriculture’s USDA market reports listing. Loooking Forward to 2024 Here are some KBN/UK Beef Extension Programs you can look forward to in 2024. •

Youth Cattle Working Contest

Market Cow/Feeder Calf Shortcourses

Biosecurity Workshops

Beef Quality Assurance Training Programs

Back to Basics Demonstrations

Backgrounding Shortcourse

Bull Value Assessment Program

Cow/Calf Profitability Conference

Applied Master Cattlemen

Master Cattlemen

Freezer Beef Shortcourse

Master Grazer Events

I hope to see you all of you at the Kentucky Cattlemen’s Association Convention. Happy New Year! 40 • Cow Country • January


Eden Shale Update Dan Miller Industry Coordinator, Kentucky Beef Network There are 33 buildings on the property at Eden Shale. Most of these buildings remain functional and provide a service to the operation of the farm. However, there were some of these structures that had been abandoned and no longer remained safe to have around. You may recall in an article from last spring that we had a lot of wind damage from an 80+ mph wind event in March. That event is what prompted a discussion with the folks at UK to see what could be done about the damage from the storm. Following that wind event, we had several different groups of UK personnel visit the farm to assess the impacts of the storm. They also determined that some of the old abandoned buildings needed to be torn down. After multiple discussions and meetings, the final list was agreed upon and approved. In all, there were 16 buildings that needed roofing repairs and eight structures that were slated to be torn down. The wind damage varied drastically from barn to barn. Some just had minor damage and needed metal or a ridge cap screwed back down. Others had entire sections of roofing that had blown off and some of the roof joists needed replaced. I do have to complement UK’s contractors as they have done a very nice job on the necessary repairs, and they have been neat and tidy with their workspace. The eight structures that needed torn down included two old houses. Both houses were found to have asbestos present in the outdoor siding, the drywall, the window caulk, and the linoleum glue. Because of asbestos, these structures had to have the proper abatement procedures conducted, including proper handling and disposal of the material. Once the asbestos was removed, the houses could be torn down and hauled off just as the other buildings that were demoed. I want to say "Thank You" to our UK/Eden Shale Farm Advisory Committee for their continued support of the work we do at the farm and for their commitment to the safety of our guests that tour the farm throughout the year. I appreciate all you do for Eden Shale Farm. K E N T U C K Y B E E F N E T W O R K F I E L D A S S O C I AT E S

Ben Lloyd

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

Ron Shrout

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

Charles Embry

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

Jacob Settles

Springfield, KY (859) 805-0724 jacob.settles4@yahoo.com January • Cow Country • 41


ANGUS ANGUS THE BUSINESS BREED THE BUSINESS BREED

BOYD BEEF CATTLE 6077 Helena Road BOYD BEEF CATTLE Mayslick, KY 41055 6077 Helena Road Charlie Boyd II: (606) 584-5194 • Blake Boyd: (606) 375-3718 Mayslick, KY 41055 www.boydbeef.com • cboyd2@maysvilleky.net Charlie Boyd II: (606) 584-5194 • Blake Boyd: (606) 375-3718 www.boydbeef.com • cboyd2@maysvilleky.net

BRANCH VIEW ANGUS BOYD BEEF CATTLE 927 OldVIEW Liberty PikeRoad • Hustonville, KY 40437 BRANCH ANGUS 6077 Helena (859) 238-0771 •KY www.branchviewangus.com Mayslick, 927 Old Liberty Pike • 41055 Hustonville, KY 40437 James S.Charlie & LuAnn Coffey, & Donna Coffey(606) 375-3718 II: (606)Donald 584-5194 • Blake Boyd: (859) 238-0771 •Boyd www.branchviewangus.com www.boydbeef.com • cboyd2@maysvilleky.net Annual Sale- Donald 2nd Saturday in April James S.Production & LuAnn Coffey, & Donna Coffey Annual Production Sale- 2nd Saturday in April BRANCH VIEW ANGUS

BURKS CATTLE CO. 927 Old Liberty Pike • Hustonville, KY 40437 531 Rick Rd. 238-0771 BURKS CATTLE CO. (859) • www.branchviewangus.com Park City, KY 42160 531 Rick Rd. James S. & LuAnn Coffey, Donald & Donna Coffey Eddie Burks • (270) 991-6398 Production Sale- 2nd Saturday in April Park City,Annual KY 42160 www.burkscattle.com Eddie Burks • (270) 991-6398 www.burkscattle.com BURKS CATTLE CO.

BURTON531 & SONS ANGUS Rick Rd. Joe D. or & Karen Burton Park City, KY 42160 BURTON SONS ANGUS

480 Hill Rd. Nancy, KY991-6398 42544 Eddie Burks • (270) Joe D.Hominy or Karen Burton Joe: (606)www.burkscattle.com 305-3081 480 Hominy Hill Rd. Nancy, KY 42544 Located miles West of Somerset • klburton01@windstream.net Joe: (606) 15 305-3081 Bulls &15 females treaty. Inquiries Welcome. Sell only what we would buy. Located milessold Westprivate of Somerset • klburton01@windstream.net Data&driven since Bulls females sold1981. private treaty. Inquiries Welcome. Sell only what we would buy. BURTON Data driven since 1981.& SONS ANGUS

Joe D. or Karen Burton 480 Hominy Hill Rd. Nancy, KY 42544 COFFEYJoe: ANGUS FARMS (606) 305-3081 Located Road 15 miles West of Somerset • klburton01@windstream.net COFFEY ANGUS FARMS 661 Hopewell Bulls & females 661 Hopewell Road sold private treaty. Inquiries Welcome. Sell only what we would buy. Liberty, KY 42539 Data driven since 1981.

Liberty, KY 42539 Matt Coffey: (270) 799-6288 Matt Coffey: (270) 799-6288 Dewey Coffey: (606) 706-2699 Dewey Coffey: (606) 706-2699 COFFEY ANGUS FARMS Genetics for Maximum Profitability since 1984 Genetics for Profitability since 1984 661Maximum Hopewell Road

Liberty, KY 42539 Matt Coffey: (270) 799-6288 DAVIS BEND FARMS Dewey Coffey: (606) 706-2699 DAVIS FARMS 2315 BEND Davis BendforRoad Genetics Maximum Profitability since 1984 2315 Davis Bend Road

Canmer, KY 42722 Canmer, KY 42722 timmothyljeffries@gmail.com timmothyljeffries@gmail.com www.davisbendfarms.com DAVIS BEND FARMS www.davisbendfarms.com 2315 Davis Bend Road (270) 528-6435 Tim: (270) 528-6605 • Leslie: Tim: (270)Canmer, 528-6605 • Leslie: (270) 528-6435 KY 42722

timmothyljeffries@gmail.com www.davisbendfarms.com FALL CREEK ANGUS Tim: (270) 528-6605 • Leslie: (270) 528-6435

FALL CREEK ANGUS 448 Corder Farm Road 448 Corder Farm Road Monticello, KY 42633 Monticello, KY 42633 Ronnie Corder FALL CREEK ANGUS Ronnie Corder 448 Corder Farm Road (606) 348-6588 (606) 348-6588 Monticello, KY 42633 Ronnie Corder (606) 348-6588

HAMILTON ANGUS FARMS HAMILTON ANGUS FARMS Eddie Hamilton 2142 Stilesville Road Eddie Hamilton 2142 Stilesville Road ScienceHill, Hill,KYKY42553 42553 HAMILTON ANGUS FARMS Science edjohami@aol.com Eddie Hamilton 2142 Stilesville Road edjohami@aol.com (606) 271-1286 Science Hill, KY 42553 (606) 271-1286 Bullsand andedjohami@aol.com FemalesforforSale Sale Bulls Females (606) 271-1286 Bulls and Females for Sale

HERITAGEFARM FARM HERITAGE TomMcGinnis McGinnis HERITAGE FARM Tom 1024Hinkle Hinkle Lane• Shelbyville, • Shelbyville, TomLane McGinnis 1024 KYKY (502)633-1634, 633-1634, home •• (502) 633-5100, work 1024 Hinkle Lane Shelbyville, KY work (502) home • (502) 633-5100, (502) 633-1634, (502)655-0164, 655-0164, cell home • (502) 633-5100, work (502) cell (502) 655-0164, cell

HILL VIEW FARMS Jimmy Gilles HILL VIEW FARMS 5160 Lee Rudy Road Jimmy Gilles Owensboro, KY 42301 5160 Lee Rudy Road (270) 929-5370 Owensboro, KY 42301 jcgilles86@gmail.com (270) 929-5370 THE BUSINESS BREED jcgilles86@gmail.com

ANGUS

HILL VIEW FARMS JOHNSON FARMS ANGUS Jimmy Gilles Angus Bulls & Females JOHNSON FARMS ANGUS 5160 Lee Rudy Road Slaughters, KYFemales Angus Bulls & Owensboro, KY 42301 Keith: (270) 635-0723 Slaughters, KY (270) 929-5370 Reese:(270) (270)635-0723 635-1137 Keith: jcgilles86@gmail.com Reese: (270) 635-1137

ST. CLAIR FARMS REGISTERED ANGUS

SMITHLAND ANGUS FARM Eric & 80, Sherry St. REGISTERED Clair KY 42642 ST. CLAIR FARMS ANGUS 5202 East Hwy Russell Springs, 13433 Rough Road • Falls of Rough, KY 40119 & Sherry St. Clair(270) CharlesEric “Bud” &Falls Pam of Smith: 866-3898 (270) 257-2965 • Cell: (270) 617-1079 Falls of Rough Road • Falls of Rough, KY 40119 Henry 13433 &Home: Melissa Smith: (270) 866-2311

www.stclairangus.com Home: (270) 257-2965 • Cell: (270) 617-1079 Performance Tested Bull & Female Sale April 2020 www.stclairangus.com Performance Tested Bull & Female Sale April 2020

LYNN CREEK FARMS

MT. MORIAH ANGUS FARMS Kris and Sara Lynn 2184MORIAH Bardstown Rdand FARMS Bob, Kathy, Rob, Janna Clark (859) 748-5558 MT. ANGUS Springfield KY 40069 1446 Kennedy Bridge Rd. Harrodsburg, KY 40330 Bob, Kathy, Rob, and Janna Clark (859) 748-5558 573-721-6663 1446 Kennedy Bridge •Rd. Harrodsburg, KY 40330 Bob: (859)339-2610 Rob: (859)612-1594 Bob: (859)339-2610 • Rob: (859)612-1594 mtmoriahfarms1@gmail.com mtmoriahfarms1@gmail.com www.mtmoriahangus.com MT. MORIAH ANGUS FARMS www.mtmoriahangus.com

Bob, Kathy, Rob, and Janna Clark (859) 748-5558 1446 Kennedy Bridge Rd. Harrodsburg, KY 40330 FOUR KINGS ANGUS Bob: (859)339-2610 • Rob: (859)612-1594 FOUR KINGS ANGUS mtmoriahfarms1@gmail.com 250 Bright Leaf Dr. • Harrodsburg, KY 40330 www.mtmoriahangus.com 250 Bright Dr. • Harrodsburg, KY 40330 Cary & KimLeaf King

ST. CLAIR FARMS REGISTERED ANGUS Eric & Sherry St. Clair 13433 Falls of Rough Road FARM • Falls of Rough, KY 40119 TAMME VALLEY Home:TAMME (270) 257-2965 (270) 617-1079 Jacob Tamme, Owner-Operator VALLEY• Cell: FARM www.stclairangus.com Jacob Owner-Operator (859)Tamme, 583-7134 Performance Tested Bull & Female Sale April 2020 (859) 583-7134 jacob.tamme@gmail.com

jacob.tamme@gmail.com www.tammevalley.com & Find us on Facebook! www.tammevalley.com & Find us on Facebook!

TAMME VALLEY FARM Jacob Tamme, Owner-Operator (859) 583-7134 TRIPLE D ANGUS jacob.tamme@gmail.com TRIPLE D ANGUS Nathaniel & Darla Denham www.tammevalley.com & Find us on Facebook!

Nathaniel & Darla Denham Nathaniel(Bub), Sarah, Ashley Denham Nathaniel(Bub), Sarah, Ashley Denham Cary & Kim King Carymking@yahoo.com • fourkingsangus.com (606) 423-2457 • (606) 875-0780 (606) 423-2457 • (606) 875-0780 Carymking@yahoo.com • fourkingsangus.com Cary Cell: (859) 613-3734 • Colby Myers - Purebred Manager tripledangus.com Cary (859) 613-3734 • Colby Myers - Purebred Manager TRIPLEtripledangus.com FOURCell: KINGS ANGUS D ANGUS 250 Bright Leaf Dr. • Harrodsburg, KY 40330 Cary & Kim King Carymking@yahoo.com • fourkingsangus.com Cary Cell: 613-3734 • Colby Myers - Purebred Manager OLD BARK(859) FARM

OLD BARK Hill, FARM 370 Ferrill Buffalo, KY 42716 370 Ferrill Hill, Buffalo, KY 42716 Kenley Conner (502) 905-7825 Kenley Conner (502) 905-7825 Registered Angus Cattle Registered Angus Cattle OLD BARK FARM 370 Ferrill Hill, Buffalo, KY 42716 Kenley Conner (502) 905-7825 Registered Angus Cattle 4040 Taylorsville Rd 4040 Taylorsville Rd Taylorsville, KY 40071 Taylorsville, KY 40071 Gordon Schubert Gordon Schubert 502-477-2637 • 502-548-8440 4040 Taylorsville• 502-548-8440 Rd 502-477-2637 Anne Patton Schubert Taylorsville, 40071 Anne PattonKY Schubert 502-477-2663 • 502-548-2359 Gordon Schubert

Nathaniel & Darla Denham Nathaniel(Bub), Sarah, Ashley Denham (606) 423-2457 • (606) 875-0780 TWIN CREEK FARM tripledangus.com TWIN CREEK FARM

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

WHITE FARM Tim and Amy White Tim and Amy White 3664 Military Pike • Lexington, KY 40513 3664 Military Pike • Lexington, KY 40513 Home: (859)223-0326 WHITE FARM Home: (859)223-0326 (859) 509-5401 • Amy (859)227-2552 Tim and Tim: Amy White Tim: (859) 509-5401 • Amy (859)227-2552 3664 Military Pike • Lexington, KY 40513 whitefarm4@twc.com Home:whitefarm4@twc.com (859)223-0326

502-477-2663 • 502-548-2359 502-477-2637 • 502-548-8440 Anne Patton Schubert 502-477-2663 • 502-548-2359

Tim: (859) 509-5401 • Amy (859)227-2552 whitefarm4@twc.com

KENTUCKYANGUS ANGUSASSOCIATION ASSOCIATION KENTUCKY

NAME

MEMBERSHIP APPLICATION

MEMBERSHIP APPLICATION KENTUCKY ANGUS ASSOCIATION

NAME

Returnto:to:Shayna ShaynaGibson Gibson1535 1535 Fallen Timber Road MEMBERSHIP APPLICATION Return Fallen Timber Road NewCastle, Castle, 40050 •Timber Annual Dues $35 New KYKY 40050 • Annual Dues $35 Return to: Shayna Gibson 1535 Fallen Road

FARM NAME FARM NAME

New Castle, KY 40050 • Annual Dues $35

ADDRESS ADDRESS

CITY CITY

KENTUCKY ANGUS ASSOCIATION KENTUCKY ANGUS ASSOCIATION

42 • Cow Country • January

bmsmith@duo-county.com

JOHNSON FARMS ANGUS

PHONE 1

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

PLEASANT HILL FARMS Gil, Mary, Corbin, Caroline, and Catherine Cowles PLEASANT HILL FARMS 500 Rockfield Richpond Road Henry B. Smith President: Gil, Mary, Corbin, Caroline, and Catherine Cowles Rockfield, 42274 ViceKY President: Anne Patton Schubert 500 Rockfield Richpond Road (270) 843-9021 • Fax (270) 843-9005 Rockfield, Secretary/Treasurer: KY 42274 Shayna Gibson Located 7 miles west(270) of Bowling Green, 1/2 mile off Hwy 68/80 (270) 843-9021 • Fax 843-9005 Located 7 miles west of Bowling Green, 1/2 mile off Hwy 68/80 PLEASANT HILL FARMS SMITHLAND ANGUS FARM Gil, Mary, Corbin, Caroline, and Catherine Cowles SMITHLAND ANGUS 5202 Richpond East Hwy 80, FARM Russell Springs, KY 42642 500 Rockfield Road 4437 East“Bud” Hwy 80, Russell Springs, 42642 Charles & Pam Smith: (270)KY 866-3898 Rockfield, KY 42274 Henry Melissa, Bryanna Blane Smith HenryBryan, &• Fax Melissa (270)and 866-2311 (270) 843-9021 (270) Smith: 843-9005 606-271-7520 Located 7 miles west of Bowling Green, 1/2 mile off Hwy 68/80

LYNN CREEK FARMS Angus Bulls & Females Kris and Sara Lynn LYNN CREEK Slaughters, KYFARMS 2184 Bardstown Kris and Sara LynnRd Keith: (270) 635-0723 Springfield 40069 Reese:Bardstown (270)KY 635-1137 2184 Rd 573-721-6663 Springfield KY 40069 573-721-6663

PHONE 1

MEMBERSHIP APPLICATION MEMBERSHIP APPLICATION

President: Henry B. Smith Vice President: Anne Patton President: Henry B. Schubert Smith Shayna Gibson Vice Secretary/Treasurer: President: Anne Patton Schubert Secretary/Treasurer: Shayna Gibson

EMAIL EMAIL

STATE STATE

ZIP ZIP

PHONE 2

PHONE 2


KENTUCKY ANGUS ASSOCIATION NEWS Shayna Gibson, Secretary/Treasurer www.kentuckyangus.org • kyangusassociation@gmail.com •

1

4

2

5

@kyangusassoc •

@kyangusassoc •

@kyangusassociation

JANUARY 11-12 KCA Convention Lexington, KY Stop by and see our booth!

MARCH 2 Kentucky Angus Sweepstakes Sale Louisville, KY KY Fair & Expo Center

MARCH 2 KAA Social 4 pm to 6 pm Annual Meeting, 5 pm

2023 ANNUAL CHRISTMAS PARTY AWARDS 1. Performance Breeder Award: Jason Crowe 2. Distinguished Service Award: Diana Jeffries 3. Herdsman of the Year: Dan Craig 4. Lifetime Achievement Award: Butch Nunn

3

5. Family of the Year: Henry “Bryan” Smith Family

68th

January • Cow Country • 43


KENTUCKY

GELBVIEH GELBVIEH KENTUCKY

A S S O C I AT I O N

David Slaughter, President.......................(270) 556-4259 JoeA Piles, President...........................(502) 507-3845 S SVice OC I AT I O N PatTilghman,Secretary/Treasurer..............(270) 670-8449

AA Joe LAND & CATTLE Piles, President............................................................................................................................(502) 507-3845 LARRY CLARK & SONS LLC

Registered Gelbvieh & Balancers Registered Gelbvieh Cattle Johnnie Moore, Vice President...........................................................................................................(270) 670-7814 Cynthiana, KY 106 Clark Houk Road • Greensburg, KY 42743 Tilghman, Secretary/Treasurer.......................................................................................................(270) 670-8449 LukePat Arthur (859) 298-8323 Larry Clark, Owner & Operator luke.arthur93@gmail.com (270) 299-5167 • (270) 405-6848 Bulls • Show Prospects • Embryos Lpclarkandsons@msn.com BRIAN W. DYER, DVM Bulls sell with GE EPD’s • Show Prospects

ASHWOOD SPRING GENETICS

& Lindsay Arthur BARLuke IV LIVESTOCK

Cynthiana, Barry, Beth & BenKY Racke • Brad Racke

7416859-298-8323 Tippenhauer Rd. • Cold Spring, KY 41076 Phone (859) 635-3832 • Barry cell (859) 991-1992 Brad cell (859) 393-3677 • Ben cell (859) 393-3730 Fax (859) 635-3832 • bar4@twc.com

BAR IV LIVESTOCK

BEEBarry, LICK Beth GELBVIEHS & Ben Racke • Brad Racke

Eddie Reynolds 7416 Tippenhauer Rd. • Cold Spring, KY 41076 277 Phone Old Bee(859) Lick 635-3832 Rd. • Barry cell (859) 991-1992 CrabBrad Orchard, KY 40419 cell (859) 393-3677 • Ben cell (859) 393-3730 606-379-2281(H) 606-305-1972(C) Fax (859) 635-3832 • bar4@twc.com Bulls & Females for sale

BEE LICK GELBVIEHS

Eddie Reynolds 277 Old Bee Lick Rd. Crab Orchard, KY 40419 606-379-2281(H) 606-305-1972(C) Bulls & Females for sale

CD FARMS

BRAY’S GELBVIEH CATTLE Clayton & Debbie Cash & School Betty KRoad Bray 1214Niles Ottawa Brodhead, KY 40409 1568 Bray Ridge Road (606)-308-3247 Bedford, KY• (606)-758-8994 40006 Gelbvieh-Balancer Bulls & Heifers (502) 255-3584 For Sale by Private Treaty

Owner/Manager GELBVIEH/BALANCERS CLIFFORD FARMS 2050 Glasgow Road 3459 KY HWY 1284E Burkesville, KY 42717 Cynthiana, KY 41031 Brian, Lauren, Kristen Barry, Emily & Julia Since 1937 (270) 864-5909 Cattle for sale at all times. (859) 234-6956

FULL CIRCLE FARMS

BRIAN W. DYER, DVM Registered Gelbvieh Cattle

Owner/Manager Brad Burke GELBVIEH/BALANCERS 989 Metcalf Mill Road • Ewing KY 41039 2050 Glasgow Road (H) 606-267-5609 Burkesville, KY 42717 • (C) 606-782-1367 gbb789@windstream.net Brian, Lauren, Kristen Barry, Emily & Julia (270) 864-5909

FULL CIRCLE RICH HILLFARMS GELBVIEH

Registered Gelbvieh Cattle Frank McAninch Brad Burke 1341 Iven Godby Road 989 Metcalf Mill Road • Ewing KY 41039 KY 42539 (H)Liberty, 606-267-5609 • (C) 606-782-1367 606-787-0120 gbb789@windstream.net

richhillfarm@windstream.net

KILBOURNE GELBVIEH

East Bernstadt, KY 606-843-6583 cell 606-309-4662 Black Replacement Heifers & Bulls Available Embryo transplant & AI sired calves

MOCKINGBIRD HILL FARMS

CD FARMSUPCOMING EVENTS

Clayton & Debbie Cash Saturday May 15 1214 Ottawa School Road Kentucky Junior Gelbvieh Show & Learning Clinic Brodhead, KY 40409 (606)-308-3247 • (606)-758-8994 McIntosh Brothers Farm • 3348 Frankfort Road • Georgetown

Registered Gelbvieh Cattle Shane Wells 10172 Provo Rd. Rochester, KY H: 270-934-2198 C: 270-791-8196 swells@logantele.com

Burley Fields Livestock Center • 709 Oil Fields Road • Horse Cave Cynthiana, KY 41031 Call Carrie Derossett for more information. (270) 404-0828 Since 1937 Bradbury Farms Entry and room information available at www.gelbvieh.org (859) 234-6956 Gelbvieh/Balancer Females (Juniors/Regional Shows/AGJA Eastern Regional) Tom Bradbury Fisherville, KY (502) 817-2869

BRADBURY FARMS Taylor Bradbury

JOIN KENTUCKY GELBVIEH ASSOCIATION Mail to: 690 Lick Branch Road, Glasgow, Kentucky 42141 FARM NAME

ADRESS

PLEASANT MEADOWS FARM

Gary & Pat Tilghman Carrie & Daryl Derossett Family Lindsey & Garland Gilliam Family PLEASANT FARM 690 LickMEADOWS Branch Road Glasgow, KY 42141 Gary & Pat Tilghman 270.646.7024 • pleasantmeadowsfarm@hotmail.com Lindsey Tilghman Jones Family Carrie & Daryl Derossett Family 690 Lick Branch Road Glasgow, KY 42141 270.646.7024 • pleasantmeadowsfarm@hotmail.com

(502) 817-4421 BRADBURY Gelbvieh/Balancer Females Hay and Straw FARMS Tom Bradbury • Fisherville, KYAvailable (502) 817-2869 Taylor Bradbury (502) 817-4421 Hay and Straw Available

2024 Annual Kentucky Gebvieh Association Membership Meeting Saturday, January 27, 2024 • Nelson County Extension Office 317 S Third Street • Bardstown, KY 40004 11:30 am (EST) • Lunch will be provided. 44 • Cow Country • January

American Gelbvieh Association 303-465-2333 | www.gelbvieh.org

YOUR NAME

Gelbvieh-Balancer Bulls &Clinic Heifers 10AM Learning • 12:30PM Show For Sale by Private Treaty Call William McIntosh for more information. (502) 867-3132

Friday May 28 - May 30 CLIFFORD FARMS AGJA Eastern Regional Junior Show “Run for the Roses” 3459 KY HWY 1284E

Meeting modern industry demands: • Added Fertility • Increased Efficiency • More pounds of calf weaned

CITY, STATE

ZIP

EMAIL

PHONE

Dues are $25/year, payable to Kentucky Gelbvieh Association

For information on joining the Kentucky Gelbvieh Association or to advertise in this ad, please contact Pat Tilghman at 270-670-8449 or send an email to pleasantmeadowsfarm@hotmail.com

Dues are $25/year, payable to Kentucky Gelbvieh Association


Kentucky Hereford Association KHA member dues for 2024 are $25 and KJHA member dues are $10. If you are not a member, but would like to join, contact Melinda Watson.

WELLS FARM Polled Herefords

Toby & Debby Dulworth 2492 S. Kirkman Road LaCenter, KY 42056 (270) 224-2993 dogwood@brtc.net Herefords that thrive on forages. www.dogwoodherefords.com

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

KHA OFFICERS President: Chris Hopper 606-584-7842 Secretary/ Treasurer: Melinda Watson 859-625-8660 melindawatson8660@gmail.com

NJB Limited Dale Stith

5239 Old Sardis Pike Mays Lick, KY 41055 dalestith@yahoo.com (918) 760-1550 Home of Select Sires’ Boyd Fort Knox 17yxz54040

TK4 Herefords

K3 CATTLE REGISTERED HEREFORDS 6077 Helena Road Mayslick, KY 41055 Charlie Boyd II 606-584-5194

Annual Bull Sale second Saturday in March Hereford and Angus Bulls

MPH Farms

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

Chambliss Hereford Farms

THOMAS FARM

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

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

Jackson Farms

Registered Polled Herefords PO Box 215 Cross Plains, TN 37049 615-478-4483 billymjackson@aol.com “Farming the Same Land Since 1834”

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”

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”

Bulls & Females for sale

Tim & Peggy Wolf 12939 Peach Grove Road Alexandria, KY 41001 Home: 859-635-0899 Cell: 859-991-3484

Polled Hereford and Gelbvieh Cattle 3459 KY Hwy. 1284 E. Cythiana, KY 41031

Tony & Kathy Staples 992 Knotts Road

(859) 234-6956

Brandenburg, KY 40108 (270) 422-4220 tstaples@bbtel.com

Windy Hills Farm

Registered Polled Herefords

Ben, Jane, Shelby and Lincoln

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

Breeding to produce good cows since 1981

PILE STOCK FARM HANSELL PILE, JR.

12045 St. John Rd. Cecilia, KY 42724 270-735-5192 270-862-4462 12 miles West of Elizabethtown

TS

WOLF FARM

Registered Polled Herefords

HEREFORDS

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

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

F

TUCKER STOCK Tucker Stock Farms FAR

“Breeding Polled Herefords “Registered Angus and Polled Herefords” “Registered Angus for over 58 Years” and PolledA.Herefords” John Tucker II Breeding cattle for sale at all times.

1790 Hidden Valley Lane John Tucker II Hudson, KY 40145

1999 Walnut Hill Rd. 1790 Hidden Valley Lane (270) 257-8548 Hudson, KY257-8167 40145 Lexington, KY 40515 Office (270) 270-617-0301 (859) 271-9086 18-month-old Angus & Polled Hereford Bulls F “Bulls always for Sale” cell (859)533-3790

WATSON LAND & CATTLE 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”

LINEBRED VICTOR DOMINO CATTLE

Multi-Trait Selection

Fertility Calving Ease Danny Miller Disposition Milking Ability jmspolledherefords.com 4850 Caldwell Ridge Rd. 270-465-6984 Knifley, KY 42753 270-465-6984 270-566-2694

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

January • Cow Country • 45


WHO IS RESPONSIBLE FOR REMITTING THE CHECKOFF ASSESSMENT?

pays

$2

SELLER However, both the Buyer and the Seller are responsible for seeing that the Checkoff is collected and paid.

to

50¢

THROUGHOUT THE CATTLE PRODUCTION CYCLE LIVESTOCK MARKET - When cattle are sold through a livestock market or video market, the Market collects and remits the Beef Checkoff assessment.

or BUYER Generally the Buyer is responsible for collecting the Beef Checkoff assessment from the Seller.

BEEF CHECKOFF COLLECTION

QUALIFIED STATE BEEF COUNCIL

$1.50

Cattlemen’s Beef Board invests in national Checkoff programs, while Kentucky Beef Council invests in state programs. If you are a producer from one of these seven states - Alaska, Connecticut, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, and Rhode Island - you will remit directly to the Cattlemen’s Beef Board. If you have any questions regarding who is responsible for remitting the Checkoff assessment or how to remit payment, please contact your State Beef Council or the Cattlemen’s Beef Board at (303) 867-6304. 3 Exceptions to Beef Checkoff Collection: 1. Non-producer status: If a person (or company) owns cattle for 10 days or less, purchases the cattle to facilitate the transfer of ownership to a third party, and certifies that any Checkoff dollars due from the previous owner have been collected, then that person qualifies as a “Non-Producer” and the Checkoff assessment is not due when qualified cattle are resold. 2. Organic Exemption: In the 2002 Farm Bill, Congress created a process exemptiing organic producers from paying Checkoff program assessments. 3. Pre-Payment: Producers can also choose to “prepay” the Checkoff assessment when shipping cattle out of state for feeding and still retain ownership on the cattle. This allows the producer to direct half of the $1-per-head national Checkoff assessment to the beef council in the state where the cattle were raised, rather than the state where the cattle will be fed. Note: To claim any of these exemptions, the person selling the cattle must provide the proper ‘document’ to show that the Checkoff assessment is not due at the time of sale. Thus, the rule of thumb for all cattle sales is that the person paying the producer should collect either a “Dollar or a Document.”

CATTLE DEALER/ORDER BUYER - When cattle are sold to a Cattle Dealer or Order Buyer, the Dealer/Order Buyer collects and remits the Beef Checkoff assessment. ANOTHER PRODUCER - Both the Buyer and the Seller are responsible for making sure that the Beef Checkoff assessment is collected and remitted. For clarity and consistency, we encourage the Seller to take on this compliance responsibility. VEAL GROWER - When dairy calves are sold to a Veal Grower, both the Buyer and the Seller are responsible for making sure that the Beef Checkoff assessment is collected and remitted. For clarity and consistency, we encourage the Seller to take on this compliance responsibility. CATTLE SHOWS AND FAIRS - When producers sell their animals at fairs or cattle shows (4H/FFA shows, Purebred cattle shows, etc.), the Organization that runs the sale collects and remits the Beef Checkoff assessment. FEEDLOT - When cattle are sold directy to a feedlot, the Feedlot collects and remits the Beef Checkoff assessment. PACKING PLANT - When cattle are sold to a packing plant, the Packing Plant collects and remits the Beef Checkoff assessment. DIRECT-TO-CONSUMER BEEF SALES - When producers market their cattle as beef, the Producer is responsible for remitting the Beef Checkoff assessment.

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. TODAY’S DATE

ID NUMBER (IF KNOWN)

SELLER’S NAME

BUYER’S NAME

ADDRESS

ADDRESS

CITY

STATE

ZIP

CITY

SELLER’S SIGNATURE

STATE

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 0581-0093. The time required to complete this information collection is estimated to average one 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.

ZIP

BUYER’S SIGNATURE

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. DATE OF SALE

TOTAL NUMBER OF CATTLE SOLD

STATE OF ORIGIN*

per X $1.OO Head Feder-

$

+

al Checkoff

X

$1.OO per Head State Checkoff

Total Checkoff Payment for Federal and State

PERSON REMITTING FORM

BUYER

SELLER

PHONE

$

=

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

$

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 46 • Cow Country • January

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.


NO LIGHTWEIGHTS

Simmental calves are champions of the scale. They reliably outperform straightbred calves in the feedyard — with better growth, better structure and fewer health problems. They add pounds without sacrificing marbling, and they come with the IGS Feeder Profit Calculator,™ which factors genetics, health and management into true value. Want low-risk, high-potential calves with earning capability?

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

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

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 Chris Allen 859-351-4486 callenuky@hotmail.com Dr. Henry Allen 859-229-0755

BRET AND LAURA JACKSON 859.533.3718 or 859.707.7200 BILL KAISER • Shelbyville, KY • 502.639.4337

406-587-4531 • simmental.org

JOIN KENTUCKY SIMMENTAL ASSOCIATION Mail to: Laura Jackson 1254 Cynthiana Road Paris, KY 40361 FARM NAME

YOUR NAME

ADRESS

CITY, STATE

ZIP

WORK PHONE

HOME PHONE

Call or visit one of these Simmental breeders for cattle that work!

www.kysimmental.com Membership Fee is $25.00


CALENDAR OF EVENTS DATE

EVENT

LOCATION

AD

6-Jan

20th Genetic Excellence Angus Bull Sale

Cookeville, TN

Jan 11-12

KCA Annual Convention and Trade Show

Lexington, KY

11-Jan

UT Bull Development and Evaluation Program Sale

Spring Hill, TN

20-Jan

Oesterling Angus Production Sale

Batesville, IN

Jan 31Feb. 2

NCBA Cattle Con

Orlando, FL

3-Feb

JM Cattle Company and Blazer Farms Sale

Lawrenceburg, TN

25

16-Feb

White Hawk Ranch Beef Maker Bull Sale

Buchanan, GA

17

17-Feb

Yon Family Farms Sale

Ridge Spring, SC

15

24-Feb

North Missouri Bull Sale

Kingsville, MO

20

24-Feb

Pleasant Hill Farms Spring Production Sale

Rockfield, KY

3

26-Feb

Woodall 29th Annual Spring Production Sale

Quality, KY

11

26-Feb

Robert Elliott and Sons Production Sale

Adams, TN

4

2-Mar

Kentucky Angus Sweepstakes Sale

Louisville, KY

43

2-Mar

Arkansas Bull Sale

Hope, AR

20

2-Mar

Judd 46th Gelbvieh, Balancer &Red Angus Bull Sale

Pomona, KS

4-Mar

Stone Gate Farms Annual Spring Sale

Flemingsburg, KY

9

8-Mar

Smithland Angus Bull and Female Sale

Russell Springs, KY

36

9-Mar

Red Reward Bull and Female Sale

Osceola, MO

20

14-Mar

Cannon Angus Annual Production Sale

Flemingsburg, KY

12

16-Mar

White Farm Production Sale

Lexington, KY

7

23-Mar

Bluegrass Gelbvieh Alliance Sale

Lexington, KY

23-Mar

South Missouri Bull and Female Sale

Carthage, MO

21

48 • Cow Country • January

B A L A N C E D

EVENT

LOCATION

AD

25-Mar

Oak Hollow First Choice Bull Sale

Smiths Grove, KY

5

13-Apr

Branch View Angus Sale

Hustonville, KY

52

5-May

Bridgeview Angus Spring Production Sale

Stamping Ground, KY

24

16-May

Charolais Influenced Feeder Calf Alliance Sale

Stanford, KY

4

kentuck ycattlemensbeef.com

20

SALERS T H E

DATE

B R E E D

DIAMOND J SALERS

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

WILLIS FARMS

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

DEL-SU FARM

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


CLA SSI FI ED S

REGISTERED RED ANGUS BULLS FOR SALE * FREE DELIVERY* FOUR WINDS FARM New 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 RED FULLBLOOD LIMOUSIN BLACK PUREBRED LIMOUSIN For sale year-round at farms Cows, bulls, heifers and semen A C H Holdings, Bowling Green, KY 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 502-349-2665 BREEDING AGE HEREFORD BULLS FOR SALE AT ALL TIMES Over 60 years of Line 1 Hereford Genetics. Groups of open and bred heifers available for sale at all times. Chambliss Hereford Farms. 270-668-7126

ADVERTISE IN OUR CLASSIFIEDS $15 FOR FIVE LINES OR GET A BOX THIS SIZE FOR $105

AD INDEX 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 COME SEE US AT THE KCA CONVENTION 5200 -5300 Miller Pro silage wagons New Holland 195 - double beater-$18,995 ESCH 2018 -5612 model drill- only 125 acres-$41,500 Meyer 585 Mixer truck ready to go!!! S V L Kubota 90- open station track loader-$28,500 Horning 1403-used - option on j d or new holland mounts New Idea 3723 manure spreader- $11,995 New Holland 790- choppers- base units-3 Artex SBX 800-manure spreader Farmco feeder wagons Used Dion-3 row corn header 2014-NH 240 CHOPPER- HORNING PROCESSOR John Deere 8300 Drill - two innstock ESCH 5612-$48,000 no till drill Farmco feeder wagons Used Dion-3 row corn header John Deere 6300-2 wd- cab and loader John Deere 6400- 4wd- loader John Deere- 3975 chopper- with deere processor Artex-SB 200- new in stock Artex SB 600 new in stock Farmco hay wagons in stock HORNING CORN 1402/03 headers - ready to load Horning Processors- order yours today Esch tedders in stock Tye 7 seeder- 800 acres- clean clean John Deere- 4020- 3 to select from 15 silage wagons to select from Call Charlie today 859-608-9745 WWW.REDBARNANDASSOCIATES.COM Charlie B. Edgington 859-608-9745

Allison Charolais

9

American Angus Association

9

American Hereford Association

13

Blue Grass Stockyards

2

Branch View Angus

52

Bridgeview Angus

24

Cannon Angus

12

Hampton Meats

24

JM Cattle Company

25

Kentucky Angus

42-43

Kentucky Beef Expo

13

Kentucky Cattlemen's Ground Beef

48

Kentucky Charolais Association

4

Kentucky Division of Water

36

Kentucky Gelbvieh Association

44

Kentucky Herford Association

45

Kentucky Salers Association

48

Kentucky Simmental Association

47

Laurel County Heifer Sale

33

McBurney Livestock Equipment

36

McIntosh Brothers

33

Mid South Ag LLC

33

Oak Hollow Angus

5

Oesterling Angus

21

Pleasant Hill Farms

3

Pogue Chevrolet

17

Robert Elliott and Sons

4

Seedstock Plus

20

Smithland Angus

33

Stone Gate Farms

9

United Producers

25

White Farm

7

White Hawk Ranch

17

Woodall Angus

11

WW Cattle Company

8

Yon Family Farms

15

REGISTERED ANGUS BULLS Performance Tested Prosperity, Growth Fund and Sure Fire 606-787-7307

CALL KATIE PRATT

(859) 278-0899

MULTI-ISSUE DISCOUNTS AVAILABLE January • Cow Country • 49


Winter Feeding Check-Up and Using the UK Beef Cow Forage Supplement Tool Kevin Laurent Extension Specialist, UK Department of Animal and Food Sciences Winter feeding is in full swing, and for operations in the drier regions of the state, hay feeding has been going on for quite some time. So, depending on your particular situation, now might be a good time to reevaluate and fine tune your winter feeding program. 1. Inventory your feed resources. By now you should have an idea of how readily cows are consuming the hay you have offered. With roughly 100-120 days of feeding left, take inventory of hay on hand and determine if supplies will be adequate. It would be better to purchase hay now than in late winter when you are down to your last rolls. In areas of the state that got adequate moisture, and if not already utilized, there may be some winter grazing available. Remember that in most cases, stockpiled fescue holds its nutritive value well throughout the winter and will usually meet the needs of a lactating cow. Spring calving herds may choose to defer grazing on stockpiled pasture until February or March and utilize these acres for a calving pasture or for new pairs. Fall calving herds will want to graze these pastures now since cows are lactating and being bred. 2. Test your hay; weigh a few rolls, and use the UK Beef Cow Forage Supplement Tool. It is not too late to test your hay. With winter feed costs accounting for most of the cow-calf budget, knowing the nutritive value of your hay and how to adequately supplement is imperative. Hay analysis results can be entered in the UK Beef Cow Forage Supplement Tool which is a web-based app available for smart phones. It is available online at https://foragesupplement-tool.ca.uky.edu/. The app uses dry matter, crude protein, neutral detergent fiber (NDF) and total digestible nutrients (TDN) on 50 • Cow Country • January

a dry matter basis to estimate intake and supplementation needs for cows in three stages of production (mid-gestation, late gestation, lactation). Calculations are based on a 1,250 lb. cow in a body condition score of 5. An example of the input and output screens are shown below. Notice that the hay in this example would not need any supplementation for a cow in late gestation but would require supplementation after calving. In the latter case, approximately 3 lbs. of DDGS should adequately meet the lactating cow’s needs as long as she consumes 28 lbs. of hay. Remember there is a difference between hay intake and hay disappearance. Knowing what your hay weighs and accounting for feeding waste is essential to estimating intake. Weigh a

few rolls over truck scales to get an idea of bale weight. In most cases, we tend to overestimate what round bales weigh. Once you have an idea of hay consumption, you can adjust the NDF number on the app to match what the cattle are actually consuming. A lower NDF value will estimate a higher hay intake and a higher NDF value will estimate a lower intake. Knowing the actual hay intake will enable you to adjust supplement rates for a more accurate diet. 3. Monitor body condition. The old saying “the eye of the master fattens the stock” is a very appropriate proverb for describing the typical winter feeding scenario. Developing an “eye of the master” is essential to knowing if the feeding program is adequate.


T I M E L Y

T I P S

Spring-Calving Cow Herd • Study the performance of last year's calf crop and plan for improvement. Plan your breeding program and consider a better herd sire(s). Select herd sires which will allow you to meet your goals and be willing to pay for superior animals. • Consider vaccinating the cows to help prevent calf scours. • Keep replacement heifers gaining to increase the probability of puberty occurring before the start of the spring breeding season. • Start cows on the high magnesium mineral supplement soon. Consider protein supplementation if hay is less than 10% crude protein. If cows are thin, begin energy (grain) supplementation now. Cows must reach a body condition score of 5 before calving to maximize their opportunity for reproductive success. Supplementation now allows adequate time for cows to calve in adequate body condition score. • Get ready for the calving season! See that all equipment and materials are ready, including obstetrical equipment, record forms or booklets, eartags, scales for obtaining birthweights, etc. Prepare a calving area where assistance can be provided easily if needed. Purchase ear tags for calves and number them ahead of time if possible. Plan for enough labor to watch/ assist during the calving period. • Move early calving heifers and cows to pastures that are relatively small and easily accessible to facilities in case calving assistance is needed. Keep them in good condition but don't overfeed them at this time. Increase their nutrient intake after they calve.

F O R

J A N U A R Y

Fall-Calving Herd • Provide clean windbreaks and shelter for young calves. • Breeding season continues. Keep fall calving cows on accumulated pasture as long as possible, then start feeding hay/grain/supplement. Don’t let these cows lose body condition! • Catch up on castrating, dehorning and implanting. General • Feed hay in areas where mud is less of a problem. Consider preparing a feeding area with gravel over geotextile fabric or maybe a concrete feeding pad. Bale grazing is an option for producers to help control mud while spreading nutrients across pastures. • Increase feed as the temperature drops, especially when the weather is extremely cold and damp. When temperature drops to 15°F, cattle need access to windbreaks. • Provide water at all times. Cattle need 5 to 11 gallons per head daily even in the coldest weather. Be aware of frozen pond hazards. Keep ice "broken" so that cattle won't walk out on the pond trying to get water. Automatic waterers, even the “frost-free” or “energy-free” waterers can freeze up in extremely cold weather. Watch closely. • Consider renovating and improving pastures with legumes, especially if they have poor stands of grass or if they contain high levels of the fescue endophyte. Purchase seed and get equipment ready this month.

Even the best planned feeding program can be affected by adverse weather or other environmental issues. When we see cattle daily, we may become “barn blind” and not be able to see gradual changes in body condition. One idea to monitor condition is to take smart phone pictures every two to three weeks of certain cows or groups. This may make it easier to detect changes in condition and adjust feeding accordingly. Remember the goal is a body condition score of 5-6 at calving (no visible backbone, middle ribs, sharp hooks) and maintain this condition from calving to breeding. We are currently in a unique situation with higher than average cattle prices coupled with higher input costs. The successful producers will be the ones that can adequately feed the cowherd to maintain reproductive performance while also keeping a handle on feed and input costs. Here’s to a winter of little mud and favorable weather. January • Cow Country • 51


ANNUAL SALE APRIL 13 | NOON | HUSTONVILLE, KY

Add pounds and dollars to your calf crop! BV Growth Fund 2509 | Reg# 2061663

EPD % Rank

CED

1

BW

3.0

WW

76 15

YW

138 15

• High performance bull out of one of the best cows we have owned. 2509 checked all the performance boxes: 884 WW, 1,377 YW, with ratios of ADG 115, IMF 124, RE 114. • Dam produced until she was twelve and maintained a calving interval of 10/366 with progeny ratios of WW 13/105, YW 13/108, IMF 20/103, RE 20/105 $F

113 10

$C

268 30

BV Geddes 2541 | Reg# 20616397

• Calving ease, high performance bull that checked all the performance boxes. 2541 achieved ratios of WW 114, YW 112, ADG 106, IMF 112, RE 107. • Excellent producing cow family. Dam, 7504 maintains a calving interval of 5/362 with progeny ratios of WW 4/108, YW 3/105, IMF 3/100, RE 3/104. Second dam, 3049, is still producing at ten years old with progeny ratios of WW 8/105, YW 8/108, IMF 8/101, RE 8/107.

EPD % Rank

CED

9

BW

-0.4

WW

73 25

YW

124 30

$W

74 15

$G

52 45

BV Wildcat 2517 | Reg# 20616365

EPD % Rank

CED

9

BW

1.9

WW

84 10

• Son the highly sought after Genex sire, E&B Wildcat 9402. Calving ease bull that checks all the performance boxes. Top 1% $F, 2% $C, $B, CW, 10% WW, YW, RE. Ratios of WW 107, YW 108, ADG 106, and RE 115. • Second dam produced until she was twelve and maintained a calving interval of 10/366 with progeny ratios of WW 13/105, BW 13/108, IMF 20/103, RE 20/105. YW

148 10

BV Growth Fund 2613 | Reg# 20616586

EPD % Rank

CED

3

BW

2.6

WW

80 10

YW

145 10

$F

131 1

$C

330 2

• High growth bull that achieved ratios of WW 105, YW 105, ADG 117, RE 102. Top 10% $C, WW, YW. • Dam has been a solid producer. 8514 maintains a calving interval of 4/367 with progeny ratios of WW 2/104, YW 2/101, IMF 2/100, RE 2/103.

$F

115 5

$C

300 10

100 Bulls & 310 Females sell branchviewangus.com For sale book, call or text 573-721-6660 • 606-706-0355 • 859-619-0342 • james@branchviewangus.com James S. Coffey • Danny Smith • Donald S. Coffey • Danny Lynn • Tim Dietrich

52 • Cow Country • January


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