Cow Country News- April 2024

COLUMNISTS

07 Jeff Pettit President's Thoughts

08 Dr. Steve Velasco Commissioner's Corner

10 Dave Maples Thoughts from Dave

42 Dr. Michelle Arnold Myth-Busting BVD Virus Eradication: Is it Possible in KY Cow-Calf Operations?

44 Chris Teutsch The Quandary of Spring Grass

84 Les Anderson Beware of Reducing Feed at Calving!

FEATURE STORIES

12Reviving the Land

14Ways to Better Prepare for a Disease Outbreak

18Interest Rates are Likely Impacting Producer Interest in Expansion

20Maples Inducted Into Alabama Livestock Hall Of Fame

22Timing is Critical for Effective Fly Control

34UK Fundamentals of Herd Health: Vaccinations for the CowCalf Operation

38UK Fundamentals of Herd Health: Vaccinations for the Feeder Calf Operation

40U.S. Census of Agriculture Shows Growth for Kentucky Agricultural Products

462024 Stocker Outlook

48Rapid Start for 2024 Pork Exports; Beef Export Value Above Year-Ago

56KCA

I am not a big motivational video person. I don’t watch YouTube videos set to inspirational music before I go to the gym each morning to get my blood pumping. I don’t use those as a catalyst to take me to the “next level.” In my line of work, you can only run at one speed, maybe two, or you will run out of steam. There is the gear that is, “We have a lot to do today,” and you just have to move deliberately throughout your day. Then there is the gear that is, “Oh crap, we left the gate open.” That one is a little faster. Generally, in agriculture, you just wake up and do what you have to do in a day, no matter how long it takes. In that scenario, motivation doesn’t take you very far. As soon as things get a little hard, it is easy to forget just how inspirational that movie montage was and be motivated to go to work. As someone who has pulled nearly every weekend work shift since October, I can assure you I am not very motivated at 6:45 on a Saturday morning to go see my cattle. It requires discipline in the long run to achieve results. While I don’t sit there looking for the right video to make me jump out of my chair and go deadlift a house at 4:00 am each morning, that doesn’t mean I don’t enjoy the ideas often conveyed by speakers and steal them for my newsletters.

A video from a Georgia Tech football coach pops up on my Instagram feed from time to time. I have linked to the video below, but one of my favorite lines I have ever seen in these types of videos is from him. “Are you willing to sprint when the distance is unknown?” While a few hairs may stand up on the back of my neck watching that, I am still calmly seated after watching it just now. I am not hopping up to go conquer my day. However, I do love the concept he presents. While I outlined in the first paragraph that a workday in agriculture is only a sprint if you leave the water on or the gate open, I think there is an interesting, slightly less aggressive parallel to the time it takes to see results in our line of work.

Progress in building a cow herd is not linear, and it doesn’t have a finish line. Are you willing to accept that the time it takes to get your cattle where they want to be is unknown? A tight calving season, consistent calf crop, and good reproductive metrics do not happen overnight. On a large scale, I am not even sure if they can be bought. Progress comes after multiple generations of focused breeding, hard work, and a lot of luck. Generation intervals in cattle are pretty long compared to the rest of the animal kingdom, and progress is very slow. It is easy to get distracted. You have to focus on your specific objective and not be distracted by the shiny new thing that people tell you will shortcut you to where you want to be. Even after 45 years of breeding a population of cattle, we still are working on where we want to be. From a cow size, performance, and reproductive efficiency standpoint, we are precisely where we want to be. However, feet and udders can

never be too good, and you can never have too much marbling. You can continuously improve those indefinitely with no detrimental effect on other traits. Because of this way of thinking, there is literally no finish line. While I am at risk of using too many clichés in this text already, I think it is important to remember that the man who loves the journey will go farther than the man who loves the destination. In building a cow herd and your operation in general, there is literally no finish line. You better enjoy what you are doing and enjoy each step of the way. If you don’t enjoy the work it takes to get there, it definitely will feel like a sprint, and you will quit before you hit the finish line instead of finding your next one.

Joe K. Lowe II M.S. Agricultural Economics

Oak Hollow Hallmark 2293- Semen is available through ABS.

Kenneth Lowe sorting yearling heifers

EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE

OFFICERS:

President

JEFF PETTIT Sebree

President Elect

RANDY WARNER Sharpsburg

Vice President

ALLAN BRYANT Eminence

Treasurer

KEN ADAMS Upton

Past President

ANDY BISHOP Cox’s Creek

KCA Program Chairman

DANIEL HAYDEN Whitesville

KBC Chairman

RYAN MILLER Lebanon

KBN Chairman*

ALLAN BRYANT

Beef Solutions Chairman*

DANIEL HAYDEN *ex officio

REGIONAL DIRECTORS:

REGION 1

Wayne Zoglmann, John Mark Brown, Ashley Holloway, Leland Steely, Gary Woodall, Coleman Ladd, Susan Zoglmann, Bill Plemmons, Kenton Howard, Sara Roberson

REGION 2

Phyllis Gentry, Joe Lowe, Allison Nissley, Rayetta Boone, Robbie Hatfield, Chris Imbruglio, Maggie Webb, Mike Jones, Corbin Cowles, Glenn Byrd, Isaac Thompson, Kenneth Green, Trent Jones, Brian Manion, Joe Mike Moore, Amy Cecil

REGION 3

Amanda Hall, Nathan Lawson, James Brown, Phillip Douglas, Larry Bryant, Lincoln Clifford, Abbey Biddle, Ben Tinsley, Kevin Perkins, Kyle Bush, Michelle Simon, Craig Retzlaff

REGION 4

Amy White, Brad Reynolds, Chad Anglin, Phillip Stamm, Danielle Harmon, Bruce Witt, Jodi Purvis, Mike Ravencraft, Ronnie Lowe, Danny Callahan, Jason Crowe, Rob Amburgey

REGION 5

Adam Chunglo, Brent Woodrum, Tommy Spalding, Dean Craft, Doris Hamilton, Rick Brewer, Brent Williams, Anne Bays, Terry Mattingly, Ryan Miller, Phillip Reese, Tommy Glasscock Executive Committee members in bold

KCA hosted dinner for the Kentucky Legislature. The weather was perfect, the ribeyes were delicious, and the company couldn’t have been better! See more on page 56. Learn more about Mike Wilson and Whispering Hills Farm on page 12.

KCA PAST PRESIDENTS:

1972-73

Jere Caldwell† - Boyle 2004 Paul Napier - Lincoln

1974-77 Smith T. Powell† - Lincoln 2005

1978-79

1980-82

Larry Lovell† - Union 2006

John Masters† - Fleming 2007

1983-85 Seldon Hail† - Laurel 2008

1986-87

Bob Vickery† - Wayne 2009

1988 Glenn Mackie - Bourbon 2010

Eddie Young - Washington

Greg Ritter† - Barren

Don Pemberton - Christian

Billy Glenn Turpin - Madison

Scotty Parsons - Christian

Corinne Kephart - Shelby

1989 Dale Lovell† - Muhlenberg 2011 Greg Robey - Mercer

1990 Steve Henshaw† - Union 2012

1991

Jerry Fraim - Grayson 2013

1992 Glen Massengale† - Wayne 2014

1993 Dell King - Christian 2015

1994 Kenneth Lowe - Warren 2016

Mike Bach - Bath

Don Reynolds - Hart

Steve Downs - Marion

Gary Woodall - Logan

David Lemaster - Clark

1995 Dr. J.L.Cole - Monroe 2017 Chuck Crutcher - Hardin

1996 Harvey Mitchell - Mercer 2018

1997 Jim Naive† - Spencer 2019

1998 Shelby Hughes - Logan 2020

1999 Hoppy Lovell - Barren 2021

Bobby Foree - Henry

Tim White - Fayette

Steve Dunning - Christian

Chris Cooper - Madison

2000 Charles Miller - Jessamine 2022 Cary King - Mercer

2001 Larry Clay - Perry 2023 Andy Bishop - Nelson

2002 Jack Kimbrough† - Shelby

2003 Mark Williams - Crittenden †Deceased

Dave Maples Executive Vice President

Carey Brown Chief Operating Officer

Kenny Allen Beef Solutions Operations Manager

Kelly Baird KBC Director of Communications

Todd Brown Graphic Designer

Bradon Burks KBC Director of Education

Rachel Cain Membership and Communications Coordinator

Amelia Carter KBC Director of Industry Relations

Danny Coy Video Production Specialist

Jake Harrod KBN Program Coordinator

Dan Miller KBN Industry Coordinator

Debby Nichols National Advertising Sales, LAN

Katie Pratt Communications Manager

Alex Scott KBC Director of Nutrition

Becky Thompson Director of Kentucky Beef Network

Kelly Tucker KCA Collections & Compliance

Nikki Whitaker Director of Operations & Policy

On the cover: Mike Wilson of Whispering Hills Farm photo by Todd Brown

President's Thoughts

Jeff Pettit KCA President

Hello and Welcome to springtime in Kentucky!

Spring is one of my favorite times of the year− warmer temperatures, green grass, babies of all types and kinds hitting the ground and Easter. To me, Easter is a special time of the year. Have you ever considered what agriculture and Easter have in common? No, it has nothing to do with bunny rabbits and colored eggs. It has to do with the fact that something was put into the ground with the expectation of something greater coming back up out of the ground. As farmers and ranchers, we put seed and fertilizer in the ground looking to reap a great harvest. God allowed Jesus Christ to be placed in the ground knowing that his resurrection would be great, and it would yield far more souls for his kingdom than just the one placed in the tomb. John 3:16 states “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believes in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” Hopefully, you may think back on this the next time you are hooking up to the seeder or fertilizer spreader and think about what you’re hoping to harvest from what your about to put in the ground.

At NCBA CattleCon 2024, we had the opportunity to learn and hear from many analysts, academics, industry professionals and fellow producers. It was a great conference. The one session that sticks in my mind the most was a speaker who talked about the future of the beef industry and how that would change in the coming years. While I may not be the first one always to adopt or accept change, I have come to realize it is a constant state that we live in, and we aren’t going to stop it. Once I realize that, then I must ask myself, how will I deal with whatever change I encounter?? I can resist and try ignoring it, I can be bull-headed and try fighting it OR I can try to learn about the change. What spurred the change? What issue does the change address? Does the change help me or cost me something? Does the change lead to a greater good for all involved? We could go on…

In the beef industry, change is coming at a faster pace every day. As the world’s population grows, so does the demand for beef. If we want to keep up, we must be willing to embrace change. We have to become more efficient in our use of natural resources. We have to produce more pounds of beef with less acres, less cows and less available labor. How do we continue to do that? We must learn new techniques, new technologies, build new relationships and be willing to change the way we operate. The way my grandfathers raised cattle in 1960 is not profitable for me today. As I mentioned in previous articles, I plan to continue addressing the traceability issue each month and guess what? Traceability is change for us as producers. However, this month I want to address the “cost” or the question of “who is going to pay for it?”

My first response is that it’s currently FREE! All you have to do is contact the Kentucky Office of State Veterinarian and provide them with your premises ID number and they will GIVE you 100 EID tags to use on your farm. If you don’t already have a premises ID, they will help you attain that as well. You can reach out to Molly Morrow or Dr. Beth Johnson at the Kentucky state vet’s office 502-573-0282 to request your free tags. Also, each month be looking for articles in Cow Country specifically relating to traceability as we try to educate producers with facts and dispel myths that have been purposefully propagated by some in the industry to instill fear in producers in the great state of Kentucky. Folks, let’s be honest. We all need our operations to be profitable,

sustainable, environmentally friendly, healthy, productively efficient, or whatever other term makes you feel good about being in the beef business, but at the end of the day isn’t it truly about handing a beef industry to the next generation that they can enjoy, improve and feed the world with…

Happy trails until next month!

Commissioner's Corner

Dr. Steve Velasco State Veterinarian

With April's Cow Country focus on animal health, State Veterinarian Steve Velasco is serving as the guest writer for Commissioner's Corner.

The mission of the Kentucky Department of Agriculture’s Office of State Veterinarian (OSV) involves the two P’s: protection and promotion.

First, we seek to protect the health and welfare of Kentucky's livestock, poultry and agricultural industries. We also strive to promote an environment which enhances the economic and recreational opportunities and prosperity of Kentucky agriculture.

As part of its protection duties, OSV tracks animal movement within the state, across state lines and internationally. OSV’s duties also include disease monitoring. Among the regulatory diseases we watch for across different species are brucellosis in cattle, pigs and farmed deer, and tuberculosis in cattle and farmed deer. We also keep an eye on diseases specific to each species, such as:

• bovine viral diarrhea (BVD-PI) and bovine spongiform encephalopathy, commonly called “mad cow disease,” in cattle;

• equine infectious anemia (EIA), equine herpesvirus (EHV/EHM) and strangles in horses;

• scrapie and contagious ecthyma, also known as orf, in sheep and goats;

• pseudorabies virus in pigs;

• two strains of mycoplasma, and Newcastle and Marek's diseases in chickens; and

• chronic wasting disease in farmed deer.

OSV also monitors foreign animal diseases to try and prevent them from entering the country. They include foot and mouth disease in cattle, sheep and goats, and pigs, and vesicular stomatitis in cattle and horses. Species-specific diseases include: piroplasmosis, glanders, African horse sickness in horses; Babesiosis in cattle; peste des petits in sheep and goats; African and classical swine fever in pigs; and low and highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) in chickens.

Currently, OSV is working with the lab at Murray State University’s Breathitt Veterinary Center and the University of Kentucky’s Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory on testing chickens and wild

birds for HPAI, and horses for EHV/ EHM, EIA and piroplasmosis.

In the future, we hope to collaborate with both labs on disease-specific programs regarding a parasite (Asian longhorned tick), bacterial diseases (Johne's disease and trichomoniasis or "trich") and viral diseases (bovine respiratory disease and BVD-PI), as well as nutritional issues and vitamin and mineral deficiencies or toxicities.

A very important issue that OSV has been involved in of late is a plan to ease Kentucky’s large animal veterinarian shortage. Kentucky’s large animal vets are on the front lines of disease detection, and their hard work every day helps keep our animals vaccinated and healthy.

Benjamin Franklin once said: “If you fail to plan, you are planning to fail.” Here’s hoping this plan will begin attracting and retaining more large animal veterinarians in Kentucky.

April 26, 2024

Expo Center

Bowling Green, KY

The KJCA Cattle Working Contest is designed for KJCA Members who want to develop their skills in animal management and handling. Working as a team, members must efficiently process three head utilizing Beef Quality Care & Assurance guidelines. They are also responsible for accurately completing a processing plan, and team problem. Each county may enter one team, all team entries received will be placed into a random draw lottery to determine which 10 teams compete in the contest. All teams will be notified of their status in the competition by Friday, March 15th, 2024.

Thoughts From Dave

Dave Maples Executive Vice President

Our February executive committee meeting was a break from the normal first executive committee meeting of the year. This year, we used our time with the group to talk about basically two issues after we did our financial and business structure reports. I have to say that we have a very strong and diverse executive committee from all areas of the commonwealth that represents all facets of the beef industry. We have commercial cow-calf producers, purebred breeders, stocker operators, farm to table representation as well as the livestock marketing sector covered. For the first time, there are three women among the 12 members on the executive committee. It is fair to say that we have a well-balanced committee that represents Kentucky’s beef industry well.

The first subject was about the Genetic Merit Pricing Task Force where the discussion revolved around the technology of genomic testing cattle. This technology has been around for several years and has really been used in the enhancement of EPD’s in the purebred industry.

Now, there are commercially available tests for commercial heifers or a commercial cow herd. The most common tests that are being promoted are made by Neogen and Zoetis. Just to satisfy my curiosity, I have used both of these tests on my personal cow herd. It just makes it easier to talk with people if I have used the products before I get in a conversation with a producer. With that being said, I know the question always comes up about the data set. As Bernie Sheer used to tell me when I would ask him a question and he did not know the answer he always would say, ''I am not qualified to comment.” That is where our beef specialists are going to have to help with the education of these new technologies.

I got my Zoetis test back on 15 heifers that I will be selling later this spring, and I was pleasantly surprised on that Sunday afternoon when I slowed down and studied my data. I can tell you when I looked at my genomic data and compared it to my production data, I was surprised at how well it correlated.

After a lengthy discussion, the committee agreed to support the conversation around

the Genetic Merit Pricing Task Force.

The next discussion point was around the rural veterinarian shortage issue. Brian Parr, dean of the Hutson School of Agriculture, made a nice presentation on the efforts of Murray State University to establish a veterinary School. Following Dean Parr, Nancy Cox, dean of the Martin-Gatton College of Agriculture, Food and the Environment, reported on the University of Kentucky’s ongoing collaboration with Western Kentucky University and Auburn University College of Veterinary Medicine. To round out the afternoon, Debra Hamelback and Dr. Jim Weber presented a proposal that the Kentucky Veterinary Medical Association is supporting.

After a long discussion, the executive committee agreed that KCA should gather more information and take some time to see where the General Assembly ends up on the issue in a couple of weeks. The

executive committee members appreciated hearing from each of the speakers on how to address large animal and rural veterinarian shortages and agreed that it will take many approaches, programs and organizations, along with time, to address. My highlight county for this month is Simpson County. I have been to Simpson County many, many times, mostly during my college days, but this was my first cattlemen’s meeting in the county. As Jason Phillips, the county extension agent, described to me, the group is a very dedicated, loyal group of people that show up and work. And like for many cattlemen’s associations, Jason was correct in saying conversations around the grill really help spark ideas and strengthen relationships among group members. When the food is cooked, the meeting moves inside. I really enjoyed getting to talk to our local cattlemen. I bet we will be hearing more from this group.

Reviving the Land

Rachel Cain KCA Membership and Communications Coordinator

In 1999, Mike Wilson of Lawrenceburg was eager to return to his agricultural roots. He put down an admittedly low offer on a farm in Anderson County, and to his surprise, it was accepted.

“I could not afford a Bluegrass farm, so I purchased what I could afford,” Wilson said.

The 75-acre farm was long neglected and overgrown with hedge apples, cedars, and thorn trees, but Wilson had a vision. He showed his wife, Tammy, where their house would sit and described the rock walls that lined the property, and then he got to work.

As a result of his 25 years of hard work and dedication to improving his farm, the Kentucky Cattlemen’s Association has nominated Wilson for the 2024 Environmental Stewardship Awards Program through the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association. Established in 1991, this program recognizes U.S. cattle producers for their conservation achievements and stewardship efforts. Each nominee competes for one of seven regional awards, at which point the winners of each region will compete for a national award.

Acre by acre, Mike brought this piece of land back to life. The clean-up process took seven months. During this time, Mike began to build his family a home, which they were able to move into by the

end of the year. Mike built every fence on the farm himself, and then moved onto building two of the three barns that sit on his property now. The barns were built entirely using lumber from the clean-up processes except for the trusses. Over time, Mike purchased adjoining tracks of land that now make up the 197 acres that are Whispering Hills Farm, and he leases an additional 65 acres for hay.

Les Anderson, University of Kentucky beef specialist, compared the transformation of Mike’s operation to the restoration of an antique car in a letter of support he wrote for Wilson’s nomination.

“Think about the person that finds a classic ‘57 Chevy, completely rusted out and inoperable in a field in the middle of nowhere. After time, money, sweat and dedication the rusted-out Chevy is transformed into a showcase car that captures everyone's eyes and is the envy of all antique car collectors,” Anderson wrote. “The best way to describe Mike’s accomplishments as an environmental steward is to think about that mechanic who restored that vintage automobile.”

Wilson is no stranger to challenges when it comes to his operation. His farm contains HEL, or “highly erodible land.” If not properly managed, this type of land can erode at excessive rates due to soil properties, which can result in

water pollution, decreased productivity and many other issues. To minimize soil erosion and run-off caused by livestock production, Wilson has implemented a variety of different methods. Adequate vegetative cover has always been a priority in his planning process. He utilizes a rotational grazing system to minimize overgrazing, which allows for plants to establish deeper roots. In conjunction with his rotational grazing system, he has installed two “Bo Renfro” feeding structures on his property, which help minimize the negative effects of winter feeding. He is currently part of a threeyear trial to evaluate the effectiveness of bale grazing. His system encourages plant regrowth and a healthy habitat for threatened wildlife.

Wilson has made steps towards stewardship and conservation, while also increasing the overall profitability and efficiency of his operation. Over the last 25 years, his herd has undergone a massive transformation. By using AI, bull selection and selection of replacement heifers, Mike has brought down his mature weights and increased weaning weights. As a result, the herd operates more efficiently and requires less resources. This cuts down costs while lessening the environmental impact. Similar correlations can be seen through many improvements he has made over the years, including his fence-line waterers,

hay storage facilities, grazing plans, and water management. A sustainable operation is also a profitable one, and Wilson has proven that conservation and cost effectiveness go hand-in-hand.

One of his keys to success and most valuable contributions is his willingness to try new things. He describes himself as a “lifelong learner,” and takes advantage of every opportunity to absorb new information or learn new techniques. As a longtime collaborator with UK, Wilson has hosted many on-farm trials and demonstrations. He is active within the Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) and the Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP), where he works with the National Resources Conservation Service to implement best management practices including pipeline, heavy use area protection, water troughs, fencing, and forage and biomass plantings. Additionally, he has developed a Forest Stewardship Program to improve the woodland on his property and entered into a Kentucky Pollinator Protection Program with the Kentucky Department for Fish and Wildlife Resources.

Wilson keeps himself busy off the farm, too. He has been a member of the Anderson County Cattlemen’s Association, where he served as vice president, and the Kentucky Cattlemen’s Association for 21 years. He has also

served as a board supervisor of the Anderson County Conservation District for the past nine years, and as board chairman for the last three years. In addition to several other boards and committees, he works as a farm technician at Kentucky State University, where he further exercises his commitment to land stewardship and conservation.

Nat Colten, KSU community sustainability coordinator, describes Wilson as “the kind of bellwether farmer that every extension professional hopes to find in a community.”

“His actions are evidence of his commitment to growing food in cooperation with the natural world around him while simultaneously cultivating the next generation of land stewards,” Colten wrote in his letter of support. “This is sustainability in its truest sense.”

Wilson has been recognized numerous times for his outstanding efforts. In 2016, he was awarded Anderson County Master Conservationist, and he has been a state finalist for the Leopold Conservation Award for the past two years.

When asked his “Why?” when it comes to stewardship and conservation efforts, his philosophy is simply, “Why wouldn’t you?” Wilson believes that as a farmer,

it is his job to take care of the land, and as a result of that, the land will take care of him. While people might expect a more complicated answer from someone who has invested so much time, energy, and money into land stewardship and conservation, maybe it is that simple. As farmers face the challenges of limited resources and feeding a growing population, it is only going to become more important for the industry to adapt and innovate. Wilson has carefully crafted his operation around the limitations of the land and resources, and adapted when necessary to make it a thriving, profitable operation that can be passed down to the next generation of stewards. Even more valuable is his impact on his community and fellow producers. It only takes one person to inspire countless others, and Wilson continues to serve in this role.

The Kentucky Cattlemen’s Association is committed to recognizing our producers who go above and beyond to be excellent stewards of the land. KCA is proud to nominate Mike Wilson to represent Kentucky for the 2024 Environmental Stewardship Award and would like to thank Beverly McElwain with Anderson County Soil Conservation District and retired Agriculture and Natural Resources Extension Agent, Tommy Yankey, for their assistance in preparing Mike's nomination.

Ways to Better Prepare for a Disease Outbreak

If a cattle disease outbreak were to ever happen in Kentucky, it would have a number of negative consequences on the industry. By preparing for a potential outbreak now, Kentucky producers cannot only better protect their herds and maintain a safe food supply, but they can help officials quickly find the problem, resolve it and help the industry recover quicker in the event of a disease outbreak. Kentucky producers can do their part by making on-farm preparations for a potential disease outbreak. One way they can do this is by applying for a Premises Identification Number for their farm through the Office of State Veterinarian. In the event of a disease outbreak, this number will be critical in helping state officials quickly locate animals and will assist in more rapid disease traceability. Producers can also develop a biosecurity plan that lists the daily measures all farm employees should take to keep animals safe and prevent disease transmission on the farm. This plan can also have detailed instructions for farm employees should a disease outbreak occur. Secure Beef Supply offers templates for developing a biosecurity plan. Producers can find those templates at https://www.securebeef.org/ beef-producers/biosecurity/.

Keeping good records is critical for cattle producers for a number of reasons with one of them being animal traceability. In the event of a disease outbreak, officials may ask producers for their incoming and outgoing animal records to determine their herd’s disease exposure risks.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture and the Kentucky Department of Agriculture regularly monitor for a number of infectious cattle diseases. These include a number of diseases from foreign and domestic sources. Producers need to familiarize themselves with signs and symptoms of these diseases and have a good working relationship with a veterinarian.

“It is very important for producers to know disease symptoms,” said Molly

Katie Pratt KCA Communications Manager

Morrow, KDA animal disease traceability program coordinator. “If cattle are experiencing behavior or symptoms

the animal. Other symptoms include swelling, loss of appetite, lethargy, discharge from the eyes and nose, enlarged lymph nodes, decrease in milk production and abortion.

• Theileria orientalis - This disease is transmitted by the blacklegged tick and potentially the Asian longhorned tick. Signs include anemia, decreased appetite, lethargy, fever and shortness of breath.

Domestic diseases

• Bovine tuberculosis - This disease is caused by bacteria, and often animals do not show signs of a problem until the disease is in its latter stages. Signs and symptoms include lethargy, weakness, fever, pneumonia, enlarged lymph nodes, emaciation and anorexia.

• Brucellosis (Brucella abortus) - This is the primary form of brucellosis

that affects cattle. The most common signs of this disease are the appearance of reproduction issues in the herd including mid- and lateterm abortions, weak-born calves, reduced milk production and poor conception rates.

• Trichomoniasis - This venereal disease spreads when cattle come in contact with an infected bull or cow during breeding. Often cattle will not outwardly show symptoms, and producers will not know they have a problem until reproduction issues appear in the herd, including a number of open cows, late-calving cows, abortions and infertility.

• Bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE) - Also known as “mad cow disease,” BSE is a fatal neurological disease for cattle. Signs and symptoms include nervousness,

agitation, abnormal posture, lack of coordination, difficulty getting up, decreased milk production and a loss of body condition without a decrease in appetite.

If a disease outbreak occurs in Kentucky, the Office of State Veterinarian will work with the U.S. Department of Agriculture to respond. Producers would need to follow the agencies’ guidelines.

“Kentucky has an animal health emergency coordinator, who developed guidance in case of disease outbreaks,” said Dr. Steve Velasco, Kentucky state veterinarian. “The KDA will work diligently with producers to protect the livestock industry in Kentucky by making sure we are able to mitigate any disease effects and reestablish continuity of business for our producers as soon as possible.”

ADAIR COUNTY NEWS

submitted by Nick Roy

Teresa Bright was recognized for 18 years of service as the treasurer for the Adair County Cattlemen’s Association. Pictured left to right, David Burris, past board member; Connie Devore, treasurer; Allison Nissley, board member; Deanna Grider, secretary; Teresa Bright, Mark Baker, president; Fred Thomas past president; Nick Roy, Adair County ANR Agent; and Barney Janes, past president.

BRACKEN COUNTY NEWS

submitted by Nicole Goecke

On Thursday, Feb. 29, Bracken County Cattlemen’s Association hosted their winter meeting. Bracken County 4-H served the meal that was sponsored by WoodmenLife(Mary Ann Cummins) and Kern Food Distributing. Around 100 members and guests were present to listen to Dr. Alecia Raymer, DVM discuss current topics, such as vaccine back orders and calf scours. Bracken County Cattlemen’s Association would to extend a big welcome to Holly Bowman, the new ANR extension agent.

FRANKLIN COUNTY NEWS

submitted by Crystal Harrod

The Franklin County Cooperative Extension and Kentucky State University Extension supported Frankfort Independent Schools with their Love Local Lunch where local food was served for lunch on Feb. 7-8.

Extension provided support through the whole planning process, providing support for the SSS Garden Club and providing agriculture opportunities for students. The Franklin County Cattlemen's Association volunteered to grill the sirloin steaks for the lunch. The lunch celebrated community partnerships and the impacts of investing in local agricultural economy. The menu included sirloin steak from Our Home Place Meat, baked potatoes from Happy Jack's Farm, thyme roasted carrots from Salad Days Farm, butternut squash cornbread made by Food Chain with squash grown by FIS students, and salad with pea shoots and microgreens grown by SSS Garden Club.

LINCOLN COUNTY NEWS

submitted

by

Tyler Miller

The Lincoln County Cattlemen’s Association held their Annual Cow/ Calf Farm Bureau meeting at the Lincoln County Extension office. Southern States of Stanford was the main sponsor for the night. Alex Tigue, a beef specialist with

Cargill, was the featured speaker. The attendees gained knowledge on animal nutrition and were able to meet with local Farm Bureau leadership as well as LCCA. They had the opportunity to network with our KBN representative, Jacob Settles.

Cattlemen’s membership was collected, and 200 steaks were served to those that were present. I would like to give a special thanks to our main sponsor, Southern States of Stanford, for a great night out with cattlemen and cattlewomen.

Interest Rates are Likely Impacting Producer Interest in Expansion

Kenny Burdine University of Kentucky

USDA’s cattle inventory report confirmed that the U.S. cowherd continued to get smaller during 2023. Higher input costs, regional weather challenges and hay supply issues, strong cull cow prices and several other factors have contributed to a prolonged liquidation phase of this cattle cycle. Despite the fact that calf prices were relatively strong during 2023, there is no indication that heifer retention has begun. It would appear that we are likely to see a “slow expansion” when beef cow numbers do start to grow in the coming years. At some point, the cattle market will be strong enough, and weather will be cooperative enough, that we will reverse this trend of decreasing cow numbers.

Occasionally someone will ask why we tend to expand the cowherd when prices are high. It would seem that the best time to expand would be when prices are low because females are worth less. It’s a good question, and I understand why someone would ask it. On the surface it is true that the cost of breeding stock tends to be lower when calf prices are lower and the full cost of developing a heifer is lower when heifer calves are less valuable. But producers tend to expand during high priced times for two reasons. First, the high calf prices make them more interested in having a larger number of calves to sell in the future. And secondly, high price times often provide the ability to sell fewer calves and still meet financial obligations. By that I mean it is easier to sell fewer heifer calves when the steers and heifers you do sell are fetching a higher price.

I wanted to walk through this to set up the idea that the current interest rate

environment is another factor making expansion less attractive to cow-calf producers. The expansion decision is really a tradeoff. A cow-calf producer choosing to expand makes a short-term investment (heifer retention or breeding stock purchase) in hopes of seeing higher profit levels in the future. Any time a shortterm, long-term discussion is had, interest rates and inflation are likely to enter the conversation.

The first impact of high interest rates on expansion is the most obvious – the cost of financing breeding stock increases. A farmer wishing to purchase bred heifers in order to expand the number of cows he / she runs will pay more in interest over the length of that loan. The higher interest expense lowers the potential profitability on that bred heifer as she starts to produce calves in the future. A producer that expands through heifer retention is still impacted as that producer sells fewer heifers in the short run and incurs development costs on those heifers retained. Even if money is not borrowed directly for this purpose, the opportunity

cost of the money not received by selling the heifer calves and the money spent on development is more significant in a higher interest rate environment. The second impact is one that is not discussed as often, but I also feel that is very relevant – interest rates impact the time value of money. Money in the present is always preferred over money in the future and interest rates largely determine how significant that preference is. When a producer retains a heifer for replacement purposes, he / she forgoes her value as a calf (present) in order to see increased revenues from the sale of her calves after she enters the herd (future). The preference for money now, from the sale of the weaned heifer, is greater when interest rates are higher. At the same time, the real value of those future calves is lower due to higher interest rates. An economist might say those future returns are “more heavily discounted” in a higher interest rate environment. This combination results in less desire to hold heifers for development purposes and I think we are seeing some impact from this today.

I think weather (forage supply), calf prices and production costs are the three main determinants of expansion. But we also can’t ignore the fact that we are in a very different interest rate environment in 2024 than we were during our last expansion phase. Interest rates have been another factor delaying expansion of the cowherd and should be watched as we consider when we will turn the corner on this cattle cycle.

Cory 859.338.5826 sparrowcc@hotmail.com

Kip 859.608.7798 kcspar2@uky.edu

Kyle 502.682.7442 kylesparrow041@gmail.com

Roger 859.333.2707 rsparrow@uky.edu

The Sparrow Family

Maples Inducted Into Alabama Livestock Hall Of Fame

MONTGOMERY, AL— Dave Maples, Lexington, KY, by way of Elkmont, AL, was inducted into the Alabama Livestock Hall of Fame on Feb. 24, during the 81st Annual Alabama Cattlemen’s Association Convention and Trade Show in Huntsville, AL.

Maples grew up on a generational cattle farm in Elkmont, AL. As a child, he actively participated in Alabama 4-H, FFA and the Alabama Junior Cattlemen’s Association. He went on to complete a bachelor’s in animal sciences from Western Kentucky University and later served as president of the Limestone County Cattlemen's Association.

In 1989, Maples was hired as the liaison between Auburn University’s Cooperative Extension System and the Alabama Cattlemen's Association, a public-private partnership for the Alabama Beef Cattle Improvement Association. During this time, Maples was a member of Dr. Billy Powell’s staff and participated in raising funds to purchase additional land to renovate and expand the Alabama Cattlemen's

Association headquarters in Montgomery.

From there, Maples went on to become the executive vice president for the Kentucky Cattlemen's Association, a position he has held for 25 years. Throughout his tenure, he has grown KCA into a nationally respected state cattlemen’s affiliate. Additionally, he oversees projects for the Kentucky Beef Council, Kentucky Beef Network, Southeastern Livestock Network, Eden Shale Farm and Beef Solutions. His impact in the cattle industry is attributed to his ability to connect with people. He has served on many statewide and national committees, earning the respect and friendship of his colleagues and peers. In 2012, he was selected as one of the Top 10 Most Influential People in Kentucky Agriculture. Today, he resides in Lexington, KY, with his wife Dana and children, David and Erica. Together, they continue the tradition of running a small family farm in Jessamine County, KY.

WE’VE RAISED THE BAR,

AGAIN.

THE NEW STANDARD IN CATTLE HANDLING HAS BEEN SET.

Brief

(doramectin and levamisole injection)

(5 mg/mL doramectin, 150 mg/mL levamisole hydrochloride)

(5 mg/mL doramectin, 150 mg/mL levamisole hydrochloride)

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

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

INDICATIONS:

INDICATIONS: VALCOR™ is indicated for the treatment and control of the following species of parasites in beef cattle two months of age and older and in replacement dairy heifers less than 20 months of age. Not for use in beef bulls intended for breeding over 1 year of age, dairy calves, and veal calves.

VALCOR™ is indicated for the treatment and control of the following species of parasites in beef cattle two months of age and older and in replacement dairy heifers less than 20 months of age. Not for use in beef bulls intended for breeding over 1 year of age, dairy calves, and veal calves.

Gastrointestinal Roundworms (adults and fourth stage larvae): Ostertagia ostertagi (including inhibited larvae), O. lyrata, Haemonchus placei, Trichostrongylus axei, T. colubriformis, T. longispicularis*, Cooperia oncophora, C. pectinata*, C. punctata, C. surnabada, Bunostomum phlebotomum*, Strongyloides papillosus*, Oesophagostomum radiatum, Trichuris spp.*, Nematodirus helvetianus*. Lungworms (adults and fourth stage larvae): Dictyocaulus viviparus. Eyeworms (adults): Thelazia spp. Grubs (parasitic stages): Hypoderma bovis, H. lineatum. Sucking Lice: Haematopinus eurysternus, Linognathus vituli, Solenopotes capillatus. Mange Mites: Psoroptes bovis, Sarcoptes scabiei. *Adults only

WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS:

WITHDRAWAL PERIODS AND RESIDUE WARNINGS:

Cattle must not be slaughtered for human consumption within 15 days following last treatment with this drug product. Not for use in female dairy cattle 20 months of age or older, including dry dairy cows; use in these cattle may cause drug residues in milk and/or in calves born to these cows or heifers. Not for use in beef calves less than 2 months of age, dairy calves, and veal calves. A withdrawal period has not been established for this product in pre-ruminating calves.

Gastrointestinal Roundworms (adults and fourth stage larvae): Ostertagia ostertagi (including inhibited larvae), O. lyrata, Haemonchus placei, Trichostrongylus axei, T. colubriformis, T. longispicularis*, Cooperia oncophora, C. pectinata*, C. punctata, C. surnabada, Bunostomum phlebotomum*, Strongyloides papillosus*, Oesophagostomum radiatum, Trichuris spp.*, Nematodirus helvetianus*. Lungworms (adults and fourth stage larvae): Dictyocaulus viviparus. Eyeworms (adults): Thelazia spp. Grubs (parasitic stages): Hypoderma bovis, H. lineatum. Sucking Lice: Haematopinus eurysternus, Linognathus vituli, Solenopotes capillatus. Mange Mites: Psoroptes bovis, Sarcoptes scabiei. *Adults only

WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS:

WITHDRAWAL PERIODS AND RESIDUE WARNINGS:

User Safety Warnings: Not for human use. Keep out of reach of children. If accidental eye contact occurs, flush eyes immediately with water for 15 minutes and seek medical attention. If wearing contact lenses, flush eyes immediately with water before removing lenses then continue rinsing for at least 15 minutes. Do not eat, drink or smoke while handling the product. Wash hands after use. Take care to avoid accidental selfinjection. If accidental injection occurs, seek medical attention and provide product package insert to medical professional. To obtain a Safety Data Sheet(s), contact Zoetis Inc. at 1-888-963-8471 or www.zoetis.com.

Cattle must not be slaughtered for human consumption within 15 days following last treatment with this drug product. Not for use in female dairy cattle 20 months of age or older, including dry dairy cows; use in these cattle may cause drug residues in milk and/or in calves born to these cows or heifers. Not for use in beef calves less than 2 months of age, dairy calves, and veal calves. A withdrawal period has not been established for this product in pre-ruminating calves.

User Safety Warnings:

Animal Safety Warnings and Precautions: Use of levamisole in cattle treated in the last few days with cholinesterase inhibitors such as organophosphates or with morantel may enhance the toxic effects of levamisole. Use together with caution.

Not for human use. Keep out of reach of children. If accidental eye contact occurs, flush eyes immediately with water for 15 minutes and seek medical attention. If wearing contact lenses, flush eyes immediately with water before removing lenses then continue rinsing for at least 15 minutes. Do not eat, drink or smoke while handling the

Destruction of Hypoderma larvae (cattle grubs) at the period when these grubs are in vital areas may cause undesirable host-parasite reactions including the possibility of fatalities. Killing H. lineatum when it is in the tissue surrounding the gullet may cause bloat; killing H. bovis when it is in the vertebral canal may cause staggering or paralysis. These reactions are not specific to treatment with VALCOR™ and can occur with any successful treatment of grubs. Cattle should be treated either before or after these stages of grub development. Consult your veterinarian concerning the proper time for treatment. Follow recommended dosage carefully.

use. Take care to avoid accidental selfinjection occurs, seek medical attention and insert to medical professional. To obtain contact Zoetis Inc. at 1-888-963-8471 or

Precautions:

Reproductive safety has not been evaluated in bulls intended for breeding.

treated in the last few days with cholinorganophosphates or with morantel may levamisole. Use together with caution.

ADVERSE REACTIONS: This product is likely to cause swelling at the injection site. Tissue damage at the injection site may also occur, including possible granulomas and necrosis. These reactions have resolved without treatment. Local tissue reaction may result in trim loss of edible tissue at slaughter. A single death attributed to clostridial infection associated with the injection of VALCOR™ was reported in a nonpivotal effectiveness study. Observe cattle for injection site reactions. If injection site reactions are suspected, consult your veterinarian. This product is not for intravenous or intramuscular use. Hypersalivation may be observed; however, this reaction will disappear within a few hours. If this condition persists, a veterinarian should be consulted.

larvae (cattle grubs) at the period when these cause undesirable host-parasite reactions fatalities. Killing H. lineatum when it is in the may cause bloat; killing H. bovis when it is cause staggering or paralysis. These reactions with VALCOR™ and can occur with any Cattle should be treated either before or development. Consult your veterinarian for treatment. Follow recommended

product. Wash hands after use. Take care to avoid accidental selfinjection. If accidental injection occurs, seek medical attention and provide product package insert to medical professional. To obtain a Safety Data Sheet(s), contact Zoetis Inc. at 1-888-963-8471 or www.zoetis.com.

Animal Safety Warnings and Precautions:

Use of levamisole in cattle treated in the last few days with cholinesterase inhibitors such as organophosphates or with morantel may enhance the toxic effects of levamisole. Use together with caution. Destruction of Hypoderma larvae (cattle grubs) at the period when these grubs are in vital areas may cause undesirable host-parasite reactions including the possibility of fatalities. Killing H. lineatum when it is in the tissue surrounding the gullet may cause bloat; killing H. bovis when it is in the vertebral canal may cause staggering or paralysis. These reactions are not specific to treatment with VALCOR™ and can occur with any successful treatment of grubs. Cattle should be treated either before or after these stages of grub development. Consult your veterinarian concerning the proper time for treatment. Follow recommended dosage carefully.

Timing is Critical for Effective Fly Control

medical intervention. Dose-related injection site reactions were observed, and those in the 1X group resolved between 21 and 28 days post injection. Injection site reactions were primarily swelling which resolved between 21 and 28 days post injection. Findings from the injection sites included swelling, edema, inflammation, muscle necrosis and fibrosis.

Katie Pratt KCA Communications Manager

Each year as the weather warms, cattle producers know one thing that is for certain is that their herd will encounter tons of flies.

Reproductive safety has not been evaluated in bulls intended for breeding.

ADVERSE REACTIONS:

Flies are a troublesome insect pests that put stress on herds each year. There are four types of flies that feed on cattle, but horn flies and face flies are the most problematic. Horn flies spend nearly their entire life on cattle and can reduce weight gain in animals. Particularly concerning are the reduced weight gains in calves.

This product is likely to cause swelling at the injection site. Tissue damage at the injection site may also occur, including possible granulomas and necrosis. These reactions have resolved without treatment. Local tissue reaction may result in trim loss of edible tissue at slaughter. A single death attributed to clostridial infection associated with the injection of VALCOR™ was reported in a nonpivotal effectiveness study. Observe cattle for injection site reactions. If injection site reactions are suspected, consult your veterinarian. This product is not for intravenous or intramuscular use. Hypersalivation may be observed; however, this reaction will disappear within a few hours. If this condition persists, a veterinarian should be consulted.

Contact Information:

Contact Zoetis Inc. at 1-888-963-8471 or www.zoetis.com. To report suspected adverse drug experiences, contact Zoetis Inc. at 1-888-963-8471. For additional information about reporting adverse drug experiences for animal drugs, contact FDA at 1-888-FDA-VETS or http://www.fda.gov/reportanimalae.

TARGET ANIMAL SAFETY:

Face flies are hard to control because they only spend a short amount of time each day on cattle’s faces. Face flies tend to feed on the secretions from animal's tear ducts but will also get meals from cattle nasal discharge, saliva and blood. These flies are the chief transmitter of the pinkeye pathogen.

Margin of Safety: Subcutaneous administration of VALCOR™ was well tolerated in calves as young as 3 months of age at 1, 2, or 3 times the recommended dose. Dose-dependent post-dose hypersalivation was seen in all treated groups compared to the controls. All cases of hypersalivation were mild, transient, and resolved without further

medical intervention. Dose-related injection site reactions were observed, and those in the 1X group resolved between 21 and 28 days post injection. Injection site reactions were primarily swelling which resolved between 21 and 28 days post injection. Findings from the injection sites included swelling, edema, inflammation, muscle necrosis and fibrosis.

Knowing when and how to control troublesome flies is critical for herd health and to prevent insecticide resistance.

rubbers with fly flips, compressed air guns, feed additives and insecticide bolus. Fly population thresholds are also another important consideration for producers.

Female Reproductive Safety: The reproductive safety of VALCOR™ was established in two studies with female cattle. First, a single dose of VALCOR™ was administered subcutaneously at 3 times the recommended dose at times coinciding with folliculogenesis, implantation, or organogenesis, and had no effects on conception, calving, abortion, and stillbirth rates, and post-natal viability up to 30±2 days post-calving. There were no congenital abnormalities. The only test article-related change was an increase in incidence and duration of swelling at injection sites compared with control, but all swellings eventually resolved. In a second study, a single dose of VALCOR™ administered subcutaneously at 3 times the recommended dose at either early or late gestation had no effects on calving, abortion, and stillbirth rates, and post-natal viability up to 30±2 days post-calving. One control calf and two treated calves were born with congenital abnormalities and did not survive. These were not determined to be test article-related. The only test article-related change was an increase in incidence and duration of swelling at injection sites, but all swellings eventually resolved. Not for use in bulls intended for breeding over 1 year of age, as reproductive safety has not been evaluated.

HOW SUPPLIED:

“For example, with insecticide ear tags, it is best to wait until late May when fly numbers are around 50 to 100 flies per side of the animal or 100 to 200 flies per animal,” Bessin said. “If producers tag their animals too early, they risk the insecticide running low in the fall when fly numbers are still high, which means they do not have enough insecticide left to provide effective control. Producers must also remove the ear tags in the fall when fly populations decline. Having too little of the chemical available for adequate effectiveness or allowing the ear tag to stay in over the winter can lead to flies developing insecticide resistance.”

VALCOR™ is available in 100 mL, 250 mL and 500 mL multi-dose, rubber-capped glass vials.

STORAGE, HANDLING, AND DISPOSAL:

Store below 25°C (77°F). Do not expose to light for extended periods of time. Do not contaminate water by direct application or by improper disposal of drug containers. Dispose of containers in an approved landfill or by incineration.

Approved by FDA under NADA # 141-553

Distributed by:

Zoetis Inc.

Kalamazoo, MI 49007

June 2022

40031685A&P

Contact Information: Contact Zoetis Inc. at 1-888-963-8471 or www.zoetis.com

To report suspected adverse drug experiences, contact Zoetis Inc. at 1-888-9638471. For additional information about reporting adverse drug experiences for animal drugs, contact FDA at 1-888-FDA-VETS or http://www.fda.gov/reportanimalae.

TARGET ANIMAL SAFETY: Margin of Safety: Subcutaneous administration of VALCOR™ was well tolerated in calves as young as 3 months of age at 1, 2, or 3 times the recommended dose. Dose-dependent post-dose hypersalivation was seen in all treated groups compared to the controls. All cases of hypersalivation were mild, transient, and resolved without further medical intervention. Dose-related injection site reactions were observed, and those in the 1X group resolved between 21 and 28 days post injection. Injection site reactions were primarily swelling which resolved between 21 and 28 days post injection. Findings from the injection sites included swelling, edema, inflammation, muscle necrosis and fibrosis.

been evaluated in bulls intended for cause swelling at the injection site. Tissue may also occur, including possible These reactions have resolved without reaction may result in trim loss of edible death attributed to clostridial infection of VALCOR™ was reported in a nonObserve cattle for injection site reactions. suspected, consult your veterinarian. This or intramuscular use. Hypersalivation this reaction will disappear within a few a veterinarian should be consulted.

Female Reproductive Safety: The reproductive safety of VALCOR™ was established in two studies with female cattle. First, a single dose of VALCOR™ was administered subcutaneously at 3 times the recommended dose at times coinciding with folliculogenesis, implantation, or organogenesis, and had no effects on conception, calving, abortion, and stillbirth rates, and post-natal viability up to 30±2 days post-calving. There were no congenital abnormalities.The only test article-related change was an increase in incidence and duration of swelling at injection sites compared with control, but all swellings eventually resolved. In a second study, a single dose of VALCOR™ administered subcutaneously at 3 times the recommended dose at either early or late gestation had no effects on calving, abortion, and stillbirth rates, and post-natal viability up to 30±2 days post-calving. One control calf and two treated calves were born with congenital abnormalities and did not survive. These were not determined to be test article-related. The only test article-related change was an increase in incidence and duration of swelling at injection sites, but all swellings eventually resolved. Not for use in bulls intended for breeding over 1 year of age, as reproductive safety has not been evaluated.

Female Reproductive Safety: The reproductive safety of VALCOR™ was established in two studies with female cattle. First, a single dose of VALCOR™ was administered subcutaneously at 3 times the recommended dose at times coinciding with folliculogenesis, implantation, or organogenesis, and had no effects on conception, calving, abortion, and stillbirth rates, and post-natal viability up to 30±2 days post-calving. There were no congenital abnormalities. The only test article-related change was an increase in incidence and duration of swelling at injection sites compared with control, but all swellings eventually resolved. In a second study, a single dose of VALCOR™ administered subcutaneously at 3 times the recommended dose at either early or late gestation had no effects on calving, abortion, and stillbirth rates, and post-natal viability up to 30±2 days post-calving. One control calf and two treated calves were born with congenital abnormalities and did not survive. These were not determined to be test article-related. The only test article-related change was an increase in incidence and duration of swelling at injection sites, but all swellings eventually resolved. Not for use in bulls intended for breeding over 1 year of age, as reproductive safety has not been evaluated.

HOW SUPPLIED:

“Insecticide resistance is a real issue that producers have to manage every year,” said Ric Bessin, University of Kentucky extension entomologist. “Producers need to switch modes of action and chemical groups each year to maintain effective fly control. They should not keep using an effective treatment for so long that the treatment no longer works.”

VALCOR™ is available in 100 mL, 250 mL and 500 mL multi-dose, rubber-capped glass vials.

STORAGE, HANDLING, AND DISPOSAL:

HOW SUPPLIED: VALCOR™ is available in 100 mL, 250 mL and 500 mL multidose, rubber-capped glass vials.

Store below 25°C (77°F). Do not expose to light for extended periods of time. Do not contaminate water by direct application or by improper disposal of drug containers. Dispose of containers in an approved landfill or by incineration.

AD/Designer

STORAGE, HANDLING, AND DISPOSAL: Store below 25°C (77°F). Do not expose to light for extended periods of time. Do not contaminate water by direct application or by improper disposal of drug containers. Dispose of containers in an approved landfill or by incineration.

Many modes of fly control and insecticide classes exist to control flies, and all can provide protection when applied at the right time and in rotation. Fly control products include insecticide impregnated ear tags, sprays, pour-ons, dust bags, back

Approved by FDA under NADA # 141-553

Bessin encouraged producers to work with their veterinarians to develop an effective fly control strategy and to control pinkeye in their herd.

Eliminating fly breeding grounds is nearly impossible as producers would not only have to control fly populations on their farms but also their neighbors’ farms as flies will travel from farm to farm.

UK entomology has several publications related to cattle fly control. They include Entfact 509 Horn Flies and Cattle, https:// entomology.ca.uky.edu/ef509 ; Entfact 510 Face Flies and Pink Eye, https:// entomology.ca.uky.edu/ef510; and Entfact 511 Horse Flies and Deer Flies, https://entomology.ca.uky.edu/ ef511. These publications are also available at county extension offices.

Copywriter

Production

Approved by FDA under NADA # 141-553

Distributed by: Zoetis Inc.

1-888-963-8471 or www.zoetis.com. To report experiences, contact Zoetis Inc. at information about reporting adverse drugs, contact FDA at 1-888-FDA-VETS or http://www.fda.gov/reportanimalae.

Kalamazoo, MI 49007

Copy

June 2022 40031685A&P

Subcutaneous administration of VALCOR™ was young as 3 months of age at 1, 2, or 3 times

Dose-dependent post-dose hypersalivation

Account

S:4.917"

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T:4.917"

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TOUGH ON TOUGH WORMS, EASY ON CATTLE PRODUCERS.

You can achieve effective parasite control in one product, where before you may have needed two. Valcor (doramectin and levamisole injection) is the first prescription cattle dewormer with two active ingredients in one dose. It’s never been easier to be tough. Get tough at ValcorTough.com.

IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION: Do not treat cattle with Valcor within 15 days of slaughter. Not for use in female dairy cattle 20 months of age or older, including dry dairy cows; not for use in beef calves less than 2 months of age, dairy calves, and veal calves. Safety has not been evaluated in breeding bulls. Use with caution in cattle treated with cholinesterase inhibitors. This product is likely to cause injection site swelling; tissue damage (including granulomas and necrosis) may occur. These reactions have resolved without treatment. See Brief Summary of Full Prescribing Information on the next page.

Whitestone Mulberry 3097

Whitestone Blue Ridge 3139

He Sells!

Reg. *20612824

Sire: +*WHITESTONE | Dam: Whitestone Tess R213

He Sells!

WW +82, YW +136, Milk +40, CW +69, Marb +.52, REA +.56, $M +93, $B +143, $C +278

Calving Ease | High Maternal Genetics

Whitestone Jasper 3157

He Sells!

Reg. *20616637

Sire: *DB Iconic G95 | Dam: *Whitestone Emblynette 1079

CED +10, BW -1.8, WW +72, YW +132, Milk +26, CW +63, Marb +1.07, REA +.41, $M +47, $B +178, $C +278

Sure Shot Heifer Bull | High Growth and Marbling

CED +1, BW +3.0, WW +88, YW +160, Milk +25, CW +90, Marb +.76, REA +.78, $M +61, $B +194, $C +313

Explosive Growth | Top 10% $B and $C

Reg. *20621971

He Sells!

Sire: *HCC Whitewater 9010 | Dam: *Pollard Henrietta Pride 9504

CED +8, BW +1.3, WW +81, YW +141, Milk +22, CW +64, Marb +1.06, REA +1.04, $M +56, $B +186, $C +297 High Performance Genetics | Elite Carcass EPD’s

Whitestone Bennie 3186

He Sells!

Reg. 20612838

Sire: +*WHITESTONE Dam: Whitestone Pride 3163

CED +9, BW +1.8, WW +70, YW +127, Milk +32, CW +52, Marb +.62, REA +.18, $M +45, $B +137, $C +223

Balance Trait Leader | Great Structure and Phenotype

NEW RESOURCE HELPS

CATTLE PRODUCERS MAXIMIZE PROFITABILITY

Culling Decisions Impact Animal Welfare and Bottom Line

CENTENNIAL, Colo. (Feb. 28, 2024)

– A new resource developed by the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association and CattleFax helps cattle producers maximize profitability from their culling decisions. “Right Way. Right Time. – A Guide to Cull Cattle Management” is now available at www.ncba.org.

With effective planning, cull cattle can be a significant source of revenue and should not be overlooked. In essence, cull cattle are market cattle. This new document addresses key problem areas, provides strategies for making timely culling decisions to prioritize animal welfare and is designed to help producers capture more value through effective management regarding cull cattle.

“Cull animals can contribute significantly to the profitability of the ranch,” said Dr. Trey Patterson, president/CEO of Padlock Ranch Company. “We spend extensive time and money adding replacement cattle to our herd, so it is imperative that we capture good value for cull cattle to offset these expenses.”

For cattle producers across the country, whether beef or dairy, cull cattle are part of doing business. Animals age, they no longer breed back, and their health deteriorates. Incorporating culling decisions into an operation’s best management practices benefits both animal welfare as well as the producer’s bottom line.

“Managing cull cattle to be in good condition, sound and fit to transport will increase their value significantly,”

said Patterson. “The animals leaving our ranching operations are not only a valuable financial resource, but they also constitute a class of cattle that need and deserve as much care as any other animal on the operation.”

According to the 2022 National Beef Quality Audit, the market cow and bull sector provides an alternative product and a secondary value to animals once their original purpose is no longer suitable. When it comes to product fabrication, market cows and bulls are typically associated with ground beef production. However, over time, the industry has realized that some market cows and bulls have the potential to yield valuable primals to be fabricated and sold as retail cuts and to the restaurant trade.

For more information or to access the resource online, visit www.ncba.org/ producers.

SAN ANTONIO TO HOST

CATTLECON 2025

Annual Convention is “Where the Beef Industry Meets”

CENTENNIAL, Colo. (Feb. 26, 2024) –San Antonio, Texas, will host CattleCon 2025, the largest cattle industry event in the country, Feb. 4-6, 2025. Thousands of cattlemen and women will gather to learn, conduct business, network and have fun.

San Antonio is known for adventure, a city rich in history, culture and craveable cuisines. From The Alamo to the River Walk and beyond, San Antonio will create memorable experiences for CattleCon attendees.

CattleCon 2025 will feature popular events such as Cattlemen’s College, CattleFax Outlook Session, D.C. Issues Update, Cattle Feeders Hall of Fame Banquet, Environmental Stewardship Regional Awards, and Beef Quality Assurance Awards, along with a few new surprises to be announced.

The award-winning NCBA Trade Show will be one of the largest ever with several acres of displays as well as live cattle handling demonstrations, educational sessions and entertainment. Trade show exhibitors will feature the latest advancements, from equipment and technology to pharmaceuticals and feed supplements, all conveniently located under one roof.

Registration opens Aug. 19, and additional information will be available soon at convention.ncba.org.

58th ANNUAL SPRING SALE

APRIL 20, 2024 • DANVILLE, KY

27 BULLS: All genomic tested & will sell with a current BSE. 22 FALL 2022 YEARLINGS, 2 spring 2023 yearlings, 3 2+ years old

4 OPEN HEIFERS: daughters of Growth Fund, Iron Horse, Herdsman, & Boyd Weigh Up.

4 BRED HEIFERS: 2 may calve before sale, 2 in fall bred to Craftsman & Iconic.

24 COWS: 6 with fall 2023 calves, 18 bred cows, many of which will calve by sale day.

Where do you think the phrase

“dropping like flies” came from?

Count on Y-TEX ® insecticide ear tags to knock out flies, ticks and lice.

Insect pests can wreak havoc on your cattle, from reducing weight gains to carrying costly diseases like pink eye. That’s why it pays to protect your herd with the proven performance of Y-TEX® insecticide ear tags. Y-TEX® tags control a wide range of livestock pests, including horn flies, face flies, stable flies, black flies, Gulf Coast and spinose ear ticks and lice.

So when it’s time to protect your cattle from flies, ticks and lice, look for the insecticide tags that put a stop to profit-robbing pests: TRI-ZAP ™ , MAX 40 ™ , XP 820 ® , OPtimizer ®, PYthon® II, and PYthon® II Magnum™from Y-TEX®

Cow-Calf Profitability Estimates for 2023 and 2024 (Spring-Calving

Herd)

Greg Halich, Kenny Burdine, and Jonathan Shepherd University of Kentucky

The purpose of this article is to examine cow-calf profitability for a spring-calving herd that sold weaned calves in the fall of 2023 and provide an estimate of profitability for the upcoming year, 2024. Table 1 summarizes estimated costs for a well-managed spring-calving cowherd for 2023. Every operation is different, so producers should evaluate and modify these estimates to fit their situation. Note that in Table 1 we are not including depreciation or interest on equipment/fencing/facilities or labor and land costs. These will be brought into the analysis and discussed later. Calves are assumed to be weaned and sold at an average weight of 550 lbs. In the fourth quarter of 2023, steers in this weight range were selling for prices in the $230’s per cwt and heifers in the $200’s, on a state average basis. Therefore, a steer/heifer average price of $2.20 per lb. is used for the analysis, which was $0.65 per lb. higher than last year. As we write this in February, calf prices have increased from these levels, but this analysis assumes that spring-born calves were sold in the fall of 2023. Weaning rate was estimated at 85%, meaning that it is expected that a calf will be weaned and sold from 85% of the cows that were exposed to the bull. Based on these assumptions and adjusted for the weaning rate, the average calf revenue is $1,029 per cow.

Cost-wise, there were not any major changes for 2023, other than marketing costs due to the higher calf prices. Pasture maintenance costs are assumed to be relatively low at $35 per acre and would include only basic cash costs of pasture clipping (fuel, maintenance, repairs), and a limited amount of reseeding, fertilizer and fencing repairs. Cattle farmers who consistently apply large amounts of fertilizer to pasture ground would see higher pasture maintenance costs. The pasture stocking rate is assumed to be 2 acres per cow, but this will vary greatly. Stocking rate impacts the number of grazing days and winter feeding days for the operation (i.e. high stocking rates will mean more hay feeding days), which has large implications for costs on a per-cow basis.

These spring-calving cows were assumed to use 2.5 tons of hay per cow, and the estimated cash cost of making this hay (fuel, maintenance, repairs, supplies, fertilizer, etc.) was $50 per ton. Mineral cost is $35 per cow, veterinary / medicine costs $25, trucking costs $20, machinery cash costs for winter feeding and other miscellaneous jobs is $20, and other costs (insurance, property taxes, water, etc.) are $40. Breeding costs are $40 per cow and should include annual depreciation of the bull and bull maintenance costs, spread across the number of cows he services. Marketing costs are assumed to be $40 per cow (adjusted for the 85% calf crop) for average-sized farms selling in smaller lots. Larger operations would likely market cattle in larger groups and pay lower commission rates.

Breeding stock depreciation and interest are major costs that are often overlooked. They are generally not cash costs that need to be paid on a yearly basis, unless you have a loan on the cattle, but they are real costs that need to be paid at some point. As an example,

assume that in a typical year bred heifers are valued at $1,800, have eight productive years, and have a cull cow value of $1,000. For clarity, this is not meant to reflect the current value of bred heifers and cull cows, but rather the average value of all females currently in the herd (cows enter the herd at different times and in different markets). The average yearly depreciation is calculated as follows:

$1,800 bred heifer value

–$950 cull-cow value (adjusted for a 5% death loss)

$850 total depreciation

$850 total depreciation / 8 productive years = $106 cow depreciation per year. The actual depreciation will vary across farms. When buying bred replacement heifers, the initial heifer value is clear. With farm-raised replacements, this cost should be the revenue foregone had the heifer been sold with the other calves, plus all expenses incurred (feed, breeding, pasture rent, etc.) to reach the same reproductive stage as a purchased bred heifer. At an average value of $1,400 (halfway between bred heifer and cull value) over her lifespan on your farm, and assuming a 4.5% interest rate results in a $63/cow/year interest cost, or a total of $169/cow/ year in combined depreciation and interest.

Note that based on the assumptions in our example, total specified expenses per cow are $584 and revenues per cow are $1,029. Thus, the estimated gross return is $444 per cow. At first glance, this positive return looks impressive, but it is also misleading. A number of costs were intentionally excluded because they vary greatly across operations. Notice that no depreciation or interest on equipment/fencing/facilities was included. Notice also that

Table 1: Estimated Gross Return to Spring-Calving Cow-calf

labor and land costs were also not included. Thus, the gross return needs to be adjusted by these costs to come up with a true return to the farm.

Since these costs vary so much from one operation to the next, it may be helpful to pick a specific-sized farm and provide estimates for these costs: a 40-cow operation that is producing its own hay and has all farming operations on its own land (80 acres of pasture and 30 acres of hay).

Assume this farm has on average $50,000 in equipment which depreciates roughly $1,000 every year, or $25/cow/year in depreciation. At 4% interest, an additional cost of $2,000 in interest per year, or $50/cow/year, would be realized. Assume also this farm has fencing, barns, working facilities, etc., with an initial value of $50,000 and a lifespan of 25 years. That would amount to $50/cow/year in depreciation and $25/cow/year in interest.

Assume we have 2 acres of pasture and 0.75 acres of hay per cow, and value that at a land rent of $45/acre, that would be $125/cow/ year in land rent. Assume also that we have determined we have $125/cow/year in labor, which would amount to $5,000 total labor cost per year for the entire herd.

Summary of Additional Non-Cash Costs (40-Cow Farm)

Equipment Depreciation..................................................$25/cow/year

Equipment Interest............................................................$50/cow/year

Fencing-Facilities Depreciation......................................$50/cow/year

Fencing-Facilities Interest................................................$25/cow/year

Land Rent.........................................................................$125/cow/year

Labor........................................................................$125/cow/year

Total Additional Non-Cash Costs................................$400/cow/year

These non-cash costs add up to $400/cow/year on our example farm: $150 per cow in depreciation/interest on equipment/ fencing/facilities and $250 per cow in land rent and labor. We encourage you to estimate these for your own operation, but the unfortunate reality is that they quickly add up on most farms. The $444/cow/year gross return over cash costs and cow depreciation does not look quite as good now. After adjusting for these other costs, the net return (all costs included) is +$44 per cow per year ($444 – $400), or $1,760 net return for the 40-cow farm. Another way to look at this is to just include the depreciation and interest for equipment/fencing/facilities ($150/cow/year), and not include land and labor ($250/cow/year). In this case, the return would increase to +$294 per cow ($11,760 for the farm) and would represent the farm's return to land and labor. Was this $294 per cow a real profit? No, because it does not include any costs for land and labor. But we are showing it here because this is the approach many farmers use.

These numbers will vary across operations, so estimating your own cost structure is extremely important. Our guess is that compared to our example farm, there are far more cow-calf operations of similar size with a higher cost structure than there are operations with a lower cost structure in Kentucky. Put simply, well-managed spring calving herds were likely generating a true profit in 2023.

Readers can use Table 2 to modify the analysis based on their cost structure and calf prices for 2023. It uses all costs except for land and labor, so the table shows a return to land and labor using the cost structure in our example. As an example, we used $2.20/

Change in Cost Structure (per cow per year)

$2.00$2.10$2.20$2.30$2.40

-$100$301$347$394$441$488

-$50$251$297$344$391$438 $0 $201$247$294$341$388 $50$151$197$244$291$338 $100$101$147$194$241$288

Table 2: Estimated Return to Land and Labor (per cow) to Spring Calving Cow-calf Operation in 2023 Given Changes in Cost Structure and Calf Prices Note: Returns are based on costs shown in Table 1, plus $150 per cow in depreciation/interest on equipment/fencing/facilities.

lb. in our base scenario as the steer/heifer price for 2023. Given the cost structure we used ($0 change on the left-hand side of the table), the expected return to land and labor is $294 per cow, just as was previously described. If a cattle farmer sold their calves for an average price of $2.20/lb. but had a $50/cow/year higher cost structure (+$50 change on the left-hand side of the table), their expected return to land and management would decrease to $244 per cow. If another cattle farmer sold their calves for an average price of $2.30/lb. calf, and had a $50/cow/year higher cost structure (+$50 on the left-hand side), their expected return to land and management would decrease to $291 per cow.

Discussion

Cow-calf profitability for 2023 was well above the long-run average. Significantly higher calf prices occurred in a year where costs increased only slightly, resulting in a substantial increase in profitability compared to 2022.

We assumed an average-sized cattle farm that would sell at the higher commission rate and would likely get a lower sales price for calves compared to larger operations. Larger operations that can sell at the lower commission rate and generally get better calf prices for selling in larger lots would have had better profitability than what we show here.

Finally, one important assumption that we made that would change on some farms relates to culling open cows. Our assumption for an average-sized farm was that they would not pregnancy-check cows in the fall and would thus not cull open cows at that time. Farms that are able to cull open cows in the fall at weaning time and avoid the expense of wintering them would have had better profitability than what we show here. These open cows would be replaced with bred heifers that would incur wintering costs, but would be very likely to produce a calf the following spring.

2024 Outlook

Calf prices were high in 2023, but supply fundamentals paint the picture of an even stronger market for 2024. The size of the U.S. cowherd decreased by about 2.5% over the last year, which means the 2024 calf crop will be smaller. Should we start to see heifer retention in 2024, the feeder cattle supply will become even tighter. While geopolitical and macroeconomic uncertainties have the potential to impact demand, the 2024 calf market has the potential to exceed levels seen in 2023.

For the purposes of the analysis, we will assume fall 2024 prices

for that same 550 lb. steer/heifer are in the $2.30-2.50/lb. range, or $2.40/lb. average. This will be an increase of about $0.20 per lb. from the fall of 2023. Spring prices are likely to be much higher than this, but we are building in a seasonal price decrease. 2024 costs are likely to be similar to the estimates for 2023. Using the same costs from 2023 with this higher calf price for 2024 would result in an increase in profitability of $94 per cow compared to 2023. The return to land and labor for 2024 would thus be projected to be $388 per cow. Recall that in our example we had estimated $200 per cow in land rent and labor. Thus, we would be making a true profit of $138 per cow using the cost estimates in our example.

Fertilizer prices have come down in 2024 compared to the unprecedented high levels in 2022. However, they are still roughly 30-50% higher than pre-2022 levels. In this analysis, we assumed a below-average fertilizer dependency to sustain a beefcow unit. Farms that use higher levels of fertilizer will have lower profits than we show here. Thus, managing around these high fertilizer prices is still of paramount

importance. For practical strategies to reduce or eliminate fertilizer use on cattle farms see the February 2023 video, “Strategies to Reduce Fertilizer Use on Cattle Farms,” available on YouTube at http://tinyurl.com/yvk3bhpk.

Market fundamentals suggest that calf prices should be at very high levels in 2023 and the same should largely hold in 2024. Still, calf prices are only part of the story, and we hope this article highlights the importance of cost control. Ideally, costs for a given operation would be structured such that attractive profits can be had at these high calf prices. However, there will be farms that will still struggle to cover all their costs, even with the higher calf revenues.

Many farms will be tempted to increase the size of their cow herds in response to these high calf prices. However, two cautionary red flags should be waved at this point: 1) During the last time of extremely high calf prices (2014-2015), bred heifer prices got bid up to the point where they would only pencil out with continued high calf prices. Those calf prices collapsed quickly leaving those that expanded with low revenues to support paying for those high-priced

breeding stock. 2) Concentrating on high-priced calves and ways to produce more of them takes away focus from reducing costs that are out of control on many farms. If you are not generating a significant true profit (above what would give you and your land a fair return) in the current market, you are almost certain to be in the red when calf prices come back down to more normal levels. Most farms would be better served to concentrate on reducing their cost structure to better position themselves for the lean times that are almost sure to follow. Purchasing equipment that is not really needed to reduce current tax liabilities will only inflate this cost structure in the long run. Greg Halich is an associate extension professor in farm management economics for both cattle and grain production and can be reached at Greg.Halich@uky. edu or 859-257-8841. Kenny Burdine is an extension professor in livestock marketing and management and can be reached at kburdine@uky.edu or 859-2577273. Jonathan Shepherd is an extension specialist in farm management and can be reached at jdshepherd@uky.edu or 859218-4395.

UK Fundamentals of Herd Health: Vaccinations for the Cow-Calf Operation

Michelle Arnold DVM (Ruminant Extension Veterinarian, UKVDL)

Why should vaccines be given every year to help keep the cowcalf herd healthy? Simply stated, skimping on proven disease prevention will only cost more down the road due to treatment costs, reproductive failure and death loss. Every farm is unique with regards to the disease risk and other challenges including labor and facilities needed to work the cattle. The basic vaccine guidelines are below but the details of what products to use and when to administer them are best decided by the producer with his or her veterinarian. Your veterinarian is equipped with the knowledge and skills to determine what will work best for your unique situation to reach your goals.

Remember: “Vaccination” (drawing up the vaccine in a syringe and injecting it into the animal) is not the same as “immunization” (the animal mounts an immune response), and “vaccination + immunization” never equals 100% protection from infection, even in the best of circumstances. The vaccines must be handled correctly (proper mixing, right temperature) and cattle in good health (low stress environment, good plane of nutrition, trace mineral needs met, minimal parasites present) in order to get the most protection from vaccines.

The provided list of vaccines and dewormers on pages 36-37 is for example purposes only and should not be considered an endorsement of products by the University of Kentucky.

Adult Cows and Bulls

1. Viral respiratory vaccine (IBR, BVD, PI3, BRSV) and 5-way Leptospirosis. If using bulls for breeding, include Campylobacter fetus (Vibriosis). Best given four to six weeks prior to breeding. If cows are open at the time of vaccination, select a modified live vaccine (List C1A or B). If cows are pregnant at the time of vaccination or less than 30 days before breeding, select a killed vaccine (List C2A or B) to reduce the risk of accidental abortion or interference with pregnancy. Certain modified live vaccines can be used in pregnant animals but only if used strictly according to label directions. Products with “FP” in the name stands for Fetal Protection from BVD virus.

2. 7-way or 8-way Clostridial (Blackleg)-necessary if under 2 years of age. Optional as the cow ages depending on the risk of blackleg to the herd. (List D5 A-D)

3. Deworm-Perform at least once per year (spring and possibly fall) and twice a year if under 2 years of age or thin body condition. If only once is possible, deworm in spring (May). **Deworm at least 2 weeks prior to bull turn out or before estrus synchronization for artificial insemination (AI) due to temporary impact on hormone release in females.** Deworming in the fall helps to reduce the number of worms that overwinter in the cow but is typically not as important as spring when larvae are active in the pasture. (List D6 A and/ or B)

4. Tag cattle for identification and/or re-tag those that have lost tags.

5. Breeding Soundness Exams are highly recommended for herd bulls and should be conducted 60-75 days prior to turnout. Bulls need the same vaccinations and deworming as the cow herd.

Open Heifers At Least Six Weeks Prior to Breeding

1. Viral respiratory vaccine (IBR, BVD, PI3, BRSV) with 5-way Leptospirosis. If using bulls for breeding, include Campylobacter fetus (Vibriosis). Modified live vaccines are preferred (List C1Aor B) for heifers. A Fetal Protection (FP) from BVD virus product is encouraged. Follow all label directions; some vaccines require a booster and some do not. Timing is very important-if less than six weeks away from breeding, use a killed product (List C2A or B).

2. 7- or 8- way Clostridial (Blackleg) (List D5 A-D)

3. Deworm. (List D6 A and/or B). A heifer has increased nutritional demands because she is still growing herself, trying to reproduce, and young animals do not have the immunity to parasites that adult cattle possess. A very effective combination is to use an oral (white) dewormer from list D6B and an injectable or pour-on dewormer from list D6A, given at the same time.

Calves 1-3 Months of Age:

1. Identify with tag

2. Vaccinate with 7-way Clostridial (Blackleg) vaccine-Although the calves are young, this dose of vaccine will initiate (“jump start”) the immune process, especially cell-mediated immunity. Follow label directions. Do not give blackleg vaccine under 3 weeks of age. (List D5 A-D)

3. Dehorn

4. Castrate-The earlier this is completed, the better. Avoid the first 24 hours after birth.

5. Optional Practices:

a. Implant steers at the time of castration (unless you plan to sell calves in an organic or natural market).

b. Viral Respiratory Vaccine-Killed (List D2) or MLV (List D1 but follow label directions carefully regarding MLV usage in nursing calves). Intranasal vaccines are given up the nose.

c. Pinkeye vaccine (administer in late spring just before fly season). (List D7)

d. Deworm-Begin deworming calves at 4-8 weeks old depending on time of year and expected level of pasture contamination with parasite larvae-consult a veterinarian. (List D6 A or B)

e. Test for BVD-PI (ear notch)-Consult your veterinarian if

this is something to consider. If BVD has been diagnosed in an animal from your farm or there is a history of unexplained abortions, stillbirths, weak calves or other reproductive loss in the herd, testing all calves is the proven first step to find persistently infected (PI) animals. It is best to wait until the calf is at least 10-14 days of age to take an ear notch sample.

Calves Two-Three Weeks Pre-Weaning (best) or Shortly After Weaning:

Consult your veterinarian and check your marketing plan since many programs (for example: CPH-45) specify what vaccines must be administered and when in order to participate. Administer vaccines two to three weeks pre-weaning for best protection. If calves cannot be processed pre-weaning, then begin this protocol after weaning when the stress is essentially over (calves are eating, drinking, and the majority have stopped walking and bawling). Administer booster vaccines if required by label. If castrations and dehorning were not done earlier, these practices need to be completed as soon as possible. Tetanus vaccination is strongly recommended when performing “late” castration of older, heavier bulls; especially if banding. Consult your veterinarian regarding whether to use a tetanus toxoid or antitoxin or both.

1. Viral respiratory vaccine (IBR, BVD, PI3, BRSV)-Killed (List D2) or MLV (List D1) but follow label directions regarding MLV usage in nursing calves if vaccinating before weaning. If using killed, a booster is required. A majority of buyers prefer calves that have received two doses of MLV. See point #3a below for an additional viral respiratory vaccine option.

2. For heifers to be kept as replacements: Viral respiratory (as above) with Campylobacter fetus (Vibriosis) and 5-way Leptospirosis vaccine included. Booster according to label directions-MLV is strongly recommended for females to be kept in the herd. (List C1A or B)

3. Vaccinate with Mannheimia haemolytica toxoid. This vaccine, commonly known as a “Pasteurella shot” or “Pneumonia shot” is given pre-weaning in anticipation of the stress associated with weaning. (List C3)

a. Many combination Mannheimia haemolytica toxoid and MLV Respiratory Virus Vaccines are available (List C4). Some of the combination products listed are actually two separate products with one administered in the nose (intranasal) and the other product injected.

4. Deworm with an endectocide (List D6A) for internal and external parasites. A “drench” or “white” dewormer given by mouth (List D6B) may also be used with a second product for external parasite (lice/flies/ticks) control. The best option is to administer an injectable (or pour-on) dewormer (List D6A) and a drench dewormer (List D6B) at the same time.

5. 7- or 8- way Clostridial vaccine (Blackleg). Clostridial vaccines may be purchased alone or in combination with pinkeye, “somnus” and other antigens. Follow label directions regarding the need for a booster. (List D5 A-D)

6. Optional:

a. Implant-Follow label directions if re-implanting. Do not implant females to be used for breeding purposes. Do not implant if planning to sell on the natural or organic

markets.

b. Pasteurella multocida and/or Histophilus somni (formerly known as Haemophilus somnus) vaccines-consult your veterinarian for recommendations.

Cows After Calves Are Weaned:

1. Check cows for pregnancy by palpation, ultrasound or blood test. If open, strongly consider culling her.

2. Check for other problems: Eyes, teeth, udder, feet and legs, body condition, disposition.

3. Scours Vaccine (List C8) –Administer to pregnant cows one to three months prior to calving. Initially, this is a two-shot series, then it is given annually. Products vary on when to administer them so follow label directions carefully. Scours vaccines may be given to newborn calves (List D8).

4. If leptospirosis is a persistent problem, cows may need a booster of 5-way Leptospirosis vaccine, such as Spirovac (Zoetis), for continued strong protection throughout pregnancy.

Additional Considerations:

1. *Modified Live Vaccines (MLV) provide fast, broad immunity and are excellent stimulators of cell-mediated immunity. They are preferred in weaned calves and usually required by most preconditioned sales. However, only use modified live vaccines in pregnant cows and in nursing calves if the cows were vaccinated with MLV, usually within the last 12 months (check label for specific requirements; some are less than 12). If this requirement is not met, a killed vaccine must be used until the cow is open and the calf is weaned.

2. Killed respiratory virus vaccines must be given twice (usually two to three weeks apart) if it is the first time the vaccine is administered. Annual boosters are required after the initial two-shot sequence. Killed vaccines are safer than MLV vaccines but they do not protect as well nor last as long.

3. If heifers have been allowed to stay with the herd bull until weaning, most likely some are pregnant. A prostaglandin injection (for example: Lutalyse®) can be given to the heifers once they have been away from the bull a minimum of 10 days. These injections work best in early pregnancy (<75 days), so do not delay administration if needed.

4. Try to minimize the number of injections given at one time as much as possible. Multiple vaccinations cause neck soreness. Multiple Gram negative vaccines (for example, leptospirosis, vibriosis, pinkeye) may cause cattle to spike a fever and go off feed for a short period of time.

5. Keep good vaccination records. Record date, vaccine name, serial numbers and expiration dates at a minimum.

6. Utilize effective fly control and pinkeye vaccine beginning in late spring. Follow label directions regarding booster vaccines. If using feed/mineral additives for fly control, make sure to start them 30 days before fly season and keep it in until 30 days after fly season is over. See UK publication ENT-11Insect Control for Beef Cattle.

7. Anaplasmosis- Kentucky is among the list of states approved by the USDA for sale of the anaplasmosis vaccine marketed

by University Products LLC of Baton Rouge, La. The vaccine is used in cows in all stages of pregnancy with no problems being reported. The recommendation is a two-dose regimen given four weeks apart with annual revaccination required. Protective immunity should develop within 7-10 days according to the manufacturer. The primary or initial dose is typically given to bred heifers and young bulls. Consult your veterinarian for options.

8. Letters in a vaccine name mean:

a. IBR, BVD, BRSV and PI3 : Diseases included in a viral respiratory vaccine.

b. An “FP” in the vaccine name stands for “fetal protection” and means protection against fetal persistent infection and abortion due to the BVD virus.

c. An “HB” in the vaccine name stands for the strain of Leptospira known as “Hardjo bovis” that is a common cause of reproductive failure in cattle.

d. “HS” stands for “Histophilus somni” (formerly known as Haemophilus somnus)

e. “L5” stands for the 5 strains of Leptospirosis.

f. “V” stands for “Vibriosis”

Vaccination programs must be designed around the specific needs of your cattle. Talk to your vet!

Examples of Respiratory and Reproductive Vaccines£ for Adult Cows, Bulls, & Replacement Heifers

C1A Modified Live Virus Vaccines with Leptospirosis

*Pyramid 10 - Boehringer Ingelheim

*Vista 5 L5 SQ—Merck

*Express FP10 —Boehringer Ingelheim

*Bovishield Gold FP5 L5 HB — Zoetis

*Titanium 5 L5 HB — Elanco

*Labeled for use in pregnant cattle and nursing calvesbut follow label directions carefully

C1B Modified Live Virus Vaccines + Lepto and Vibrio

*Express FP 5 VL5– Boehringer Ingelheim

*Bovi-Shield Gold FP5 VL5 HB-Zoetis

*PregGuard Gold FP 10 (No BRSV)- Zoetis

*Vista 5 VL5 SQ-Merck

C2A Killed Virus Vaccines with Lepto

Triangle 10 HB—Boehringer Ingelheim

Cattlemaster Gold FP5 L5— Zoetis

Vira Shield 6 + L5 HB— Elanco

Master Guard 10 HB-contains killed IBR and BVD-Elanco

C2B Killed Virus Vaccines + Lepto and Vibrio

Cattlemaster 4 +VL5-Zoetis

Vira Shield 6 + VL5 (HB)— Elanco

for Nursing Calves and Weaned/Feeders

D1A Modified Live Virus Vaccines (Often called “Live Virus”)

*Pyramid 5 - Boehringer Ingelheim

*Bovilis Vista 5 SQ—Merck

*Inforce 3 (Intranasal) + Bovishield BVD —Zoetis

*Express 5 —Boehringer Ingelheim

*Bovishield Gold 5 — Zoetis

*Titanium 5 — Elanco

*Bovilis Vista BVD + Bovilis Nasalgen 3 (Intranasal)—Merck

*Labeled for use in calves nursing pregnant cows but followlabel directions carefully

D1B Modified Live Virus Vaccines + Somnus

*Express 5-HS– Boehringer Ingelheim

Resvac 4/Somubac-Zoetis

D2A Killed Virus Vaccines

Triangle 5—Boehringer Ingelheim

Cattlemaster Gold FP5 — Zoetis

Vira Shield 6 — Elanco

Master Guard 5-contains killed IBR and BVD-Elanco

D2B Killed Virus Vaccines + Somnus

Elite 4-HS—Boehringer Ingelheim

Vira Shield 6 Somnus— Elanco

Examples of “Pneumonia” Vaccines

C3 Mannheimia (Pasteurella) Vaccines

Presponse HM—Boehringer Ingelheim

Presponse SQ—Boehringer Ingelheim

One Shot—Zoetis

Pulmoguard PHM –1– Huvepharma

Nuplura PH—Elanco

Once PMH—SQ or IN (intranasal)—Merck

C5 Other Respiratory Vaccines

Nuplura PH + BVD (Mannheimia and BVD)-Elanco

Nuplura PH + 3 (Mannheimia, BVD, IBR)-Elanco

Bovilis Nasalgen IP (intranasal IBR, PI3)-Merck

Bovilis Nasalgen 3 (intranasal IBR, PI3, BRSV)-Merck

Examples of Combination Vaccines

C4 Modified Live Respiratory Viruses + Mannheimia

*Pyramid 5 + Presponse SQ —Boehringer Ingelheim

*Vista Once SQ — Merck

*Bovi-Shield Gold One Shot—Zoetis

*Titanium 5 + PHM—Elanco

*Inforce 3 (intranasal) + One Shot BVD-Zoetis [2 products]

*Bovilis Vista BVD CFP + Bovilis Nasalgen 3-PMH (intranasal)-Merck [2 products]

*Labeled for use in pregnant cattle and nursing calves—follow directions carefully

£ The provided lists of vaccines and dewormers is for example purposes only and should not be considered an endorsement of products by the University of Kentucky.

Examples of Blackleg, Pinkeye and Scours Vaccines and Dewormers

D5A Clostridial (Blackleg) 7 or 8 Way Vaccines

Ultrabac 7 or Ultrachoice 7-Zoetis

Caliber 7—Boehringer Ingelheim

Alpha 7-Single dose -No booster-Boehringer Ingelheim

Vision 7 or 8 with SPUR—Merck

Calvary 9 or Covexin 8—Contains tetanus-Merck

D5B Clostridial (Blackleg) + Pinkeye

Alpha 7/MB1— No booster-Boehringer Ingelheim

20/20 Vision 7 with SPUR-Merck

Piliguard Pinkeye + 7—Merck

D5C Clostridial (Blackleg) + Somnus

Ultrabac 7/Somubac—Zoetis

Bar Vac 7 Somnus-Boehringer Ingelheim

Vision 7 or 8 Somnus with SPUR—Merck

D5D Clostridial (Blackleg) + Pasteurella

One shot Ultra 7 or 8—Zoetis

D7 Pinkeye Vaccines

Maxi/Guard-Addison Labs

Vision 20/20—Merck

i-site XP—AgriLabs

Pinkeye Shield XT4—Elanco

Piliguard Pinkeye-1 Trivalent or Triview—Merck

SolidBac Pinkeye IR/PR—Zoetis

Ocu-guard MB-1—Boehringer Ingelheim

Moraxella bovoculi bacterin- Merck

D6A Dewormers* (Injectables and Pour-ons)

Cydectin— Bayer Dectomax — Zoetis

Ivomec or Ivomec + - Boehringer Ingelheim

Eprinex—Boehringer Ingelheim

Noromectin—Norbrook

LongRange - (extended duration) - Boehringer Ingelheim

D6B Drench Dewormers*

Valbazen + (Pour on) - Zoetis

Safeguard + (Pour on) - Merck

Synanthic + (Pour on) - Boehringer Ingelheim

(“Pour on” for external parasite control—lice, flies)

*Deworm at least 2 weeks prior to bull turn out orbefore estrus synchronization for artificial insemination(AI) due to temporary impact on hormone release infemales.

D8 Scours Vaccines Administered to Calf

Bovilis Coronavirus (Intranasal, Coronavirus Only)- Merck

Bar-Guard-99 (Oral, E. Coli K99 Only) - Boehringer Ingelheim

Calf-Guard (Oral, Rota– and Coronavirus)– Zoetis

First Defense (Oral, E.coli K99, Corona)-Immucell Corp

First Defense TriShield (Oral, E.Coli K99 + Rota- +Coronavirus)

Bovine Ecolizer (Oral, E. coli K99, C. perfringens)-Elanco

C8 Scours Vaccines Administered to Pregnant Cow

Guardian-Merck

ScourGuard 4KC-Zoetis

Scour Bos 9 and 4– Elanco

UK Fundamentals of Herd Health: Vaccinations for the Feeder Calf Operation

Michelle Arnold DVM (Ruminant Extension Veterinarian, UKVDL)

When reading through vaccines for a stocker/backgrounding operation, it is obvious that few of those words are used by the auctioneer to describe the health program. Instead, the industry has developed its own vocabulary to describe calves prior to the sale. The following list is meant to bridge the communication gap between industry and health program protocols. The products listed on pages 36-37 are in no particular order and are not to be considered as endorsements by the University of Kentucky. The details of what products to use and when to administer them are best decided by the producer and his or her veterinarian. Every farm is different with regards to the type of calves purchased, their disease risk and the associated challenges of labor and facilities. Your veterinarian is equipped with the knowledge and skills to determine what will work best for your unique situation. Consult your veterinarian before instituting any health protocol. Remember: “Vaccination” (mixing and drawing up the vaccine in a syringe and injecting it into the animal) is not the same as “immunization” (the animal mounts an immune response), and “vaccination + immunization” never adds up to 100% protection from disease, even in the best of circumstances. The vaccines must be handled correctly (proper mixing, right temperature) and calves in good health (low stress, good plane of nutrition, trace mineral needs met, few parasites present) in order to get the maximum immune response to vaccines.

Vaccines and Dewormers for Feeder Calves

1. B eef Industry Vocabulary: "Two Rounds Live Viral Vaccines”

Explanation: The first and second rounds of a “live viral vaccine” contains the respiratory viruses (IBR, BVD, PI3, BRSV) in a modified live (MLV) preparation. (List D1A) Unlike the killed products, the Modified Live Vaccines (MLV) provide fast, broad immunity, are excellent stimulators of cellmediated immunity, and have a long duration of action. A combination product containing both MLV viral vaccine and Mannheimia haemolytica (“Pasteurella”) vaccine may be used instead. (List C4) See 3a below for more information.

Timing: Traditionally given after calves have rested 24 hours for feeder calves on arrival. However, since vaccines usually cause calves to run a fever, research has shown the MLV vaccine may be delayed in high-risk calves without affecting the morbidity and mortality rate. In other words, if you are concerned the newly purchased calves are at high risk to get sick, delaying vaccination 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.

2. B eef Industry Vocabulary: "Two Rounds of Blackleg”

Explanation: These are the 7- or 8-way Clostridial vaccine products (List D5A). Most require a two-shot series,

administered two to three weeks apart for protection. Blackleg vaccine may be purchased in combination with pinkeye (List D5B), with “Somnus” (list D5C) or with Mannheimia haemolytica “Pasteurella” (List D5D).

Timing: Given at same time as viral vaccines and booster according to label.

3. B eef Industry Vocabulary: "A ‘Pasteurella’ shot-calves must get at least one round”

Explanation: This vaccine is a Mannheimia haemolytica toxoid (List C3), commonly known as a “Pasteurella shot” or “Pneumonia shot”. It is given to stimulate immunity against the leukotoxin (a white blood cell killer) produced by the bacteria to protect itself from the immune response. Some of the listed products also contain a Pasteurella multocida bacterial extract.

a. Another option, (Beef Industry

Vocabulary): “Live Product with Pasteurella”

Explanation: A Mannheimia haemolytica toxoid and MLV Respiratory Virus Vaccine Combination product (List C4) can be given to meet the “Pasteurella” requirement and one viral vaccine dose with one injection.

Timing: Should be given on arrival (first round of vaccines).

4. Histophilus somni (formerly known as Hemophilus somnus) vaccines-consult your veterinarian. There is no direct proof that “Somnus” vaccines are effective under field conditions but they may lessen the severity of the neurologic disease. Delay this vaccine or give by itself if possible.

5. “Deworming-must include product and date”

Explanation: Deworming with an endectocide (List D6A) will control internal and external parasites, usually 30 days or longer (LongRange is an extended duration product of 120+ days). A drench anthelmintic or ‘white dewormer’ is given by mouth and has a short duration but very effective clean-out of internal parasites (List D6B) but a second product is needed for external parasite (lice/flies/ticks) control. Backgrounders frequently use a product from both lists D6A and D6B on arrival, administered at the same time.

6. “Steers-Knife cut, banded (at birth or at weaning) or Clamped”; Implants

Explanation: Castration method may be either surgical (knife-cut) where the scrotum is opened and the testicles removed; non-surgical banding with an elastrator rubber band placed around the scrotum and above the testicles; or the scrotum is clamped with a Burdizzo Clamp to crush the testicular cords. No matter which method is used, the steer should be completely healed by sale day. Implant steers at the time of castration (unless you plan to sell calves in an organic or natural market). Tetanus vaccination is strongly

recommended when performing castration; especially if banding heavy, older bulls. Consult your veterinarian regarding whether to use a tetanus toxoid or antitoxin. Pain medication is strongly recommended, given at castration.

7. “Heifers Guaranteed Open”

Explanation: If heifers have been allowed to stay with the herd bull until weaning, most likely some are pregnant. A prostaglandin injection (for example: Lutalyse®) can be given to the heifers to induce abortion once they have been away from the bull a minimum of 10 days. These injections work best in early pregnancy so do not delay administration if needed; a prostaglandin shot alone will not work well after 75-days gestation. Often “guaranteed open” means pregnancy checked by a veterinarian by rectal palpation or “sleeved by a vet”.

8. Test for BVD-PI (ear notch)-Testing all calves is the proven first step to find persistently infected (PI) animals. Failure to identify and remove PI calves quickly often results in increased sickness and death loss in the group.

9. “Weaned”

Explanation: For home-raised calves, this usually means at least 45 days prior to delivery. Commingled calves should be backgrounded a minimum of 60 days prior to delivery.

Additional Considerations:

1. Cattle with extremely low blood concentrations of the trace elements selenium and copper have difficulty fighting any disease challenge. An injectable trace mineral supplement given on arrival to the farm after the sale (such as Multimin 90®) is one option to boost the copper and selenium levels during the initial arrival period.

2. Metaphylaxis (treatment of all calves with a long-acting antibiotic on arrival or when 10% show signs of BRD) for high-risk calves (high risk=lightweight, weaned on the trailer, commingled, green calves) is a well-established, beneficial procedure that can reduce morbidity (sickness) and case fatality (death) by up to 50% in high-risk calves. Be aware that overconfidence in and reliance on metaphylaxis and longacting antibiotics can lead to delayed follow-up treatment if calves are not adequately monitored. In other words, calves still need to be watched very closely in spite of having an antibiotic on board.

3. Feed bunks and watering troughs are known areas for disease transmission. Keep sick cattle, especially chronic pneumonia calves, away from healthy calves and manage their feed and water separately. Do not allow nose-to-nose contact between sick and healthy groups. Good sanitation, especially regularly cleaning and sanitizing waterers, feed bunks and working chutes is imperative.

4. Do not pen new arrivals next to calves that were purchased last week! 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.

5. Buying preconditioned calves that have been weaned and vaccinated for respiratory diseases prior to weaning (especially BVD) and dewormed will help decrease, but does not eliminate, sickness and death loss.

6. Management is key. In a recent article by Chad Engle from the U.S. Meat Animal Research Center, he wrote, “I like to think of our feedyards as five-star 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 feedyard to show those calves that the feedyard is the best place on earth for them to be.” Enough said.

In addition to preconditioning programs, calves can also be pooled in “value-added” programs according to further criteria for a marketing advantage. Most programs issue a visual ear tag for buyers to recognize participating calves. Some producers may choose to market their cattle in programs requiring source and age verification such as UK’s CPH-45. To be eligible for the program, producers must be Beef Quality Assurance (BQA) certified, have a registered premise identification, and must be able to provide birth dates for source and process verification. Calves must be managed under BQA protocol, be tagged with official EID tags, and follow a prescribed health and preconditioning program. Other available programs often include restrictions on use of growth promoting implants, treatment with antibiotics (feed grade or injectable), and some specify that calves have not been fed any animal-derived protein. These more restrictive programs require a third-party onsite audit, and the seller must be approved prior to offering the cattle for sale. For example, producers marketing “All Natural" cattle as Global Animal Partnership (GAP) certified must have specific documentation to verify the “All Natural” claim. “NHTC” cattle are non-hormone treated cattle (no implants) and are eligible to be exported to the European Union. The NHTC program is a USDA-approved, third-party audit that verifies the source, age and non-hormone treated status of calves prior to the cattle being sold. NHTC cattle must be sold at an approved NHTC location and the buyer must also be NHTC approved to retain their approval status. Alternatively, there are several purebred associations with programs such as Certified Angus Beef and Certified Hereford Beef that provide marketing strategies for producers with known genetics. Work with a veterinarian to develop the plan that will work the best for you. Always read and follow label directions.

U.S. Census of Agriculture Shows Growth for Kentucky Agricultural Products

Michelle Arnold DVM (Ruminant Extension Veterinarian, UKVDL)

FRANKFORT, Ky. (Feb. 22, 2024) –

With 69,425 farms dotting Kentucky’s landscape and more than 12.4 million of the state’s 25 million acres dedicated to some form of farming, it’s evident Kentucky’s roots are still very much agricultural. These numbers were just some of the statistics that came out of the recently released 2022 Census of Agriculture.

“It’s no surprise agriculture is still very much a part of what makes Kentucky so special,” Agriculture Commissioner Jonathan Shell said. “The numbers released by the Census solidifies Kentucky’s agricultural hold. We know agriculture is a large part of our history, but these numbers show it is also moving our future forward.”

The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s National Agricultural Statistics Service conducts the Census of Agriculture every five years. The latest census data, which was collected in 2022, was released in mid-February. The Census is a complete count of U.S. farms and ranches and the people who operate them. The Census looks at land use and ownership, operator characteristics, production practices, income and expenditures. Using more than 6 million data points about America’s farms and ranches and the people who operate them, information is gathered and calculating for every state down to the county level.

The data released for Kentucky shows a large growth in agricultural production at $8 billion, up nearly 40% from 2017. The market value of livestock and poultry sold in 2022 was $4.2 billion, and the market value of crops sold was nearly $3.8 billion. Net cash farm income in 2022 was $2.4 billion, a 56% increase over 2017.

During 2022, the year data was collected for the Census, farmers were

still dealing with the issues created by the world-wide COVID-19 pandemic, including supply chain issues and financial struggles. Farmers in Western Kentucky were also dealing with the aftermath of two tornadoes, while farmers in Eastern Kentucky were cleaning up from historic floods. Poultry farmers were also focused on the Avian Influenza strain that wiped out several commercial and backyard flocks across the state.

“These factors combined to create economic hardships for those across the state, including our agriculture community,” Commissioner Shell said. “Despite these setbacks, the strength and essential nature of agriculture shines through with the reported Census numbers. The resiliency of farmers across our state and nation provide a stability we all rely on.”

The market value of specific agricultural commodities sold in 2022 included:

• Poultry and eggs – $1.79 billion, up 36% from 2017

• Corn – $1.46 billion, up 76%

• Soybeans – $1.38 billion, up 48%

• Cattle – $1.08 billion, up 8%

• Equine - $736 million, up 58%

• Wheat – $262 million, up 133%

• Milk – $233 million, up 40%

• Tobacco – $225 million, down 36%

• Hogs and pigs – $207 million, up 61%

The value of crops sold in 2022 does not necessarily represent the sales from crops harvested in 2022. NASS explained data may include sales from crops produced in earlier years and may exclude some crops produced in 2022 but held in storage and not sold.

The market value of equine sold in 2022 was nearly $763 million, an increase of 58% from 2017.

Income from farm-related sources totaled $466 million in 2022, an increase of 11% from 2017. Total income from farm-related sources includes cash rent; crop and livestock insurance payments; custom work such as planting, plowing, and spraying; tobacco quota buyouts; agritourism; and sales of forest products.

Government payments to farmers in 2022 totaled $90 million, a decrease of 41%.

The Census also revealed trends common for agricultural across the country are following suit in Kentucky, including:

• A decrease in the number of farms. In 2022, Kentucky had 69,425 farms, compared to 75,966 that were counted in the 2017 Census, a difference of 8.6%.

• The amount of Kentucky acreage used in agricultural pursuits also declined slightly, from 13 million in 2017 to 12.4 million in 2022.

• The average age of producers also rose slightly in the 2022 Census, up from 56.2 years of age in 2017 to 57.1 years of age in 2022.

• The average size of a farm in Kentucky increased by 4.7%, from 171 in 2017 to 179 in 2022.

• The top 5 counties in Kentucky for the number of farms were: Barren County (1,621); Pulaski County (1,600); Warren County (1,530); Shelby County (1,350); and Grayson County (1,283).

To learn more about Kentucky’s information in the U.S. Census of Agriculture, visit http://tinyurl.com/ cn5pc74s.

frequently during the heat of the day. We believe that our research shows that Fescue 7 mineral can be an effective tool in combating heat stress associated with fescue toxicosis.”

Fly control has never been easier.

“Some years ago, we lost almost an entire calf crop due to the fescue. Needless to say I was looking for answers. One thing I did was attend the Alliance for Grassland Renewal workshop and learned a lot of things, which we have instituted as common practices on our farm and farms we rent. However, I didn’t want to get rid of the Kentucky 31 because I’m a seedstock producer and I felt that if I did away with the Kentucky 31 I could possibly be selling cattle to people that couldn’t handle the hot grass. So I opted to just do a better job of managing the grass that covers most cattle country in my area. The second thing I did was look up a mineral salesman I had talked to a year prior by the name of George Speigelhalder. That conversation changed the landscape of our operation forever. He introduced me to Gro-Tec mineral and a product called Fescue 7. Without going into great detail this stuff is a gamechanger. Not only did it help tremendously with the fescue but it also cut down our pinkeye and foot rot problems. Sent our breed back rates on the high 90% range.”

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Myth-Busting BVD Virus Eradication : Is it Possible in KY Cow-Calf Operations?

Michelle Arnold DVM (Ruminant Extension Veterinarian, UKVDL)

“BVD” or “Bovine Viral Diarrhea” virus contributes to a wide range of reproductive, respiratory, and digestive system diseases in cattle. Although symptoms of the initial virus infection are typically mild such as fever and possibly off-feed for a day, there is much more going on than meets the eye. In calves, the BVD virus is immunosuppressive, predisposing infected calves to secondary bacterial infections particularly in the lungs, leading to significant sickness and death loss from bronchopneumonia in the stocker/backgrounder sector. In naïve, susceptible (non-vaccinated or poorly vaccinated) adult cows and heifers, infection with the BVD virus often goes completely unnoticed but ultimately results in reproductive failure, including infertility, early embryonic deaths, abortions, stillbirths, malformed calves, and weak newborns depending on phase of gestation when the female becomes infected. If a pregnant, susceptible cow or heifer is infected with the BVD virus between 42-125 days of gestation, the virus will also cross the placenta, infecting her unborn calf. When this calf is born, it is “persistently infected” or “PI” and is a “carrier” of the virus for its lifetime. The dams that experience a transient infection while pregnant will be negative when tested for BVD but their PI calves will test positive.

BVD Persistently infected or “PI” animals are the most unique epidemiological feature of the BVD virus. “PI” animals are the major reservoir for the virus and the reason it continues to exist today. A BVD-PI calf is born with the BVD virus and serves as the primary source of virus transmission because they continuously shed enormous amounts of virus particles throughout their lives in feces, urine, saliva, and nasal discharge. Many die at an early age but if a PI survives to adulthood, virus is also secreted in milk, semen, uterine secretions, and aborted fetal membranes. Approximately half of PI animals appear absolutely normal, and

infection can only be detected through testing. The virus is deposited in watering troughs, feed troughs, cattle trailersvirtually everywhere the PI animal goes-and picked up by the other cattle in the pen or herd. Vaccines used in adult cattle against BVD (including those with Fetal Protection claims or “FP” vaccines) will reduce the chance of fetal exposure but protection is never 100%. Use of a modified live (MLV) BVD vaccine, with at least one two-shot (primary and booster) series given to breeding age heifers, is necessary to provide strong BVD PI protection as killed vaccine has not proven effective in this regard.

Currently there is much debate surrounding BVD PI calves, including how to best identify and remove them since one PI animal may expose 200-300

other animals or more to the virus during shipping, in auctions, when commingled in stocker/backgrounder operations and through fence-line contact with neighboring cattle. Several European countries, including Switzerland, Ireland, Scotland and Germany, have substantially reduced or successfully eradicated BVD virus through national programs based on testing newborn calves and removing those that are PI positive. Of those countries, Germany is probably most comparable to Kentucky’s situation in that they began in 2011 with a high prevalence of BVD, their cattle industry involves frequent trade and transport of cattle, and BVD vaccination is permitted (both killed and modified-live). From 2011 to 2016, the proportion of PI animals in Germany dropped from 0.5% at the start of the control program to just 0.03% PIs

remaining, with 48,000 PI cattle removed in 5 years. Although Germany’s “success story” of a mandatory, nationwide control program is enviable, could something similar be implemented in the U.S., including in Kentucky?

To begin, Germany has, as of November 2023, 10.8 million total cattle (3.7 million dairy cows and 625,000 beef cows) with over 4 million calves born annually on just over 127,000 farms. Approximately one quarter of the farms have over 100 head, while a little over 50% of farms have under 50 head. When the control program began in 2011, Germany had a high prevalence of BVD (0.5%) despite vaccination use, and a considerable amount of cattle trade and transport. For comparison, Kentucky has, as of January 2024, significantly fewer head at 1.89 million total cattle (907,000 beef cows) with 920,000 calves born in 2023. Kentucky’s land mass is approximately 3.5X smaller than Germany, with 73,500 farms in the commonwealth at the end of 2022 with an average farm size of 176 acres. The BVD prevalence in KY is estimated to be, on average, 0.4% or 4 PI animals per 1,000 head, most of which are young, lightweight calves.

The German control program began in 1998 as a voluntary effort run independently by the 13 individual federal states. Costs were high and essentially no progress was made over a 10-year period. In 2008, the German government unveiled a consistent, nationwide BVD eradication program with two major objectives; 1) the fast and efficient removal of PI animals and 2) the establishment of certified BVD virus-free farms. Beginning in January 2011, the eradication program was implemented with the following rules:

1. Mandatory testing of all newborn calves within the first 6 months of life, shortened to 1 month of age from 2016-2021.

2. Immediate elimination of all detected PIs.

3. Only BVD negative animals could enter commerce/be sold. In 2016, movement restrictions were imposed on farms with BVD, including pregnant animals could not be sold until after calving and a negative test result of the offspring since a negative

dam can deliver a PI positive calf.

4. Prevent reinfection on negative farms through implementation of biosecurity and vaccination protocols.

To remove PI cattle, a case definition was required to describe what legally constitutes a PI animal. A persistently infected (“PI”) animal was defined as:

1. Tested positive for the BVD virus antigen with an ELISA test (primarily by ear notch in calves or blood test in adults) or the BVD virus genome with PCR. If desired, producers were allowed to test any positive animal a second time, up to 40 days later, to differentiate PIs from transiently (short-term) infected (“TI”) animals.

2. All offspring of a PI positive dam were considered positive without the need for a test since a PI positive cow will always produce a PI positive calf.

3. Any cattle diagnosed with mucosal disease, a fatal form of BVD that involves severe and bloody diarrhea, rapid weight loss, ulcers in the mouth, nose and interdigital areas of the hoof, and death, only occurs in PI cattle.

Between the start of mandatory testing in 2011 and 2022, there were approximately 5 million BVD tests run per year, including all calves born, any follow-up confirmatory testing of positives, and any imported cattle. The proportion of PI animals was reduced each year starting with 0.5% (23,792 PI calves among 4.9 million newborn calves) in 2011 to less than 0.001% (55 PIs among 4.3 million newborns) in 2022. In the first five years, PI animals were found on over 8,000 farms in 2011 and only 324 farms in 2016, meaning more than 99.8% of all German cattle farms had no PI animals detected in 2016. The final phase of eradication involves molecular sequencing of the virus in the remaining PI animals to trace back to their herds of origin and contact herds.

In summary, BVD virus exposure can be quickly and substantially reduced, primarily through early testing and removal of newborn PI calves before they ever leave the farm of origin. However, many questions remain as to how a control program would be implemented and the effect this reduction in PIs would

have on overall cattle health. BVDinfected cow/calf herds experiencing losses in reproductive performance and higher calf morbidity and mortality would ultimately benefit from diagnosing and eliminating BVD virus but at the cost of testing and subsequent culling of PI animals. Is there sufficient value to the industry in removing BVD-PIs to compensate the cow/calf sector for those additional costs? Should producers receive indemnity payments for PI calves that must be euthanized and, if so, what is a PI calf’s value? Are calves that test BVD negative worth more? It is important to understand that even one PI in a pen of cattle or in a cattle pot results in continuous virus exposure for the rest.

In the stocker/backgrounder world, BVD virus is just one contributor to the bovine respiratory disease (BRD) complex involving numerous pathogens (viruses and bacteria) interacting in many ways in a wide range of management and environmental conditions across multiple types of operations. Although BVD is not the ultimate cause of death, its immunosuppressive impact increases the severity of infections by other BRD organisms and often increases morbidity and mortality rates, especially in recently weaned, lightweight calves. However, it is not known how much BRD’s impact would be reduced if enhanced BVD control could be achieved. The most commonly used sample for identifying PI cattle is skin, usually taken as an ear notch. Blood (serum) can also be used but not in calves less than 3 months old. Any BVD ELISA positive test result can be confirmed, if desired, by segregating the animal and retesting a second ear notch or blood drawn at least three weeks after the first sample. True PI animals will remain positive after three weeks while transiently infected (“TI”) will test negative. Remember PIs are considered defective and there is a legal, moral and ethical obligation to dispose of these animals without sending or returning them to commerce. In Kentucky, transportation or sale of BVD positive animals is prohibited by law unless approved by the state veterinarian. Positive animals may be euthanized, immediately slaughtered (does not affect meat), or quarantined and fed to slaughter in an isolated location or permitted feedlot.

The Quandary of Spring Grass

Chris Teutsch UK Research and Education Center, Princeton

In March, we often find ourselves wringing our hands waiting for grass growth to start, and a short time later, our pastures are out of control! Spring can often be one of the most difficult times of the year for graziers. Grass growth goes from nonexistent to excessive in a matter of weeks, and if you are properly stocked, grazing livestock can have a hard time keeping up with it. The following suggestions can help you to stay in control spring growth.

• Implement rotational grazing. To fully utilize the spring flush of pasture growth YOU must be in control of grazing. In a continuous grazing system, the cows are in charge. By utilizing rotational stocking, you start to make the decisions. Implementing a rotational stocking system may be as simple as closing some gates or stringing up some polywire.

• Start grazing before you think the pastures are ready. One of the most common mistakes that graziers make is waiting too long to start grazing. If you wait until the first paddock is ready to graze, by the time you reach the last paddock it will be out of control. Starting early allows you to establish a “grazing wedge” (Figure 1).

• Rotate animals rapidly. It is important to realize that grazing pastures closely and repeatedly as they initiate growth in early spring can reduce production for the for the entire season. Therefore, it is important to keep animals moving rapidly through the system. The general rule is that if grass is growing rapidly then your rotation should be rapid. This will allow you to stay ahead of the grass by topping it off and keeping it in a vegetative state.

• Do not apply spring nitrogen. Applying nitrogen in the spring will make the problem of too much grass at once even worse. In many cases, you are better off to apply nitrogen in late summer or early fall to stimulate growth for winter stockpiling.

• Remove the most productive paddocks from rotation and harvest for hay. Graze all paddocks until the pasture growth is just about to get away from you, and then remove those productive paddocks from your rotation and allow

Tall Fescue + Landino Clover

the summer months. While this is a viable

operations

Figure 1: The “grazing wedge” simply refers to having pasture subdivisions or paddocks at varying stages of regrowth from just grazed to ready to graze.

Figure 2: In the spring during periods of rapid growth, some paddocks can be removed from the rotation and harvested for conserved forage. Cutting at the late boot or early head stage will optimize yield and forage quality.

Figure 3: An alternative to harvesting excess forage as hay or baleage is to increase your stocking your stocking rate by adding more animal units in the spring and then decreasing animal numbers as plant growth slows due to higher temperature during

approach, it is not practical on smaller part-time

them to accumulate growth for hay harvest (Figure 2).

• Increase stocking rate in the spring. If it is possible, a good option for utilizing spring growth is to increase your stocking rate. This will allow you to harvest more of the available forage and convert it into a saleable product. This can be done by adding some stockers or thin cull cows to your rotation and then selling them when pasture growth slows (Figure 3). If you are in a fall calving system, you are better positioned to take advantage of spring forage growth since the calves will be larger.

• Even out seasonal distribution of forage by adding a warm-season grass. Adding a well-adapted warm-season grass that produces the majority of its growth in July and August allows you to concentrate grazing on your cool-season paddocks during periods of rapid growth (spring flush). After cool-season grass growth is slowed by higher temperatures in late spring and early summer, animals can be shifted in the warm-season paddocks for summer grazing.

• Bush-hog out of control pastures. The benefits of clipping include maintaining pastures in a vegetative state, encouraging regrowth, and controlling weeds. Clipping pastures costs money, so make sure that the primary reason for bush-hogging is pasture management, not aesthetics.

• Stockpile out of control pastures for summer grazing. Although forage quality decreases as the plant matures, the quality of spring stockpiled pasture is sufficient for dry cows and in some cases can result in reasonable gains on growing animals (Figure 4) during the summer months. This is especially true if using novel endophyte tall fescue and the pastures were clipped at the early boot stage to promote vegetive regrowth. This could be a cost-effective and simple way to provide additional grazing during the summer months.

When it comes to grazing operations, there is not one size that fits all. What works for you may not work for your neighbor. The key is figuring out what works on your farm and implementing it in a timely manner. Hopefully one or more of the above tips will help you deal with the “quandary of spring grass!”

Stocking Rate

growth in the spring could also be stockpiled for grazing during the summer months. This is accomplished by removing some paddocks from the rotation and allowing growth to accumulate during late spring and early summer. It is important to remember that only about the one-half of the available biomass should be grazed. The remaining residue will protect plant crowns from high temperatures and reduce soil moisture loss during the summer months

For more information on grazing management contact your local extension agent or visit www.uky.edu/Ag/Forage and www.youtube.com/c/KYForages

FEATURED VIDEO

This month’s featured video is: “Summer Stockpiling: Thinking Outside of the Box”. This video can be viewed by visiting https://tinyurl.com/4fktcchf or going to the KYForages YouTube Channel

FEATURED PUBLICATION

This month’s featured publication is: “AGR-229: Warm Season Annual Grasses in Kentucky.” It is available online at https://tinyurl.com/326s4s3h or by visiting your local extension office.

FENCING TIP

Connect wires in parallel at the end of runs. A good way to increase the ability of a fence to carry voltage is to connect all the wires at the beginning and end of runs of multi-wire fence. This allows the multiple strands of high tensile wire to function as one large wire that is capable of carrying higher levels of voltage.

FORAGE MANAGEMENT TIPS

• Graze winter annuals.

• Flash graze paddocks that were frost seeded with clover.

• Allow calves and lambs to creep graze.

• As pasture growth begins, rotate through pastures quickly to keep up with initial growth.

• As pasture exceeds the needs of grazing livestock, remove some pastures from the rotation and allow growth to accumulate for hay or silage harvest.

• Get equipment ready to harvest hay at the late boot stage to early head stage top optimize yield and forage quality.

• Determine the need for and prepare to plant warm-season annuals.

Figure 4: Excess

Tall Fescue + Landino Clover

2024 Stocker Outlook

Greg Halich and Kenny Burdine University of Kentucky

Temperatures are getting warmer; the grass is getting greener, and the calf market is starting to take off. These are tell-tale signs of spring in Kentucky, and we are experiencing all three. Calf prices in the commonwealth have increased by more than $50 per cwt since early December. The highest historical monthly state average price for a medium / large frame #1-2 steer was reached in March 2015. We are on track to exceed that price level this year. There are signs pointing to an early spring, which likely means that some stocker operators have begun placing calves in order to get ahead of the spring price run. At the time of this writing (March 13), fall 2024 CME© feeder cattle futures were trading around $270 per cwt, which is more than a $15 premium over the April contract. This suggests that heavy feeder cattle prices should get higher as we move through the year and partially explains the strength in calf prices. But the strong calf market does create questions for stocker operators purchasing calves for sale this fall.

The purpose of this article is to assess the likely profitability of summer stocker programs for 2024 and establish target purchase prices for calves based on a range of return levels. While it is impossible to predict where feeder cattle markets will end up this fall, producers need to estimate this and not rely on the current price (March) for 750-850 lb. feeder calves. The fall CME© feeder cattle futures price (adjusted for basis) is the best way to estimate likely feeder cattle prices for fall. Grazing costs including pasture costs, veterinary and health expenses, hauling, commission, etc. are estimated and subtracted from the expected value of the fall feeders. Once this has been done, a better assessment can be made of what can be paid for stocker cattle this spring in order to build in an acceptable return to management, capital and risk.

Key assumptions for the stocker analysis are as follows: 1) Graze steers April 1 to Oct. 15 (197 days), 1.4 lb/day gain (no grain feeding), 2% death loss and 7% interest on the calf. The interest rate used in this analysis may seem high for producers who are self-financed or have very low interest rates, but is likely pretty close for those going through traditional lenders. Given these assumptions, sale weights would be 775 lbs. and 875 lbs. for 500 lb. and 600 lb. purchased calves, respectively. Using a $270 CME© futures contract price for October 2024 to estimate sale price, a 775 lb. steer is estimated to sell for $2.62/lb. and an 875 lb. steer is estimated to sell for $2.54/lb. This estimate uses a -$10 per cwt basis for an 800 lb. steer and a $8 per cwt price slide.

Estimated costs for carrying the 500 and 600 lb. steers are shown in Table 1. Stocking rates of 1 acre per 500 lb. steer and 1.2 acres per 600 lb. steer were assumed in arriving at these charges. Most of these are self-explanatory except the pasture charge, which accounts for variable costs such as bush-hogging, fertilizer, seeding clovers, etc., and is considered a bare-bones scenario. Sale expenses (commission) are based on the assumption that cattle will be sold in larger groups and producers will pay the lower corresponding commission rate. However, producers who sell feeders in smaller groups will pay higher commission rates which could exceed

$50 per head based on the revenue assumptions of this analysis. Any of these costs could be much higher in certain situations, so producers should adjust accordingly.

1:

2024

500 lb. Steer 600 lb. Steer

Pasture Charge $30 $36

Vet $30 $30

Interest $63 $69

Death Loss $34 $38

Sale $25 $25

Haul $18 $21

Mineral $20 $24

Other (water, etc.) $20 $24

Total Variable Costs $240 $266

Note: Interest and death loss varies slightly by purchase price.

Target purchase prices were estimated for both sizes of steers and adjusted so that gross returns over variable costs ranged from $100-$200 per head. Normally, we would use a range of $50-$150 per head, but we felt that the higher return range will be more representative this year. This gives a reasonable range of possible purchase prices for calves this spring. Results are shown in Table 2. For 500 lb. steers, target purchase prices ranged from $3.19 to $3.38 per lb. For 600 lb. steers, target purchase prices ranged from $2.93 to $3.09 per lb. For an estimated gross profit of $150 per head, target purchase prices were $3.28/lb. for 500 lb. steers and $3.01/lb. for 600 lb. steers.

As an example of exactly how this works for a 500 lb. steer targeting a $150 gross profit:

775 lbs. steer x $2.62 (expected sale price) $2,031

Total Variable Costs - $240

Profit Target - $150

Target Purchase Cost $1,641

Target Purchase Price = $1,641 / 500 lbs. = $3.28 / lb

Gross Profit 500 lb. Steer 600 lb. Steer

$100 $3.38 $3.09

$125 $3.33 $3.05

$150 $3.28 $3.01

$175 $3.23 $2.97

$200 $3.19 $2.93

Note: Based on costs in Table 1 and sale prices of $2.62/lb. and $2.54/lb. for 775 lb. and 875 lb. sales weight respectively for 500 lb. and 600 lb. purchased steers.

Table

Expected Variable Costs

Table 2: Target Purchase Prices For Various Gross Profits 2024

For heifers, sale price for heavy feeders will be lower than comparably sized steers and they will not generally gain as well. In this analysis, we assumed the price discount for these heifers is $12 per cwt lower than the same weight steers, and we assumed heifers would gain 10% slower than steers. With these assumptions, purchase prices would have to be $0.27/lb. lower for 500 lb. heifers and $0.24 lower for 600 lb. heifers compared to the steer prices found in Table 2. Thus, when targeting a $150 per head gross profit, breakeven purchase prices were $3.01/lb. for 500 lb. heifers and $2.77/lb. for 600 lb. heifers.

Your cost structure may be different from that presented in Table 1, and if so, simply shift the targeted gross profit up or down to account for this. If your costs are $25 higher per calf, then you would shift each targeted profit down by one row: For example, you would use the $175 gross profit to estimate a $150 gross profit if your costs were $25 higher. Another way to evaluate this is that a $1 increase in costs would decrease the targeted purchase price by $0.20 per cwt for 500 lb. steers and $0.17 per cwt for 600 lb. steers.

It is important to note that the gross profits in Table 2 do not account for labor or investments in land, equipment, fencing and other facilities (fixed costs). Thus, in the long-run, these target profits need to be high enough to justify labor and investment, as well as a management return. Typically, by the time this article is written in mid-March, calf prices are approaching levels that would place returns on the upper end of the profit range analyzed. While there is a lot of variation in the price of calves across Kentucky right now, a lot of calves are selling well below many of the target purchase prices estimated in this analysis. This is all the more reason that stocker operators should carefully think through their budgets and make rational purchasing decisions.

In all likelihood, stocker operators will spend more money on calves this spring than they ever have. This means there will be a great deal of capital at risk from day one and there is always uncertainty about fall sale price. 2023 served as a perfect risk illustration as the feeder cattle market dropped sharply from mid-September until mid-December. The impact on the value of heavy feeders was drastic. That does not mean the same will happen in 2024, but it does speak to the importance of risk management strategies to protect potential returns. Forward contracts, futures and options have long been used for price risk management and remain viable strategies today. Livestock Risk Protection (LRP) insurance has greatly increased in popularity over the last few years and continues to be a viable strategy. LRP works similar to a subsidized put option in that it provides downside price protection (for a premium), but also allows the producer to capitalize on rising prices. But the beauty of LRP lies in its scalability, as it can be purchased in almost any quantity. Regardless of what risk management strategy is utilized, time spent considering price risk management is likely time well spent in these volatile markets. The best way to ensure profitability is to budget carefully and to manage downside price risk.

Greg Halich is an associate extension professor in farm management economics for both grain and cattle production and can be reached at Greg.Halich@uky.edu or 859-257-8841. Kenny Burdine is an extension professor in livestock marketing and management and can be reached at kburdine@uky.edu or 859-257-7273.

Rapid Start for 2024 Pork Exports; Beef Export Value Above Year-Ago

U.S. pork exports raced to a great start in 2024, according to January data released by USDA and compiled by the U.S. Meat Export Federation (USMEF). While January beef exports were slightly below last year’s volume, export value trended significantly higher. Lamb exports were also strong in January, posting the highest value in more than four years.

Strong gains for U.S. pork in Mexico, Korea, Central and South America, Australia

Although January pork exports were led by another powerful performance in leading market Mexico, U.S. pork continued to make gains in a wide range of Western Hemisphere and AsiaPacific destinations. With momentum continuing to grow in South Korea, Central and South America, Australia and Malaysia, pork exports totaled 251,424 metric tons (mt) in January, up 6% from a year ago. Export value also increased 6% to $682.1 million.

“Mexico’s demand for U.S. pork is so spectacular that it tends to overshadow other great success stories,” said USMEF President and CEO Dan Halstrom. “It is especially gratifying to see other markets following the trail blazed by Mexico, as purchases expand beyond raw material for further processing to include centerof-the-plate cuts, including loins, which are gaining popularity at retail and foodservice.”

Beef export value higher than a year ago, led by strong variety meat results

January beef exports totaled 99,764 mt, down 1% from a year ago. But export value climbed 9% to $763.8 million, as value trended higher year-over-year to

South Korea, Japan, Mexico, Canada, Central America, the Caribbean and Hong Kong. Beef variety meat exports increased 12% from a year ago to 23,138 mt, while value climbed 16% to $89 million, led by growth in Japan, Egypt, Mexico, Korea, Peru and China/Hong Kong.

“While USMEF expects 2024 to be another challenging year in terms of beef supply availability, the upward trend in export value is a positive sign,” Halstrom said. “The inventory has been cleared and customers in Asia are reloading on U.S. beef. There is also more optimism in Asia’s foodservice sector, especially in Korea. Combined with the recent strength we’ve seen in the Western Hemisphere, this bodes well for beef

demand in the coming year. January was also an excellent month for beef variety meat exports, which are especially important for maximizing the value of every animal.”

Lamb exports largest in 10 months; value highest since 2019

January exports of U.S. lamb totaled 303 mt, up 28% from a year ago and the largest since March. Export value increased 53% to $1.7 million, the highest monthly value since December 2019. Export growth was led by the Caribbean and Canada, while exports to Mexico also increased year-over-year in value.

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

MEMBERSHIP

I AM A MEMBER BECAUSE...

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2023-24 MEMBERSHIP APPLICATION

* MEMBERSHIP YEAR 10/1/23– 9/30/24

*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.

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Dues are $30 except for the counties listed below.

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BUY BEEF SELL BEEF

FOR BUYERS

Whether you’re seeking to purchase in bulk or a specialty selection or finish, there’s a producer waiting to connect with you.

Scan the QR code or go to https://www. kybeef.com/raising-beef/local-beefdirectory.

Once there, locate the ‘Jump To County” drop down and select your preferred county. You will receive a list of sellers in the area, their contact information, and information on their offered products.

LOCAL BEEF DIRECTORY

Are you looking to buy or sell local beef?

The Local Beef Directory is a resource to connect beef buyers and sellers from all corners of the commonwealth. The directory currently represents 67 counties and over 150 producers.

If you have any questions regarding the directory or would like to be added to the directory, please contact Amelia Carter at ACarter@kycattle.org or at 859-278-0899.

While you are there, be sure to sign up for Kentucky Beef Council’s monthly newsletter. Get beef updates, recipes, cooking tips, nutrition information and more!

FOR SELLERS

The directory welcomes all manner of producers and sellers, offering a platform to help showcase your exceptional offerings and to connect with eager buyers.

Scan the QR code or go to https://www. kybeef.com/for-cattlemen/submissions.

A newly updated form allows you more control over what information is shared with the public. You are able to provide your future customers with preferred contact information, links to websites and social media platforms, information on your unique finished product, and now you can also include your farm/business logo.

Amelia Carter Director of Industry Relations

FARM SIGNS AVAILABLE NOW

Beef. It’s What’s For Dinner Farm signs are back with new designs!

Crafted on durable 3mm polymetal, these impressive 4 ft x 8 ft signs boldly showcase your passion for the beef industry. Choose between single or double-sided displays. These versatile signs are perfect for promoting your farm, business, local county Cattlemen’s chapter, and more. Orders will be available for pick up at Kentucky Cattlemen’s Association in Lexington, KY.

1. Beef. It’s what’s for dinner. (black)

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3. Cow/Calf + Farm Name (black on white)

One Sided $431.79

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5. Burger + Farm Name (white)

6. Burger + Farm Name (black)

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1. Beef. It’s what’s for dinner. (black)

3. Cow/Calf + Farm Name (black on white)

4. Cow/Calf + Farm Name (white on black)

5. Burger + Farm Name (white)

6. Burger + Farm Name (black)

2. Beef. It’s what’s for dinner. (white)

FARM NAME

Keeping Cattle Healthy with

Jake Harrod Program Coordinator, Kentucky Beef Network

You may be wondering what BQCA is. The Kentucky Beef Network and the University of Kentucky merged their Cattle Handling and Care Program with the National BQA program to create a new program, aptly named the Beef Quality and Care Assurance (BQCA) program. This program was created to raise awareness of practices that ensure the proper handling and welfare of cattle while keeping farmers safe and continuing to supply healthy beef to consumers. In turn, this program enables beef and dairy producers to enhance their product, maximize marketability and strengthen consumer confidence. The way to have a higher quality product when food hits the table is by keeping our cattle healthy through the use of better management practices like the ones you can learn from the BQCA program. A good question to ask is what does herd health even mean? When we hear this saying many of us only think about vaccinations or treating an animal once they become sick or injured. But true herd health encompasses much more than just that. Proper heard health includes taking proactive measures to optimize our cattle herd’s health, welfare and production through proper care techniques. This can include but is not limited to, scheduled vaccinations and deworming, making sure to give injections in the proper location with the right technique, proper nutrition, and working facilities. A good way to get started is by making a herd health plan that incorporates good veterinary and herd health practices that are fit for the type of operation that you have and where you are located. Some of the best things that you can do to optimize your cattle’s health and performance is to make sure to vaccinate your animals and process your calves.

For cows and bulls- Some of the

recommended vaccinations are the viral respiratory vaccine (IBR, BVD, PI3, BRSV) and 5-way Leptospirosis. If using bulls for breeding, include Campylobacter fetus (Vibriosis). If the cow is open at the time of vaccination, select a modified live vaccine. Additionally, for mature animals, they should be dewormed at least once per year (spring or possibly fall) and twice a year if they have a poor body condition score.

For heifers 6 weeks prior to breedingThey should receive a viral respiratory vaccine (IBR, BVD, PI3, BRSV) with 5-way Leptospirosis. If using bulls for breeding, include Campylobacter fetus (Vibriosis). As well as a 7 or 8- way Clostridial (Blackleg).

For calves 1-3 months old- They should receive a tag, be dehorned and then castrated (preferably sooner than later). Furthermore, they should receive a 7-way Clostridial (Blackleg) vaccine. There are also some additional optional practices for calves as well. These include a viral respiratory vaccine, pinkeye vaccine and a BVD-PI test.

For calves 2-3 weeks before weaning or shortly after weaning- Make sure and check out marketing opportunities for

your calves. Some programs have specific vaccines that have to be administered at certain times to participate, such as the CPH-45 feeder calf program. Vaccines are best given 2-3 weeks before weaning for best protection. If it isn’t possible to give vaccines before weaning, then they should be given after the calves’ stress is over. Vaccines given at this time include a viral respiratory vaccine, Mannheimia haemolytica toxoid, use a dewormer or combination of dewormers to cover internal and external parasites, and a 7or 8-way clostridial vaccine (Blackleg).

For cows after calves are weaned- The cows should be pregnancy checked and evaluated for other problems such as their feet and legs, eyes, teeth, udder, body score and disposition. Depending on the results, you should decide whether to keep or cull these cows. Additionally, you can give your pregnant cows a scours vaccine 1-3 months before calving. If leptospirosis is a persistent problem, cows may need a booster of a 5-way Leptospirosis vaccine such as Spirovac (Zoetis) for continued strong protection throughout pregnancy.

For more information, see Dr. Michelle Arnold's article on vaccinations for cowcalf operation, starting on page 34.

993-1074

Ron Shrout

Winchester, KY

(606) 205-6143

ronshrout@bellsouth.net

dale.embry@yahoo.com

Springfield, KY

(859) 805-0724

jacob.settles4@yahoo.com

Jacob Settles

KENTUCKY BEEF NETWORK FIELD ASSOCIATES

Eden Shale Update

Dan Miller Industry Coordinator, Kentucky Beef Network

So far in Owen County, we have had two weeks of winter weather. The brutal cold and snow that everyone had in January, followed with a week of mud as all the snow was melting when it warmed back up. Other than that, it has been extremely mild this winter.

It has also been much drier than normal. During the month of February, we only received 0.9” of rainfall, and March so far has only produced 0.4” of rain. While it has reduced the winter mud and it’s making calving easy, I do hold concern for the growing season and fear we may be going into it with a moisture deficit. Hopefully by the time you are reading this, things have changed for the better.

Calving season is off and running at a rapid pace. The heifers started calving on Feb. 11 and the cows started on Feb 20. We crossed the halfway point (52 calves on the ground) in 22 days. This year, we are running about a week early based on where we were at this same time last year. We have had good luck so far too (knock on wood). One heifer did give birth to a dead calf, but then a cow gave birth to twins, so we are still averaging 100% with a live calf. The rate at which the calves are being born will slow down now that we are reaching the end of AI-sired calves. Hopefully, we continue to stay a week ahead of schedule and get the calving season wrapped up early this year.

The dry conditions have also been nice as it has made it easy to keep the cattle

out of the mud. We feed our cows hay in four different locations throughout the winter in a sort of rotational winter feeding system. As the cattle calve, they are moved to new pastures and ultimately end up in one large field eating from the fence line feeders. This season, we fed the first bale in the fence line feeder system on March 1. This allows those new calves to have a fresh field to come into that doesn’t have any mud yet. This goes a

long way into keeping the cows’ udders clean, and therefore, the calves healthy. We will slowly add cows to these fence line feeders until the entire mature herd and their calves are eating hay from these structures.

I hope you too have good luck with calving season and that you have enough hay to see you through. As for now, if you need us, we will be around the calving barn.

Mama and her twins

The Fence Line Feeders as of March 1.

KCA Sponsors Dinner for Kentucky General Assembly

In March, KCA sponsored dinner for the Kentucky General Assembly to thank them for their continued dedication and support of beef farm families across the Bluegrass. Chris Johnson and his team with JCG Cattlemen's provided the meal. Many KCA board members and their families greeted and served the legislators as they adjourned their session. It was a beautiful day at the Capitol to provide a over 200 delicious ribeye sandwiches, which were enjoyed by all.

“Manure helps bring our pastures to life. I won’t let it muck up our streams.”

developing an Agriculture Water Quality Plan and implementing best management 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.

KCA HALL OF FAME AWARD

The Kentucky Cattlemen’s Association Hall of Fame is designed to honor a member of the organization that has given time, service, and talent to the betterment of the Cattlemen’s Association at the county and/or state levels.

2025 applications must be postmarked by June 30th, 2024. Call us at (859) 278-0899 with questions.

Application available at kycattle.org.

KENTUCKY GELBVIEH ASSOCIATION

AA LAND & CATTLE

KENTUCKY GELBVIEH

Joe Piles, President............................................................................................................................(502) 507-3845

Registered Gelbvieh & Balancers

LARRY CLARK & SONS LLC

Johnnie Moore, Vice President...........................................................................................................(270) 670-7814

Cynthiana, KY

Luke Arthur (859) 298-8323

Registered Gelbvieh Cattle

Pat Tilghman, Secretary/Treasurer.......................................................................................................(270) 670-8449

luke.arthur93@gmail.com

Bulls • Show Prospects • Embryos

BAR IV LIVESTOCK

Bulls sell with GE EPD’s • Show Prospects

106 Clark Houk Road • Greensburg, KY 42743

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

Lpclarkandsons@msn.com

Barry, Beth & Ben Racke • Brad Racke • 7416 Tippenhauer Rd. • Cold Spring, KY 41076

Phone (859) 635-3832 • Barry cell (859) 991-1992 • Brad cell (859) 393-3677 • Ben cell (859) 393-3730

BAR IV LIVESTOCK

Fax (859) 635-3832 • bar4@twc.com

Barry, Beth & Ben Racke • Brad Racke

7416 Tippenhauer Rd. • Cold Spring, KY 41076

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

BRAY’S GELBVIEH CATTLE

Brad cell (859) 393-3677 • Ben cell (859) 393-3730

Fax (859) 635-3832 • bar4@twc.com

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

CLIFFORD FARMS

3459 KY HWY 1284E

Cynthiana, KY 41031

Since 1937 (859) 234-6956

BRIAN W. DYER, DVM

CD FARMS

BEE LICK GELBVIEHS

Eddie Reynolds

277 Old Bee Lick Rd.

Clayton & Debbie Cash

Crab Orchard, KY 40419

606-379-2281(H) 606-305-1972(C)

1214 Ottawa School Road • Brodhead, KY 40409 (606)-308-3247 • (606)-758-8994

Bulls & Females for sale

Owner/Manager GELBVIEH/BALANCERS

2050 Glasgow Road Burkesville, KY 42717

Gelbvieh-Balancer Bulls & Heifers For Sale by Private Treaty

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

BRIAN W. DYER, DVM Owner/Manager

GELBVIEH/BALANCERS

2050 Glasgow Road • Burkesville, KY 42717

Brian, Lauren, Kristen Barry, Emily & Julia

MURLEY FARMS

REGISTERED GELBVIEH & BALANCER CATTLE

CD FARMS

Specializing in Red Genetics

Clayton & Debbie Cash 1214 Ottawa School Road Brodhead, KY 40409 (606)-308-3247 • (606)-758-8994

Jonathon & Breanna Murley • (270) 427-7727

PADON FARMS

Gelbvieh-Balancer Bulls & Heifers

GELBVIEH BULLS & FEMALES FOR SALE

For Sale by Private Treaty

1012 Shelby Road • Salem, KY 24078

Thad Padon (270) 836-5518

UPCOMING EVENTS

PLEASANT MEADOWS FARM

Saturday May 15

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

R&D OWEN FARMS

Kentucky Junior Gelbvieh Show & Learning Clinic McIntosh Brothers Farm • 3348 Frankfort Road • Georgetown 10AM Learning Clinic • 12:30PM Show Call William McIntosh for more information. (502) 867-3132

GELBVIEH & BALANCERS

AA LAND & CATTLE

KENTUCKY GELBVIEH ASSOCIATION

PO Box 781 • Eddyville, KY 42038 (270) 601-6830 • rdowenfarms.com • sales@rdowenfarms.com

Friday May 28 - May 30

LARRY CLARK & SONS LLC

Meeting modern industry demands:

AGJA Eastern Regional Junior Show “Run for the Roses”

Johnnie

Registered Gelbvieh & Balancers Cynthiana, KY

Luke Arthur (859) 298-8323

DONE WRIGHT CATTLE FARMS

Burley Fields Livestock Center • 709 Oil Fields Road • Horse Cave

luke.arthur93@gmail.com

Casey Wright, Owner

Call Carrie Derossett for more information. (270) 404-0828

Bulls • Show Prospects • Embryos

Bulls sell with GE EPD’s • Show Prospects

Registered Gelbvieh Cattle 106 Clark Houk Road • Greensburg, KY 42743

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

Entry and room information available at www.gelbvieh.org (Juniors/Regional Shows/AGJA Eastern Regional)

2665 Poplar Corner Road • Lebanon, Kentucky 40033 270-692-7496 * donewrightcattle@hotmail.com

ASHWOOD

BAR IV LIVESTOCK

Lpclarkandsons@msn.com

S&S GELBVIEH

Luke & Lindsay Arthur Cynthiana, KY

Barry, Beth & Ben Racke • Brad Racke

CLIFFORD FARMS

BREEDING RED & BLACK POLLED GELBVIEH SINCE 1982

3459 KY HWY 1284E

859-298-8323

7416 Tippenhauer Rd. • Cold Spring, KY 41076

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

Brad cell (859) 393-3677 • Ben cell (859) 393-3730

Fax (859) 635-3832 • bar4@twc.com

Brian,

David, Jerri & Jon David: 162 Hastings Ln • Fredonia, KY 42411 (270) 556-4259

Cynthiana, KY 41031

Since 1937 (859) 234-6956

Arthur & Joyce Slaughter 19068 Marion Rd • Fredonia, KY 42411 (270)545-3455

FULL CIRCLE FARMS REGISTERED GELBVIEH CATTLE

BEE LICK GELBVIEHS

Eddie Reynolds

Brad Burke: 989 Metcalfe Mill Rd, Ewing, KY 41039 (H) 606-267-5609 (C) 606-782-1367 gbb789@windstream.net

Barry,

277 Old Bee Lick Rd.

Crab Orchard, KY 40419

Brad

CALLING ALL GELBVIEH JUNIORS

Association or to advertise in this ad, please contact

Fax

606-379-2281(H)

Bulls

Coming soon! Kentucky Junior Gelbvieh Association State Show the Facebook group of Kentucky Junior Gelbvieh Association for upcoming events and information.

Eddie

Cattle for sale at all times.

BOYD BEEF CATTLE

6077 Helena Road

Mayslick, KY 41055

Charlie Boyd II: (606) 584-5194

Blake Boyd: (606) 375-3718 www.boydbeef.com cboyd2@maysvilleky.net

COFFEY ANGUS FARMS

661 Hopewell Road Liberty, KY 42539

Matt Coffey: (270) 799-6288

Dewey Coffey: (606) 706-2699

Eddie Burks • (270) 991-6398

FALL CREEK ANGUS

448 Corder Farm Road Monticello, KY 42633

Ronnie Corder (606) 348-6588

Genetics for Maximum Profitability since 1984

HERITAGE FARM

Tom McGinnis

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

MT. MORIAH ANGUS FARMS

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

1446 Kennedy Bridge Rd. Harrodsburg, KY 40330

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

SMITHLAND ANGUS FARM

4437 East Hwy 80

Russell Springs, KY 42642

Henry Bryan, Melissa, Bryanna and Blane Smith 606-271-7520

bmsmith@duo-county.com

WHITE FARM

Tim and Amy White

3664 Military Pike Lexington, KY 40513

Home: (859)223-0326

Tim: (859) 509-5401

Amy (859)227-2552 whitefarm4@twc.com

BRANCH VIEW ANGUS

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

James S. & LuAnn Coffey, Donald & Donna Coffey

Annual Production Sale- 2nd Saturday in April

BURKS CATTLE CO.

531 Rick Rd.

Park City, KY 42160

Eddie Burks • (270) 991-6398

www.burkscattle.com

BURTON & SONS ANGUS

Joe D. or Karen Burton

480 Hominy Hill Rd. Nancy, KY 42544

Joe: (606) 305-3081

President: Henry B. Smith

Vice President: Anne Patton Schubert

Secretary/Treasurer: Shayna Gibson

BURTON & SONS ANGUS

Joe D. or Karen Burton

480 Hominy Hill Rd. Nancy, KY 42544

Joe: (606) 305-3081

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

Bulls & females sold private treaty. Inquiries Welcome. Sell only what we would buy.

Data driven since 1981.

GREAT MEADOWS ANGUS ASSOCIATION

Dale Brown, President 292 Pea Ridge Road Stamping Ground, KY 40439 859-940-8437 www.greatmeadowsangus.com

HILL VIEW FARMS

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

OLD BARK FARM

370 Ferrill Hill, Buffalo, KY 42716

Kenley Conner (502) 905-7825

Registered Angus Cattle

ST. CLAIR FARMS REGISTERED ANGUS

Eric & Sherry St. Clair

13433 Falls of Rough Road

Falls of Rough, KY 40119

Home: (270) 257-2965 • Cell: (270) 617-1079

www.stclairangus.com

ANGUS

Performance Tested Bull & Female Sale April 2020

THE BUSINESS BREED

HILL

TWIN CREEK FARM

Jimmy Gilles 5160 Lee Rudy Road Owensboro, KY 42301 (270) 929-5370

Shawn, Melissa, Devin & Dylan Gibson (270) 337-3072 or (270) 692-5304

Dennis & Emily 270/337-2128 or 270/402-4338

JOHNSON FARMS ANGUS

Angus Bulls & Females Slaughters, KY Keith: (270) 635-0723

Reese: (270) 635-1137

LYNN CREEK FARMS

Kris and Sara Lynn 2184 Bardstown Rd

Springfield KY 40069

573-721-6663

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

LYNN CREEK FARMS

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

APS ANGUS

4040 Taylorsville Rd Taylorsville, KY 40071

Gordon Schubert

502-477-2637 • 502-548-8440

Anne Patton Schubert

502-477-2663 • 502-548-2359

TRIPLE D ANGUS

Nathaniel & Darla Denham

MT. MORIAH ANGUS FARMS

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

1446 Kennedy Bridge Rd. Harrodsburg, KY 40330

Bob: (859)339-2610 • Rob: (859)612-1594

mtmoriahfarms1@gmail.com

www.mtmoriahangus.com

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

President: Henry B. Smith

Vice President: Anne Patton Schubert

Secretary/Treasurer: Shayna Gibson

PLEASANT HILL FARMS

Gil, Mary, Corbin, Caroline, and Catherine Cowles

500 Rockfield Richpond Road Rockfield, KY 42274 (270) 843-9021 • Fax (270) 843-9005

Gil, Mary, Corbin, Caroline, and Catherine Cowles 500 Rockfield Richpond Road Rockfield, KY 42274 (270) 843-9021 • Fax (270) 843-9005 Located 7 miles west of Bowling Green, 1/2 mile off Hwy 68/80

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

SMITHLAND ANGUS FARM

5202 East Hwy 80, Russell Springs, KY 42642

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

Henry & Melissa Smith: (270) 866-2311

ST. CLAIR FARMS REGISTERED ANGUS

Eric & Sherry St. Clair

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

Home: (270) 257-2965 • Cell: (270) 617-1079

www.stclairangus.com

Performance Tested Bull & Female Sale April 2020

TAMME VALLEY FARM

Jacob Tamme, Owner-Operator (859) 583-7134

jacob.tamme@gmail.com

www.tammevalley.com &

Shayna Gibson, Secretary/Treasurer

www.kentuckyangus.org • kyangusassociation@gmail.com • @kyangusassoc • @kyangusassoc • @kyangusassociation

Dear Kentucky Angus Breeder,

New officers and directors of the Kentucky Angus Association were elected at the recent Annual Meeting in Louisville, Kentucky. As the newly elected President, I invite you to join the Kentucky Angus Association and to be an active member. The Kentucky Angus Association, the Kentucky Angus Auxiliary and the Kentucky Junior Angus Association offer a diverse range of involvement. If you would like a membership application, please contact Shayna Gibson at kyangusassociation@gmail.com.

In addition, a Kentucky Angus Association committee list is included, Hopefully these opportunities will encourage you to join in the activities this year. If you have a desire to help promote Angus cattle in an alternate manner, please share that with us.

We recently celebrated 150 years of Angus in America. We treasure that tradition and legacy and want to share it. Please help by contacting me or any of our board members and enjoy the enthusiasm for Angus. I look forward to hearing from you and learning how you would choose to help promote Kentucky Angus. I welcome your participation.

Sincerely,

Anne Patton Schubert

4040 Taylorsville Rd. Taylorsville, KY 40071

H: 502-477-2663 C: 502-548-2359

APR 06 St. Clair Farms Falls of Rough, KY SALE

APR 06 Angus Opportunity Sale Canmer, KY SALE

APR 12 Raised with Respect, BQA Training Hardin County Extension Office, Elizabethtown, KY MEETING

APR 13 Branch View Angus Hustonville, KY SALE

APR 15 Grass Time Partners Paris Stockyards, Paris, KY SALE

APR 18 Limestone Genetics/Legacy Farms Female Sale Hardyville, KY SALE

APR 20 Central Kentucky Angus Association Central KY Sale Facility, Danville, KY SALE

APR 27 Great Meadows Angus Association Campbellsburg, KY SALE

MAY 05 Bridge View Angus Stamping Ground, KY SALE

MAY 16 Frontier/Lakeview Online Sale Paris, KY SALE

MAY 18 4 Sons Mature Cow Herd Dispersal Cythiana, KY SALE

JUN 14 Kentucky Angus Preview Louisville, KY SHOW

JUN 16 All- American Angus Breeders’ Futurity Louisville, KY SHOW

SEP 28 Boyd Beef Female Sale Mays Lick, KY SALE

OCT 28 Oak Hollow Bull Sale Smiths Grove, KY SALE

L to R, 2023 Queen, Emmy Caffee, 2024 Queen, Lily Jeffries, 2024 Princess, Kay Branscum. and 2023 Princess, McKenna Jackson

2024-25 JR Board: L to R (back): Emily Jeffries, Kat Branscum, McKenna Jakson, Adam McCauley, Lucy Jeffries L to R (front): Blane Smith (Reporter), Emmy Caffee (Treasurer), Lily Jeffries (Vice-President), Bryanna Smith (President), Taylor Jeffries (2nd Vice-President), Jake Marksbury (Secretary). Not pictured, Ellee Marksbury and Advisors, Kelly and Missy Flanders

2024-2025 KAA Board: L to R (back): Danny Lynn, Blake Boyd, Wes Womack, Neal Branscum, Leslie Jeffries, Eddie Burks, and Keith Johnson L to R (front): Amy White, Anne Patton Schubert (President), Tom McGinnis (VP), Shayna Gibson (Secretary/ Treasurer), Larry Jaggers, and Brian Jackson. Not pictured, Josh Jasper.

2024 BEEF EXPO SALES REACH MORE THAN $800,000

38th annual beef showcase average sales increase over last year

FRANKFORT, Ky. (March 6, 2024) – The 2024 Kentucky Farm Bureau Beef Expo finished with more than $839,000 in total sales in the 38th edition of the event at the Kentucky Exposition Center during the first weekend of March.

Total sales in 2024 were $839,680 an increase of $58,270 compared to last year’s sales. In addition to total sales being up, the average sale also increased by $247 to $2,674 per lot, with 314 lots auctioned this year, 10 less than 2023.

“As the largest beef cattle state east of the Mississippi River, cattle is one of Kentucky’s top livestock and the Kentucky Farm Bureau Beef Expo is a place to showcase that,” Kentucky Agriculture Commissioner Jonathan Shell said. “We were excited to see sales on an upswing over last year. Farming can be a tough business, but we see good things in our future.”

Angus cattle brought an average of $3,559 per lot to lead all breeds. The sale topper was a $14,500 Balancer female from Pleasant Meadows Farm out of Glasgow. The Beef Expo welcomed 16 states, including Kentucky, and eight breeds this year.

In the junior show, 484 cattle from 15 states passed through the show ring, including 212 from Kentucky. The judging contest attracted 150 participants.

The 2024 Beef Expo’s main sponsors were Kentucky Farm Bureau and the Kentucky Department of Agriculture.

Commissioner Jonathan

Kentucky Farm Bureau's executive

KY'S AMANDA HALL AMONG NEXT GROUP OF TRAILBLAZERS

CENTENNIAL, Colo. (March 4, 2024) –The Trailblazers program, developed by the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA), a contractor to the Beef Checkoff, takes advocacy to an unprecedented level by giving participants the tools and training they need to promote beef to new audiences while addressing and correcting myths. After a competitive application process, 10 Trailblazers have been selected for the program’s third cohort of beef community spokespeople, including: Mandy Atterholt (Ohio), Amanda Hall (Kentucky), Cara Henri (California), Jessie Jarvis (Idaho), Sierra Jepsen (Montana), Katey Johnson (Oklahoma), Anna Kobza (Nebraska), Max Krupp (Texas), Lettie McKinney (Kansas), Arlie Reeves (Washington).

“It’s evident that producers are seeking community across the industry as we received almost 50 applications for this year’s program, a 76% increase from last year,” said Chandler Mulvaney, director of grassroots advocacy and spokesperson development at NCBA. “The newly selected cohort will join efforts with previous Trailblazers, building community, providing opportunities for mentorship, and collaborating with other experienced grassroots advocates.”

Trailblazers receive in-depth training to become expert communicators, excel in media interviews and understand how to build confidence in beef-related practices when talking to consumers. Throughout the year, Trailblazers will receive advanced training from subject matter experts, learning how to effectively engage on various social media platforms, interact with the media, and enhance public speaking skills.

Sebastian Meija Turcios of California, participant in the inaugural class of Trailblazers, said the following about his experience, “The Trailblazers program has provided me with invaluable opportunities to find my role as a leader in the beef industry and to make connections that will endure the test of time. As a scientist, Trailblazers has provided me with the tools and skills that will help me be a stronger communicator.”

Trailblazers will meet online and in person to foster constant growth and refinement of skillsets when speaking about beef. Upon joining the advanced advocacy program, Trailblazers serve as industry spokespeople and inform beef advocates at the local and state levels on advocacy, media, and spokesperson best practices. Every year, 10 new Trailblazers are accepted into the community building program.

and

the Kentucky Farm Bureau Beef Expo last week. The group makes up the Beef Expo Board. Each of the breed representatives received a check for premiums and awards.

Agriculture

Shell, center, met with

team

breed representatives during

WHO IS RESPONSIBLE FOR REMITTING THE CHECKOFF ASSESSMENT?

BUYER

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

SELLER

However, both the Buyer and the Seller are responsible for seeing that the Checkoff is collected and paid. or pays $2 to

50¢

$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.”

BEEF CHECKOFF COLLECTION

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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

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

ROCKING P LIVESTOCK

8308 Orangeburg Road Maysville, KY 41056

Chan: 606-584-7581

Keith: 606-584-5626

rockingplivestock@maysvilleky.net

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

JEROD METZGER • 270-779-6260

BRIAN & HEATHER SWAIN

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

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?

406-587-4531

FARM

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 & LAURA JACKSON

BRET AND LAURA JACKSON

859.533.3718 or 859.707.7200

Paris, Kentucky (859) 533-3718 (859) 707-7200

DATEEVENT LOCATION AD

APRFree BQCA Month 57

APR 6Amburgey Charolais Lexington, KY28

APR 6 The Andras Kind Red Angus Bull Sale Manchester, IL

APR 6 Circle G Angus Ranches 2024 Female Sale Adel, GA

APR 6TJB/3T Kentucky Bull Sale Upton, KY

APR 6Belles and Bulls of the BluegrassLexington, KY11

APR 6 Southern Eagle Ranch Generations of Genetics Sale Evington, VA

APR 6 St. Clair Farms Angus Bull and Female Sale Falls of the Rough, KY

APR 8-11

Beyond the Bluegrass Ag Industry Tour Kansas

APR 12Certified Angus Beef Free BQA EventElizabethtown, KY54

APR 13 Gwinnup Crazy K Ranch 11th Production Sale Michie, TN

APR 13 Inaugural AAA Farms Production Sale Lavinia, TN

APR 13IEBP Performance Tested Bull SaleSpringville, IN48

APR 13 Knoll Crest Farm Spring Bull and Female Sale Red House, VA

APR 13Branch View Angus Sale Hustonville, KY72

APR 14-15Hudson Valentine Longhorn SaleLexington, KY11

APR 15Grass Time Partners Sale Paris, KY 47

APR 19

Tennessee Traditions Angus Female Sale Livingston, TN9

APR 20 CKAA 58th Annual Spring Production Sale Danville, KY27

APR 20 Clifford Farms Hereford Production Sale Lexington, KY41

APR 23Morehead Spring Fencing SchoolMorehead, KY

APR 25Mayfield Spring Fencing SchoolMayfield, KY

APR 25Owensboro CPH Sale Owensboro, KY

DATEEVENT

LOCATION AD

APR 26KJCA Cattle Working ContestBowling Green, KY8

APR 27GMAA Looking to the Future SaleCampbellsburg, KY71

APR 27

Laurel Co. Cattlemen's Association Open Heifer Sale London, KY15

APR 27 Upper Cumberland Angus Association Sale Cookeville, TN24

APR 27

APR 30 -

Middle Tennessee Hereford Association Spring Sale Cross Plains, TN8

MAY1 Beginning Grazing School Princeton, KY

MAY 4

MAY 4

Campbell County Farm and Livestock Expo Alexandria, KY28

31st Pasture Perfromance Tested Angus Sale Aldie, VA 25

MAY 4 Ohio Valley Limousin Association Spring Sale Mineral Wells, WV28

MAY 5

Bridgeview Angus Spring Production Sale Stamping Ground, KY 19

MAY 9 Traditions Hereford Influence Feeder Calf Sale Stanford, KY11

MAY 11Triple C Back to the Basics SaleKillen, AL 70

MAY 16

MAY 18

MAY 20

Charolais Influenced Feeder Calf Alliance Sale Stanford, KY

West Kentucky Select Bred Heifer Sale Guthrie, KY 7

Certified Hereford Influenced Feeder Calf Sale Lexington, KY62

MAY 25Ankony Female Dispersal SaleClarkesville, GA2

JUN 3Profit Thru Performance Feeder SaleLexington, KY11

JUN 12

Electric Fence Troubleshooting School Morgantown, KY

JUN 39KCA Hall of Fame Applications Due 58

SEP 5CPC Fall Field Day Fountain Run, KY49

SALERS

THE BALANCED BREED

DIAMOND J SALERS

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

DIAMOND J SALERS

WILLIS FARMS

Donald Johnson • 11660 N. Hwy 1247 • Eubank, KY 42564 606-305-8747

Danny Willis • 964 Johnson Rd • Frankfort, KY 40601 • 502-803-5011 drwc21@aol.com • Purebred + Optimizer Breeding bulls & Heifers for sale.

DEL-SU FARM

WILLIS FARMS

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

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

KNOB LICK FARM - BULLS & HEIFERS FOR SALE

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

REGISTERED RED ANGUS BULLS FOR SALE

(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 502349-2665

BREEDING AGE HEREFORD BULLS FOR SALE AT ALL TIMES

Over 60 years of Line 1 Hereford Genetics. Groups of open and bred heifers available for sale at all times.

Chambliss Hereford Farms. 270-668-7126

RED ANGUS, SIMANGUS, CHAROLAIS, ANGUS FOR SALE

Red Hill

Bart, Sarah

Lafayette, TN, 615-666-3098

Ty Jones Gordon

Susan Jones, 270-991-2663 Visit us online - www.RedHillFarms.net

us for cattle and semen availability.

CHAROLAIS BULL SALE

Saturday April 6, 2024, 12:30 p.m. Farmers Stockyards, Flemingsburg

Selling 15 Polled Charolais Bulls Bloodlines out of Ledger and Boy Outlier 2023 Show Bull of the Year

For more information

Rick Hord 606-202-1625 or Corey Story, 606-209-1543

BREED LEADERS FOR:

MATERNAL TRAITS

CARCASS VALUE

TENDERNESS OF END PRODUCT

DNA TESTED FOR ENHANCED PREDICTABILITY!

18-MONTH-OLD SIMMENTAL BULL

BSE tested with excellent calving ease and growth EPDs Quality based on 40 years of AI breeding 502-839-6651 or 502-260-7884

REGISTERED ANGUS BULLS

Performance Tested

Prosperity, Growth Fund and Sure Fire 606-787-7307

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WWW.REDBARNANDASSOCIATES.COM

Beware of Reducing Feed at Calving!

Les Anderson Beef Extension Specialist, University of Kentucky

I presented at a Master Cattlemen session recently and, after the meeting, got asked a common question about body condition and feeding cows at calving. The producer’s question was he had heard that he should reduce feed to his cows before calving to keep birthweights lower to reduce calving problems. He indicated that the BCS of his cows as they begin to calve was only 4. This is a frustrating question because it comes up often and nothing could be further from the truth. Several researchers have addressed this issue over the last 20-30 years. Each of these experiments had cows that were fed to maintain weight, decrease weight, or increase weight right before calving began. The result of underfeeding cows before calving results in the exact problem the producer is trying to avoid. The research demonstrated that poor nutrition and low BCS precalving:

• Increased calving problems

• Decreased calf health (low colostrum consumption and poor-quality colostrum)

• Increased calf death loss

• Increased the number of days for females to resume estrous cycles. One of the most extreme research trials on prebreeding nutrition in cows was conducted by Steve Loerch at The Ohio State University. At that time, the cost of hay was much higher than the cost of grain, and Loerch was examining the impact of feeding corn as an alternative to hay for gestating and lactating cows. The cows used were large-framed, Charolaiscross cows and were either fed around 11 pounds of whole shelled corn, 2.5 pounds of a pelleted supplement, and 2 pounds of hay (dry matter basis) or offered hay and a salt and mineral mix free choice from November to April. Hay was predominantly first-cutting orchardgrass testing around 72% neutral detergent fiber (NDF) and 9.5% crude protein (CP). Cows fed free choice hay ate twice as much feed resulting in double the feed costs compared to limit feeding the corn-

based diet.

In this study, cows consuming the cornbased diet had fewer calving problems than the cows consuming forage-based diets. Limit-feeding corn to meet the nutrient requirements of cows did not negatively impact calving performance, pregnancy rate or calf weaning weight. I don’t bring this trial up to endorse feeding gestating cows corn-based diets but rather to reinforce that feeding cows prior to calving does not increase calving problems even if cows are fed corn-based diets.

This producer indicated that his cows were at a BCS of 4 prior to calving, and this is going to create some issues for him. Rebreeding performance of cows is greatly influenced by BCS at calving. Cows that are thin (BCS < 5; visible ribs) at calving take longer to resume estrous cycles and therefore are delayed in their ability to rebreed. As precalving BCS decreases, the number of days from one calving to the next (calving interval) increases in beef cows. Females with a precalving BCS <5 tend to have production cycles greater than 1 year. For example, cows with a precalving BCS of 3 would be expected to have a calving interval of approximately 400+ days, while a cow with a precalving BCS of 6 would have a calving interval of approximately 360 days. Thin cows are anestrous for a longer period and are therefore more likely to be open at the end of the breeding season. They may also result in lighter calves to sell next year because the calves from these thin cows will be born later in the calving season. Let’s consider the impact of anestrus and calving date for a herd in BCS 4 that calves from March 1 until May 10. Bull turnout is May 20 and the length of anestrus for mature cows (BCS 4) is 90120 days and for young cows is 120-150 days. A mature cow (BCS 4) that calves on March 1 will begin to cycle sometime in the month of June and will likely conceive later than desired. However, the thin mature cow that calves on April 20

won’t cycle until end of July/middle of August, and her opportunity to conceive is minimal. Thin 2-year-olds nursing their first calf will likely begin cycles 4-5 months after calving and will have limited opportunities to conceive.

Reducing nutrients before calving is a huge mistake, but this strategy has been circulating in the beef industry for decades. At first glance, it seems logical, but no research supports the notion of limit-feeding cows prior to calving, and this dogma has cost the industry millions of dollars. So, beware of reducing feed to your cows at calving. It won’t impact calf size but will impact your cows ability to rebreed. Producers cannot afford open cows while we are on the high side of the cattle cycle and reducing feed to your cows precalving is setting them, and you, up to fail.

Spring-Calving Cow Herd

• Watch cows and calves closely. Work hard to save every calf (you can cull/sell them later). Calves can be identified while they are young and easy to handle. Commercial male calves should be castrated and implanted. Registered calves should be weighed at birth.

• Cows that have calved need adequate nutrition to rebreed. Increase their feed after calving. Don’t let them lose body condition. Keep feeding them until pastures are adequate.

• Don’t “rush to grass,” although it can be really tempting. Be sure that grass has accumulated enough growth to support the cow’s nutritional needs before depending solely on it. Cows may walk the pastures looking for green grass instead of eating dry feed. This lush, watery grass is not adequate to support them. Keep them consuming dry feed until sufficient grass is available to sustain their body condition. We’ve spent too much money keeping them in good condition to lose it now!

• Prevent grass tetany! Provide magnesium in the mineral mix until daytime temperatures are consistently above 60o F. Mineral supplements should always be available and contain a minimum of about 14% magnesium. Make sure that your mineral mix also contains adequate selenium, copper and zinc. You can ask your feed dealer about the UK Beef IRM High Magnesium Mineral.

• Make final selection of heifer replacements. Strongly consider vaccinating with a modified-live BVD vaccine. For early conception to be maximized, vaccinate heifers 60 days prior to breeding.

• Purchase replacement bulls at least 30 days prior to the start of the breeding season. Have herd bulls evaluated for breeding soundness (10-20% of bulls are questionable or unsatisfactory breeders). Get all bulls in proper condition (BCS 6) for breeding.

• If you are going to use artificial insemination and/or estrous synchronization, make plans now and order needed supplies, semen and schedule a technician.

• Prebreeding or "turn out" working is usually scheduled for late April or May between the end of calving season and before the start of the breeding season (while cows are open). Consult your veterinarian about vaccines and health products your herd needs. Plan now for products needed and have handling facilities in good working order. Dehorn commercial calves before going to pasture.

Fall-Calving Herd

• Pregnancy check cows now and cull open ones at weaning, especially if the open cows are older than 5 years of age.

• Re-implant feeders.

• Consult with your veterinarian about a preweaning working of the herd.

• You may let calves creep-graze wheat or rye if it is available. Calves will benefit from extra feed until spring grass appears.

• Plan marketing strategy for feeder calves.

Stockers

• Don't go to pastures too soon, give plants some growing time. Then stock at two to three times the July rate and rotate rapidly.

• "Condition" purchased calves prior to grazing. They should be processed and fed a conditioning diet prior to being placed on pasture. You can also use this time to introduce them to electric fences which are used in rotational grazing.

• Provide a good mineral supplement which contains a rumen modifier (Rumensin, Bovatec, etc.) along with adequate levels of copper and selenium.

General

• We’ve made a muddy mess this winter, so be prepared to reseed bare spots. Our forage group has some excellent information on restoring heavy-traffic areas.

• Make plans to improve hay feeding areas to avoid muddy conditions like we have faced this winter. Consider geotextile fabric with gravel or concrete feeding pads.

• Prepare for the grazing season. Check fences and make necessary repairs. Check your corral too.

• Get everything ready to make high quality hay in May! Have equipment serviced and spare parts on hand. Order baler twine now. Be prepared to harvest an adequate supply of hay when you have the opportunity. Replenish the extra hay that you fed out of the barn. This past winter caused most producers to exhaust their hay supply, so it’s time to restock.

• Plan now for fly control ... decide what fly control program that you will use but don't put insecticide eartags on cattle until fly population appears.

COLLECTION1 PM EDT

APRIL 27, 2024 . CAMPBELLSBURG, KY

HAF SUPREME 5261-315

CEDWWYWHPPAP$M$C +10+71+118+17.6-1.69+94+274 20%30%40%5%5%2%30%

FULL SIB IN BLOOD TO BJ SURPASS WITH ADDED HP AND PAP

AVIATORS RITA A112

CEDWWYWHPRE$M$C +9+100+171+15.1+.86+77+312 30%1%1%20%25%15%10%

FAIR-N-SQUARE FALL BRED HEIFER. THIS DIVISION IS LOADED WITH QUALITY!

HAF 1203 RITA 333

WWYWANGLEMARBRE$M$C +90+156+.30+1.29+1.05+82+340 2%3%1%10%10%10%3%

DAUGHTER OF BJ HOMETOWN 1203. VERACIOUS THAT KNOWS SHE’S SPECIAL AND JUST WAITING!

BJ HOME TOWN 1203

CEDWWYWMARBRE$M$C +9+86+143+1.16+.91+84+317 25%2%4%5%10%4%2%

2-YEAR-OLD THAT IS GETTING IT DONE. MATERNAL SIB TO BJ SURPASS.

ACF BLACKCAP MAY 4553-3001

CEDWWYWRADG$M$W$C +8+87+147+.32+69+83+231 35%4%10%15%35%3%70%

GROWTH FUND X 4136. CONSISTENT FAMILY THAT LOOKS GOOD DOING IT. SOME GREAT SPRING YEARLINGS WILL SELL.

ETF RITA 2055

CEDWWYWMILKHS$W$C +10+86+154+34+.15+89+268 20%4%3%10%4%1%35%

RAINFALL 2-YEAR-OLD SPRING PAIR WITH AN AWESOME CRAFTSMAN BC. THIS IS THE KIND THAT WORKS.

GREAT MEADOWS ANGUS ASSOCIATION

MattJackson| 502-667-0142

matt@jacksonmarketingsolutions.com

www.jacksonmarketingsolutions.com

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Jackson Marketing Solutions

Great Meadows Angus Association

AAA +*20700949

AAA *20830233

AAA +*20235825

AAA *20440288

AAA +*20688426

AAA *20515812

• 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

CEDBWWWYW$F$C

EPD 04.297178143317

% Rank 11110

%

• Son of 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.

• 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

CEDBWWWYW$M$W

EPD 13-2.268 116 7674

% Rank 40452015

• From an outstanding dam that maintains a calving interval of 4/357 with progeny ratios of BW 4/99, WW 3/111, YW 2/108, IMF 2/112, RE 2/108. Second dam showed progeny ratios of WW 3/110, YW 3/108, RE 3/104. BV

• One of the first Basin Jameson bulls to sell in the East. 3060 recorded a WW of 869 to ratio 124. From a BW of 1.9 to WW 100. Top 1% WW, $W, 2% YW, 5% $M, 15% $C.

BV Growth Fund 2509 | Reg# 20616663

8/107.

BV Geddes 2541 | Reg# 20616397

BV Wildcat 2517 | Reg# 20616365