Cow Country News- August 2024 by The Kentucky Cattlemen's Association

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S E P T E M B E R 5 , 2 0 2 4

I keep a gym membership for when I am in Louisville. There are a significant number of fitness facilities within a close radius of where Cassie and I spend our days visiting with her family and my time relaxing off the farm. I don’t need anything fancy. I just need a barbell plus dumbbells or kettlebells heavy enough to present a challenge. For the last 6 months, a very cheap commercial gym has served that purpose. It is less than a five-minute drive from where we stay in Louisville. I typically go so early that it is never crowded, and they have all the equipment my programming calls for. Despite the appearance that, on the surface, it checks every box for me, I have left time on my contract and switched gyms to a place a mile farther away and a little more expensive. The reason? Cleanliness.

I probably spend more hours of my life covered in dust, sweat, blood, and cow slobbers than I do actually clean. I don’t expect a surgical environment. Despite the fact the gym served all my needs that I listed in the first paragraph, I couldn’t continue to watch the dust bunnies grow in the hallways that hadn’t been vacuumed for weeks at a time. I couldn’t continue to watch the spray bottles, and paper towels remain empty day after day despite the staff sitting around doing nothing else. I couldn’t continue to use a locker room that smelled like a stale gym bag. Despite having no actual grime on me when I left, I just felt dirty due to the neglect of the space around me. I couldn’t do it anymore.

While researching a new gym this time, I thought a little harder about my actual requirements. Cleanliness was undoubtedly added to the list. With a young child and a wife who also needs her daily morning workout, I need a 24-hour facility or at least one open well before daylight. It requires a relatively close proximity to our house. It needed barbells as well as dumbbells over 100 pounds. When choosing a fitness space, you could have added a laundry list of other things such as child care, basketball courts, sauna, or swimming pool. The list is literally endless. Some gyms do all of the above. Most were outside close proximity, and none were open early enough for my schedule. They are also typically more than I would want to spend for a second fitness option when I am away from the farm. Ultimately, I decided on a smaller, locally owned gym that offered 24-hour access at a higher, but not prohibitive, price point. When I walked in for a tour, the smell of freshly mopped floors floated throughout the building. The desk staff was friendly, and the owner went out of his way to introduce himself when he saw a new face on the gym floor. This place was recommended by a friend, and by all indications, I will be pleased with the time I spend there.

There is a parallel to your bull-buying decisions. The options are endless when selecting genetics. The additional amenities of a gym are no different than additional desirable traits in a bull. The first gym merely got the job done. I got a workout in. Any bull that can pass a breeding soundness exam can get the job done. They can sire a calf that gives you something to sell at weaning. Much like a gym can have child care, a stocked locker room, and a smoothie bar, a bull can be a calving ease option with above-average growth and elite carcass quality. Both are going to cost you a little more than the base model. The decision comes down to how much you will use it and how much it is worth. Much like I was disappointed with a $12 per month gym, you will probably be disappointed with that cow freshener bull long-term. The way I look at it, I will spend an hour a day in a gym and might as well enjoy it. If you are going to have cattle, you might as well take a little time to find a bull that doesn’t bring you problems and hopefully makes you money. Sometimes, for your situation, that is an entry-level $4,000 bull from a reputable source. In other cases, it may be a bull that costs significantly more. It all depends on how you are going to use him. Much like the lesson I learned with my last fitness facility, the cheapest option is usually the cheapest one for a reason. You probably won’t end up happy with it in the long term.

Joe K. Lowe II M.S. Agricultural Economics

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

KCA PAST PRESIDENTS:

1972-73

1974-77 Smith T. Powell† - Lincoln 2005 Eddie Young -

Our fresh, natural product is sourced from Kentucky farm families who share a commitment to animal care and the environment. From farm to table, we support Kentucky cattlemen and local businesses to provide the Bluegrass with a delicious ground beef product.

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

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President's Thoughts

Jeff Pettit KCA President

I am sitting here writing this just after celebrating the Fourth of July. I hope each of you had the opportunity to celebrate and remember our Independence Day! We are all blessed to live here in the USA. It may not be perfect, but short of heaven, no place is!

It has been a phenomenal early summer so far. Cattle markets continue to be strong. The hay crop has been bountiful. I pray each of us take time to give thanks to the one who allowed us to be born where we were, live where we do and enjoy the great opportunity of being involved in the circle of life by growing food to feed the world! “He causeth the grass to grow for the cattle, and the herb for service of man, that he may bring forth food out of the earth.” Psalms 104:14.

Several of us are getting ready to head to San Diego for the NCBA summer business meeting. I am not a fan of the state of California, but I have never been to San Diego and not enjoyed the weather there. It seems they may have cornered the market on enjoyable weather− too many people but super weather. In California, we will participate in meetings and talks that will continue to guide the future of the beef industry. Folks, these meetings are important. Yes, it takes time away from the farm, but without these opportunities for leaders of our industry to gather, we would be run over by those wanting to put us out of the beef production business. We must take a stand against the liberal environmental groups, politicians that do not understand where their food comes from and bureaucrats who are only concerned about protecting their jobs. I will be sure to give you a report on how things go!

Recently, we had our June board meeting in Henry County. I would like to say “Thank You” to the Henry County Cattlemen’s Association and the Henry County Extension office for being awesome hosts. We all enjoyed a very receptive and comfortable facility and a great meal!

Our Kentucky Livestock Innovation Center is moving along. We are still in the paperwork phase with the state and University of Kentucky. This all takes time, but we have a team working on

it and trying to make sure we don’t get the cart before the horse. An oversight committee has been formed consisting of members from the Kentucky Cattlemen’s Association and the Kentucky Cattlemen’s Foundation boards. We will also be reaching out to others in the near future to gather further insight on how we can develop this Livestock Innovation Center in a manner that pays dividends back to Kentucky agriculture for generations to come! You can read more about the committee and its members on page 20.

On another important note, I recently attended our local District Farm Bureau meeting. Something that has been a concern of mine for a long time is the loss of farmland. Kentucky Farm Bureau has formed the Kentucky Farmland Transition Initiative to see what can

be done to help preserve the future of farmland in Kentucky. Part of the message shared was that “In the past 20 years, Kentucky has lost 17,000 farms and 1.4 million acres of farmland.” We are always hearing the term “sustainable” in some form. Well, I am telling you that the continued loss of farmland in the U.S. is not “SUSTAINABLE!” If you have any ideas to share or would like to help with this effort, please reach out to your local KFB representatives and volunteer

Commissioner's Corner

Jonathan Shell Agriculture Commissioner of Kentucky

In two weeks, I’ll experience my first Kentucky State Fair as your agriculture commissioner Aug. 15-25 at the Kentucky Exposition Center in Louisville.

This year’s state fair is a milestone, as one of Kentucky’s oldest continuous events celebrates its 120th year. The theme is “120 years, 120 counties.” I can’t think of another gathering that brings together urban and rural Kentuckians of all ages and backgrounds to one place in our state’s largest city.

Last year, more than 599,000 people entered the gates of the Expo Center. Despite several days of severe heat, it was the highest attendance in five years.

The state fair represents a chance to experience some of the sights (and smells) of Kentucky agriculture. With more Kentuckians removed from farm living than ever before, the fair is an opportunity to connect with families who are still carrying on the farming traditions that helped build our great state.

The state fair is known as “Kentucky agriculture’s family reunion.” I’m looking forward to walking the grounds, meeting with people and talking about the importance of agriculture to our commonwealth. The fair is the best showcase for Kentucky agriculture, which I believe can be summed up with the three “F”s that make Kentucky great: food, faith and family.

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the second-heaviest in history. While at the state fair, make sure you go and visit AgLand. More than an acre of agriculture exhibits in South Wing A highlight Kentucky’s rural heritage, including the future of farming and agribusiness through 4-H and FFA exhibits.

Outside the entrance to AgLand in the South Wing A Lobby, you can watch high school cooking teams competing for culinary scholarships to Sullivan University during the Farm-to-School Junior Chef State Tournament on the Farm to Fair Cooking Stage. Junior Chef is a Kentucky Department of Agriculture program that enables students to learn food handling and preparation skills while cooking dishes using as many local Kentucky Proud foods as possible.

The state fair is the highlight of the livestock show season in Kentucky, allowing producers to compete for prizes and bragging rights. Drop by Broadbent Arena and take a look at these dedicated young people showing their farm animals.

You won’t want to miss this year's Sunshine Class. The Sunshine Class offers an opportunity for individuals with special needs to work in a show ring at the fair. Working with a mentor, the exhibitor will show the animal and at the end, all are presented with a championship banner. You can learn more about the Sunshine Class at www.kyagr.com/ sunshine.

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The state fair will kick off Thursday, Aug. 15 at the annual 4-H Commodity Breakfast inside the Kentucky Proud Cookout Tent at Parking Lot A outside of South Wing Lobby B. I’ll be there helping serve a free breakfast buffet of delicious Kentucky Proud food items from our farm families. Please join us!

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One of my favorite state fair events is the annual largest pumpkin and watermelon contest. Last year’s huge pumpkin weighed more than 1,270 pounds, while the heaviest watermelon tipped the scales at nearly 277 pounds,

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Don’t forget the World’s Championship Horse Show, which goes on Aug. 17-24 during the state fair at Freedom Hall. Witness the competition between some of the most beautiful high-stepping horses in the world’s most prestigious Saddlebred show.

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I look forward to visiting with all Kentuckians – hopefully you too – at this year’s Kentucky State Fair! For full details and tickets, visit www. KyStateFair.org.

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Thoughts From Dave

Dave Maples Executive Vice President

I had the opportunity this past month to listen to presentations from Randy Blach with CattleFax and our own Dr. Nevil Speer. I have been in several of Randy’s presentations before, and I always enjoy listening to the information that he provides. This presentation was of the same quality. His lead slide was an overview of the first half of 2024 compared to 2023.

Total cattle slaughter is down 660,000 head so far this year. Non-fed slaughter (cows and bulls) is down 470,000 head, and the fed slaughter is down 220,000. But you have to know that we have had record heavy carcass weights this year, which offsets the decline in the number of animals going to harvest.

Total beef production is down 1.6%. Fed beef production is up 1%, but non-fed beef production is down 13%. Randy noted that in 2022 the industry had record beef production with 45 million fewer cattle than we had in 1975.

On the pricing side, fed cattle prices have averaged $184 in 2024 compared to $170 in 2023; 800-pound feeder steers have averaged $245 vs. $196 in 2023, and 550-pound steers have averaged $316 vs. $243. Utility cow prices are up 31% year-to-date for 2024. His side note was that beef demand has remained solid and industry profits are strong.

Most of his slides are easy to understand graphs. They give you a nice picture of what has happened in the beef industry over the years. His one slide that may best tell the story of what has occurred in the industry is the slide showing the shift from commodity beef to quality beef. The industry now has over 80% of the beef grading in the prime and choice categories with select falling below 15%.

This is a testament to what you as beef producers are doing when it comes to genetic selection with your cow herds.

Randy’s last slide was titled, “Challenges from the

Past and Opportunities Ahead.” His notes were as follows:

• The 1980s- The War on Fat! Dairy Termination Program. Record high interest rates. 12% of Farmers and Ranchers out of business.

• 1990s- Beef demand was cut in half from 1980-1998. U.S. Premium Beef starts. Certified Angus Beef gains market share.

• 2000s- Beef demand grows for first time in 25 years.

• 2010s- Beef exports to Asia grow significantly. Beef demand grows rapidly as quality increases. Prices reach record high. Fed prices drop $75 dollars in 15 months. Packing plants close. Harvest capacity falls below fed supply. Leverage rest with packers and retailers. Drought cycle dominates.

• 2020s- Covid. Drought. Cattle cycle peak in supply in 2022, Cattle producers regains lost leverage. Retail beef prices will move sharply higher. Saturday kills become a thing of the past. Smallest supply/highest prices in 2025.

Randy’s final thoughts were that new plants will be coming online and the feeding industry will consolidate further. He expects herd rebuilds to occur from 2025-2028 and prices to bottom near 2030-2031.

I know this is a lot to digest, but if you study the data and the trends, you can plan a strategy with your beef cattle program going forward. Dr. Speer highlighted several points that complemented Blach’s presentation. One being that days on feed in the feedlots keep climbing. With a smaller cattle inventory, the feedlots have just simply lengthened the feeding period. Longer feeding periods have several benefits for the feeding sector. It also creates challenges and opportunities for everyone in the beef supply chain from cowcalf to the retail-food services sectors.

“Is there really badger meat in this?” That’s been the biggest question recently at Oxbow Meats in Lawrenceburg, Kentucky. Folks are stopping in to try the latest edition of locally made bratwurst.

“No, there isn’t badger meat in the Badger Brat, but it has been a source of fun conversation,” said Stacey Westfall, one of the owners of Oxbow Meats. “It’s a specialty flavor with beer and caramelized onion which has quickly become a best-seller. That and our Sheboygan Brat - everyone wants to know about those,” she added. The Sheboygan Brat is a savory brat with a slightly spicy edge.

meat cut the way they want it.”

Accessibility to processing has been one of the biggest hold ups for producers in getting their meat to consumers. With the growing demand for locally sourced food, Oxbow Meats wanted to fill the void.

“Our farmers have been limited by capacities at Kentucky meat processors. We saw a need and jumped in to help. There are many excellent processors in the state, and we are proud to be among them. In the end, it’s all about getting Kentucky meat to consumers.”

Oxbow Meats, Kentucky’s newest meat processor and butcher shop opened its doors in April. The retail space features house-made bratwursts in a variety of flavors including Badger, Sheboygan, Korean BBQ, Beer and the ever favorite, Mango Habanero. The store also features freshly cut Ribeyes, NY Strips, Filets, Brisket, Tri-tips and Pichana. “We carry a changing variety, but always offer these popular staples along with bacon, pork chops and our special primal blend,” said Westfall. The primal blend incorporates beef heart and liver with ground beef for a rich, delicious flavor.

In addition to an ever-growing retail space that incorporates local meat, produce, milk and other Kentucky

Proud products, Oxbow Meats is a full-service USDA inspected meat processor. Oxbow Meats processes beef, hog, goat and sheep.

“We want to bring customers an exceptional experience,” said Josh Westfall, plant manager and co-owner. “Individualized customer service is our main focus.

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We want people to come away from Oxbow Meats with a great experience and

Nat Henton, Woodford County farmer and chef said, “Oxbow Meats is centrally located filling the void in access to processing. Their customer service is outstanding - from custom meat processing to specialty retail cuts. Not only are they accommodating and willing to work with people, but they offer good communication and hospitality.”

With experienced butchers on staff, Oxbow Meats is taking bookings for both custom and USDA slaughter. Roger McDowell, a local farmer recommends Oxbow Meats. In a Facebook post he wrote, “I just had three steers processed at Oxbow Meats. Everything went perfectly from the time I dropped them off until I picked up the processed beef. They have a great facility and Josh and Stacey have been great to work with. The cuts and packaging were exactly what I had requested. I will definitely do business with them again.” He added, “what a great addition to our neighborhood, friendly, competent and capable. I gladly recommend them to all my producer friends as well as my carnivore buddies.”

Call our office at (502) 334-6926 or email us at Oxbowmeat@gmail.com. Find us at oxbowmeats.com and Facebook.

Warner Inducted Into Bath Co. Agricultural Hall of Fame

Katie Pratt Kentucky Cattlemen's Association

OWINGSVILLE, Ky.− Kentucky Cattlemen’s Association

President-Elect Randy Warner was recently inducted into the Bath County Agricultural Hall of Fame.

The hall of fame honors Bath Countians who have devoted their lives to serving and promoting agriculture.

Warner, a Sharpsburg cattle producer, was honored for his contributions to the county’s agriculture community, particularly for his efforts with the Bath County Cattlemen’s Association.

“When I was president of the Bath County Cattlemen’s Association 20 years ago, we had 50 members. Now we have over 300. Most of those new members are because of Randy,” said Michael Staton, president of the Bath County Farm Bureau. “He spends countless hours cooking and promoting beef.”

“He’s a good-hearted volunteer,” said Mike Bach, fellow Bath County producer and former KCA president. “He’s a doer. If it wasn’t for him the cattlemen’s organization wouldn’t be what it is.”

Over the past decade, Warner has donated countless hours to the local and state cattlemen’s associations whether it be organizing and serving on the cooking team for Court Days in Preston to his leadership roles in the state association.

He’s also an advocate for Bath County youth. Four years ago, he led a local effort to set aside County Agricultural Investment Program monies to help local youth get their start in agriculture. Youth can use their funds to purchase ag-related items. In 2024, 27 young people split their share of the $35,000.

“If it wasn’t for Randy’s efforts, we would not have this program in our county,” said Rob Amburgey, Bath County agriculture and natural resources extension agent.

Warner has also championed youth across the state. In 2024, he was the first producer to donate a heifer to auction at the KCA annual convention with the proceeds going to benefit the Kentucky Junior Cattlemen’s Association. The heifer was awarded to KJCA member to help them grow their herd. The association plans for the producer-led heifer auction to become an annual event.

METCALFE COUNTY NEWS

submitted by Moe Hensley

The Metcalfe County Cattlemen met on June 25 at the Metcalfe County Extension office. A nice crowd was on hand and the ribeye meal was prepared by the “Cooking Crew”. Farm Credit was the sponsor for the night. Sarah Adams, Heather Winchester and Anthony Myatt with Farm Credit discussed their products and answered any questions anyone had. Myatt also discussed money markets, retirement and how to set up your estate.

Charles Thomas (C.T.) Branstetter, son of Amy Branstetter, was the recipient of the 2024 Metcalfe County Cattlemen Association Scholarship. C.T. will be receiving his associates degree in science from Southern Kentucky Community and Technical College. His plans are to continue his ag construction management degree. He will finish

his bachelor's of science degree at Western Kentucky University. C.T. is employed as an intern with Alliance Corporation for the next three years and will become a project manager. He has been blessed to have graduated with over 40 hours of college credit.

C.T. sells USDA-labeled beef and pork by the pound under Branstetter’s B Dandy Meats. He is also in the process of getting an LLC for his business.

C.T. would like to personally thank the Metcalfe County Cattlemen’s Association for the information and knowledge they have provided him over the past six years. He goes on to say that this has helped him provide a Kentucky Proud, locally grown beef and pork product for many households in the area.

WEBSTER COUNTY NEWS

submitted by David Tapp

Webster County Kentucky Junior Cattlemen’s Association member, Tyler Blanford, was awarded the 2024 Webster County Cattlemen's Association Scholarship by WCCA Secretary, Mary Steely. Tyler is a May graduate of Webster County High School. In addition to the Cattlemen's Association, Tyler has been very involved with Webster County 4-H and Skills USA. He served as Skills USA Chapter vice

president, a team leader for the 2022-2023 Kentucky 4-H National Life Smarts Team, a teen counselor at 4-H camp, and as a member of the 2021 Kentucky 4-H State Land Judging Team. Tyler is a proud member of Slaughters Baptist Church, and he will be attending Madisonville Community College and completing an associate’s degree in applied science welding technology program.

All of us here at the Metcalfe County Cattlemen Association wish C.T. success in his future endeavors. Always remember − Life is simpler when you plow around the stump.

CHRISTIAN COUNTY NEWS

submitted by Caleb Johnson

In June, the Christian County Cattlemen’s Association cooked for one of our great partners, the Western Kentucky State Fair Board’s biannual meeting, in preparation for ‘24 Western Kentucky State Fair. This partnership has grown over the years and is vital to the success of our Lonestar Cattleman’s Scholarship Rodeo. Also, we would like to thank the St. Elmo Homemakers Club and Hopkinsville Junior Auxiliary for their continued help and support operating our Cattleman’s Kitchen during the rodeo. We try to provide the best rodeo experience for our fans and organizations like this are crucial in doing so. Our elite sponsors include, Higgins Insurance, Ag Spray Equipment, Legacy Metals, Hopkinsville Elevator Co., Hampton Premium Meats, Farm Credit Services, H&R AgriPower, Planters Bank Inc., Buy Rite Parts & Supply, Bolinger Real Estate & Auction, Todd County Animal Clinic, Nutrien Ag Solutions and Silverline Trailers. Year in and year out, these elite sponsors provide above and beyond to ensure the success of the Lonestar Cattleman’s Scholarship Rodeo.

We are very excited to be celebrating our 25th annual rodeo. This year, it will be on Friday, Aug. 16 and Saturday, Aug. 17. We would like to extend an invitation to any and all chapters and cattlemen’s members across the state. This is truly a firstclass rodeo/event, and you will not be disappointed.

FRANKLIN COUNTY NEWS

submitted by Jake Harrod

On July 11th, the Franklin County Cattlemen’s and Junior Cattlemen came together to cook and serve food for all of the attendees of the Franklin County Farm City Field Day. While the adult cattlemen were grilling steaks and burgers for the crow, the 24 junior members helped to serve hundreds of people who attended the field day, go on a tour and listen to great speakers, and even hear from Commissioner of Agriculture Jonathan Shell.

NCBA CONCLUDES SUCCESSFUL SUMMER BUSINESS MEETING

SAN DIEGO (July 10, 2024) –Today, grassroots members of the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA) concluded a successful Summer Business Meeting in San Diego, California. Cattle producers discussed top issues facing the cattle industry including risk management, taxes and business regulation.

“Our grassroots members are the backbone of NCBA, and I am extremely proud of how they made their voices heard through our centuries old grassroots policy process,” said NCBA President and Wyoming rancher Mark Eisele.

“The policies passed at the Summer Business Meeting will direct our association’s advocacy efforts in Washington to strengthen our industry’s profitability, reduce crippling government regulation and safeguard our way of life for the future. Thank you to everyone who attended this meeting and spoke up on the issues facing our industry.”

The new policies passed by NCBA members direct the association to improve disaster relief and risk management programs, advocate for reduced capital gains tax, and oppose burdensome business registration and reporting requirements like the Corporate Transparency Act. Several existing policies were also renewed or amended.

NCBA members also discussed the implementation of USDA’s new animal disease traceability rule that will take effect in November.

“The USDA rule moves the cattle business forward allowing more efficient and accurate means of tracing animal movement in the event of a disease outbreak, which is crucial as diseases like foot-andmouth disease continue to spread around the globe,” said Eisele. “USDA has made the decision to

switch from visually readable to both visually and electronically readable tags for certain classes of cattle moving interstate. NCBA has already secured funding to help defray the cost of making this change and we will continue pushing for additional funding and privacy for producer data. NCBA policy also supports the work of U.S. CattleTrace, which is an extremely important partner in the efforts to increase the adoption of EID tags and overall herd traceability. CattleTrace is an excellent resource for producers seeking to implement a traceability program for their herd.”

USDA’s traceability rule updates a previous 2013 rule that requires intact cattle 18 months of age or older, rodeo and exhibition cattle and dairy cattle moving interstate to have a visually readable ear tag. The new traceability rule simply switches the type of tag from visually readable to both electronically and visually readable. This new rule will take effect on Nov. 5.

The Summer Business Meeting is one of two annual meetings to set policy for NCBA. Learn more about the NCBA grassroots policy process at ncba.org.

CATTLE PRODUCERS

CELEBRATE SUPREME COURT DECISION TO REIN IN ADMINISTRATIVE OVERREACH

WASHINGTON (June 28, 2024) – Today, the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA) welcomed the Supreme Court’s decision in the case Loper Bright Enterprises v. Raimondo—a decision that reins in the legal concept of Chevron deference and reduces overreaching regulations from federal agencies that lack congressional authority. “Our elected officials in Congress should be making our laws, not unelected bureaucrats at federal

agencies,” said NCBA President Mark Eisele, a Wyoming cattle rancher. “Cattle producers have experienced numerous instances of federal agencies enacting overreaching regulations on our farms and ranches, exceeding their authority granted by Congress. I am glad the Supreme Court is reining in these federal agencies and putting power back in the hands of those elected to represent us in Washington.”

While the case of Loper Bright Enterprises v. Raimondo does not directly involve cattle production, the case challenged a legal concept known as Chevron deference, which gives federal agencies the authority to interpret statues they consider vague. Chevron deference takes its name from the Supreme Court case Chevron U.S.A., Inc. v. Natural Resources Defense Council, where the court decided that as long as Congress has not directly spoken on an issue and legal statutes are open to interpretation, courts should defer to federal agencies. Federal agencies have frequently used Chevron deference to implement a number of regulations without specific legislation being passed by Congress.

“In the last four decades, Congress has ceded authority to unelected federal bureaucrats who make the regulations that impact farmers and ranchers every day,” said NCBA Chief Counsel Mary-Thomas Hart. “Long-term, this decision will impact almost every regulation that NCBA has worked on. The decision puts Congress back in the driver’s seat for crafting policy, reins in the administrative state and strengthens accountability by ensuring that the people we elect are the ones crafting our nation’s laws.”

NCBA previously joined other national agricultural and business organizations in submitting an amicus brief to the Supreme Court arguing for the overruling of Chevron deference.

The 10th Annual Foundation Sale

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Paul, Tolbert Attend Young Cattlemen’s Conference

Kentucky cattle producers Spencer Paul of Paris and Alex Tolbert of Harrodsburg were among the 67 leaders from across the nation that participated in the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association’s Young Cattlemen's Conference. The conference equips leaders with the tools they need to be leaders in their state associations and advocates for NCBA and the beef industry.

Paul represented the Kentucky Cattlemen’s Association. He is a livestock dealer with Cattle Marketing Group of Lexington by day and works alongside his parents and brother in their family cow-calf and stocker operation. Paul’s focus in the operation is risk management, procurement, marketing and data analysis of feeder and fed cattle. They are also involved in the Blue Grass Stockyards. He attended Texas A&M University and spent the greater part of a decade in Texas, Kansas and Nebraska studying and working in commercial feedyards in both production and risk management/procurement. He was active in Kansas Livestock Association and Nebraska Cattlemen. He is a Kentucky Cattlemen’s Association member. Tolbert represented the American Angus Association. Raised in rural northeast Georgia on a small cattle and poultry operation, he served as a state FFA officer and later as the chairman of the National Junior Angus Association. Livestock judging took him to Northeastern Oklahoma Junior College, then Oklahoma State University where he graduated with an animal science degree. After college, Alex joined the U.S. Department of Agriculture Livestock and Grain Market News Service, collecting and disseminating market information from livestock markets, which took him to South Dakota, Iowa and Oklahoma before taking the

leadership role in Kentucky and eventually Tennessee. Since 2014, Tolbert has served the American Angus Association as a regional manager working with Angus producers in Kentucky, Ohio and Tennessee. Alex and his wife, Hannah, have been married since 2017 and have two boys Elijah (4) and Judah (2). With a lifelong friend, they own about 100 Angus cows and market bulls through Cowboy Logic the second Saturday in December.

The conference began in Denver, with an overview of the policy and Checkoff operations of NCBA, and a Friday night steak fry with staff and participants. On Saturday, the group spent the morning with leadership and personality Insights program training and, in the afternoon, visited Five Rivers Cattle Feeding for lunch and a trip through the Kuner Feedlot.

Following the feedlot tour, the group was hosted by Trent Johnson,

owner of Greeley Hat Works, for a dinner reception, and the class had the opportunity to spend time with Wyoming governor, Mark Gordon and NCBA President Mark Eisele.

On Sunday, YCC members headed to Washington, D.C. Monday’s stops included Tyson Foods’ processing plant and empirical plant in Dakota Dunes, South Dakota. Both Tyson and empirical are on the front lines of adding value to beef products. Representatives of both companies provided an inside look at their operations and both spoke extensively about the labor and market challenges they face, along with providing a look at ways they are innovating the harvest and fabrication process.

empirical further processes beef products from Tyson, as well as beef from other packing companies, to remove lean beef from trimmed fat to make ground beef in a highly innovative process that furthers the sustainability of the beef industry. They also make a number of valueadded beef products from lower quality carcasses, adding tallow or brine recipes to improve the taste, flavor and tenderness of lean cuts that might otherwise be ground or used in ways that would be less valuable for the supply chain.

On Tuesday, the group visited Certified Angus Beef in Akron, Ohio. The group was provided with a retail sector overview by CAB staff at the hotel before departing on a retail tour with two stops at CAB partner grocery stores. YCC participants saw two very different approaches to retail sales and got an inside look at some very nice stores before joining CAB staff at their office in Wooster, Ohio.

Thursday, the group had some outstanding meetings with Hill staff and many House and Senate members.

(doramectin and levamisole injection)

(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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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:

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.

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:

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

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 Prescribing Information attached.

Committee Formed to Oversee Construction of Kentucky Livestock Innovation Center

Nikki Whitaker Kentucky Cattlemen's Association

LEXINGTON, KY — The Kentucky Cattlemen’s Foundation recently announced a committee to oversee construction of the Kentucky Livestock Innovation Center at the UK C. Oran Little Research Farm in Woodford County. The committee will support and serve as the guiding team over the development and implementation of the Kentucky Livestock Innovation Center construction process while also representing the mission and purpose of the foundation.

In April, the General Assembly awarded the foundation $22 million over two years for the construction of the center. This appropriation was passed in House Bill 1, which funded several one-time infrastructure projects from the state's budget reserve trust fund across the state.

The oversight committee will work closely with external stakeholders, such as the Kentucky Livestock Coalition, Kentucky Department of Agriculture, Kentucky Association of Meat Processors and Kentucky Farm Bureau to ensure the center’s structure will benefit and be a resource for the livestock industry across the commonwealth.

the University of Kentucky’s design review committee, and other internal stakeholders, to determine the day-to-day programing operations run smoothly in the new building.

Further, the oversight committee will meet regularly with

Dr. David Williams Danville

Jeff Pettit Sebree

Don Pemberton Hopkinsville

Randy Warner Sharpsburg

The committee, chaired by Dr. David Williams from Danville, is composed of members of both the foundation and association officer teams, and gained approval by both the KCA executive committee and the foundation board of trustees. This combination best suited the fiduciary responsibility of both parties through the appropriated funds awarded to the foundation.

“The committee was carefully created to maintain responsibility for the final design of the property and building, selection of contractors and execution of construction through completion,” said Dr. Williams. “We are excited to provide ongoing communication to members and the agriculture community regarding the work in progress until the project is completed.”

The oversight committee had their first meeting in June and will meet continuously throughout the construction process.

Cary King Harrodsburg

James Coffey Hustonville

Ken Adams Upton

Johne’s Disease and Detection in Beef CattleFrequently Asked Questions

Michelle Arnold DVM (Ruminant Extension Veterinarian, UKVDL)

What is Johne’s Disease?

Johne’s (pronounced Yo-knees)

Disease is a slow, debilitating disease of adult cattle characterized by profuse, watery diarrhea and progressive weight loss or “wasting” (Figure 1), despite remaining bright and alert with a good appetite. It is caused by the bacterium Mycobacterium avium subsp. paratuberculosis, commonly referred to as the “MAP” bacteria. This disease begins when calves (not adult cattle) are infected by eating or drinking manure containing the MAP bacteria. This most often happens around the time of birth, although infection can occur up to 6 months of age but very rarely after. Once MAP enters a calf, the organism takes up residence within the cells lining the ileum (the last portion of the small intestine) where it multiplies, causing the intestinal lining to slowly thicken. Over time, the thickened intestine loses the ability to absorb nutrients, resulting in watery diarrhea. There is no blood or mucus in the feces and no straining to defecate. Affected cattle typically begin to display clinical signs of diarrhea and progressive weight loss at 2-5 years of age or older. There is no treatment available for this condition, and the animals that develop chronic diarrhea eventually die due to starvation and dehydration. The MAP organism is “shed” in the feces into the environment before the diarrhea starts and continues until the animal’s death. MAP bacteria are very hardy due to a protective cell wall that allows survival for long periods, sometimes years, in the environment where it can infect young calves.

How do calves get infected with MAP bacteria?

Johne’s disease begins most often when calves ingest MAPcontaminated feces from nursing dirty teats. In beef cattle, dirty teats

are common when mud and manure are splashed on the udder in high traffic areas (for example, around hay rings and feeding areas), when calving cows in dirty sheds or barns, or when cattle are overcrowded or kept indoors in close confinement. MAP may also be transferred to calves in colostrum and milk from infected cattle, and from drinking manurecontaminated water, especially in shallow ponds. There can be some spread from an infected cow to her fetus during pregnancy, but this is not common. Transmission by bulls from semen has not been proven but infected bulls still contaminate the environment with their MAP-infected feces.

How did Johne’s Disease get on my farm?

In almost all cases, the MAP bacteria arrived when an infected animal that looked perfectly normal was purchased and added to the herd. The bacteria can be hiding in

replacement heifers, cows, breeding bulls, recipients used for embryo transfer, or even in an infected calf grafted on a cow. Since symptoms typically develop in mature cattle, it is easy to buy and sell infected, young, breeding age animals with no obvious symptoms yet they are already incubating the disease. Unfortunately, testing cattle for Johne’s prior to purchase is not the easy answer. Because the disease progresses so slowly, the tests will generally not detect the disease in animals under 2 years of age and may not show a positive result until the animal is much older. In other words, a negative test result does not mean the animal is not infected; it may mean the disease is not yet detectable in the infected animal. As the infected animal matures, this “subclinical” animal (subclinical=before diarrhea and weight loss develop) can and often does shed millions of microscopic MAP bacteria in feces, contaminating the farm long before

Figure 1: Recently calved cow with classic signs of Johne’s disease; dull hair coat, profuse watery diarrhea and weight loss. Photo from “Management and Control of Johne’s Disease in Beef Sucker Herds” by Drs.Isabelle Truyers and Amy Jennings. In Practice July/August 2016/ Volume 38, page 348.

there is evidence of a problem. Colostrum sourced from other herds, especially from dairies, is another potential avenue for MAP entry to a farm.

Diagnosing a clinical case: Does this animal exhibiting weight loss and diarrhea have Johne’s disease?

Options for testing individual sick cattle:

• Best test: If Johne’s disease has never been diagnosed on the farm previously, it is best to begin with submission of a suspected case to a veterinary diagnostic laboratory. The affected animal should be humanely euthanized by a veterinarian then promptly taken to the lab for a necropsy (similar to a human autopsy). Examination of the tissues at the cellular level (histopathology) using special stains can confirm the presence of the MAP organism.

• Best test in a live animal: PCR on a manure (fecal) sample can be used as a primary diagnostic test to confirm the clinical signs of diarrhea and wasting suggestive of Johne’s disease. PCR is an “organism detection test” meaning it detects the genetic material of the MAP bacteria present in the feces. The PCR result is also a good indicator of the amount of MAP being shed in the feces. Before PCR testing was developed, a fecal culture in which MAP bacteria was grown in the lab was required for diagnosis but it was quite slow. Johne’s liquid culture had to be incubated 42 days while solid media culture was incubated 13 weeks before results were known.

• The blood test (known as a “Serum ELISA”) is an “antibody detection test”. It is not the preferred test for confirmation of an individual clinical case and is much better utilized as a herd screening test. The test is not perfect; healthy, uninfected animals can test positive (a “false

positive”) so cattle with positive blood test results should be confirmed truly positive with a fecal PCR.

Why should I care if I have Johne’s Disease in my herd?

Economically, Johne’s disease can be costly in a beef operation. It is believed that for every clinical (sick) cow with Johne’s in a herd, there may be 1020 more who are infected but not yet showing signs. This is why Johne’s is often called an “iceberg disease”; since it takes years to develop the symptoms of diarrhea and weight loss, just the tip of the problem is visible, but most of the problem is invisible because infected cattle look healthy but are spreading the MAP bacteria all over the farm. Obviously, death loss and premature culling will mean higher replacement costs to keep herd numbers stable. Perhaps less obvious is that MAP-infected cows showing no signs of disease are less fertile and produce less milk, resulting in lighter calves at weaning and more open cows at pregnancy check.

Seed stock operators (including farms that sell any breeding stock, registered or commercial) should enter a rigorous testing program to eradicate this disease once identified. Many are reluctant to test for Johne’s Disease for fear that a positive diagnosis will ruin their reputation. However, a seed stock herd’s reputation may be damaged much more severely by selling a MAP-infected animal to a customer and introducing an incurable disease into a buyer’s herd. Not only a tarnished reputation but litigation could potentially result from transactions when the source herd is known to be MAP-infected.

After diagnosis, what are the next steps?

Once a diagnosis is made, the first step is to determine the goals for the operation. If selling seed stock, the goal should be to classify the herd as test-negative or work toward it as quickly as possible. Commercial operations may opt to reduce the disease prevalence gradually through testing and management changes. After the goal is established, decisions on which animals to test and what test to use often come down to how much money the herd owners are

willing to spend on testing and how fast they want to see progress. A recent study of test strategies for control of Johne’s in cow/calf herds found the best method for reducing prevalence but with the lowest total testing costs was collecting individual fecal samples from all cattle over 2 years of age in the herd and submitting them to a veterinary diagnostic lab for either 1) individual fecal PCR testing every other year or 2) pooled PCR testing every year. Remember that herd testing is done on healthy animals so decisions should be made in advance on how positive results will be handled. If no changes will be instituted, then testing is a waste of time and money.

Where can I learn more about Johne’s Disease?

The Johne’s Information Center at the University of Wisconsin maintains an excellent website with good producerlevel information at https://johnes. org. An easy-to-understand video about Johne’s can be found at https://www. youtube.com/watch?v=u0Y0ew5yMo8, although it is dairy-oriented.

Murray State Students Get Firsthand Experience In Beef Research

Katie Pratt Kentucky Cattlemen's Association

At Murray State University, students are participating in beef research in many different ways.

Research projects are required for graduate students, who choose to complete a thesis project and undergraduate students in the Honors College. While animal sciences may not necessarily be these students’ major, some choose to complete a research project in this area. Students majoring in animal sciences must complete either a research project, internship or study abroad to graduate from the program.

Thomas Powell, Murray State meat and food scientist, helps coordinate research projects for students interested in studying animal sciences topics. Recently, Murray State students have completed several beef-focused projects. Much of their research has been done on the university’s teaching herd 40 head of Angus cross cattle.

“These projects accomplish several different things,” Powell said. “They help students gain expertise in their field of study, learn the scientific method and processes, and understand what can go wrong, how to write a paper, and learn how to evaluate other research projects.”

In a recent project, Savannah Austin, a graduate student studied whether a CBD gel product marketed for horses could be used to reduce weaning and transportation stress in young calves. The gel was applied orally. The student flew drones around the calves to document any physical change in the animals’ behavior after receiving the CBD gel. They also took blood samples to determine the levels of stress hormones in the blood to determine whether

the CBD reduced them. The student found that there were some significant differences in some of the stress hormones in cattle that had the CBD gel.

In a current project, MSU has partnered with a pharmaceutical company to study the effectiveness of a new dewormer and compare it to products already on the market. Isabella Corners, a senior animal sciences major, is currently collecting data for the study. That phase will end at the end of August and then the student will begin analyzing the results.

Students are also studying alternative protein products. A study conducted by a student this spring evaluated the taste of regular chicken nuggets compared alternative protein product in the university’s food sensory lab.

“Study participants said they could not tell much of a difference in taste. We think that may be attributed to the nuggets’ breading,” Powell said. “But participants reported a big difference in texture between the two products. The alternative meat had nowhere near the same texture as the regular meat."

Powell said he hopes to survey more people for this poultry study and use MSU’s new sensory lab in additional studies to compare alternative beef products to the real ones.

As they complete their projects, most students present their research on campus. Murray State also has a studentran journal where many of the research projects get published. A few of the students’ studies get published in peer-reviewed journals.

photos courtesy of Thomas Powell

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May Beef Export Value Highest in 11 Months; Pork Exports Below Year-Ago

The value of U.S. beef exports topped $900 million in May, the highest since June 2023, according to data released by U.S. Department of Agriculture and compiled by U.S. Meat Export Federation. Pork exports posted another solid performance in May, but were below last year in both volume and value.

Japan, Mexico, Taiwan help push May beef export value over $900 million

May beef exports totaled 110,133 metric tons (mt), down 5% from a year ago but the second largest of 2024. Beef export value reached $902.4 million in May, 3% above last year and the highest in 11 months. Exports trended higher year-over-year to Japan, Mexico, the ASEAN Region, the Middle East, the Caribbean and Central America – which included a record month for Guatemala. May export value was also higher for Taiwan. For January through May, beef exports followed a similar trend, increasing 5% yearover-year in value to $4.29 billion, despite a 4% decline in volume (533,578 mt).

“It has been encouraging to see demand stabilize in Japan, where U.S. beef certainly faces significant headwinds,” said USMEF President and CEO Dan Halstrom. “The tourism boom has provided a much-needed lift for Japan’s foodservice sector, and it is a source of optimism for buyers and importers. Taiwan and the ASEAN region were also bright spots for U.S. beef in May, along with Western Hemisphere markets such as Mexico, Guatemala and the Caribbean.”

May pork exports below last year, but still show broad-based strength

May pork exports totaled 251,447 mt, down 4% from a year ago, valued at $715.8 million (down 2%). Shipments to leading market Mexico were below last year’s large volume but still trended higher in value. Exports increased year-over-year to South Korea, the ASEAN region, Central America and Colombia and held steady to Japan. Through the first five months of the year, pork exports were up 6% to 1.29 million mt, while export value was 7% above last year’s record pace at $3.6 billion.

“Pork shipments to Mexico trended a bit lower in May,

but that’s following a record April performance,” Halstrom said. “And even at that, export value to Mexico still topped $200 million. U.S. pork also posted another great month in Korea and exports to the ASEAN region were the largest in three years. Demand also continued to strengthen in Central America and the Caribbean.”

May lamb exports trend higher

May exports of U.S. lamb totaled 251 mt, up 78% from the low year-ago volume, while export value was up 66% to $1.3 million. For January through May, lamb exports increased 11% from a year ago to 1,294 mt, while value climbed 25% to $7.2 million. Export growth was driven primarily by the Caribbean, Mexico and Canada, but shipments also increased to the Philippines and Taiwan.

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

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Adaptive Grazing Management… The Power of One Wire

Chris Teutsch UK Research and Education Center, Princeton

Adaptive Grazing Management is a new name for a well-managed rotational grazing system. Graziers are notorious for dreaming up new terms for same old thing. We have intensive grazing, management intensive grazing, rotational stocking, controlled grazing, mob grazing, and adaptive grazing management. In all these methods, you are making the management decisions, not the animal.

Benefits of Managed Grazing

Improved pasture growth. Scientific literature shows that rotationally stocked systems are on average 30% more productive than continuously stocked systems. This is a result letting pastures rest between grazing events and controlling how closely plants are grazed. Leaving some residual leaf area allows the plant to capture sunlight through photosynthesis. Pastures that are rested and not grazed too closely simply regrow faster.

Improved nutrient distribution. In large continuously grazed pastures, animals tend to concentrate nutrients near shade and water. As we subdivide larger pastures into smaller ones, we will improve nutrient distribution. Animals are encouraged to defecate and urinate in the same areas that are being grazed. The smaller the paddocks, the more uniform nutrient distribution is.

Improved drought tolerance. One of the first things that producers notice when switching from a continuous to rotational grazing system is that their pastures grow longer into a drought and recover faster once it is over. This is directly related to the health and size of the plant’s root system. Continuously stocked pastures tend to have smaller root systems that explore a smaller soil volume for water.

PRODUCT PROS CONS

Polywire

Polybraid

Polytape

Least expensive

More per reel

More options in conductivity

Better visibility

Higher breaking strength

Better durability

Highest visibility

More options in conductivity

Fewer weeds in pastures. Maintaining a healthy stand of desirable forage is the best way to prevent weeds. In a continuously stocked system, we tend to graze pastures closely and frequently, causing the sod to weaken and open up, leaving a space for weeds to flourish.

Improved forage utilization. As paddock size is decreased in shorter grazing periods, the amount of forage that is actually making it into the rumen of the animal increases because less forage is trampled and soiled. For example, the utilization rate for continuously grazed system is around 35% versus 65-70% for a 1-2 day move.

Less selective grazing. As paddock size is reduced, selective grazing decreases. I had a friend in Virginia that grew up in a large family, 11 kids. He said at dinner, by the time you said “I don’t like that,” it didn’t really matter because everything was gone!” It is similar in a pasture situation; a higher stock density (not stocking rate) reduces selectivity.

Better animal handling. One of the benefits of rotational stocking that we fail to talk about is the positive impact that it has on animal handling. In a continuously stocked system, we often have limited contact with our livestock, and the only time they see

Lower visibility

Less durable than polybraid

More expensive

Less per reel

Less options in conductivity

More expensive

Less per reel

Catches wind and ice

us is when something bad happens. In a rotationally stocked system, we have much more frequent contact with our animals. And when we have this contact something good happens, they get fresh grass.

Ability to observe livestock. Livestock can be observed as they move from one subdivision to another. This allows you to monitor body condition and general animal health.

The Power of One Wire

My good friend in North Carolina, Johnny Rogers, talks a lot about the power of one wire. The innovation of temporary electric fencing makes adaptive grazing management, small paddocks and more frequent moves, possible. Using polywire and temporary fence posts allows for larger pastures to be quickly and efficiently subdivided at minimal cost. This allows you to adapt to changing weather conditions, exclude certain areas of pasture, make alleys back to water, facilitate cattle movement, and most importantly make larger or small pasture allocations as available forage changes.

Tips for Temporary Fencing

Use high quality materials. Everyone likes to save money, but temporary fencing materials is NOT the place to do it. Since most

Table 1. Comparison of polywire, polybraid, and polytape.

temporary fence products contain plastic and they will be exposed to the sun, it is important to only use products with high levels of UV stabilization. Poor quality plastics become brittle in a year or two and that “good deal” becomes not such a “good deal”.

Choose a temporary fence post that meets your needs. There are many kinds of temporary fence posts available. Some are better than others. Things to consider when buying temporary posts include, UV stabilization, ease of getting polywire into and out of the attachment points, the number of attachment points, and size of the foot for stepping the post in.

I prefer open lugs that securely hold the wire in place but are easy to get the wire out of when taking the fence down (Figure 1). Open lugs also allow you to work a hot fence. My favorite post for cattle is the ringtop post. It is like the pigtail post, but end

that holds the wire is a high-density poly coated fiberglass material that contains no metal to short out. If you are grazing small ruminants, then selecting posts with multiple points of attachment is an important consideration. Lastly, there is nothing that I hate worse than a small foot on a step-in post. Make sure the post that you choose has a step that you can get your foot on!

Selecting a good quality reel. A good quality reel will make your temporary fencing experience a lot more pleasurable. As mentioned before, make sure all plastic components are UV stabilized to ensure longevity. I prefer geared reels which means that for every turn of the handle, the spool turns three times making reeling up a stretch of polywire much quicker. I also like to have a wire guide on the reel to help keep wire from going off the side of the spool and getting wrapped up around the hub (Figure

2). Avoid “economy” reels regardless of manufacturer.

Choose a high-quality polywire, polybraid or polytape. Any of these options can work for temporary fencing (Table 1). These materials are constructed from filaments of wire (conductors) that are woven, twisted or braided with poly filaments. Poly products with more conductors are desirable since they carry electricity better. If you are running poly products over longer distances (>1000 ft.) or using multiple reels of polywire, then using a high-conductivity product that contains mixed metals (stainless steel and tinned-copper conductors) is recommended. These products have 40 times less resistance to electrical flow. Always use poly products that are white in color since they are most visible to livestock (Figure 3). Lastly, make sure that the poly product chosen has adequate UV stabilization.

CONTINUED ON PAGE 30

Figure 1. Different attachment designs on posts include pigtail (a), open lug (b), clip (c), and ringtop (d). Clips tend to slow taking fences down and often require two hands to remove the wire. Open lug, pigtail, and ringtop designs allow for easy wire placement and removal and give you the ability to work a “hot” fence.

Figure 2. There are a number of reel designs available including geared reels with a wire guide (a), economy reels (b), and “homemade” reels (c). Selecting a good quality geared reel will make your daily chores much easier. Avoid “economy” reels and “homemade” reels. Hand model in these pictures is Taylor Wynn of Caldwell County.

Power with an adequate sized energizer. A small solar powered energizer can be used for shorter distances of single strand polywire. As the distance increases, many solar chargers do not have adequate power. In these cases, a plug-in energizer with 6 or more joules of stored energy may be a better option. An electrical offset can be installed on the perimeter fence to carry power around the pasture. Polywire can then be energized from this offset. More information on electrical offsets can be found in ID-269, Using Electric Offsets as Part of Fencing Systems.

Ground fence properly. Current from the fence must travel through the animal, into the ground and back to the energizer. The grounding system on the energizer works as an “antenna” to collect this current and complete the circuit. When using a solar energizer for short distances of polywire, a single temporary ground rod is usually sufficient. For installation of permanent energizers, grounding systems should have a minimum of three galvanized grounding rods, 10 ft. apart, 6 ft. in the ground, all connected with a single galvanized wire running from the energizer. More information on installing and testing ground systems can be found in ID-276, Proper Grounding as Part of an Electric Fencing System.

Use fault finder to monitor voltage and find shorts. Maintain a voltage of about 5,000 volts at all times. Shorts in electric fences can cause reduced voltage and can often be difficult to find. A fault finder shows the direction and severity of the of the short. Purchasing a high-quality fault finder is money well spent!

Train livestock to temporary electric fencing. Since electric fencing is a psychological barrier rather than a physical barrier, livestock must be trained to respect it. Choose a well-fenced holding paddock and install an offset wire about 30 inches above the ground. Make sure the energizer and grounding system are optimized to deliver a safe but memorable shock. Once animals are trained to the offset,

FEATURED UPCOMING EVENT

Kentucky Intermediate Grazing School • Versailles, Sept. 25-26 • More information at forages. ca.uky.edu/Events.

Heart of America Grazing Conference…Regenerative Grazing • Hardin County Extension Office • Oct. 15-Pasture Ecology Workshop at Glenmar Farms, Cecilia • Oct. 16-Main Conference, Elizabethtown • Oct. 17-Regenerative Pasture Walk at Big Spring Farm, Adolphus • More information at forages.ca.uky.edu/events.

WHO IS RESPONSIBLE FOR REMITTING THE CHECKOFF ASSESSMENT?

BUYER

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

SELLER

50¢

QUALIFIED STATE BEEF COUNCIL

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

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.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) prohibits discrimination in all its programs and activities on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, disability, and where applicable, sex, marital status, familial status, parental status, religion, sexual orientation, genetic information, political beliefs, reprisal, or because all or part of an individual’s income is derived from any public assistance program. (Not all prohibited bases apply to all programs.) Persons with disabilities who require alternative means for communication of program information (Braille, large print, audiotape, etc.) should contact USDA’s TARGET Center at (202) 720-2600 (voice and

UK Field Studies Focus On Cattle Nutrition And Producer Education

Two new field studies led by University of Kentucky animal scientists seek to better quantify the nutritional content of common feedstuffs consumed by Kentucky cattle.

“These studies are an opportunity to take a closer look at what we are feeding our cattle, so we can better define our nutrition recommendations to farmers,” said Katie VanValin, UK extension beef specialist.

VanValin and Jeff Lehmkuhler, fellow UK extension beef specialist, are working on a project to determine toxicity levels of endophyte-infected Kentucky 31 tall fescue currently in pastures. Tall fescue is one of the state’s most common grasses, but it can also be infected with an endophyte that negatively impacts livestock. In cattle, those negative impacts include reduce weight gain and decreased milk production. The specialists have partnered 10 farms located across the state for the project.

“Some farms and herds appear to deal with more severe cases of fescue toxicosis, while other farms may see relatively minor impacts from the forage,” said VanValin. “In this study, we will determine how much endophyte-infected tall fescue is present in Kentucky pastures relative to other forage species and estimate how much toxic fescue is being consumed by beef cattle in Kentucky.”

VanValin said they began pulling tall fescue samples on two pastures on each participating farm in late spring to determine the amount of the toxic endophyte present in fields. This is the time of the year when toxin levels tend to be their highest. They will also send samples to UK’s Veterinary Diagnostic Lab to determine their levels of the toxin ergovaline.

In a second study, VanValin and

Katie Pratt Kentucky Cattlemen's Association

Specialists use a grid to determine the botanical composition in pastures. The grid is made up of 25 squares each 4” x 4” and is randomly placed throughout the pasture.

Lehmkuhler are evaluating the nutritional quality of common coproducts Kentucky farmers use for livestock feed. Common co-product feedstuffs in Kentucky include corn gluten, distillery by-products and soy hulls.

They are working with local feed mills across the state to get samples of these co-products from their inventories. UK extension agents are also connecting the specialists with local farmers who feed these feedstuffs and can provide samples for the study. Samples will be collected monthly until the end of the year.

“We want to better understand the nutrient quality of these feedstuffs

so we can make better nutrition recommendations to our farmers,” VanValin said. “We also want know whether there are variations in the co-products’ quality depending on its source and whether quality fluctuates over time.”

In both studies, participating producers will receive their results, and the specialists will work with them to adjust their feeding programs as needed. VanValin said results from the tall fescue pasture evaluation study may be available to producers later this year. Results from the other study should be available in 2025. Results from these studies will be shared through extension education programs.

Soy Hulls

Dried Distiller's Grains

Dried Distiller's Grains and Soy Hulls

photos by Katie VanValin

Hampton Premium Meats was founded in 1975.

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Kentucky Cattlemen’s Foundation Names Leadership Development Program Class X

Rachel Cain Kentucky Cattlemen's Association

Jewett Borden III Bullitt County

Kendra Childress Grayson County

Savanna Hill Nelson County

Chelsea Smither Franklin County

Anna Goode Christian County

Crystal Harrod Franklin County

Joanna Porter Warren County

Stephen Humphries Trigg County

Brandon Kelly Washington County

Rob Stevenson Pulaski County

Brad Reynolds Madison County

Trevor Radcliff Shelby County

Stacey Burkhardt Trimble County

Josh Morris Barren County

Zach Bennett Shelby County

Miranda Jo Goff Nelson County

Tanya Wilson Shelby County

Arch Sebastian Breathitt County

Keith Patrick Johnson County

Kenny Allen Beef Solutions

Amelia Carter Kentucky Beef Council

The Kentucky Cattlemen’s Foundation is pleased to announce the Class X participants of the Leadership Development Program. Initiated in 1992, the program has helped leaders in the beef industry become more aware of all segments of the industry, make informed decisions on agricultural policy and public issues, and represent the beef industry to the public by becoming active at the local, state and national levels. Nine classes have completed the Leadership Development Program with over 200 alumni across Kentucky. The two-year program will consist of four in-state and two out-of-state sessions.

Increasing Efficiency Through Innovation

Katie Pratt Kentucky Cattlemen's Association

With strong family ties to the cattle industry, it was only a matter of time before Owensboro producer John Harralson returned to his family’s farm. After a few years of working in sales, Harralson got his opportunity to farm full time in 2020.

Today, Harralson runs a cow-calf operation where he raises a little more than 60 head of Angus and Wagyu cattle in the western part of Daviess County.

He is known for his innovative efforts that have helped make his operation more efficient and sustainable. He has worked closely with several trusted mentors, including extension agent Clint Hardy as he has made these improvements.

“His lifelong experience working on that property allowed him to hit the ground running with implementing ideas to increase efficiency,” said Hardy, Daviess County agriculture and natural resources extension agent. “One of his immediate changes was the construction of a large lake to provide water access to a field previously distant from available water. At that time, he rearranged division fences, which gave the cattle access to a centrally located waterer beneath the dam.”

Harralson rotationally grazes his cattle on pastures comprised of mainly tall fescue and clover. His pastures are between five and 30 acres and are typically on a four-toseven-week rotation. Harralson has installed much of his permanent fencing himself.

“I don’t want to use a tractor if I don’t have to, which is why rotational grazing works so well for me,” Harralson said. “With rotational grazing, all you have to do is open up a gate and the cattle know to go to the fresh pasture.”

In an area that is often more known for its cornfields rather than cattle

pastures, Harralson has been able to use crop ground to his advantage. He fenced off part of a row crop field to allow his cattle to graze corn stalks and wheat. The other half of the field he harvests for baleage.

“We have so much adjacent crop ground to our pastures out here,” Harralson said. “I see it as another resource I can use to give my pastures a break.”

Harralson hosted a fencing school with the University of Kentucky Cooperative Extension Service so other producers could see how he is maximizing efficiency on his land and using both cropland and pastures for grazing.

“Utilizing cropland for this purpose has provided John with more grazing acres and the ability to get two harvests from his cropland with soybeans planted behind the hay removal,” Hardy said.

Ben Lloyd, Kentucky Beef Network field associate, has worked with Harralson and his family for decades. Harralson comes from a family of Daviess County agriculture innovators. His grandfather Bill Kuegel operated a dairy in the county for 40 years. His uncle Rod Kuegel switched the family operation to beef cattle when he started the Kuegel Cattle Company in 1987.

As with Hardy, Harralson has bounced ideas off of Lloyd and received help with the nuts and bolts of growing his cattle operation as he transitioned to full-time farming. Lloyd said one of the more remarkable things about Harralson’s operation is the way he is able to put and keep weight on his cattle, mainly

through grazing and by cutting hay when it’s at its peak for quality in early to mid-May.

“His cows are always in good shape,” Lloyd said. “Their body condition seems to stay at least 1 to 1.5 points higher than most producers in the area.”

In the cattle business, profit margins are often slim. Harralson tries to maximize his profitability by growing a high-quality end product that consumers desire. He has a late spring calving herd. He uses artificial insemination to breed his cattle to Angus genetics followed by a Wagyu bull for clean-up. This gives his herd a really tight calving window and produces a high-end product. The majority of his cattle are sold to Kuegel Cattle Company, which has a contract with Black Hawk Farms. Black Hawk Farms is an operation based in Princeton that produces and markets American Wagyu beef.

In May 2023, Harralson and his wife, Katie, started selling a small portion of their beef directly to consumers when they opened Burley’s Harvest Market in May 2023 in a former popular produce stand in Owensboro in an effort to diversify his operation and reach new customers.

“It’s been a great opportunity for us to spend more time together as a family,” said Katie Harralson, who previously worked as a social worker and teacher. “We are just having fun really.”

Prior to Burley’s Harvest Market opening, the Kuegels’ opened a USDA-inspected custom processing facility in McLean County, which gave Harralson a local place to have his

cattle processed. He also has cattle processed at other facilities in the region.

“I really have to tip my hat to the Kentucky Office of Agricultural Policy. They have really helped with the development of these small butcher shops, which has made local processing more accessible,” Harralson said. “They also helped me with purchasing a freezer for my store.”

Cattle that he decides to finish receive the earliest cutting of hay, which contains the highest quality, along with 15 pounds of grain to make sure they hit their desired weight.

At Burley’s, the Harralsons’ sell beef by the package along with pork, dairy and produce grown by themselves and other area farmers. Harralson said it has given him the opportunity to interact and provide education to consumers about his beef.

“There are some cuts like eye of the round and skirt steak that can be more difficult to sell, but I’m able to share meal ideas and family recipes with consumers to help move those products,” he said.

While his store has only been in business for a year, his products have gained the attention of local restaurants, thanks in part to Owensboro Burger Week.

“Burger Week took all the extra ground beef that I had, so that’s something to think about for next year,” Harralson said.

As his cattle operation and store front grow, Harralson hopes to continue to find innovative ways to improve efficiency and sustainability.

Should You Pay Your Kids to Work on the Farm?

Kayla Brashears KFBM Area Extension Specialist

Even in the year 2024, farming tends to be a family affair. The late nights and subsequent long hours can mean the most promising way to spend family time is by spending it together in the field or on the ranch. Predictably, the kids of generational farm parents can morph quickly into farm hands – driving grain carts, loading hay, working cattle, and in general proving themselves to be reliable help for the farmer parent. Farm families and family labor are multi-layered. The roles of manager and parent, employee and child begin to overlap, blend and mesh over time. The slow steady drip of everincreasing labor from the kid often means there’s never a set hire date. Then, suddenly, your brand-new teenager has put in a 40-hour week on her summer break, completely unpaid. The farmer parent may make the valid point they allow their child to work “for free” on the farm under the guise of building character or as an exchange for a future allowance like a car or college. While I’m never one to argue with character building, this route is not the best approach from a financial and tax perspective.

If your farm kid is hard at work in the wheat field or hay field this summer break, consider putting them on the payroll. In 2024, the standard deduction is $14,600. This means one could earn up to $14,600 and not owe any federal tax. Further, if a parent pays their child through a sole proprietorship, and the child is also under the age of 18, the child is also exempt from Social Security and Medicare taxes. The child can also be exempt from Social Security and Medicare taxes when working for a partnership as long as both partners

are the child’s parents.

The wage paid to an employee who also happens to be your child is a fully deductible expense to the payer, and if the amount falls under the threshold mentioned above, the child will not be subject to federal tax. In some instances, state and local taxes may apply, but those amounts are often nominal. This scenario is a winwin for the child and for the parents. There are considerations to be made when adding your children to the payroll.

• The wage and the work must be reasonable. One can’t suddenly decide their child is worth $100 per stacked straw bale or $14,000 for a day’s worth of work.

• There’s paperwork. It’s important to treat your child like a proper employee. Keep and maintain payroll records and be sure to file the necessary forms throughout the year and at year-end, including issuing them a W-2.

• Tax allowances are not labor

and safety laws. Ensure you are following all laws in regard to children in agricultural settings.

• Every farming situation is unique. It’s best to speak with your tax preparer, or KFBM specialist, to discuss your specific situation and to ensure you are following the rules.

If you want to further set your children up for success, you may consider helping them invest their wages into a tax-free savings vehicle. A college investment account, or a retirement account for those not college-bound, are great options. The ability to invest those wages while mom and dad are footing the bill for living expenses will really help to secure a person’s future.

Paying your kids to work on the family farm is a great way to instill the value of hard work, perseverance and determination. Done the right way, adding your child to the payroll can be a beneficial situation for all parties involved.

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Farm Supply Flemingsburg, KY

Equipment Co Murray, KY

& Sons & Service Bowling Green, KY Siler Implement Corbin, KY

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Meade Tractor Georgetown, KY Richmond, KY

MT. Sterling, KY Paris, KY, Harlan, KY London, KY, Somerset, KY Danville, KY

Kentucky Well Represented at Summer Business Meeting

Nikki Whitaker Kentucky Cattlemen's Association

KCA staff and leadership attended the Cattle Industry Summer Business Meeting July 8-10 in San Diego, California. The event, which brings together state cattlemen’s affiliates, the National Cattlemen's Beef Association and the Cattlemen's Beef Promotion and Research Board is aimed at discussing critical issues, developing initiatives and establishing direction for improving the beef cattle industry.

The week also included Checkoff committee meetings (CBB and Federation) to focus on producers setting priorities for the next fiscal year and receiving updates on current Checkoff-funded programs.

Attending were KCA President Jeff Pettit, Kentucky Beef Council Chair Ryan Miller and Cary King, who serves on the NCBA Resolutions Committee. Also attending were Andy Bishop and Mitchel Logsdon who serve on the Cattlemen’s Beef Board. Andy Bishop is currently serving as chair of Beef Promotion Operating Committee.

The right time is now. The right way is

Thanks to the partnership between Kentucky Beef Network and University of Kentucky get FREE BQCA CERTIFICATION on line or through your county extension office September 1st through September 30th, 2024.

MEMBERSHIP

"I'm a member because of the advocacy the association does for me."

Isaac Thompson

Taylor

County Cattlemen's

2023-24 MEMBERSHIP APPLICATION

* MEMBERSHIP YEAR 10/1/23– 9/30/24

NAME SPOUSE NAME FARM NAME

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

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

KCA MEMBERSHIP ($30/YR) NEW RENEWAL

Membership dues are $30 unless otherwise listed below

KCA COUPLE MEMBERSHIP

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

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

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

TOTAL MEMBERSHIP:

$ KCA

$ KJCA

TOTAL CONTRIBUTIONS:

$ CATTLEMEN’S FOUNDATION DONATION (voluntary)

TOTAL AMOUNT ENCLOSED:

$ ALL DONATIONS TO KCF ARE TAX DEDUCTIBLE

COUNTY DUES

Dues are $30 except for the counties listed below.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

..........................$35 Laurel.............................$35 Louisville Area ................$20 (Jefferson, & Spencer) Magoffin .........................$20 Menifee ..........................$25

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

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

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

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

Alex Scott Southeast Regional Director of Nutrition

MAKE EVERY BITE COUNT FOR TEENS

Nutrition plays a crucial role throughout life, and it is essential in establishing a strong foundation of healthy habits including a diet high in variety and nutrient dense foods from childhood through adolescence. Consuming a healthy and balanced dietary pattern during this stage of life will provide children and adolescents with the building blocks necessary for rapid growth and development. According to the Dietary Guidelines for Americans, adolescents are at a greater risk for dietary inadequacy than any other age group, falling short on essential nutrients that are necessary to support learning, activity and development.1 This age group is missing the mark on important vitamins and nutrients such as protein, iron, choline and B vitamins.

Did you know that on average, adolescents (10 to 19 years of age) gain about 20% of their final adult height, 50% of their final adult weight, and increase their bone mass up to 40% during this phase of life?2

Set your children up for success by highlighting the importance of eating a balanced diet that includes high-quality protein sources, such as lean beef, whole grains, fruits and non-starchy vegetables. Beef is a powerhouse protein that contributes to healthy childhood growth and development. Just one 3-ounce serving of beef provides 10 essential nutrients and over 50% of the daily recommended value of protein. Including a few servings of beef in the diet each week can help close nutrition gaps for this age range.

Population of High Concern: Adolescent Females

Adolescent females have the lowest dietary intakes of protein, iron, folate, choline, vitamin B6 and B12, and phosphorus.1 This puts this population at high risk for nutritional deficiencies that can affect growth and development as well as the onset of puberty, menarche, and hormonal changes.1 Talk to your teen girls about the importance of meeting protein and other vitamin and nutrient recommendations during this stage of life.

FUELING AN ACTIVE TEEN

Children and adolescents who participate in sports require additional nutrients to support growth and development. A well-planned eating and hydration schedule for young athletes can help enhance performance and recovery without risk of deficiency. Carbohydrates and protein each play an important role in fueling and recovery for activity. Our bodies use carbohydrates as a main source of energy for an activity while proteins are used to repair and replenish muscles after an activity.

Timing matters! Eating a carbohydrate snack before practice or a game can help young athletes sustain energy levels throughout the activity. Pre-activity snack examples include fruit, pretzels, protein bars or energy gels/chews. Immediately after an activity, athletes should pair protein and carbohydrates to help their bodies repair and regenerate muscle and refuel energy stores. Some examples of post-activity snacks include beef jerky with cheese and orange slices, high protein trail mix or a peanut butter sandwich paired with grapes. Meals a few hours before and after activities should include high-quality protein, whole grains, fruits, and non-starchy vegetables to provide adolescents with the nutrients they need to support activity as well as basic growth and development.

References

1. U.S. Department of Agriculture and U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Dietary Guidelines for Americans, 2020-2025. 9th Edition. Available at https://www.dietaryguidelines.gov/.

2. Baxter-Jones, A. D., Faulkner, R. A., Forwood, M. R., Mirwald, R. L., & Bailey, D. A. (2011). Bone mineral accrual from 8 to 30 years of age: an estimation of peak bone mass. Journal of Bone and Mineral Research, 26(8), 1729-1739.

GETTING ADOLESCENTS INVOLVED AT MEALTIME

As children and adolescents age and independence grows, it is still important to foster healthy behaviors and relationships. What better way to do that than to gather around a meal? Frequently eating meals together promotes healthy lifestyle behaviors and supports a healthy eating pattern.1 Studies have even found that regular family meals may be linked to a reduction in this age group’s engagement in certain risk behaviors (i.e., substance use, bullying, poor school performance, developing eating disorders, etc.).2 Research suggests that sharing three or more family mealtimes per week promotes healthy eating behaviors.1 However, getting adolescents to participate during mealtime can be challenging at times.

TIPS TO ENGAGE YOUR TEENS AT MEALTIMES TO HELP THEM DEVELOP HEALTHY EATING BEHAVIORS

Set a consistent schedule. Establishing regular mealtimes will help create a routine. Unable to gather every night for dinner due to a busy schedule? Come together for a healthy post-dinner snack instead!

Encourage your kids to get involved in weekly food tasks. Include them in meal planning, grocery shopping, food preparation and clean-up responsibilities that are in line with your child’s age and ability.

Lead by example. Show enthusiasm for healthy eating habits and demonstrate healthy attitudes towards food yourself.

Create a pleasant atmosphere. Make certain topics off limits at the dinner table like bad grades, chores or homework to make mealtime enjoyable and relaxed without the pressure of conflict.

References

1. Hammons, A. J., & Fiese, B. H. (2011). Is frequency of shared family meals related to the nutritional health of children and adolescents?. Pediatrics, 127(6), e1565-e1574.

2. Skeer, M. R., & Ballard, E. L. (2013). Are family meals as good for youth as we think they are? A review of the literature on family meals as they pertain to adolescent risk prevention. Journal of youth and adolescence, 42, 943-963.

With summer coming to an end and kids heading back to school it can be a chore to figure out what to pack for lunch. Try making these Personal Beef Pizzas topped with your kids’ favorite fruit or veggies, for a lunch or afterschool snack that’s nutritious and fun to make together.

Personal Beef Pizzas

ITALIAN-STYLE BEEF SAUSAGE

Combine 1 pound ground beef, 1 teaspoon fennel seed, 1/2 teaspoon salt, 1/4 teaspoon coriander, 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder, 1/4 teaspoon paprika, 1/4 teaspoon black pepper and 1/8 to 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper in large bowl, mixing lightly but thoroughly. Heat large nonstick skillet over medium heat until hot. Add sausage mixture; cook 8 to 10 minutes, breaking into 1/2-inch crumbles and stirring occasionally.

INGREDIENTS

1 recipe Italian-Style Beef Sausage (recipe below) • 1-1/2 cups pizza sauce • 4 round thin sandwich breads, any variety, split • 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

TOPPINGS

Sliced black or green olives, sliced red or yellow bell peppers, sliced red onions (optional)

COOKING

Prepare Italian-Style Beef Sausage. Stir in pizza sauce; cook 2 to 3 minutes or until heated through, stirring frequently. Keep warm and set aside.

Cook's Tip: Cooking times are for fresh or thoroughly thawed ground beef. Ground beef should be cooked to an internal temperature of 160°F. Color is not a reliable indicator of ground beef doneness.

Place sandwich thins, cut sides up, on rack of broiler pan. Spoon equal amounts of sausage mixture on each bread half. Evenly sprinkle with cheese and toppings, as desired.

Place pizzas on rack of broiler pan so surface of cheese is 3 to 4 inches from heat. Broil 4 to 5 minutes or until cheese is melted and bubbly.

Your Input Is Vital: Shaping the Future of Kentucky Beef Network & University of Kentucky Beef Extension Programs

Becky Thompson Director, Kentucky Beef Network

The Kentucky Beef Network and University of Kentucky Beef Extension teams are excited to announce the launch of a comprehensive planning survey aimed at gathering valuable insights from Kentucky beef farm families to shape the future of beef programs in Kentucky. Your feedback is essential as we work to develop programs that address the evolving needs of our beef industry. By participating in this survey, you will have the opportunity to share your thoughts on current challenges,

emerging opportunities and priorities for future agricultural initiatives.

The information collected through this survey will be instrumental in identifying key areas for program development and investment. We are committed to creating programs that directly benefit our beef community and contribute to the overall success and sustainability of the industry.

To participate in the survey, please scan this QR code or visit tinyurl.com/yf8mwktb

Eden Shale Update

Dan Miller Industry Coordinator, Kentucky Beef Network

Much like all farmers across the state, we spent June making hay at Eden Shale. As soon as we bred the last cow on May 31, we hooked up the hay equipment and headed to the fields.

Despite not putting any fertilizer on our hay ground this year, it turned off more hay than it ever has. This has been a common theme from all parts of the state. So why was this such a good grass growing year?

After analyzing the climate data from our Mesonet station on the farm, I noticed two distinct differences in this year’s measurements. I compared the data for April and May 2024 to the historical data for April and May for the past three years. In general, this year was warmer and wetter than the past three years. April 2024 was 4.2°F warmer and had 1.8” more rain than the previous three-year average. May 2024 was similar, being 3.6°F warmer and having 3.9” more rainfall the three-year average.

I am not a forage specialist, but

I would assume the additional moisture had the greatest effect on causing the grass to grow so much more than in the previous growing seasons. Either way, it was a phenomenal first cutting.

At Eden Shale, we cut hay on about 42 acres and got a total of 175 5x5 bales (4.2 bales per acres average). This was 0.75 bales per acre more than we normally produce on the same ground. We also purchased hay from two of our neighbors who recently sold their cow herds. We purchased a total of 242 bales, which gives us a total of 417 bales. We also had 96 bales left over from last year, so we currently have 513 bales stored inside for the upcoming cold season.

This should be enough hay to get us through the winter. We still have enough room to get the second cutting stored in the barn as well, but every barn will be full! I just hope we get some rain soon so we don’t have to start feeding hay this summer (knock on wood).

GETTING BEEF ON MENUS AND IN CARTS

Getting beef from the pasture to the consumer’s plate is a complex process, and successfully moving beef through the supply chain is just one part of it — then, the Beef Checkoff’s Channel Marketing Program comes in.

Getting Beef on Menus and In Carts

The Beef Checkoff-funded Beef. It’s What’s For Dinner. Channel Marketing Program promotes beef through various distribution channels, such as retail stores, distributors, manufacturers and restaurants. By building relationships with these channels and supply chain operators, the Beef Checkoff can effectively target and engage with customers directly where they shop and dine. The Channel Marketing Program provides knowledge, education and resources to drive supply chain operators’ marketing decisions to sell more beef.

A TRUSTED BEEF RESOURCE

The Beef Checkoff has established itself as the educational and promotional beef hub for its supply chain partners. How? By delivering high-value content about beef that informs their beef buying and marketing decisions.

The Beef Checkoff connects with its partners and food professionals through the popular Beef News Now newsletter. Distributed to 4,300 industry professionals, the bi-monthly newsletter delivers the latest foodservice and retail news, trends and hot topics from the beef industry. Additionally, these professionals are encouraged to attend Checkoff-funded educational webinars, which focus on topics like beef sustainability and consumer insights for both retail and foodservice.

Another resource available to food professionals is Beef University. Customers rely on foodservice professionals and butchers to be expert sources on the foods they purchase. The Beef University modules provide information on how beef is raised, how to select and prepare various cuts of beef, and the health and nutrition benefits of beef. Once food professionals understand beef’s ‘ins and outs’, they can deliver superior customer service and improve their bottom line.

EVENT ENGAGEMENT

The Channel Marketing team can also be seen at industry conferences and events, alongside key decision makers from across the supply chain. This past fall, the team was invited to present at the Performance Food Service (PFS) Protein Summit. PFS is a leading national foodservice distributor with operating companies across the U.S., servicing thousands of foodservice operators. Participating in the summit provided the opportunity to share beef insights and trends, arming protein specialists with information and resources they can use with their top beef customers. Additionally, the team was active at the Annual Meat Conference and National Restaurant Association show. These events allow the Beef Checkoff to deepen relationships with existing partners and establish relationships with new accounts to sell more beef.

Another event coming up this fall is the Beef Business Summit, an exclusive, immersive event for leaders from top retail, foodservice, distributor and manufacturing companies. The three-day event will focus on all things beef and provide solutions to optimize beef sales

in the changing marketplace. The event’s goal is to build loyalty and partnership and ultimately drive beef sales.

Leading companies, from quick-service restaurants to fast-casual restaurants to manufacturer partners, also have the opportunity to work with the Beef Checkoff-funded Beef. It’s What’s For Dinner. Culinary Center 1. Here, these partners can receive help with menu development, explore current trends and market insights, experiment with new cuts and cooking methods or expand existing beef items into new menu concepts.

Through these efforts, the Beef Checkoff works to provide industry professionals, partners and companies with valuable beef facts and insights they can apply to improve their businesses.

E-COMMERCE CAMPAIGNS

The Channel Marketing Program also directs e-commerce efforts, capitalizing on the growing trend of online food shopping. E-commerce continues to grow at a rapid pace. Looking only at grocery data, projections are that e-commerce will make up 20 percent of the grocery market by 20262

The Beef Checkoff’s e-commerce projects involve partnering with national grocery and restaurant chains across the U.S. These projects meet consumers at their purchasing decision points and drive measurable results as the team can track a consumer from advertising to purchase, showing a direct return on investment. In 2023, e-commerce campaigns delivered an average return on ad sales of $47. This means that, on average, every $1 invested resulted in $47 in beef sales, a tremendous return on investment.

One recent e-commerce campaign with a national club store delivered the highest return on investment to date, with $18M in incremental beef sales. This campaign delivered an average return on ad sales of $93. This means that, on average, every $1 invested resulted in $93 in beef sales.

Beef nutrition was the focus of the most recent e-commerce campaign that ran during American Heart Month. “Lean Beef. Smart For Your Heart” ads were seen by consumers shopping on retailer websites and mobile apps, as well as on popular consumer websites like Weather. com, the Today Show online and more. Campaign results showed that 26 percent of the ad-exposed buyers were new and had not purchased beef from the retailer in the past year, demonstrating that e-commerce can be powerful in inspiring consumers to choose nutritious beef.

New this year is the addition of regional e-commerce campaigns, reaching a broader audience of online consumers. These campaigns will support the Checkoff-funded Little League effort by promoting beef in the cities where the Little League playoffs and Little League World Series will be held.

Also, coming up this fall, a national tailgating campaign promoting beef as the protein of choice for game day. Eighteen State Beef Councils and the Northeast Beef Promotion Initiative (NEBPI), a contractor to the Beef Checkoff, will also participate in this campaign to extend the messaging into their local markets.

Through these collective efforts, the Beef Checkoff drives beef sales and empowers leading supply chain partners with solutions, expertise and resources to help them confidently menu and market beef. 

Beef Label Claims and Their Effects on Purchasing Behavior

Label claims have become a key factor in many consumers’ purchasing decisions and a way for retail and food service operators to differentiate their products. Consumers are becoming more aware of the impact their food choices have on their health, the environment and animal welfare. They are willing to pay a premium for products that meet their criteria for quality, sustainability and ethical production.

While beef sold with a production claim label only represents a small percentage of total beef sold, consumers do have options to choose beef products that carry production-based claims. The beef industry has shown that it is willing to adapt and provide the choices some consumers are looking for. Learn more about the different label claims, their impact on beef sales and how consumer knowledge and trust affects purchasing behavior. Scan the QR code:

swn.sn/beef-research

What Beef Labels Consumers Intentionally Purchased in the Past Month

Source:

Little Leaguers Beefing Up Their Game

Beef. It’s What’s For Dinner. Officially Teams Up with Little League

The Beef Checkoff-funded Beef. It’s What’s For Dinner. brand is the proud partner of the Little League World Series! This August, the “Perfect Home Plate with Little League” partnership will help busy families fuel their young athletes from the classroom to the practice field and through game day with nutritional information and recipes. Also, a “Dinnertime Conversations” video series, produced specifically for Little League families, will provide helpful tips, recipes and resources for cooking and eating beef. These videos featuring real-life scenarios of Little League families will be shared across the Little League and Beef. It’s What’s For Dinner. social media platforms.

Beef Checkoff Collections Throughout the Cattle Production Cycle

In 1985, the Beef Checkoff was established as part of the Farm Bill, assessing $1 per head on the sale of live domestic and imported cattle and a comparable assessment on imported beef and beef products. In a 1988 national referendum vote, 79 percent of producers voted to approve the mandatory program. For more than 35 years, the Beef Checkoff has worked to tell the story of everything beef offers, from producers’ commitment to their land and cattle, to beef’s superior taste and nutritional benefits.

"This is the producer’s money we’re handling, and it is a serious responsibility, in my opinion," said Jo Ann Smith, the first Cattlemen’s Beef Board (CBB) chair. To this day, the CBB’s 99 volunteer producer and importer leaders from across the U.S. take that responsibility very earnestly, working to represent America’s cattle producers and promote beef’s image.

This is the producer’s money we’re handling, and it is a serious responsibility, in my opinion.

— JO ANN SMITH First Cattlemen’s Beef Board chair

The Beef Checkoff is a complex program with many moving parts and people, and as industry stakeholders, it’s important to understand the fundamentals. Let’s dive into the core of it all — Beef Checkoff collections and how they work.

BACK TO THE BASICS

As cattle move through the production cycle from birth to beef, the Beef Checkoff assessment is due each time cattle are sold. This is true for all cattle, regardless of the breed or age of cattle sold.

The Beef Checkoff assessment is due whether cattle are sold through a livestock market, an order buyer or sold directly to another producer. The assessment is also due when cattle are harvested.

The Beef Checkoff assessment is paid by the producer or withheld from the producer’s proceeds from the sale. In states where a brand inspection is required at the time of sale, the brand inspectors may collect the assessments from the seller on behalf of the Beef Checkoff program and remit the Beef Checkoff assessments.

Nineteen states currently have an additional state-authorized Beef Checkoff assessment: Alabama, California, Georgia, Idaho, Illinois, Iowa, Kentucky, Michigan, New Mexico, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oregon, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Virginia and Washington.

STORY CONTINUED ON NEXT PAGE 

BEEF CHECKOFF HIGHLIGHTS

Florida Beef Council’s Triumphant Debut at South Beach Wine and Food Festival

Amidst a gathering of culinary enthusiasts and industry leaders, the Florida Beef Council (FBC) put beef front and center at the South Beach Wine and Food Festival in Miami. Five hundred celebrity chefs nationwide participated in this high-end event that drew 75,000 attendees. One ton of beef was served at events like Havana Nights, Asian Night Market and Tacos after Dark. Beef’s presence resonated with attendees, fostering connections and spotlighting the dedication of local ranchers like Steven “Beaver” Yoder and his wife Michelle.

Ground Beef Performance

Ground beef is consistently one of the best-selling beef products every year in the U.S. Ground beef sales also comprised 50.6 percent of all retail beef sales in terms of volume (pounds sold) and 39.2 percent in terms of value (dollars sold) in 2023.1

Source: 1 - NielsonIQ, Discover, Ground Beef Sales, 2019 - 2023 Weeks Ending 12/30/2023. Analyzed by National Cattlemen’s Beef Association, on behalf of the Beef Checkoff.

Cattlemen’s Beef Board Announces Dairy Task Force

As the dairy industry continues to evolve, crossbreeding dairy cows with beef genetics is becoming increasingly common. To ensure the dairy perspective is represented on the Cattlemen’s Beef Board, dairy producers from across the U.S. serve on the board and currently hold 12 percent of the seats. Dairy cattle are a significant part of the beef industry, and to encourage further collaboration between industries, the CBB has launched a new Dairy Task Force. This group will research the impact of the growing “beef-on-dairy” trend — including how dairies market their calves and how this may affect Beef Checkoff assessments — and brainstorm ideas for improving communications with dairy producers about the Beef Checkoff program.

Straight Talk

CONTINUED FROM PREVIOUS PAGE

BEEF CHECKOFF COLLECTIONS THROUGHOUT THE CATTLE PRODUCTION CYCLE

WHO IS RESPONSIBLE FOR REMITTING THE BEEF CHECKOFF ASSESSMENT?

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

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

STATE BEEF COUNCIL

CATTLEMEN’S BEEF BOARD

$ invested in national Beef Checkoff programs

QUALIFIED STATE BEEF COUNCIL

$ invested in state Beef Checkoff 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.

Importers pay the dollar-per-head Beef Checkoff or the equivalent on imported cattle, beef, and beef products. These Beef Checkoff assessments are collected by U.S. Customs.

If you have any questions regarding who is responsible for remitting the Beef Checkoff assessment or how to remit payment, please contact your Qualified State Beef Council or contact the Cattlemen’s Beef Board at (303) 220-9890.

www.beefboard.org/checkoff/about-checkoff /beef-checkoff-compliance/

COW-CALF PRODUCER DAIRY PRODUCER

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 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 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 directly 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.

THE ROLE OF BRAND INSPECTORS

Many producers are familiar with brand inspection, with most of the Western U.S. requiring mandatory brand inspection on cattle every time an animal is sold. In most of the Western states, brand inspectors collect the Beef Checkoff assessment when cattle are sold or shipped out of state for sale, with the exception of when cattle are sold through a livestock market. In this case, the livestock market collects the assessment. Here’s a look at the states where brand inspectors collect Checkoff assessments:

NEBRASKA

Brand inspection required in western 2/3rds of the state

PAYING THE BEEF CHECKOFF ASSESSMENT

In most cases, the person or company paying the producer is responsible for collecting the Beef Checkoff assessment and remitting those assessments to their Qualified State Beef Council (QSBC) or to the Cattlemen’s Beef Board (CBB) in the seven states that do not have a QSBC. These “collecting persons” include livestock markets, video and online markets, cattle buyers, feedlots, packing plants, etc. However, in some cases, the producer is responsible for self-reporting cattle sales and Checkoff assessments. Some of the situations where a producer should self-report assessments include:

Seedstock sales — if a producer is holding a production sale, the producer (or the sales management company assisting with the sale) is responsible for remitting Checkoff assessments on all cattle sold.

Private-treaty sales — if a producer sells cattle directly to another producer, both the buyer and the seller are responsible for ensuring that the Checkoff assessment is paid to the QSBC (or to CBB). Dairy calf sales — if dairies sell calves directly off the farm, the Beef Checkoff assessment is due at the time of sale.

Youth livestock sales — when youth exhibitors sell cattle through county, state, or national shows, the Beef Checkoff assessment is due. Typically, the organization managing the sale remits the assessments on behalf of all sale participants.

Direct-to-consumer beef sales — when producers harvest cattle with the intent of selling the beef, the assessment is due at the time of harvest.

If you have sold cattle through any of these situations and need to report Beef Checkoff assessments, visit your QSBC (or the CBB’s) website to find a Private Treaty Sales Checkoff Investment Form.

Since all producers benefit from the Beef Checkoff’s demand-building activities, all are required to pay the Beef Checkoff assessment each time they sell cattle – no matter how the cattle are marketed. By pooling resources, beef producers and importers collectively fund essential marketing, research and educational initiatives to enhance beef’s value, expand market opportunities and foster consumer confidence. All stakeholders are encouraged to actively participate in QSBC and CBB meetings to ensure their voices are heard in Beef Checkoff programming. 

Many

SIMMENTAL

KEVIN AND RACHEL BARRON

Crestwood, Ky

(502) 905-5851

rkbarron812@gmail.com

SWAIN SELECT SIMMENTAL 12113 Green Valley Dr. Louisville, KY 40243 swainselect.com swainselect@gmail.com facebook.com/swainselectsimmental

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

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

JEROD METZGER • 270-779-6260

ROCKING P LIVESTOCK 8308 Orangeburg Road Maysville, KY 41056

Chan: 606-584-7581

Keith: 606-584-5626

rockingplivestock@maysvilleky.net

BRIAN & HEATHER SWAIN 3906 Pottertown Road Murray, KY 42071 • 270-293-4440

wksbswain@murray-ky.net

SIMMENTAL AND SIMANGUS BULLS FOR SALE

1939 Huntertown Road

Versailles, KY 40383

BULLS FOR SALE

Chris Allen 859-351-4486

callenuky@hotmail.com

Dr. Henry Allen 859-229-0755

The Simmental cow can handle any environment.

She’s built to last in heat, fescue or high altitudes. And thanks to the breed’s built-in adaptability, you can match Simmental genetics to your environment – SimAngus,™ SimAngus HT, Simbrah or proven Simmental genetics.

Meet America’s all-purpose cow – gentle and consistent, with calves that give the heterosis boost commercial cattlemen need to stay profitable.

406-587-4531 • simmental.org

BRET AND LAURA JACKSON 859.533.3718 or 859.707.7200

BRET & LAURA JACKSON Paris, Kentucky (859) 533-3718 (859) 707-7200

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

BURTON & SONS ANGUS

Joe D. or Karen Burton

ANGUS

BOYD BEEF CATTLE 6077 Helena Road Mayslick, KY

Secretary/Treasurer:

THE BUSINESS BREED

BRANCH VIEW ANGUS

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

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.

FALL CREEK ANGUS

448 Corder Farm Road

Monticello, KY 42633

Ronnie Corder (606) 348-6588

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

Performance Tested Bull & Female Sale April 2020

TWIN CREEK FARM

HILL VIEW FARMS

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

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

42301 (270) 929-5370 jcgilles86@gmail.com

James S. & LuAnn Coffey, Donald & Donna Coffey

Annual Production Sale- 2nd Saturday in April

James S. & LuAnn Coffey, Donald & Donna Coffey Annual Production Sale- 2nd Saturday in April

COFFEY ANGUS FARMS

BURKS CATTLE CO. 531 Rick Rd. Park City, KY 42160

661 Hopewell Road Liberty, KY 42539

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

Matt Coffey: (270) 799-6288

Dewey Coffey: (606) 706-2699

BURTON & SONS ANGUS

Genetics for Maximum Profitability since 1984

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

COFFEY ANGUS FARMS

661 Hopewell Road Liberty, KY 42539

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

Matt Coffey: (270) 799-6288

Dewey Coffey: (606) 706-2699

Genetics for Maximum Profitability since 1984

DAVIS BEND FARMS

LYNN CREEK FARMS

2315 Davis Bend Road Canmer, KY 42722

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

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

FALL CREEK ANGUS

APS ANGUS

448 Corder Farm Road Monticello, KY 42633

Ronnie Corder (606) 348-6588

4040 Taylorsville Rd Taylorsville, KY 40071

Gordon Schubert

502-477-2637 • 502-548-8440

HAMILTON ANGUS FARMS

Anne Patton Schubert

502-477-2663 • 502-548-2359

Eddie Hamilton 2142 Stilesville Road Science Hill, KY 42553 edjohami@aol.com (606) 271-1286 Bulls and Females for Sale

TRIPLE D ANGUS

Nathaniel & Darla Denham

HERITAGE FARM

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

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

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

BURKS CATTLE CO. 531 Rick Rd. Park City, KY 42160

JOHNSON FARMS ANGUS

Angus Bulls & Females Slaughters, KY

Keith: (270) 635-0723

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

Reese: (270) 635-1137

LYNN CREEK FARMS

DUTCH CREEK ANGUS FORAGE GENETICS

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

Doug and Susan Schlosnagle (502) 706-0008 DutchCreekAngus.om

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

HERITAGE FARM

Tom McGinnis

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

FOUR KINGS ANGUS

250 Bright Leaf Dr. • Harrodsburg, KY 40330

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

Jacob

Owner-Operator (859) 583-7134 jacob.tamme@gmail.com www.tammevalley.com

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

MT. MORIAH ANGUS FARMS

OLD BARK FARM

370 Ferrill Hill, Buffalo, KY 42716

Kenley Conner (502) 905-7825

Registered Angus Cattle

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, (606) 423-2457 • (606) tripledangus.com

TWIN CREEK FARM Shawn, Melissa, Devin (270) 337-3072 or (270) Dennis & Emily 270/337-2128 or 270/402-4338

SMITHLAND ANGUS FARM

4437 East Hwy 80 Russell Springs, KY 42642

4040 Taylorsville Rd Taylorsville, KY 40071 Gordon Schubert 502-477-2637 • 502-548-8440 Anne Patton Schubert 502-477-2663 • 502-548-2359

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

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

President: Anne Patton Schubert

Vice President: Tom McGinnis

Shayna Gibson

PLEASANT HILL FARMS Gil, Mary, Corbin, Caroline, 500 Rockfield Richpond Rockfield, KY 42274 (270)

Fax (270)

SMITHLAND ANGUS FARM 5202 East Hwy 80, Russell Charles “Bud” & Pam Smith:

TAMME VALLEY FARM

Tamme,

Manager

TRIPLE D ANGUS Nathaniel & Darla Denham

KENTUCKY ANGUS ASSOCIATION NEWS

Shayna Gibson, Secretary/Treasurer

www.kentuckyangus.org

kyangusassociation@gmail.com

Adam McCauley awarded American Angus AuxiliaryKentucky Scholarship

Adam R.B. McCauley has been chosen among the best and brightest young individuals within the National Junior Angus Association (NJAA) as a testament to his exceptional dedication, drive and passion for the Angus breed. His exemplary qualities, including a profound knowledge of the breed and a commitment to its advancement, mirror the standards set forth by seasoned breeders. For over 50 years, the American Angus Auxiliary has recognized and supported the endeavors of outstanding young Angus cattlewomen and men like Adam. Through their remarkable achievements, they embody the spirit of the Angus community and serve as inspiring leaders for future generations. We congratulate Adam R.B. McCauley for his outstanding achievement and wish him continued success in his academic and professional pursuits. With this Kentucky honor, McCauley will also be in the running for a national scholarship to be awarded at the National Junior Angus Show in Madison, Wisconsin, this summer.

The Kentucky Junior Angus Association had a great trip to NJAS in Madison, Wisconsin. We had 21 juniors and 46 head of cattle. We looked great and had lots of success in and out of the show ring. Congratulations to all the juniors for bringing a great set of cattle and for participation in contests.

Herdsman Award Winners

a pretty special award. It means we not only looked great, but our youth were working with their animals and kept them looking their best throughout the week.

A special congratulations to Adam McCauley and Bryanna Smith as they were part of a group of ambitious young cattlemen and women from across the United States who were presented scholarships on Thursday. Smith of Russell Springs received the Angus Foundation Undergraduate Scholarship and the Joe Bill Meng Angus Scholarship. McCauley of Cynthiana received the 2012 NJAS-In A League of their Own Kentucky Scholarship and the John R. Mrotek Family Technical Education Scholarship. We want to also thank all of the parents and supporters of KJAA. The T-shirt sponsors, Tom McGinnis and Circle M Farms. We couldn’t do it without you. Thanks for being on our team! Of course, the icing on the cake was that our very own Bryanna Smith was announced as a new NJAA director on Friday night during closing ceremonies. Her dream for many years has been to wear a green jacket, and she worked hard to make that dream come true!! It was very special to be there with her.

Kentucky won the Herdsman Award at the National Junior Angus Show in Madison, Wisconsin. This is

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)

Registered Gelbvieh Cattle

Cynthiana, KY

Pat Tilghman, Secretary/Treasurer.......................................................................................................(270)

Luke Arthur (859) 298-8323 luke.arthur93@gmail.com

BAR IV LIVESTOCK

Bulls • Show Prospects • Embryos Bulls sell with GE EPD’s • Show Prospects

BAR IV LIVESTOCK

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 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

BEE LICK GELBVIEHS

CD FARMS

Eddie Reynolds

277 Old Bee Lick Rd. Crab Orchard, KY 40419 606-379-2281(H) 606-305-1972(C)

Clayton & Debbie Cash 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

GELBVIEH/BALANCERS

Owner/Manager

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 For Sale by Private Treaty

GELBVIEH BULLS & FEMALES FOR SALE 1012 Shelby Road • Salem, KY 24078 Thad Padon (270) 836-5518

PLEASANT MEADOWS FARM

UPCOMING EVENTS

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

Saturday May 15

Kentucky Junior Gelbvieh Show & Learning Clinic

R&D OWEN FARMS

McIntosh Brothers Farm • 3348 Frankfort Road • Georgetown 10AM Learning Clinic • 12:30PM Show

Call William McIntosh for more information. (502) 867-3132

AA LAND & CATTLE

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

Friday May 28 - May 30

Registered Gelbvieh & Balancers Cynthiana, KY Luke Arthur (859) 298-8323 luke.arthur93@gmail.com

AGJA Eastern Regional Junior Show “Run for the Roses”

LARRY CLARK & SONS LLC

DONE WRIGHT CATTLE FARMS

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

Bulls • Show Prospects • Embryos Bulls sell with GE EPD’s • Show Prospects

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

Call Carrie Derossett for more information. (270) 404-0828 Entry and room information available at www.gelbvieh.org (Juniors/Regional Shows/AGJA Eastern Regional)

BAR IV LIVESTOCK

S&S GELBVIEH

Barry, Beth & Ben Racke • Brad Racke 7416 Tippenhauer Rd. • Cold Spring, KY 41076 Phone (859) 635-3832 • Barry cell (859) 991-1992 Brad cell (859) 393-3677 • Ben cell (859) 393-3730 Fax (859) 635-3832 • bar4@twc.com

Registered Gelbvieh Cattle 106 Clark Houk Road • Greensburg, KY 42743 Larry Clark, Owner & Operator (270) 299-5167 • (270) 405-6848 Lpclarkandsons@msn.com

BREEDING RED & BLACK POLLED GELBVIEH SINCE 1982

David, Jerri & Jon David: 162 Hastings Ln • Fredonia, KY 42411 (270) 556-4259 Arthur & Joyce Slaughter 19068 Marion Rd • Fredonia, KY 42411 (270)545-3455

FULL CIRCLE FARMS REGISTERED GELBVIEH CATTLE

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

KENTUCKY STATE FAIR GELBVIEH SHOW SCHEDULE 4-H AND FFA SHOW- THURSDAY, AUGUST 22 TIME TBD OPEN SHOW- SATURDAY, AUGUST 24, 11:00 A.M. EASTERN TIME

Kentucky Hereford Association

Toby & Debby Dulworth

Toby & Debby Dulworth 2492 S. Kirkman Road LaCenter, KY 42056 (270) 224-2993 dogwood@brtc.net

2492 S. Kirkman Road LaCenter, KY 42056 (270) 224-2993 dogwood@brtc.net

Herefords that thrive on forages. www.dogwoodherefords.com

6077 Helena Road

Mayslick, KY 41055

Mayslick, KY 41055 Charlie Boyd II 606-584-5194

Charlie Boyd II 606-584-5194

Kentucky Hereford Association Autumn Sale

Saturday December 7, 2024, Bluegrass Stockyards, Lexington, Kentucky

Sunday March 3rd - Open Junior Show - 8am

WELLS FARM

Polled Herefords

KHA OFFICERS

NJB Limited

Annual Bull Sale second Saturday in March

Annual Bull Sale second Saturday in March Hereford and Angus Bulls

Hereford and Angus Bulls

Chambliss

Hereford Farms

Brad, Carla, Clay & Clint Chambliss 1101 Driftwood Lane Elizabethtown, KY 42701

Brad, Carla, Clay & Clint Chambliss 1101 Driftwood Lane

Elizabethtown, KY 42701

Home (270) 982-3905 Cell (270) 668-7126 fax 270-735-9922 www.chamblissherefordfarms.com

Home (270) 982-3905

Cell (270) 668-7126 fax 270-735-9922

www.chamblissherefordfarms.com

WCN Polled Herefords Since 1961

WCN Polled Herefords

Since 1961

Bill Norris 2220 Celina Road

Burkesville, KY 42717

Phone (270) 433-7256

Cell (270) 433-1525

“Every calf needs a white face”

Shannon, Kerry, Emily, Will & Ellie Morgan

13095 Scottsville Rd,

Polled Herefords 439 Flatwoods Frozen Camp Rd, Corbin KY 40701

439 Flatwoods Frozen Camp Rd, Corbin KY 40701

Bobby & Brenda Wells (606) 523-0569 or (606) 344-0417 wells_farm@yahoo.com

Kevin, Angela, Kenlea & Kyler Murray (606) 528-1691 or (606) 682-8413

MPH Farms

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

Jackson

Farms

Jackson Farms

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

“Farming the Same Land Since 1834”

WOLF FARM

Registered Polled Herefords Bulls & Females for sale

Tim & Peggy Wolf 12939 Peach Grove Road

Alexandria, KY 41001

Home: 859-635-0899

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

Cell: 859-991-3484

President: LW Beckley DVM 859-779-1419

President: Chris Hopper 606-584-7842

NJB Limited

Dale Stith 5239 Old Sardis Pike

Secretary/ Treasurer: Melinda Watson 859-625-8660 melindawatson8660@gmail.com

K3 CATTLE

K3 CATTLE REGISTERED HEREFORDS

REGISTERED HEREFORDS KYLE BUSH

KYLE BUSH K3CATTLE@YAHOO.COM 859-588-4531

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

198 HICKS PIKE CYNTHIANA, KY 41031

THOMAS FARM

Dale Stith 5239 Old Sardis Pike

HEREFORDS

Mays Lick, KY 41055

dalestith@yahoo.com (918) 760-1550

Mays Lick, KY 41055 dalestith@yahoo.com (918) 760-1550

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

Ben, Jane, Shelby and Lincoln

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

TK4 Herefords

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

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

Eric’s Cell (859) 314-8256

“Cattle for sale at all times”

Eric’s Cell (859) 314-8256 “Cattle for sale at all times”

BECKLEY HEREFORDS

L. Wayne Beckley • 1420 Fitchburg Rd. Ravenna, KY 40472 • 606-723-3021 Cell: 859-779-0962

L.W. Beckley D.V.M 284 Pyrse Lane • Irvine, KY 40336 Cell: 859-779-1419 • Clinic: 606-726-0000 www.beckleyherefords.com

Windy Hills Farm

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

Breeding to produce good cows since 1981

“Breeding Polled Herefords for over 58 Years” Breeding cattle for sale at all times. 1999 Walnut Hill Rd. Lexington, KY 40515 (859) 271-9086 cell (859)533-3790

PILE STOCK FARM

Registered Polled Herefords

HANSELL PILE, JR. 12045 St. John Rd. Cecilia, KY 42724

270-735-5192

270-862-4462 12 miles West of Elizabethtown

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

Tucker Stock Farms

“Registered Angus and Polled Herefords”

John Tucker II 1790 Hidden Valley Lane Hudson, KY 40145 270-617-0301

“Bulls always for Sale”

“Bulls always for Sale” Shannon, Kerry, Emily,

CALENDAR OF EVENTS

Aug.

Aug. 8 CPH-45 Sale Owensboro, KY

Aug. 15-25 Kentucky State Fair Louisville, KY

Aug. 31 Boyd Beef Cattle Breeders Cup Sale Mays Lick, KY 25

Sept. 5 CPC Fall Field Day Fountain Run, KY 3

Sept. 6 Foundations for the Future Sale Morrison, TN 37

Sept. 21 The Foundation Sale X Bowling Green, KY 17

Sept. 2526 Intermediate Grazing School Versailles, KY

Sept. 28 Kentucky Simmental Sale Lexington, KY 12

Oct. 4-6 KJCA Fall Classic Bowling Green, KY

Oct. 5 Horse Sale Lexington, KY 12

Oct. 11-12 Kentucky Stud Wagyu Sale Lexington, KY 12

Oct. 15-17 Heart of America Grazing Conference Elizabethtown, KY

Oct. 18-19 Millenium Long Horn Sale Lexington, KY 12

Oct. 19 Eden Shale Open House Owenton, KY

Oct. 25-26 Yon Family Farms Maternal Roots Fall Female & Bull Sale Ridge Spring, SC

SALERS

Dec. 6 Knoll Crest Farm Total Performance Bull Sale Red House, VA

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

REGISTERED RED ANGUS BULLS FOR SALE

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

PERFORMANCE TESTED PUREBRED ANGUS BULLS FOR SALE

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

POLLED HERFORD BULLS FOR SALE

19–20-month-old Polled Hereford bulls. Good selection. Low birthweight, medium frame. Free Delivery Available. JMS Polled Herefords, Knifley, KY Danny 270-566-2694 Trent 270-566-2000

THE FOUNDATION SALE X

Sat., Sept. 21 2024. 1 PM CT United Producers, Bowling Green, KY Selling Fullblood & Purebred Limousin For info, call ACH Holdings LLC Stephen Haynes 270-799-8685

REGISTERED BLACK SIMMENTAL BULLS

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

BREEDING AGE HEREFORD BULLS FOR SALE AT ALL TIMES

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

Chambliss Hereford Farms. 270-668-7126

COWS FOR SALE

18 Balancer Cows bred to Brangus Bulls Between 4-7 years old

Due to calve in September 270-725-1554 or 270-221-0556

RED ANGUS,

SIMANGUS, CHAROLAIS, ANGUS

FOR SALE

Red Hill Farms, Lafayette, TN, 615-666-3098

Bart, Sarah and Ty Jones

Gordon and Susan Jones, 270-991-2663

Visit us online - www.RedHillFarms.net

More Than a Bull Sale – 3rd Saturday in March

Maternal Monday – 3rd Monday in May

Bulls & Females of Fall Sale – Last Saturday in October

Meyer-4516 boxes- 16 ft- matching pair$30,000 John Deere 6320- cab- 2wd -$32,000

John Deere 5220-cab-4wd-Loader-$27,500 H s twin Auger-18 ft- a pair-$30,000

NH- Deere- Dion chopper in stock

Horning Headers- Esch Tedders- Drills Bearclaw Construction Trailer 15- Manure Spreaders in Stock

Call Charlie 859-608-9745

WWW.REDBARNANDASSOCIATES.COM

HOOVER NO DOUBT REGISTERED ANGUS YEARLING BULLS

12 available, Excellent EPDs, Docile, Genomic Tested

Contact Triple P Angus, 606-724-5524 or 606-407-2355

SIMMENTAL & SIM ANGUS YEARLING BULLS

Calving Ease, Growth and All Purpose EPDs in Top 25% of Breed

Quality Backed by 40+ years of AI Breeding, Come Take a Look; You Won't be Disappointed 502-260-7884 or 502-839-6651

The Case for Smaller Cows and Bigger Calves

Katie VanValin Assistant Extension Professor, University of Kentucky

Cattle today are heavier now than they have ever been. While perhaps not as tall as some of their predecessors in the 1980’s, mature cow weight has been on the rise for decades now (think back to the belt buckle cattle of the 1950’s). If mature cow weights have been increasing, then it really should be no surprise that cattle are finishing heavier and hanging more pounds of hot carcass weight on the rail. This is a good thing, right? Afterall, in the beef industry we are in the business of producing pounds of human edible protein. I think the answer to this question is more nuanced and is something that the industry needs to begin to grapple with.

The cow herd is maintained in a forage-based system. Larger cows require more feed to meet their nutritional requirements relative to their smaller counterparts. Assume a beef cow eats on average 2% of her body weight on a drymatter basis each day. A 1,200 lb. cow would be eating about 24 lbs. per day compared to a 1,400 lb. cow consuming 28 lbs. per day; for a 30-cow herd that’s an extra 40,000+ lbs. of dry matter per year needed to maintain the cow herd. Now assuming typical coolseason grasses yield 2-4 tons of dry matter to the acre that is an additional 40-80 acres required to support bigger cows. Over time we have selected animals that are now larger and heavier milking, while the forage production systems they are raised in have seen little change. This means either stocking rates should decrease or increased supplemental feeding (stored forages, grain or a combination of both) is needed to maintain the cow herd. To do nothing creates a scenario of overgrazed pastures or cows struggling to maintain the

condition required to meet their peak productivity. Have cows begun to outgrow our typical cool-season, tall-fescue based forage systems?

The argument for bigger cows has traditionally been that they wean a bigger calf, and while there is truth in that statement the return of running that bigger cow diminishes once she has “outgrown” her production system. One common misconception about the relationship between mature cow size and calf weaning weight is that this is a consistent relationship independent of cow size. Research has shown that in fact as mature cow size increases, calf weaning weight as a percentage of cow body weight decreases. For example, a 1,400 lb. cow could wean a calf that is 43.5% of her body weight or 609 lbs. and a 1,200 lb. cow could wean a calf that is 45.8% of her body weight or 550 lbs. However, keep in mind that six,1,400 lb. cows (8,400 lbs. total) would be similar to running seven, 1,200 lb. cows (8,400 lbs. total). Those six, 1,400 lb. cows could be expected to wean 3,654 lbs. of calves compared to 3,850 lbs. of calves weaned in the 1,200 lb. cows. My guess is very few producers are collecting individual cow and calf body weights at weaning, but the variation in cow size and percentage of her body weight that she is weaning might be quite surprising with larger cows likely falling well below the age-old industry benchmark of weaning 50% of her body weight. Perhaps moderating the cow herd, adjusting stocking rates, and creating cows that can be both productive and efficient is the ideal we need to be chasing rather than believing bigger is better.

So, while I would advocate that moderating the cow herd would generally be beneficial, at the same

time the feeders and packers have continued to signal their desire for bigger calves and larger carcasses. Simply bringing a larger quantity of slightly smaller calves to the sale barn may not be as simple as the previous example suggested. Order buyers are not purchasing calves based on body weight alone, they are also considering frame size and muscle score and have rewarded those calves that have a propensity to gain and finish at the heavier weights we see in the industry today. At the end of the day, it is not just the pounds that are brought to the market, but the dollars and cents buyers are willing to pay for those pounds that drives the beef industry.

Our industry is approaching a crossroads. How do we make smaller cows and bigger calves? The fact of the matter is that continuing to select for bigger and bigger cattle at the expense of having cows so large that they are less efficient in our forage-based production systems is not sustainable. At the same time, we don’t just need smaller cows for the sake of having smaller cows. The ideal is a smaller cow that also excels at efficiencythe cow that can produce more pounds of calf weaned relative to her own body weight with minimal inputs. This sounds like shooting for the stars, but we have more tools and resources at our disposal today to produce and find these rockstar cows that excel in their environment than ever before; but we cannot manage what we do not measure. So where do we go from here? I think one of the keys to sustainability in the cow-calf industry is improving cow efficiency, starting with an understanding of where we are today and beginning to find moderation rather than chasing extremes.

Spring-Calving Cow Herd

• Fescue pastures don’t generally produce much this month. Many of us have had some rain (some of us a bit too much) but the heat has waited until late summer to become an issue. Most of you may have some forage going into the usually dry months. Keep rotating pastures to permit calves to continue gaining weight. Always keep minerals available.

• Bulls should have been removed from the cow herd by the end of the month. They should be pastured away from the cow herd with a good fence and allowed to regain lost weight and condition. It is a good time to evaluate physical condition, especially feet and legs. Bulls can be given medical attention and still have plenty of time to recover, e.g., corns, abscesses, split hooves, etc. If removing the bull is not practical for you, then call your herd veterinarian and schedule a pregnancy diagnosis. Market your “late-bred” cows and keep those that conceived early in the breeding season.

• Repair and improve corrals for fall working and weaning. Consider having an area to wean calves and retain ownership for postweaning feeding rather than selling “green,” lightweight calves. Plan to participate in CPH-45 feeder calf sales in your area

Fall-Calving Herd

• Dry cows should be moved to better pastures as calving time approaches. Cows should start calving next month. Yearling heifers may begin “head start” calving later this month. Plan to move cows to stockpiled fescue for the breeding season. It will soon be time to apply nitrogen fertilizer to those fields.

• Prepare for the fall-calving season (usually September). Get ready, be sure you have the following:

• record book

• ear tags for identification - calf puller

• castration equipment

General

• Perhaps the most tedious aspect of agriculture is keeping records, generating reports and using data to make management decisions. Consider using one of the many electronic data collection and management systems available on the market.

• Provide shade and water! Cattle will need shade during the hot part of the day. Check water supply frequently – as much as 20 gallons may be required by high producing cows in very hot weather.

• Select pastures for stockpiling. Remove cattle and apply nitrogen when moisture conditions are favorable. Stockpiled fescue can be especially beneficial for fall-calving cows after calving. Reproductive rates are highest in fall-calving cows grazing stockpiled fescue.

• Avoid working cattle when temperatures are extremely high – especially those grazing high- endophyte fescue. If cattle must be handled, do so in the early morning.

• Do not give up on fly control in late summer, especially if fly numbers are greater than about 50 flies per animal. You can use a different “type” of spray or pour-on to kill any resistant flies at the end of fly season.

• Keep a good mineral mix available at all times. The UK Beef IRM Basic Cow-Calf mineral is a good choice.

• Cattle may also be more prone to eat poisonous plants during periods of extreme temperature stress. They will stay in “wooded” areas and browse on plants that they would not normally consume. Consider putting a roll of hay in these areas and/or spraying plants like purple (perilla) mint that can be toxic.

• Take soil samples to determine pasture fertility needs. Fertilize as needed, this fall.