Oak Hollow is a multigenerational seedstock operation located in southern Kentucky, breeding over 400 cows annually. For nearly 50 years, we have selected traits of economic importance to commercial cattlemen. Optimal calving ease, fertility, longevity, and structural soundness have the most significant impact on commercial cow-calf profitability. The calves the cows raise also have to provide value down the supply chain by possessing the ability to grow and grade. Selection for these traits is backed by comprehensive phenotypic data collection, including MaternalPlus enrollment, foot scoring, hair scoring, mature cow size measurements, and carcass ultrasound. No stone is left unturned when evaluating the cow herd and calf crop annually. Our cow herd grazes toxic fescue in a commercial environment, and we focus on genetics adapted to the southeast that perform in that challenging environment. The bulls you see listed below are not outside AI sires, but herd sires currently in our bull battery and used in our breeding program in the spring and fall herds. Sires with this type of elite genetic potential for commercial cow-calf profitability bred to a cow herd like ours result in a bull crop ready to work for the commercial industry. They also produce daughters able to go out and produce for the commercial industry. The bulls on test for our October 28, 2024 bull sale AVERAGE in the top 2% of the breed for $Maternal. They are not developed on silage or in a feedlot. They are developed with a ration that has their long-term health in mind and in an environment that maintains their athleticism. If these sound like the cattle you like to have, feel free to call us anytime, visit our website, or email joe.lowe@icloud.com for more information.
CAIP QUALIFYING BRED HEIFERS AND SPRING BRED COWS AVAILABLE TODAY
Spring-calving females from the heart of our herd are available today via private treaty. Many are bred to the elite genetics listed in the chart above. Heifers have been evaluated for every single performance metric from birth through breeding. Cows have complete information on their calving interval and production record. They are priced starting at the top of the commercial female market and would make a great addition to any herd. Call us for more information.
EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE
OFFICERS:
President
JEFF PETTIT Sebree
President Elect
RANDY WARNER Sharpsburg
Vice President
ALLAN BRYANT Eminence
Treasurer
KEN ADAMS Upton
Past President
ANDY BISHOP Cox’s Creek
KCA Program Chairman
DANIEL HAYDEN Whitesville
KBC Chairman
RYAN MILLER Lebanon
KBN Chairman*
ALLAN BRYANT
Beef Solutions Chairman*
DANIEL HAYDEN *ex officio
REGIONAL DIRECTORS:
REGION 1
Wayne Zoglmann, John Mark Brown, Ashley Holloway, Leland Steely, Gary Woodall, Coleman Ladd, Susan Zoglmann, Bill Plemmons, Kenton Howard, Sara Roberson
REGION 2
Phyllis Gentry, Joe Lowe, Allison Nissley, Rayetta Boone, Robbie Hatfield, Chris Imbruglio, Maggie Webb, Mike Jones, Corbin Cowles, Glenn Byrd, Isaac Thompson, Kenneth Green, Trent Jones, Brian Manion, Joe Mike Moore, Amy Cecil
REGION 3
Amanda Hall, Nathan Lawson, James Brown, Phillip Douglas, Larry Bryant, Lincoln Clifford, Abbey Biddle, Ben Tinsley, Kevin Perkins, Kyle Bush, Michelle Simon, Craig Retzlaff
REGION 4
Amy White, Brad Reynolds, Chad Anglin, Phillip Stamm, Danielle Harmon, Bruce Witt, Jodi Purvis, Mike Ravencraft, Ronnie Lowe, Danny Callahan, Jason Crowe, Rob Amburgey
REGION 5
Adam Chunglo, Brent Woodrum, Tommy Spalding, Dean Craft, Doris Hamilton, Rick Brewer, Brent Williams, Anne Bays, Terry Mattingly, Ryan Miller, Phillip Reese, Tommy Glasscock
Executive Committee members in bold
Amanda Hall of Scott County and Joe Lowe of Warren County recently attended the Prime Partners Advocacy and Influencer event in Denver. Both Hall and Lowe are part of the NCBA Trailblazers Program. The program equips producers with the training and tools they need to promote beef to new audiences while addressing and correcting myths.
During the Prime Partners event, they were able to network with other beef advocates as well as dietitians, nutritionists and health influencers and share their beef stories with other attendees, some of which had no prior agricultural experience.
They are pictured at Leachman Cattle Company, where they got to tour the operation and learn about their cattle genetics and bull preparation program.
KCA PAST PRESIDENTS:
1972-73
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 MS, RD, LD KBC Southeast Regional Director of Nutrition
Becky Thompson Director of Kentucky Beef Network
Kelly Tucker KCA Collections & Compliance
Nikki Whitaker Director of Operations & Policy
and advertising agencies assume liability for all content of advertisements made against the publisher.
President's Thoughts
Jeff Pettit KCA President
WOW! Where did our summer go?
I can’t hardly believe that it is fall already! To me, last winter was wet and cold. While I appreciate the moisture, I just stayed cold all the time. I said that I wasn’t going to complain about it being hot this summer, and I think I succeeded in that for the most part. I may have moaned just a little bit once or twice. Honestly, up until late August we experienced a rather mild and moist summer, but then we got dry and hot! I know others of you got the dry part a lot earlier and worse than I did. I pray that you were able to gather enough feed to get you through the winter.
Over the past month I have been involved in Farm to Fork meetings, field days and various Kentucky Cattlemen’s Association committee and board meetings. Our Kentucky Livestock Innovation Center has officially received the first round of funding, and the oversight committee is meeting regularly to get things lined up. My personal goal is for us to be ready to break ground in spring 2025. There is a lot of design and planning that must take place before that can happen. Our staff and oversight committee have been meeting and listening to those groups that may either occupy or use the building on a regular basis. This building will be a centralized location from which the state’s commodity groups can work as a cohesive unit to safeguard the future of Kentucky agriculture. In my opinion, this facility and the collaborations that it will facilitate will further position Kentucky to become a “hub” for all things related to agriculture east of the Mississippi River. While the work in this facility is directly related to animal protein production, it also involves our grain producers as they help us produce feed for our livestock. It is a partnership, and we should never forget that.
Speaking of partnerships, I feel as cattle producers we sometimes forget what it takes for our cattle to have any value. I will use myself as an example. I am a cow/calf producer. We own and breed cows to produce an annual calf crop. When we wean those calves, our operation has two revenue paths that we consider for that calf crop. (1) We select bulls and heifers to grow out ourselves as replacements to sell to other producers. (2) We immediately sell calves after weaning to someone else who invests time and money to get them to the next stage of the beef production cycle. In the second scenario, those calves may change ownership several times before reaching the processing stage. Then, the processor, who has the worst job of all in my mind, takes the live animal and converts it into beef for human consumption. I am certainly glad that we have folks to do that job because I would not want to! And guess what? Without our other partners (backgrounders, feeders, packers), my calves would have very little value other than being a pet. My goal here is to help you think about a couple of things. First, do all you can to ensure the next owner of the cattle you sell is setup for success with productive, healthy livestock, and remember it takes a supply chain of folks to go from pasture to plate!
Happy trails until next month!
At Red Hill Farms, our maternal selection goals include cows that have longevity, breed regularly, calve easily and early in the breeding season, and wean a high percent of their body weight. In addition, we put extra emphasis on udders, feet and disposition. Profitability starts with the cow!
The SimGenetics bulls at Red Hill are selected to add payweight in all phases of production –weaning, yearling and carcass. As a bonus, these bulls are selected for KY-31 fescue adaptability, slick hair, good feet and remarkably calm dispositions. These bulls are ideal for mating to British-based cows to produce calves with added hybrid vigor, feedlot demand and consumer acceptance. 231A, along with other Red Hill sires, have proven track records of adding value in all segments of the beef business!
Jeff Pettit
Commissioner's Corner
Jonathan Shell Agriculture Commissioner of Kentucky
For many Kentuckians, agriculture is a way of life, but it's so much more. It's more than raising livestock and more than tilling land, growing crops and maintaining equipment.
Agriculture is innovation, hard work, dedication and passion. It's transportation and research.
In Kentucky, agriculture is economic development. Its impact reaches all of us and is vital to our economy.
Kentucky agricultural cash receipts reached $8.1 billion last year, just shy of the record $8.3 billion set in 2022. This figure highlights only a portion of agriculture’s estimated $49.6 billion impact on Kentucky’s economy, underscoring that Kentucky is agriculture. From horses and beef cattle to soybeans and corn, the state boasts a diverse range of production. Agriculture is one of Kentucky’s top industries, providing over 271,000 jobs. With 69,425 farms across the state and nearly half of its 25 million acres dedicated to farming, Kentucky’s agricultural roots run deep.
Kentucky’s top five commodities all exceeded $1 billion in cash receipts in 2022. This diversification marks a significant turning point in Kentucky’s agriculture future. In the past, tobacco was king. But when the market changed, Kentucky had to change with it.
As a fifth-generation farmer, I am proud to raise cattle alongside my family. But as farming changed, we noticed we needed to change, as well. While we still farm cattle, we now also grow flowers, corn and pumpkins. Understanding the need for diversification was key to our success in this evolving landscape. To make that a reality, we used many of the programs available across the state for farmers who want to diversify their output.
During this year’s Kentucky General Assembly, our legislators demonstrated a commitment to
investment in Kentucky agriculture by earmarking $5 million for agricultural economic development. The funding will help incentivize and locate agricultural projects in the commonwealth, bolstering the industry, supply chain and farming families from Pikeville to Paducah.
To further advance this initiative, we have established a new position for an economic development director at the Kentucky Department of Agriculture. Jacob Estes has served for more than three years as a policy advisor to the Kentucky Speaker of the House with a focus on budget development and tax policy. Estes is from Powell County and earned degrees from the University of Dayton’s School of Law in 2021 and the University of Kentucky’s Gatton College of Business and Economics in 2019.
We have held two “agriculture is economic development” meetings, one in Eastern Kentucky (Morehead) and one in Western Kentucky (Murray). The meetings convene invested and interested parties for discussion on the topic across the state. Stay tuned for more meetings in other regions of the state. We intend to hold a meeting in every region.
The four main items we discuss at our “agriculture is economic development” meetings are:
• row crop infrastructure and research, including creating more end users;
• large-scale animal processing, including expansion in the form of a beef processing plant;
• food distribution networks and partnerships; and
• on-farm retail and local marketing, such as agritourism and KDA’s Kentucky Proud program.
Agriculture has always been a key part of our history, but the jobs it creates and its economic impact prove that it's also driving our future forward.
THE YARDS is an education center focusing on the science and practices of the beef industry. Educational opportunities provide a unique learning experience based on its location in the Blue Grass Regional Stockyards Marketplace. This environment fosters complex thinking, experiential learning, and life skill application.
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Thoughts From Dave
Dave Maples Executive Vice President
I had the opportunity to attend a wedding for my son’s childhood friend in Brazil this past month. He was marrying a Brazilian young lady that he met as a student at the University of Kentucky. When we got the invitation, my wife insisted that we go. I made sure I had the opportunity to look at some cattle while we were there.
As most of you are aware, Brazilianowned JBS owns the Swift pork plant in Louisville and the Pilgrams Pride poultry plant in Mayfield as well as the Empire Foods packing plant just outside of Cincinnati. Westley Batista Filho, JBS USA CEO, was making his rounds back in June to the different JBS plants and his visit to Kentucky included a stop at Gov. Andy Beshear’s office as well as a stop at Kentucky Farm Bureau where the Kentucky livestock organizations were invited for a visit and dinner. In my conversation with Westley, I let him know that I was going to be in Brazil in a couple of months. He suggested that I work with the JBS staff and arrange a visit.
I know I am going to have some folks that are going to have something to say about going to visit JBS, but I will tell you it was an awesome visit and they treated my family nicer than I would have ever expected. Please remember that I was on vacation and on my dime, not KCA’s.
I knew JBS was big, but I didn’t know just how big. They are in a worldwide food supply system. They started from a very small processing plant and through several acquisitions they are what they are today.
My visit to JBS was a three-day tour. Monday morning started at 6 a.m. with a visit to a local processing plant in Goiania. This was an older plant that was similar to the JBS pork plant in downtown Louisville. The plant manager had worked to have cattle ready for the morning kill. He had it planned for me to see several pens of very nice half Angus, half Nelore bulls. They feed and process bulls, mainly
Nelore (Zebu) bulls, because they can’t use implants. Most all were 3-yearsold.
Later that morning, we visited one of the largest beef processing plants in Brazil. Both plants were very proud of their certifications and the different “brands or labels” they processed for. Different countries and food companies have different requirements, and they were proud that they work to provide the customer what their specifications called for. Most of their product (70%) was consumed in Brazil and a big percentage went to China. Companies like McDonalds and Burger King were customers as well.
Food safety was another surprise because it was top notch and emphasized heavily. They could not use acid products, so everything had to be clean, and it was. Everyone was required to put on clean uniforms before entering, and you did not go in the building without washing your hands and your rubber boots. There was even a person who made sure everyone followed the rules. Another notable first impression was there were chairs for the employees to rest as well as domino tables outside the plant under a big tent. They also had benches in the plant for the workers to be able to sit down. That was a first for me to see.
On the kill floor, I got to see it all. They were doing halal processing because they had a customer who wanted the product. After the halal inspection, there was a young lady with a handheld EID reader reading electronic tags. All the animals had an EID device in their ear. I watched the numbers pop up in the computer as she scanned them. Everything was tracked.
That afternoon, we toured a 100,000 head feedlot. It was so different to see that many white, three-year-old Nelore bulls. The feedlots looked like feedlots in Texas or Kansas. They were very well managed with strong nutrition and health programs. The
one interesting event that I got to watch was the feedlot crew loading out three loads of cattle headed to the packing plant. Remember all 100,000 animals had an EID tag. The feedlot crew scanned each animal as they prepared them to load on the truck. EID’s were used for inventory control, commerce, producer payments and trade devices. They served more purposes than just animal health, but it could be used for that as well. The other thing was that they were only going back 90 days. So, they were tagging them as they came into the feedlot. I would expect that is what will eventually happen in our country. They will tag them at the feedlot level. The third day I got to visit the corporate headquarters in Sao Paulo. There were 300 people in one big room that were running that company. They had an export division that was selling American beef to Chili and Brazilian beef to Egypt. They also did distribution for all other food products.
The last area of the room that I was shown was the data or technology area. I asked the gentleman there that I saw them read the EID tags at the packing plant on Monday and the cowboys read the EID tags at the feedlot, why don’t you have a program so that the owner could see the data? The second gentleman pulled his phone out and showed me that he could. Everyone in the supply chain that read the tag could see the information in near real time. I asked about cost, and if you were in the supply chain, you could see your data with no cost.
After seeing what they were doing in Brazil when it comes to EID tags, I think we in our country are wasting a lot of time and money and have a lot of emotion tied up in the animal ID issue. If there is a customer that wants a product with a set of specifications, I think there will be an entrepreneur out there that will figure out how to supply the market. Just think what an uproar it would be if you asked our producers to put an EID tag in or read an EID tag in a 3-year-old Brahma bull, much less a 100,000 of them.
ADDRESS THE STRESS
PROTECT YOUR BOTTOM LINE AGAINST REDUCED APPETITE AND WEIGHT LOSS.
Stress happens every time cattle are handled, transported or commingled.
Cortisol levels increase from stress impacting appetite, health and weight gain. Studies demonstrate FerAppease® reduces the impact of stress on calves treated:*
• Reduced cortisol levels
• Improved appetite
• Increased weight gain
• Improved immunocompetence
• Improved health response, better recovery
• Decreased mortality
*Conducted by Dr. Reinaldo F. Cooke, Texas A&M University
HEALTHIER & HEAVIER CALVES = MORE PROFIT
CONTACT YOUR VETERINARIAN OR ANIMAL HEALTH PROVIDER TODAY.
BARREN COUNTY NEWS
submitted by Ken Wininger and Carol Spiegl
The Barren County Cattlemen’s Association cooking crew has been busy this spring and summer grilling ribeye sandwiches for various groups including the Glasgow Independent Schools' teacher and staff appreciation luncheon at the end of the 2023-2024 school year, the Kentucky Young Farmer’s group at Tim Coomer’s Event Center in Hiseville and the Southern States Co-op customer appreciation event. Luke Nunn, age 2, passed out cookies for the Barren County Cattlemen’s Association cooking crew at their August meeting.
CAMPBELL COUNTY NEWS
submitted by Michelle Simon
The Campbell County Cattlemen’s Association sponsored the Herdsman Award at the Alexandria World’s Fair. This award was judged on the beef exhibitors display, competition, sportsmanship and volunteerism during the fair. The 2024 Herdsman Award winner was Corbin Schmidt- Congratulations Corbin!
LOGAN COUNTY NEWS
submitted by John Walpole
Saturday, Sept. 14 the Logan County Cattlemen’s Association cooked 500 ribeyes, 500 hamburgers and 500 all beef hot dogs for the 25th anniversary of Stupp Bridge Co. in Warren County.
The Logan County Cattlemen’s Association congratulates the winners of Logan County Youth Steer Show. Junior cattlemen members showcased 39 steers during the show, which was held May 28 at the Logan County Ag Arena. Winners include Amelia Gripshover, grand champion steer and Oliver Gripshover, reserve champion steer. Both the reserve and grand champion steers were born and raised in Logan County. Also pictured are youth winners of the steer weight gain, steer merit, carcass contests.
NORTH AMERICAN CATTLE INDUSTRY LEADERS MEET TO DISCUSS COMMON CHALLENGES FACING PRODUCERS ACROSS CANADA, UNITED STATES AND MEXICO
Saskatoon, SK (Aug. 21, 2024) – The Canadian Cattle Association (CCA) hosted the third 2024 triannual trilateral meeting with its North American counterparts, the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA) and Confederación Nacional de Organizaciones Ganaderas (CNOG) on the sidelines of the Canadian Beef Industry Conference in August. The trilateral meeting gives an opportunity for leadership to discuss the challenges and opportunities facing beef producers across Canada, United States and Mexico. Topics at this year’s trilateral focused on trade policy, the upcoming review of the Canada-United States-Mexico Agreement (CUSMA/ USMCA/T-MEC) in 2026 and international engagement on antimicrobial resistance.
“The beef industry is highly integrated across North America and with the upcoming review of CUSMA in 2026, it is crucial for us to have these trilateral meetings with our friends to the south. With the challenges that our sector is facing globally, we are stronger working together, to push back against nontariff barriers and other unscientific international policies that impact beef producers,” said Nathan Phinney, CCA president. “NCBA greatly values our relationships with our Canadian and Mexican counterparts and our ability to come together as allies to tackle issues facing cattle producers across North America. In addition to discussing international trade and animal health concerns, I am also encouraged that CCA, CNOG and NCBA continue standing together to push back against labgrown proteins. These lab-grown protein companies are trying to capitalize from the incredible reputation of real beef in their efforts to sell ultra-processed products created in bioreactors. Together, we are working to ensure lab-grown proteins are properly regulated and transparently labeled to avoid consumer confusion with our products that are made with only one ingredient, beef,” said NCBA President Mark Eisele.
Through CUSMA, beef producers across all three countries benefit from the market-based demand for our product. As we approach the 2026 review, the combined leadership of CCA, NCBA and CNOG are emphasizing the success that it continues to bring to our industry.
At the same time, we’re looking at opportunities to work together against global challenges including non-tariff barriers we’re facing in other jurisdictions and international commitments that impact the cattle sector. Despite recognizing antimicrobial resistance as an urgent global one-health threat, the North American beef sector is aligned and pushing back against unfounded antimicrobial reduction targets without considering sector specific needs. Responsible antimicrobial stewardship is essential to supporting the health and welfare of cattle, which includes increased access to veterinary products.
CCA, NCBA and CNOG leadership determined a unified approach to address international challenges facing the countries' producers and will continue to work on these files together, in lead up to the next trilateral meeting in San Antonio, Texas in 2025.
CATTLECON 2025 REGISTRATION NOW OPEN
San Antonio Welcomes Beef Industry with Texas Hospitality
CENTENNIAL, Colo. (Aug. 19, 2024) – Registration is now open for CattleCon 2025, which will be held in San Antonio, Texas, Feb. 4-6. This annual event is “where the beef industry meets” to conduct business, attend educational sessions, experience engaging speakers and enjoy family fun.
“CattleCon is the industry’s biggest event of the year,” said Mark Eisele, National Cattlemen’s Beef Association president. “Cattle producers from across the country will gather to make decisions, network, learn and have some fun.”
For those arriving early, there will be an immersive grazing management workshop and tour on Monday, Feb. 3. This pre-convention tour is tailored for cattle producers aiming to deepen their expertise in effective grazing strategies. CattleCon 2025 officially kicks off on Tuesday, Feb. 4, and the cattle industry will be hard at work guiding both Beef Checkoff and NCBA policy programs. The National Cattlemen’s Beef Association, the Cattlemen’s Beef Board, American National CattleWomen, CattleFax and National Cattlemen’s Foundation will hold annual meetings during the event.
CattleCon attendees can look forward to a variety of educational opportunities including the CattleFax Outlook Seminar, weather and industry updates, sustainability forum and the 32nd annual Cattlemen’s College. Cattlemen’s College will include two days of classroom sessions followed by a full day of live animal demonstrations in the NCBA Trade Show arena.
Industry leaders will be recognized during the Environmental Stewardship Award Program reception, Beef Checkoff-funded Beef Quality Assurance Awards program and Cattle Feeders Hall of Fame Banquet. More than 9 acres of the NCBA Trade Show will provide plenty of room to engage with exhibitors, listen to educational sessions, and enjoy entertainment and daily receptions.
Wednesday night’s event will be the Big TX Fest at Smoke Skybar featuring Texas-inspired food and entertainment by Paul Bogart. Thursday evening is Cowboy’s Night at the San Antonio Stock Show & Rodeo and Friday includes a special post-convention tour of the King Ranch.
Getting to San Antonio is made easier with discounted flights on United Airlines, a registration payment plan, and free Thursday trade show registration for FFA and 4-H members. Cattle producers attending CattleCon 2025 are also eligible to apply for the Rancher Resilience Grant, which provides reimbursement for registration and up to three nights hotel. For more information and to apply, visit www.ncba.org/producers/rancher-resilience-grant.
A variety of registration options are available, including super saver rates for those who register early. For more information and to register and reserve housing, visit convention.ncba.org.
A Look at the Cattle Markets Going into Fall
Kenny Burdine University of Kentucky
The expansion phase of the current cattle cycle began in 2015. Drought in the Southern Plains from 2011 to 2013 expanded the liquidation phase of the previous cycle and brought beef cow inventory to levels not seen since the early 1960s. From those 2014 lows, the cow herd grew by more than 9%, reaching its high for the current cattle cycle in 2019. Liquidation began in 2020 and appears to be ongoing as I write this in early September. As can be seen in Figure 1, 2024 beef cow inventory was actually below 2014 levels, checking in as the smallest cowherd on record since 1961.
The lag between beef cow numbers and beef production has also made this a unique cycle. Holding everything else constant, one would have expected beef production to peak the year following the 2019 highs in beef cow inventory as that calf crop would have been harvested the following year. However, COVID pushed some 2020 production into 2021 and widespread drought led to significant heifer and cow slaughter in 2022. So, despite the fact that the cow herd reached its relative peak in 2019, we didn’t see a year-over-year decrease in beef production until 2023.
Lower beef production levels and tighter feeder cattle supplies resulted in sharply higher cattle prices in 2023 and 2024. There has absolutely been volatility and frustrating downturns along the way, but the general price improvement can’t be denied. On a state average basis, 550 lb. M/L #1-2 steer prices increased by $50 per cwt in 2023 and are on track for a similar sized increase for 2024. The increases have not been quite as high for heavy feeders, but they have posted gains in each of the last two years as well. Monthly Kentucky auction prices through August 2024 can be seen in Figures 2 and 3.
The monthly charts don’t do a very good job descibing the changes in
Figure 1. Jan. 1 US Beef Cow Inventory - 1940 to 2024
Figure 2. 550 lb. Medium/Large Frame #1-2 Steers
Figure 3. 850 lb. Medium/Large Frame #1-2 Steers
cattle markets in late summer. Fall feeder cattle futures fell sharply beginning in late July. By the end of August, calf prices were off $30-40 per cwt from their early summer highs. The decline has not been quite as steep on heavy feeders, but they have pulled back as well. The late summer drop reminds me a bit of what we saw in the fall of 2023. It just seemed to come a little earlier this year. While supply fundamentals remain encouraging, the cattle complex seemed to respond negatively to some macroeconomic data that raised questions about meat demand going forward. The market is also likely trying to process the impact of expanded avian influenza testing and uncertainty about the upcoming presidential election.
Despite the volatility, calf prices have been high enough to start watching for early signs of cow herd
expansion. Tracking this was a bit harder this year since USDA-NASS did not release a July Cattle Inventory Report. The best indicator we have is the share of heifers on feed, which is estimated once per quarter in the Cattle-on-Feed Report. During expansionary times when large numbers of females are being held for beef cow replacement, heifers as a percent of total on-feed inventory is typically in the low-30% range. This can be seen in 2015-2017 in Figure 4 and contrasts to the more recent estimates which place the heifer percentage very near 40%. The most recent data is from July 2024; additional estimates will be made in October and January.
On the surface, it seems strange that we are not seeing any signs of heifer retention given the strength of calf prices and more favorable weather conditions in the current year. But
I think it is important to remember that we are not that far removed from much lower prices as fall 2022 calf prices were well south of $2.00 per lb. In fact, the years 2016 through 2022 were very difficult for the cow-calf sector as farmers faced stagnant calf prices and rising production costs. In truth, most cow-calf operations have only sold one calf crop in the new market environment.
While calf prices and weather conditions have improved over the last two years, there still seems to be some hesitancy to hold back heifers with expansion in mind. I think this hesitancy starts with understanding that producers would be holding back some of the most valuable heifer calves they have ever produced. That does not mean that expansion doesn’t make sense for some producers, but I do think it is causing a few to pause a bit longer than usual. The higher interest rate environment of today also is a consideration as higher interest rates increase the preference for money today (heifer calves) over money in the future (future calves).
Finally, I think one has to acknowledge the impact of the cull cow market on beef cow inventory. As strong as calf and feeder prices have been, a case could be made that cull cow prices have been even more impressive. Cull cows running through Kentucky auctions this summer sold for $400-$500 more than 2023 and $600-$700 more than 2022. Still, beef cow slaughter is down by almost 15% year-over-year through the first seven months of 2024. That is definitely noteworthy, but it is also a bit misleading. The last several years have been high cow slaughter years, so the baseline for comparison is high. For some additional perspective, I like to look at beef cow slaughter as a percentage of Jan. 1 beef cow inventory. Extrapolating a bit to estimate the rest of 2024, I am projecting beef cow slaughter to be around 10.6% of this year’s beef cow inventory. While that is down from the last three years, it is not a number that speaks to the cow herd getting larger, especially given the large share of heifers on feed this summer (see Figure 5).
Figure 4. Heifers as a Percent of Total on Feed Inventory, by Quarter
Figure 5. Beef Cow Slaughter as a percentage of Jan. 1 Beef Cow Inventory
Maximize Tax Savings by Properly Reporting Cattle Sales
Jonathan D. Shepherd director of UK Tax Seminar Program
Some cattle producers simplify their record keeping (and by extension, what they report to their tax preparers) by summing all their annual cattle sales into one category. While doing this may save them a few minutes on record keeping, they are most likely exposing themselves to more tax liability than if they properly recorded and reported these sales. This is because not all cattle sales are treated equally from a taxation standpoint. In this article, I will discuss the tax implications of properly reporting cattle sales on a producer's tax return and how to maximize tax savings regarding these sales.
Differentiating Cattle Sales: Breeding Livestock Versus Market Livestock
Revenue generated from the sale of different types of cattle is treated differently. Cattle revenue is first broken into two categories: breeding and market. While I am focusing here on the implications of tax rules regarding breeding livestock for a cattle operation, note that these rules also apply to other types of breeding livestock (sheep, horses, etc.) with minor differences. Breeding livestock (to be technically specific, these rules apply to breeding, dairy, and draft animals) are as the name suggests, livestock that will be used in the operation for breeding purposes. In contrast, market livestock are those that do not meet the definition of breeding livestock. These are animals that are intended to be sold and not used for breeding purposes. Further refinement of these categories includes two other important distinctions when evaluating tax treatment: raised versus purchased. Below, I will walk through examples of how each category is treated for tax purposes.
Reporting Market Animal Sales
I will start with the simplest classification, market animals. Regardless of whether market animals are purchased or raised, their sales are reported on Schedule
F and are subject to self-employment tax. Purchased market animals that will be resold also have other tax considerations, namely “cattle basis.” Assuming you are a cash basis taxpayer (which most farmers are) and you purchase a market animal in one tax year (i.e. fall 2024) but do not sell that animal until the following tax year (i.e. summer 2025), you cannot deduct the cost of that animal until the tax year in which it is sold (i.e. 2025 tax year). All the ordinary and necessary expenses associated with raising market cattle (i.e. feed, vet costs, supplies, etc.) are deducted in the year they occur. This last point also applies to animals that are purchased for resale. In this case (i.e. purchased in fall 2024 but not sold until summer 2025), all the costs that occurred in 2024 (besides the actual cost of the animal) can be deducted on the 2024 tax return whereas the cost of the animal will be reported on the 2025 return.
Example 1. Market Animal Sales
Assume Farmer Fiona is a cash-basis taxpayer and is in the business of raising calves of her own as well as purchasing other farmers' calves and reselling them. In 2024, Fiona has 30 calves of her own to sell and purchases 25 from her neighbor. Fiona will sell all her 30 raised calves in 2024 but will sell the 25 purchased animals in 2025. On Fiona’s 2024 Schedule F, Fiona will report all her cattle sales (the 30 she raised) on Line 2 “Sales of livestock, produce, grains, and other products you raised.” The ordinary and necessary expense of raising all the cattle on the farm (both the raised and purchased animals) will be appropriately accounted for on lines 10-32 of Schedule F for that same tax year. Then in 2025, when Fiona sells the 25 purchased animals, the revenue and original cost of those animals will be reported on lines 1a-1c of Schedule F. Since Fiona is selling market animals, her net Schedule F income would be subject to both ordinary income tax as well as self-employment tax.
Reporting Breeding Animal Sales Revenue generated from the sale of breeding livestock is taxed differently than market animals and therefore reported differently on the tax return. There are also reporting and taxation differences for breeding animals that were raised versus those that were purchased, as well as animals that were held for more than 24 months. In general, breeding livestock sales can be considered ordinary income, capital gains, or a combination of both and are not subject to selfemployment tax. However, when it comes to breeding livestock taxation, intent is also important. For example, bred heifers that are developed for sale, even though they are breeding animals, are still considered ordinary income and subject to selfemployment tax. If the intent was to sell these animals after they were bred, they are really no different than market livestock for tax purposes.
Example 2. Raised Breeding Sales Assume Farmer Flint is a cash-basis taxpayer and is culling cows that he has raised, and all these cows have been held for over 24 months. In this case, Farmer Flint has no cost basis in these animals as he deducted the ordinary and necessary costs (i.e. feed, vet costs, supplies, etc.) in the years they occurred. Therefore, when Farmer Flint sells these cows, it will be for a gain (simply the net stockyard check for the cows he sold) and is reported on Form 4797 Part I. What is important to Farmer Flint in this scenario is that all this revenue is free from self-employment tax and treated as a “1231 gain” or “capital gain.” Paying tax at a capital gain rate is more favorable than at an ordinary income rate.
Example 3. Raised Breeding Sales without Meeting Holding Period
Let’s further assume that Farmer Flint is also selling an 18-monthold raised heifer who is sterile and a 14-month-old bull (who passed a bull soundness test) that was intended for
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breeding but doesn’t meet Farmer Flint’s standards. In most cases, the sterile heifer can be treated like she was held for 24 months even though she wasn’t because the intent was that she would be a cow. Therefore, her sale will be considered a capital gain and taxed at that more favorable rate. However, a strict interpretation of the Internal Revenue Code (IRC), would suggest that since she was not held for 24 months or longer that her tax treatment would be as ordinary income but not subject to selfemployment tax. In the case of the bull, while he is still a viable bull, he has not been held for 24 months. In most situations, he would be treated as ordinary income but not subject to self-employment tax. Here, the bull would be reported on Form 4797 part II.
Example 4. Purchased Breeding Livestock Sales
In my opinion, purchased breeding livestock sales are the most complicated of the scenarios we have discussed so far. When a purchased breeding animal is sold, it can result in a gain or a loss. The gain can be part capital gain and part ordinary gain. The potential capital gain portion depends on how much the animal was sold for versus what it was purchased for. These sales (assuming the purchased animal was depreciated) require depreciation recapture. Let’s look at a scenario where a purchased cow that was fully depreciated was sold:
Net Cull Cow Revenue
$1,800 (assume a gross of $1,900 minus $100 in stockyard fees)
Original Cost
$1,500
Allowable Depreciation $1,500
Adjusted Basis
$0
In this simplified format, the adjusted basis is calculated by subtracting the allowable depreciation from the original cost. Technically speaking, you would report the gross sales price of $1,900 and account for the cost of the sale in calculating the adjusted basis (but you will arrive at the same final answer). In the case of a fully depreciated cow, the adjusted basis is $0 as you have fully recovered the cost of the animal. However,
here, since the animal has been sold for more than you paid for it, the total gain of $1,800 is reported and taxed differently. First, you must recapture depreciation of $1,500 (what you originally paid for the cow and depreciated over time) and that will be taxed as ordinary income but not subject to self-employment tax. The amount over the original cost is treated as a capital gain of $300. This information will be reported on the Form 4797 in Parts II and III. Changes in the facts and circumstances of this example that would lead to differing reporting and taxation would be if the cow was sold for less than purchased, if a loss was created, and/or if there was still depreciation left to take on the animal.
Why Proper Reporting Matters
Beyond reporting sales correctly to be compliant with the IRC (Internal Revenue Code), it behooves the producers to report properly to maximize available tax savings. The intent of this article was not to make anyone a tax expert but to provide producers with the information
they need to properly account for their livestock sales. This discussion covered the basics of these issues and was intended to motivate producers to break out categories of cattle sales for tax preparation purposes. Simply providing a tax preparer with stockyard checks that list animals as cows, steers, etc. is not sufficient as the person preparing your taxes will have to make assumptions about those animals. There is no way for them to know the holding period or whether the animals were purchased or raised. Further, I would be remiss not to say that there are always exceptional circumstances that can cloud the rules and even the IRC (Internal Revenue Code) can seem ambiguous, resulting in varying interpretations. Seeking qualified expertise is important when wading through “non-typical” scenarios or validating your tax understanding. Lastly, I would like to point out there are also other potentially favorable tax rules that can apply to producers when they must sell more cattle than normal due to weather-related conditions. These will be covered in a future article.
Beef-on-Dairy Is a Growing Trend, But Its Impacts on Beef Production Are Small
James Mitchell University of Arkansas Kenny Burdine University of Kentucky
Beef-on-dairy refers to using beef semen on dairy cows to increase the value of calves that will not be retained as dairy replacement heifers. From 2014-2023, the net dairy culling rate was 32.4%, which implies 67.6% of the dairy calf crop enters the beef production system as feeder calves. The increased calf value from beef-on-dairy comes from improved feedlot performance, meat yield and quality, where quality refers to muscle size and shape.
Growth in beef-on-dairy has raised several questions, including the impacts of the system on U.S. beef production. Recent estimates picked up by the farm press suggest that beef-on-dairy represented 7% of 2022 cattle slaughter or 2.6 million head. The same source predicts that beef-on-dairy could account for 15% of cattle slaughter by 2026. There is nothing wrong with these numbers, but some context should be added regarding how this would impact U.S. beef production levels.
It is important to recognize that beef-on-dairy does not immediately change the number of calves born to dairy cows each year. Therefore, it does not necessarily mean more cattle entering the beef production system. The first figure in this article shows annual fed cattle slaughter. The figure also shows that fed dairy as a percent of total fed cattle slaughter has remained relatively constant from 2014 to 2023, ranging from 16% to 19%. In 2023, fed dairy cattle slaughter was estimated at 4.67 million head or 19% of total fed cattle slaughter. The increase in fed dairy relative to total fed slaughter from 2019 to 2023 is a function of the cyclical decline in cattle inventories – beef cattle numbers decreased while dairy cattle numbers increased. As growth in beef-on-dairy continues, we will observe a decrease in traditional fed dairy cattle slaughter and an increase in beefon-dairy cattle slaughter. The key point being that this is a tradeoff, not a net gain in dairy slaughter.
How widely adopted is beef-on-dairy and how much growth do we expect going forward? Extrapolating data from a 2023 University of Wisconsin study implies that beef-ondairy grew from 18% or 738,000 head in 2019 to 26% or 1.12 million head in 2021. More recently, the National Association of Animal Breeders reported sales of beef semen to the dairy industry totaling 7.9 million or 31% of total semen sales to dairy, including sexed, conventional and beef semen sales. Since there is likely no significant cost difference from using beef semen in the dairy herd, it is not unrealistic to expect that beef-on-dairy will become widely adopted in the dairy industry over the next few years.
The table in this article shows a range of beef-on-dairy adoption rates (0% to 100%) and the hypothetical impacts on 2023 beef production. In these scenarios, beef-on-dairy adoption refers to the share of non-replacement-intended fed dairy cattle slaughter that is from beef-on-dairy crosses. As beef-on-dairy transitions from 0% to 100% adoption, a larger share of fed dairy slaughter will come from the
latter. If the adoption rate were 100%, this would equate to an estimated 4.67 million head of non-replacement dairy calves being beef-on-dairy cattle or about 19% of 2023 fed cattle slaughter. But the supply of fed dairy cattle does necessarily increase; beef-on-dairy just represents an increasing proportion of that supply.
While the total number of cattle fed annually may not change, increasing adoption of beef-on-dairy has the potential to impact the type and quality on a portion of those cattle. In order to specifically estimate the impact on beef production, assumptions must be made about potential changes in dressed weights when a share of traditional fed dairy cattle are replaced with beef-on-dairy fed cattle. The analysis begins with the assumption that traditional fed dairy cattle average 800 pound dressed weights (1,400 pounds live weight) with a dressing percentage of 57%.
Using that as a starting point, and assuming zero beefon-dairy adoption, beef production from fed dairy cattle would have totaled around 3.73 billion pounds in 2023 (800 pounds times 4.67 million head). This would have
⃣
Note: Assumes 800 pound dressed weights for fed dairy cattle slaughter and 824 dressed weights for beef-on-dairy cattle. The increase in production is the increase from beef-on-dairy compared to no beef-on-dairy adoption. Beef production totaled 26.967 billion pounds in 2023. The increase in beef production is relative to 2023 total beef production on a carcass weight equivalent.
Table 1. Hypothetical scenarios for beef-on-dairy adoption and the impacts on beef production
Figure 1. Annual Fed Cattle Slaughter & Fed Dairy as Percent of Slaughter (2014-2023) Source USDA-NASS and LMIC, Calculations by Mitchell and Burdine
⃣ Fed Slaughter
Share of Fed Dairy Slaughter
represented 13.8% of total 2023 beef production on a carcass weight equivalent.
It would seem reasonable to assume that use of beef semen on dairy would potentially bring live weights down and pull dressing percentages upward. If the increase in dressing percentage offset the decrease in liveweights such that carcass weights increased by 3%, this would be roughly a 24-pound increase for beef-on-dairy fed cattle. Using this 24-pound increase, had beef-on-dairy adoption had been 100% in 2023, production from beef-on-dairy would have totaled around 3.84 billion pounds (14.3% of total U.S. beef production on a carcass weight equivalent). That additional 112 million pounds would represent an increase in annual beef production of 0.42%. Put simply, moving the assumption from 0% to 100% adoption would have increased 2023 beef production by less than half a percent. Importantly, recognize that some of the impact on beef production has already been internalized because beef-on-dairy adoption has already reached 30-50%.
There are some additional points that should be made about the estimates discussed above and shown in the table. The first involves the percent of beef-on-dairy semen that is potentially sexed. Anecdotally, we got mixed answers, with some people telling us 5% and others telling us nearly 100% of beef-on-dairy semen sales are sexed. If a larger share of beef-on-dairy calves are steers, the impact on beef production would be larger as steers will have higher dressed weights. But even if we double the impact on carcass weights to 50 pounds, the change in total beef production is still less than 1%.
Another question involves how beefon-dairy potentially changes the relative value of a dairy heifer. Are there situations where a dairy heifer is worth more as a beef animal than a dairy replacement? If so, that could increase the total number of beef-ondairy cattle. That also raises questions about second-order effects. Does the profitability of beef-on-dairy mean more dairies? Milk production will remain the focus of dairy operations, but increased calf values have the potential to impact profitability. If this
encourages some expansion of the dairy herd, that would lead to further impact on beef production levels. Finally, beef-on-dairy will impact beef quality grades and change the volume of eligible products for branded beef programs. It will change how we market approximately 15% of U.S. beef production. That's an important consideration, but we do not think it will erode beef quality premiums. Other considerations include the downward trend in veal slaughter which coincides with the increase in beef-on-dairy.
Beef-on-dairy is an important change for both the beef and dairy industries. During the liquidation phase of the cattle cycle, beef-on-dairy will reflect a larger share of total fed cattle slaughter. This is especially true as more dairies adopt beef-on-dairy crosses to improve the value of their calves. Still, the impact on total beef production is likely to be relatively small and will depend on how beefon-dairy changes the structure of the dairy industry. It is an important development that we should continue to monitor.
Freezer Beef Processing Down from COVID Highs, But Consumer Demand Still Exists
Katie Pratt Kentucky Cattlemen's Association
While consumer demand continues for freezer beef, some cattle producers are finding prices for young calves too tempting to retain them back for the market.
John Edwards is one of the owners of Trackside Butcher Shoppe in Henry County. He said the freezer beef market has slowed from its highs during the COVID-19 pandemic. During that time, his business had a two-year processing backlog, which was common for many Kentucky meat processors as beef flew off the grocery store shelves and consumers were looking for any available protein. Those processing appointments have since returned to a more of a normal schedule but high cattle prices have caused some producers to opt to sell their cattle at the stockyards instead of for freezer beef.
“We are getting a lot of processing cancellations,” Edwards said. “Producers will book five processing appointments but call back and lower the appointment to two.”
But not all producers have been swayed by the high market prices. Grayson County cattle producer Kendra Childress owns Laurel Creek Farms with her parents. They began selling freezer beef in 2021 as part of their cow-calf operation. Since the demand for freezer beef has remained stable in her area, they set aside 20% of their annual calf crop for processing, which happens twice a year. They plan to continue to do so despite the higher cattle prices.
“We know that the market is not going to stay this high forever,” she said. “We want to continue to provide a quality product to our customers regardless of the prices at the stockyards.”
In Campbellsville, cattle producer Dr. Randy Smoot opened Green River Meats in March 2024. It was culmination of a project that he had in the works for six years and not necessarily related to freezer beef demand in the area.
“I have a cow-calf operation and was trying to figure out a way to bring in additional income,” said Smoot, a lifelong cattle producer in Taylor and Green counties. “I thought if I could cut out the middle man and become a processor myself it would help me retain more income.”
With more than 200 cow-calf pairs and several area feedlots, Smoot also had the cattle numbers and the necessary infrastructure in place to make a processing facility a reality. While their business is just starting out, Smoot and his Green River Meats partner Tim Jeffries will eventually be able process as many as 60 head of beef per week and also hogs, sheep and goats. To help meet demand, Smoot is currently keeping most of his calf crop for freezer beef.
“We have been ramping up on the farm side because we have to have a reliable source of animals and our retail business is also growing,” Smoot said.
Despite the growth and strong consumer demand, he has seen a decline in freezer beef appointments from others. He attributes that to current cattle prices.
“It’s challenging for some producers to justify keeping that animal for sometimes up to a year to get it to an optimal weight when they are getting really good prices selling the calves at weaning,” he said.
Edwards caution producers who have developed relationships with their freezer beef customers from completely exiting the market.
“Producers shouldn’t abandon their longtime freezer beef customers just because the cattle market is high,” he said. “Remember those customers paid you a premium for your cattle when prices were terrible.
Ushering in the Next Generation
Katie Pratt Kentucky Cattlemen's Association
The Kuegel family have a long, storied history of farming in Daviess County. Since the late Bill Kuegel opened a dairy after returning home from WWII, the family operation has seen a series of diversifications. The latest one began a few years ago when the next generation returned to the farm.
“The Kuegels have always been a family that have not been afraid to listen to new ideas,” said Ben Lloyd, Kentucky Beef Network field associate who has worked with the family for over two decades. “They are able to look at new situations differently for the best use of their dollars and cents.”
The Kuegels have been in the beef cattle business since 1987 when Rod Kuegel opened the Kuegel Cattle Company. The Kuegels typically raise between 300-350 mama cows spread amongst five farms in Daviess and McLean counties. They also raise row crops.
For many years, the Kuegels also raised a significant amount of burley tobacco. But increasing labor and input costs, stagnant prices and unpredictable weather events led to tight profit margins. They decided to get out of the tobacco business and harvested their last crop in 2020. At the time, they began to look for a way to replace some of that income.
At nearly the same time, Rod Kuegel’s son Clay returned to the operation. Clay Kuegel had just finished a stint in the Marines, serving on presidential guard duty at Camp David. Clay Kuegel had grown up around and enjoyed working with beef cattle and wanted to work on the cattle side of the family business.
Opportunity Arises
The Kuegels soon found a way to expand their beef operation. In McLean County, Wes Spurrier had started Beef and Bacon, a custom meat processing facility, but wanted out of the business. A fire from a gas explosion had destroyed a third of the processing facility, and it needed a major renovation.
The Kuegels owned the farm adjacent to Spurrier’s business and had previously owned the ground the facility sat on. They decided to purchase facility.
Not only was it a new income source, but it was a way for the Kuegels to keep many of their tobacco workers employed. Many of them are longtime employees who the Kuegels consider family. Fortunately, some of them had prior butchering experience. However, as with any new venture, there was much to learn, especially when it came to USDA regulations.
“Wes was very helpful when we started as he was very open in sharing the operation’s strengths and weaknesses,” Clay Kuegel said.
New Beginnings
In 2021, they reopened Beef and
Bacon. It is a U.S. Department of Agriculture-inspected custom processing facility for beef and pork. Much of their processing work is done for clients, many of which are local producers. They also process some of their own animals and sell package beef inside their store.
“The facility and adjoining storefront give Clay the opportunity to sell beef direct to consumer by the pound, which gives him the highest return possible,” said Clint Hardy, Daviess County agriculture and natural resources extension agent. “His slaughter capacity far exceeds his own herd with customers coming from as far as 50 miles away to deliver animals. He’s also purchased solar panels to keep his freezers and coolers operating at the lowest cost possible during the hottest months.”
Their facility has been well received in by consumers.
“Covid really got us on the map,” Clay Kuegel said. “People were having a hard time buying meat from the store and they had extra money so they really sought us out.”
On the Farm
At their farms, the Kuegels have a herd comprised of Angus and Wagyu cattle. They artificially inseminate all of their herd but will use full-blooded Wagyu bulls for clean-up. For the past five years, they have sold a good portion of their cattle to Black Hawk Farms in Princeton, which specializes in Wagyu beef.
“Wagyu meat is desired by consumers because their genetics allows them to better convert feed into marbling,”
Clay Kuegel said. “Since we use Wagyu bulls for clean-up, there is a clear distinct difference in birthdate for our Angus-Wagyu cross cattle.”
Black Hawk gave them permission to keep some of the cattle for their own processing and sell American Wagyu beef in their storefront.
“Our slaughter house is one of the only completely linear processing facilities that we are aware of,” Clay Kuegel said. “Our animals are born, raised, slaughtered and processed all on our farm.”
While Wagyu meat is highly desired by consumers, raising Wagyu cattle takes time.
“Angus are quicker to finish out,” Clay said. “We have to feed our Wagyu cattle a little longer.”
With their extended background program, they keep the livestock until they are around 900 pounds.
“Clay retained his attention to detail
and management discipline acquired in the Marines and transitioned it to his farm management style,” Hardy said. “He excels at cattle production efficiency.”
Quality feeding
From their family’s days in the dairy industry, the Kuegels know quality feed plays a big part in producing quality cattle. The Kuegels rotationally graze their livestock. During the growing season, they tend to rotate the cattle every week but will rotate more often depending on field size and stocking rate. The cattle also receive haylage and silage during the winter. The Kuegels use a high magnesium supplement when they turn their cattle onto new grass to give them more balanced nutrition. They work with the local feed store to develop additional mineral supplements for their cattle.
“The supplements help the cows with reproduction and stayability and helps the herd maintain body condition,” Lloyd said.
The majority of their cattle are fallcalving but they do have one springcalving herd.
“AI helps us keep everything on track, and it helps with calving ease,” Clay said.
They produce their own silage to finish the cattle.
“We have fed our cattle corn silage going all the way back to our dairy days, and it helps us put the pounds on the cattle,” Clay Kuegel said.
The Kuegel family operation continues to change with the times. With the next generation coming on board with new ideas, the family plans to remain competitive in the cattle industry.
Off the farm
Outside of raising cattle and running Beef and Bacon, Clay Kuegel is an assistant wrestling coach at Owensboro’s Apollo High School. He wrestled competitively in middle and high school and has eight years of coaching experience.
Momentum Continues for U.S. Beef Exports; Record Value to Mexico Fuels Strong Month for Pork
Exports of U.S. beef continued to build momentum in July, according to data released by the U.S. Department of Agriculture and compiled by U.S. Meat Export Federation. Pork exports were also well above year-ago levels in July, led by a value record for shipments to Mexico.
Key Asian markets and Mexico fuel strong month for beef exports
July beef exports totaled 110,419 metric tons (mt), up 7% from a year ago and the second largest of 2024. Export value climbed 12% to $910.9 million, also the second highest this year. July growth was fueled primarily by strengthening demand in Japan, Taiwan, Mexico and the Middle East and ASEAN regions.
For January through July, beef export value increased 6% from a year ago to $6.13 billion, despite a 2% decline in volume (754,152 mt).
“It is very gratifying to see demand for U.S. beef trending upward in Asian markets, with Japan and Taiwan leading
the way and an outstanding showing in the ASEAN region,” said USMEF
President and CEO Dan Halstrom. “U.S. beef has weathered severe headwinds in Asia and especially in Japan, but the outlook for the remainder of the year is encouraging. July was also another impressive month for Mexico, which continues to display excellent demand for an expanding range of U.S. beef cuts and variety meats.”
Record value for Mexico headlines robust month for pork exports
Pork exports reached 241,210 mt in July, up 10% from a year ago. Export value jumped 13% to $710.5 million, fueled in part by a record $244.5 million for leading market Mexico. July exports also trended substantially higher year-overyear in most Latin American markets and in South Korea.
Through the first seven months of 2024, pork exports were 4% above last year at 1.76 million mt. Export value was just under $5 billion – up 6% from a year
ago, when pork exports set an annual value record of $8.16 billion.
“Mexico was definitely the pacesetter for U.S. pork again in July, but demand was also outstanding in Central America, Colombia and the Caribbean,” Halstrom said. “Pork exports to Korea also continued to perform well in what is shaping up to be a record year.”
July lamb exports increase in value despite lower volume
July exports of U.S. lamb totaled 173 mt, down 12% from a year ago, but still achieved a 13% increase in value to $1.05 million. For January through July, lamb exports climbed 9% in volume (1,658 mt) and 18% in value ($9.1 million), with shipments trending higher to the Caribbean, Mexico, the Philippines and Canada.
A detailed summary of the JanuaryJuly export results for U.S. beef, pork and lamb, including market-specific highlights, is available from the USMEF website.
What is Livestock Risk Protection and How Can It Help Me?
Livestock Risk Protection insurance (LRP) is growing in popularity and becoming a tool that every cattle operation can benefit from. Most producers have questions about it like how it works, if it is similar to playing the board of trade and its potential benefits.
LRP is a market price insurance that helps protect the value of a producer’s livestock investment against market decline. Producers can lock in a futures price that is generated by the Chicago Mercantile Exchange (CME) and U.S. Department of Agriculture. In the event of market decline, the difference of the cash index price the producer locked in and the cash index price on the contract end date determines if a producer has a claim. Claims are not determined by the local cash value of the livestock at the sale barn, stockyard or private sale. The claims are only decided on the difference of the cash index. The feeder cattle cash index is reflected on several contributing factors, such as auction sales data, cattle on feed reports, slaughter numbers, inputs and many more contributing factors. These factors affect the index price and also local cash values.
Some may wonder how this insurance differs from playing the board. When a LRP contract is made, the producer insures the value of their investment sitting in their feedlot or pasture, which is a tangible object. One benefit of the contact is that they are subsidized, meaning the government will help pay premiums. The amount the government will pay toward a premium varies depending on the contract’s coverage level, but it can pay up to 55% of the premium cost. It is similar to a put on the stock market to set your floor. With LRP, the premium or cost is determined at start of the contract and is not due till the end of the contract. The premium does not change throughout the contract or at the end. Producers will not have to cover the difference if the contact closes higher then what they locked in. In this scenario, they would only owe the predetermined premium.
Some people may say, “I own the cows or the calves so I don’t need to worry about a LRP contract.” Self-insuring by not owing on the livestock is a great way to help control risk, but by not using LRP, producers could be leaving money on the table. If a producer has cows and sell their calves, the value of those calves can change overnight, let alone the timeframe from having bred cows to getting calves up to stocker or feeder weight.
The cattle market runs in cycles. There will be years with a large profit margin, break-even years, and there will be years when producers wonder if they are going to be able to pay the bills. By incorporating LRP into your cattle operation, the LRP will help average out the bad times and will keep producers going for another year.
Minimize your risk by locking in a guaranteed price for your cattle and hogs in this volatile market and economy.
Contact Wyatt Mohr, a cattle producer that specializes in Livestock Risk Protection and Livestock Gross Margin. Get a quick and easy quote today!
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The Asian Longhorned Tick and Theileria orientalis Ikeda-What Have We Learned in the Last Two Years?
Michelle Arnold DVM (Ruminant Extension Veterinarian, UKVDL)
In late June 2022, the UKVDL received a yearling Hereford bull for necropsy with a history of “symptoms of pneumonia.” At necropsy, the sclera, mucus membranes and fat were yellow. Serologic (blood) testing for Anaplasma sp. was negative and PCR testing for Anaplasma marginale was also negative. A sample of spleen submitted to the Virginia Tech Animal Laboratory Services (ViTALS) was positive for Theileria orientalis. Further genotyping confirmed the genotype as Ikeda. This was the first known case of “bovine theileriosis” diagnosed in Kentucky, a tickborne disease caused by the protozoon blood parasite Theileria orientalis Ikeda. Theileria sporozoites (the infective stage) are primarily transmitted to susceptible cattle through the bite of an infected Asian longhorned tick (ALHT). In 2022, ALHT had been identified in 16 states, including Kentucky, and the list has now grown to 22 states and Washington D.C. (Figure 1). While cattle deaths in Kentucky due to theileriosis have been limited in number, they continue to occur, especially as diagnostic capabilities improve. So, the question becomes, what have we learned about this disease and the tick responsible for spreading it since its arrival in 2022?
The ALHT, scientifically known as Haemaphysalis longicornis, requires warm-blooded animals including humans, wildlife (white-tailed deer, raccoons, birds) and domestic animals to feed on for survival. Only parthenogenetic strains of ALHT exist in the U.S., meaning male ticks are not required for reproduction. In the U.S., all ALHT are female, and each can produce 1,000-2,000 female offspring, allowing the tick population to rapidly explode. This means individual animals could each host hundreds to thousands of ticks, and a severe infestation can kill the animal from excessive blood loss (Figure 2). The ALHT is a “three-host” tick species, meaning they seek a new individual animal on which to feed for each life stage. The tick lifecycle consists of four consecutive stages – eggs hatch into larvae, larvae feed on blood (from Host No. 1) and molt to nymphs, nymphs feed on blood (from Host No. 2) and molt to adults, and adults feed on blood (from Host No. 3) then lay eggs. All tick stages live at the base of pasture plants and “quest” (search) for a host by climbing up plant stems and attaching to a passing
1: Asian
tick in the U.S. as of Aug. 1. A minimum observation period of one year is necessary to determine if this tick species can survive and thrive throughout the various local and seasonal changes. The critical environmental factors involved in establishment of the ALHT are climate, habitat suitability and host availability. Credit: USDA APHIS
animal. Blood-feeding lasts anywhere from five to 14 days, longer with older life stages. In the United States, host-seeking nymphs are most active in the spring, adults in the summer, and larval stages in the fall but all stages may be observed questing throughout the warm seasons. Keep in mind that wildlife can serve as tick hosts and accelerate their spread in the absence of cattle. Ticks can remain infective on pasture for up to two years under favorable conditions, so removing cattle from infested pastures for extended periods will not remove ticks from the area.
Regardless of the tick’s life stage, it
acquires the Theileria orientalis blood parasite when it feeds on blood from an infected cow and the tick remains infected throughout its life stages. Fortunately, an infected adult tick cannot pass the Theileria organism to her eggs so newly hatched larvae do not harbor the parasite. Therefore, only the nymphs and adult ticks can infect naïve cattle with Theileria orientalis and cause disease. Infected nymphs that go dormant during winter (known as “diapause”) in the grass and woods can transmit the disease to cattle the following spring. It is also possible for eggs, larvae and adults to survive mild winters and resume development in the spring. The Theileria orientalis
Figure 2: Asian longhorned ticks on the ear of a cow that died due to anemia from the massive tick infestation Photo courtesy of the UKVDL.
Figure
longhorned
organism is a protozoon that infects and destroys red blood cells, causing anemia in infected cattle. This disease, called “bovine theileriosis”, is often mistaken for anaplasmosis, another tick-borne disease caused by a blood bacterial parasite, Anaplasma marginale. Clinical signs seen in both Theileria-infected cattle and Anaplasma-infected cattle are due to severe anemia and include lethargy, anorexia, fever, exercise intolerance, difficulty breathing, foamy nasal discharge, an increased incidence of abortion, pale mucous membranes or jaundice, aggression and death. Most theileriosis cases occur between AprilJune and September-November but can be seen year-round and in all ages of cattle. After initial infection, animals that survive become chronic carriers and can relapse during periods of stress. Anaplasmosis, on the other hand, usually occurs in the fall (September-November), only affects adult cattle, and cattle tend to show more aggressive behavior. There is no effective treatment for Theileriosis or vaccine to prevent infection. T. orientalis Ikeda is not a public health concern and contact with affected cattle does not pose a human health risk.
At the UKVDL, diagnostic testing for detection of T. orientalis in live animals is performed on whole, anticoagulated bovine blood (collected in purple top blood tubes) or from the spleen collected at necropsy. A duplex PCR, the “Anaplasma/Theileria Tick Panel PCR” ($68.50 + Accession fee) can detect both of the blood-borne organisms that cause anemia, Theileria orientalis and Anaplasma marginale. There are 11 different genotypes related to T. orientalis so a second test, the “Theileria Duplex Real-time PCR” ($40 + Accession) is necessary to confirm the Ikeda genotype. Because ALHT can vector Theileria to cattle and can cause extreme blood loss in wildlife and farm animals, careful monitoring of livestock and use of tick prevention methods is highly recommended. Routinely inspect livestock, pets and humans for ticks. In cattle, check the head, neck, ears, flanks, armpit, groin, udder and under the tail (areas where the skin is thinner). Cattle that seem lethargic or unthrifty should be closely inspected for ticks. The most common areas on cattle that ticks will be found are around the tailhead, on the udder, inside the legs, on the brisket, in the ears (particularly near the insertion sites of ear tags) and occasionally on the face and neck. Tick identification is helpful for both disease diagnosis and premises assessment. Laboratory
identification is the best way to confirm the identity of ALHT. The ticks are light brown and often smaller than a sesame seed. The adult female is about the size of a pea when full of blood (Figure 3). If concerned about the identification of the Asian longhorned tick, or if you find an unusual tick species on an animal, it can be submitted to the National Veterinary Services Laboratory, and they will appropriately identify the tick. Contact the UKVDL for further information. Tick control should be approached from both the animal and the environmental perspectives. Integrated tick management includes a combination of tick surveillance, altering tick habitat, strategic application of insecticides to cattle, and careful management of cattle movement. Currently there are no known “acaricides” (tick pesticides) labeled for use against the ALHT. The use of pesticide impregnated ear tags, pour-ons, sprays and back rubs labeled for control of the American dog tick and the lone star tick should also provide beneficial ALHT control. Employing more than one control method for cattle will yield better results. Control through treating cattle with acaricides alone is difficult due to the limited time ticks are attached to the host as ticks spend nearly 90% of their lifetime in the environment. The main environmental goals are to modify the habitat so ticks are unable to survive there, and hosts are not present in the tick-infested areas. Environmental control involves mowing pastures, especially overgrown grasses and weeds, and strategic application of acaricides to extremely infested
vegetation. Apply acaricide using label instructions to sections of pasture with the highest number of ticks, such as woodland edges and grassy patches, during times when ticks are most actively seeking hosts. Although it varies by year, ALHT are generally active from March to November, with chemical applications on vegetation most successful in the spring. Perimeter fencing of a minimum of 20 feet from wooded areas will also help reduce cattle contact with ticks in the pasture. Perimeters can be treated with pyrethroid products (such as bifenthrin) though this should not be done to entire pastures. Bifenthrin 2E®, Paradigm VC®, (pyrethroids), and Sevin SL®, (carbaryl insecticide) are approved for pasture applications in certain states; check with your local county agent or regulatory official before using any pesticide. Lastly, remember that when animals move, ticks move with them whether it is across state lines or across personal properties. When rebuilding or expanding herds, learn something about the source area and make sure to inspect and treat new purchases to remove ticks, quarantine them for observation and ask your veterinarian to conduct appropriate diagnostic tests before mixing the new cattle with the home herd. Virginia Cooperative Extension has produced a fact sheet entitled “Managing the Asian Longhorned Tick: Checklist for Best Management Practices for Cattle Producers” that covers animal inspection, chemical control and herd management options. It may be downloaded at https:// www.pubs.ext.vt.edu/content/dam/pubs_ ext_vt_edu/ENTO/ento-382/ENTO-382. pdf.
Figure 3: Top: Asian longhorned ticks are light brown in color and are very small, often smaller than a sesame seed, as seen in the photo on the fingernail. Bottom left: The nymph and adult stages (a dime is in the background). Bottom right: The adult female is only about the size of a pea when it is full of blood. Photo credit: CDC and Tick and Hand Photo credit: Michael Greenwood
Macey Thompson KJCA Vice President
Hello Cattlemen,
The fall season is ramping up for the Kentucky Junior Cattlemen’s Association, with many new and returning opportunities for our junior members. Oct. 4-6, we will be hosting our Annual Fall Classic at Western Kentucky University’s L.D. Brown Agricultural Expo Center in Bowling Green. This cattle show has been organized by the KJCA since 2004 and now offers a variety of contests, such as judging, team fitting, sales talk, skillathon, showmanship, ad design, and photography, along with prospect market, cow/calf, breeding heifer and bull shows.
On Oct. 22, we will host our second Kentucky Junior Cattlemen’s Academy at the Hardin County Extension Office in Elizabethtown. This academy offers BQCA training and contest preparation for our spring Cattle Working Contest. Links to register can be found on the Kentucky Cattlemen's website under the “Youth Activities” tab and KJCA.
In addition to our original programs, the Heifer Initiative applications will be closing soon. The Youth Beef Heifer Initiative is sponsored by the Kentucky Cattlemen’s Foundation and Farm Credit Mid-America, awarding youth with $2,000 to use toward the purchase of a heifer. Applications are open until Oct. 31.
Something new within the KJCA is our points program. This program allows youth to be recognized for their involvement in the beef industry. Members will be required to keep track of their points and submit a final copy before the Oct. 6 deadline. The top participant from each age division will be recognized at the annual KCA Convention in January. These applications can also be found on the Kentucky Cattlemen’s website under Youth Activities and KJCA.
With October being a busy month for our members, we hope to see you all around the state, actively participating with the KJCA!
BF BACKBLAST 207K ET
10/5/22 • AHA P44435118 • Polled
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D: BF Novel 5502 ET (by Outcross 18U)
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Chris Teutsch UK Research and Education Center, Princeton
As a whole, the 2024 grazing season has been pretty good in Western Kentucky up to about a month ago. Although we have been dry, it looks like a hurricane Francine is about to bring some much-needed rain to the commonwealth as I write this article. In years like this we need to optimize the use of limited forage that we do have. As everyone knows, stockpiled tall fescue is the most economical way to feed cows during the winter months. Once stockpiled growth has accumulated, how you choose to utilize it can dramatically impact how may grazing days you get per acre. Research in Missouri showed that giving cows access to only enough forage for three days versus 14 days resulted in a 40% increase in grazing days per acre. The following tips will help you get the most out of your remaining pastures
Graze pastures that contain warmseason grasses first. Although we often like to think of pastures as monocultures, they are often complex mixtures of cool- and warm-season grasses, legumes and weedy forbs. If pastures contain warm-season grasses, use these first since their quality will decline rapidly as we move into winter.
Graze pastures containing clover next. We are always happy to see
Training Animals to Electric Fencing: (1) Expose animals in a secured area (2) Setup temporary fence around perimeter (3) First experience should be safe but memorable (4) Usually trained in one to two days
Secure Perimeter Fence Temporary Fencing
Training Area
clover in pastures. However, in a stockpiling scenario it does not hold up to freezing and thawing as well as tall fescue. So, graze grass-clover mixtures before pure stands of tall fescue.
Save pastures with primarily tall fescue for later grazing. Tall fescue is by far the best grass for stockpiling in terms of maintaining its nutritive value as you head into winter. Graze pure stands last.
Strip graze tall fescue. At this point, strip grazing is probably the most important tool you have for extending grazing. As mentioned above, limiting access to stockpiled forage
can significantly increase grazing days per acre. Strip grazing usually starts at the water source and then uses a single strand of electrified polywire to allocate only enough forage for the predetermined time period. It could be one, two, three or more days. The shorter the time period, the better utilization you will get. Since pastures are not actively growing during the winter months, you can start at your water source and no back fencing is needed.
Expert Tip #1: When strip grazing, never take your forward fence down until the back fence (new one) is up. If you do, the cows will be on the
Start at water source and allocate only enough forage for 2-3 days.
Figure 1: Strip grazing stockpiled grass can extend grazing by as much as 40%.
Figure 2: Strip grazing stockpiled grass is accomplished by starting at the water source and allocating only enough pasture for two to three days of grazing using temporary electric fencing.
other side of the pasture!
You will need the following items to strip graze with:
1. Two reels with polywire with dual purpose handles
2. Temporary fence posts, one every 25 or 30 feet, depending on the terrain
3. A small solar charger if you do not have ready access to existing electric
4. A temporary grounding rod for the solar charger
5. A good fault finder to check your voltage.
6. Cattle trained to electric fence! If your cattle are not used to electric fencing and polywire, it is essential to train them prior to strip grazing.
To many producers that have not stripped grazed, the idea of moving a temporary fence two of three times a week or even once a week can seem overwhelming. However, once you are
FEATURED UPCOMING EVENT
set up it really goes pretty fast and the pay back is huge—a free day of feed every time you move the fence. Is it less work than feeding hay? Probably not less, but just different and the pay back is much better!
Stretch pasture with hay. In most cases, stockpiled pastures will be higher in forage quality than most of the hay that we make. Feeding some hay while grazing stockpiled pasture can help stretch your remaining pasture. At the same time, the stockpiled or winter annual pasture can act as a supplement for the lower quality hay.
The last thing that I want to mention about utilizing strip grazing is that how often you move the fence needs to fit your schedule. Many producers work off the farm, and it is dark when they leave and dark when they get home. So, for them it makes sense to move the fence once a week on Saturday or Sunday. It is important to remember that grazing systems need to benefit not only the pasture and cows, but also you!
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
• Come one day, two days, or all three days! • More information at https://forages.ca.uky.edu/ events
FEATURED VIDEO
This month’s featured video is The Role of Extended Grazing in Profitable Livestock Operations by Jim Gerrish. This presentation was given as part of the 2022 Fall Grazing Conferences titled, "Profitable Grazing Systems from the Soil Up," held on Oct. 26 and 27 in Leitchfield and Winchester respectively. It is available at https://www.youtube.com/ watch?v=uilqe2fKIKw.
FENCING TIP
Train livestock to 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 knee buckling and eye watering shock. Once animals are trained to the offset, set up a strand of polywire near the end of the paddock. Livestock should be fully trained within 48 hours. Cull animals that cannot be trained to respect electric fencing.
FORAGE MANAGEMENT TIPS
• Feed hay and allow pastures to stockpile for winter grazing.
• Do NOT harvest alfalfa fields.
• Inventory forage and hay supplies and make plans to purchase any needed hay.
• Remove livestock from sorghum-sudangrass pastures and pastures that contain johnsongrass prior to frost events. This will reduce chances of prussic acid poisoning.
• Begin grazing winter annuals once they are 6-8 inches tall and root systems are well anchored.
• Utilize temporary electric fencing and solar chargers to more efficiently utilize winter annuals and stockpiled forage.
Team Beef Tours White Farm
Rachel Cain Kentucky Cattlemen's Association
Members of Kentucky Team Beef visited White Farm on Sept. 12. Tim and Amy White led the group on a tour of their operation, which spans over 2,400 acres in both Fayette and Jessamine counties. The Whites have both a seedstock Angus and commercial cow-calf herd that they use for embryo transfer. For the last 10 years, they have held their annual Profit Thru Performance bull and feeder calf sale, and they also background feeder cattle.
Team Beef members learned about the day-to-day operations on White Farms. Tim shared how they use their knowledge and experience to ensure the production of safe, quality meat. Amy explained the process of making breeding decisions and how their genetics have improved their herd over the last 26 years. Following the tour, Team Beef members had the opportunity to meet with each other and converse over dinner.
Kentucky Team Beef is a team of runners focused on living healthy lifestyles by combining physical activity and a nutrient-rich diet full of lean meats, whole grains, fruits, vegetables, and low-fat and non-fat dairy. Made up of runners from all over the state, they believe in the nutritional benefits of lean beef and its vital role in fueling their training. If you are interested in learning more about Team Beef, contact Rachel Cain at rcain@kycattle.org!
FALL FEMALE & BULL SALE
THE FEMALES Sell
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 25th at 1:00 p.m.
Selling 160 Angus Females proven donors, elite open feature heifers, fall pairs, bred cows & bred heifers
87% of qualifying for Targeting the Brand specs for Certified Angus Beef. Our bull sale offering AVERAGE EPD/index ranking in comparison to the entire non-parent Angus bull population.
Free Bull Delivery in Southeast (Continental US with $6000 purchase)
Kentucky Corn Production Lower, Soybeans Higher
Corn production in Kentucky is forecast at 239 million bushels, down 15% from the previous crop. Yield was estimated at 187 bushels per acre, unchanged from the 2023 level. Acres for harvest as grain were estimated at 1.28 million acres, down 220,000 acres from 2023. The U.S. corn production is forecast at 15.2 billion bushels, up slightly from the August forecast and down 1% from last year's record production. Based on conditions as of Sept. 1, yields are expected to average 183.6 bushels per acre, up 6.3 bushels from 2023. Area harvested for grain is forecast at 82.7 million acres, down 4% from 2023.
Soybean production for Kentucky is
forecast at 106 million bushels, up 6% from 2023. Yield was estimated at 52.0 bushels per acre, down 3.0 bushels from a year ago. Acreage for harvest as beans was estimated at 2.04 million acres, up 220,000 acres from the previous year. U.S. soybean production is forecast at 4.59 billion bushels, down slightly from the August forecast but up 10% from last year. Based on Sept. 1 conditions, yields are expected to average 53.2 bushels per acre, up 2.6 bushels from last year. Area for harvest is forecast at 86.3 million acres, up 5% from 2023.
Kentucky burley tobacco production is forecast at 50.0 million pounds, down 12% from 2023. Yield was
projected at 2,000 pounds per acre, down 100 pounds from the 2023 crop. Harvested acreage was estimated at 25,000 acres, down 2,000 acres from last year's crop. For the burley producing states production is forecast at 55.4 million pounds, down 14% from last year.
Burley growers plan to harvest 28,600 acres, down 9 percent from 2023. Yields were expected to average 1,937 pounds per acre, down 122 pounds from last year.
Production of Kentucky dark firecured tobacco is forecast at 13.6 million pounds, down 31% from the previous year. Dark air-cured tobacco production is forecast at 8.68 million pounds, down 5% from last year.
10 I 18 I 24
Friday Evening, 5:30 PM (EST) Held at Myers Angus Farm, Harrodsburg, KY
MYERS
MISS BEAUTY M136 18540617
One of the most influential females to sell in 2024 is this exceptional dam of the ST Genetics Sire, Myers Fair-N-Square M39. She sells due in April to O’Connell Sun Power.
TAMME QUEEN 287 20487391
This two-year old daughter of Deer Valley Optimum 9246 from a dam by Sitz Logic Y46 is one of several young females selling. She sells heavy in calf to Tehama Patriarch.
MYERS LUCY M903 20945820
This sale feature blends an elite number profile with style –She is by Poss Winchester and her Tahoe dam is without a doubt one of the breeds very best, plus she is a Lucy!
MYERS QUEEN M408 19363855
Several powerful fall calving females will be selling, including this LD Capitalist 316 daughter from a Black Granite dam – She sells with a Bull Calf at her side by Connealy Craftsman.
TAMME RITA 347 20721776
An exceptional set of yearling replacement females sell, including this BJ Surpass daughter from a Rainfall dam and her next dam is the powerful Tamme donor, Tamme Valley Rita 812.
MYERS/TAMME EVERELDA M203 20694200
This Sitz Resilient 10208 daughter of the Myers and Tamme donor, Sitz Everelda Entense 4037 sells along with maternal sisters by S Architect and Yon Saluda.
Beef Promotion Operating Committee Approves Fiscal Year 2025 Checkoff Plan of Work
DENVER, CO (Sept. 9, 2024) – The Cattlemen’s Beef Board (CBB) will invest approximately $38 million into programs of beef promotion, research, consumer information, industry information, foreign marketing, and producer communications during fiscal 2025, subject to U.S. Department of Agriculture approval.
In action at the end of its September 4-5 meeting in Denver, Colorado, the Beef Promotion Operating Committee (BPOC) approved Checkoff funding for a total of 12 “Authorization Requests” – or grant proposals – for the fiscal year beginning Oct. 1. The committee, which includes 10 producers and importers from the Cattlemen’s Beef Board and 10 producers from the Federation of State Beef Councils, also recommended full Cattlemen’s Beef Board approval of a budget amendment to reflect the split of funding between budget categories affected by their decisions.
Eight contractors and two subcontractors brought 12 Authorization Requests worth approximately $46.8 million to the BPOC this week, approximately $8.8 million more than the funds available from the CBB budget.
“We’re consistently impressed with the proposals that our contractors bring forward each year, and choosing which initiatives to fund is a real challenge,” said Andy Bishop, CBB and BPOC chair. “Our budget amounts to slightly less each year because of inflation. To put it in perspective, a dollar in 1985 is worth just 35 cents today. That means we simply don’t have the buying power that we had when this program first started.
“As we expected, the Authorization Requests we reviewed this week were full of new ideas and innovative approaches supporting the Checkoff’s core programs of research, promotion, foreign marketing, industry information, consumer information and producer communications. Our committee did a great job of balancing our budget and distributing our limited funds in what we believe is the most optimal way possible. I personally thank our contractors and committee members for all their hard work, and I look forward to future Checkoff successes throughout FY25.”
In the end, the BPOC approved proposals from eight national beef organizations for funding through the FY25 Cattlemen’s Beef Board budget, as follows:
• American Farm Bureau Foundation for Agriculture$600,000
• Cattlemen’s Beef Board - $1.8 million
• Foundation for Meat and Poultry Research and Education - $600,000
• Meat Import Council of America / Northeast Beef
Promotion Initiative - $900,000
• National Cattlemen’s Beef Association - $25.7 million
• National Institute for Animal Agriculture - $95,000
• North American Meat Institute - $280,000
• United States Meat Export Federation - $8 million
• Broken out by budget component – as outlined by the Beef Promotion and Research Act of 1985 – the FY25 Plan of Work for the Cattlemen’s Beef Promotion and Research Board budget includes:
• $9.12 million for promotion programs, including beef and veal campaigns focusing on beef’s nutritional value, eating experience, convenience, and production.
• $8.6 million for research programs focusing on pre- and post-harvest beef safety, scientific affairs, nutrition, sustainability, product quality, culinary technical expertise, and consumer perceptions.
• $7.5 million for consumer information programs, including Northeast influencer outreach and public relations initiatives; national consumer public relations, including nutrition-influencer relations and work with primary- and secondaryschool curriculum directors nationwide to get accurate information about the beef industry into classrooms of today’s youth. Additional initiatives include outreach and engagement with food, culinary, nutrition and health thought leaders; media and public relations efforts; and supply chain engagement.
• $2.955 million for industry information programs, including dissemination of accurate information about the beef industry to counter misinformation from other groups, as well as funding for Checkoff participation in the annual national industrywide symposium about antibiotic use. Additional efforts in this program area include beef advocacy training and issues/crisis management and response.
• $8 million for foreign marketing and education, focusing on 13 regions, representing more than 90 countries around the world.
• $1.8 million for producer communications, which includes investor outreach using national communications and direct communications to producers and importers about Checkoff results. Elements of this program include ongoing producer listening and analysis; industry collaboration and outreach; and continued development of a publishing strategy and platform and a state beef
The full fiscal 2025 Cattlemen’s Beef Board budget is approximately $42.2 million. Separate from the Authorization Requests, other expenses funded include $305,000 for program evaluation; $750,000 program development; $200,000 for Checkoff education resources; $575,000 for USDA oversight; $220,000 for state services; $200,000 supporting services and litigation; and approximately $2 million for CBB administration. The fiscal 2025 program budget represents an increase of slightly less than 1% percent, or $150,000, from the $42.1 million FY24 budget.
For more information about the Beef Checkoff and its programs, including promotion, research, foreign marketing, industry information, consumer information and safety, contact the Cattlemen’s Beef Board at 303-220-9890 or visit DrivingDemandForBeef.com.
The Beef Checkoff Program was established as part of the 1985 Farm Bill. The Checkoff assesses $1 per head on the sale of live domestic and imported cattle, in addition to a comparable assessment on imported beef and beef products. States may retain up to 50 cents on the dollar and forward the other 50 cents per head to the Cattlemen’s Beef Promotion and Research Board, which administers the national checkoff program, subject to USDA approval.
1 Source: January 2023 Consumer Price Index Inflation Calculator
Whether you are looking to purchase a farm for the first time or expand your existing operation, Magnolia Bank provides unique financing solutions to help your
“This land’s been good to me. Think I’ll hang onto it.”
Preserving and protecting our land and water resources is all of our responsibility. By developing an Agriculture Water Quality Plan and implementing best management practices, you can protect water quality and promote soil conservation on your farm. The result: a healthier environment for future generations, and a more profitable farm today. To learn how to develop your own ag water quality plan, go to eec.ky.gov/agwater.
Kentucky Beef Conference
October 24, 2024
9:00—10:00 Registration, visit sponsors
$10 registration fee
RSVP by October 22nd to Fayette County Extension Office 859.257.5582
WEST KENTUCKY SELECT
10:00 Welcome & Sponsor Recognition
WEST KENTUCKY
SELECT
BRED HEIFER SALE
BRED HEIFER SALE
ING 225 SPRING CALVING BRED HEIFER
SELLING 225 SPRING CALVING BRED HEIFERS
SELLING 225 SPRING CALVING BRED HEIFERS
All heifers are guaranteed bred to bulls with known EPDs and have met stringe requirements for health, quality and pelvic measurements
Beau Neal, Woodford County Agriculture & Natural Resources Extension Agent University of KY Remarks & Welcome
Dr. Laura Stephenson, UK Director of Extension Genomics Technology
Dr. Troy Rowan, University of Tennessee Institute of Agriculture Beef Genetics Extension Specialist
11:00– Marketing Update & Outlook
Dr. Kenny Burdine, UK Beef Economic Extension Specialist
12:00 Lunch
All heifers are guaranted bred to bulls with known EPDs and have met stringent requirements for health, quality and pelvic measurements.
KENTUCKY-TENNESSEE LIVESTOCK MARKET GUTHRIE, KENTUCKY SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 23, 2024
1:00 Animal Tagging Update
Dr. Michelle Arnold, UK Extension Ruminant Veterinarian
1:30 KY Beef Cattle Health Update
Dr. Steve Velasco, KY Department of Agriculture State Veterinarian
2:00 Adjourn
PLAN NOW FOR FALL APPLICATION
Proactive planning grows grass and reduces unwanted weeds.
Schedule fall application between late October and the first true frost to make the biggest impact on your grazing spaces. Spring rains can interfere with conventional spray treatment; get a jumpstart on forage production with fall herbicide application.
Casey Montgomery is currently serving as the fall intern for the Kentucky Beef Council and the Kentucky Cattlemen’s Association. A Taylorsville native, Casey graduated from Spencer County High School in 2021 and is now a senior studying at the University of Kentucky where she is majoring in agricultural education and advocacy while double minoring in animal sciences and agricultural economics. She has been heavily involved in agriculture for numerous years through production and leadership experiences. Casey currently helps operate Twin Plum Farm where she aids her family in raising Sim-Angus cattle, grass-mix
hay, market, breeding and show swine. Being heavily active in 4-H and FFA growing up, she has continued to be involved in organizations and programs during college by being a member of the Sigma Alpha Sorority, Collegiate Farm Bureau, Spencer County Ag Development Council, a volunteer for Kentucky extension, and a student ambassador for the Martin-Gatton College of Agriculture, Food, and Environment. Casey is very passionate about the livestock industry and sharing the message of agriculture in all communities. She looks forward to continuing to promote the beef industry in this role this fall!
Bri Colston is from Frankfort and has been selected as the 2024 fall intern for the Kentucky Cattlemen’s Association. Bri grew up working in various fields related to agriculture. She worked on her family’s horse farm, where they produced performance geldings and broodmares. Bri’s primary focus on the farm was to manage the facility and care for the horses. Growing up, she helped raise and breed Boer goats. She now owns and raises Nigerian Dwarf goats. She was heavily involved in FFA during her high school years and competed at the local, regional and state levels. During high school, Bri was also a member of her local Junior Cattlemen’s Association. She also worked as an intern for the Franklin County Fair Board and continues to work closely with the officials. She is a freshman at Bluegrass Community and Technical College where she is majoring in agricultural education. She plans to attend the University of Kentucky in fall 2026 to get her bachelor’s in ag education and ag economics.
With extensive experience in the agriculture industry and a drive to learn more, Bri knew this is the field where she belonged. She is very excited to get to be a part of the KCA team this fall.
Herefords are known as the efficiency experts for a reason. Herefords boost pregnancy rates by 7% and add $30 per head in feedyard profitability in a crossbreeding system. And Hereford genetics bring unrivaled hybrid vigor, longevity and disposition.
PRF “Drought Insurance” Critical for Every Livestock Producer
Mike Tansil PRF Specialist, My Team Cattle & Crop Insurance
As livestock producers, we like to have control of our day-to-day decisions. We get to choose things like the breed of cattle we raise, the age and type of bull we use, the weight and date that we sell our calves and the type of feed we use.
But some things are out of our control and they can have a dramatic impact on our operations. The three that come to mind are cattle prices, cattle illness or untimely death, and lack of rain.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture sponsors a program called Pasture, Rangeland and Forage insurance, which we often call “drought insurance.” It can help us reduce our risks from drought. Producers in Kentucky, Tennessee and Mississippi have been eligible for this program since 2016. The deadline to enroll in this program for 2025 calendar year is Dec. 1.
The USDA structured this program to help producers based on rainfall amounts in their actual location using grid maps that create a 15-by-15square-mile grid across the U.S. The rainfall amounts in each square on the grid are compared to the area’s historical rainfall averages using over 70 years of data. So, it doesn’t have to be a complete drought in order for producer to benefit from this program. Rainfall totals are measured on a twomonth interval using data collected by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s Climate Prediction Center. For example, this year there have been several intervals across Kentucky that have had below average rainfall, which created an indemnity (claim) payment for producers with this insurance.
Livestock operations of any size can benefit from this insurance because it is based on your number of hay acres or pasture. Your insurance provider will work with your local Farm Service
Agency office to get your farm, tract and field acres that you choose to enroll in this program. You can insure both owned and rented land in this program.
Program premiums are subsidized. The USDA’s Risk Management Agency will pay at 51% of the annual premium once producers file the proper paperwork. You don’t have to pay your premiums up from like you normally would for other insurance products. Premiums are billed on Sept. 1 each year.
When enrolling, producers must select at least two, two-month intervals to insure, but they can choose to insure their entire year. The number of twomonth intervals chosen does affect premium costs. If a precipitation
rma.fpac.usda.gov/apps/PRF
Figure 1: The USDA's 15-by-15- square-mile grid laid across a portion of Central Kentucky.
UPCOMING SALES & EVENTS
BG LEXINGTON
Horse Sale October 5 2:00 PM
Kentucky Stud Wagyu October 11-12
Millenium Longhorn October 18-19
Southeast Gelbvieh Alliance Sale October 26 1:00 PM
Trick or Treat at the Yards October 31 6:00 PM
Profit Thru Performance Feeder Sale December 4 6:00 PM
Blue Ribbon Bred Heifer Sale December 6 7:00 PM
Kentucky Hereford Association Sale December 7 1:00 PM
Kentucky Certified Hereford Influence Sale December 12 6:00 PM
Christmas Pony Sale December 14 2:00 PM
BG SOUTH
Next Generation Bred Heifer Sale November 16 1:00 PM
Charolais Influence Feeder Sale December 12
BG EAST
Horse Sale
October 12 6:00 PM
Gateway Bred Heifer Sale October 25 6:30 PM
FARMERS STOCKYARDS
Buffalo Trace Herd Builder November 1 6:30 PM
WHO IS RESPONSIBLE FOR REMITTING THE CHECKOFF ASSESSMENT?
BUYER
Generally the Buyer is responsible for collecting the Beef Checkoff assessment from the Seller
SELLER
However, both the Buyer and the Seller are responsible for seeing that the Checkoff is collected and paid. or pays $2 to
QUALIFIED STATE BEEF COUNCIL
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.
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The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) prohibits discrimination in all its programs and activities on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, disability, and where applicable, sex, marital status, familial status, parental status, religion, sexual orientation, genetic information, political beliefs, reprisal, or because all or part of an individual’s income is derived from any public assistance program. (Not all prohibited bases apply to all programs.) Persons with disabilities who require alternative means for communication of program information (Braille, large print, audiotape, etc.) should contact USDA’s TARGET Center at (202) 720-2600 (voice and TDD). To file a complaint of discrimination, write to USDA, Director, Office of Civil Rights, 1400
Why roll the dice?
Not all Angus bulls are
Don’t gamble on unproven genetics. There are a lot of Angus bulls on the market, but not all are backed by the power of 80 million datapoints and a registration paper. Invest wisely in a registered Angus bull.
$4,500
2024 Farmland Values
Steve Isaacs Extension Professor
According to U.S. Department of Agriculture estimates from their annual Land Values Summary, Kentucky’s average farm real estate values increased 7.5% in 2024 to $5,300/acre, up from $4,930 in 2023. Figure 1 is a comparison of Kentucky land values with the national trend since 2000. Kentucky’s values trend generally with national values, exceeding the national average while trailing most Midwestern states. Kentucky’s average cropland value increased from $5,720/ac to $6,220/ac (8.7%) while Kentucky’s pastureland value was up 5.6% from $3,570 to $3,770/ ac.
Each August, the USDA releases the results of their annual survey of farmland values. The survey includes data from about 9,000 tracts of land of about one square mile each across the continental United States. The survey takes place in early June and reports the separate values of cropland and pastureland, and the value of all land and buildings to arrive at an average “farm real estate value.” The average farm real estate value is the widely reported farmland value. This year, the national average is $4,170/acre, an increase of 5.0% from 2023. This is less than the 7.4% increase reported in 2023. State level values are also reported. The complete 2024 Land Values Summary is available from the USDA’s National Agricultural Statistics Service. Nationally, average cropland values increased 4.7% to $5,570/ ac from $5,320 a year earlier. U.S. pastureland value increased 5.2% to $1,830/ac. These are the June survey averages. They do not represent the per acre prices for specific tracts nor are they an average of sale values. The USDA averages are a broad indicator of changes in land values. Land values are determined by a number of factors including productivity, local demand, and other quality or location attributes. Simply put, land prices are set locally. Development pressure, for example, can cause land value increases far
⃣ United States ⃣
Figure 1. Kentucky & U.S. Farm Real Estate Values ($/acre) 2000-2024
Figure 2. United States Farm Real Estate Values
Figure 3.
above agricultural values. Another widely observed demand factor influencing farmland values in Kentucky is the purchase of land (often seen only on an internet site) by out-of-state buyers who see Kentucky farmland as a bargain compared to high real estate price states in, for instance, California, Illinois or New Jersey.
Land value changes are widely reported in the farm literature, usually in the format of Figure 2 without an inflation adjustment. This graphic captures data between 1970 when farm real estate was valued at $196/acre and 2024 with its $4,170/ ac in nominal dollars (actual observed values).
Figure 2 includes inflation adjusted values as well. The 1970 inflation adjusted value (also called real value) was $1,406/ac in today’s dollars. In real terms, land values peaked at $2,803/ac in 1981 prior to the ag financial crisis of the 1980s. Real values did not reach that level again until 2006. In nominal terms land values have increased more than 2,000% in the last 55 years ($196/ac to $4,170/ac). In real (inflation adjusted terms) land values have increased 181% over the same period ($1,486 to $4,170/ac) even when we consider the 25 years it took to recover from the crisis years of the 1980s. Land values have beat inflation over this period by an average of 2.1%/yr with some pretty impressive swings. When land prices jumped 21.3% in 2005, that was 19.2% above inflation. However, an 11% decline in land values in 1985, coupled with a 4.4% inflation rate saw real land prices fall by 15.4%. Land value increases failed to exceed overall inflation in 16 of those 55 years with most of those occurring during the farm crisis of the 1980s when land values were falling at the same time inflation was high.
The year-to-year percentage changes in nominal (observed) values are shown in Figures 3. Farmland values are obviously affected by swings in commodity prices and farm profitability. The postwar period of the 50s, 60s and 70s led to a notion that land values would always increase. The 80s laid waste to that notion. Land values have increased over the long run, but not without some hiccups.
Land, as an investment, shows a modest 2.1% average growth rate after accounting for inflation. However, land is a productive asset that does not depreciate and generates income in production or rent. Real estate represents 84% of the farm sector balance sheet assets, so changes in land values are important. Land is an investment with changes in value often determined by local conditions and farm profitability. It is a tangible asset, and many of us like to walk on our investments.
Opportunity or Obligation
Steve Isaacs University of Kentucky
Kevin Ferguson University of Tennessee
Baby Boomers are in the process of transitioning trillions of dollars of assets to Millennials and Gen Zers. This includes farming Baby Boomers. The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Farmland Ownership and Tenure survey indicates that about 10% of farm assets transition to new owners every five years. That work further suggests that about three-fourths of those assets transition within families.
In Kentucky, here’s what this means:
• Kentucky has $61.3 billion of land and buildings (2022 Ag Census)
• 20% will transition in the next 10 years (TOTAL survey)
• That’s $1.2 billion/year
• Or, $3.4 million/day
• Or, the equivalent of a 715-acre farm (at 2023 average farmland values)
• Every day for the next 10 years
So, is this an opportunity or an obligation? Clearly, for families that are interested in the continuity of farm as a viable business, it is an opportunity. For younger family members who’d like to continue the legacy, it is an opportunity. For older family members who would like to provide their successors with the resources to succeed, it is an opportunity. It is critically important, however, that the family agrees that this is the right path forward…that both generations see it as an opportunity. Otherwise, it could be an obligation that saddles successors with responsibilities they don’t want and disappoints the senior generation when things turn sour.
One of the wonderful things about the culture of agriculture is that it is a place that can combine family and business and all the joys and benefits of families growing and working together.
One of the worst things about the culture of agriculture is that it is a place that can combine family and business and all the disasters that can come with families struggling to work together.
It is indeed a paradox. Working together and seeing generations of dreams fulfilled is wonderful. Disputes and disagreements, however, can destroy generations of dreams. Working together in a family business should be because we want to, not because we have to.
We start young and with the assumption that farm-raised kids will want to farm. We give our kids toy tractors and combines and little farmsteads with barns and cows. We
dress them in bibs and caps with tractor logos. We start them working at very early ages (just like our parents did with us) to teach them that “farm work ethic.” But, how often do we say, “I want to teach them how to manage this business”? We get them engaged with crops and livestock, 4-H and FFA. And, all of these things are great…until they’re not.
Assuming someone is going to do something, especially within families, can place an implicit (or sometimes explicit) burden on kids and parents. Ag tends to not let go lightly. Leaving “home” is a bad thing. Cutting losses and trying something else is viewed as a failure. A school teacher who decides to go to law school is changing careers. A lawyer who decides to be a forest ranger is changing careers. But a farmer who decides to do something else is often labeled as a failed farmer or as failing the family by not carrying on the family legacy. We tend to obligate people to stay in farming. If they want to, great. If they don’t want to, let’s give them permission to try something else.
Where does this fit in the transition/ succession planning process? AT THE BEGINNING, and the earlier, the better! This is too important a decision to put off. Or worse, to pass on to the successors without a plan. Family discussions about passing the business to the next generation should start with, “do you want to farm?” and “do I want you to farm?” When these discussions start (and starting the discussion is another important topic) there is an assumption that everyone knows the “why” and we tend to focus on the “how.” Answer the “why” first by considering whether this is an opportunity or an obligation. The only wrong answer is not asking the question.
Navigating Carbon Strategies:
Understanding Offsets and Insets in Agriculture
Jordan Shockley Associate Extension Professor
As corporations worldwide intensify efforts to mitigate their carbon footprints, two primary strategies have emerged: carbon offsets and carbon insets. These approaches, while designed to address corporate emissions, have significant implications for the agricultural sector. Understanding the differences can aid farmers in determining the opportunities and risks associated with each approach.
Carbon offsets involve corporations investing in external projects that reduce or sequester carbon dioxide. Then generating carbon credits (1 carbon credit = 1 metric ton of CO2 equivalent). These projects are often geographically and operationally removed from the corporations themselves. Therefore, they are projects outside of the direct supply chain of the corporation. In agriculture, these projects are often led and managed by project developers (e.g., Carbon by Indigo, Nori, and Agoro). These projects are typically long-term contractual obligations (avg. 10 years) where farmers must adhere to the contract requirements for sequestering carbon and generating carbon credits. The carbon-sequestering activities (no-till or cover crops) must be additional, meaning these activities would only occur with the incentives provided by the carbon project developers. The carbon sequestering activities are monitored, verified and reported through a standard registry (e.g., Verra), where carbon credits are sold as carbon offsets. Carbon credits generated from agricultural practices and sold to companies outside the agricultural supply chain (e.g., Microsoft) are considered carbon offsets.
On the other hand, carbon insets focus on reducing emissions within
the corporation's supply chain, encouraging more sustainable practices directly within the operations of their suppliers, including farmers. A company can source “sustainably produced” or “climate-smart” agricultural products and directly reduce their carbon footprint. By sourcing raw goods that have a lower carbon footprint, every company along the supply chain can benefit. This is unlike carbon offsets, where a generated carbon credit can only be owned or retired by one entity. Carbon insets are typically short-term (1-year) per acre payments for agricultural products produced using sustainable or climate-smart practices. Carbon insetting may also be a premium, or less of a discount, for agricultural products produced using sustainable or climate-smart practices. For example, ADM is offering up to a $0.15/bushel premium for deforestation-free soybeans (More information about this is available at https://tinyurl.com/2bvmvjy8.
Figure 1 uses an airline industry to illustrate the differences between a carbon offset and a carbon inset. Suppose an airline company has $200 million to invest to reduce its environmental impact. The airline can invest that money in a carbon project that prevents a portion of the Amazon from being harvested. This prevention generates carbon credits that are outside of the direct supply chain of the airline company, hence a carbon offset. However, they can take the $200 million and instead invest in sustainable aviation fuel. This is considered a carbon inset since sustainable aviation fuel is in the airline’s direct supply chain.
More companies are turning their strategy to carbon insetting to mitigate their carbon footprint. This
Aircraft produces CO2 emissions Airlines buy offsets to balance out their carbon footprint
Offsets fund environmental projects (reforestation, clean energy, research, etc.)
These projects reduce CO2 emissions
is due to global concerns of companies making misleading claims to deceive customers of their environmentally sound products or services. This is called greenwashing and has been associated with carbon offsetting projects, which have led to lawsuits. In addition, you can get more bang for your buck with carbon insetting in agriculture since companies along the supply chain will benefit from sustainably produced agricultural products. Furthermore, leaders from various U.S. federal departments and offices released their joint policy statement and seven principles for responsible participation in voluntary carbon markets. One of the seven principles states: “Corporate buyers that use credits (“credit users”) should prioritize measurable emissions reductions within their own value chains” (i.e., carbon insetting).
As more companies change their strategy to carbon insetting, especially in the food, beverage and energy sectors, there will be opportunities and risks facing farmers. Since Kentucky is the home of no-till production systems and many producers are implementing cover crops (both staple practices for sustainability and considered climate-smart), there will be ample opportunities in the state for producers to capitalize and benefit from the conservation practices they have implemented for years. However, these opportunities come with production, marketing and legal risks. Stay tuned for an announcement for an upcoming webinar where we will provide resources to help educate farmers and ranchers on this new approach involving carbon insets and how it will impact your operation. Topics will include educating farmers and ranchers on the corporate claims impacting row crop and livestock operations, what qualifies as “climate-smart” practices, price transparency, market access and contract/ legal considerations. If interested, please register for the webinar that will be available for producers, stakeholders, county/regional ag agents and extension specialists across the Southeast.
across the country.
Topics will vary greatly but regularly include marketing, management, policy, natural resources, and rural development issues. If you would like to recieve this newsletter by email, please contact Kenny Burdine at kburdine@uky.edu
You can also view current and past issues online at https://bit.ly/2PoHsZj
Co-editors: Kenny Burdine, Alison Davis, and Greg Halich
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 5, 2024
ANGUS SALES PAVILION DANVILLE, KY
8 BULLS: 6 fall yearlings, 2 nearing 2 years old. All are DNA tested and cost-share eligible. Will sell with current BSEs.
31 FEMALES: 3 open heifers, 6 bred heifers, 6 pairs, 16 bred cows (6 due in the fall, 10 in the spring).
Online catalogs available at dievertsales.com and angus.org
DATE SATURDAY, OCTOBER 5, 2024
TIME 1:00 pm EDT
PLACE CENTRAL KY ANGUS SALES PAVILION
4 MILES NE OF DANVILLE JUST OFF OF HWY 34 ON CHENAULT BRIDGE RD AND THEN FORK CHURCH ROAD. GPS address: 2286 Fork Church Road, Lancaster, KY 40444
SALE DAY PHONE 859.238.3195 or 859.583.0364
SALE MANAGER DIEVERT SALES SERVICE TIM DIEVERT 478 DRY FORK ROAD DANVILLE, KY 40422 859.238.3195 • tdievert@dievertsales.com Like us on facebook. For more details contact the sale manager.
237th CKAA Sponsored Sale
Figure 1. Example illustration from the airline industry of a carbon offset vs. carbon inset
Update
the end of each month. Each issue features articles written by extension personnel within the department and other experts
CENTRAL KENTUCKY ANGUS ASSOCIATION
2024-25 MEMBERSHIP APPLICATION
* MEMBERSHIP YEAR 10/1/24– 9/30/25
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
Louisville Area ................$20 (Jefferson, & Spencer) Magoffin .........................$20 Menifee ..........................$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.
+
Kelly Baird Director of Communications and Events
In August, the Kentucky Beef Council took part in the state fair to educate both Kentuckians and visiting consumers about the beef industry. At our booth in South Wing A, on the Farm to Fair Cooking Stage and through other programming, we engaged in meaningful conversations on various topics. Our booth featured a full-size beef cuts chart, cooking recommendations, nutrition information, a sustainability section, a guide to decoding beef labels and more. We extend our thanks to the producer volunteers who witnessed firsthand how their Checkoff dollars are making an impact in Kentucky. If you’re interested in volunteering and having in-depth conversations at consumer events, please reach out to kbaird@kycattle.org.
The Kentucky Beef Council also reached the at-home audience through visits from WAVE3 and Summit Media crews. In WAVE3 segments, Samantha Pecco from the Kentucky Junior Cattlemen’s Association highlighted the role of cattle showmanship and youth involvement in livestock. Kelly Baird, KBC director of communications and events, discussed what attendees could find in South Wing A, the valuable connections between Kentucky ag commodities and the delicious beef options available at the fair. Summit Media joined us for the entire day, featuring beef cooking methods and industry information on their show.
Also thank you to Representative Michael Sarge Pollock and Lieutenant Governor Jacqueline Coleman for serving at the Annual Commodity Breakfast. That morning, more than 400 ribeyes were served to the agriculture industry. We’re already excited for next August at the Kentucky Exposition Center.
CHECKOFF UPDATE
Curious about what your Checkoff dollars are achieving at the Kentucky Beef Council? Scan this QR code to sign up, or email kbaird@kycattle.org to receive a monthly update. This update will cover Checkoff-funded communications, programming, tactics and more. Monthly reports can also be found on kybeef.com under About Us > Newsroom. This is regularly updated.
Sweet Hawaiian Beef Sliders
Beef up your game days with these all-star beef recipes! No matter the team you are cheering on, these game day recipes are easy to prepare at home to get the home crowd cheering. Beef is packed with protein and other essential nutrients, one, 3 oz. serving of beef has 25 grams of protein.
It can be fun eating beef too: dips, sliders, nachos and more. Each recipe is ready to impress your guests, satisfy your taste buds and fuel your cheering. Try these Sweet Hawaiian Beef Sliders. Season ground beef with Worcestershire sauce before forming mini patties. Grill them alongside pineapple rings and serve on sweet Hawaiian buns. Island flavor awaits!
Sauce: 1/4 cup barbecue sauce • 1/4 cup pineapple preserves • 1 tablespoon packed light brown sugar
Cooking: Combine Ground Beef and Worcestershire sauce in medium bowl, mixing lightly but thoroughly. Lightly shape into twelve 1/2-inch thick mini patties. Set aside.
Combine sauce ingredients in small saucepan; bring to a boil over medium heat, stirring frequently. Remove from heat.
Place patties on grid over medium, ashcovered coals. Grill, covered, 8 to 10 minutes (over medium heat on preheated gas grill, covered, 9 to 11 minutes) until instant-read thermometer inserted horizontally into center registers 160°F, turning occasionally.
Meanwhile brush pineapple slices with sauce and place on grid around patties. Grill pineapple 4 minutes, turning once and brushing with additional sauce. Remove pineapple, keep warm. Brush burgers with remaining sauce after turning.
Cut each pineapple slice into thirds. Line bottom of each roll with lettuce, top with burger, then with pineapple piece. Close sandwiches.
Producer-driven Program Development and Quality Improvement: Insights from the UK-KBN Beef Management Survey
Katie VanValin Assistant Extension Professor, University of Kentucky
You may have received an email recently asking for you to participate in a survey about beef production practices and upcoming educational programs. The survey is a collaborative effort between the Kentucky Beef Network and the University of Kentucky. We received over 700 responses, but we are not done yet. There is still time to participate in this survey and make sure your voice is heard! The goal of the survey is to identify common management practices that are being utilized on Kentucky’s beef cattle operations, as well as hear from producers about the challenges they face and the opportunities that may exist to move the industry forward through educational programs and opportunities.
To date, responses have been gathered from 96 of Kentucky’s 120 counties, with 65% of respondents farming part-time, and 67% age 50 or older. Overwhelmingly, most respondents identify as being a commercial cow-calf producer with a median herd size of 31 cows. This screenshot of Kentucky’s beef industry captured in the survey seems to reflect the industry we see when traveling to county meetings or what was reflected in available census data from the U.S. Department of Agriculture.
While we expected some of the survey results, there were also a few surprises, and some great success stories for our industry! For example, 90% of respondents have reported being certified through the Beef Quality and Care Assurance (BQCA) Program. This program is a commitment by our industry to go above and beyond to ensure the
health, welfare and productivity of the animals entrusted in our care. Local veterinarians and county extension agents continue to be trusted sources to provide answers to producer questions. With almost 85% of respondents reporting that they routinely work with a veterinarian. Some of the practices highlighted in the BQCA program include proper vaccination and castration. Results from this survey show that 78% of respondents are castrating calves prior to weaning and 86-90% of respondents report vaccinating calves for blackleg and respiratory diseases. As a nutritionist, some of the results that interested me were that 95% of respondents reported using a complete beef cattle mineral, while 36% also reported using only white salt. This means that there is likely overlap where white salt is being used along with a complete mineral. The problem here is that providing an additional salt source can decrease intake of the complete mineral. Another takeaway from the survey that is interesting to me is that over 87% of respondents reported using soil tests and fertilizing or liming pastures. However, only 35% routinely use hay testing to determine the nutritional quality of their forages. Using hay testing to determine the hay’s nutrient content can allow for more efficient feeding of the herd throughout the winter by matching the highest quality hay with cattle that have the greatest nutrient requirements at any given time (i.e. heifers, or lactating cows).
How will the results from this survey be used to develop future educational programming through the Kentucky Beef Network and the University of
Kentucky Beef Extension team?
In addition to gaining a better understanding of production practices being used on Kentucky’s beef cattle operations, the survey also asked producers to answer several open-ended questions regarding concerns that they have for Kentucky’s beef industry, educational programs or trainings they would like to see offered in the future, and ways to improve our education and training programs to make them more useful for our producers.
I personally read each and every response to these questions and worked to categorize them appropriately. Some key takeaways that I can share is that the biggest concerns expressed in this survey were focused on market prices and stability, input costs, and agricultural land costs and losses. These are certainly big issues that have the potential to change the landscape of Kentucky’s beef industry for future generations. These complex challenges require a multi-faceted approach, and I know many leaders across our state are working on solving or alleviating those challenges.
From an educational standpoint, extension offices across the state continue to offer succession planning workshops to help farm families make more seamless transitions from one generation to the next. We also continue to focus on developing and offering educational programs to improve the efficiency of beef cattle operations, with the goal of helping producers maximize opportunities for profitability.
Survey respondents requested future educational programs and
KENTUCKY
trainings in a wide variety of areas from forage production and management, to understanding genetic selection tools, and record keeping and financial planning. Respondents also shared the need for more in-person and on-farm programming, while at the same time providing online resources and trainings.
My takeaway from this is simple, our educational programs should be diverse and offered in multiple formats. We need to meet producers where they are, and sometimes that might be at the local county extension office, or a statewide conference, but sometimes it might be on an iPad after they have gone to work, completed chores and put the kids to bed.
Putting this survey together, and pouring over the results has truly been insightful, and honestly a bit exciting. It’s exciting to see the wins of Kentucky’s beef industry showing up in the results! If we haven’t heard from you yet, we welcome you to take about 15 minutes to complete the anonymous survey. Just scan the QR code to get started!
Eden Shale Update
Dan Miller Industry Coordinator, Kentucky Beef Network
Located on the western side of the farm are 22 individual two acre paddocks. This is the location of the grazing trials that USDA FAPRU conducts every summer at Eden Shale. This season once again, the paddocks were utilized for the purpose of USDA research.
For the past three years we have used the paddocks to develop our replacement heifers. With enough data gathered for the girls, we decided this year to use the boys.
40 of our 2023 spring born steers were the subjects of this year’s study. After weaning last fall, the steers were coasted through the winter on stockpiled fescue, grass hay, and a minimal amount of grain.
For this group of steers I calculated their average daily gain from birth to marketing. Assuming a 75 pound average birth weight this group of steers gained 508 lbs in 180 days. Their weaning weight average was 583 lbs. This resulted in 2.8 lb ADG at weaning.
The next phase was fall/winter
(weaning to grass turnout). This was 233 days long and they added another 330 lbs of gain (total 913 lbs) resulting in 1.4 lb ADG.
The final phase was summer grazing in the paddocks as part of the USDA trial. Summer grazing resulted in an additional 120 lbs in 97 days (total 1,033 lbs) resulting in a 1.2 lb ADG. In all, from birth to marketing the steers had a 2.1 ADG while at Eden Shale.
Just as in previous years, we sold our steers directly to the same feedyard in Illinois. This year we shipped the steers on August 21st, at an average age of 16 months. We weighed and loaded out at Blue Grass Stockyards in Lexington. Once hauled and shrank the pay weight for the steers was 995 lbs. We got $2.28/lb or approximately $2,270/ head.
I was pleased with the performance of this group of steers, and with the market upturn proved to be profitable as well. After investing 25 months in a calf crop isn’t that all that we can hope for?
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.
SIMMENTAL
KEVIN AND RACHEL BARRON
Crestwood, Ky
(502) 905-5851
rkbarron812@gmail.com
SWAIN SELECT SIMMENTAL 12113 Green Valley Dr. Louisville, KY 40243
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
Simmental calves are champions of the scale.
They reliably outperform straightbred calves in the feedyard — with better growth, better structure and fewer health problems.
They add pounds without sacrificing marbling, and they come with the IGS Feeder Profit Calculator,™ which factors genetics, health and management into true value.
Want low-risk, high-potential calves with earning capability?
406-587-4531 • simmental.org
BRET AND LAURA JACKSON 859.533.3718 or 859.707.7200
BRET & LAURA JACKSON Paris, Kentucky (859) 533-3718 (859) 707-7200
Tom McGinnis 1024 Hinkle Lane • Shelbyville, KY (502) 633-1634, home • (502) 633-5100, work (502) 655-0164, cell
PLEASANT HILL FARMS
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
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
www.kentuckyangus.org
ANGUS ASSOCIATION
Shayna Gibson, Secretary/Treasurer
Six new green coats join the National Junior Angus Association Board of Directors
Sitting ringside, an eight-year-old National Junior Angus Association (NJAA) member attends their first junior nationals. They watch the show intently, taking in the cattle and the judges’ comments. As the cattle circle the ring, something catches the first-time attendee’s eye, an older junior member helping usher cattle around the ring in a green coat. It sparks a dream for the young member—to one day wear that green coat themselves as a National Junior Angus Board (NJAB) member.
It’s a story that resonates with many, including newly elected NJAA Board member, Anne Dameron. “At a young age, I was a little more intimidated going to larger shows. That quickly changed when a green coat came up to me,” Dameron recalled. “The board members have never failed to put a smile on my face and encourage me. From the very first time I saw a green jacket; I knew that serving on the NJAA board was something that I wanted in my future.”
Developing the next generation of industry leaders is a vital component of the NJAA mission. Each year, six junior members are elected to serve on the board, where they further develop their leadership skills and represent Angus youth. The new directors were announced during the awards ceremony at the 2024 National Junior Angus Show on July 5, 2024, in Madison, Wisconsin.
The newly elected board members will serve two years — the first year as directors and the second as officers. The new directors are Catie Collison, Lake City, Iowa; Anne Dameron, Towanda, Illinois; Aba Leibfried, Hazel Green, Wisconsin; Blake Pillars, Martin, Michigan; Bryanna Smith, Russell Springs, Kentucky and Grant Solem, Los Olivos, California. During their term, they will travel the nation, assisting at shows and conferences, supporting junior members during state and national events and helping to advance the NJAA mission.
The new six will join second-term members and newly elected chairman, Mary Wood of Willow Spring, North Carolina and vice chairman, Jonwyn Ayres of Powers, Oregon. The officer team also includes foundation director, Alli Perry, Fayetteville, Tennessee; secretary, Kyli Kraft, Fort Collins, Colo-
rado; events director, Suter Clark, Gretna, Virginia; and education director, Sawyer Styles, Brentford, South Dakota.
“I am extremely excited for the coming year. I am blessed to be a part of an amazing team of dedicated board members to the NJAA. I am most looking forward to working with our group on honoring the Angus breed’s traditions while continuing to innovate new ideas for our junior membership,” said Mary Wood, chairman.
Meet the New Directors
Catie Collision joins the board from Lake City, Iowa. Her desire to be on the NJAB began in 2014 when she began showing Angus cattle. Since then, she has been actively involved in both the state and national associations, holding leadership positions, attending conferences and competing in contests. She will be a junior this fall at Iowa State University majoring in animal science on the pre-veterinary track. During her time on the board, Collision hopes to create a friendly and fun environment while making a professional and positive impression.
“I decided to run for a director position because I wanted to create a positive impact on the NJAA members,” Collision said. “I hope to be a positive role model for our generation of leaders and help motivate them to achieve their goals.”
Anne Dameron of Towanda, Illinois, grew up with Angus in her blood. She is a fourth-generation Angus breeder. Dameron currently attends the University of Illinois where she is working toward a degree in animal science with a concentration in pre-med, with the long-term goal of becoming a physician while continuing to be an activist for agriculture in her rural community. She believes that the Angus breed has shaped her into the person she is today and will forever be grateful for the opportunities presented to her. She is looking forward to giving back and helping to create the same opportunities for other NJAA members to grow and develop.
“I couldn’t have asked for a better organization to be raised in. Being a part of the NJAA means being surrounded by individuals who dream big and have great passion,” Dameron said. “You are who you
surround yourself with, and the NJAA juniors are the people to be around. I hope to inspire juniors to continue to dream big and work hard.”
Ava Leibfried is a third-generation Angus breeder from Hazel Green, Wisconsin. Leibfried is heavily involved in the Wisconsin Junior Angus Association, NJAA and served as the NJAS junior chair for the 2024 Showdown in Madtown. Her involvement in the association has inspired a lifelong passion for agriculture. She currently studies agricultural business at Iowa State University. After graduation, her “dream job” is to work in agricultural marketing getting to promote producers’ missions. She hopes to foster an environment where every member can discover their potential and strive to be the best version of themselves.
“I am committed to providing opportunities to junior members to excel in their personal and leadership development whether that is exposing a member to a new contest at junior nationals or encouraging them to participates in leadership roles within their state association,” Leibfried said. Blake Pillars hails from Martin, Michigan. He brings a wealth of energy and excitement to the board. He grew up on a farm in west central Michigan milking cows, raising forage crops and showing Angus cattle. At the age of 9, he bought his first Angus cow and began his show career. Pillars just completed his freshman year at Northern Oklahoma College where his majoring in agriculture business and competes on the collegiate livestock judging team.
“I first decided to run for the board after I attended my first LEAD conference in Indianapolis,” Pillars said. “The reason I wanted to run for the board is simply for the juniors. I want to make an impact and have juniors know that whether I am in a green coat or not, they can always come up and say hi to me.”
Bryanna Smith of Russell Springs, Kentucky, is a fifth-generation Angus breeder. Her childhood was spent checking cows with her dad and working in the show barn with her brother. Smith is currently dual majoring in agricultural economics and agricultural business at the University of Kentucky.
Smith is excited to join this talented group of leaders and serve as an ambassador for the Angus breed.
“Since the age of 9, I have witnessed first-hand the impact the green coats have on the junior membership, from their willingness to serve to their work ethic and as ambassadors for the breed,” Smith said.
“As a director, I will continue to make a positive impact on reaching the junior membership by leading by example, encouraging involvement.”
Grant Solem grew up in the Santa Ynez Valley of California where his passion for community involvement was shaped. From volunteering at various community events to coaching youth sports and serving as an advisor to his local 4-H club, Solem is eager to help cultivate community among youth. Solem wants to ensure juniors have a memorable experience anytime they attend an NJAA event.
“I love the community that the NJAA and Angus breed cultivate. The NJAA brings people from all over together through their shared passion for Angus cattle,” Solem said. “The Angus family is truly one of a kind.”
To learn more about the NJAB, visit www.angus. org/NJAA/home/board.
JUNIOR DELEGATES ELECT NEW BOARD MEMBERS AT THE 2024 NATIONAL JUNIOR ANGUS SHOW Molly Biggs, Angus Communications
KENTUCKY GELBVIEH ASSOCIATION
AA LAND & CATTLE
KENTUCKY GELBVIEH
Joe Piles, President............................................................................................................................(502) 507-3845
Call Carrie Derossett for more information. (270) 404-0828 Entry and room information available at www.gelbvieh.org (Juniors/Regional Shows/AGJA Eastern Regional)
Larry Clark, Owner & Operator (270) 299-5167 • (270) 405-6848 Lpclarkandsons@msn.com BAR IV LIVESTOCK Barry, Beth & Ben Racke
S&S GELBVIEH
Brad Racke
BREEDING RED & BLACK POLLED GELBVIEH SINCE 1982
Tippenhauer Rd.
Cold Spring, KY 41076
(859) 635-3832 • Barry cell (859) 991-1992
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
“Breeding Polled Herefords for over 58 Years” Breeding cattle for sale at all times.
“Registered Angus and Polled Herefords”
1999 Walnut Hill Rd.
Lexington, KY 40515 (859) 271-9086 cell (859)533-3790
John Tucker II 1790 Hidden Valley Lane Hudson, KY 40145 270-617-0301
“Bulls always for Sale”
Tucker and 1790
CALENDAR OF EVENTS
Oct. 4-6 KJCA Fall Classic Bowling Green, KY 34
Oct. 5 KBHA Kentucky Finest Fall Consignment Sale Nancy, KY
Oct. 5 Horse Sale Lexington, KY 52
Oct. 5 CKAA 62nd Annual Fall Sale Danville, KY 65
Oct. 10-12 Kentucky Stud Wagyu Sale Lexington, KY 59
Oct. 12 Isaacs Angus Legends of the Fall Sale Horse Cave, KY 28
Oct. 12 Pleasant Hill Farms Fall Production Sale Rockfield, KY 3
Oct. 12 Horse Sale Mt. Sterling, KY 52
Oct. 15-17 Heart of America Grazing Conference Elizabethtown, KY
Oct. 17 Stone Gate Farms Annual Fall Sale Flemingsburg, KY 9
Oct. 18 Myers-Tamme Valley Female Production Sale Harrodsburg, KY 43
Oct. 18-19 Millenium Long Horn Sale Lexington, KY 52
Oct. 19 Town Creek Farm Sale West Point, MS 19
Oct. 19 Eden Shale Open House Owenton, KY 4
Oct. 19 Great Meadows Angus Association Fall Edition Campbellsburg, KY 83
Oct. 19 Seedstock Plus Fall Bull and Female Sale Carthage, MO 47
Oct. 19 Whitestone Farm Brand of Quality Angus Sale Aldie, VA
Oct. 21 White Hawk Ranch Bull and Female Sale Buchanan, GA
Oct. 22 Kentucky Beef Conference Lexington, KY 46
Oct. 25-26 Gateway Regional Bred Heifer Sale Mt. Sterling, KY 53
Oct. 25-26 Yon Family Farms Maternal Roots Fall Female & Bull Sale Ridge Spring, SC 41
Oct. 26 Red Hill Farms Bulls and Females of Fall Sale Lafayette, TN 7
Oct. 26 Clear Choice Female Sale Milan, IN 23
Oct. 26 Southeastern Gelbveih Alliance Sale Lexington, KY 52
Oct. 28 Oak Hollow 11th Annual Fall Bull Sale Smiths Grove, KY 5
Oct. 29 R&R Land and Cattle Female Sale Wilmore, KY 40
Oct. 31 Trick or Treat at the Stockyards Lexington, KY 52
Nov. 1 Maternal Solutions Bull and Female Sale McEwen, TN 31
REGISTERED RED ANGUS BULLS FOR SALE
BREEDING AGE HEREFORD BULLS FOR SALE AT ALL TIMES Over 60 years of Line 1 Hereford Genetics. Groups of open and bred heifers available for sale at all times.
Chambliss Hereford Farms. 270-668-7126
RED ANGUS, SIMANGUS, CHAROLAIS, ANGUS FOR SALE Red Hill Farms, Lafayette, TN, 615666-3098 Bart, Sarah and Ty Jones, Gordon and Susan Jones, 270-991-2663 Visit us onlinewww.RedHillFarms.net Contact us for cattle and semen availability.
Annual Production Sales: More Than a Bull
Sale – 3rd Saturday in March • Maternal Monday – 3rd Monday in May • Bulls & Females of Fall Sale – Last Saturday in October
PERFORMANCE TESTED PUREBRED ANGUS
BULLS FOR SALE Call 270-202-7186 for more info or check out www.oakhollowangus.com for current availability.
POLLED HERFORD BULLS FOR SALE
19–20-month-old Polled Hereford bulls. Good selection. Low birthweight, medium frame. Free Delivery Available. JMS Polled Herefords, Knifley, KY Danny 270-566-2694 Trent 270-566-2000
RED FULLBLOOD LIMOUSIN BLACK
PUREBRED LIMOUSIN For sale year-round at farms Cows, bulls, heifers and semen A C H Holdings, Bowling Green, KY Stephen Haynes 270-799-8685
REGISTERED BLACK SIMMENTAL BULLS
Many blaze faced. Excellent EPD’s. Semen Tested. Delivery Available. Maximize your profit with proven performance. All bulls qualify for new CAIP cost-share. Adam Wheatley 502349-2665
Plant Right 15 ft no-till narrow transportation John Deere 3955- head’s available Miller Pro 5300- tandem open top John Deere 567 balerstring Meyer 4618- fold down extension 2016 Horning- 3 row- new holland 230 Esch 5607-5610-5612- ready to work H S -twin Auger-18 ft matching pair Gehl 970-tandem -16 ft- matching pair
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SIMMENTAL & SIM ANGUS YEARLING BULLS
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CAIP Bull Cost-share Program – Has It Worked?
Darrh Bullock University of Kentucky
This past June, I presented a paper at the Beef Improvement Federation titled, “Genetic Improvement Programs in the Fescue Belt: Do Incentive Programs Raise the Bar or Just the Price?” The results were striking regarding the success of the bull purchase cost-share program in Kentucky. This article is adapted from a proceedings paper that I coauthored with several colleagues. I will focus on the Kentucky portion in this article.
Kentucky is a major beef producing state that ranks eighth nationally in total beef cow numbers. However, if you view beef production through a different lens, such as beef cow density (cows per square mile), then Kentucky ranks third nationally (Table 1). Additionally, in 2022 KY cattle cash receipts were over $1 billion.
Through funding provided by the Tobacco Master Settlement Agreement (MSA), Kentucky has developed and implemented programs to assist farmers. These programs impact a wide range of agricultural commodities, and beef is no exception. Beef programs have been developed to encourage best management practices in many
areas of production. Furthermore, initiative-based programs have been developed to incentivize producers, encouraging them to improve their breeding and management practices. The focus of this paper will be on our Beef Genetic Improvement Program or bull purchase cost-share program. This program started in 2001 shortly after the MSA funds were secured and was based on a grassroots, producer-driven movement. Multiple counties proposed
a
was no
Through cooperation with state and local extension personnel, beef producers and the Ag Development Board, it was decided that a statewide model would be developed; therefore, all counties wishing to participate would follow the same standards. This was the foundation program for what would eventually become the County Agriculture Investment Program (CAIP). There are many requirements to qualify for the program, such as having a breeding soundness exam done on the bulls and producers participating in multiple educational activities, but the genetic improvement portion
Table 1. Top Beef States (Beef Cows/Mile2 2022)
Graph 1. Genetic trend for Calving Ease Direct of Angus. The gray line indicates start of the program in 2001.
Graph 2. Genetic trend for Weaning Weight of Angus. The gray line indicates start of the program in 2001.
focuses on Expected Progeny Difference (EPD) guidelines.
The goal of incentive-based programs such as this is to encourage changes to improve management; specifically, to improve selection practices in beef herds. Some of the direct objectives, which have evolved over time, were to:
• Increase registrations and data submissions with registration at the seedstock level
• Improve understanding and use of EPDs
• Improve the use of genomics and increase the availability of GEEPDs
• Increased educational programming on beef cattle best management practices
• Improve other associated management practices
• Breeding Soundness Exams
• Crossbreeding
• Proper Vaccinations
• Ultimately improve producer profitability
Based on information provided by the American Angus Association, Kentucky producers were well below the national average for submitted performance records prior to the start of the genetic improvement program but immediately made significant gains. However, these gains have diminished over time, possibly due to the increased use of genomic technology. It is important for producers to understand that genomics should not replace record submission, it should complement it.
Another important statistic to track is to monitor genetic trends for some of the economically important traits. Graph 1 illustrates the genetic trends for Calving Ease in Angus for Kentucky and nationally. At the inception of the program, Kentucky was slightly above national average and has progressively improved calving ease at a rate higher than the national average.
The best indicator of the success of the programs is determining if profitability has been positively impacted. One way to determine that is through comparing the economic index trend for Maternal Weaned Calf Value ($M), which is the best
index for how cattle are managed and marketed in Kentucky against the national average (Graph 3).
For $M we improved from close to breed average to approximately $9 above breed average. Based on these increases and the fact that approximately 750,000 head of feeder calves are marketed in the state annually, that improves profitability by about $6.75 million.
Genomically enhanced EPDs (GEEPDs) increase accuracy compared to non-tested bulls, giving commercial buyers greater confidence in their bull's expected performance. Graph
4 shows the impact of requiring genomic tests to receive cost-share dollars. Graph 4 illustrates that Kentucky improved from far below the national average to only slightly below the national average in just two years of requiring GE-EPDs.
Cost-share incentive programs, derived from the Tobacco Master Settlement funds, have been used in Kentucky to promote better selection practices in bull purchases. These programs have used science and technology to develop guidelines
Graph 3. Trend for $M index of Angus. The gray line indicates start of the program in 2001.
Graph 4. Animals with genomics test relative to total annual registrations in Angus. The gray line indicates start of the program in 2001.
using EPDs, and more recently GE-EPDs, information from the U.S. Meat Animal Research Center breed comparison studies, and producer/breed associations’ input. These programs have also included an educational component that promotes best management practices for beef producers, including selection decisions. An initial concern was that the program would only increase the price of bulls without improving performance or profitability. Although it is impossible to determine, the program probably slightly increased bull prices for some bulls (qualifying bulls), but likely decreased the price of others (nonqualifying bulls). The data suggests that both performance and profitability were positively impacted by this program.
Another benefit clearly demonstrated was the improved use of genomic testing to provide GE-EPDs to commercial producers, thereby improving the reliability of their purchases. Genomic testing young breeding bulls increases the reliability of a young sire’s EPDs and indexes, giving beef producers greater confidence in their genetic decisions and investment.
Kentucky was a leader in incentivizing the use of EPD guidelines in bull selection decisions and evidence that incentive programs, such as the bull purchase cost-share program, that are based on science and combined with a robust educational program can have positive impacts on the beef industry.
This article was adapted from a proceedings paper published by the Beef Improvement Federation 2024 titled “Genetic Improvement Programs in the Fescue Belt: Do Incentive Programs Raise the Bar or Just the Price?” by Darrh Bullock, University of Kentucky; Troy Rowan, University of Tennessee; Larissa Novo, Angus Genetics, Inc.; Kelli Retallick, Angus Genetics, Inc.; and Ryan Betzelberger, Tennessee Department of Agriculture
TIMELY TIPS FOR OCTOBER
Spring-Calving Cow Herd
• Bulls should have been removed from the cow herd by now! 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. Don’t keep trying to get open spring cows bred – move them to fall calving or sell them when they wean this year’s calf. If you don’t have a bull pen and want to tighten up the calving season, remove the bull and sell him. Plan on purchasing a new bull next spring. If that is not feasible, then schedule your veterinarian to pregnancy diagnose the herd and cull cows that will calve late.
• 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.
• Limited creep feeding can prepare calves for the weaning process since they can become accustomed to eating dry feed. This will especially benefit those calves which you are going to keep for a short postweaning period – like the CPH-45 program. It’s time to start planning the marketing of this year’s calf crop.
• Begin evaluating heifer calves for herd replacements – or culling. Each time you put them through the chute, you can evaluate them for several traits, especially disposition. Consider keeping the older, heavier heifers. They will reach puberty before the onset of the breeding season and have higher conception rates.
• This has been a reasonably good year for pastures, but many parts of the state have experienced some drought. Evaluate moisture condition and consider stockpiling some fescue pastures. It’s not too late to apply nitrogen for stockpiling fescue if moisture conditions are suitable.
• Minimize weaning stresses by spreading-out other activities commonly associated with weaning – like vaccinations, deworming and, perhaps, castration and dehorning (which should have already been done!). Therefore, this month is a good time to do a “preweaning” working of cows and calves.
• When planning the preweaning working, consult with your veterinarian for advice on animal health products and procedures. One procedure that can be done now is pregnancy checking cows. Early pregnancy diagnosis will allow time to make culling decisions prior to weaning time. Feeding non-productive cows through the winter is a costly venture, so pregnancy diagnosis is a business decision for most producers.
Fall-Calving Herd
• Fall-calving should start this month. Get your eartags ready. Cows should be moved to a clean, accessible pasture and be watched closely. Tag calves soon after they are born and record dam ID and calf birthdate, etc. Castration is less stressful when performed on young animals and calves which are intended for feeders can be implanted now, too.
• If you haven’t started calving quite yet, then it’s time to get ready. Be sure you have the following:
• record book
• eartags for identification
• iodine solution for newborn calf’s navel
• calf puller
• castration equipment
• Watch for those calves which may come early and be prepared to care for them.
• Be on guard for predators – especially black vultures.
• Move cows to best quality fall pasture after calving. Stockpiled fescue should be available to these cows in November-December to meet their nutritional needs for milking and rebreeding.
• Start planning now for the breeding season. If using AI, order supplies, plan matings and order semen now.
Stockers
• Calves to be backgrounded through the winter can be purchased soon. A good source is Kentucky preconditioned (CPH-45) calves which are immunized and have been preweaned and vaccinated.
• Plan your receiving program. Calves undergo a great deal of stress associated with weaning, hauling, marketing, and wide fluctuations in environmental temperature at this time of year. Plan a program which avoids stale cattle, get calves consuming water and high-quality feed rapidly. Guard against respiratory diseases and other health problems
General
• Keep a good mineral mix available at all times. The UK Beef IRM Basic Cow-Calf mineral is a good choice.
• 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.
• Avoid working cattle when temperatures are extremely high – especially those grazing highendophyte fescue. If cattle must be handled, do so in the early morning.
• 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.
Looking to the Future
Looking to the Future
OCTOBER 19 • 1PM • CAMPBELLSBURG, KY
Connealy Confidence Plus x Baldridge Isabel D753. Brother is the $60,000 Baldridge Limitless. Ave 20 embryos. Due this fall to Symmetry 228. Also selling 4 embryos by Basin Jameson and SS Identified.
Baldridge Limitless x BJ Prophet 5261. Dam is full sister to BJ Surpass’s dam. Calving ease deluxe with added growth and RE. Flush brother also sells.
SAV Rainfall 6846 x Rock Ridge Blackcap May B11. Future Donor prospect. Cool and maternal. Due this fall to C. Craftsman
Growth Fund x Vintage Blackbird 5381. Royally bred from a $30,000 dam. Fall open heifer division is stout.
